Author - Jerry Paxton

Insurgency: Sandstorm Beta Update Trailer

October 31, 2018 – Insurgency: Sandstorm, the intense FPS sequel to indie smash-hit Insurgency, is already entertaining thousands of players in its ongoing pre-order beta. Now, a major update on November 8 will bring many much-requested changes as developers New World Interactive prepare for launch on December 12. This update includes a brand new map, Precinct, a new Insurgent weapon, as well as various new options, tweaks, and fixes.

The new update teaser trailer showcases Precinct, a large scale urban map set in a city within the fictional, contemporary conflict of Insurgency: Sandstorm. Tight corners, broken barricades, destroyed streets of burnt-out cars and makeshift roadblocks epitomize this map, bringing the frenetic action and tactical squad-based play of Insurgency to a brand new, urban locale.

Other improvements include graphical options, anti-aliasing, animation and character models, plus related optimisation improvements to help the game run better on more systems, along with additional cosmetics, and a new Alpha AK weapon. These, plus additional server browser improvements, will continue to see changes in the run up to release.

Finally, gameplay changes will target everything from hundreds of improvements and bug fixes to the specifics of movement speeds, weapon statistics, map layouts, an Unreal Engine update to version 4.20, and more. A full changelist will be available upon release.

Insurgency: Sandstorm releases on December 12 for PC. Steam pre-orders are available now and give instant access to the ongoing beta testing phase. Insurgency: Sandstorm will come to consoles in 2019.

Shroud of the Avatar Now Free to Play

AUSTIN, Texas, October 30, 2018 — Shroud of the Avatar™: Forsaken Virtues, the record-setting crowdfunded game from famed game designer Richard Garriott, is now available for anyone to play…no purchase necessary! The makers of Shroud of the Avatar, Portalarium™, expanded the free to play features last week and also turned on an overhauled new user experience, a highly anticipated update to the game which should be a welcome addition to all new players ready to venture in Garriott’s fantasy world of New Britannia.

“We are thrilled to open up Shroud to a larger audience of gamers,” said Creative Director Garriott. “We have removed almost all gameplay restrictions from our free players. Now those players can trade freely with other players, own land and play through the entire story! This means that you no longer need to make a purchase to have the Shroud of the Avatar experience!”

The new user experience is an important addition to Shroud. Executive Producer Starr Long explained, “We’ve separated our tutorials from the story-telling spaces in the starting areas. We now have a focused tutorial area in the Isle of Storms where we walk players through the game basics. These progress in a gated fashion so the players must finish learning a skill and utilizing it before they can travel to the next part of the tutorial. We’ve been working on this for several months and are excited to roll this out at the same time we are launching free to play.”

Also choosing one’s story path is now independent of a player’s starting decks. Players start with three decks: Blades, Ranged, and Magic. Once all the tutorials are completed, players will then journey through the lunar rift to one of the three starting areas. Those areas are now polished to be more focused and tighter in their direction. Plus with no more tutorial elements in those areas, those starting scenes are now entirely focused on story.

Shroud of the Avatar launched in March and since that time the Portalarium team launched a new website and has added a multitude of quality of life updates and major features to the game world including:

• Player made heraldry
• Brewing
• Obsidian trials (risk free PVP)
• Major expansions to the fishing system including different water types, more than 25 different fish types with scaling sizes of trophy fish
• Player made dungeons
• Seasonal enemies (Atavists of Purity, Aether Creatures tied to a comet, Pumpkin Head)
• Global banks (they were local before)
• Global chat
• Ability to bypass town sieges & control points
• Elimination of experience point decay on death
• Automatic open multiplayer in towns/overworld/starting areas to increase connectivity with players
• Looking for Group system
• Performance enhancements (frame rate and load times)
• Doubled XP gains across the board (crafting and adventuring)
• And much more

Shroud of the Avatar is the largest crowdfunded video game to ship digital and physical products. The game raised more than $12.3 million when it launched in March. Portalarium has now shipped the boxed version of the game, including the beloved cloth maps and manual illustrated by Denis Loubet, to more than 8,000 backers. More backers are scheduled to receive their boxes in the coming weeks. A version of the box can be purchased via Amazon or directly from the Shroud of the Avatar store(this version is signed by Lord British).

Fishing: Barents Sea King Crab DLC Release Date

Moenchengladbach/Germany, October 29, 2018 – The eagerly awaited King Crab DLC for Fishing: Barents Sea now has a final release date: On November 7, astragon Entertainment and developer Misc Games will release the exciting expansion which will set out fans of the high seas to the big adventure of king crab fishing. A closer look at the two new ships Selfy and Svalbard shows the new features coming soon to future crab fishers.

