Author - Jerry Paxton

Rugby 24 Renamed Rugby 25

2024/06/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

NACON and Big Ant Studios are pleased to offer rugby fans the ultimate video game experience of their favourite sport with Rugby 25, available now on Early Access for PC (Steam). The game’s final launch on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC is scheduled after the Early Access process is complete.

As the game has had a deferred release due to scheduling issues with regard to teams making players available for photogrammetry, consequently shifting focus to the 2024-2025 season, the game shall now be known as Rugby 25. The early access version on the Steam platform, incorporating just part of the content, is playable from today, giving players a preview of the game’s mechanics, the studio’s aims and the opportunity to influence its development. The title will be released later this year with the final content incorporated, making it the most complete and ambitious rugby video game to date.

Eagerly awaited by rugby fans ever since it was announced, the studio wanted to get Rugby 25 into players hands at the earliest opportunity. In this initial Early Access release players will be able to select from 21 Nations, including the Australian Wallabies and French teams, with complete photogrammetry. Other teams and photogrammetry will be constantly added over the Early Access period, to reach a total of over 140 international teams, including New Zealand, South Africa and England, as well as more than 150 club teams from 11 competitions, such as the URC, the English Premiership, France’s Top 14, MLR and Super Rugby. More content, including teams, stadia and new playing modes, will be added in every update, right through to the game’s final release.

The development team are eager to receive and incorporate feedback from the community. They would like to invite fans and experts to team up with them directly via the dedicated chats and forums, to help make Rugby 25 the best rugby simulation to date.

Exo One Has Landed on PlayStation

2024/06/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos

Publisher All in! Games, working with Future Friends Games and Australian developer Exbleative (AKA Jay Weston), has announced that the critically acclaimed interplanetary, gravity-defying journey Exo One is available now PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

Updated Features
To make the experience more immersive than ever before, the PS5 version will utilize the Haptic Feedback features of the DualSense controller, enhancing immersion and simulating the feeling of gravity defying flight. The game will also include 120fps support so players with high refresh rate TVs and monitors can enjoy smooth breathtaking visuals alongside ultra-responsive gameplay.

Adaptive triggers will put resistance when going uphill and vibrate when you reach the speed of light. Players will feel even more engaged in the game world with the special sounds for reaching colossal speeds and entering a portal. What’s more, the colors of the sky in specific scenes will be reflected on the game pad.

PAYDAY 3: Chapter 2 – Boys in Blue Launch Trailer

2024/06/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Boys in Blue, the second DLC expansion for the ultimate heist shooter fantasy, is out now on all platforms, accessible to Silver Edition, Gold Edition, and Gold Pass owners of PAYDAY™ 3. The update includes new free content, Solo Mode Beta and robbing the cops in the second DLC expansion. Watch the launch trailer here.

Picking up the story from Chapter 1: Syntax Error, it’s time to get their gold back from a corrupt police captain. The Boys are back in town and Clover too!

DLC overview
The gang will infiltrate a police station, embodying the true spirit of PAYDAY as each gold bar they steal becomes a bold act of defiance against authority.

Boys in Blue is accessible to Silver, Gold, and Season Pass owners of PAYDAY™ 3 and is available to buy separately on PC, Xbox Series S|X, and PlayStation 5. The DLC consists of:

  •        The Heist Pack: with PAYDAY 3: Chapter 2 – Boys in Blue
  •        The Weapon Pack with 3 new weapons, 26 mods and and 2 cosmetics
  •        The Tailor Pack with 4 new masks, 4 new suits, and 4 new gloves.

PAYDAY 3 second DLC Expansion comes also with a major free update. The Boys in Blue free update will be available for all players including:

  •         Solo Mode Beta (on all platforms)
  •         New heister Clover, originally introduced to the PAYDAY series in 2014, including a gun and weapon charm
  •         New Primary weapon – LMG
  •         Loadout renaming
  •         3 new masks
  •         12 new flag stickers
  •         Twitch drops
  •         Nvidia DLSS 3.0 Ready, offering a great boost to performance for anyone with a recent Nvidia graphics card
  •         Twitch drops

Releasing alongside the Boys in Blue update will be a Gold Pass, now available for purchase. Upgrading to the Gold Pass will give all base PAYDAY 3 Edition fans access to all Year 1 content.

Solo Mode Beta
The Boys in Blue Update introduces a Solo Mode Beta, addressing community feedback received since the game’s release.

