Author - Jerry Paxton

Stronghold Crusader 2 Meet the Lionheart Trailer

stronghold-crusader-2

London, UK – 29th April 2014 – Firefly Studios has just released a new developer diary containing gameplay footage of Richard the Lionheart, returning protagonist of the Stronghold Crusader series. This new video update also gives players a brief glimpse at unit stances, siege equipment Engineers and the mounted Templar Knight:

In a new blog post Firefly expands on Richard’s backstory and what he represents for the Stronghold series as a whole:

“Richard is an interesting character because, although he’s the main protagonist of the Crusader series and a man who considers himself noble, he’s not much of a hero. Anyone who knows enough about the Crusades to have a discussion on their purpose or origin knows they were essentially an invasion. That aside, fans of the series and critics alike are aware of the fact that we don’t take medieval morality too seriously. Do that and it stops being fun fairly quickly.

Although we are serious about historical accuracy, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance when creating a strategy game like Stronghold. Fail to do this and you end up with something that lacks a sense of playfulness and joy. Large parts of each Stronghold game are designed to be tongue-in-cheek, from the voice acting to burning troop animations and the way peasants get flung out the top of a tornado. The character of Richard embodies this approach to the games’ design, poking fun at the character without making him unlikable. Richard is part of the story and a key AI opponent in the Arabic Campaign and Skirmish Mode, so there has to be something in there to make people laugh!”

The full news post including new screenshots can be found at www.strongholdcrusader2.com.

Genius Ships SW-G2.1 2000 Gaming Speakers

7dab301a4e

April 29, 2014, Chino, California – GX Gaming, the professional gaming peripherals line by Genius, today launches the SW-G2.1 2000 speaker system in North America.

Experience the Full Sound of the Battlefield
With a total output power of 45 watts (RMS), GX Gaming’s latest 2.1 speaker system includes a 6.5” subwoofer providing 29 watts of heart-thumping bass, two 8 watt wall-mountable satellite speakers and a separate control box for easy adjustment of volume and bass. In 4 separate pieces, the subwoofer, speakers, and control box can be arranged to maximize the acoustics and layout of any room while still having volume and bass controls at your fingertips.

Pulsating Blue BackLight
To complement the rich bass, a cool blue backlight on the scorpion-emblazoned subwoofer beats along to the rhythm of music or combat.

Convenient Control and Connectivity
Not only does the separate control box make volume and bass adjustments a breeze no matter where the speakers are located, but it also includes a conveniently placed front panel headphone and microphone jack for private listening and chatting while gaming. The rear of the control box includes a 3.5mm standard input, allowing for instant hookup to PCs and external audio devices such as MP3/CD players; and two RCA jacks for connections to game consoles, DVD players, and TVs.

Price and Availability
Offering booming bass, crisp middle to high range sound, and the flexibility to connect to gaming, music, and other entertainment devices, the SW-G2.1 2000 speaker system is available May 5 in the USA on Amazon and Canada for the suggested retail price of 119.99 USD, 139.99 CAD.

Product information and photos are now available at:
http://geniusnet.com/wSite/ct?xItem=59915&ctNode=3607&mp=1

Kingston Releases HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset

Cloud-Redcup_headset-side

Fountain Valley, CA – April 28, 2014  HyperX®, a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the release of the HyperX Cloud gaming headset. HyperX Cloud features extremely comfortable ear cushions and larger audio drivers to give gamers ultimate comfort and superior sound during long game play sessions.

HyperX Cloud uses memory foam ear cushions and a soft, leather-padded headband with custom stitching for enhanced comfort and style. The over-the-ear, closed-cup design helps block out ambient noise for a more immersive game experience. Interchangeable velour ear cushions enable gamers to hear their surroundings while also delivering dialogue and every explosion and gunfire in clear, high-fidelity audio from the large 53mm drivers. HyperX Cloud also features a detachable microphone and is made of aluminum for durability.

 “HyperX worked with Swedish manufacturer QPAD to create a headset that delivers comfort and superb sound for long game play. This is a winning combination as QPAD is known for high-quality gaming peripherals throughout Europe,” said Lawrence Yang, business manager, HyperX. “We think the hours will pass by without notice as gamers wear the HyperX Cloud headset.”

HyperX Cloud is compatible with PC and PS4™ as well as smartphones and tablets. It is the official headset of Intel Extreme Masters,Alliance GamingCNB e-Sports ClubSK-Gaming and Team Liquid. HyperX Cloud is backed by a two-year warranty and legendary HyperX reliability. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com/hyperxcloud.

HyperX is the high-performance product division of Kingston® Technology encompassing high-speed DDR3 memory, SSDs, USB Flash drives and headsets. Targeted at gamers, overclockers and enthusiasts, HyperX is known throughout the world for quality, performance and innovation. HyperX is committed to eSports as it sponsors over 20 teams globally and is the main sponsor of Intel Extreme Masters. HyperX can be found at many shows including Brasil Game ShowChina JoyDreamHack and PAX.

