Author - Jerry Paxton

Daedalic Listens to Gamer Feedback on Blackguards

2013/12/19
Jerry Paxton
News, Windows PC News

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Hamburg, December 19th, 2013 – ‘To us, the Early Access has been very beneficial’, says Kai Fiebig, Senior Producer of Blackguards, the upcoming turn-based RPG from Daedalic.

‘We gathered a lot of important and constructive fan-feedback during the first weeks of early access and will add features according to the feedback until the game’s release’, Fiebig concludes.

Blackguards, based on ‘The Dark Eye’ Pen & Paper, recently launched on Steam’s Early Access and will be released in January 2014.

Due to the highly detailed community feedback, there will be, among other things, an advanced custom character generation mode.

‘In the recent Early Access version, we offer players to choose their character from three archetypes. This allows players, who are unfamiliar with the source material, to access the game more easily.

Blackguards features the complete Dark Eye rules set, so players can develop their desired character from the offered archetypes’, Fiebig explains.

‘The community, after the first Early Access chapter, expressed the wish to build their character from scratch right away – and we gladly fulfill this request by implementing an option for a fully customizable character’, he announces. ‘This option will be implemented via patch upon the game’s release.’

‘We have a close eye on the wishes and the feedback of our community. We also take constructive criticism very seriously. Thus we will do our best to implement any additional features. Of course, we have to see and check which ideas are actually portable and we can’t just give them all a pass. However, we do hope that our players keep the feedback coming and help us develop exactly the Blackguards they’d love to play’, Fiebig states.

Early Access allows players to play the first chapters of Blackguards months before the official release and to have a chance to influence the development process through their feedback based on pre-release builds.

Blackguards will be published chapter by chapter while in Early Access. As of now, the first three parts of the game are available. All five chapters will be made available in the upcoming weeks.

Daedalic Entertainment offers several packages for interested Early Access participants. In all cases, players will secure access to the final version of Blackguards by paying a lower price compared to purchasing the game after its official release.

Additionally, they have the opportunity to buy exclusive extras that will only be available before the official release. For $24.99, players receive the Standard Early Access Edition of Blackguards, including all chapters for PC at their earliest availability, and the full PC & Mac version of the game after the official release. For $34.99, players receive the Blackguards Early Access Deluxe Edition, an approx. 150 page artbook, and access to developer interview videos and six exclusive wallpapers. For $49.99, the Blackguards Early Access Contributor Edition additionally includes an appearance of the buyer’s name within the game’s credits, as well as the first Blackguards DLC and a copy of the The Dark Eye point & click adventure Chains of Satinav for free.

All additional content will be accessible once it has been completed.

The official release of Blackguards is scheduled for late January 2014. The game will be available for PC & Mac, priced US$39.99.

Nether Releases Community Chosen Features

2013/12/19
Jerry Paxton
News, Windows PC News

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CHICAGO – December 19, 2013 – First-Person Urban Survival game Nether is giving early access fans what they’ve been asking for…literally, by releasing a bevy of new features chosen by the community, including a subway system that allows alternative routes for exploration, a wing glider that can be used for flying from rooftop to rooftop, and a new massive nether character. These features are the first in a series of ongoing content updates that are being developed in conjunction with community feedback and voting.

All new features include:
A Subway System – a brand new subterranean tunnel system that adds a whole new layer of depth to the decimated cityscapeA Wing Glider – allows players to make quick getaways or tactical moves by flying from rooftops to lower level roofs or platformsA New Nether – heavy, Golem enemy, massive in size and damage, requiring cooperative play to bring it downNew “Surge” Objective – a new world-objective that has players kill a mini-boss that attacks random areas of the city for an experience boostNew in-game items, including a flashlight, compass, road flare and smoke grenades

Nether will continue using player input on features for future updates and fans can currently vote here to determine if the next update will include either a helicopter or motorbike as an in-game mode of transportation.

“Our goal with Nether has always been to create content and a gaming experience that includes the community,” said Chip Sineni, Creative Director at Phosphor Games. “Since launching Nether into early access we’ve received tremendous feedback from our fans and we’re psyched to release the first set of public-driven features for everyone to enjoy.”

