Author - Jerry Paxton

Dark Horse Announces Hellboy Day for 20th Anniversary

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MILWAUKIE, OR, DECEMBER 11–March 2014 marks the twentieth anniversary of Mike Mignola’s career-defining release of Hellboy: Seed of Destruction #1. After the character’s somewhat humble beginnings as an eight-page feature in Dark Horse’s San Diego Comic Con Comics special, Seed of Destruction would begin the long life of the beloved “beast of the apocalypse.”

To celebrate, Dark Horse is proclaiming March 22, 2014 as “Hellboy Day,” with events happening in comic shops around the country! Dark Horse is inviting our retail partners to celebrate with us, by offering up exclusive promotional materials, as well as ordering discounts on all Hellboy and BPRD backlist titles.

Additionally, Dark Horse will produce an all-new sampler comic featuring two classic Mignola tales: “The Ghoul” and “Another Day at The Office,” as well as two new stories by Mignola, Fabio Moon, and R. Sikoryak!

Dark Horse is also pleased to announce that Meltdown Comics and Collectibles in West Hollywood, CA will be hosting Mike Mignola on March 22! Look for more details to come on the event.

Fans: make sure to tell your retailer you want your local store to participate in this awesome celebration today! Retailers: look for the March dated issue of PREVIEWS for details on participation levels, as well as promotional support being offered by Dark Horse for the event!

Additionally, look for the 20 Years of Hellboy hardcover collection, on sale in comic shops everywhere on March 19! This deluxe oversized hardcover presents Mignola’s favorite covers and illustrations in gallery style, from his first drawing of the character through twenty years of publishing.

Arma 3 Gets Free AAF Content Update

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Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday 11th December 2013 — Bohemia Interactive today released the (free) AAF Reinforcements Pack for Arma 3. Supplied via an automatic update on Steam, the package includes a variety of new sandbox content, among which three new vehicles: the FV-720 Mora IFV, the MBT-52 Kuma tank, and the Wy-55 Hellcat helicopter.

The FV-720 Mora is an infantry fighting vehicle used by the AAF. They were bought by the AAF from the British Armed Forces and reconditioned to serve two more decades. The Mora is armed with a 30mm cannon and a coaxial machinegun, providing not only a carrying capacity, but also reliable fire support.

The MBT-52 Kuma is the main battle tank used by Altian Armed Forces. A batch of a few dozen tanks and spare turrets were bought under-price from a south-European country facing an economic collapse. Like similar MBTs of the era, the Kuma is armed with a 120mm cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machinegun and a remotely controlled 12.7mm HMG. The level of protection for the crew is also remarkable, thanks to additional armor layers.

The Wy-55 Hellcat is a multi-purpose military helicopter, most suited for anti-surface, battlefield utility with limited transport capability. It replaces its predecessor the Super Lynx, improving the maneuverability, durability and protection. The armed version is fitted with twin miniguns and unguided rockets.

Aside the new vehicles, the AAF Reinforcements Pack also includes other sandbox content, such as the LRPS sniper scope, infra-red grenades, and black versions of the MX rifle family. The complete changelog can be found on Arma 3’s official website.

People can purchase the Arma 3 (44.99 EUR/39.99 GBP/59.99 USD) or the Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition (49.99 EUR/42.99 GBP/64.99 USD) from Steam and Store.bistudio.com. A boxed version is also available at many of the major retailers.

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Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Returns Collector’s Edition Announced

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LOS ANGELES (Dec. 11, 2013) — SQUARE ENIX, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, announced today that the collector’s edition of LIGHTNING RETURNS®: FINAL FANTASY® XIII will be available at launch (February 11th, 2014) to buyers exclusively through the Square Enix Online Store.

Enclosed in premium packaging featuring brand-new artwork, the collector’s edition includes a silver embossed pocket watch and a downloadable content (DLC) code of Aerith Gainsborough’s “Midgar’s Flower Girl” outfit, based on the original FINAL FANTASY VII heroine. Art enthusiasts and fans alike will be sure to enjoy an 80-page hardcover artbook with never-before-seen illustrations. Other items include:

  • Character Designer Tetsuya Nomura’s original artwork, including his early sketches of the characters
  • Foreword by FINAL FANTASY XIII Series Art Director Isamu Kamikokuryo
  • An introspective look at the worlds and architecture of the Nova Chrysalia world
  • A FINAL FANTASY nostalgia section that showcases crossover costumes and series’ fan favorites moogles and chocobos

YouTube’s Top Trending Gaming Videos of 2013

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YouTube has released several of its “Spotlight Lists” for 2013, which tell what the top videos were of the year in specific categories.

