Author - Jerry Paxton

Insurgency: Sandstorm Free Weekend and New Content

June 17, 2019 – Insurgency: Sandstorm, the smash-hit indie FPS from New World Interactive, is set to receive even more free content this month as players are invited to join the fight in the Steam Free Weekend from June 20th – June 24th. This is the perfect opportunity for newcomers to join the huge community of Insurgency: Sandstorm players, who already enjoy Insurgency’s signature style of immersive, team based, high lethality gameplay.

Today’s monster update includes new weapons, a remake of the classic Insurgency map ‘Ministry’, along with a zombie-inspired arcade mode called Frenzy. Update 1.3 is expected to go live at 3pm MT / 11pm CEST today.

Check out all this and more in the Free Weekend Trailer.

Other additions in today’s update include:

  • New weapons and attachments:
  • QBZ-03 Chinese assault rifle and TAR-21 MARS-style red dot optic for Insurgents
  • VHS-2 Croatian assault rifle and MRO “Micro Red Dot” optic for Security
  • Ministry – new indoor-focused map (remake of the Insurgency classic)

New World Interactive and Focus Home Interactive continue to be delighted with the response and community reception to Insurgency: Sandstorm so far. This upcoming content follows another large free content update in May which also featured a new map, customization options, a new hardcore cooperative game mode and more. New World Interactive has many more free content updates planned for the rest of this year and 2020, including modding support, game modes, maps, weapons, and more. Take a look at some of what’s due to arrive in the next six months in the recently announced Free Content Roadmap.

Play Insurgency: Sandstorm during the Steam Free Weekend, 10am (PT) Thursday June 20th to 10am Monday June 24th, with all this new content available free to all players. Insurgency: Sandstorm is out now on PC.

Universal Studios Announces Jurassic Cafe and Isla Nu-Bar

Universal City, CA, June 17, 2019 – Costa Rican-inspired cuisine and flavorful Tiki cocktails served at Jurassic Café and all-new tropical Isla Nu-bar add to the dynamic guest experience as part of Universal Studios Hollywood’s new mega attraction opening this summer, “Jurassic World—The Ride,” based on the JURASSIC WORLD blockbuster films.

Along with an array of souvenir collectible, limited edition and one-of-a-kind dimensional dinosaur sculptures from the Jurassic Outfitters store, guests can savor a piece of this exciting thrill ride even after they’ve gone home.

Borrowing its name from the fictitious Central American island in the JURASSIC WORLD movies, the stand-alone, open-air Isla Nu-bar, complete with a thatched roof, serves up tropical-themed Tiki cocktails in three collectible cups: Etched Tiki, Bamboo-styled Tiki and Tiki God.

Whether blended or made-to-order with fresh juices, every aromatic blended drink is adorned with a pineapple leaf and edible orchid flower. Flavorable beverages include Tropical Margarita, Piña Colada and Painkiller, along with island cocktails such as Tiki Tai, Bird of Paradise, Ti Peach, Rum Runner and Mai Tai.

With Universal Studios Hollywood’s Executive Chef Marie Grimm at the helm, the new Jurassic Café caters to a selection of Costa Rican-themed cuisine, inspired by the location of the JURASSIC WORLD movies. Mouth-watering menu items include Sweet Corn Cakes with Slow Roasted Mojo Pork or Spicy Mojo Jackfruit, Citrus Glazed Chicken, Fresh Roasted Red Snapper and Isla Burger. Tempting starters include savory Chorizo and Potato Empanadas, Crispy Lettuce Leaf Roll with Shrimp, Tropical Fruit Salad and Pomegranate Guacamole with plantain chips. All entrees will be accompanied by fresh green papaya salad and Costa Rica’s national dish, Gallo Pinto – traditional rice and beans.

The Jurassic Outfitters store will feature a variety of collectable merchandise to commemorate the ride’s opening, including a selection of exclusive items. From limited edition t-shirts and hats to drinkware, pins, amber stones and jewelry, Jurassic Outfitters will offer keepsake merchandise for every member of the family.

The shop will also carry a variety of custom-made, high-end collectible dinosaur sculptures and maquettes. These incredibly crafted statement pieces replicate the Tyrannosaurus rex, Velociraptor, Dilophosaurus, Styracosaurus, Pachycephalosaurus and Triceratops and range in price up to $1,000.

