Author - Jerry Paxton

Square Enix Unveils New Mobile Games Studio in London

2021/10/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Industry News, Mobile News, News

Today SQUARE ENIX LTD. announced its latest venture, Square Enix London Mobile, a studio driven by its mission of putting people first while publishing high-quality, free-to-play mobile games. The studio currently has two titles in development based on world-renowned entertainment properties, Tomb Raider and Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, and is actively recruiting marketing and production talent to bring these titles and future to-be-announced mobile games to players across the globe.

“At Square Enix London Mobile, our goal is to move the world through play and in order to do this, we need to grow our team with even more unique voices, varieties of perspectives and creative energy,” said Ed Perkins, Studio Head at Square Enix London Mobile “We have great games in development, access to Square Enix-owned IP and relationships with the world’s top entertainment companies, but our people will be the competitive advantage that fuels our success now and in the future.”

As the group seeks to add new internal talent, the as-yet-untitled Avatar: The Last Airbender mobile game is in development with Vancouver-based studio Navigator Games.

“It has been an incredible privilege to partner with Square Enix London Mobile on the creation of a game with such an iconic IP,” said Will Moore, CEO at Navigator Games. “The Avatar: The Last Airbender universe has so many layers and complex storylines to explore and we look forward to fully unveiling it and sharing it with all the incredibly passionate and loyal Avatar fans in the future.”

Square Enix London Mobile is also at work on the previously announced Tomb Raider Reloaded, a nostalgic, action-arcade style adventure designed specifically for mobile. Developed in partnership with Crystal Dynamics, Tomb Raider Reloaded will feature classic elements from the original Tomb Raider trilogy, as players step into the shoes of the franchise’s iconic hero, Lara Croft, to solve puzzles, escape treacherous traps and collect coveted relics from secret tombs across the globe. Tomb Raider Reloaded will launch on the Apple App Store and Google Play in 2022.

For more information on Square Enix London Mobile, please visit www.square-enix-london-mobile.com.

Silver Chains Now Haunting the Xbox Series X

2021/10/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Xbox Series X News

Headup is pleased to announce that Cracked Heads’ debut first-person psychological horror game, Silver Chains, is out now on Xbox Series X|S, available for $24.99/ €24.99 /£19.99.

Out just in time for Halloween, the game sees you exploring an abandoned Victorian manor searching for clues about the terrible events that took place in this oppressive old house where mystery and madness exude from every surface. An intriguing story will keep you exploring hauntingly beautiful interiors, solving puzzles as you seek to uncover the secrets the house has to hide.

It all starts when protagonist Peter is unfortunate enough to have a car accident. Happening on the manor as he searches for shelter for the night, he soon finds himself trapped inside. Worse, he realises that he’s not alone. Something is out to get him and things seem to get weirder with every door he steps through.

Rendered in Unreal Engine 4, the game offers stunning photo-realistic graphics that help immerse you in Silver Chains’ detailed and carefully-crafted setting. These visuals combine with an eerie soundtrack to keep you on the edge of your seat as you find yourself being hunted by a terrifying monster.

“We’re really excited about Silver Chains releasing on Xbox Series X|S and especially delighted that the timing has worked out to have it ready for Halloween!,” said Headup COO Marcel Aldrup. “We’re hoping it will be appropriately terrifying for the Xbox community as they seek their holiday thrills!”

Primal Calling DLC Coming to Solasta: Crown of the Magister

2021/10/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

French independent development studio and veteran pen and paper players, Tactical Adventures, celebrate today the one-year anniversary of its tactical RPG Solasta: Crown of the Magister. To commemorate this event, Tactical Adventures has announced that the first Solasta: Crown of the Magister DLC – Primal Calling – will be available on November 4. This new DLC features a new Half-Orc ancestry, two additional Barbarian and Druid classes, and an original two-hour “Wanderer” quest. Tactical Adventures will also be releasing a free update to the game that increases the level cap to 12, more character personalization options, and several upgrades and new features to the Dungeon Maker tool. Additionally Solasta: Crown of the Magister launches on Mac, November 4.

Solasta: Crown of the Magister Primal Calling DLC will feature the new Half-Orc ancestry as well as two new playable classes. The first is the Druid that features three subclasses: the Circle of Land, Circle of Kindred Spirit, and Circle of Winds. The second class is the Barbarian with the following subclasses: the Path of Berserker, Path of Magebane, and Path of Stone. Primal Calling will also feature a new Wanderer background and a completely original two-hour quest.