Top Trending Gaming Videos of 2013

  1. PlayStation 4, PlayStation, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7QhUL8NUK4&feature=inp-pr-rx1
  2. Grand Theft Auto V: Official Gameplay Video, RockstarGames, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-xHcvug3WI&feature=inp-pr-rx1
  3. OUTRAGEOUS ENDING! – Mad Father (6), PewDiePie, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhtCDLQRW3k&feature=inp-pr-rx1
  4. League of Legends Cinematic: A Twist of Fate, League of Legends, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEnsqpThaFg&feature=inp-pr-rx1
  5. Official Call of Duty Ghost Reveal Trailer, CALLOFDUTY, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxnx3W-HA18&feature=inp-pr-rx1
  6. League of Legends Music: Get Jinxed, League of Legends, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nlJuwO0GDs&feature=inp-pr-rx1
  7. Battlefield 4: Official 17 Minutes “Fishing in Baku” Gameplay Reveal, Battlefield, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8HVQXkeU8U&feature=inp-pr-rx1
  8. FUNNY GAMING MONTAGE, PewDiePie, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt3BvMyHjlc&feature=inp-pr-rx1
  9. Official PlayStation Used Game Instructional Video, PlayStation, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWSIFh8ICaA&feature=inp-pr-rx1
  10. Minecraft Mini-Game: Cops N Robbers!, SkyDoesMinecraft, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpVhVgoYbtg&feature=inp-pr-rx1

Geigerrig Tactical Guardian Hydration Pack Review (Airsoft)

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Geigerrig has rocked the hydration carrier industry with their pressurized water systems. No longer do you have to bite down and suck on a traditional bite valve for a little bit of water. Now, you can fill the hydro pack up with water, pump up the pressure, and spray water from the valve. This water can be used for drinking, wound cleaning, and wherever else you may need pressurized water in the field.

The Tactical Guardian model is but one of their “Tactical” series hydro packs. The biggest difference, visually, is that the Tactical Guardian features a piece of polycarbonate armor which protects the bladder from minor impacts. Please note that this is not a ballistic armor plate – it is a piece of protective plastic. Still, it works for minor things like accidentally dropping the unit on gravel or accidentally bumping into obstructions or your teammates while walking backwards.

Underneath the armor in a pouch, you will find a 70 ounce bladder which is connected to two different hoses via quick-release valves. Unlike most hydro packs which connect to one hose, this model has two – one which connects to the pressurizing bulb and the other which connects to your bite valve. Each hose is insulated and connects very easily to the bladder thanks to those connectors.

At first, I disconnected everything and cleaned the 2 liter hydration bladder. A good thing to mention is that, unlike some popular brands out there, the bladder did not have a rubber or synthetic scent, so I was hopeful the water wouldn’t taste awful. I re-inserted the bladder, connected the two hoses, and put the pack on via its backpack straps. The Geigerrig Tactical Guardian also comes with a cross-sternum strap that does a nice job of keeping everything tight on your body – even while running.

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I started pumping up the system using the pressure bulb, giving it the recommended 15 pumps. Then I took off the protective cap for the bite valve and gave it a test drink. I immediately pulled the bite valve from my mouth as water sprayed everywhere. After having used Camelbaks for an age and a half, the sheer amount of water that the pressurized Geiggerig hydro engine puts out was very impressive.  You can even press on the bite valve with your fingers to spray water where needed. What puzzled me most was how the system worked. I mistakenly believed that the pressure bulb injected air into the bladder, but that logic didn’t track as that alone would not provide pressure to force the water out of the bladder. Geigerrig’s solution to pressurizing the system is ingenious. The 2 liter hydro pack bladder is actually divided into two separate sections. The rear bladder section is where the pumped air goes into, which in turn puts more pressure on the water-filled bladder section.

I wore the Geigerrig Tactical Guardian on a number of runs and decided it would be perfect to mount onto the back of my MOLLE vest and play some airsoft with. Mounting the pack to a MOLLE vest proved a bit more challenging, the main issue is making sure the backpack straps are tucked into the hydro pack back pouch and as flat as possible. From there, you have to provide the attachment straps. On some tactical hydro packs, the backpack straps actually “tear down” to reveal MOLLE sized straps which then weave into itself to attach the pack to your vest. With the Geigerrig Tactical Guardian, you have two rows of MOLLE and 6 D-rings you can use – but, again, you have to provide the straps.

