Author - Jerry Paxton

DRAGON BALL FighterZ – World Tour Returns for a Second Round

2019/06/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Xbox One News

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (June 18, 2019) – Leading anime video game developer and publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announced the return of the DRAGON BALL FighterZ – World Tour in 2019/2020, following the breakout success of the inaugural championship in the 2018/2019 season.

The DRAGON BALL FighterZ – World Tour is a global tournament series that runs for 8-9 months from June 2019 to the beginning of 2020. Players from around the world will compete throughout the year to decide a Grand Champion at the DRAGON BALL FighterZ – World Tour Red Bull Finals in France.

The top 16 players will be decided based on winner-takes-all Saga events, points accumulated across the tour at Saga and ‘Tenkaichi’ Events, or through the Last Chance Qualifier.

There will be three Saga events across the tour – EVO, DRAGON BALL FighterZ – World Tour Red Bull Saga Spain, and DRAGON BALL FighterZ – World Tour Red Bull Saga Japan – with the winner of each securing their spot in the finals. Twelve additional spots will be given to those players with the highest total points rankings at the end of the tour, including points gained at Saga events and Tenkaichi Events.

Tenkaichi Events will be offline events spanning the globe, enabling players to compete for points and climb the rankings. Further details of these events will be revealed soon. Players can register to take part in the first Tenkaichi Event, CEO, here.

The final spot will be given to one player at the Last Chance Qualifier, hosted in France the day before the Grand Final.

For more information about the tour, participation rules, or the tour’s points system, please visit the official DRAGON BALL FighterZ – World Tour website at: www.dbfzworldtour.com.

DRAGON BALL FighterZ is available now for Xbox One, PlayStation®4, and PC. For more information regarding other products from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.com, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or join the conversation on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

Food Trucks to Descend on Anime Expo 2019

2019/06/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

June 18, 2019 – For five exhilarating days each year (including Day 0), Anime Expo (AX) brings together people from more than 70+ countries, each with a deep-rooted passion for all things Japanese pop-culture.  There is no better way to learn about a culture or make new friends than through sharing a meal. AX knows this too and that is why we are beyond excited to bring nearly 40 of the top Los Angeles area food trucks to this year’s event, offering just about everything a gourmand’s tastes could dream of to eat.

With more than 110,000 expected attendees, fans will be grateful to have so many delicious food options to help recharge after a full-day exploring the more than 900 hours of anime-themed programming and assorted AX events and activities. Anime Expo Eats will be located at: Directly across from the Los Angeles Convention Center’s South Hall – 1318 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015. Anime Expo Eats is open to the general public.

We got the food trucks!

American Style Cuisine:

  • Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and More
  • Canvas Food Trucks
  • Fries N More
  • SlaminSliders
  • Dua Mani Pizza
  • Vivace
  • Wafl
  • Smokehouse
  • Wise BBQ
  • Love Bird Fried Chicken

Asian Cuisine:

  • 8 E 8 Thai Street Food
  • Achara
  • Belly Bombz
  • Boba Truck Café
  • Goshen Cuiesine
  • Mandoline Grill
  • Steamy Buns
  • Takuma’s Burgers
  • Tokyo Doggie
  • White Rabbit

Caribbean & Creole Cuisine:

  • Caribe Fusion
  • Occasion Food Truck
  • Fusion Cuisine:
  • Manna From Heaven
  • Son Of a Bun Truck
  • Swami’s Sandwich

Mediterranean-Themed Cuisine:

  • Green Olive
  • Grillicious

Mexican Fusion Cuisine:

  • Mangia

Seafood:

  • Pinch of Flavor

Sweet Tooth Options:

  • Blast
  • Fluff Ice
  • LA Donut
  • Mambo Juice
  • My Delight
  • The Boba Truck

**Please note that each individual food truck sets their own pricing. Updates for all things Anime Expo and any additional food trucks who sign up can be found by visiting www.anime-expo.org.

Nickelodeon Unveils San Diego Comic Con 2019 Lineup

2019/06/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, SDCC

BURBANK, Calif.–June 18, 2019–Nickelodeon is celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants by inviting fans to enter into the world of Bikini Bottom at Comic-Con International: San Diego July 18-21, 2019. Headquartered at its 1,800 square-foot booth (#4113) on the convention floor, Nickelodeon will pay tribute to incurably optimistic SpongeBob SquarePants and his undersea friends with activations, panels, talent signings and interactive design elements featuring: The Krusty Krab, The Chum Bucket and Mrs. Puff’s Boating School.