The Selfy which is based on the ship models of Norwegian ship manufacturer Selfa Arctic AS is the first of the two new ships from the King Crab DLC. The reliable vessel is a true all-rounder in providing a smooth transition from regular fishing to the slightly different mechanics of catching king crabs. She can be equipped either with line and nets or crab pots and a sorting table. Her storage provides more than enough capacities for cod, shellfish, pollack and redfish. With over 500 hp and a maximum speed of 30 knots fishing lovers can still catch the whole range of fish from the Barents Sea before they fully head to the catching of the majestic crustaceans with the next ship of the King Crab DLC.

After learning the basics of crab fishing such as detecting the locations of crab areas and lowering crab pots into the sea, the second ship of the King Crab DLC is the very right choice for virtual fishers. With almost 55 meters the Svalbard is five times longer than the Selfy, equipped with significantly larger crab pots and exclusively designed for king crab fishing. Appropriately, a large and powerful crane for throwing out and hauling in the heavy crab pots is located on deck of the Svalbard. This beast with an 1125 horsepower engine is the perfect companion for making the dream of becoming a successful king crab fisher in Northern Norway come true.

The King Crab DLC for Fishing: Barents Sea will be available on Steam™ on November 7, 2018 for 9.99 Euro/11.99 USD/8.99 GBP (RRP). The main game Fishing: Barents Sea for PC is already available in retail or as a digital download for 19.99 Euro/19.99 USD/16.99 GBP (RRP).

More information on Fishing: Barents Sea:

www.fbsgame.net

www.facebook.com/FishingBarents

http://store.steampowered.com/app/501080/Fishing_Barents_Sea/

Stern Unveils Limited Edition Beatles Pinball Machine

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL – October 29, 2018 Stern Pinball, Inc., a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball, in collaboration with Ka-Pow Pinball, proudly announced today the availability of the one-of-a-kind Beatles pinball machine.  Only 1964 units will be produced in recognition of the year in which the world forever changed when Ed Sullivan introduced America to four young mop-topped musicians from Liverpool, England. The deal was brokered by Bravado Merchandising, the Beatles North American licensing agent.

The game is available in three models named for the recording industry’s sales award levels.  The Diamond Edition, the highest level and most difficult to attain, is limited to only 100 units.  The Platinum Edition is limited to only 250 units. The Gold Edition is limited to 1614 units.

The Beatles pinball machine will immerse players in 1960’s Beatlemania and feature eight timeless hit songs from that era:

  • A Hard Day’s Night
  • Can’t Buy Me Love
  • Ticket to Ride
  • All My Loving
  • Help
  • Drive My Car
  • It Won’t Be Long
  • I Should Have Known Better

The game also features iconic introductions by Ed Sullivan along with custom speech and callouts by Hall of Fame disk jockey, Cousin Brucie.  Cousin Brucie introduced The Beatles at New York’s Shea Stadium in 1964.

The retro-themed playfield features four flippers, eleven drop targets, eight stand-up targets, multiple skill shots, two opto-spinners, a ball-catching magnet and a magnetic spinning record disc in the center of the playfield.  Players, friends and family will enjoy full screen animations as well as simulated reel scoring on the game’s high definition video screen.

All models feature unique art packages and custom powder-coated armor.  The 100 Diamond Editions are numbered, certified collectible and include a mirrored backglass.  The 250 Platinum Editions are numbered and certified collectible.

Complementing the immersive Beatlemania theme and exciting gameplay experience, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations on the high-definition video display.  SPIKE™ reduces system complexity and energy usage resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing. The state-of-the-art electronic system also powers a high-fidelity 3-channel audio system that is three times more powerful than audio systems of previous generations.

“We are very proud of this Beatles pinball machine that was produced in collaboration with our good friend, Joe Kaminkow,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “We can’t wait for players to experience Beatlemania when they play this game.”

Pricing and Availability:

Please contact your local Stern Pinball distributor or dealer for availability and pricing.  To find an authorized Stern Pinball distributor or dealer in your area, please visit: www.sternpinball.com/buy

Ghost Train 2018 Review

The Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum has once again brought back their Ghost Train for the 2018 spooky season. Based near the Los Angeles Zoo, the Ghost Train sees guests climb aboard and ride miniature trains of all kinds – from steam to diesel. This family-friendly haunted attraction is fun for children and adults alike and guests are transported through various spooky dioramas along the roughly twenty minute journey.

