Author - Jerry Paxton

PAYDAY 3’s Second DLC Boys in Blue Launches Next Week

Publisher Deep Silver and developer Starbreeze have announced that PAYDAY 3: Chapter 2 – Boys in Blue, the second DLC Expansion for the ultimate heist shooter fantasy, will launch on PC and consoles June 27.

Following the events in Chapter 1 – Syntax Error, the gang is taking their next heist directly to a police station, capturing the essence of PAYDAY, where every stolen gold bar is a statement against authority.

Boys in Blue DLC overview

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

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

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

  • 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
  • Nvidia DLSS 3.0 Ready, offering a boost to performance for anyone with a recent Nvidia graphics card
  • Twitch drops

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

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

For more information on PAYDAY 3, please visit: https://www.paydaythegame.com

ARROWs July 2024 Video Line-Up Announced

Arrow Video is excited to announce the July 2024 lineup of their subscription-based ARROW platform, available to subscribers in the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland. Enjoy a selection of new titles, from carefully cultivated curations to shorts by new talent to deep dives into the tastes of filmmakers that changed the way we see the genre.

On July 1st, dive into the July lineup with Mick Garris Selects (UK/IRE/US/CA), a Season of titles from the mind of filmmaker and author Mick Garris, best known for his Stephen King adaptations and creating the “Masters Of Horror” television series.

“I was flattered to be asked by my friends at Arrow to recommend some of their titles that I particularly enjoy. The world of cult video is a deep and expansive one, and the Arrow catalogue is filled with gems, wonders of a cockeyed world of cinema that much of the world believes is of the gutter variety. But these movies are imaginative, propulsive, unafraid to travel where the mainstream might fear to tread. Some of these are more unhinged than others, but they all display filmmakers working on films that only they could create. These are distinctive visions, unfiltered by studio notes and corporate influences.

Here’s a list of delectables that you might want to take a bite out of, next time you’re jonesing for something outré, outside of the lanes of your neighborhood cineplex, some more obvious than others, but all of them treats.”

Titles Include: Dark Water, Ringu, Audition.

On July 5, head off for a summer trip in style with First Class Fear (UK/IRE/US/CA).

Plane? Train? Automobile? No form of transport is safe on ARROW, but, whichever method of killer conveyance you choose, we guarantee you a great seat in First Class Fear!

Titles Include: The Hermit, Bloodstone, Death Has Blue Eyes.

On July 8, head onto the Loop Track (UK/IRE/US/CA).

Writer-director and actor Tom Sainsbury, known for his comedic flair in such works as Wellington Paranormal and Guns Akimbo, shows his hidden passion for thrillers and human drama with Loop Track, his latest collaboration with Chillbox Creative which promises an electrifying journey into the unknown.

Highly anxious Ian Thompson (Sainsbury) sets off on a solo trek in the New Zealand bush for some respite from the stress of everyday life. His plans for uninterrupted solitude are scuppered however, when he encounters Nicky (Hayden J Weal) and other hikers, only exacerbating his paranoia. As Ian’s grip on reality weakens, he becomes convinced they are being followed. Miles from civilisation, their journey turns into a fight for survival as Ian’s fears manifest into a surreal battle against an unseen threat lurking in the wilderness. Is it all just in his head? Or is someone, or something, really out there?
On July 12, get down and dirty with Little Monsters (UK/IRE/US/CA).

We can’t get enough of weird little guys who just wanna rip you to pieces or cause absolute havoc. Come and join the party with a great and gruesome gaggle of little (and not so little tbh) monsters!

Titles Include: Meat Friend, Gwilliam’s Tips for Tricks and Treats, 100 Monsters.

On July 19, take some inspiration from actor, comedian and filmmaker Thomas Sainsbury (Loop Track). Thomas Sainsbury Selects (UK/IRE/US/CA): “I’m absolutely thrilled to do an edition of ARROW selections. I really adore these films and want the world to cherish them too. Some of them have huge ideas, some of them are great character studies and some of them are all out zany. And I reckon we could all do with some more zaniness in our lives. I hope you enjoy!”

Titles Include: Eros + Massacre, Vengeance is Mine, Khrustalyov My Car!

Also on July 19th, enjoy a trio of genre shorts fresh off the festival circuit to their new home on ARROW.

Eric (UK/IRE/US/CA): Joshua finally gets to meet Eric, the beloved dog of a girl he’s been dating. As the evening evolves, Josh begins to get a sneaking suspicion that Eric isn’t your typical house pet.

I Know What You Need (UK/IRE/US/CA): It’s 1976, and popular college co-ed Elizabeth meets an unusual boy, Edward, who knows what she needs. But who is Edward really, and what secrets is he hiding? It’s a love story, but a Stephen King love story, so things aren’t always what they seem.Elizabeth doesn’t know what she wants, but Edward knows what she needs.

