Author - Jerry Paxton

Resident Evil Village Release Date Revealed

In today’s Resident Evil™ Showcase digital program, Capcom unveiled key details about its highly anticipated survival horror title Resident Evil™ Village, the eighth main entry in the genre-defining Resident Evil franchise. Capcom confirmed Resident Evil Village will be available worldwide May 7, 2021 on PlayStation® 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam, alongside the newly revealed PlayStation® 4 and Xbox One platform options. Resident Evil Village will be eligible to upgrade from PlayStation 4 to the digital PlayStation 5 version and will support Smart Delivery for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. New details were also shared with the first extended gameplay footage showcase, along with the announcement of the multiplayer Resident Evil™ Re:Verse game to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary. Starting today, pre-orders kick off and PlayStation 5 owners can get a sneak peek of the mysterious, beautiful Castle Dimitrescu in Resident Evil Village with the stand-alone Maiden demo.

Resident Evil Village continues the story of Ethan Winters, first set in motion in Resident Evil™ 7 biohazard. The latest entry combines pulse-pounding action with signature survival horror gameplay synonymous with the Resident Evil series. In today’s first extensive look at gameplay, the development team revealed several new details including some features which harken back to fan-favorite elements from previous Resident Evil games. Protagonist Ethan will now be able to purchase and sell items, buy recipes for crafting, and customize weapons with a merchant dubbed “The Duke.” Using materials found throughout the game, he will be able to craft invaluable consumables needed to survive the terrors of the village. Utilizing these provisions will also involve more strategic planning, with a revised inventory system based on space management that may be familiar to series fans.

The diverse cast of enemies appearing in today’s digital program are just a few revealed from Resident Evil Village so far. Ethan will face off against many threats such as fast-moving creatures that relentlessly stalk him and Lady Dimitrescu’s mysterious daughters who can transform into swarms of insects. The game’s disparate lineup of adversaries will have their own distinctive ways of attacking, so players will need to adapt their strategies with quick decisions on when to attack, guard or flee in order to survive. Ethan has a new kick move in his arsenal to create distance from enemies and buy precious time to decide his next move.

Starting today, PlayStation 5 owners can get an exclusive sneak peek of the castle area from Resident Evil Village with the Maiden demo. This stand-alone experience is separate, but showcases the stunning visuals and 3D Audio that await in the main game. As the Maiden, players will need to rely solely on their wits to make their escape in this tension-filled demo, as they’ll have no way to fight or defend themselves. A separate new demo for all platforms will be available later this spring.

In celebration of the Resident Evil franchise’s 25th anniversary, which kicks off in March 2021, Capcom announced Resident Evil Village will include access to a free multiplayer experience titled Resident Evil Re:Verse coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players can access the game through backwards compatibility. This thank you bonus to fans features striking comic-style visuals and sets popular Resident Evil characters against each other in four to six-player deathmatch battles in iconic Resident Evil locations. Players can choose from a fan-favorite roster, each with their own unique skillsets to master. When players are defeated in combat, their character respawns by mutating into a bioweapon to enact revenge on their foes. More information on Resident Evil Re:Verse will be shared at a later time.

Pre-orders for Resident Evil Village start today, with options for digital and physical Standard and Deluxe Editions and a physical Collector’s Edition. The Deluxe Edition includes the base game and a digital “Trauma Pack,” which consists of additional in-game content including a Samurai Edge weapon, Resident Evil 7 biohazard inspired found footage screen filter and tape recorder save point options, immediate access to an especially challenging difficulty setting, and more. The physical Collector’s Edition includes the digital Deluxe Edition content plus a striking statue of franchise veteran Chris Redfield, a SteelBook case, art book, and a cloth map of the village with key art printed on the reverse side.

The entirety of today’s Resident Evil Showcase is available on demand on the official Resident Evil YouTube channel.