This year, the Ghost Train has added some new scenes and surprises which are all well designed and bring some fresh, spooky fun for those riders who have experienced it before. The best part about the LA Ghost Train is that it is unique – I can’t think of another haunted train experience in SoCal. The sets are spooky and have some startling elements, but it is all very tame in comparison to most haunted houses, which usually try to outdo each other in the gore factor. Most of the sets at the LA Ghost Train are activated by the train passing by sensors and are of the animatronic or static prop variety, but the event does have some impressive pyrotechnic effects – there are no scare actors at the LA Ghost Train.

A bit of interesting trivia: Along the spooky tracks, you will run into some Disney-inspired scenes. Walt Disney was actually a part of the LALSRM and the barn that used to sit on his property in LA is now on-site at the museum as well. Also, the museum runs non-spooky tours every Sunday during the rest of the year so you can always bring your kids back for more fun and learning about the railroads. An additional note of interest: These miniature trains are not toys – they are actual working trains, just smaller! The level of technical skill needed to keep them in working order is highly commendable.

Tickets run anywhere from $20 at the door to $25 and $30 with online advanced purchase (which gets you faster line access) and are all well worth the price of admission. Be warned, the Ghost Train is a Halloween time tradition for a multitude of families in Southern California, so the lines can get long. If you want to ensure a good parking spot and place in line, get there early! Parking is available in a small public lot as well as along Zoo Dr. The Ghost Train runs on various days throughout October. Please check their official website for more information.

Photo Gallery

Red Dead Redemption 2 Out Now

October 26, 2018 – Today we are proud to announce that Red Dead Redemption 2 is now available worldwide for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One systems.

An epic tale of honor and loyalty set in the dying days of the outlaw age, Red Dead Redemption 2 follows Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang as they rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. Following a botched robbery in the western town of Blackwater, the gang are forced to flee and with federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, leaving Arthur to make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him.

Red Dead Redemption 2 will also include access to Red Dead Online. The Red Dead Online beta is planned to launch this November – an evolution of the classic multiplayer experience in the original Red Dead Redemption, blending narrative with competitive and cooperative gameplay in fun new ways.

Check out important game launch information including about today’s day one Title Update, how to report issues and feedback via the new Rockstar Support website and more.

Download the free Red Dead Redemption 2 Companion App for iOS or Android and connect directly to your game as you play, and get the Red Dead Redemption 2 Complete Official Guide published by Piggyback – available in both Standard and Collector’s Edition at the Rockstar Warehouse.

Corsair Unveils Low Profile K70 RGB MK2 Keyboards

FREMONT, CA, October 25th, 2018 – CORSAIR®, a world leader in PC gaming peripherals and enthusiast components, today announced the launch of the new CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE and CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE mechanical gaming keyboards. The newly released duo of K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE keyboards builds upon the renowned heritage of the award-winning K70 RGB MK.2 by combining the fastest actuating CHERRY® MX Low Profile RGB keyswitches with a new slim design, for a more comfortable typing experience while preserving the K70 range’s mechanical precision and gaming performance.

At the heart of the K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE keyboards are new CHERRY MX Low Profile keyswitches, combining trusted CHERRY mechanical switch performance with a new, lower 11.9mm switch height and short actuation distance. Combined with redesigned, low profile keycaps, these switches reduce the full keypress distance to both bottom out the key and actuate the switch, lessening keypress fatigue during extended typing or gaming. The K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE features CHERRY MX Low Profile RGB Speed keyswitches exclusive to CORSAIR, engineered for maximum performance with an ultra-fast 1.0 mm actuation distance, while the K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE uses CHERRY MX Low Profile RGB Red mechanical keyswitches, which offer familiar smooth and linear movement with a low 1.2mm actuation distance.

The housing for these new low profile switches has also been engineered to increase LED diffusion, and combined with redesigned keycaps that sit closer to the LEDs, make each individual RGB backlit key shine brighter and more vividly than ever before. Users can control their lighting patterns and effects with CORSAIR iCUE software, allowing for full customization and synchronization with iCUE-compatible devices across their entire system. In addition, iCUE also offers full control to create powerful macros and custom key remaps.

The K70’s iconic brushed aluminum frame has been redesigned to perfectly complement these new switches. At a height of just 29mm, it’s the slimmest desktop mechanical gaming keyboard that CORSAIR has ever created. Users will immediately feel the difference of the low profile chassis, allowing them to keep their hands closer to their natural position, placing less stress on the palm and wrists. This slim form factor also enables the K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE range to fit effortlessly into any modern desktop setup.

The CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE and K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE come complete with all of the extras that PC gamers demand of a fully-featured CORSAIR K70 keyboard: dedicated multimedia controls, a knurled aluminum volume roller, a USB pass-through port for additional devices, onboard profile storage to take your settings anywhere and 100% anti-ghosting with full key rollover to guarantee that every keypress always registers. Both keyboards also come with additional replacement low profile FPS and MOBA gaming keycaps for the WASD and QWERDF keys—specifically textured, sculpted and color-accented for the most often used keys for gaming.

The CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE and CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE merge the high performance of a mechanical gaming keyboard with the all-day, all-night comfort of low profile design.

Specifications

  • CHERRY® MX Low Profile RGB Red Keyswitches (K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE) or CHERRY® MX Low Profile RGB Speed Keyswitches (K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE) [CORSAIR exclusive keyswitch]
  • Anodized Aluminum Frame
  • Multicolor, Per-Key RGB Backlighting
  • Compatible with CORSAIR iCUE Software
  • Detachable Palm Rest Included
  • Dedicated Volume and Multimedia Controls
  • USB 2.0 Type-A Pass-Through Port
  • Textured Replacement WASD and QWERDF Keycaps
  • 8MB Onboard Profile Storage
  • Windows Lock Button
  • 100% Anti-Ghosting with Full Key Rollover

Availability, Warranty and Pricing

The CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE and CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE mechanical gaming keyboards are available immediately from the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors, as well as direct from the CORSAIR webstore.

The K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE and K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE are backed by a two-year warranty and the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network.

Respawn unveils New Gaming Desks

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. – Oct. 25, 2018 – RESPAWN Products, a leading gaming furniture maker, today announced the launch of a new lineup of gaming desks. Composed of two major product series, the formidable RSP-1000 and height-adjustable RSP-3000 classes are available in an array of colors. The four new desking products join the RESPAWN Products gaming furniture offering, alongside the ten current PC gaming chairs currently available.

For more information on the RESPAWN Products gaming desk lineup and to purchase, please visit: RespawnProducts.com.

“In the last year since launching RESPAWN Products, we’ve supported gamers at every level of play – from professional Fortnite tournaments at PAX West, to partnering with the National Association of Collegiate Esports to support collegiate athletes, down to the casual gamer looking to game in comfort and style at home,” said Blake Zalcberg, General Manager of RESPAWN Products. “Now with our new desking launch, we’re able to offer a full suite of stylish, ergonomic furniture for gamers looking to the complete their battlestations without breaking the bank.”

RESPAWN Products is committed to delivering quality, accessible gaming furniture without sacrificing comfort or performance. The desking lineup consists of four different product options so gamers can select their preferred type of comfort, style and functionality. Features include:

  • Ergonomic Comfort:
    • Back-mounted, height adjustable monitor shelves to allow gamers to place action at desired eye-level, also allows for more desktop surface space.
    • Beveled front edges fit to allow players to cozy up to their station, allowing forearms to rest comfortably on desk.
    • The RESPAWN-3000 series desk features height adjustable bases, allowing the gaming desks to go from conventional sitting desks to standing desks.
  • Adjustable Accessories:
    • Built in cup holder to eliminate chance of spillage.
    • Organizational solutions for headphones and speakers.
  • Premium Make: Built to last with steel tube framing enabling support of up to 200-pound weight capacity, featuring contrasting color options that match RESPAWN chairs.
  • Warranty and Support: All desks are backed by the RESPAWN Limited Lifetime warranty with dedicated year-round representative support.

Explore the full range of RESPAWN’s gaming desk lineup:

For more information on RESPAWN, please visit the official website at RespawnProducts.com.

Peter Cullen Attending Comic Con Revolution Ontario

New York, Wednesday, October 24, 2018 – Atomic Crush Events’ (ACE) Comic Con Revolution Ontario (CCR ONT) is proud to announce that voice acting icon Peter Cullen will be attending this year CCR ONT on Saturday, May 18.  CCR ONT is currently Cullen’s only scheduled appearance in California for 2019.

Cullen is best known as the voice of the unforgettable leader of the Autobots – Optimus Prime!  He has voiced the character in the Transformers movies, cartoons and video games for nearly 35 years.  Other notable roles include The Transformers’ Ironhide, Disney’s melancholy loveable donkey Eeyore, Chip ‘n Dale’s Rescue Rangers’ Monterey Jack, the evil KARR of Knight Rider fame, Voltron’s King Alfor and many, many more.

