Author - Jerry Paxton

Thrustmaster’s F/A-18C Hornet HOTAS Add-On Grip Release Date and Price

2019/06/07
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News, Peripherals News

London, June 07, 2019 — Thrustmaster has switched to air combat maneuvering mode for the 2019 edition of FlightSimExpo in Orlando, Florida. After a long period of development and beta testing required to perfect this authentic joystick, the juicy details regarding the replica of the legendary F/A-18C Hornet™ control stick can finally be revealed.

A flight stick grip with a rich history behind it

Following the amazing and popular level of performance made possible by its first replica joystick, the HOTAS Warthog (A-10C), Thrustmaster is thrilled to offer a new and versatile grip alternative for simmers that want to take their flight simulations to the next level.

Modeled after the multifunctional control stick found in the U.S. Navy’s famed F/A-18C Hornet™ multirole fighter, this HOTAS Add-On Grip will provide simmers a real-as-it-gets flight experience — all the way from launching off the carrier deck, to dogfighting and pounding ground targets.

Just like its namesake fighter/attack aircraft, the F/A-18C Hornet™ HOTAS Add-On Grip has been built with multitasking in mind: it’s perfect for one moment battling a MiG to the next taking out a platoon of enemy tanks.

Key product features

  • Life-size, 1:1 scale replica of the F/A-18C Hornet™ flight stick handle.
  • Metal design (grip), with durable, industrial-grade materials for an authentic feel and maximum product lifespan.
  • 19 action buttons, including a realistic 2-step trigger and one 8-direction “Point of View” hat switch. The same number of inputs as the HOTAS Warthog control stick.
  • Native integration in the game DCS (sold separately) via the dedicated F/A-18C module.
  • Nearly identical stick to that used in the AV-8B Night Attack and F-15E Strike Eagle.
  • Backwards-compatible with two best-selling Thrustmaster joystick bases: HOTAS Warthog and HOTAS Cougar (sold separately): easily swap your HOTAS Warthog and HOTAS Cougar with the flight grip.

While the product is compatible with all the most popular flight sim titles, the F/A-18C Hornet™ HOTAS Add-On Grip serves as a true extension for Digital Combat Simulator: F/A-18C Hornet by Eagle Dynamics.

As Matt Wagner, the Executive Producer of the Digital Combat Simulator series points out: “If you fly in DCS: F/A-18C Hornet and want to really enjoy the ultimate simulation experience, don’t wait to get your hands on this new joystick.”

Key features of the F/A-18C Hornet™ HOTAS Add-On Grip:

  • Pre-orders begin:
    • From June 7, 2019 on Thrustmaster e-shop
    • From June 10, 2019 worldwide
    • Commercial availability: from July 25, 2019
  • Suggested retail price: £179.99

Check out the awesome FlightSimExpo by following Thrustmaster on social media — discover or dive deeper into the joystick’s many advanced features by getting an in-game look via the F/A-18C Hornet™ DCS module.

https://www.facebook.com/ThrustmasterOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/tmthrustmaster/

https://twitter.com/TMThrustmaster

The Haymaker High-End Gaming Headphones Unveiled for E3 2019

2019/06/06
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News, Tech News

LOS ANGELES, CA. – June 6, 2019 – Haymaker, a company focused on delivering the best sound experience around, is excited to unveil its flagship headphones at E3 2019, the world’s premier event for computer and video games. Known as “The Haymaker”, these headphones are set to completely disrupt the market because they offer a sleek and premium design with innovative features that are perfect for gaming! The Haymaker is on display in the Company’s booth (#247) during E3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, from June 11-13, 2019.

“Finding headphones that look as good as they sound is downright frustrating. We took this, as well as feedback from consumers about how they wanted their headphones to sound, into account when we developed The Haymaker,” said Matt Bremyer, Founder of Haymaker. “Whether you’re a mobile, PC or console gamer, these headphones will not only look badass, but will also deliver an incredible sound experience that is unmatched on the market. We can’t wait to show them off at E3.”