In addition to experiencing the exhilaration of the new thrill ride, guests will have the opportunity to become immortalized in one of the ride’s momentous scenes as they plunge down its treacherous 84-foot waterfall with the introduction of slo-mo video capture offered exclusively at “Jurassic World—The Ride.” The iconic moment will be available for purchase and received digitally for riders to share via their social media platforms so they assure their friends that they indeed survived the vicious dinosaurs. Keepsake digital images will also be available for purchase.

“Jurassic World—The Ride” features an original storyline that will take guests on a breathtaking excursion through the theme park as depicted in Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s film, JURASSIC WORLD. It will soar to new heights with the addition of iconic dinosaurs from the movie, including the colossal Indominus rex and the magnificent aquatic Mosasaurus in her natural habitat. The ride also features the stars of the JURASSIC WORLD films – Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and BD Wong who reprise their roles as Owen Grady, Claire Dearing and Dr. Henry Wu.

The mega attraction captures the essence of the blockbuster movies and comes to life in collaboration with the award-winning and inspired minds at Universal Creative, the Academy Award®-winning special-effects visionaries at Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm, Ltd., Universal Pictures and acclaimed filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow and Frank Marshall.

When “Jurassic World—The Ride” opens this summer, guests will be welcomed to a dramatically reimagined space reflective of the hit films. A fresh entry statement, stonework landscaping, and a contemporary redesign of the iconic JURASSIC WORLD gates, illuminated with billowing flames, will create the framework for the all new aesthetics.

With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the new California Neighbor Pass invites guests to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

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

UNIQLO and Blizzard Launch New Apparel Line

IRVINE, Calif. – June 17, 2019 – Returning with a new line of exclusive apparel, today the fashion juggernaut UNIQLO launched the latest t-shirt line from the 2019 UNIQLO X Blizzard Entertainment Collection, featuring iconic imagery and characters from some of Blizzard’s fan-favorite properties including Overwatch®, World of Warcraft®, Hearthstone®, Diablo® III, Heroes of the Storm®, and StarCraft® II.

The newly released t-shirts are part of UNIQLO’s Spring/Summer 2019 UT collection and are available now globally, including at UNIQLO.com and UNIQLO’s US flagship stores.

UNIQLO’s Spring/Summer 2019 Blizzard Entertainment Collection Includes:

·         Overwatch – The world could always use more heroes! Suit up in four new Overwatch t-shirts, including shirts featuring South Korean MEKA pilot and esports superstar D.Va and Brazilian DJ Lúcio.

·         World of Warcraft – Declare your allegiance to the Alliance or champion the Horde in this set of shirts featuring the factions and heroes of World of Warcraft.

·         Diablo III – Level up your t-shirt collection with two fiery Diablo designs featuring Diablo, the Lord of Terror—legendary additions to any demon hunter’s wardrobe.

·         StarCraft II – Build and expand your t-shirt collection with two StarCraft II designs featuring the insignias of the Earth-born Terrans, psi-powered Protoss, and hive-minded Zerg.

·         Heroes of the Storm – Iconic heroes and villains from across Blizzard’s game universes unite in two new t-shirt designs featuring Heroes of the Storm.

·         Hearthstone – Play your cards right and add a brand-new Hearthstone t-shirt to your collection, featuring a design that evokes the spirit of a friendly, crackling tavern fire.

UNIQLO’s Spring/Summer 2019 Blizzard Entertainment Collection is available now for purchase while supplies last online at UNIQLO.com and retail locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, China, the EU, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Knott’s Berry Farm Summer Nights 2019 Review

Summer nights in Southern California are often times for outdoor concerts, fairs, and parties. The daytime heat can often stifle such things, so the relatively cooler evenings bristle with life. Knott’s Berry Farm has opted to take advantage of this and created the aptly named Knott’s Summer Nights event series. Knott’s Summer Nights allows guests to enjoy live bands, fun games, and special treats without any add-on ticket price. We got the opportunity to check out their media preview night last week and experience it all, first-hand. You can check out the full schedule of Summer Nights bands over at the Knott’s website.