In this beta, the sections of the game previously hosted on PAYDAY servers are now hosted on players’ devices. What it does is skip the matchmaking step, meaning players still must log in and have access to the internet, but only for the initial identification and start up. This is the first step to support a full offline option in the future.

In PAYDAY 3: Chapter 2 – Boys in Blue, the Gang continues to unravel the web of betrayal surrounding former Murkywater CEO John Concord. The gang is tasked with enacting revenge on behalf of their old friend Vlad, breaking into a secure holding facility of the NYPD. In return, they’ll get a piece of the loot and access to private correspondence between a corrupt police captain and Concord.

The four most well-known clown-masked criminals in recent video game history returned from retirement last September in PAYDAY 3 on PC via PC Game Pass, on Steam and Epic Games Store, as well as Xbox Series S|X, on Console Game Pass, PlayStation 5 and GeForce Now.

Stern Pinball Launches All-New John Wick Contracts

2024/06/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Following Stern Pinball’s recent John Wick release, the entertainment and gaming powerhouse has released an all-new Insider Connected feature for quests: John Wick Contracts! Pinball enthusiasts and John Wick fans alike should gather their factions and head over to their nearest arcade to get started on their next mission!

John Wick Contracts offer a thrilling new addition to Stern’s pinball experience. Much like traditional Stern quests, these contracts will award profile badges upon completion of objectives in the John Wick game, like skill shots, modes, combos, and more.

John Wick Contracts will be delivered to players at random times with a notification via the Insider Connected app. Open Contracts will be available throughout the quest timeframe, giving players ample opportunity to complete them at their own pace. Limited Contracts add an extra layer of excitement with a race against other players! Once all Limited Contracts are all claimed, they are permanently closed.

Separately, in case you missed it, Stern recently began hosting John Wick launch parties all across the world! Players can participate by scanning into Stern’s Insider Connected app on any connected machine at an official launch party location. In doing so, they’ll earn a special digital launch party badge on their profile. Official launch parties (separated by region) can be found here, and players who have an Insider Connected account can log in and find the launch parties nearest to them.

Lil Nas X Unveils Original Song for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

2024/06/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News

Multi-platinum award-winning artist Lil Nas X has released his new song, “HERE WE GO! (from the Netflix film “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F”)” today via Columbia Records – listen HERE. Check out Lil Nas X discussing the creation of the song, alongside the legend himself Eddie Murphy, HERE.

The song was produced by Ojivolta and written by Montero Hill (Lil Nas X), Harold Faltermeyer, Raul Cubina, Mark Williams & Jarrod Morgan. It also includes an interpolation of the classic “Axel F” theme song from the 1984 Beverly Hills Cop film, written and performed by Harold Faltermeyer. The track is featured multiple times throughout the film as the movie’s theme and culminates with playing over the end credits.

Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces a New Interactive Wall in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

2024/06/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ at Universal Studios Hollywood scores with the debut of a new interactive wall, located within the Frosted Glacier area.

This innovative, interactive wall is designed to challenge guests as they engage with familiar Super Mario™ characters within the dynamic land. For those wearing their Power-Up Band™, guests can collect digital coins and stamps while keeping track of their score as they challenge themselves each time they play.

The premise is simple. Guests begin by punching the ? Block where one of four Power-Up items – Fire Flower, Ice Flower, Super Mushroom or Super Star – appear on the screen. They then can tap the Power-Up item and use it by swiping or tapping to defeat Goombas and Red and Green Koopa Paratroopas or tapping brick blocks as they flash by which earns them coins. The goal is to collect as many points as possible before the timed activity concludes.

Universal Studios Hollywood continues to celebrate the one-year anniversary of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD since it opened on February 17, 2023.  Other recent additions include a commemorative, special-release Golden Power-Up Band™, the perfect addition to the existing six Power-Up Band design options available for purchase with character themes, as well as a complimentary 1-Year Anniversary Button, available while supplies last at Guest Relations, located inside the theme park.

The all-new Power Up Cafe, which opened earlier this year and is located on the Upper Lot of the theme park, invites guests to power up outside of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

This exciting original concept grab-and-go cafe serves a scrumptious menu of Super Mario™ Power Up themed menu items available exclusively at this permanent new cafe. Plus, guests can place their orders within the venue or via the official Universal Studios Hollywood mobile app to save time.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is a visually spectacular land, located within an expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. Within the vibrancy of colors and architectural ingenuity, the land features the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many interactive activities to engage the family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom.

Along with themed dining at Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park.