As part of the days programming a, 50-minute one-on-one panel with Peter will give fans a rare opportunity to hear from Cullen himself about how for the past 35 years he has portrayed the heroic Optimus Prime across cartoons, video games and feature films.

“Cullen’s iconic voice has brought joy to countless fans across the globe for more than a generation.  His personal appearances are a rare treat for those fans,” said ACE co-founder and partner Mike Scigliano.  “Comic Con Revolution is excited to be playing host and have an unforgettable day planned that will include opportunities for autographs, photo ops as well as a panel session.”

“I am so looking forward to my very first appearance at Comic Con Revolution in Ontario, CA in May and to working with the gang at Atomic Crush Events to deliver a first rate experience to you, the most loyal and devoted fans on the planet,” said Cullen. “See you in May!”

“Peter is a legend, plain and simple.  His vocal skills gave life and personality to a character, the heroic Optimus Prime, that 35 years later is still as popular as he’s ever been,” said ACE co-founder and partner Drew Seldin.  “Having Peter join us in The Inland Empire at Comic Con Revolution is an honor and privilege for us.”

Guests scheduled to appear include: Matthew Atchley, Sweeney Boo, Evan Cagle, Sandy King Carpenter, Ming Chen, Amanda Conner, Neo Edmund, Joe Eisma, Adam Faberman, Carlos Ferro, Joel Gomez, Steven Gordon, Matt Haley, Travis Hanson, Chad Hardin, Ray-Anthony Height, Megan Hutchison, Santa Inoue, Ryan Kincaid, Mike Kunkel, Ian McGinty, Rafael Navarro, James O’Barr, Pernile Orum, Jimmy Palmiotti, Jules, Rivera, Stan Sakai, Patrick Scullin, Beth Sotelo, Angi Viper, Mike Wellman & Mike Zeck.

Order your tickets to Comic Con Revolution today at https://www.comicconrevolution.com/ontario/

Early bird pricing will be available until December 31, 2018. Tickets purchased at the door will be $5 more per ticket.  In addition to the savings, advanced ticket holders will receive a limited edition art print, as well as being able to enter the exhibit floor an hour early each day.

Location:
Ontario Convention Center
2000 E Convention Center Way
Ontario, CA 91764

Hours:
Saturday May 18th, 2019 – 10am (9am with advance ticket purchase) – 7pm
Sunday May 19th, 2019 – 11am (10am with advance ticket purchase) – 5pm

For more information, as well as tickets,
head to http://www.comicconrevolution.com/ontario

Stellaris: MegaCorp Announcement Trailer

STOCKHOLM – Oct. 24, 2018 – Paradox Interactive, a publisher and developer of games that promise a brighter future, has today announced the newest full expansion coming to Stellaris, the sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studio. In this economy-focused expansion, players become the CEO of a powerful corporate empire set on expanding operations across the stars.

Behold the new dawn with the MegaCorp announcement trailer here:

Get a headstart up the corporate ladder and pre-order today here: https://pdxint.at/2EHh6QW

Stellaris: MegaCorp introduces a revolutionary new way to conduct business on a galactic scale by seamlessly synergizing new markets and city planets with state-of-the-art citizen solutions and more marketable human capital. Alongside a host of free updates coming to Stellaris, the new MegaCorp DLC will include:

  • Corporate Culture: Chief Executive Officers of a MegaCorp can conduct business on a galaxy-wide scale with a host of new civics. By building Branch Offices on planets within empires they have trade agreements with, the MegaCorp can add a portion of the planet’s Trade Value to their own network. Using the new Corporate Authority, construct an economic powerhouse and dominate galactic trade – for a brighter future.
  • City World: With Ecumenopolis, players can increase the population density of core worlds to truly epic proportions, eventually creating a planet-spanning megacity.
  • Caravaneer Fleets: Keep an eye out for the Caravaneers, nomadic interstellar wheelers-and-dealers who stay aloof from galactic politics, and always have a bargain up their sleeve. Expect surprises when these master traders wander through your space or when you visit their home systems.
  • More Megastructures: Budget has been approved for your own glorious Matter Decompressor, Mega-Art Installation or Strategic Coordination Center to acquire new scaling capabilities for your megalopolis.
  • Galactic Slave Market: Buy and sell labor on an industrial scale, set them free or keep them as livestock. The choice is yours!
  • VIP Status Comes with its Perks: Keep your economy competitive in a cutthroat galaxy with additional Ascension perks.

For more information about Stellaris, visit http://www.stellarisgame.com/