Frostkeep Studios has released a few new screenshots for Rend, their upcoming survival game. You can check out the Steam product page here for more info and look for a lot more details during their PAX East demos coming up in early April.
Gallery
March 9, 2018 – Evolving the original Insurgency formula, the multi-million selling FPS comes enhanced and expanded. Insurgency: Sandstorm is built in Unreal Engine 4 with upgraded graphics, taking the series into a new era. Coming to PC and, for the first time, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One; Insurgency: Sandstorm brings extended gameplay possibilities, improved immersion, as well as new co-op and versus objective-based game modes. All this while retaining the lethal tactical action that made Insurgency the worldwide phenomenon it is today. Six new screenshots are available direct from the ongoing Closed Alpha.
Experience kinetic, gritty, and immersive combat on a modern battlefield that strikes a balance between action and simulation gameplay. Both you and your enemies can die in as few as one or two shots; there is no health bar, kill feed, crosshair, or regenerating health. Teams must move with speed and fluidity as they weave through dense urban environments, capturing and destroying vital enemy objectives.
Each weapon has unique ballistic calculations that take into account bullet drop, travel time, and penetration power. Bullets are tracked realistically in each magazine container, and magazines do not automatically merge together. Choose to drop magazines for faster reloads in dangerous situations, carefully open doors to keep quiet, or bash them down with a shoulder charge. Returning players will experience new features like fire support mechanics, drivable light vehicles, character customization, weapon customization, and competitive matchmaking.
The Las Vegas Toy and Comic Convention is a nice little con that can be counted on to have some decent names in a fairly intimate setting. Last year, it took place at the Orleans Arena and, though a bit less intimate, it enabled them to invite a lot more vendors and celebrities. This year, the convention went in the other direction with a smaller venue at the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino in, as one would guess from the name, Las Vegas, NV.
Despite being a little smaller than last year, I had a wonderful conversation and with horror legend and animal rights proponent Linda Blair! I got to chat quite a while with Thomas Estrada of Disney Animation fame and, if you wanted, you could get the autographs of Jango Fett, young Boba Fett, and adult Boba Fett all in one room! That’s a lot of Fett! “Booker T” of wrestling fame was hard to catch but made appearances and Mike Quinn, who did puppeteer work on multiple Star Wars movies, was seen regularly talking with fans. Two of my favorite local charity groups Viva Wonder Woman and Critical Care Comics were there too getting some good word out about helping others. I got some issues of Garbage Pail Kids the comic signed and some of my Garbage Pail Kids figures signed. I also bought Joe Simko’s The Sweet Rot kids book series to give a read when I get a chance.
I highly recommend going to the Las Vegas Toy And Comic Convention no matter where it is held it is an absolutely great time and insanely reasonable door cost (psst buy in advance, you won’t regret it).
Photo Gallery
SAN FRANCISCO — March 6, 2018 — Today, Ubisoft® and South Park Digital Studios announced that South Park™: The Fractured But Whole™ From Dusk Till Casa Bonita DLC will be available on March 20 on PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and PC. From South Park Digital Studios and developed by Ubisoft San Francisco, From Dusk Till Casa Bonita DLC adds an all-new story campaign and superhero class to South Park: The Fractured But Whole. From Dusk Till Casa Bonita is available for the suggested retail price of $11.99
Mysterion’s sister is in trouble. She’s fallen in with the Vamp Kids of South Park, who have descended upon Cartman’s favorite restaurant, Casa Bonita. Visit the famous family eatery and explore Black Bart’s Cave, watch the cliff divers, taste the magic of Mexico and defeat the brood of Vampires.
Fight darkness with darkness and embrace the new Netherborn class, which features four new occult powers. Dress the part in new Goth costumes and gain some sweet loot. Enter the battle alongside Henrietta, the Goth: a powerful support Witch, and bring your new powers and buddy to the rest of your superhero adventure.
For more information about South Park: The Fractured But Whole, please visit southparkgame.com, and for the latest on all Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.