The Geigerrig Tactical Guardian hydration carrier is an amazing solution for not only staying hydrated, but also a lot of other uses not previously possible with generic hydro packs. It retails for $150 dollars and is available now at their official website. We are awarding the Geigerrig Tactical Guardian a 4 out of 5 as we thought it should have four built in straps to use to attach itself to a MOLLE vest.

[easyreview title=”Geigerrig Tactical Guardian Hydration Pack Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

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G&G CM18 Mod1 Airsoft Gun Review (Airsoft)

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The G&G CM18 Mod1 is one of the company’s “Combat Machine”, intermediate level airsoft rifles. This airsoft gun is made mostly of ABS plastic – including the rail system, upper & lower receivers, stock, and mostly everything else save for the charging handle, screws, flip up sights, stock tube, and bolt release. While it is true that being plastic makes a gun less durable than metal over the course of time or in receiving impacts, it also means that the CM18 Mod1 is a VERY light airsoft carbine to field. Being light weight has its own benefits as well. The trademarks on this airsoft gun are cool to look at but simply painted on as opposed to more advanced airsoft guns which usually have some stamped metal trades. Again, this is their Combat Machine line of intermediate airsoft guns, so it’s to be expected.

Internally, G&G comes through with a metal version 2 gearbox which is fully upgradeable but very nice right out of the box. G&G has put a lot of quality into the gearbox of this airsoft gun and it shows. The gun visited our chronograph and we were happy with it at about 345 FPS, which is great for indoor play. We were able to get a rate of fire of about 14 RPS while using a 9.6V NiMh battery – again, decent for indoor play. We experienced no hams or misfires while playing. In fact, the magazine was really cool in that it fed every single BB it had in it – but more on that later. Using the fire selector switch is smooth which crisp detents for each fire select position – something that I like to see in all my airsoft guns for both comfort and functional reasons. If your selector switch is really squishy, you might not be able to effectively engage a particular fire mode or get caught in-between positions with the heat is on. With as crisp as these detents are, it is very easy to move from one to another and “feel” when they are reached.

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The included 120 round, mid-cap magazine has a cool, Magpul EMAG style look while also featuring an extending follower which will eventually be used in the company’s upcoming line of MARS gearbox airsoft guns. Company reps tell me they should have some more on these new airsoft guns at the SHOT Show in January. Apparently, the extended follower will stop the gearbox when the magazine is dry. Right now, this extended follower pushes every last BB out of the magazine. This is a real bonus as it means that you get to fire EVERY BB from it – as opposed to many midcaps which leave a couple in the mag due to poor spring tension or length.

My biggest issue with the CM18 Mod1 is the matter of its flip up sights. From an aesthetic level, they are pretty large with strange, flared sides which, along with their gaudy gold/tan coloring, resemble something that would be found at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Also, engaging the sights is a chore, especially when you are wearing thicker gloves, as it requires you to press in a small piece of metal to unlock the sights. The problem is that this piece of metal is so small and close to a larger piece of metal (the base of the sight) that it can be hard to reach when needed. My advice is to either use these iron sights in a deployed position all the time or remove them altogether and use another optic or sighting solution.

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Overall, the G&G CM18 Mod1 airsoft gun is a fine choice for anyone looking to start out in the sport of airsoft or simply offset their sniper, shotgun, or support gunner loadout with a carbine style airsoft gun. It would also excel in indoor, CQB arenas like TacCity in Fullerton, CA over outdoor fields where you could be outclassed by more advanced, higher performing airsoft guns.

[easyreview title=”G&G CM18 Mod1 Airsoft Gun Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

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Company of Heroes 2 Gets Loads of New Content Today

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SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON – December 10, 2013 – SEGA® of America, Inc. and SEGA® Europe Ltd. announced that the next big update for their critically acclaimed strategy series Company of Heroes™ is going live later today. The award-winning original Company of Heroes will see a number of key feature updates to the game’s Steam functionality, such as secure leaderboards, battle and arbitration servers.

Company of Heroes™ 2 is continuing the fight on the Eastern Front with this update, offering players the brand new Theatre of War pack, ‘Southern Fronts’ ($4.99/£2.99/€3.99/AUD 6.49), two free maps as well as a number of game improvements and the ability to upload community created maps in the World Builder via Steam’s Workshop.