Earworm (UK/IRE/US/CA): A rip roaring film about two knuckleheads facing off against a gnarly tape cassette dwelling worm that really wants inside their ear holes.

On July 22, enjoy another dose of Nico Mastorakis with ARROW’s curation of two more of his classics.

Ninja Academy (UK/IRE/US/CA): Take a martial arts school, throw in a snotty rich kid, a clumsy geek, a paranoid survivalist, two beach joggers, a cool secret agent and a mime, and you get Ninja Academy, a madcap karate comedy like no other starring Gerald Okamura (Big Trouble in Little China).

The Naked Truth (UK/IRE/US/CA): Mastorakis pays homage to a certain Billy Wilder film when two friends decide to pass as women and pose as makeup artists for a local beauty pageant to elude a vicious mafia boss. It seems like the perfect cover, until the mafioso gets the hots for one of them!

On July 26, get ready for The ARROW Olympics (UK/IRE/US/CA)!

Test your mettle in an international athletics competition where the difference between winning and losing is quite literally life and death. Will you get a bronze in beheading? Can you manage a silver in sprinting from a slasher? Got what it takes to get a gold in gore? Find out in The ARROW Olympics.

Titles Include: Bad Acid, Why Don’t You Just Die!, Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji.

Combat Air Patrol 2 – MicroProse Announcement

MicroProse is proud to announce that it has secured a publishing partnership with Combat Air Patrol 2, the early access flight and surface combat simulator with a mission planner from Sim155.

For the occasion, a big patch has been released with a lot of improvements, together with a precise ROADMAP for the upcoming updates (more details below). It is the perfect time to try the game!

Main features:

  • Already flyable: AV8B Harrier II, V-22, A400M, KC-767 and helicopter SH-60
  • Beautiful world 100% based on reality, with VR support
  • Mission Genres: ​Air to air, air to land, maritime, training
  • AV8B Harrier II Virtual cockpit – touch every button and it works
  • Approachable ‘mid-core’ sim
  • Local Network MP, with Online MP modes coming during Early Access

ASKA Early Access Launch Trailer

ASKA, the third-person Viking survival builder from Thunderful Games and Sand Sailor Studio, is now available in Early Access on PC via Steam.

In ASKA, players find themselves shipwrecked on a mysterious island where they must tame an uncharted land and build a Viking empire worthy of Odin’s praise. Players can play solo or with up to three friends to establish a self-sufficient colony, while also engaging with crafting and survival loops, building settlements, attracting new villagers, managing the colony and hunting down bosses.

“After much hard work and listening to our core community, we are very proud to bring ASKA into Early Access,” said Cristian Diaconescu, Creative Director at Sand Sailor Studio. “We can’t wait for players to experience the world of ASKA and hear what they think as we continue to build upon this vast world that is close to our hearts.”

Developed by Sand Sailor Studio, an indie studio of ten members, based in Bucharest, Romania, and published by Thunderful – ASKA’s unique gameplay lies in its AI systems, which provide a unique flavor vs. other survival games on the market. ASKA gives players the opportunity to release themselves from the shackles of repetitive resource collection and management. Players are tribe leaders, coordinating a community of smart and capable AI villagers, each with their own schedule, needs and talents. Players work and live alongside their AI followers, building a truly vibrant and bustling Viking society.

Budding Vikings can visit www.playaska.com and follow all our latest ASKA news by joining Discord. For all ASKA content, be sure to also become a follower on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter/X and Facebook too.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Home Video Trailer

The fate of the world is at stake when 20th Century Studios’ Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes arrives to digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) on July 9 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on August 27. Director Wes Ball’s stunning new entry into the Planet of the Apes series has been heralded by critics as “a jaw-dropping spectacle” (Matt Neglia, Next Big Picture) and “a visual masterpiece” (Mark Hughes, Forbes). It is Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™ and has thrilled audiences worldwide, becoming one of the biggest global box office successes of the year and marking the beginning of a new era for the epic Planet of the Apes franchise.

Set generations after Caesar’s reign in a world where apes are the dominant species, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes follows an ape named Noa and a human named Mae as they emerge to define the future of how apes and humans will coexist.

Fans can delve deeper into the franchise on 4K UHD editions with “Inside the Lens: The Raw Cut,” a full-length alternative cut with a split-screen comparison between the final cut of the film and a version with unfinished VFX with optional audio commentary by director Wes Ball, editor Dan Zimmerman and VFX supervisor Erik Winquist. The never-before-seen alternate cut gives fans a unique opportunity to see the actors’ performances before the visual effects were completed.

The 4K UHD also arrives in a collectible limited edition SteelBook® with custom artwork by artist Dylan Cole. Finally, fans will have a chance to bring home the entire Planet of the Apes saga on Digital at select retailers. A special Planet of the Apes 10 film bundle will be available for $100 SRP.