Nether is a first-person urban survival gaming experience unlike any other. Nether forces players to make quick life-saving decisions in an unforgiving environment. In this post-apocalyptic urban world, death is waiting around every corner, at the top of high-rise buildings, and in the grasp of powerful teleporting creatures known as nethers. To navigate this high-tension environment, players must use skill and cunning in order to obtain food, weapons, supplies, and other resources necessary to survive in a desolate and dangerous city. Players will need to choose whether or not to team up with others or go at it solo against the nethers, other players, and unpredictable, treacherous world objectives. In the end, players must decide if they will Prey or Pray.

More information on this title can also be found at http://playnether.com as well as at http://facebook.com/playnether or on Twitter @PlayNether.

Disneyland Holiday Festivities 2013 Review

2013/12/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Misc Review, News, Reviews

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Disneyland has once again performed a holiday makeover on both of its Anaheim, CA parks. At Disneyland, the large thoroughfare of Main Street, USA has been totally decked out for the holidays, with a gigantic Christmas tree located right when you walk into the park. There is also garland and holly strung up all over to bring in the season. Over in New Orleans Square, the holidays have taken a more creole twist, with New Orleans inspired decorations merged with some Halloween stuff. The reason for this is because the “Haunted Mansion” ride has been turned into the “Haunted Mansion Holiday” experience, with a [The] Nightmare Before Christmas makeover. Frontierland gave some old-world Americana holiday decorations, and we were very impressed with all the lights decorating the various buildings as day turned to night.

Over at Disney’s California Adventure park, the holiday transformation is also on display. In the park’s Buena Vista Street themed area, old Hollywood style gets made over with lights, Christmas trees, and lots of holly. The most drastic holiday makeover of either park, however, is that of the new Cars Land themed area. Already featuring some beautiful art designed inspired by the Cars movie franchise, the holiday version of the area is a thing of beauty. Each of the various shops and buildings have their own unique style and theme based on the character that owns or inhabits it. In a move of genius, each of the Cars Land shops and buildings has its very own Christmas tree made from various pieces of automotive equipment. Hanging snowflakes are constructed out of wrenches, license plates adorn trees, and one Christmas tree is literally a towering mass of tires. The attention to detail is exquisite.

Cruise through the images of our day’s adventure below, and we highly recommend you check out the Disneyland transformation before its over!

[easyreview title=”Disneyland Holiday 2013 Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]

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

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Thief – Stories from The City Part 2 Trailer

2013/12/18
Jerry Paxton
News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

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Montréal (December 18, 2013) – Square Enix® and Eidos-Montréal™, the award winning studio behind the critically acclaimed Deus Ex: Human Revolution®, today released the second trailer in a series of stylized videos that focus on the rich narrative and characters of THIEF’s corrupt and broken city.

Each trailer in the series tells a story from the perspective of a different character describing life in the broken, repressed City that is being ravaged by the ruthless Baron Northcrest and the mysterious sickness known as ‘The Gloom’.

“Let me tell you about the City. 
We both know a thing or two about survival. We have grown old together.
Time and again it has been brought down, only to rise from its own ashes.
But this time is different. The balance has shifted;
There will be blood. Seeping, oozing; bleeding from every artery in this city.
But still… there is one who may yet be the key.
One who fears the light inside him as much as the darkness.
Yes… He will do nicely”

Nobody knows how old the Queen of the Beggars actually is; rumor has it she’s as old as The City itself. Some say that although she is blind – she sees through the eyes of the rats that riddle the city streets. Despite being on the lowest layer of society, the Queen of the Beggars operates the beggar’s court with more respect, diplomacy and wisdom, than many of the people with real positions of power in the City. She is a wise, some say all knowing character whose words, beliefs and judgements should be revered.

THIEF is due for release on February 25, 2014 in North America.

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Knotts Berry Farm Unveils New Years Eve Plans

2013/12/17
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News
1 Comment

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BUENA PARK, CA – The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Merry Farm! With special fireworks, live entertainment, and extended hours, plus Knott’s signature rides and attractions, Knott’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the place to ring in 2014.

Special one-night-only entertainment serves up family fun for a variety of ages and interests, including the Midnight Party on the Midway! Count down the New Year with music, stilt walkers, party hats, and noisemakers for everyone. And new this year, the Knott’s Sky Cabin, adorned with special lighting effects, will dramatically rise to the top of the “K” tower to count down the final moments of 2013. The cabin will reach the top at the stroke of midnight and the skies above Knott’s will be ablaze with colorful fireworks!