Critical Role Partners with WizKids to Create Line of Minatures

WizKids, the premier manufacturer of premium pre-painted miniatures and tabletop games, today announced a partnership with Critical Role, the most popular story-driven and worldbuilding digital media brand in the world. Adding to its leading line of high-quality miniatures, WizKids will debut product offerings from the expansive world of Exandria, beginning Q1 2021.

“I’ve been a rabid collector of WizKids’ minis for… well, a very long time, and to be able to work directly with them to bring the denizens and dangers of Exandria to life for everyone to use is beyond exciting,” said Matthew Mercer, Chief Creative Officer and cast member of Critical Role. “They bring such skill and expertise to their work, and this upcoming collection really captures the characters and atmosphere of Exandria. I think fans of Critical Role, as well as players new to our world, will greatly enjoy this opportunity for deeper play, collaboration, and imagination.”

At launch, fans can expect to see iconic monsters and popular Player Characters (PCs) to enhance their own adventures in the roleplaying game set on the continent of Wildemount. Included in these is Critical Role’s Game Master Matthew Mercer’s famed deluxe “gargantuan” size, pre-painted Udaak. Sculpted with high-detailed features using premium paints, it’s truly a great foe, or ally, for any adventure!

“In this new line, we’ve focused our releases on the player’s experience while in the world of Exandria,” said Patrick O’Hagan, Executive Producer RPGs at WizKids. “This way, we hope to empower players to create their own story and experiences with this thrilling roleplaying game.”

Through this partnership, players can expect to see many additional releases in the coming years that span various continents in the world of Exandria, including products and RPG accessories like premium pre-painted—and unpainted—miniatures in the tiniest of figures all the way up to gargantuan and more. All packaging comes with a clear window, so fans can see exactly what they are getting on the store shelf.

The first six box sets of premium painted figures will release in Spring 2021 and will be available at Friendly Local Game Stores (FLGS) worldwide. The deal was negotiated by Critical Role’s Licensing Agent, Jason Kletzky, President of Collaborations Licensing.

To learn more about the partnership, visit: www.WizKids.com

Corsair Announces Vengeance RPG PRO SL DDR4 Memory Line

CORSAIR®, a world leader in PC gaming peripherals and enthusiast components, today announced a new range of high-performance DDR4 memory kits to its renowned VENGEANCE RGB PRO lineup, CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL. Initially available in a wide range of frequencies up to 3,600MHz and kits up to 128GB (4x32GB) in both black and white, VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL boasts dynamic ten-zone RGB lighting in a form-factor just 44mm tall, offering wide compatibility with nearly any PC build. Each module is tightly screened and optimized for peak performance and overclocking potential, for memory that matches its mesmerizing visuals with equally impressive performance.

At 44mm tall, VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL’s compact form-factor enables compatibility with a multitude of CPU cooler options, including dual-fan AIO liquid CPU coolers and many air coolers such as the CORSAIR A500. Ten individually addressable RGB LEDs per module are massively customizable through CORSAIR iCUE software, and can be synchronized with all iCUE-compatible devices throughout your setup for stunning lighting effects across the entire iCUE ecosystem.

VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL continues the legacy of high-frequency performance and reliability synonymous with CORSAIR memory. Optimized for compatibility with the latest AMD and Intel® DDR4 motherboards, VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL utilizes a custom PCB for high signal quality and stability. Each memory chip is carefully screened and selected for high performance and overclocking potential, while the stylized aluminum heatspreader efficiently disperses heat during even the most strenuous tasks, so you can get the most out of your memory. With completely customizable RGB lighting and outstanding performance contained in a form-factor that’s more compact than ever before, VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL is memory that mesmerizes.

Availability, Warranty, and Pricing

The CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL Series is available immediately from the CORSAIR webstore and the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors.

The CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL Series is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, alongside the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of the CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL Series, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

To learn more about the CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL Series, please visit:

https://www.corsair.com/vengeance-pro-sl

For a complete list of all CORSAIR memory, please visit:

http://corsair.com/memory

EPOS Unveils GTW 270 Hybrid Wireless Gaming Earbuds

EPOS reveals the premium audio company’s first solely EPOS branded mobile gaming peripheral. The GTW 270 Hybrid wireless earbuds set a new standard with low-latency audio. This is achieved through the accompanying USB-C dongle, which makes the earbuds perfect for use when it’s time for zero-lag gaming. Alongside, Bluetooth® connectivity ensures compatibility with a wide range of mobile devices. The EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid are available now on the official EPOS website and from select retailers. GTW 270 Hybrid is designed for the mobile gamer and compatible with Nintendo SwitchTM, AndroidTM phone, PC and Sony PlayStation® devices. In addition to the GTW 270 Hybrid, pre-orders are now open for the dongle-free Bluetooth® compatible version, the GTW 270.

Quality audio, anywhere

With up to five hours of uninterrupted battery life from just a 90-minute charge, the GTW 270 Hybrid wireless earbuds are ready to follow casual and hardcore gamers taking on any portable gaming sessions. The included carrying case, in a sleek gunmetal silver, provides an additional 20 hours of charge for extended gaming sessions. With interchangeable rubberized ear tip sizes and a unique ergonomic shape, each noise-isolating earbud fits to the natural shape of ears for a comfortable fit. Thanks to a database of 800,000 ear scans provided by EPOS parent company Demant, EPOS engineers were able to test numerous designs against the statistical data using AI technologies, developing earbud shells specifically to reduce the pressure on non-flexible parts of the ear to negligible levels while maintaining an excellent acoustic seal and delivering state of the art in-ear acoustics. The GTW 270 Hybrid also boasts IPX 5 water resistance, protecting them from sweat and light rain.

“The discreet, yet iconic design makes the GTW 270 Hybrid an excellent product for those who are looking for amazing wireless earbuds for mobile gaming with the best audio quality and no lag. Whether immersed in a gaming session at break time or catching a few rounds of their favourite game on their Switch or phone on a daily commute, the GTW 270 Hybrid delivers no-compromise sound excellence for the gamer on the go.” says Maja Sand-Grimnitz, Head of Global Marketing at EPOS.

The Power of Audio

Unlike other wireless earbuds, the GTW 270 Hybrid’s AptXTM low latency codec offers closed acoustic audio clarity for fully immersive in-game playback. Each earbud’s unique ergonomic shape paired with EPOS’s proprietary miniaturized audio drivers deliver deep powerful bass, natural mids and crisp highs for unrivalled sound quality engineered specifically for gaming. Similarly, the GTW 270 Hybrid provides dual-channel standard Bluetooth® 5.1 for speaker and microphone transmission. The earbuds’ dual microphones deliver clear communications, reducing background noises for a rich multiplayer gaming experience. The GTW 270 Hybrid’s USB-C wireless dongle is compatible with Nintendo SwitchTM and AndroidTM phones, in addition to standard Bluetooth® 5.1 connectivity to any Bluetooth® compatible device. A 1.5-meter USB-C to USB-A converter cable for PC and Sony PlayStation® consoles is also included.

Price and availability

The EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid comes included with a portable charging case, USB-C dongle, different-sized eartips and USB-C to USB-A converter cable, and a suggested retail price of $199 USD/C$249 CAD. The dongle-free GTW 270 version is available now for pre-order with a suggested retail of $169 USD/C$199 CAD. Both wireless earbuds can be found at eposaudio.com/gaming.

Creative SBS E2900 2.1 Bluetooth Speaker System Review

When shopping around for a basic home theater or gaming speaker system, there is a veritable sea of choices to wade through. Creative Labs SBS E2900 2.1 channel Bluetooth speaker system is one such option. Recently, we were fortunate enough to check one of these home speaker systems out for a time. So, without further ado, here is our review!

The Creative Labs SBS E2900 is separated into three main units: The left and right satellite speaker units and the single subwoofer. All of these pieces feature a classy black and silver color scheme that is well-suited for multiple environments ranging from the dorm room to the living room. On pure aesthetics, the SBS E2900 will fit right into your home entertainment ecosystem. There is even an LED-backlit cone area on the subwoofer that glows eye-catching reds, purples, and blues that can pulse in time with the music. They are all well-built with hard plastic and metal components where needed, and each speaker feels very sturdy. With speaker technology becoming so prevalent these days, many manufacturers are skimping on the build quality – I am happy to say that Creative Labs is not one of them.