From the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery and play awaits that is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Their journey begins as they enter Peach’s Castle before venturing further into the colorful Mushroom Kingdom.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD sweeps guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad where they become an integral part of their thrilling universe.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD was conceived in partnership with Nintendo and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.

For more information and details, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).

ABIGAIL Arrives on Digital Today and Blu-ray and DVD July 9th

2024/06/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Movie News, News

From Radio Silence comes the bloodthirsty, wild, and critically acclaimed vampire romp, ABIGAIL, available to own with all-new exclusive content on Digital June 25, 2024, and on Blu-ray™ and DVD July 9, 2024 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Hailed as “a Bloody Blast” (The Detroit News) and Certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, ABIGAIL brings a refreshing approach to the vampire genre – unleashing never-before-seen bonus content, deleted & extended scenes, and more off-camera bloody carnage.

ABIGAIL’s cast is led by the new IT scream queen Melissa Barrera (Scream VI, In The Heights) as well as the beloved Kathryn Newton (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Freaky, Lisa Frankenstein), The cast also includes Dan Stevens (Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, “Downton Abbey”), Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad”, The Usual Suspects, “Parish”), Alisha Weir (Roald Dahl’s Matilda, Don’t Leave Home), Kevin Durand (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Robin Hood), the late Angus Cloud (Your Lucky Day, “Euphoria”), and William Catlett (A Thousand and One, Lovecraft County).

Radio Silence, the filmmakers behind the horror hits Ready or Not, Scream (2022) and Scream VI, bring a brash and bloodthirsty new vision of vampires with ABIGAIL. A heist team is hired by a mysterious fixer to kidnap the daughter of a powerful underworld figure. They must guard the 12-year-old ballerina for one night to net a $50 million ransom. As the captors start to dwindle one by one, they discover to their mounting terror that they’re locked inside an isolated mansion with no ordinary little girl.

EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES TO OWN ONLY ON DIGITAL, BLU-RAYTM & DVD:

  • Deleted & Extended Scenes
  • Gag Reel
  • Blood Bath – Soak up the slaughter alongside the cast and crew with this dive into the deep end of Abigail’s body pits, where practical FX reign supreme and there’s no such thing as too much blood.
  • Hunters to Hunted – Get up close and personal with Abigail’s abductors as the cast divulges the details behind how they got into character to collectively create a unique crew of criminals.
  • Becoming a Ballerina Vampire – Abigail actor Alisha Weir, choreographer Belinda Murphy, and more members of the creative team take up the task of transforming a seemingly sweet little girl into a vicious vampire.
  • Directing Duo Matt & Tyler – Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett lead this look at the actors, ideas, and environment they put together to create a set that’s fun while still being fearsome.
  • Feature Commentary with Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett and Editor Michael P. Shawyer

The New Camp Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm is Now Officially Open!

2024/06/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

The new Camp Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm is officially opened. On the morning of June 27th, Knott’s Berry Farm Vice President and General Manager Jon Storbeck was joined by Snoopy and The Peanuts Gang along with more than 100 campers from The Boys and Girls Club of Buena Park to officially cut the ribbon on the reimagined land. With brand new attractions and a lot of summer camp fun, Camp Snoopy will allow campers of all ages to become full-fledged Beagle Scouts as they explore the rides, meet and greet with The Peanuts Gang, participate in interactive camp-tivities and enjoy the carefree fun and freedom of summer.

WHEN: Camp Snoopy officially opened on June 27, 2024

WHERE: Knott’s Berry Farm – 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Come explore more in 2024 by using #KnottsCampSnoopy on social media or visit www.knotts.com

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Coming to Halloween Horror Nights 2024

2024/06/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

If there’s something strange. If there’s something weird… An ancient artifact unleashes an evil force that threatens to destroy the world in all-new haunted houses, inspired by Sony Pictures’ latest film, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” debuting at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort on Friday, August 30 and at Universal Studios Hollywood on Thursday, September 5.

The all-new “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” haunted houses at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort bring the latest installment of the global Ghostbusters franchise to life as well as iconic ghosts, creatures and characters from the beloved classic series in authentic haunted houses that capture the horror and humor for which the films are known. “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” will transport fans of the film franchise to New York City where the Spengler family teams up with the original Ghostbusters who are now at the helm of a top-secret research lab for their ghost-busting enterprise. With the daunting discovery of an old relic that has set free the vengeful spirit of Garraka, who threatens to freeze everyone to death, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their city and save the world from a second Ice Age.