Every day of the convention, Nick’s booth will feature: an interactive game inside The Krusty Krab, where fans will go head to head to complete food orders in a race against the clock; a photo opportunity with a replica of Mrs. Puff’s Boating School; The Chum Bucket towering 22 feet tall over the retail area, where attendees can purchase a variety of exclusive Nick gear and one-of-a-kind collectables; costumed character appearances; autograph signings with SpongeBob SquarePants cast members and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creator and executive producers; and more special appearances to be announced in the coming weeks.

Nickelodeon will present two panels during the convention: “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” a deep dive into the series, celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants; and “To Shell and Back,” an exclusive history-making TMNT creator panel, comprised of three generations of Turtle creators.

The following is a full rundown of the panels and booth activity:

PANELS

SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout!

Drop on the deck and flop like a fish because Nickelodeon is celebrating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants! Dive deep down into the making of the brand-new special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout!” with co-executive producers Vincent Waller and Marc Ceccarelli. Voice actors Tom Kenny(SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) and Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) will discuss what it was like to portray their characters in front of the camera for the first time in this live action-animation hybrid special. Moderated by: David Canfield (Entertainment Weekly).

To Shell and Back: An exclusive TMNT creator panel

It’s creator COWABUNGA time!  Three generations of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creators will take the stage to celebrate the history, fandom, and success of the Heroes in a Half -Shell.  This exclusive history-making event will give fans rare access to co-executive producers Andy Suriano and Ant Ward (Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), executive producer Ciro Nieli (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and legendary TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman. United for the first time, these award-winning creators will answer fan questions, share audience giveaways and unveil never-before-seen original TMNT art. Moderated by Mike Cecchini (Den of Geek).

DAILY BOOTH ACTIVITY

  • Customized T-Shirt Station: Fans can purchase a t-shirt from the retail shop and customize it on the spot with characters and art from their choice of eight fan-favorite Nick shows: All That, SpongeBob SquarePants, Hey Arnold!, Rugrats, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Loud House,Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.
  • Autograph Signings: Signing opportunities with: SpongeBob SquarePants voice talent and executive producers; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ co-creator and executive producers.
  • Costumed-Character Appearances: SpongeBob SquarePants and Bikini Bottom friends–Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks, Squidward, Mr. Krabs and Pearl–will make appearances at Nick’s booth at select times during the convention.
  • Retail: Attendees can purchase Comic-Con exclusive figures and collectibles, the winter edition of the Nick Box, t-shirts, and more.
  • Giveaways:  Enter for a chance to win special prizes over the course of the convention.

Acquisitions Incorporated D&D Sourcebook Out Now

2019/06/18
Jerry Paxton
Book News, Geek News, News

June 18, 2019 – The new Acquisitions Incorporated™ book published by Dungeons & Dragons in partnership with Penny Arcade is available starting today, June 18. Join Omin Dran, Jim Darkmagic and Môrgæn like never before! The book provides a way to jump into the comically corporate D&D live-play you’ve seen on the stages of PAX for more than a decade.

Set yourself up for success when pursuing your own fantasy-business endeavors, using all the ingredients you need to include Acquisitions Incorporated in your D&D campaign, to establish your own franchise, and take on specialized roles therein. Plus, there are always intern openings available … just try not to think about why.

  • Learn everything you ever wanted to know about starting your own Fan-chise™ as you begin your career today! Start up your own Acquisitions Incorporated franchise in the Forgotten Realms or anywhere in the multiverse.
  • Acquisitions Incorporated has everything you need to play a D&D fifth edition game as if you were on stage with the founding members of the Head Office along with new character options, franchise information, and more.
  • Experience a unique flavor of D&D with grand mishaps and hilarious moments!
  • The 224-page book includes an adventure that will take characters from levels 1 through 6, establishing your party’s claim on a world they’ve just begun to explore – and to strip-mine for profit.

Acquisitions Incorporated is available at your local game store, Penny Arcade store, D&D Beyond, Roll20, Fantasy Grounds, Steam or online at retailers like Amazon.

For more information go to Penny-Arcade.com or DungeonsandDragons.com.

Explore a wealth of peril and personalities for the world’s greatest roleplaying game!