The Haymaker is equipped with dual mode adaptive noise canceling, touch sensor controls, and clear voice processing for the most intense and collaborative gaming sessions. It is also compatible with smart devices and desktop computers via Bluetooth to control music transmission and play, telephone reception and buzz off. Gamers can rejoice as the headphones can also connect with MB/NB/Xbox/PS4 via aux Line-In for console and a USB Line-In junction box for PC, to play games and music.

Equipped with Dirac 3D Audio™, The Haymaker can accurately represent sounds that come from all directions which is ideal for gaming. The Haymaker also boasts Dirac HD Sound® which corrects impulse and magnitude frequency response to improve musical staging, clarity, voice intelligibility and bass fidelity.

With a sleek, black carbon fiber body, The Haymaker is the definition of premium. The headphones come with two complete memory foam speaker pad sets – one leather set for listening to music, and another perforated cloth set for gaming. Multicolor synchronous RGB LED lights (eight color options in total) line the earphone housing and the headband which is both stretchable and foldable. An LED indicator (red/blue double-color LED lighting) on the headphone frame also indicates Bluetooth connectivity, power charge status and low voltage. Additional accessories include a 3.5mm auxiliary cord, universal micro USB-C cord, carrying case, PC gaming controller adaptor, additional set of memory foam speaker pads and a quick-start guide. The Haymaker will be available this summer at The-Haymaker.com for $329.95.

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts Pre-E3 Trailer

2019/06/06
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

WARSAW, Poland (June 6, 2019) — Today, CI Games is excited to unveil the debut teaser trailer for Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts, the latest game in the acclaimed tactical shooter series. Set to launch on PC, PS4 and Xbox One later this year, this teaser introduces players to the harsh Siberian wilderness they will have to contend with, while keeping the series’ trademark sniping at its core. But that’s not the only surprise lying in wait…

Watch the debut Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts teaser trailer:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvGprYy0lZk[/embedyt]

With E3 just around the corner, CI Games will be on-hand at the annual games showcase to give fans their first look at Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts’ gameplay. In addition to expanding on its genre-defining sniping and maintaining a keen eye for detail across its true-to-life arsenal of armaments, Contracts takes the series in a new direction, offering up tense, mission-based scenarios across dense, more focused maps.

Adopting a puzzle box approach and leveraging its namesake contracts system, these open-ended missions can be tackled in a wealth of different ways, rewarding tactical, quick thinking in the face of emergent encounters. Interested in further increasing your payout? Missions also pose countless side missions which can be undertaken to earn extra cash for upgrading your loadout.

From its in-depth single-player campaign and range of multiplayer options, to its return-to-form, intense mission-based contracts system, Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts seeks to perfect the feeling of staring down a scope and planning your approach. Get ready to tackle the Siberian wilderness and all the unique environmental obstacles it brings with it, because Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts is taking aim.

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts will launch in 2019 on PS4, Xbox One and PC. Stay tuned for additional details, coming later this month at E3.

For more information about the Sniper Ghost Warrior series, head to SGWContracts.com, follow the team on Facebook, or join the conversation on Twitter.

GreedFall E3 2019 Story Trailer

2019/06/06
Jerry Paxton
E3, Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

June 6, 2019 – GreedFall, the latest RPG from Spiders, invites you to explore the magical island of Teer Fradee in its E3 Story Trailer. Emphasizing freedom and player choice, forge your own destiny when GreedFall releases in September 2019 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

Today’s trailer dives into GreedFall’s epic story and setting, as settlers, mercenaries and treasure hunters depart the old continent to converge on a remote island seeping with magic – rumored to be filled with riches and lost secrets. On the hunt for a cure to save your home continent from a devastating disease, you find yourself in the middle of ever-increasing tensions between the invading settlers and the local natives protected by supernatural Guardians, manifestation of the island’s magic.

You can progress and succeed in quests through a multitude of paths. Whether utilizing combat, diplomacy or deception, the way you reach your objectives depends on your choices and how you choose to develop your character. The island of GreedFall is a living, ever-evolving world. Your actions, from seemingly trivial choices to the most important political decisions, will influence its course and, ultimately, shape your story.

GreedFall releases September 2019 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Steam page and wishlist option are now live! For more information, visit www.greedfall.com.

