Author - Jerry Paxton

Chivalry 2 Closed Beta Dates Announced

2021/02/16

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Developer Torn Banner Studios, publisher Tripwire Presents, and retail co-publishing partner Deep Silver, are excited to officially announce that Chivalry 2 will launch on June 8, 2021 with Cross-Play support for PC (via Epic Games Store), the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5 computer entertainment systems, the Xbox One family of devices, and the Xbox Series X/S console systems. PC players ready to enter the ultimate medieval battlefield early are encouraged to pre-order Chivalry 2 today for guaranteed access to the Chivalry 2 Cross-Play Closed Beta event beginning March 26.

Digital pre-orders are live today for PC for both the standard edition of Chivalry 2 (MSRP $39.99, €39.99, £34.99) and the Chivalry 2: Special Edition (MRSP $49.99, €49.99, £44.99). More news on the availability of console pre-orders will be announced soon.

Chivalry 2 will offer pre-order incentives across the standard and special editions. The standard edition pre-order of Chivalry 2, available for both digital and retail, will grant players the Royal Zweihänder weapon skin.

The Special Edition, offered for digital pre-order only, comes with a bevy of additional exclusive items including the full Chivalry 2 game, the Agatha Jousting Knight Armor and Royal Broadsword, the Mason Jousting Knight Armor, the Gold Horseman’s Axe, the Roses novelty item, and more. All digital pre-orders of either the standard or special edition will guarantee access to the upcoming closed beta. Please visit the official website for additional pre-order information.

“Our dev team has been firing on all cylinders to create the best medieval combat game imaginable,” said Torn Banner Founder, Steve Piggott. “Chivalry 2 is going to be everything fans of the first title dreamed of and so much more – from a combat system rebuilt from the ground up, to massive upgrades in scale and visuals.”

“We continue to be impressed with the craftsmanship and creativity from our partners at Torn Banner Studios,” said John Gibson, CEO and Co-owner at publisher Tripwire Interactive. “They’ve crafted something very special with Chivalry 2, building the groundwork for a game that will allow players to experience epic medieval battles across all five major gaming platforms for years to come.”

Scheduled to begin on March 26 and running through March 29 for PC (via Epic Games Store) PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S Console Systems, the Chivalry 2 Cross-Play Closed Beta event will offer fans the chance to experience the ultimate medieval battlefield ahead of its global multiplatform June 8 launch.

For more from developer Torn Banner Studios on what a “True Sequel” means for the genre-defining first-person medieval slasher and a closer look at the next era of melee combat, be sure to visit our press kit to watch the full extended cut of the first installment of the Chivalry 2 Developer Diary series from the recent Epic Games Showcase.

Additional details on what players can expect from the upcoming Chivalry 2 Cross-Play Closed Beta event include:

Cross-Play Across All Platforms: Cross-Play smashes the boundaries between PC and console, allowing players to face-off on the battlefield together, regardless of platform.
Size Matters: Experience the chaos of epic medieval battlefields, charge forth to the frontlines of battle, and experience true mass-scale combat supporting up to 64-players designed to capture the intensity and scope of “The Battle of the Bastards” from Game of Thrones.
Master Blade, Bow, or… Chicken: Your arsenal expands with the new subclass system that provides more variety than ever before. Four base classes expand to 12 subclasses, including the Skirmisher, a melee/ranged hybrid – to the Poleman, a fighter who keeps foes at bay with long-distance melee.
The World is Your Weapon: Own the field with a variety of heavy siege engines including Ballistae, Catapults, Trebuchet, Battering Rams, Mantlets, Spike Traps, Ladders and more. Utilize traps to defend, including spikes, bear traps, and more. You can even deal damage with a smorgasbord of “found items” on the battlefield. Try downing a cup of mead and deal a killing blow with the empty chalice or finish off a foe by smashing him in the face with a flaming chicken!
New Map – The Siege of Rudhelm: In the first public hands-on of Chivalry 2 since PAX East 2020, experience the return of the fan-favorite Team Objective mode and join attacking or defending teams as 64-players vie for control of a well-fortified castle in a never-before-seen map.
Many Modes: In addition to Team Objective mode, closed beta participants can also sharpen their skills in a variety of other modes, including Team Deathmatch and Free-for-All.