Disney Channel and Disney Junior Stars Coming to D23 Expo 2019

2019/06/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

BURBANK, Calif. (June 18, 2019) – Kids, tweens, and families can meet their favorite Disney Channel and Disney Junior stars during three fun-filled days at D23 Expo 2019, the ultimate Disney fan event, taking place FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. With special appearances scheduled daily, fans are invited to stop by the Walt Disney Television booth on the Expo show floor to meet and take pictures with some of their favorite stars from hit Disney Channel series and movies. Popular Disney Junior characters Fancy Nancy and Vampirina will also be on hand to greet young fans over all three days. In addition, the schedule features a Q&A session, including a special appearance by the world’s most famous amphibian, Kermit the Frog, as he joins the creators and voices behind Disney Television Animation’s hit series Amphibia and Big City Greens, taking place at Stage 28 on Saturday, August 24.

A limited-edition collection of T-shirts from classic Disney Channel favorites, including High School Musical, Hannah Montana, and Camp Rock, among others, will be available for purchase exclusively to D23 Expo attendees in the Walt Disney Television booth.

On FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, fans can meet the young stars of Raven’s Home and the cast of Disney Channel’s newest series Just Roll With It.

On SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, fans are invited to hop over to Stage 28 where Amphibia stars Disney Legend Bill Farmer, Amanda Leighton, and Justin Felbinger and series creator/executive producer Matt Braly will join Big City Greens cast members Marieve Herington and Bob Joles, and creators/executive producers Chris and Shane Houghton for a lively Q&A session featuring the one-and-only Kermit the Frog. Cast members from Disney’s Emmy® Award-nominated DuckTales and hit Disney Channel series Sydney to the Max and Coop & Cami Ask the World will be on hand to meet fans and take pictures in the Walt Disney Television booth.

On SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, fans can meet the stars of Disney’s Emmy® Award-nominated Big Hero 6 The Series, based on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning feature film, as well as cast members from the Disney Channel Original Movie ZOMBIES and fan-favorite Disney Channel series BUNK’D.

Following is the full schedule* of stars making special appearances in the Walt Disney Television booth throughout the weekend:

Friday, August 23

9 a.m.             Fancy Nancy character appearance

10 a.m.          Vampirina character appearance

12 p.m.          Just Roll With It stars Suzi Barrett, Tobie Windham, Ramon Reed, and Kaylin Hayman

3 p.m.            Raven’s Home stars Navia Robinson, Issac Ryan Brown, Jason Maybaum, and Sky Katz

Saturday, August 24

9 a.m.             Vampirina character appearance

10 a.m.          Fancy Nancy character appearance

11 a.m.           Sydney to the Max stars Ruth Righi, Ava Kolker, Jackson Dollinger, and Christian J. Simon

12 p.m.          Coop & Cami Ask the World stars Dakota Lotus, Ruby Rose Turner, Olivia Sanabia, Albert Tsai, Paxton Booth, and Rebecca Metz

5 p.m.             DuckTales stars Bobby Moynihan and Toks Olagundoye

Sunday, August 25

9 a.m.             Big Hero 6 The Series stars Genesis Rodriguez and Brooks Whelan

10 a.m.           ZOMBIES stars Meg Donnelly, Kylee Russell, and Carla Jeffery

1 p.m.             BUNK’D stars Miranda May, Mallory James Mahoney,
Raphael Alejandro, Will Buie Jr., Shelby Simmons, Scarlett Estevez, and Israel Johnson

3 p.m.             Vampirina character appearance

4 p.m.             Fancy Nancy character appearance

*Schedule subject to change.

Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $77 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.

Ubisoft Announces Release of Title Update 4 in The Division 2

2019/06/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

June 18th, 2019 — Ubisoft® today announced the release of Title Update 4 in Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, including the highly-anticipated Specialization “Gunner”. Agents can now utilize more playstyles with new gear, skills and a new weapon to take back Washington D.C. Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 is available on the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 will also launch on the new generation gaming platform, Stadia. Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 will also be available on Uplay+, Ubisoft’s subscription service. More details on Uplay+ can be found on Uplay.com**

The new “Gunner” Specialization unlocks a mighty and powerful minigun with rapid fire action, creating massive damage in short periods of time on the enemy while sustaining incoming damage thanks to its bonus armor when the weapon is drawn.

With the Banshee Signature Skill that comes with the new Specialization, players can cause confusion to targets, even when covered. In addition, the Gunner can also use the Riot Foam Grenade, which spreads foam on to the enemy upon impact, stopping them in their tracks.

