Author - Jerry Paxton

Metal: Hellsinger VR Demo Now on Steam

Funcom® is excited to announce that Metal: Hellsinger® VR, the heavy metal Rhythm Shooter developed by Lab42 Games, will launch in Fall 2024 on Meta Quest 2 & 3, Meta Quest Pro, and PS VR 2, and is available to play right now in a new demo on Steam.

The demo features the brand-new lobby, an immersive new location from which you can select your level, music, loadout, and more. The demo features Voke and Stygia, the two first missions in the game, along with four weapons; Paz, your loyal and loquacious skull, who will also sear your enemies with fiery bolts; Terminus, a wickedly agile sword; The Hounds, a set of demonic twin pistols; and Persephone, a shotgun with a thunderous bark to match both its bite and the beat.

As part of the Upload VR Showcase, the demo was introduced by Matt Heafy, guitarist and lead vocalist for heavy metal band Trivium, in a new video.

All the weapons can be aimed freely in full VR. Shoot to the beat and – if you have a free hand – show your enemy the sign of the horns before you blast them away. Just like in the original game, each weapon has its own powerful ultimate that unleashes havoc on the enemy, such as the double-time tempo slashes of Terminus, or the stunning lightning strike of Paz.

Players can enter Hell headfirst on Steam right now and slay the hordes of Hell to the award-winning soundtrack written by composer duo Two Feathers and performed by metal legends such as Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Matt Heafy (Trivium), and Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy).

Once the headset comes on and the music starts pounding, Metal: Hellsinger VR snaps you into an unparallelled state of frenetic demon-slaying flow. Experience a taste of it in today’s free demo, and the full game in Fall 2024.

ZHIYUN Unveils Revolutionary SMOOTH 5S AI Stabilizer for Video Makers

ZHIYUN, the trailblazer in image stabilization equipment, has launched the SMOOTH 5S AI Stabilizer for smartphone video makers. With advanced AI tracking technology, this gimbal provides unparalleled stabilization and effortless operation for capturing smooth and professional-quality footage with users’ smartphones. ZHIYUN continues to redefine smartphone videography, empowering content creators and smartphone users to unlock their creativity and capture stunning moments with ease.

AI-Driven Precision Tracking and Intelligent Algorithms

The SMOOTH 5S AI features intelligent algorithms, enabling precise and accurate subject tracking. These advanced algorithms continually adjust the gimbal based on the subject’s movements, ensuring consistently sharp and clear footage. Users make professional-grade video effortlessly – always in focus and blur-free.

AI Tracker for Seamless Tracking Shots

The SMOOTH 5S AI has an advanced AI tracker, with a magnetic attachment that allows it to be swiftly rotated to control a smartphone’s front or rear camera. With intuitive gesture control, users can easily manage tracking functions. The tracker allows simple hand gestures to start and stop shooting via ZHIYUN’s ZY Cami App, or by directly controlling a smartphone camera, as well as controlling custom framing and tracking. This makes long-distance solo video recording effortless and helps users capture wonderful moments that would normally be missed.

Orthogonal 3-Axis Structure for Unlimited Movement

ZHIYUN leads the industry with its classic orthogonal 3-axis structure, providing true 360° rotation, and immersive visual effects such as “Vortex Mode”. It delivers incredibly smooth and stable shots, whether capturing fast-paced action or calm cinematic scenes. Traditional 3-axis gimbals – which often do not have such complete movement flexibility – unexpectedly freeze and let users down when they want to create the most powerful and dramatic professional effects like low-to-high transitions, 360° barrel shots, and so on.

All-in-One Control Panel for Seamless Control

The SMOOTH 5S AI features easy-to-reach tactile controls that provide the kind of professional parameter adjustments normally found on high-end cameras. These physical controls – buttons, dials, joysticks, switches, and so on – ensure users can quickly choose exactly the settings they need for the best shot, without taking their eyes off the action.

Stylish, Practical, Sturdy Materials

ZHIYUN’s sleek new visual design elevates the aesthetics of the SMOOTH 5S AI. The axis arms are crafted with textured translucent material to enhance the sensory experience. The handle’s gradient texture and silicone coating improve grip and comfort. The SMOOTH 5S AI provides both aesthetic appeal and ergonomic functionality.

Integrated Fill Lights Bring Out the Beauty

The SMOOTH 5S AI’s built-in high-power fill light boasts an impressive peak illuminance of 680 lux. Two additional magnetically-attached fill lights can add their power to provide a combined peak illuminance of 2040 lux – rivaling even dedicated pocket-sized fill lights. Subjects are clearly but sensitively illuminated, capturing every detail while making them look their best.