Chivalry 2 is a multiplayer first-person slasher inspired by epic medieval movie battles. Players are thrust into the action of every iconic moment of the era –from clashing swords, to storms of flaming arrows, sprawling castle sieges, and more. Dominate massive battlefields while catapults tear the earth apart as players lay siege to castles, set fire to villages, and slaughter filthy peasants in the return of Team Objective maps.

Improving on the original genre-defining Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, Chivalry 2 invites players to master the blade with an all-new and improved combat system that combines real-time strikes and a free-flowing combo system to speed up the action and let players become a whirlwind of steel on the battlefield. Created with the ability to fight multiple foes in mind, Chivalry 2’s combat mixes the best of both FPS and fighting game genres for an unmatched melee experience.

To stay up to date on the latest regarding Chivalry 2 news, please sign up for the Chivalry 2 newsletter on the official website, follow Tripwire Presents, join the official Chivalry 2 Discord server, and follow the developers on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Razer Viper 8KHz Gaming Mouse Review

2021/02/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripheral Review, Peripherals News, Reviews

For the longest time, the gaming mouse wars were mainly fought with weapons called counts per inch (CPI) or dots per inch (DPI). Capabilities of the gaming mouse’s sensor were King and taking a close backseat were things like the mouse’s number of buttons and programmability. It would seem as though a new metric has entered the arena – polling rate. Now, polling rate is nothing new for gaming mice. For the longest time, this rate has been limited to their “UltraPolling” 1000 Hz. This means that for every second of time that passes, the mouse as been pinged 1,000 times for its current position as read by the its sensor.

Razer has recently released its Razer Viper 8KHz gaming mouse. The Razer Viper 8KHz features a polling rate of 8,000 times per second (marketed as “HyperPolling”)! And, before you think that its the same old Viper mouse from the past, it has also included the following, additional features:

Razer™ 8000Hz HyperPolling Technology 8x faster than other leading gaming mice
Razer™ Focus+ 20K DPI Optical Sensor fine-tuned for pixel-perfect aim
2nd-gen Razer™ Optical Mouse Switch zero risk of misclicks
71g lightweight design swift, effortless control
Advanced On-board Memory personalized settings wherever you go
100% PTFE Mouse Feet the fastest flicks with near-zero resistance

The optical mouse switches, much like Razer’s optical keyboard key switches, are game changers. They provide not only the quick actuation of a mechanical key but also the accuracy and speed of optical sensors. Of course, dots per inch still counts for something and the Razer Viper 8KHz also features a 20,000 DPI optical sensor. The PTFE feet on the Razer Viper 8KHz are very good, allowing the Viper 8KHz to glide with as little friction as possible over most mousing surfaces.

The Razer Viper 8KHz is fully integrated and supported by Razer’s Synapse software suite, and is very programmable. You can even set your lift-off distance to 1, 2, or 3 millimeters. The lift-off distance is the distance at which your mouse is from the mousing surface before it stops reporting movement. Also, thanks to the mouse’s Focus+ optical sensor, it is self-calibrating to the surface it’s scanning, this way your lift-off distance remains constant over any surface.

In terms of its physical design, its extremely similar to the Razer Viper. It has 8 programmable buttons, rubber coasted grip pads on the sides, and a braided cord coming from the front of the mouse. One thing to note about this cord, however, is that is is noticeably thicker and more rigid than standard ones are. This is because of the increased HyperPolling technology. This does make wielding the Viper 8KHz slightly more clumsy than Razer’s UltraPolling mice. The more rigid cable doesn’t flex nearly as easily as older Razer cords do. On the bottom of the Viper 8KHz, you’ll find a button to toggle through the 5 onboard memory profiles that the mouse is capable of storing.

Does 8KHz polling rate matter?

There are a couple big caveats when it comes to this new HyperPolling technology, and that is your display and your gaming rig. You see, HyperPolling is really only noticed when you have a gaming rig with a 144Hz or higher display. This is because the display itself can only update so many times per second. For displays that update under 144 times per second (or 144 Hz), you are not going to notice the increased polling. If you do have a 144Hz+ gaming display, you will notice a visually smoother gaming experience when moving your mouse about. Additionally, your system needs to be beefy enough to pump out some serious FPS performance – otherwise you will not be taking much advantage of the HyperPolling feature.