“These brand new updates show our ongoing commitment to providing the community with regular additions of free and premium downloadable content,” said Greg Wilson, Executive Producer at Relic Entertainment. “We are also very excited that we were able to deliver the Steam Workshop maps integration for the World Builder before the end of the year as it will become a vital part of providing our community with the ability to create their own content.”

Free Content for Company of Heroes 2:

–       Two new multiplayer maps, ‘Hill 331’ and ‘Don River’

–       Several improvements to the game, more information at www.companyofheroes.com

–       Steam Workshop integration for maps created with the recently launched Company of Heroes 2 World Builder

Premium Content – Theatre of War Pack ‘Southern Fronts’:

During the Spring Rasputitsa in early 1943, the Red Army launched a series of counteroffensives against German lines in the southwest. While initially successful, the Germans regrouped and managed to regain the momentum to recapture Kharkov. Take command of both factions in a series of 10 challenges and battles that feature new environmental conditions; thick mud that impacts vehicle movement and exposes new vulnerabilities.

–       Solo Challenge: Spring Rasputitsa

Donbas Region, Ukraine, 1943 – the spring rasputitsa season has caught the German army off guard. They are poorly equipped to deal with the deep mud and are having trouble mobilizing. Lead an ambush on the German Panzer Division and destroy them before the support infantry can free them and they escape

–       Solo Challenge: Occupation

Dnieper River, Russia, 1943 – beginning their counteroffensive against the Red Army, the Wehrmacht makes their way along the Dnieper River. By capturing and taking control of an important Soviet stronghold, the Wehrmacht will be able to set up a fortified position against the Red Army and eliminate their remaining forces

–       AI Battle: Retreat to the Donets

Donets River, Ukraine, 1943 – after Operations Star and Gallop succeeded in pushing the Germans back to the Dnieper River, the Soviets found their advantage quickly collapsing as they again lost the cities of Kharkov and Belgorod. The Soviets must hold the bank of the Donets River against invading German forces on the ground and from the air

–       AI Battle: Panzer Crossing

Western outskirts of Kharkov, Ukraine, 1943 – the advancing German forces make their way into the outskirts of western Kharkov. The Red Army prepares to defend against the incoming German armor assault with the aid of anti-tank emplacements

–       AI Battle: No Retreat, No Surrender

Southwest of Kharkov, Ukraine, 1943 – the Soviets have suddenly found themselves on the defensive, with a reorganized German Army pushing back with renewed vigor and beginning to reclaim territory in the region around Kharkov. You must hold the line and halt the German Army’s advance towards Kharkov.

–       AI Battle: Breaking Lines

West Donbas Region, Ukraine, 1943 – the Red Army is pushing westwards with Operation Gallop. The German defenders are retreating to the Dnieper river. On the 19th of February, the Red Army broke through German lines and pushed towards Zaporizhia. Soviet forces must swiftly search out the remaining pockets of German defenders and destroy them

–       AI Battle: Storming the Donets

Donets River, Ukraine, 1943 – after retaking the city of Kharkov, the German Army pushed eastwards and reclaimed the surrounding area. The Red Army fell back, retreating to a position behind the Donets River. The Germans must attack the Soviet forces on the bank of the river and secure territory on the Donets before the Red Army can form a defensive line

–       AI Battle: Heavy Rain

West of Kharkov, Ukraine, 1943 – after being halted in a bloody battle against the Red Army’s defenders, German forces have regrouped and prepare to use the cover of night to break through the enemies defenses and continue their assault into Kharkov

–       AI Battle: General Mud

Southwest of Kharkov, Ukraine, 1943 – the Germans had been driven back to the Dnieper River and were forced to regroup and reorganize. However, with the Red Army vastly overextended, the Wehrmacht seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack and regain the upper hand. With the return of Panzergrenadier Division Großdeutschland, push north through Soviet territory towards Kharkov

–       AI Battle: Kharkov Divide

North of Kharkov, Ukraine, 1943 – in their advance towards Kharkov, German forces are ordered towards the north in an attempt to eliminate the remaining pockets of Soviet resistance. The Wehrmacht has deployed their heavy armor to break through the Red Army’s defenses in an effort to complete their encirclement

Company of Heroes 2 is available on PC here http://store.steampowered.com/app/231430/ and the original Company of Heroes here http://store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/4560/. For more information, check www.companyofheroes.com.

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