StaCam & ZY Cami Apps – Essential Assistants

ZHIYUN’s ZY Cami and StaCam Apps cater to differing user needs. ZY Cami gets any user up and running fast, with convenient and efficient videography via a range of smart shooting functions. StaCam helps users fully unleash their creativity, empowering them to explore new frontiers of visual expression with advanced professional features like guides, focus peaking, zebra stripes, and LUT. Whether users are professional photographers or enthusiasts, ZHIYUN’s apps will empower and inspire them.

Learn more

Recommended pricing (MSRP)

  • SMOOTH 5S AI Standard $169
  • SMOOTH 5S AI COMBO (with AI Tracker) $219
  • SMOOTH 5S AI PRO (with AI Tracker, Magnetic Lights, Storage Bag) $249

Where to buy

Available online from the ZHIYUN store and ZHIYUN Amazon store.

ZHIYUN Store:

https://geni.us/SM5SAI

Amazon:

https://geni.us/AMZ-5SAI-FLL

Shout! TV Presents Killer Fish Weekend

Plunge into the ocean’s murky depths to find shark hybrids, deadly piranhas, fish-men, and more with Shout! TV’s Killer Fish Weekend, a binge-worthy marathon of cult classics streaming on Shout! TV and Scream Factory TV on July 12-14.

Sink your teeth into a delicious array of titles on Shout! TV and Scream Factory TV including Piranha (1978 and 1995), Sharktopus Vs. Pteracuda (featuring a cameo from Conan O’Brien), Sharkansas Women’s Prison Massacre (have you ever seen a shark walk on land?), and Lords Of The Deep (co-produced by Roger Corman). See the full marathon schedule below.

The Killer Fish Weekend marathon can be viewed on Shout! TV and Scream Factory TV; as well as the Shout! TV app on Roku, Android, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV; and the following digital streaming platforms – Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Local Now, Plex, Sling Freestream, LG Channels, available on LG Smart TVs, Fubo, XUMO and LiveTVx, available on Google devices. Scream Factory TV is available to stream on The CW.

SHOUT! TV & SCREAM FACTORY TV PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE:

Friday 7/12

  • 2:30 PM PT / 5:30 PM ET: Sharknado: Feeding Frenzy
  • 4 PM PT / 7 PM ET: MST3K: Devil Fish
  • 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET: Piranha (1978)
  • 8 PM PT / 11 PM ET: Killer Fish: Deadly Treasure Of The Piranha
  • 10 PM PT / 1 AM ET: Sharkansas: Women’s Prison Massacre

Saturday 7/13

  • 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET: Slithis
  • 2 AM PT / 5 AM ET: Piranha
  • 4 AM PT / 7 AM ET: September Storm
  • 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET: MST3K: Blood Waters of Dr. Z
  • 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET: Piranhaconda
  • 9:30 AM PT / 12:30 PM ET: Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda
  • 11:30 PM PT / 2:30 PM ET: Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf
  • 1:30 PM PT / 4:30 PM ET: Elvira’s Movie Macabre: Monstroid
  • 3:30 PM PT / 6:30 PM ET: Piranha (1995)
  • 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET: Piranha (1978)
  • 7 PM PT / 10 PM PT: Sharkansas Women’s Prison Massacre
  • 9 PM PT / 12 AM ET: Sharknado: Feeding Frenzy
  • 10:30 PM / 1:30 AM ET: Lords of the Deep

Sunday 7/14

  • 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET: Piranhaconda
  • 1:30 AM PT / 4:30 AM ET: Piranha (1995)
  • 3 AM PT/ 6 AM ET: MST3K: Devil Fish
  • 5 AM PT / 8 AM ET: Slithis
  • 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET: Elvira’s Movie Macabre: Monstroid
  • 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET: Demon Of Paradise
  • 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET: September Storm
  • 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET: Killer Fish: Deadly Treasure Of The Piranha
  • 3 PM PT / 6 PM ET: Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda
  • 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET: Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf
  • 7 PM PT / 10 PM PT: Piranha (1978)
  • 9 PM PT / 12 AM ET: Piranha (1995)
  • 10:30 PM PT / 1:30 AM ET: Terror Beneath The Sea

Deep Cuts Official Reveal Trailer

Publisher tinyBuild and developer Scythe Dev Team, the masterminds behind Happy’s Humble Burger Farm, revealed Deep Cuts, a cinematic horror VR rescue mission, during today’s UploadVR Showcase. Deep Cuts will arrive later this year on Meta Quest, with Steam VR and PSVR 2 support coming in 2025.