For eSports players, it should be beneficial, but I doubt it is going to increase their performance a huge amount. In my play sessions, I didn’t find that HyperPolling made me my score go up very much, but it was definitely a lot more pleasant to look at with less jumpy motion. While I don’t think this is the next big thing specifically for eSports, I do think that the feature is the next logical step in gaming mice as the PC gaming populace starts upgrading to higher refresh rate displays and playing on beefier PCs. We want our games to not only look good but also play well. HyperPolling is a definite plus to the user experience. If you do not meet the criteria needed to fully utilize the HyperPolling, you can be assured that the Razer Synapse software will allow you to reduce the polling rate! You can set the polling rate to 125, 500, 1,000, 2,000 or 4,000 Hz.

Overall

Overall, the Razer Viper 8KHz takes the excellent, ambidextrous Viper design to the next level with second generation optical switches, 8KHz polling, and a Focus+ optical sensor. However, if you do not have a system capable of putting out high FPS or a display capable of performing at 240Hz+, you might not need those features and instead opt for a mouse more suited to your individual needs. In contrast, if you have a good PC gaming rig and high refresh rate display, you will be pleased with the enhanced gaming experience provided by the Viper 8KHz’s HyperPolling.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time New Platforms Trailer

2021/02/12

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

He’s made you spin, jump and wump for 25 years, and this year, our beloved orange marsupial is celebrating in style. To kick off his silver anniversary, on March 12, the true sequel to the classic Crash Bandicoot trilogy from the ‘90s and the first original entry in the Crash franchise in more than 10 years, Crash Bandicoot™ 4: It’s About Time will launch on PlayStation® 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch™. The game will also launch on PC via Battle.net later this year. Fans are smitten with the biggest Crash game ever[1], so whether it’s their first playthrough or their hundredth, there’s no better time to experience massive levels, badder bosses and more gameplay. Fans should also be on the look-out for tons of furtastic festivities from Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) aimed to engage Crash Bandicoot fans throughout the year.

Developer Toys for Bob has been hard at work to bring Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time to new platforms. Fans on PlayStation® 5 and Xbox Series X|S are in for some N. credible visuals when they see the game run in 4K with 60 FPS[2]. Additionally, players on either next-gen platform will enjoy quicker loading times to dive into the wumpa-eating action and 3D audio that will immerse them in all-new dimensions. What’s more, players who purchase, or already have, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on PlayStation® 4 or Xbox One will be entitled to receive next-gen upgrades at no cost (except in Japan) within the same console family[3] (including the ability to transfer saved data).

PlayStation® 5 owners in particular will be in for an extra treat with DualSense wireless controllers bringing adaptive triggers to players’ fingertips. Fans will now be able to feel the force of Neo Cortex’s DNA-changing blaster and experience the grip as they grapple with Tawna’s Hookshot. Additionally, PlayStation® 5’s Activity Card feature will give players a clear breakdown of their progress throughout each of the game’s dimensions, providing guidance to achieve objectives and more.

Adding to the fun, fans will now be able to experience Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on the go when the time-shattering platforming adventure makes it way to Nintendo Switch™ for the first time, while Xbox Series X|S will utilize Smart Delivery to enable users to play the appropriate version depending on their console.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time will be available for PlayStation® 5 and Xbox Series X|S for $59.99 SRP. Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch™ ($39.99 SRP) are available in select territories starting today, via the Nintendo e-shop. The game will also be coming to PC via Battle.net, with pre-orders available now ($39.99 SRP). Fans can expect more information on the PC edition at a later date, along with other fun happenings in celebration of the franchise’s 25th anniversary.

The game is available now for PlayStation® 4, PlayStation® 4 Pro, Xbox One and Xbox One X for $59.99 SRP, and players will be entitled to receive next-gen upgrades at no cost (except in Japan) within the same console family³. To learn more about next-gen features, installation and other details, visit our FAQ page.