Drug Dealer Simulator 2 Release Trailer

From selling █████ in the streets to running a million dollar empire – turn your ███ filled fantasy into a reality in Drug Dealer Simulator 2. The sequel to 2020’s controversial indie hit introduces a rich new tropical open world, 3-player co-op gameplay, new gang management options, militia raids, prison time, hand to hand brawling, and even pets! Drug Dealer Simulator 2 is available now on Steam for USD 24.99 / GBP 20.99 / EUR 24.50, with a 10% launch discount.

VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE – Reckoning of New York Reveal Trailer

Dear Villagers and Draw Distance are delighted to announce that Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York is coming to Steam, PlayStation 4 with PlayStation 5 compatibility, Xbox One with Xbox Series compatibility and Nintendo Switch.

SYNOPSIS
Vampire: The Masquerade – Reckoning of New York invites you to immerse yourself in the third installment of this gripping visual novel series, set against the backdrop of the Big Apple teeming with supernatural intrigue. Embrace the darkness as a Kindred, a vampire thrust into a world of danger and betrayal where survival is paramount.

KEY FEATURES

  • Select between two main characters from two different vampire clans: Ravnos and Malkavian. Each offers their own perspective on the unfolding story.
  • Play with new gameplay mechanics as you harness the powers of Disciplines to overcome challenges or evade the relentless pursuit of hunters hot on your trail. But beware the insatiable Hunger that gnaws at your very being, threatening to unleash the Beast within.
  • Experience the thrilling conclusion to this gripping saga in the heart of the New York concrete jungle.

D&D 2024 Core Rulebooks Available for Pre-Order

Starting today, fans can pre-order the 2024 Core Rulebooks from the D&D Beyond Marketplace!

With (3) bundle options (digital + physical, digital-only, or physical-only), fans who pre-order a bundle will receive the following pre-order exclusive bonuses:

  • D&D Beyond Golden Dice Set
    • o   Dice will be added to your D&D Beyond library when the Player’s Handbook releases
  • The Dragons of D&D Digital Art Book
    • o   A PDF will be emailed to you when the Player’s Handbook releases
  • Sigil Gold Dragon Mini
    • o   Will be available when Sigil enters Closed Beta later this year

Additionally, The Making of Original D&D: 1970-1977 has officially released today and is available at local game storesAmazon, and on D&D Beyond!

Funko POP! Movie Moment Bride of Chucky Figures Arriving at Spirit Halloween

Spirit Halloween and Funko have joined forces to release an exclusive, limited-edition Funko POP! Movie Moment from the Bride of Chucky film. Standing at 3.5” tall, the Chucky & Tiffany Funko proves that love hurts – but there’s no doubt these two were meant to be! Featuring the blood-stained checkered floor base and fireplace background, this duo is a chilling tribute to horror’s most iconic declaration of love.

The Chucky & Tiffany Funko will be available exclusively at SpiritHalloween.com and Spirit Halloween stores for $39.99.

MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Announced

Join fans from around the world in celebrating the legacy of some of the most beloved fighting games with the release of MARVEL vs. CAPCOM® Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics with physical and digital versions across Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, and PC via Steam in 2024!

Announced during today’s Nintendo Direct, this jam-packed collection includes seven timeless games in an all-in-one package, including:

  • X-MEN® CHILDREN OF THE ATOM
  • MARVEL SUPER HEROES
  • MARVEL™ vs. CAPCOM® CLASH OF SUPER HEROES
  • MARVEL™ vs. CAPCOM® 2 New Age of Heroes
  • MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ vs. STREET FIGHTER®
  • X-MEN™ vs. STREET FIGHTER®
  • THE PUNISHER

ARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, on sale later this year for MSRP $49.99, also brings a ton of new and enhanced features for players to enjoy, including:

  • Battle It Out Online – All of the fighting games in the collection will have online ranked, casual, and lobby matches unlocked for players to showcase their abilities with friends, family, and other players from around the world!
  • Robust Rollback Netcode – Online play for the collection is supported with rollback netcode for a strong and stable online experience!
  • Be the Best! – Global high score leaderboards come to every game in the collection so players can track their journey to the top of the list!
  • Practice Makes Perfect – Training Mode comes to all fighting games in the collection so players can learn, practice, and master their moves!
  • A Rare Gem – The classic beat ‘em up arcade game THE PUNISHER comes to PC and modern consoles for the first time ever in the U.S.!
  • Watch This! – Spectator Mode is available so you can enjoy watching your friends and co-combatants battle it out!
  • Additional Features – Check out the collection’s enhanced features like a music jukebox, in-game Museum, new display filters, and more!

For Capcom fans, fighting game enthusiasts, comic book and Super Hero aficionados, and everyone in between, MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics offers a timeless celebration of a legacy fighting game series, delivering a diverse roster of iconic characters, enhanced features and competitive gameplay. Relive the nostalgia or discover enduring classics for the first time, uniting fans of all generations in celebration of Capcom’s legendary fighting game series, and stay tuned for more information on the collection in the coming months!