Following the success of Happy’s Humble’s Burger Farm, Scythe and tinyBuild return with yet another exhilarating horror experience, this time blending it with classic cinema in an all-new way only achievable in VR. Plunge into a messy physics-based action gameplay with highly interactive worlds, a hair-raising atmosphere, and a rich narrative.

Lights, camera, action! Filmmaker Elise Weber and best friend/creative partner Malcolm Micheaux enjoyed an illustrious career until their villainous cartoon creations went mad. As Elise, explore the Lights Camera Faction studio premises in hopes of saving Malcolm. Enter a series of blockbuster worlds based on the duo’s extensive film catalog alongside Bowie, the only sane cartoon character left.

Take Elise right into the heart of a movie set. Survive the ‘80s horror-inspired “Forsaken Festival”, fend off creatures in the ‘70s space thriller “Origin Drill”, or take a stroll through the Wild West in “Bastard Town”.

Each blockbuster world contains numerous interactable objects – grab a boom mic for an improvised weapon, fire off a prop machine gun, and discover hidden lore secrets. Solve intricate puzzles with the help of time manipulation abilities, and embrace the power of an ultimate Film Director!

“With Deep Cuts, we’ve harnessed every inch of the Meta Quest hardware to create an unmatched experience, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the physical VR medium,” said Kaleb Alfadda, Principal Technical Engineer, Director & Founder, Scythe Dev Team. “Our team meticulously optimized every aspect to ensure fluid performance and rich, detailed environments that truly bring the game to life. We’re excited to offer players an experience that fully exploits the potential of the hardware, setting a new bar for standalone VR.”

Deep Cuts premiers on Meta Quest later in 2024, with Steam VR and PSVR 2 following suite in 2025. It will support the English language.

For more information, visit Deep Cuts’ Meta page, follow @dev_scythe and @tinyBuild on X, and subscribe to the Scythe Dev Team’s YouTube channel.

Team 17 Group Confirms Participation at Gamescom 2024

astragon Entertainment and Team17 Digital, both subsidiaries of Team17 Group plc, are excited to announce their joint participation at gamescom 2024 in Cologne, the world’s largest trade fair for interactive entertainment.

At their shared booth in Hall 6, visitors will find a range of simulation highlights from astragon Entertainment and a variety of popular indie games from Team17 Digital. The booth will feature numerous hands-on gaming opportunities as well as an engaging stage program, packed with this year’s top attractions.

At the business stand in Hall 4.2, press representatives and industry partners will have exclusive access to presentations and insights into the latest projects from all three Team17 Group plc subsidiaries astragon Entertainment, Team17 Digital, and StoryToys.

astragon Entertainment is known for its successful simulation brands such as Construction Simulator, Police Simulator: Patrol Officers, Bus Simulator, and Firefighting Simulator. Alongside these popular titles, the company publishes Railroads Online and offers a diverse array of distribution titles from global partners across various genres.

“For many years, gamescom has provided us with a valuable platform to showcase our new products to a global audience. We are excited to share our passion for simulation games with our community and visitors at our booth,” says Julia Pfiffer, Co-CEO of astragon Entertainment. “In the business area, we will offer space for engaging discussions with partners and media representatives about the industry, our current portfolio, and upcoming projects.”

Team17 Digital is responsible for publishing award-winning titles, including recent hits like Blasphemous, Dredge, Moving Out, and the Overcooked! franchise. With over 30 years in the industry, the company boasts a growing portfolio of games and successful first-party titles such as Hell Let Loose, The Escapists, Golf With Your Friends, and the iconic Worms series. At gamescom 2024, Team17 Digital will showcase a diverse selection of titles from its extensive catalog to visitors.

‘’Team17 are looking forward to a super successful Gamescom”, says Ann Hurley, General Manager of Team17. “We pride ourselves in having something for every type of gamer and so we will be sharing a plethora of indie titles on the show floor, whilst engaging with our business partners in the business hall. We’re excited to welcome you and everyone having a wonderful time.’’

We invite you to join us at gamescom 2024 from August 21 to 25 for an unforgettable experience of gaming excitement. This year’s games line-up will be announced soon.

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut 4K New Edit Limited Edition Boxed Set Announcement

Canadian based distributor Unobstructed View has acquired the North American disc rights and all Canadian rights to Caligula: The Ultimate Cut, which premiered at Cannes last year as a completely new edit of the infamous 1980 original produced by Penthouse’s Bob Guccione.

The only place to experience The Ultimate Cut and a 4K restoration of the original 1980 theatrical version will be on a limited edition numbered UHD Boxed Set available on Unobstructed View’s company’s e-commerce site. U.S. based customers will have the added option to purchase from a small allotment on Diabolik.com. Releasing concurrently will be an additional Two-Disc Blu-ray set and a DVD version, with the Blu Ray including the restored original.