For more information on the Crash Bandicoot franchise, please visit www.crashbandicoot.com and follow @CrashBandicoot on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Police Simulator: Patrol Officers Announced

2021/02/12

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Munich-based studio Aesir Interactive and publisher astragon Entertainment have announced that the authentic POLICE SIMULATOR: PATROL OFFICERS will launch as a Steam Early Access title this Spring. Handcuffs and radar on hand, players will don the badge of a male or female United States police officer and patrol the first district and five neighborhoods of a bustling American city in this first playable version of the game. Supported by a game development grant from the German FilmFernsehFonds Bayern funding body, the title will retail for 19.99 Euro/USD 24.99/17.99 GBP (RSP).

Platform: PC
Engine: Unreal® Engine 4
Release: Early access Spring 2021
Several update phases after initial launch
Game modes: Single player from launch; cooperative multiplayer to be added later
Price: 19.99 Euro/USD 24.99/17.99 GBP (RSP) – all future content included at no additional cost

After POLICE SIMULATOR: PATROL OFFICERS launches as an early access game this Spring, it will improve through monthly updates that incorporate valuable feedback from players and police fans.The game will paint a realistic picture of a patrol officer’s job in a fictional American city called Brighton. Police fans will wear their virtual badges proudly as they ensure order and safety. Players will be able to patrol the first neighborhood of the introductory city district at launch. If they perform well with their superiors, they’ll unlock access to four more neighborhoods in this first district, where pedestrians and vehicular traffic simulate the impression of a living complex metropolis.

Subsequent updates will expand one’s operational radius by two more districts and ten more neighborhoods.

Police fans will begin their careers by choosing one of eight different playable characters. Instead of a lengthy tutorial, a system of unlockable content will teach players all the skills they need while on patrol. Handy tool tips will provide additional information.

Collecting shift-points during the workday, which in turn become duty stars, will unlock new districts, new neighborhoods, and new police cars. During shifts, tasks will include enforcing parking regulations, recording traffic accidents, and penalizing traffic offenses like speeding or jaywalking. On top of that, players will have to keep an eye out for wanted suspects.

Appropriate and lawful behavior towards Brighton’s citizens is an integral part of POLICE SIMULATOR: PATROL OFFICERS. A Conduct Point System will log and penalize abuses of power. Virtual police officers who are found to have acted against the law and the department’s code of conduct will be stripped of their badges and fired.

The title also will include a casual game mode where players will be able to receive hints they wouldn’t normally receive in the main simulation portion of the game. Players will receive tips on crimes occurring in their immediate vicinity. Additionally, they’ll be shown more leniency when it comes to breaking the law, such as speeding or jaywalking. Serious offences like police brutality, however, will still be severely punished. Players will also be able to disable police vehicle collisions with NPCs while in this mode.

Here’s a short overview on what to expect during POLICE SIMULATOR: PATROL OFFICERS’ initial early access release:

Parking surveillance – Situative issuing of parking tickets and/or towing of vehicles for parking against the direction of travel, exceeding the permitted parking time, and non-observance of parking restrictions. Fines may also be issued for parked cars with expired license plates.
Traffic violations by pedestrians – If a pedestrian is endangering themselves and others (by ignoring a red light at an intersection, for instance), officers should intervene. Careless littering is also frowned upon on the streets and sidewalks of Brighton.
Traffic accidents – Different types of accidents, which can develop dynamically from traffic events, will demand different actions by officers. This includes calling for an ambulance, interviewing witnesses, drug and alcohol tests, and more. Players should always keep a watchful eye on moving traffic.
Speed control – Measure the speed of moving vehicles while standing on the roadside with a radar gun or by utilizing the speed measuring instrument in one’s police car. Issue tickets when appropriate.
Search and arrest wanted suspects: Now and then, the police department’s call center will issue information about wanted suspects. One may encounter a person matching the call center’s descriptions during patrol. A key element of investigations is questioning witnesses, as they might offer valuable information regarding a suspect.
Traffic control – Going on patrol in one’s police car will offer players new perspectives on Brighton’s traffic and streets. Use sirens to pass around other vehicles or to prompt them to pull over.

The Crime Map will help fans maintain an overview of the different districts and neighborhoods of Brighton. Players will be able to monitor increases in offences in order to determine which areas demand a stronger police presence.

Following the game’s initial early access period, fans can look forward to new features like a cooperative multiplayer mode as updates roll out.