Starting today, players can jump into the boots of “Gunner” and unleash havoc on their enemies. This new specialization provides another opportunity for players to grow their character and fine tune their skills. To unlock the Gunner Specialization, players must take on Special Field Research, which consists of five stages of in-game challenges. Each challenge has its own set of objectives and rewards. Only upon completion of Special Field Research will players gain access to the Specialization and its signature minigun.

Year 1 Pass holders will instantly unlock the Gunner Specialization. These players can still take on the Special Field Research and will be able to unlock additional exclusive cosmetic rewards, including Fisticuffs and Front Flex emotes, Charcoal and Detritus gear dyes, Rosethorn and Pineapple weapon skins, Gunner mask and the Gunner specialization uniform.

Led by Massive Entertainment in collaboration with seven other studios around the world*, Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 is the next evolution in the open-world online shooter RPG genre that the first game helped establish. Set seven months after a deadly virus was released in New York City, Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 brings players into a fractured and collapsing Washington D.C. The world is on the brink, its people living through the biggest crisis ever faced in human history. As veteran Division agents, players are the last hope against the complete fall of society as enemy factions vie for control of the city. If Washington D.C. is lost, the entire nation falls. Building upon more than two years of listening to and learnings from The Division community, Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 offers a substantial campaign that organically flows into a robust endgame, to create a cohesive and meaningful experience for all types of players, helping players emphasize their freedom to make strategic choices and hone their own approach.

For more information on Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, please visit: tomclancy-thedivision.ubisoft.com. For the latest news on Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 and all of Ubisoft’s games, visit Ubisoft News: news.ubisoft.com.

TAITO Returns to Video Games with Two New Titles

2019/06/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Industry News, News

Stuttgart, Germany; June 18th, 2019 – As already announced in 2018, the pioneer of the Japanese video game industry, TAITO Corporation, is returning to the market for console games after around ten years with well-known and new TAITO IPs. The first Western title from the game developer and publisher TAITO is a reboot of Ninja Warriors – a game which came onto the market for the Super Nintendo in 1994. Details on Ninja Warriors will be announced later.

The game will be released in North America and Europe by the German United Games GmbH, digitally and physically. The title will be marketed through Strictly Limited Games as limited editions and through the newly founded publishing label ININ as traditional retail and digital versions.

TAITO Corporation was founded 65 years ago and shaped video game history at the time. In the 1980s and 90s, TAITO enthused millions of players with megahits such as PUZZLE BOBBLE®, Rainbow Islands®, ARKANOID® and many other megasellers which enjoy cult status with gamers all over the world even today. In particular, SPACE INVADERS®, the company’s best known title, brought global fame to the game pioneer TAITO and took the international game market by storm. The famous characters from SPACE INVADERS® have since become the corporate characters of TAITO and represent a piece of pop culture which appears again and again, even outside of games. No matter if in Hollywood movies, advertising, fashion or art – the ironically designed extraterrestrial invaders draw attention everywhere.

“We are proud to work together with TAITO Corporation, which has been a legend in the Japanese game industry for many years. We look forward to and are convinced that this cooperation will be a great success,” says Helmut Schmitz, CEO, United Games.

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne PS4 Beta Info

2019/06/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Xbox One News

June 18, 2019 – Grab your thermals and hot drinks! Capcom today confirmed details for upcoming PlayStation®4 beta sessions, starting this week, for Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, the highly anticipated massive expansion to Capcom’s best-selling title of all time, Monster Hunter: World. First-time hunters and established series fans can prepare for hunting season with a sneak peek at the upcoming content in Iceborne, including the chilly Hoarfrost Reach locale, new monster and new gameplay options.

The first Monster Hunter World: Iceborne beta will be available exclusively for PlayStation®Plus users from 3am PDT/11am BST on Friday, June 21 through 3am PDT/11am BST on Monday, June 24. A second beta will be available for all PS4™ users from 3am PDT/11am BST on Friday, June 28 through 3am PDT/11am BST on Monday, July 1. Preload options will be available a couple of days before each beta period begins. The Monster Hunter: World base game is not required to participate in the Iceborne beta.