As guests venture through the haunted houses, they will find themselves in the sinister world of the supernatural, from Ray’s Occult Books shop to the Ghostbuster’s new high-tech lab and containment facility to the dank New York City sewer system. Fans will embark on this petrifying journey alongside the Ghostbusters, encountering iconic ghosts who slime and nefarious villains who are out for revenge – all while trying to escape an army of ghastly creatures bent on cracking bones and turning their veins into rivers of ice. As they navigate their way through freezing and frightening conditions, the Ghostbusters will need their wit and humor to defend the city they love from a terror too chilling to believe.

Select tickets and special vacation packages for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights are on-sale now, including single-night tickets, Express Passes, the R.I.P Tour, which provides Priority V.I.P. entry to the haunted houses, and the Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour that offers a glimpse into how the scares are brought to life via a daytime, lights-on journey through select haunted house. Tickets for Universal Orlando’s first-ever Premium Scream Night on Thursday, August 29 – an unprecedented, limited-capacity event that gives fans access to everything they love about Halloween Horror Nights before the event officially opens – are also now available. More information about all Universal Orlando’s current Halloween Horror Nights offers and entitlements can be found at www.universalorlando.com/halloween.

A variety of Halloween Horror Nights ticket options for Universal Studios Hollywood are now available, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2 P.M. Day/Night, the Early Access Ticket, which provides access to select haunted houses beginning at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change), in advance of the scheduled 7:00 p.m. event opening time, the premium R.I.P. Tour and popular passes, Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass, which enable guests to experience the scares again and again. Click here to purchase tickets and for Terms and Conditions.

For fans interested in digging deeper into the terror at Halloween Horror Nights, check out the Discover Universal Blog, which unearths more details about the two original haunted houses – “Monstruos 2: The Nightmare of Latin America” and “Dead Exposure: Death Valley” –  at Universal Studios Hollywood. New updates will be posted regularly for the events at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Fans can get their Halloween Horror Nights gear now with an all-new merchandise collection available for purchase at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as online at http://shop.universalorlando.com. New items include a t-shirt and hat for the “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” haunted house.

Additional details, including new haunted houses coming to both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, will be revealed soon. For more information and to purchase tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood’s event, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/Halloween.  For more information and to purchase tickets for Universal Orlando’s event, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Halloween.

City Bus Manager Launch Trailer

2024/06/27
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

After a successful Early Access period with over 1,300+ reviews of which 90% positive, City Bus Manager, the strategic management bus company simulation game developed by PeDePe and published by Aerosoft, has now fully released on Steam for PC for the price of 27,99€ with a launch discount of 30%!

In City Bus Manager, players can build and manage their own bus company from scratch, anywhere in the world. With the power of OpenStreetMap, players get to choose the exact starting location of their bus depot and create their own routes, managing passenger traffic, staff, and finances to build a successful and profitable bus empire.

During Early Access, the game received an overwhelming response from the community, with 90% of Steam reviews being positive. Players from all over the world have been building and managing their own bus companies, with over 500,000 played games and 40,000 cities getting new and upgraded bus routes in game!

City Bus Manager features a wide range of customization options, allowing players to personalize their bus company and depot to suit their style. With real-life data used to simulate passenger behavior, players must balance schedules, staff, and finances to keep customers happy and their buses running smoothly.

The full release version now adds the scenario game mode, ticket inspectors and new statistics for players to analyze the company’s profitability.

Key Features:

  • Play in every city and country worldwide
  • Real satellite data, bus stops, and POIs from OpenStreetMap
  • Bus modding and steam workshop
  • Scenario mode with limitless options
  • Create your own routes in your city
  • Track your buses live with realistic passenger volume and route planning
  • Build and customize your own depot
  • 30 different bus models (including own repaints)
  • Manage your employees and hire reliable and experienced staff
  • Service center with ticket sales
  • Passenger feedback and reviews
  • Extensive tech tree
  • Random events (e.g. rail replacement transport)

“We are thrilled to finally release City Bus Manager in its full form, after a really successful Early Access period that built our community, helping us, amongst other things, squash over 4,000 bugs and feature requests!” said Niklas Polster, co-founder at PeDePe. “It’s wild to think there’s already been half a million plays during Early Access, we can’t wait to see more people join in and see the community’s creativity and business skills continue to do amazing things in game and out!”

“It has been an amazing development cycle for PeDePe, and we are proud to see how the PeDePe team was able to meet the huge expectations that the fans of City Bus Manager had,” said Maarten Janello, Product Manager at Aerosoft. “Now that we’re leaving Early Access, we hope to continue this positive trend, seeing the game become the bus management simulation that players dreamt of.”