Razer Unveils Kraken X Gaming Headset

2019/06/06
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today introduced the Kraken X wired gaming headset. It is designed to be ultra-light and comfortable with 7.1 surround sound for all-day gaming that won’t break the bank.

Razer is also announcing that all its gaming headsets launched from 2019 onwards will offer 7.1 surround sound capabilities to provide the unfair advantage in gaming.

RAZER KRAKEN X

The Kraken X is designed to deliver superior comfort all day long. Seriously, all day.

It features a fresh redesign that slims down the familiar Razer Kraken profile to an extremely light weight of just 250 grams (0.55 lbs), making it one of the lightest gaming headsets in the market today. Paired with soft memory foam ear cushions, glasses-friendly eyewear channels and an adjustable headband, the Kraken X serves as an undeniably comfortable gaming headset.

True gaming audio is not complete without 7.1 surround sound. Even the affordable new Kraken X headset will feature 7.1 surround sound instead of stereo audio seen on competitive budget-friendly gaming headsets. Delivering a true competitive advantage, the 7.1 surround sound software provides accurate positional audio in the middle of battle. It is a critical gaming element that helps pinpoint where the danger is coming from. 7.1 surround sound is available with the Kraken X on Windows 10 64-bit.

“The Kraken X is great for any gamer,” says Alvin Cheung, Senior Vice President of Peripherals at Razer. “It’s ultra-light and incredibly comfortable, so you can game for hours with it. It is the companion of choice for domination and immersion in your game with 7.1 surround sound.”

The Kraken X is built with a bendable cardioid microphone. Its tight pickup pattern suppresses noise from the back and sides so your voice will always sound crystal clear to your teammates. A microphone mute switch and volume controls can be found directly on the earcup for quick and easy access.

Gamers can enjoy the Kraken X headset across devices. It uses the universal 3.5mm connection that is compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.

The Kraken X is available in classic black, and another variant, the Kraken X for Console will come with black and blue highlights.

SURROUND SOUND FOR ALL

Also today, Razer is enhancing the competitive advantage across its entire range of gaming headsets by providing 7.1 surround sound capability for all its 2019 over-the-ear headsets that are priced under $99 USD, including the latest Kraken 2019 ($79.99 MSRP) which offers cooling-gel cushions for superior comfort and a retractable cardioid microphone for crystal clear team communication.

THX Spatial Audio, the premium audio technology with a full suite of audio customization and microphone enhancement features, will also be available with headsets priced at and above $99 USD like the Kraken Tournament Edition and Narifamily of wireless headsets.

Previous Kraken 2019 owners looking to redeem their 7.1 surround sound software will receive their activation code after registering their headset on RazerID, using the serial number found on the headset speakers beneath the ear cushions.

For more information, please visit www.razer.com/7.1-surround-sound

AVAILABILITY

Razer Kraken X

  • $49.99 USD / €59.99 MSRP
  • Razer.com – June 6, 2019
  • Worldwide – Q2 2019
  • For more information, please visit www.razer.com/kraken-x

Razer Kraken X for Console

PRODUCT FEATURES – Kraken X and Kraken X for Console

Headphones

  • Frequency response: 12 Hz – 28 kHz
  • Impedance: 32 Ω @ 1 kHz
  • Sensitivity (@1 kHz): 106 dB
  • Drivers: 40 mm, with Neodymium magnets
  • Inner ear cup diameter: 65 x 44 mm
  • Connection type: Analog 3.5 mm
  • Cable length: 1.3 m / 4.27 ft.
  • Approx. weight: 250g / 0.55lbs
  • Oval ear cushions: Designed for full-ear coverage with leatherette, for sound isolation and comfort

Microphone

  • Frequency response: 100 Hz – 10 kHz
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 55 dB
  • Sensitivity (@1 kHz): -42 ± 3 dB
  • Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional ECM boom

On-Earcup Control

  • Volume up and down
  • Microphone quick mute toggle

Audio Usage

  • Audio Usage: Devices with 3.5 mm audio jack
  • Audio + microphone usage: Devices with 3.5 mm audio + mic combined jack
  • Audio / mic splitter adapter cable usage: Devices with separate 3.5 mm audio and microphone jacks

Surround sound: Only available on Windows 10 64-bit

 

Stellaris: Console Edition Gets Utopia Soon

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

STOCKHOLM – Jun. 6, 2019 – Paradox Interactive and Tantalus Media have today announced that Utopia, the anticipated major expansion for Stellaris: Console Edition, will launch on August 13th. This expansion includes new customization features allowing players to greatly diversify their empire options and truly create a space nation of their own.