Not knowing exactly what to expect from the park in this event, we arrived at our scheduled check-in time and entered the Calico Ghost Town region of the park. On the way, we looked over some of the Knott’s Summer Nights photo ops and signage, and then kept on forward. Ghost Town seemed relatively untouched, although Knott’s Ghost Town Alive event decorations is out in full force. If you haven’t checked out Ghost Town Alive before, I highly recommend it – but, I digress. We reached the Calico stage area and were treated to a fun sight: There were a plethora of seats and fire pits setup in front of the stage as well as special Knott’s Summer Nights food carts lining the walkways. The fact that Knott’s Berry Farm had the moxie to trust their guests with open flames was a gamble well-taken. Guests can roast marshmallows and make s’mores or just keep warm while enjoying the live music. During our visit, we saw a number of live bands grace the stage – each with its own style of music.

The food carts had various fair style foods – churros, ice cream sandwiches, and more. We tried several of the dishes and, overall, thought they were tasty. Knott’s does sell a tasting card that will give you samples of many dishes if you don’t want to pay per item. The park has various characters walking around interactive with guests and dancing in front of the stage to let people know it’s alright to do so. Of course, the rest of Knott’s Berry Farm is still up and running during the Knott’s Summer Nights event – so you can ride all your favorite attractions like the Calico Mine Ride, Ghostrider, etc. as well as dine at any of the park’s usual eateries.

Be sure to checkout the newly revamped Calico River Rapids ride during your visit. The new animatronics as well as interactive elements are a total hoot. Knott’s Berry Farm has created a fun and enjoyable event with Knott’s Summer Nights – especially for no added cost to the regular ticket price. Knott’s Summer Nights runs from June 7 to August 11, 2019. Ticket information and more can be found at Knott’s Berry Farm’s official website.

Photo Gallery

Code Vein E3 2019 Trailer and Release Date

June 12, 2019 – The final release date for CODE VEIN has been revealed by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today. The action-adventure title will be available in the Americas on September 27, 2019 for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, and PC.

The new CODE VEIN trailer highlights the thirst for vengeance the Revenants and Lost have against each other in a fight for survival against a crumbling world. The new trailer can be found at the following YouTube link:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4sqFOGDmxQ[/embedyt]

Venture into the land of CODE VEIN and uncover its secrets. Players will be able to craft their own unique character and customize their experience by equipping numerous weapons, items, Skills, and Gifts to accommodate their favorite combat style or gain a competitive advantage against impossible odds. Various A.I. controlled partners will also be on-hand to explore the interconnected world with their own specialized attributes and personalities.

CODE VEIN will be available for the PlayStation 4 system, Xbox One, and PC later on September 27, 2019.

Wasteland 3 E3 2019 Trailer and Release Date

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – June 12, 2019 – inXile Entertainment, the studio led by Interplay founder and Wasteland co-creator Brian Fargo, and Deep Silver are pleased to announce that Wasteland 3 will be arriving in Spring 2020 on Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation 4, Windows, Mac, and Linux.

The legendary series, which pioneered the post-apocalypse genre in video games, returns players to the role of Desert Rangers, lawmen in a post-nuclear world working to rebuild civilization from the ashes. Trading the dry, dusty heat of the American southwest for the frozen badlands of Colorado, Wasteland 3 features a number of chilling new locations where the Rangers will face hazards, engage in combat and receive an icy reception from the locals.

The Wasteland 3 E3 trailer provides a small look at the big things in store for Wasteland fans and can be viewed here:

In addition to narrative choices and the tactical turn-based combat that the series is known for, Wasteland 3 delivers brand new features, including a dynamic conversation system that highlights the weird and wild denizens of the Colorado Wasteland, an upgradable player vehicle, and the ability to play through the storyline cooperatively with a friend online.

According to inXile CEO Brian Fargo, “Wasteland 3 is a passion project for inXile and especially me. I directed the first Wasteland in 1988 and its sequel was one of the original great crowdfunding successes, and it’s a series we care deeply about. Thanks to our partnership with Deep Silver and Microsoft, we’re able to deliver the kind of deep, immersive experience that Wasteland fans want and expect.”

Star Wars Celebration Back in Anaheim for 2020

June 13, 2019 – StarWars.com is excited to announce that Star Wars Celebration will return to Anaheim, California, on August 27-30, 2020, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The world’s biggest gathering of Star Wars fans, Celebration is an official production from Lucasfilm and ReedPOP, honoring the past of a galaxy far, far away while looking ahead at what’s to come — from new movies to upcoming shows, games, and comics. Tickets go on sale June 21 at 9 a.m. PT.

Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2020 will be four fun-filled days of major announcements, immersive exhibits, an interactive show floor, screenings, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, panels, autograph sessions, fan-inspired activities, costumes, and other surprises. From young fans of Star Wars animated shows to die-hards fueled by the nostalgia for the original Star Wars trilogy to families that enjoy Star Wars together, there’s something for everyone at Star Wars Celebration. For Star Wars fans, there’s nothing else like it.

Stay tuned to StarWars.com and StarWarsCelebration.com for news on Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2020, including panels, guests, and more.

StarWars.com. All Star Wars, all the time.

ROCCAT Unveils Kain AIMO RGB Mouse at E3 2019

Los Angeles, CA/Hamburg, Germany – June 11, 2019 – ROCCAT, newly acquired by Turtle Beach, fully unveils its brand-new mouse series: the ROCCAT Kain AIMO. The starting vision was to create the best possible click, but this evolved into a meticulous analysis of every part of the mouse. The brand remastered each detail, from the shape to the internal mechanics to the surface material. Piotr Gburzynski, Product Manager for mice and keyboards says “The Kain’s development challenged all performance-related features for a next-gen gaming mouse. Using a new click mechanism, mouse wheel structure, sensor and performance coating, it fulfils gamers’ dreams for the best in reliability and precision.” 12 years of mouse design testifies to ROCCAT’s progress into a premium PC peripheral brand.

Three variants of the Kain are revealed by the German peripheral manufacturer. The Kain 100 AIMO carries ROCCAT’s Pro-Optic (R8) sensor for 8,500dpi accuracy, plus texturized side grips. The Kain 120 AIMO boasts the new version of ROCCAT’s Owl-Eye 16K optical sensor while the version 200 represents the series’ wireless mouse.

All three models have the same shape: born of a meticulous process involving two years of research, testing and hearing feedback from beta-testers and what customers truly want. The idea was to create an ergonomic shape that doesn’t strictly position the hand into a specific grip style. The performance and accuracy of the shape is enhanced by an evolutionary new coating. It is grippy, durable and dirt resistant thanks to a hybrid anti-wear UV coating. Combined with a light weight of only 89 grams, the Kain AIMO 100 and 120 are agile and comfortable in hand. All variants of the Kain are available in black and white. Its split buttons design not only supports the click mechanism but also adds to its sophisticated aesthetics. In addition, the Kain is a new addition to the AIMO ecosystem, synergizing with other AIMO products to create a vivid aesthetic without the need for extensive configuration.

The desire to develop a better click was the essence of the project. After successfully developing a keyboard switch for the Vulcan series in 2018, it felt natural for ROCCAT to also revisit the mechanism and design of mouse clicks. Mechanics are but one part of ROCCAT’s revolutionized Titan Click. Pushing the boundaries of performance even further, an intelligent algorithm in the Kain’s firmware improves signal processing to register mouse clicks up to 16ms faster. This allows for a rapid response to action, a great advantage for gamers that require speed and precision. The perfectly positioned Omron switches, exclusive to ROCCAT, are placed directly behind the split buttons to offer crisp and direct feedback. Optimized hinges and springs bring the support and stability for balanced control. The click mechanism also holds a 2D mousewheel which sits in a 4D mousewheel holder, and has its switch directly below it making the click of the mousewheel exceptionally precise. All around speed, control, precision and performance are what the Kain AIMO series promises to deliver.

The Kain 100 and 120 are available to pre-order today from ROCCAT shop* as well as from partner retailers. Recommended MSRPs are Kain 100: $49.99 /49.99€ the Kain 120: $69.99/69.66€. The mouse will be available for purchase beginning of September. The wireless Kain 200 will be available from November for $99.99 /99.99€.
*Available in: UK, France, Germany, Austria.

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered E3 2019 Trailer

Santa Clara, CA., (June 11, 2019) – Leading interactive entertainment publisher and developer BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announced Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch™ Remastered, an enhanced version of 2013’s beloved action role-playing game featuring upgraded graphics on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and PC. The original version of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch will also be available on Nintendo Switch™, marking its official debut on a handheld platform. Both versions are set to release on September 20th, 2019.