POLICE SIMULATOR: PATROL OFFICERS on PC will be available in early access via Steam™ and the official astragon homepage in Spring 2021 for 19.99 Euro/USD 24.99/17.99 GBP (RSP).

Find out more about POLICE SIMULATOR: PATROL OFFICERS here:

wwwa.patrol-officers.com

Blood Bowl 3 Bugman’s Beer Trailer

2021/02/10

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

The most watched sporting event on American television has just come to an end. Despite the large number of ads, keen-eyed observers will have noted the absence of a top brand, Bugman’s Beer! Head brewer, Joseph Bugman, was eagerly awaiting this occasion to promote his best beer, Bugman’s XXXXXX, the most refreshing and refined beer in the Old World. But alas, the beardling brewery courier didn’t get the tape to the network on time – he’s now a trollslayer.

Bugman’s XXXXXX is a brewed beer distributed all across the Old World. From the tip of the froth to the bottom of the mug, each sip is pure delight. At the mere sight of a Bugman’s XXXXXX, even a clumsy dwarf can take out an entire opposing team and sprint 25 yards just to get a taste. If you don’t believe it? That’s because you’ve never drunk a Bugman’s XXXXXX! Discover its unique flavor before your next Blood Bowl match!
—
Funnier, bloodier, and more spectacular than ever, Blood Bowl 3 will be a hit with fans of the universe and strategy games alike. At launch, the game will include 12 teams’ each with their own pitch and cheerleaders, Campaign and Multiplayer modes, and more customization options than a Blood Bowl game has ever received before.

The One Ring Tabletop RPG Kickstarter Coming Soon

2021/02/10

Jerry Paxton

Book News, Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos

Free League Publishing today announced that a new edition of the acclaimed The One Ring™ roleplaying game, set in the world of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien, is coming to Kickstarter on February 11.

As of today, fans can sign up to be notified at the pre-launch page on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/the-one-ring-roleplaying-game-second-edition

The One Ring is a tabletop roleplaying game based on The Hobbit™and The Lord of the Rings™, two extraordinary works of fiction by the beloved author and respected academic, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.

The first edition, released in 2011, was hailed as the best attempt at bringing Middle-earth to the gaming table to date, thanks to its thematic rules and painstaking attention to detail. For 10 years, players of the game have traveled far and wide across Middle-earth, adventuring for multiple decades of game time.

Today, it is time for the game to enter a new era – the new edition of The One Ring brings players further into the Twilight of the Third Age with a new hardbound volume, presenting a set of updated and streamlined rules, developed thanks to years of players’ feedback and raising the game to the standards of quality that have made Free League so popular. The look of the game itself has been completely redesigned, offering a view of Middle-earth that is fresh and familiar at the same time.

The new edition is created by game designer Francesco Nepitello in collaboration with Free League Publishing, creators of award-winning tabletop RPGs such as ALIEN, Forbidden Lands and Tales from the Loop.

The One Ring RPG will soon bring players further into the Twilight of the Third Age. More in-depth information will be revealed at the launch of the Kickstarter.

Skybound Entertainment and Striking Distance Studios Partner for The Callisto Protocol

2021/02/09

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Skybound Entertainment today announced a partnership with Striking Distance Studios and KRAFTON, Inc. that will help bring The Callisto Protocol, a single-player, narrative driven survival horror game, to PCs and consoles in 2022. With its expertise in building horror-themed transmedia brand extensions, Skybound will act as a strategic partner for Striking Distance Studios and publisher KRAFTON, Inc., bringing its global marketing and distribution capabilities to the game.

The Callisto Protocol is set in Black Iron Prison on Jupiter’s dead moon of Callisto in the year 2320. Players must survive unspeakable horrors as they escape Black Iron and uncover the dark secrets of the mysterious United Jupiter Company. Developed by the team behind the iconic Dead Space franchise, The Callisto Protocol is a next-generation take on the survival horror genre that aims to raise the bar for immersive interactive storytelling.

“Striking Distance Studios has one goal with The Callisto Protocol – to make one of the most terrifying games of all time,” said Glen Schofield, CEO of Striking Distance Studios. “Skybound Entertainment is unrivaled in the worlds of sci-fi and horror storytelling, and will be an incredible partner for KRAFTON and Striking Distance Studios as we bring the world of The Callisto Protocol to life in games and beyond.”