Ascend to a higher plane with a trailer here:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDh3KLLYjZE[/embedyt]

Join the spacefaring community now: https://console.stellaris.com/

Featuring the same deep strategic gameplay as Paradox’s original Stellaris, with rich and diverse alien races and emergent storytelling, Stellaris: Console Edition puts the complexity of the galaxy at your thumbsticks. Whether you’re exploring the unknown, discovering the mysteries of the universe, or conquering it for the glory of your empire, console players have more inter-galactic strategy awaiting them than ever before.

Utopia features include:

  • Megastructures: Build wondrous structures in your systems including Dyson Spheres and ring worlds, bringing both prestige and major advantages to your race.

  • Habitat Stations: Build “tall” and establish space stations that will house more population, serving the role of planets in a small and confined empire.

  • Ascension Perks: Collect Unity points and adopt Traditions to unlock Ascension Perks that allow you to customize your empire in unique ways. Follow one of the three Ascension Paths and achieve Biological Mastery, give up your biological forms in a Synthetic Evolution, or unlock the full psionic potential of your species through Transcendance.

  • Indoctrination: Influence primitive civilizations and make them adopt your ethics through the use of observation stations, preparing them for enlightenment or annexation.

  • Advanced Slavery: Maximize the benefits of slavery by choosing specific roles for enthralled species. Have them serve other Pops as Domestic Servants, fight for your empire as Battle Thralls, or keep them as Livestock to feed your people.

  • Advanced Governments: Adopt unique civics and authorities for your government. Play as a Fanatic Purifier and shun all diplomacy, become a Hive Mind to avoid political strife or create a multi-species empire born of Syncretic Evolution.

Disney Parks and Experiences Panel and More Announced for D23 Expo 2019

2019/06/06
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

BURBANK, Calif., June 6, 2019 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 Expo 2019, August 23–25. The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will kick off the Expo on Friday morning, August 23. Later that same day, Disney+ will showcase its exciting slate of original films and series coming to the streaming service, set to launch in the U.S. on November 12. On Saturday morning, The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a sneak peek at their collection of world-class film labels, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm. And on Sunday morning, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Disney Parks during a presentation hosted by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek.

These Expo favorites will take place in “Hall D23,” the 6,800-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center. The schedule of Hall D23 Events and Presentations is as follows (all events subject to change and additional events to be announced in the coming weeks):

The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 23. The ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will once again honor those visionaries and artists who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. This year’s recipients are: Wing Chao, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, James Earl Jones, Bette Midler, Kenny Ortega, Barnette Ricci, Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer.

On Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., the highly anticipated streaming service Disney+ will give guests a first look at some of its original content including Lady and the Tramp, The Mandalorian, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and many more during this star-studded presentation.

The Walt Disney Studios will present a behind-the-scenes look at its blockbuster collection of upcoming films on Saturday, August 24, at 10 a.m. Fans will see what’s on the drawing board for the acclaimed filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios and get a peek at the exciting slate of live-action projects, from Disney to Marvel Studios to Star Wars. As always, attendees will be treated to exclusive footage, special guest appearances, and more!

On Sunday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m., step into the magical world of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products with Chairman Bob Chapek to find out what’s new and what’s next for resorts around the globe, including more about the transformational plans for Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

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.

Larian Studios Announces Baldur’s Gate III

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

June 6, 2019 – Larian Studios is proud to announce that they are developing and publishing Baldur’s Gate III on PC and Google Stadia. Created in close collaboration with the Dungeons & Dragons team at Wizards of the Coast, Baldur’s Gate III is based off current D&D mechanics and spells and is the official new chapter in the legendary series.