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered on PlayStation 4 and PC features brilliant new visual enhancements, letting PlayStation 4 players enjoy the game at 1080p resolution and with a super-smooth frame rate of 60 frames per second (fps). PlayStation 4 Pro users can also opt for true 4K resolution at 30 fps, or 1440p at 60fps. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch on Nintendo Switch is the first handheld iteration of the acclaimed title, letting Switch players experience the game in 720p resolution at 30 fps in TV mode at home, or in handheld mode on-the-go. The game retains its original dynamic fight system, combining real-time action and turn-based tactical elements, as well as the dozens of locations and hundreds of creatures that comprise the vast universe of Ni no Kuni.

Originally developed by LEVEL-5, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch’s story unfolds through animation storyboarded and created by the legendary Studio Ghibli, with music composed by award-winning musician Joe Hisaishi. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch tells the charming yet tragic story of Oliver, a young boy who embarks on a journey to another world in the hope of bringing back his mother following a tragic incident. With a copy of the Wizard’s Companion in hand and his pal Drippy by his side, Oliver must traverse exotic lands to tame familiars, take on malevolent foes, and overcome the countless challenges that stand between him and his mother’s salvation.

“For those who missed this amazing adventure, or those who would like to feel the magic again, these two Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch releases represent the perfect opportunity to get lost in a world of wonder, danger, love, and friendship,” said Randy Le, Brand Manager at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “A beautiful and compelling tale told by expert storytellers with a heartbreaking score, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch stands alongside the best games of the last generation. We’re excited to let gamers rediscover this rich world on modern systems.”

For more information about Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered or other titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., please visit https://www.bandainamcoent.com, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS or join the conversation on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

LucidSound Unveils Snoop Dogg LS50 Edition

SAN DIEGO, June 11, 2019 — Coming out of their pre-E3 launch party, LucidSound, the fastest growing gaming headset brand, announced today, the LS50, their most advanced 100% wireless and Bluetooth gaming headset with a focus on functionality and design, will be launching later this year. Designed with the active gamer in mind, the LS50 includes Bluetooth connectivity to switch seamlessly between a game and your mobile device. The new headset will also feature LucidSound’s signature on ear controls, 50mm speakers, 20 hours of battery life and a refined design aesthetic. The LS50 and Limited-Edition Snoop Dogg version will ship in Fall 2019.

The company also announced a partnership with legendary DJ and music artist Snoop Dogg to deliver the Limited-Edition Snoop Dogg LS50 headset, featuring the power of the LS50 melded with the hip hop legend’s signature brand. The LS50 and Limited-Edition Snoop Dogg version are coming this fall to retailers across North America and Europe.

“I’ve bought dozens of headphones and spent thousands of dollars and LucidSound are the best I’ve ever had,” said Snoop Dogg. “All the homies in party chat can’t stop talking about how good these headsets are. They love how you can mute the conversation on the fly.”

“Snoop Dogg has been using LucidSound headsets for his Mixer streams for some time and we are excited to work with him on a limited-edition product,” said Chris Von Huben, CEO of LucidSound. “The LS50 headset is a true hybrid gaming and music headset featuring wireless audio and chat technology for console, PC and mobile gaming, music and communications.”

LS50 Headset Features:

  • Signature Controls: The LS50 features the most intuitive volume and mute controls, which is fully integrated into the aesthetic design of the headset.
  • Seamless Device Switching: The LS50 can be used for console and PC gaming or the headset can connect to any Bluetooth audio device with seamless switching between the two.
  • Crystal-Clear Chat with Dual Mics: Dual microphone design offers a flexible boom mic for intense online gameplay. Remove the boom mic to use the integrated mic for mobile. Both mics support background noise and echo cancellation.
  • Designed for Comfort: Ultra-plush, easily replaceable gel-cooled oval ear cups include advanced memory foam for superior comfort during long play sessions.
  • Sound Quality: Custom-tuned 50mm speakers with state-of-the-art neodymium magnets provide deep bass and clear highs. Immerse yourself in the expertly crafted, signature LucidSound audio acoustics.
  • 20-Hour Battery Life: The built-in lightweight rechargeable LiPo battery delivers up to 20 hours of wireless operation.
  • Customizable Speaker Plates: Update the look of your LS10 headset with magnetic speaker plates.
  • Premium Materials and Build Quality: Designed to be comfortable for every size head. Durable components and solid metal touchpoints are made to last.

The LS50 is to release this fall at retailers across North America for $249.99.