In addition to all the DLC content from Primal Calling, free downloadable content will also release on November 4 for all players that own Solasta. This free content update will increase the Level Cap enabling characters to increase power and spells up to level 12 and add more character personalization including tattoos and scars. More environments have been added to the updated Dungeon Maker including town outdoors and indoors. Finally, a new Dungeon Maker Campaign Creator mode will be available and feature a new Campaign Creator, with custom items, custom monsters, dialogue and banter options, and NPC merchants.

Wizards of the Coast has granted Tactical Adventures a license to use the Dungeons & Dragons SRD 5.1 content and rules in Solasta: Crown of the Magister.

For more information on Solasta: Crown of the Magister: visit the website, purchase on Steam, purchase on GOG, purchase on the Microsoft Store, purchase on the Humble Store, follow on Twitter, Instagram, like on Facebook, watch on YouTube, and Twitch, and join the conversation on Discord, or the official forums.

Universal Studios Announces the Return of Holiday Events for 2021

2021/10/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with the return of yuletide favorites and family traditions, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas,” beginning Friday, November 26 and running daily through Sunday, January 2, 2022. The holiday festivities are included in the price of admission.

Families will rejoice at the arrival of “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” where the quaint wizarding village of Hogsmeade™ is transformed to reflect the holiday spirit featuring merry décor and jolly ambiance. Guests can take delight in special holiday a cappella performances from the Hogwarts Frog Choir, stroll through the village shops while sipping a delicious Hot Butterbeer™ and enjoy savory festive fare at the Three Broomsticks™.

Beginning at dusk each night, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle” dazzles with stunning imagery and animation as the impressive light projection show illuminates Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, bringing the iconic Hogwarts™ castle to life and infusing the land with the sounds of an arrangement of music from the Harry Potter film series.

Guests can commemorate their Christmas visit to Hogsmeade™ Village with a variety of exclusive keepsake items available for purchase, including personalized ornaments, garland, scarves and stockings.

The jolly “Grinchmas” Who-lebration returns in festive fashion as holiday park-goers will be rockin’ around the topsy-turvy 65 foot-tall “Grinchmas” tree in Universal Plaza, adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights. A dazzling tree lighting ceremony accompanied by a snowfall flurry will take place every evening, bringing good tidings and season’s greetings as guests celebrate with The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and the Who-ville Whos, who will be performing on select nights. A selection of themed Who-tacular sweet treats, including hot cocoa will be available for purchase.

In addition to the theme park, spirited holiday décor will permeate Universal CityWalk. Guests to the outdoor entertainment destination will be enchanted by the spectacular 40-foot tall Christmas tree, featuring more than 200,000 LED lights. The ever popular Voodoo Doughnut will entice guests with a variety of festive designs and flavors to celebrate the season.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Admission to Universal CityWalk is free. More information available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.

Dying Light: Platinum Edition Out Now on Nintendo Switch with Launch Trailer

2021/10/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, Nintendo Switch, Trailers / Videos

Today, Techland launches the highly anticipated Dying Light: Platinum Edition on the Nintendo Switch. Now, the most content-packed and ultimate edition of Techland’s successful zombie survival game is finally available on-the-go.

Watch the Dying Light: Platinum Edition Launch Trailer:

Dying Light: Platinum Edition comes to Nintendo Switch with a range of brand new features prepared especially for the platform, such as HD Rumble support, touchscreen support, gyro aiming, local and online co-op, and motion controls. Dying Light: Platinum Edition includes over a hundred hours of single-player gameplay, and there’s even more unforgettable content when you play and explore the world with friends in co-op mode.

Buy the game at: https://switch.dyinglightgame.com/

Features:

  • Dying Light – the full award-winning game.
  • Dying Light: The Following – a huge expansion complete with a new story, vast original map, and a customizable buggy to drive.
  • Dying Light: The Bozak Horde – a challenging game mode with its own side story.
  • Cuisine & Cargo – two additional quarantine zones.
  • Ultimate Survivor Bundle – a set of exclusive weapons and outfits.
  • Hellraid – a new game mode that takes place in a dark fantasy setting.
  • A large collection of skins and weapons that will make slaughtering zombies even more fun.