The beta offers players three quest choices, including the beginner-friendly Great Jagras hunt from Monster Hunter: World for newcomers, the brand new horned brute wyvern Banbaro for an intermediate challenge or returning series favorite Tigrex for the fiercest of hunters. The beta will let players test out all 14 weapon types in any of the three quests and the training area. The weapons include new features plus there are new Slinger tool options such as the Clutch Claw grapple mechanic. Upon completing each quest for the first time, hunters can earn a total of three item packs containing helpful consumable items that will be available to use in the full version of the Iceborne expansion when it releases. With more monsters and game info to be revealed, this is just the tip of the Iceborne!

The full release of Monster Hunter World: Iceborne will be available on September 6, 2019 for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and the Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One X, globally on September 6th, 2019, with a PC release to follow in winter. The Monster Hunter: World base game is required for Iceborne and while players will be able to enjoy some of the gameplay options such as the Slinger and weapon updates right away, they must have completed the main story through Hunter Rank 16 in order to access the new Iceborne story and quests.

King of Fighters IV Crossover with Dead or Alive 6

2019/06/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

Burlingame, Calif. – June 18, 2019 – KOEI TECMO America and Team NINJA announced the addition of the first two DLC characters entering the DEAD OR ALIVE 6 universe, THE KING OF FIGHTERS’ own Mai Shiranui and Kula Diamond. The new characters are being offered as part of DOA6’s Season Pass 1, and will also be available for purchase individually for $7.99; with separate costume packs available for $2.99 per fighter. A special character and costume bundle will also be offered that includes both SNK favorites, complete with five outfits each for the discounted price of $15.99.

Mai Shiranui, known to KING OF FIGHTERS fans as “The Alluring Ninja,” is a kunoichi (female ninja) and the successor of the Shiranui style ninjutsu. The nimble fighter uses large fans as weapons, generating flames from attacks as she shows no mercy on opponents mesmerized by her flashy attire.

Joining Mai in DEAD OR ALIVE 6 is “The Ice Doll,” Kula Diamond. Diamond favors quick strikes and unexpected transitions to special attacks through the use of cancels. She has the power to utilize ice in her assaults, taking advantage of frozen opponents thanks to her ability to instantly freeze water particles in mid-air. A modified human created by the NESTS organization, Diamond’s conception has come with complications – including an odd addiction to candy and the fact that she appears much younger than her actual age.

DEAD OR ALIVE 6 is available now for the PlayStation 4 Computer Entertainment System, Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One, and digitally on Windows PC via Steam®. The title is Rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

For the latest information on the game, please visit the official website at https://www.teamninja-studio.com/doa6/us/. Also, be sure to Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DeadorAliveGame; and Follow us on Twitter @DOATEC_OFFICIAL.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers Gameplay Stream and Post Release Content

2019/06/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

LOS ANGELES (June 17, 2019) – Leading up to the FINAL FANTASY® XIV: Shadowbringers™ launch on July 2, Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida hosted a Letter from the Producer LIVE stream detailing updates coming with the latest expansion pack. A variety of new information and assets were revealed during the stream, including a new dungeon walkthrough video and post-launch content release information.

The newest gameplay footage clips in the Letter from the Producer LIVE #52 stream include a new dungeon walkthrough video, showcasing a number of dungeons included in Shadowbringers, as well as a first look at the Titania trial battle.

Additionally, details on other Shadowbringers content and the post-launch release schedule were announced:

  • Introduction of Shadowbringers’ Key Characters – Familiar allies such as Thancred and Y’shtola will join the Warrior of Light as they encounter new characters such as Ran’jit and Vauthry. Additional details on the key characters of Shadowbringers can be found here:https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/shadowbringers/story/
  • Updates to Crafting Classes – New actions and adjustments to current actions, major updates to the crafting UI, and easing requirements to unlock existing recipes.
  • Updates to Gathering Classes – New actions and traits for all classes, updates to the gathering log—including spawn time information and the ability to quickly add an alarm to remind players of spawning nodes, as well as easing requirements to unlock existing gathering points.
  • System-related Updates – Increase to the glamour dresser storage capacity, updates to the retainer and achievement UI, the addition of new tomestones and gatherer/crafter scrips, and much more.
  • Addition of New Worlds – The addition of the Spriggan World to the Chaos data center, and the addition of the Twintania World to the Light data center.
  • Post-Release Patch Schedule
    • July 16, 2019: Patch 5.01 – Launch of the normal difficulty high-level raid, Eden.
    • July 30, 2019: Patch 5.05 – Launch of the savage difficulty Eden raid and the new treasure hunt dungeon, Lyhe Ghiahl; release of the Allagan tomestone of Phantasmagoria currency.