The simplicity of the speaker system’s layout makes installation exceedingly-simple. You basically just plug the satellite speakers into the subwoofer and the power cord from the subwoofer into the wall.

The main controls of the Creative Labs SBS E2900 are located on the front of the large subwoofer unit. Beneath the striking, LED-backlit cone of the subwoofer, you’ll find a red digital readout and a control knob. The control knob features a ring of blue LED lights that indicate the level of whatever you’re trying to adjust (volume, bass, etc). There are also several buttons arrayed above the knob which control power, play/pause, source, and next/previous. The overall control scheme is very easy to navigate and even the most technology-averse person will be able to get things up and running quickly.

One big aspect of the Creative Labs SBS E2900 is the variety of ways in which it will allow you to connect your audio sources. First thing to note, however, is that all of the physical interfaces are located on the subwoofer. This may affect your decision on where to place the subwoofer, so just keep that in mind. On the right side of the subwoofer, you’ll find the USB and SD card ports. The USB port allows you to plug a USB drive filled with music into the system for your listening enjoyment. The SD card port works the same way, but with the SD media. Moving to the backside of the subwoofer, you’ll find both the power plug input as well as the FM antenna input port. You’ll also find the 3.5mm AUX input jack, which will allow you to connect to anything using the 3.5mm audio cable. This covers a lot of ground and, as the speaker system is a 2.1 channel model, works terrifically.

Of course, there is the Bluetooth connection option, which allows you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone, tablet, etc. I found this option exceptionally-useful, and was even able to stream to it while also connected to a digital projector. Having strong audio coming out of a 2.1 system beats the wimpy built-in projector speaker any day. The system utilizes the Bluetooth 5.0 standard and I encountered no lag in my music playing.

Speaking of the Creative Labs SBS E2900 audio quality, I have nothing bad to say about it. The system features some strong audio output and, while it can get a little distorted at high volume levels, it is a serious competitor when being used at typical home theater and TV-watching levels. I found the sound to be a little too full of bass by default but very clear once tuned with the best treble and bass settings for my ears. Even when plugged into my computer during gaming sessions, I found the sound to be full and enjoyable.

One nifty little addition to the Creative Labs SBS E2900 is its built-in FM radio tuner. Reception can vary but the included FM antenna should allow you to find the best quality sound from the various radio stations broadcasting in your area. You will see the tuned radio station displayed in the red LED display on the front of the subwoofer.

Of course, any modern home stereo system worth its salt has a remote control and the Creative Labs SBS E2900 is no exception. From the small and easy to navigate remote control you can adjust your volume, treble and bass, music playback, and a lot more. It’s a super handy little item which adds a lot of value to the system.

It should be noted that this unit does not contain any kind of virtual surround sound decoding built-into it. If you’re looking for that option, you may consider other products.

Overall, it’s clear that Creative Labs has put a lot of thought and value into their SBS E2900 2.1 Bluetooth home speaker system. It’s a great option for those buyers that don’t need more than 2.1 channels of audio in their home speaker systems and also don’t want to break their piggy banks. The Creative Labs SBS E2900 retails for $99.99 and is available now.

World of Warships Announces First Update of 2021

Today Wargaming developer and publisher of the widely popular, free to play naval combat game World of Warships (WoWS), has announced the game’s first update of 2021.

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, starting January 20, commanders will have access to brand new themed content, alongside updates to Commander skills, new Clan Brawls and continued construction on the Kure dockyard, alongside a roster of balance changes, discounts and daily shipments.

Embark on your Journey to the West
For this year’s celebration of the Lunar New Year, World of Warships brings a new challenge where players can complete combat missions to earn “Journey to the West” and Lunar New Year containers that can drop various Pan-Asian ships, permanent camouflages and other rewards.