Both the retail and digital availability of the game may vary by region. Please check our website to see if Dying Light: Platinum Edition for Nintendo Switch is available in your region, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate open-world zombie game wherever you are.

Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition Set for November Release

2021/10/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

This announcement has a lot to unpack. Let’s start with the first announcement. We are excited to announce Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition, an action-adventure platformer will be available by the end of November on all Xbox and PlayStation consoles and Epic Games Store. As the name states, it is enhanced and you will experience improved gameplay mechanics and motion code, as well as all previously released updates.

We added two new platforms, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One to the already existing platforms (PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, and Epic Games Store). The digital version of Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition will cost $39.99. For Xbox fans who love physical versions, we have opened pre-orders for the Day One Edition ($49.99) and the Collector Edition ($149.99).

What’s That About Pre-Orders?

The Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One Collector Edition and Day One Edition physical versions of Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition will be available for pre-order beginning today. The Collector’s Edition comes with an exclusive embossed metal case, 9” Abe figurine, 160-page art book, three art prints, a mining company keychain, tattoo and tribal stickers. The Day One Edition comes with an exclusive embossed metal case. Pre-order either version, or both, at participating retailers and you will also get access to the game’s Original Soundtrack and a Digital Artbook.

For more information, please follow us at @OddworldInc, @OfficialOddworld, TikTok, @oddworldinc, YouTube or sign up for our newsletter at http://www.oddworld.com/.

Final Season of The Expanse Gets A Teaser Trailer

2021/10/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

The sixth and final season of The Expanse picks up with the solar system at war, as Marco Inaros and his Free Navy continue to launch devastating asteroid attacks on Earth and Mars. As the tensions of war and shared loss threaten to pull the crew of the Rocinante apart, Chrisjen Avasarala makes a bold move and sends former Martian Marine Bobbie Draper on a secret mission that could turn the tide of the conflict. Meanwhile, in the Belt, Drummer and what’s left of her family are on the run after betraying Marco. And on a distant planet beyond the Rings, a new power begins to rise.

Series stars Steven Strait, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Cara Gee, Frankie Adams, Keon Alexander, Nadine Nicole, and Jasai Chase Owens reunite for the most epic season yet.

Razer Unveils Two New Seiren Broadcaster Microphones

2021/10/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

Razer today announced the launch of two new entries into its award-winning family of broadcaster microphones, the Seiren V2 Pro and Seiren V2 X. The new Seiren V2 family of products are bound to become the essential centerpiece of any streamer’s setup, offering premium feature sets within dynamic and condenser microphones to deliver true to life, natural audio capture.

The Seiren V2 Pro offers best-in-class rich, powerful vocals allowing streamers to showcase depth and timber in their voices, with radio-DJ tonal quality. High pass filters and analog gain limiters make sure that the microphone only captures what you want it to, naturally filtering out accidental bumps and background noises. The Seiren V2 Pro is a must-have for any streamer or digital entertainer looking to up their audio quality and showmanship. Some of the core features of the Seiren V2 Pro include:

  • Dynamic Microphone, to Enable Rich, Powerful Vocal Capture

  •  20 Hz Frequency Response to Capture Full Range of Audio

  •  Analog Gain Limiter to Prevent Voice Distortion

  • Superior Dynamic Range and Precision with 24 Bit Rate

The Seiren V2 X has improved on the award-winning formula of Razer’s iconic condenser microphone, the Seiren X. The crisp and clear vocals delivered by the Seiren V2 X are the perfect weapon in any budding streamer’s arsenal. Featuring supercardioid pickup patterns, the Seiren V2 X can easily isolate the streamer’s voice from the background noise, delivering only what the audience wants to hear.  Some of the core features of the Seiren V2 X include:

  • 25mm Condenser Microphone for Natural Vocal Quality

  • Supercardioid Pickup Pattern for Greater Voice Isolation

  • Analog Gain Limiter to Prevent Voice Distortion

  • Superior Dynamic Range and Precision with 24 Bit Rate

Both the Seiren V2 Pro and Seiren V2 X have near limitless options of enhanced customization and control through direct integration with audio mixing software within Razer Synapse. Streamers can enjoy unparalleled independently adjustable control of input/output levels of multiple audio sources, in order to fully adjust the sound delivered to their audience verses the audio they hear while streaming.

For more information on the Seiren V2 Pro, please see here.

For more information on the Seiren V2 X, please see here.