Screenshots/Art
CHATHAM, Kent – March 2, 2018 – Dovetail Games, the multi award-winning developer and publisher of simulation games, is pleased to confirm Train Sim World® Founders Edition will arrive exclusively on Xbox One on March 9, 2018.
Train Sim World Founders Edition is a first-person train simulator that delivers the experience of being a train driver on your Xbox One. Designed to provide the perfect introduction to Train Sim World for Xbox One players and fully optimized for performance and playability, Train Sim World Founders Edition enables you to quickly progress from learning the basics in accessible tutorials to confidently using the fully functioning cab controls without any assistance.
Powered by Unreal Engine 4® technology and Dovetail Games’ proprietary SimuGraph® vehicle dynamics engine, Train Sim World uses real-world data to accurately replicate the performance, sound and feel of real trains. Players can truly feel the detail as they explore the world and interact with the trains. Featuring distinctly different types of locomotives, Train Sim World Founders Edition allows complete interactivity in the cab via an intuitive interface designed for the Xbox controller.
Experience a full day-in-the-life in Service Mode, which features a timetable based on real-world activities. Hop on and off a range of services as they carry out their duties, and choose to be either a driver or a passenger. With a timetable to keep and passengers to transport on time, your skill, focus and endurance will be tested to the limit!
Rob O’Farrell, SVP, Development at Dovetail Games, said, “Train Sim World Founders Edition is the perfect fit for Xbox One. We wanted to ensure that we struck the right balance between accessibility and authenticity so the player gets an experience that on one hand feels intuitive and on the other hand feels challenging and rewarding. We’re excited to be delivering a true simulation experience on the Xbox One, and we can’t wait to see what people do with it.”
Chris Charla, Director of ID@Xbox at Microsoft, said, “We are excited to continue our great relationship with Dovetail Games and to help enable them to deliver new and differentiated experiences to Xbox One gamers. Train Sim World Founders Edition is a wonderful point for simulation gaming, and we’re super excited to have it on Xbox One!”
Train Sim World Founders Edition is now available to preorder on the Xbox Games Store at a price of $29.99.
For further information, please visit www.trainsimworld.com.
Universal Studios Hollywood once again celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year with the help of the Po and friends from the Kung Fu Panda films. Most of the Lunar New Year events are located inside the Universal Plaza area of the upper lot. You can take photographs with Po and Tigress, speak with a very cool Mr. Ping at Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop – where you can also buy special Lunar New Year food items! My favorite of the bunch were the stir-fry noodles but the pot stickers were also really good.Feng the Palace Artist’s Studio is an area in the Universal Plaza where you can learn to draw your favorite characters from the Kung Fu Panda films. Each audience member is lent an easel and drawing instrument and you just have to follow along with the instructor.
Additionally, there are martial arts stage demonstrations throughout the day which showcase some very talented people. There are also traditional wishing trees setup for you to write down and leave your wishes on for good luck! The plaza is absolutely stunning decked out for the celebration and park decorators should be commended for their efforts. Outside the Universal Plaza, the Lunar New Year celebration continues as guests can meet a Mandarin-speaking Megatron characters outside the Transformers: the Ride cue area in the lower lot. Also, you can take pictures with the Minions all dressed in traditional Chinese attire.
Of course, you are still able to access all of the wonderful attractions you have come to love at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Lunar New Year celebration is in addition to all that good stuff. Heading over to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they are still selling the legendary “hot butterbeer” drink, which is absolutely a must on a blustery day. It warms you up and tastes delicious. You can also checkout the Animal Actors stage show which features some highly-trained animals of all kinds. The studio tour is also a favorite of movie lovers and fans of the park in general. If you get the chance, I’d check it out on a weekday as you might see some stuff being filmed! The Shrek 4D attraction, now closed, is being transformed into the Dreamworks Theater, which is eventually going to house a new Kung Fu Panda short film and feature interactive effects and elements. Construction is currently underway on that attraction.
Overall, Universal’s Lunar New Year celebration is a whole lot of fun for the entire family and is well worth your time to check out. The Universal Studios Lunar New Year Celebration runs from now through February 25th, 2018. After that, it’s gone, so don’t wait!