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut
Street Date: September 17, 2024.
VOD: October 18, 2024.

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut is a scene-by-scene reconfiguration of Tinto Brass’ controversial somewhat raunchy epic chronicling the Roman Empire’s most debauched emperor, starring Malcolm McDowell, Peter O’Toole and Helen Mirren. Among the new bonus features is a commentary from Ultimate Cut producer Thomas Negovan and editor Aaron Shaps. It is scheduled for theaters across North America on August 16 with Drafthouse Films handling US theatrical distribution.  It will be screened in major markets across Canada in limited release. The four-disc UHD set is loaded with new  and original bonus features and includes a CD of The Ultimate Cut’s soundtrack.

We have been waiting for the right vehicle with which to amp up our US game and this film is it – notorious, rare and collectible,” says UV’s founder and President Jonathan Gross, who licensed UV’s rights from Drafthouse Films. “We are thrilled that Drafthouse Films has chosen to work with us. We are also thrilled to have Diabolik on board because they are a leading provider of curated home entertainment.

Toronto-based Unobstructed View celebrated their 30th year in business last year. Their noteworthy history of US disc releases includes the Portlandia TV series, the Richard Lewis retrospective Bundle Of Nerves and the sports docs Facing Nolan and Rowdy.UV recently added former Kino Lorber Senior VP of Sales Alan Fergurson as a consultant to further help consolidate and grow UV’s US business. Says Gross, “Alan brings a lot to the table. We are honored to have a first ballot home entertainment hall-of-famer with us.

GRAVEN – Available on Consoles Now

GRAVEN, the dark-fantasy action-adventure FPS co-published by 3D Realms and Fulqrum Publishing with development by Slipgate Ironworks™, unleashes righteous fury on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S today!

Rise as an Exiled Priest of the Orthogonal Order and embark on a mission of bloody vengeance. Guided by the divine instruction of The Creator, cleanse the Order of its corruption in hopes of saving the world from rapidly encroaching evils.

Armed with a staff and a journal, set out into dark lands using magic to spread fires, freeze rivers, charge up machinery, and more, all while finding weapons to upgrade and evil to vanquish. Explore expansive hubs, solve tricky puzzles, and uncover heresies to exhume the evil rooted across the land once and for all.

Face off against over 20 distinct enemies and challenging bosses during fast-paced combat sequences. Explore levels to uncover well-hidden secrets and engrossing side quests across three hub worlds, and experiment with different spell and ability combinations to create a satisfying and immersive gameplay loop that rewards creative solutions in a mysterious world.

GRAVEN features character designs by Chuck Jones (Duke Nukem 3D, Half-Life), with Stephan Weyte (Blood, Fire Emblem, Dusk) lending his vocal talents to this blend of classic first-person shooters and fantastical RPGs. Stand against GRAVEN’s evils solo or seek multiplayer madness with online co-op for up to 8 players.

GRAVEN is available now via PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One for $29.99 USD/€29.99. For more information, please explore the official websites for GRAVEN, 3D Realms, Fulqrum Publishing and Slipgate Ironworks™, and follow 3D Realms on Twitch, Twitter/X, YouTube, and Steam.

Lionsgate Announce: Bloody Disgusting Reveals Exclusive Walmart SteelBooks

Bloody Disgusting is pumping the blood into summer at a Walmart near you with their exclusive SteelBooks®, arriving on Blu-ray™ + Digital on August 20 from Lionsgate. Each frightful SteelBook® brings these iconic horror titles back with a new look and artwork created by the artist Bond. The featured titles include Wolf Creek, Leatherface, Sinister, Texas Chainsaw, You’re Next, I Spit on Your Grave, and Hannibal Rising, all for the suggested retail price of $24.99 individually.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS
Terror has never looked more frightening with The Bloody Disgusting Blu-ray™ SteelBook® collection. Available individually exclusively at Walmart, these eye-catching, specially commissioned collectible SteelBooks® contain the following fan-favorite horror films: Wolf Creek, Leatherface, Sinister, Texas Chainsaw, You’re Next, I Spit on Your Grave, and Hannibal Rising. The Bloody Disgusting Blu-ray™ SteelBooks are available to preorder now on Blu-ray™ + Digital.