Green Hell VR Gets A Live Action Trailer

2021/10/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

If you enjoyed Green Hell on PC and consoles – a game that has already sold over 2.5 million copies -, you will be amazed at what Green Hell VR has in store for you! Coming to Steam VR and Quest in 2022, Green Hell VR is a survival simulation virtual reality game set in the beautiful Amazon rainforest that follows a touching story rooted in modern reality. The game’s Steam page is now open!

Using ingenious gameplay mechanics and advanced VR object physics such as crafting items with your hands, manipulating tree sticks as you would in real life, tossing them to the ground to make a fire, and cook your meal. Green Hell VR will bring you the most realistic experience of what it’s like to survive in the jungle. You can go fishing and hunting with your bow, scavenging for healing plants and water, crafting DIY tools using the ancestral knowledge of the indigenous tribes to protect yourself from the environment. Swinging your axe across the thick forest, you will set out to explore astonishing environments from pristine waterfalls and rivers to intricate cave systems as you find clues to dig up the truth around how you ended up there.

You are Jake Higgins, a famous anthropologist, who is thrown deep into the emerald and impenetrable Amazonian rain forest. The green hell. Surrounded by predators with only your trusty smartwatch, backpack, and the survival guide you grabbed just before leaving home, you will follow the familiar voice of a loved one through this endless and inhospitable jungle, unveiling bit by bit how you got there in the first place. What you discover will be worse than what you fought so hard against to survive.

Features in Green Hell VR

  • Crafting in VR – an even more immersive experience that requires you to assemble the right items combining them to make tools, weapons, bandages, and more
  • Building – building your makeshift camps with found sticks and plant leaves to construct yourself a safe place to spend the night
  • Healing – realistic body inspection will make you feel closer to your character as you inspect your limbs, bandage wounds, and extract parasites
  • Food sources – you can hunt your dinner down, or you can choose not to kill animals. There are tasty and nutritious fruits like coconuts or bananas, a lot of unknown mushrooms, and plenty of plants, bulbs, and nuts to discover

Disney+ Just Beyond Original Soundtrack Out Now

2021/10/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News

The JUST BEYOND ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK was released today via Hollywood Records and is now available on all digital platforms. The original score was composed and produced by acclaimed, two-time Emmy Award-winning composer, Carlos Rafael Rivera (“The Queen’s Gambit,” “Hacks,” “A Walk Among The Tombstones”) who deftly captures the essence of each storyline in the eight-episode series and had this to say about the project, “Scoring a Disney Project has been a lifelong dream, not only in getting to work with the likes of Seth Grahame-Smith and Marc Webb, but being part of the musical story telling that makes us all feel that Disney magic!” JUST BEYOND is now available to stream on Disney+.

ABOUT JUST BEYOND
Inspired by the writings of R.L. Stine, “Just Beyond” is an eight-episode anthology series that tells astonishing and thought-provoking stories of a reality just beyond the one we know. Each episode introduces viewers to a new cast of characters who must go on a surprising journey of self-discovery in a supernatural world of witches, aliens, ghosts and parallel universes.

Seth Grahame-Smith is writer and showrunner of “Just Beyond.” The series, based on the BOOM! Studios graphic novels by R.L. Stine, is executive produced by Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg and Aaron Schmidt via KatzSmith Productions. David Walpert and Marc Webb also serve as executive producers alongside Ross Richie, Stephen Christy and Mark Ambrose of BOOM!. Stine is attached as co-executive producer. “Just Beyond” is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.

CARLOS RAFAEL RIVERA is an Emmy and SCL winning composer, whose career has spanned several genres of the music industry. Having scored one of the most viewed NETFLIX Limited Series of all time, THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, and helmed by writer/director Scott Frank. Carlos won a Primetime Emmy Award for THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT and was nominated for World Soundtrack Awards’ TV Composer of the Year, while having received an SCL (Society of Composers and Lyricists), a Hollywood Music in Media (HMMA), and two International Film Critics Association (IFMCA) Awards.

His work for Film and TV includes scores for Netflix’ GODLESS, for which he also received a Primetime Emmy, Universal Pictures’ A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES, starring Liam Neeson, the hit TV show and 15-time EMMY nominated show HACKS for HBO Max, starring Jean Smart, as well as JUST BEYOND for DISNEY +, and LA REINA DEL SUR 3 for TELEMUNDO.

Stream/Purchase:
https://hollywoodrecs.co/JustBeyond