Photo Gallery
Wiesbaden, 06 February 2018 – The release date of the highly anticipated business simulation Pizza Connection 3 has been moved to March 22, 2018. In addition developer Gentlymad Studios updated the Pizza Connection 3 Beta and offers 100 new Slots for fans to participate and help to provide precious feedback.
If you want to have the chance to win one of the coveted beta keys, you can register at Assemble entertainment at the following address:
http://betatest.assemble-entertainment.com/en/PC3
The selected participants will be notified by E-Mail.
Last but not least new screenshots of Pizza Connection 3 have been released!
Assemble Entertainment will release Pizza Connection 3 on March 22 Europe-wide in retail and worldwide digital for PC, Mac and Linux (SteamOS) at a recommended retail price of €29.99. The business simulation is being developed by the Assemble-own developer Studio Gentlymad in Wiesbaden. Pizza Connection 3 can be pre-ordered on various digital portals, for example Steam, with a 15% discount.
February 2, 2018 – After successfully bringing Blood Bowl, the classic board game by Games Workshop, to Consoles and PC with two faithful adaptations, Cyanide Studio is proud to take on another fan favourite from the Warhammer 40,000 universe with their turn-based tactical game, Space Hulk: Tactics!
Bringing a unique twist to the classic gameplay of the cult board game, engage in bloody battles through an immense Space Hulk – a twisted mass of asteroids, wrecked ships and debris – as either a squad of Terminator Space Marines or the deadly alien Genestealers. Which side will you choose?
Battle through two distinct, narrative-driven campaigns, from the points of view of two different factions: one campaign puts you in control of a Blood Angels squad, which you will customise and upgrade as you progress, while the other puts you in control of the Genestealers for the first time in a Space Hulk game!
Space Hulk: Tactics is based on the rules of the popular board game, given a fresh new spin in the form of the unique Card system. Cards give more ways to customize your squad before a match, and allow you to turn the tides of battle with abilities that trigger game-changing effects when used at the right moment.
Test your skills against other players in the expansive online competitive multiplayer, letting you command a swarm of Genestealers or a custom squad of different unit types from one of four Space Marine Chapters – the Blood Angels, the Space Wolves, the Ultramarines, and the Dark Angels. Multiplayer modes and tools offer a rich and deep online experience, and include an intuitive map creation tool, which gives players everything they need to create original maps with custom objective, and share them with other players to play either online or against the AI, all from within the game!
Space Hulk: Tactics comes to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC in 2018. More information will be unveiled in February at Le What’s Next de Focus press event in Paris.
The first annual Knott’s Peanuts Celebration is underway at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA. Bridging the gap between the “Merry Farm” and the “Boysenberry Festival”, the Peanuts Celebration celebrates exactly that: The Peanuts Gang and their contribution to the park’s identity over the years.
Walking into Knott’s Berry Farm on a cool Southern California Winter’s day, I was pleasantly surprised to see multiple photo booth/opportunities setup for guests to enjoy. The placement, being so close to the entrance, did make the area somewhat crowded, but it passed quickly as I waled into Ghost Town. While park makeovers like the Merry Farm and Scary Farm are pretty invasive, the Peanuts Celebration decor is much more minimal, but still a lot of fun. You will see kites stuck in trees, several photo opportunity booths, new Peanuts Celebration signage, and more. The livery stable in Ghost Town has been transformed into “PigPen’s Pigpen” where you can see some livestock as well as take photos with Pig-Pen – who was never featured as a character in the park until now!
The Calico Mine Stage features two different shows – one in the daytime called “Music Goes Round and Round” with Sally and Schroeder, and one in the evening called “Woodstock’s Musical Festival” which has the whole gang joining in the fun. One really cool offering in Ghost Town was over att the Bird Cage Theatre, where you could learn to draw your favorite Peanuts characters and watch Peanuts specials during downtime. What used to the be the fan-favorite Halloween Haunt Museum has been transformed into “Inside Peanuts: A Tribute to Charles M. Schulz” and is a sort of Peanuts museum, going into their creation and evolution over the decades.