The Callisto Protocol was first introduced at The Game Awards in December 2020 with a cinematic trailer, and follow-up uncensored red band trailer, set deep within the depths of Black Iron Prison.

“The team at Striking Distance Studios are the video game industry’s best at creating blockbuster games,” said Robert Kirkman, Chairman of Skybound Entertainment and creator of The Walking Dead. “Through Skybound, The Walking Dead has expanded from its original comic book to multiple television series, books, video games, merchandise, and more, and we can’t wait to explore similar possibilities for The Callisto Protocol with Skybound’s multiplatform expertise. We’re excited to be working on this IP alongside the game’s publisher, KRAFTON.”

“KRAFTON is thrilled to join forces with Skybound Entertainment to help us bring Striking Distance Studio’s ambitious new take on survival horror to life,” said Ashley Youngsun Nam, Head of Global Business Development and Studio Management for KRAFTON, Inc. “We’ve assembled a dream team of developers and publishing talent that is poised to redefine sci-fi horror for a whole new generation of gamers around the world.”

The Callisto Protocol is currently in development at Striking Distance Studios in the San Francisco suburb of San Ramon, California. The team has grown to more than 150 game industry veterans in less than 18 months.

Learn more about The Callisto Protocol at www.CallistoTheGame.com or follow the game on Twitter @CallistoTheGame.

Knott’s Announces Taste of Boysenberry Festival

2021/02/09

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

A new food and retail experience is blooming at Knott’s Berry Farm as it celebrates the little berry that put the park on the map, with Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival. Guests can catch a taste of the popular springtime Boysenberry Festival, as it offers all-new boysenberry-inspired savory foods, sweet treats and refreshing drinks that can’t be found anywhere else. While the theme park remains closed, the food and merchandise-focused outdoor event offers over 80 boysenberry-infused food and drink items which are included on the event tasting card. Guests can choose from a lineup of tantalizing delicacies such as beer cheese soup with a boysenberry drizzle and brown butter croutons, beef tips served with creamy boysenberry mashed potatoes, and boysenberry BBQ carne asada pizza garnished with cilantro and onions, plus options for all dietary preferences. Thirst-quenching drinks include boysenberry lemonade with basil, boysenberry ICEE float with vanilla soft serve, boysenberry mint and pineapple aqua fresca and so much more. Guests can also shop from a wide variety of boysenberry-inspired merchandise including event apparel, kitchenware and pre-packaged take-home sweets. In addition, they will find handmade and personalized gifts from over 20 artisan local crafters offering unique boysenberry items.

Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival will take place on select dates beginning March 5th through May 2nd. All Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival activities will be conducted at a safe and socially distant space for families to enjoy.

The only way to experience the limited time Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival is with a tasting card purchased in advance at knotts.com (a tasting card is required for event entry). Scheduled dates are 3/5-7, 3/12-14, 3/19-21, 3/26-4/11, 4/16-18, 4/23-25 and 4/30-5/2. Adult tasting cards (ages 12+) are priced at $45 (plus tax) and will include five food tastings, and junior tasting cards (ages 3-11), including three food tastings, are $20 (plus tax). Tasting cards are date specific and must be purchased online at knotts.com or through the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app prior to the date of visit. Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival hotel packages are also available at Knotts.com. In order to manage proper physical distancing of guests, Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival tasting cards will be limited each day and may sell out. Tickets go on sale to 2020 and 2021 Knott’s Season Passholders from 2/9-2/15. Tickets available to the general public starting 2/16.

As Knott’s Berry Farm continues to follow state, local and CDC health guidelines, these are the continued safety measures and operational changes we have established to ensure the safety of our guests:

Tasting cards are limited each day to ensure proper physical distancing
Upon arrival, guests will be required to enter a temperature screening and security checkpoint at the main gate
All associates and guests must wear a facial covering while visiting Taste of Boysenberry Festival or the Knott’s California Marketplace store locations and restaurants – masks are not required while sitting at a table or bench to eat
Frequently touched surfaces are disinfected daily and sanitized frequently. This includes but is not limited to cash counters, scanners, EMV readers, pens at cashier counters, register screens, store fixtures, door handles, and shopping baskets
Signage is present to aid guests in the proper direction of travel and as a reminder to practice social distancing
Seating is spaced out throughout the Taste of Boysenberry Festival event footprint
Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the event area
All associates will be screened, including temperature and symptom checks using CDC guidelines before being allowed on the property to work
Associates have been trained on the importance of handwashing, physical distancing, and overall hygiene
Separate entrances and exits will appear at some store locations and occupancy will be limited.