For more information, visit the HyperX home page.

HyperX Cloud Headset:

  • Transducer Type: Dynamic Closed Ø 53mm
  • Frequency Response: 15Hz – 25KHz
  • SPL Sound Pressure Level: 98±3dB

HyperX Cloud Microphone:

  • Transducer Type: Condenser (back electret)
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 100 – 12,000 Hz

HyperX can be found on:

Madden NFL 15 Gets Official Launch Date

madden-logo

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – April 28, 2014 – Today Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced Madden NFL 15 will be available on August 26 in North America and on August 29 in the EU for Xbox One, the all-in-one entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and thePlayStation®3 entertainment system. The first Madden NFL 15 video, featuring Carolina Panthers linebacker and Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly, can be seen here.

Madden NFL 15 delivers everything fans need to own their rivals on both sides of the field, including the most immersive defensive gameplay control in franchise history. Like the Super Bowl XLVIII champion Seattle Seahawks, you can win championships and bask in the glory of success by building a great defense fit to challenge the best offenses in the game. Fans will also experience an entirely new broadcast presentation that delivers Madden NFL game day like never before with dramatic all-new camera angles, as well as dynamic pre-game and halftime features. It’s not just football, it’s Madden Season.

This year EA is once again collaborating with ESPN to give fans the opportunity to select which player will grace the cover of Madden NFL 15. In light of last year’s record-breaking vote, fans can look forward to a highly-competitive contest featuring some big-name matchups and intense rivalries. Fans can tune in to the NFL Draft on ESPN and NFL Network on May 8 at 8pm ET for a special Cover Vote announcement.

Madden NFL 15 is developed in Orlando, Florida by EA Tiburon. To learn more about Madden NFL 15, visithttp://www.easports.com/madden-nfl.

All player participation has been facilitated by NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).

EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through industry-leading sports videogames, including Madden NFL football, EA SPORTS™ FIFA,NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® FootballPGA TOUR® golf, SSX™ and EA SPORTS UFC®.

For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com to connect, share and compete.

Lineage II Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

lineage-2-Shot00067-v2

ALISO VIEJO, CA (April 28, 2014) – NCSOFT® and the North American Lineage II development team are pleased to announce today that Lineage II is celebrating 10 years of service in North America. During the past decade, millions of players have joined the fight to defend the realm of Aden from Shilen, the evil Goddess of Destruction, and her dark forces. During that time, players have experienced 21 free expansions, defeated more than 350 raid bosses, explored 450 unique zones, mastered 2,200 plus unique skills, and interacted with (meaning “killed”) more than 10,000 unique NPCs and monsters, making Lineage II one of the largest MMOs in the world based on content alone.

Lineage is a not only a flagship franchise for us, but for the entire industry. As a pioneer in the space, we are thrilled to be celebrating a decade of Lineage II service in North America, a fantastic milestone only a few industry franchises have achieved,” said Richard Zinser, Chief Operating Officer of NCSOFT West. “And we’re not finished. We have a lot of exciting and unexpected experiences for our players that will fill out the rest of 2014 and beyond.”

As part of the celebration, players past and present can log in before May 21 to start earing rewards and prizes by participating in the various events in the Carnival of Aden, which include:

  • 10th Anniversary Attendance Event – Get a stamp just for logging in every day. Collect five stamps and redeem for a free Gift Box, which contains prizes like varying grades of Life Stones, Soul Crystal Fragments, and more! Four Gift Boxes are available in all (one for each week of the celebration!)
  • Fragments of the Past – Collect all eight Memory Fragments and turn them in for a chance to win prizes like a Armor Packs (varying types) and a Crafting Ingredients Pack.
  • Collect the Secret Fragments – Participate in Carnival of Aden Events to earn all eight Secret Fragments and turn them in for prizes. Since collecting all can be difficult, the prizes are top-notch, including Lindvior’s Earring, Bottle of Queen Ant’s Soul, Dark Amaranthine Weapon Pack, and more!
  • Frederick the Destroyer – Every FridaySaturday and Sunday Frederick the Destroyer will appear near the Elf Village’s Mother Tree.  If he is defeated, the NPC Victory will appear and offer an Orc Supply Box as a reward, which contains 10th Anniversary items and a random item reward. Should Frederick fail to be defeated, a consolation prize will be rewarded.
  • Master Yogi’s 10th Anniversary Event – Enchant Master Yogi’s Staff and turn it in for rewards. The higher the staff is enchanted, the better the possible prize!
  • Squash Event – Buy and use special Squash Seeds to grow squash. Once they’re grown, break them open and reap the rewards. Random rewards are given from the squashes.
  • Dandy’s Dragon Weapons – Here’s your chance to wield a Dragon Weapon, one of the most powerful weapons in all of Lineage II! Visit the dragon mascot Dandy to find out how you can borrow one of these weapons for a limited time!