“Journey to the West” containers can also drop one of the new ships Wujing or Sanzang — in permanent Sha Wujing and Tang Sanzang camouflages. Players will also find an updated Dragon Port, as well as new patches and flags. To cap it all off, the final reward for completing combat mission groups is Anshan with a 6-skill-point Commander and Port slot.

The ships, Commanders, and camouflages are named after the heroes of the epic Chinese novel – “Journey to the West” – former celestial General, Sha Wujin; a Buddhist monk, Tang Sanzang; the Monkey King, Sun Wukong; and a sorcerer, Zhu Bajie.

Commander Skills update
With the first update of the year, comes big changes to the Commander Skills system that are designed to give players a wider choice of effective battle builds for many different styles of play.

All commanders’ skills will automatically be redistributed, using a recommendation system, providing a skill build that’s effective for each specific ship in the new system. Players can take advantage of the opportunity to reset Commander skills free of charge.

A full overview of the changes can be found in the patch notes here, but in summary:

  • Each Commander now has a separate skill section for each ship type.
  • The maximum possible number of skill points available to one Commander has been increased from 19 to 21.
  • Skill recommendation system, which tailors to the selected ship, has been added.
  • Commanders with less than 21 skill points will bring players additional Elite Commander XP.
  • Elite Commander XP can be obtained by dismissing unused Commanders.
  • A revamped interface of the Commander skill system.

Besides resetting skills and dismounting modernizations for free for the duration of the update, there will be a discount for retraining commanders.

Also, players with Access Level 8 and higher will receive 500 doubloons when they first log in to the game during Update 0.10.0, and there will be a way to get up to 600 more doubloons by completing special combat missions

New Clan Brawls
The 14th and 15th Clan Brawls will be fought in a 7 vs. 7 format, with Brawls open to all players, even if a player isn’t currently in a Clan.

They will take place in the Arms Race mode, with huge Coal, Credits and Elite Commander XP rewards up for grabs. The 14th Brawl will be available January 27 – February 1, and the 15th Brawl will be available February 10 – 15. For an outline of how to take part, players can follow this link.

Kure dockyard
The construction of Hizen continues! Until the end of Update 0.10.0, players can complete Shipyard combat missions and progress through 22 out of 26 shipbuilding phases. The ability to purchase phases in exchange for Doubloons will continue to be possible until the end of Update 0.10.1.

Full patch notes, including detailed balance changes, can be found here.

The Medium – What Does A Medium Do Trailer

Bloober Team today debuted the second installment in its premonition video series, which shines a light on how upcoming psychological horror title The Medium plays.

The latest quickfire video entitled What Does A Medium Do? explains what it means to be a medium like Marianne – the game’s protagonist – and showcases some of the unique psychic abilities she is able to use to navigate the spirit world and unravel its mysteries:

Bloober Team also released an updated PC System Requirements via a new infographic:

Developed and published by Bloober Team, and rated “M for Mature” by the ESRB and PEGI 18, The Medium will launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store on Jan. 28. Akira Yamaoka, known for his work on the Silent Hill series, and Bloober Team’s Arkadiusz Reikowski are working together on the game’s original ‘dual’ score, creating truly unique atmospheres across both worlds.

Fangoria Launches Fangoria Studios with Circle of Confusion

Entertainment & Publishing company FANGORIA has launched Fangoria Studios to develop and produce film, television, and podcasts using the iconic FANGORIA, STARLOG, and GOREZONE brands with an eye towards developing a slate of sci-fi and horror projects with global appeal. Circle of Confusion will represent them in all areas.

There are many great stories in genre that have yet to be told from cultures rich with folklore and monsters of their own. When it comes to horror everyone screams in the same language.

“We’re incredibly excited to begin a new chapter of our 40+ year old brands to launch FANGORIA Studios with our partners at Circle of Confusion. As filmmakers ourselves, our commitment is to expand genre across the world. We want to share original stories with audiences both domestically and internationally,” said Owners Tara Ansley & Abhi Goel.