EVE Online – Reign Quadrant 1 Trailer

2021/02/09

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Today, CCP Games are excited to reveal the first Quadrant of 2021 for the deep and uniquely player-driven sci-fi space MMO game EVE Online. Take flight together at the beginning of a new chapter in New Eden’s history with Reign, launching today.

Reign will see players striving to achieve tactical supremacy and victory over one another, with new updates to fleets and travel, continuous balance and meta changes, and returning events such as the Guardian’s Gala, Abyssal Proving Grounds, and The Hunt. Watch the brand-new trailer to glimpse a taste of updates coming in Reign:

Dive into activities together with the new Fleet Discovery update, allowing pilots to have more fun, be more efficient, or become even more destructive. Find and create fleets that fit your plans, skill levels, and interests via the new Fleet Up tool, located in the center of The Agency. Whether a new or veteran player, the tool will provide a more intuitive and useful experience when searching for active fleets to join.

Reign also sees the addition of many quality-of-life updates and improvements for an elevated player experience. Enhancements include visual updates to jump tunnel animations, now featuring region-specific immersive visuals reflected in tunnels, along with changes to how home stations are managed and represented on the map. A list of further updates can be found in CCP’s developer blog: Reign – New Quadrant begins today.

A multitude of events will also mark their return as part of Reign, including the notorious Guardian’s Gala, where pilots will once again be able to earn amazing faction items, ship SKINs, Skill Point boosters, Overseers’ Effects and more. To disrupt the celebrations of the Angel Cartel and Serpentis pirates, pilots must fly to event sites located in known and wormhole space. All players who log in during the event will receive daily rewards.

“Following a tumultuous and seismic series of events last year, New Eden is about to enter a time of reformation and re-armament,” said Bergur Finnbogason, EVE Online’s Creative Director. “Our first Quadrant of the year, Reign, will allow players to prepare for the events ahead, which we can’t talk about just yet!”

EVE Online can be downloaded for free and further information about the game can be found via EVE Updates.

Blizzard Unveils 30th Anniversary Gear

2021/02/08

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Industry News, News, Screenshots / Photos

Toast to 30 years of Blizzard and the first-ever BlizzConline with tons of new merch launching February 19 on the Blizzard Gear Store! Read on to find out more about some of the exciting new loot dropping soon.

30th Anniversary Collection

Commemorate 30 years of Blizzard gaming with all-new anniversary themed merch! The new 30th Anniversary Collection includes a limited edition pin, exclusive puzzle, art print, gaming desk mat, journal, lanyard and outerwear. Products are adorned with the 30th Anniversary logo and include heroes and scenes from Blizzard’s most iconic and beloved games.

Also announced earlier this month, the Arthas Helm of Domination Blizzard Exclusive Replica brings to life one of Warcraft’s most powerful artifacts. At over 15 inches in height (nearly 17 inches in stand), this premium collectible is perfect for any fans of Azeroth.

Blizzard VP of Global Consumer Products Matt Beecher said: “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate fans that have spent the last three decades with us than with a special collection that commemorates our shared journey.

Legendary Lore

Fans can also dive into the worlds and lore of Hearthstone, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft with new literary releases coming later this year including: The Art of Hearthstone Volume IV: Year of the Raven, The Art of Overwatch Volume 2, World of Warcraft: Folk & Fairy Tales of Azeroth, World of Warcraft: Grimoire of the Shadowlands and Beyond, and World of Warcraft: New Flavors of Azeroth: The Official Cookbook. These new titles will be available for pre-order via the Blizzard Gear Store starting February 19.

Blizzard has even more surprises in store, including a new World of Warcraft Purple Murloc Plush by Snap and additional event/franchise apparel. Be sure to tune into the show and check out the Blizzard Gear Store starting February 19!