Additionally, “Veteran Packs” are available for players in the Lineage II Store for a limited time for the price of one Adena. There are ten packs in all, ranging from One Year to Ten Year. Players can get one pack for each year they’ve played. For example, a five-year player would be able to receive the 10th Anniversary Veteran Pack for years 1-5.

And as Lineage II begins its second decade in North America, Aden is about to become much more interesting. The next upcoming free expansion will see the release of the new playable race, the Ertheia.  These beings from another dimension find their world mysteriously intertwined with Aden, with dire consequences. This new race—and their arrival in Aden—will begin the next chapter of the Lineage II story.  

For more information on Lineage II visit www.lineage2.com/.

Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare PC Launch Date

10264758_10152126414693214_4720796834763525638_n

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – April 28, 2014 – PopCap Games, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), today announcedPlants vs. Zombies™ Garden Warfare will be available on Origin and other retailers for PC beginning June 24. Dubbed “a fun, refreshing family-friendly take on the multiplayer shooter” from New York Daily News, Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare is a best-in-class multiplayer third-person shooter, with all the fun and humor of the wildly popular Plants vs. Zombies franchise. Since its launch earlier this year on Xbox One and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare has attracted global attention as critics and fans praised the game for being an unconventional shooter with a flawless blend of humor.

“We’ve had an amazing response from players since launching the Xbox platforms, and can’t wait for PC players to join the party this summer,” said Brian Lindley, Producer on Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare. “The PC version has all the great content that we have put out since launch like Garden Variety and Zomboss Down for players to enjoy from the start.

In Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare, players choose a side and square off in riotous combat against their plant or zombie opponents, utilizing an arsenal of outrageous weaponry. Beloved character favorites from the franchise, including the Sunflower and Chomper, reprise their roles, and the game tops it off with a new cast of zany characters such as Ice Cactus and the Marine Biologist.

Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare features four distinct gameplay modes including 12 vs. 12 competitive multiplayer called “Gardens & Graveyards” and “Team Vanquish,” as well as 8v8 Gnome Bomb. If you prefer co-op gameplay a four-player co-operative mode called “Garden Ops” is available too! Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare for PC will also include all content from the Garden Variety Pack & Zomboss Down, a Wild West themed update with eight new playable characters, more than 200 wild customizations and a Cactus Canyon map.

Starting today, Players can also pre-order the Origin Digital Deluxe edition, which includes two Booster Packs, in-game coins and an exclusive character customization pack.

Join the Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare community at https://www.facebook.com/plantsversuszombies and follow us on Twitter @PlantsvsZombies.

KeyMander Review

IoGear-Keymander-1

Having practically grown up using a keyboard and mouse to play my games, I usually feel like a complete n00b when I try to play a game with a console controller. If it wasn’t for auto-aim features put into most shooters by developers these days, I don’t think I could ever kill any enemies in my console FPS titles. The solution seemed impossible – how does one use their keyboard and mouse with the Xbox One or Xbox 360? Thankfully, IOGEAR has a solution that has revolutionized my console play by allowing PC gamers to use keyboard and mice on their Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PlayStation 3 (with PS4 support coming later this year) called the KeyMander.

The KeyMander is a small black box with some ports on it and some rubber feet to prevent it from sliding around a desk or entertainment center. On one side there exists three USB ports which are used to connect a game controller, keyboard, and mouse. On the other side exist three mini-USB ports which allow the KeyMander to plug into your game console, PC, and powered USB port. The setup is actually quite simple and, once performed, will not take you very much to get everything up and running. The biggest issue you may run into is updating the KeyMander’s firmware to allow it to use the Xbox One and Xbox 360 game consoles and even that isn’t too bad. After installing the software from IOGEAR’s website, you will be able to program your KeyMander with multiple gaming/controller profiles as well as macros and hotkey profile switching.

IoGear-Keymander-4

Playing games using the KeyMander is really a Godsend for PC gamers lacking the console controller muscle memory they need to be effective in console games. Not every game is going to be compatible with the KeyMander – however, all the games I tried with it seemed fine. I played Call of Duty: Ghosts, BioShock Infinite, and Titanfall on my Xbox 360 and Xbox One platforms and was totally impressed by the experience. The biggest advice I can give to you, dear gamer, is to make sure you plug in gaming mice with built-in DPI/sensitivity settings as the KeyMander does not allow for changing that aspect of the controller on-the-fly.

The KeyMander retails for $99.95 at IOGEAR’s official website and, while that may seem expensive, its effects make it all worth it. I have simply been outplayed every time I step into a console game multiplayer title. With the KeyMander, I found a way to level the playing field.

Overall, I am awarding the IOGEAR KeyMander a 5 out of 5 starts for its near-perfect ability to fulfill a need. If you are a PC gamer looking for that keyboard and mouse functionality on your game consoles, I highly suggest you check it out.

Official Product Page

[easyreview title=”KeyMander Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

[button target=”_blank” style=”” link=”http://gamingshogun.com/gamingshogun-rating-system/”]Learn About Our Rating System[/button]

Images