Only at Walmart
SteelBooks® in Blu-ray™ + Digital multi-film available 8/20/24
Wolf Creek Blu-ray™ + Digital SteelBook® SRP: $24.99
Leatherface Blu-ray™ + Digital SteelBook® SRP: $24.99
Sinister Blu-ray™ + Digital SteelBook® SRP: $24.99
Texas Chainsaw Blu-ray™ + Digital SteelBook® SRP: $24.99
You’re Next Blu-ray™ + Digital SteelBook® SRP: $24.99
I Spit on Your Grave Blu-ray™ + Digital SteelBook® SRP: $24.99
Hannibal Rising Blu-ray™ + Digital SteelBook® SRP: $24.99

Riven Available NOW

Following a successful debut of their Demo version at Steam Next Fest, where Riven was among the top 50 best-performing titles, Cyan Worlds is pleased to announce that Riven, the modern remake of their acclaimed narrative puzzle-adventure masterpiece, is now available globally for Windows PCs through Steam and GOG, Macs with Apple Silicon via Mac App Store, and Virtual Reality on Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 via the Meta Store! To celebrate the game’s release, Windows and Mac players can enjoy a 10% launch discount for a limited time.

Riven is a modern remake of 1997’s monster hit Riven: The Sequel to Myst and is a love letter to classic narrative-driven puzzle games of the ’90s. When exploring Riven‘s decaying age, the player will feel like an archeologist, slowly unraveling the mysteries revealed by carefully exploring Riven’s five enigmatic islands. Players will lose themselves in the world as they uncover clues, decipher foreign languages, and immerse themselves in the game’s intricate lore.
Key Features:
  • Intricate Storytelling and Mind-Bending Puzzles: Challenge your intellect with Riven’s cunning puzzles woven throughout its narrative.
  • Immersive Environments and Stunning Graphics: Explore surreal islands, each meticulously crafted with unparalleled attention to detail, from dense, lush jungles to awe-inspiring caverns.
  • An Expanded World To Explore: Encounter an immersive and visually stunning world that will captivate newcomers and reveal new mysteries for long-time fans.
  • Fully Re-imagined Gaming Experience: Experience Riven like never before, with free movement through a real-time 3D environment. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer returning to Riven or a newcomer eager to explore Riven’s mysteries for the first time, this immersive and visually stunning world will captivate you.
  • A Truly Immersive Experience Developed in Parallel for Flatscreen and VR: Cyan Worlds is simultaneously developing the flatscreen and VR versions of the game to ensure a high-quality experience regardless of players’ platform of choice.

Korea IL-2 Series Announcement Trailer

Renowned developers of the award-winning IL-2 Sturmovik series are proud to reveal their latest entry in the historical aerial combat simulator genre: Korea. IL-2 Series. This announcement coincides with the 74th anniversary of the Korean War, paying homage to a pivotal moment in aviation and world history. Continuing the franchise’s legacy of excellence, Korea is set to deliver an unparalleled, immersive experience set to launch on Windows PC through Steam and the IL-2 series store in 2025.

Sometimes referred to as The Forgotten War, this conflict marked a pivotal moment not only in aerial combat history, but in the history of international conflicts. The Korean War marked the first time jet engines served alongside their piston-powered counterparts and also signaled the end of close-quarters combat, as later on missile technology would greatly expand the engagement airspace. To this day, nearly 75 years later, no peace treaty has been signed by opposing forces. To encapsulate the gravity of soaring into this perilous battle, the developers have accounted for historical data, technical achievements, and the latest gameplay technology to deliver an accurate representation of this important era in aviation.

FIGHT AND FLIGHT

Rise to the next level of flight combat simulators. Fly eight legendary aircraft such as the F-86A Sabre and MiG-15, with major systems intricately modeled inside and out, visible for better or worse, such as when taking damage. Immerse yourself further with options to exit and enter the cockpit, where you can pilot using your own flight controllers and gamepads. Revised radio communications and command systems help relay messages, while intelligent sortie recording keeps a close eye on your performance. To top it all off, the game features VR compatibility for an unparalleled, immersive experience.

Staying true to its legacy, Korea will once again push the boundaries of realistic flight simulation. The game features a cutting-edge physically based rendering (PBR) DirectX graphics renderer, offering breathtaking landscapes filled with detailed, visible landmarks—both natural and man-made. Players can explore cities, rivers, and airfields within a vast 440x440km airspace, enhancing the immersive experience.

REALISM

In addition to aerial combat, players will have hands-on responsibilities like managing personnel, supplies, and their aircraft, mirroring real-life wartime duties. You’ll face various missions, from joining large-scale air raids to defending your people and planes. Whether it’s naval units, ground units like infantry squads, or meticulously recreated aircraft such as the Tu-2 and B-29 bombers, you’ll have a wide range of challenges. Thanks to advanced technology, air raids are now larger and more immersive than ever before, with better rendering of large groups.