There’s live entertainment everywhere you turn. Adding to the line-up of can’t miss performers are:

  • Krazy Kirk & The Hillbillies! From the deep country hills of Anaheim, these boys will have toes tappin’ hands clappin’ and guts bustin’ during the best darn musical comedy show ever performed on the Wilderness Dance Hall stage.
  • The Reflexx, the ultimate 80’s party band, headlines the Calico Square Stage with a blast to the past of radical music from Depeche Mode, Flock of Seagulls, A-Ha, and more. And before The Reflexx take the stage, DJ REESSO spins popular high energy music in the Calico Square.
  • Comedy Magic of Dana Daniels will fill the Boardwalk Ballroom with uproarious laughter as he combines clean comedy, astounding magic, and a psychic parrot in his show.
  • Sharp Turn Ahead will headline the Camp Snoopy Theater with the up-and-coming teen duo’s fresh combination of energetic acoustic guitar and smooth keys, playing original tunes and covers of today’s pop hits.
  • Salsa Dancing with Louie Angon, DJ JC & Snoopy invite you to show off your dance moves at Fiesta Plaza and groove to the beat of this spicy music scene that’s Hot Hot Hot!
  • Party in the Dance Hall is home to boot scootin’ line dancing and two-stepping good times led by Dusty, the line dance caller on the Wilderness Dance Hall stage (between Krazy Kurk sets).
  • It’s Christmas, Snoopy will present encore performances into the evening. Join Snoopy and his pals as they skate their way through the joys of the Holiday season.
  • Snoopy’s Magical Nights of Lights features thousands of sparkling lights and holiday music throughout Camp Snoopy all night long, beginning at dusk.

Knott’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is included with regular daytime admission. Park hours are 10am to 1am. A 2014 Knott’s Season Pass is a great way to visit on New Year’s Eve. 2014 passes offer a year of family fun and includes one free visit in 2013. And for a limited time, purchase a Season Pass for as low as six easy payments of $13! To purchase Season Passes or tickets, or for more information about Knott’s Berry Farm, visit www.knotts.com or download the Knott’s mobile app for your smartphone today. And join the conversation using #KnottsNYE.

New Trent Unveils PowerPak Ultra

2013/12/17
Jerry Paxton
News, Tech News

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FREMONT, Calif. – Dec. 17, 2013 – The New Trent PowerPak Ultra is the ultimate outdoor accessory for users who need to keep their USB-based devices juiced while in the most extreme environments. Featuring a rugged exterior and IP-67 rating, the PowerPak Ultra can survive most drops and can be temporarily submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without damage.

The PowerPak Ultra features 14,000 mAh of power, meaning it is powerful enough to store 700% of the average smartphone’s battery life. The powerful battery pack features two USB ports able to simultaneously charge any combination of smartphones, tablets or other USB-based device.

The New Trent PowerPak Ultra is available now in black or orange for $69.95 at NewTrent.com and Amazon.com.

For more information on the PowerPak Ultra and all of New Trent’s award winning products, “like” Facebook.com/NT.Fans and follow @NewTrent on Twitter and Instagram.

Mad Catz Unveils Saitek X-55 RHINO H.O.T.A.S.

2013/12/17
Jerry Paxton
News, Peripherals News
1 Comment

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San Diego – December 17, 2013 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) announced today that the Saitek X-55 RHINO H.O.T.A.S. (Hands On Throttle and Stick), a product designed and developed to give flight simulation enthusiasts the most realistic flight experience at an affordable price, is expected to ship to consumers in early 2014.

The X-55 RHINO is styled after modern fighter jet control systems and was built from the ground up to deliver a multitude of customizable options never before seen in an H.O.T.A.S. system. Whether flying a modern fighter, single- or multi-engine aircraft, or even a retro single-seat plane, the X-55 RHINO supplies all the control surface options required to achieve the exact level of aerial performance aspiring pilots demand. The X-55 RHINO features enhanced 16-bit hall-effect sensors in the axes, four swappable springs for the joystick so you can dial in your preferred stick tension, and twin lockable throttles with a friction adjustment knob that can be set on the fly.

“Our Saitek brand strives to replicate reality and deliver a great experience to the flight simulation community,” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz.  “We believe the X-55 RHINO accomplishes these goals and is another example of our ability to deliver outstanding products to passionate consumers.”

For detailed product information, please visit http://www.saitek.com/x55/