Making my way into the Boardwalk, I happened upon several members of the Peanuts gang riding on a small trolley, waving at the kids as they passed by. I am not sure where they were going, but the trolley was cool. I also got the chance to check out some of the new Peanuts Celebration-themed snacks and deserts that Knott’s has made for the event…. Man they are tasty treats – my favorite being the Charlie Brownies. You can check out some of the offerings in the photo gallery below but, rest assured, if you like sweets you won’t be disappointed! Fiesta Plaza, a sometimes underused area of the park, is now home to the “Lucy and Sally’s Fiesta Fantasy” musical show. Camp Snoopy, as one would guess, has had a huge amount of extra stuff added for the kids. From new area decor to the kid-sized Grand Sierra Railroad makeover, and even a big stage show at the Camp Snoopy Theatre called “Lucy and Charlie Brown’s Balancing Act”, it’s a lot of fun.
Of course, along with all this, you still can enjoy the normal stuff that Knott’s Berry Farm has to offer. The park’s upcoming roller coaster, Hang Time, is track-finished and looks pretty has a very impressive silhouette in the Boardwalk skyline. Also, the weather is playing rather nicely right now in Southern California – warmer than you’d expect for Winter but also with plenty of cooler days, making it a great time to visit the park.
Overall, the Knott’s Peanuts Celebration is a terrific time – especially for the kids, and runs on weekends from January 27 through February 25, 2018, plus Presidents’ Day. The best part is that there is no extra fee to attend the celebration – all those extras are included with your regular park ticket. Knott’s Berry Farm is open most every day and you can find hours of operation, ticket purchasing info, and more over at their official website.
Photo Gallery
It’s January and that means that we have once again paced up and down the halls of Consumer Electronics Show, CES, in Las Vegas. I have often thought that the show should be named the “Consumer Electronics Marathon” because you have to put in the miles of a marathon to get even the smallest glimpse of the show. One day at CES, I walked nine and a half miles and I didn’t cover even a third of the space. It is an amazing and massive show, one that truly should last more than one week but would cause so much pain that even the most able body would be suffering after much more time. It is even more so when you consider there are nightly parties which make it so that you hope for 5 or 6 hours a night and caffeine or energy drinks are on the limps of just about everyone who works a company. This year’s event saw Iggy Azalea walking the Monster Booth, Neil Patrick Harris speaking of childhood friends, and Joe Perry Of Aerosmith designing his own line of portables that are all about the treble for old school rock and roll.
The companies presenting at CES came by land, sea, and air as self-driving cars spun doughnuts in the parking lot, giant speed boats filled booths like chrome-covered beached whales, and drones designed to do everything from carry a camera to patrol your houses like a guard dog hovered about. In pevious years, a great amount of the North Hall was dedicated to camera cases but now it was taken over by tons of vehicles and vehicle additions. South Hall became mostly the place for drone tech. VR/AR tech wasn’t even kept in one location but was in two different casinos on the strip. TV tech wasn’t kept in the same place as well, with LG dominating a great space at LVCC and TiVo located next to C-Space, the speaking session stage. Health and beauty tech was always kept in the same hall at the Sands but this year they spread out among the casinos. I’m not complaining but rather pointing out that the show really should be lengthened and more care taken to make sure they are grouped more like previous years, it felt a lot more scattered this time.
Google had the most popular booth by far, with a giant pinball machine and just about everything Google has or makes was possible when the ball showed up and was cracked open. The line was easily 90 minutes at times, which when you think about how little time you actually have at the convention is a remarkable amount of time and they had two that I knew of, I tried standing in one line but it was well beyond my disability to spend that much time in one spot.
The beast that really seemed to take the show was a gaming laptop from Razer called Project Linda, and it won a heck of a lot of awards. The most altruistic item I came across was from AFLAC of all places and deserves a write-up all its own. I got to pet their mascot duck and wow it was so soft and sweet!
I enjoy it every year even though my disability slows down my chances of seeing as much as I would like. CES only gets more amazing every year and I can’t wait to go back in 2019.