For decades FANGORIA has provided a platform to highlight those in front of and behind the camera, and now FANGORIA Studios is excited to develop their own projects with their partner Circle of Confusion, who has an incredible track record of discovering new talent with projects like The Walking Dead, John Wick and The Matrix franchises.

We celebrate the genre communities being massive and diverse. FANGORIA Studios seeks to create new icons of genre both in front and behind the camera.

The Muppet Show Out on Disney+ February 19

The long wait for Muppet fans is almost over! “The Muppet Show,” Jim Henson’s iconic variety series that started it all, will begin streaming Friday, February 19 exclusively on Disney+. In addition to the first three seasons, fans will be able to enjoy seasons 4 and 5, which have never previously been released on home entertainment.

“The Muppet Show” stars Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, the Swedish Chef, and more in a groundbreaking twist on the classic variety show, blending original songs, sketch comedy, and guest stars into a prime-time hit for all ages.

“It’s going to be great to welcome back longtime fans, and to give a new generation of fans a chance to see how we got our start, how Miss Piggy became a star and so much more,” said Kermit the Frog. “Today, I’m proud to say: ‘It’s time to play the music, light the lights and meet the Muppets on Disney Plus tonight!’ And as for Statler and Waldorf, the two old guys in the balcony, I can only add: ‘Sorry, guys, but….here we go again.”

Originally premiering in 1976, some of Hollywood’s brightest stars stopped by “The Muppet Show” for unforgettable comedy and chaos including Steve Martin, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Alice Cooper, Julie Andrews, Bernadette Peters, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Gene Kelly, and Mark Hamill.

With all five seasons of “The Muppet Show,” Muppet favorites like “Muppet Treasure Island” celebrating its 25th anniversary next month, and new hits like “Muppets Now,” Disney+ is now the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational streaming service on Earth. To stream The Muppets Collection, visit www.disneyplus.com/franchise/the-muppets.

Nioh 2 The Complete Edition Coming to PC

Today, KOEI TECMO America and developer Team NINJA detailed the wealth of features on offer to PC players in their highly-anticipated dark fantasy action-RPG, Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition, slated to launch on February 5, 2021 for PC via Steam®.

In Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition, players will encounter a deadly assortment of enemies as they venture through both Sengoku-era Japan and the deadly Dark Realm – though they do not have to take on this challenge alone. PC players will receive all of the multiplayer features present in the original release, allowing them to summon help when the going gets tough through both the base story and all three DLC expansions.

There are three different multi-hero experiences available in Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition: Bloody Graves, Benevolent Graves, and the Co-op Mode found at the Torii Gate. At Bloody Graves, players are able to summon the Revenant (AI controlled spectres) of other players, offering them a chance to fight these spirits to earn loot and experience. Benevolent Graves similarly allow the summoning of an AI controlled character, but when offering Ochoko Cups to these graves the character will fight alongside your player for a brief period. The final option, the Co-op Mode found at the Torii Gate, offers players the chance to fight alongside each other in real-time to defeat the deadly yokai. While playing in this online mode, companions can be resurrected mid-fight; however, there will not be any checkpoints to rely on.

PC players will be able to enjoy the complete single-player and multi-player experience with crystal clear 4K Ultra-HD support, alongside ultra wide-screen compatibility, HDR monitor support, and 144Hz monitor support complete with silky-smooth gameplay at a consistent 60/120 FPS on compatible systems*. With full mouse and keyboard customisation support, and gamepad compatibility, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the most definitive version of the title to date. To highlight these technical additions, Team NINJA released an action-packed new trailer to showcase the wide range of features on offer to PC players.
KOEI TECMO America and Team NINJA also announced today that players who purchase their copy of Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition within the first three weeks from launch will receive the bonus pieces of armor “Sohaya Deserter Garb” and “Ornate Gold Armor” for use on their adventure.
For all of the latest information on Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition, check out the official site, like KOEI TECMO on Facebook @KoeiTecmoUS, and follow us on Twitter @KoeiTecmoUS.