Baldur’s Gate III will push the boundaries of the RPG genre and offer a rich narrative with unparalleled player freedom, high-stakes decisions, unique companion characters and memorable combat. It is Larian Studios’ biggest production ever and will be playable together with friends or as a single-player adventure.

The teaser trailer shows a return of a malevolent presence to Baldur’s Gate, intent on devouring it from the inside out, corrupting everything that remains in the Forgotten Realms. Alone you may resist, but together you can overcome. Gather your party.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcP0WdH7rTs[/embedyt]

“Baldur’s Gate means so much to so many people. It’s a great responsibility but I think we’re ready for it,” said Swen Vincke, Creative Director at Larian Studios. “We’re all about creating reactive, systemic worlds that respect player agency and having a chance to apply our team’s skillset in a universe as rich as Dungeons & Dragons is a lot of fun. We’re working very closely with Wizards to bring an unprecedented level of immersion to the realm of Faerun and I can’t wait to show the world what our team cooked up.”

“Partnering with Larian, a studio that combines a remarkable history of critically-acclaimed titles with a genuine passion for one of the most iconic locations in Dungeons & Dragons, has been a terrific experience,” said Chris Cocks, President of Wizards of the Coast. “We believe fans of the Baldur’s Gate saga – and even those new to the series – will be thrilled to step into this epic story.”

Larian Studios plans to work closely with the global community to bring the coveted series to life, with more news to follow over the course of the year.

Barotrauma Out Now

2019/06/06
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Mac PC News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

HAMBURG, Germany – June 5, 2019 – Publisher Daedalic Entertainment and independent developers FakeFish and Undertow Games have released the hilarious multiplayer sci-fi submarine simulator Barotrauma for Windows PC, Mac and Linux via Steam Early Access for $29.99/£21.49 GBP/€24.99 Euro. Barotrauma sends up to 16 players on an underwater journey beneath the surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa, where you’ll discover alien wonders and/or horrors, command various submarine systems, and fight to survive dangers from both outside and within.

Check out Barotrauma’s new launch teaser here:

The feature trailer is available here: https://youtu.be/mVJxTpcn3wI

Navigate a chilling ocean filled with strange creatures, explore alien ruins, and cooperate with your crewmates to complete missions on your voyage. Choose from several classes and work together managing complex systems, including the nuclear reactor, guns, engines and sonar. Fend off hostile monsters, seal deadly radioactive leaks, and survive crewmates infected with extraterrestrial viruses.

Barotrauma’s thrilling and often hilarious chaos is both fun to play and watch thanks to procedurally generated levels, ridiculous ragdoll physics and full mod support. But beware: some threats are closer than you think. Multiplayer’s traitor mode option may randomly assign players as secret conspirators, complete with their own individual missions like assassination and sabotage.

Key Features:

  • Team up in adrenaline-filled 2D co-op multiplayer for up to 16 players. Or betray your crew and bury them in an icy grave…

  • Master intricate submarine management and crafting systems to survive Europa’s frigid depths.

  • Explore a vast ocean filled with unknown life and other dangerous secrets on an alien world.

  • Play as one of several classes, including captain, engineer, security officer, mechanic and medic.

  • Procedurally created levels and events ensure no two games are the same.

  • Make your own monstrosities! Transform the game via Steam Workshop and create your own submarines, sprites, levels and alien creatures for other players to download.

Early access is just the beginning for Barotrauma! The game will continuously be updated and expanded with new content, features and improvements in partnership with the game’s community.

For further information, visit the game on Steam and its official website, barotraumagame.com.

The Surge 2 Gets A Release Date

2019/06/06
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

June 6, 2019 – The Surge 2, Deck13’s incredible follow-up to the hardcore sci-fi action-RPG The Surge published by Focus Home Interactive, will be available worldwide September 24 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Players who preorder at participating retailers will receive the URBN Gear Pack DLC for free, which includes an armor set, two weapons, one drone, one module, and a bonus online message icon (check listings for local availability). The Surge 2 Limited Edition is now also available for pre-order, including an exclusive lenticular cover, an 8-page comic book, a massive double-side poster and three lithographs. The Limited Edition is available from select retailers worldwide.

The Surge 2 comes to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on September 24.

Screenshots