Video

Stellaris: Overlord Expansion Release Date Announcement Trailer

2022/04/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Paradox Interactive, a developer and publisher of games that rule, today announced that Overlord, the next full expansion for Stellaris, will be released on all PC platforms on May 12, 2022. Overlord brings a host of new features to Stellaris centered around empire management and intergalactic ambition. From specialized vassals to powerful new megastructures, Overlord will offer fans multiple and exciting ways to control their galactic empires. Overlord will be available for a suggested retail price of $19.99/£15.49/€19.99*.

Launching simultaneously with the expansion is the free 3.4 “Cepheus” update for Stellaris, which will add new content and adjustments created by the Stellaris Custodian Team for all players. Both will be released just in time for the community to celebrate the sixth anniversary of Stellaris, which originally launched in May 2016.

See the release-date trailer for Overlord on the new Stellaris YouTube channel:

Features of Overlord will include:

  • Rulers Make the Rules:
    New vassalization mechanics let you define the role of your new subjects – create new Specialist Empires to grow into economic superpowers, military specialists, and technological creators. Negotiate or demand contracts and agreements between your vassals to define the future of dozens of worlds, and reap the benefits!
  • The Brightest Star Must Guide Them:
    Seek out and unite scattered empires across the stars! As you explore the vast galaxy you’ll encounter more unique enclaves of people, from mysterious shroudwalkers to militaristic mercenaries and crafty salvagers. Will you forge a mutually beneficial relationship and earn their unique services, or will they submit to your rule by force?
  • Five New Origins to Lord Over:
    • Imperial Fiefdom – You may be just a Specialist Empire now, but some day, the galaxy may need a new ruler… don’t leave any doubt that it will be you.
    • Slingshot to the Stars – The ruined remains of a Quantum Catapult have been discovered near your homeworld – what secrets might it unlock if your people are clever enough to bring it back online?
    • Subterranean – Your species adapted to life underground, excelling in mining and archaeology. Now it’s time to see what awaits you far, far above the surface!
    • Teachers of the Shroud – Developing in contact with the curious psions known as the Shroudwalkers, your empire has learned a thing or two about expanding their minds!
    • Progenitor Hive – Under your leadership, this hivemind empire can achieve more than ever before… but without your guidance, the hive will fall to ruin!
  • Engineer the Future and Showcase Your Power:
    New feats of technology will give your empire the edge it needs to become the dominant force across the galaxy.

    • Orbital Rings will elevate your influence (and defense) in grand displays of power  from your planets further into space.
    • Hyper Relays will give your fleets the ability to enforce your will across the stars faster than ever before. 
    • Quantum Catapults enable new ways to react quicker in the galaxy while projecting your might – but it’s a daring one-way trip for your fleet!
  • Four new music tracks to inspire your rise to greatness

For more details on Overlord, visit the Stellaris forums at https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/forums/stellaris.900/. For more information about Stellaris, visit http://stellaris.com/.

Bruce Campbell Hosts Evil Dead: The Game Play Session

2022/04/21
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Today Saber Interactive released a new gameplay video for Evil Dead: The Game featuring the iconic Bruce Campbell, his son Andy Campbell, and a crew of hardcore Evil Dead fans. Packed with commentary from Bruce and hilarious banter all around, the session showcases a number of elements from Evil Dead: The Game, including character selection, team mechanics, Demon gameplay (including traps and possession), beautifully brutal finishing moves, the game’s Fear mechanic – including Screamer jump scares – and much more.

Inspired by the iconic horror, humor and action of the “Evil Dead” franchise, Evil Dead: The Game brings the series’ biggest characters together in a pulse-pounding battle with the forces of darkness. Work as a team of four survivors, including Ash Williams, Kelly Maxwell, Pablo Simon Bolivar, Scotty, Lord Arthur and more, to kick Deadite butt and banish the vile Kandarian Demon. Or become the Demon yourself, using your powers of possession to stop the good guys dead and swallow their souls! Battle with more than 25 hard-hitting weapons and a variety of skill trees in multiplayer and bonus single-player missions to survive the night.

Evil Dead: The Game is available to pre-order now for release on May 13, 2022, on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC via the Epic Games Store. For more information, visit www.EvilDeadtheGame.com, and follow the action on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvilDeadTheGame, Twitter @EvilDeadTheGame and Instagram @EvilDeadTheGame.

Aircraft Carrier Survival Out Now

2022/04/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Independent developer CreativeForge Games is releasing Aircraft Carrier Survival, a simulator set in World War II on Steam today.

If you like war themed games, Aircraft Carrier Survival, puts you in charge of an aircraft carrier, its crew, officers and planes as you choose the right equipment, crew, and escort for each mission. Your success will depend greatly on your flexibility in managing the available fleet resources.

You must focus on taking the best decisions to survive in a hostile environment in the middle of the ocean. Use maneuvers, aircraft, anti-aircraft turrets, and whatever else you can to survive the enemy attack.

Currently, a free-to-play Tutorial of Aircraft Carrier Survival is available on Steam.

Manage crew and officers

Assign a crew and choose what your officers should focus on. Your ship has many stations to man, and proper management will be the key to executing your plan, whether by taking on an enemy directly, sneaking past them, or taking an alternative route to completely avoid contact.

Damage control

Your damage control teams can handle fire outbreaks, torpedo strikes, hull flooding, enemy bombardment, airstrikes, and suicide attacks from enemy planes, but not all of them at once. Assess which threats need to be dealt with first in order to survive.

Survive and fight back

Use maneuvers, aircraft, anti-aircraft turrets, and whatever else you can to survive the enemy attack. Make sure that any enemy who dares to attack you will end up in the depths of the Pacific.

Hard decisions

Will you risk all lives on the vessel to save the one in need? Do you have what it takes to make a decision on the spot? No matter what, some sacrifices will be necessary and the only source of redemption is victory.

Mission planning

Use intel collected during recon missions to prepare pilots and aircraft for large operations. Target enemy land bases and even their entire fleets. Identify opponents before choosing attack directions and deciding the sequence of targets and maneuvers.

Dice Legacy Corrupted Fates DLC Out Now

2022/04/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Explore Dice Legacy’s dark side in the new Corrupted Fates DLC, available now on PC and Nintendo Switch. Corrupted Fates is the final DLC expansion for Dice Legacy, bringing the experience to its exciting conclusion.

Invaders are at your shores and society – corrupted by Cultists – falls prey to the allure of a dark and powerful entity. The council no longer trusts you and continues to propose powerful but dangerous policies that could make or break your realm.

Escape is your only option, but how much are you willing to sacrifice for your own survival?

Watch the Corrupted Fates DLC trailer on YouTube here:

 

Shadowrun Trilogy: Console Edition Announcement Trailer

2022/04/20
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Paradox Interactive, a benevolent megacorp that develops and publishes games for deckers worldwide, today announced that the Shadowrun Trilogy, a collection of three critically acclaimed role-playing games in the iconic fantasy-cyberpunk Shadowrun setting, will launch on consoles on June 21, 2022. The Shadowrun Trilogy, a remastered release of the Shadowrun Returns RPGs originally released by Harebrained Schemes, has been updated for a console experience, with upscaled graphics, improved performance, and controller-optimized gameplay. All three titles in the series will launch simultaneously for the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, and are available for pre-order on all platforms as of today*.

See the classic world of Shadowrun in a new trailer for the Shadowrun Trilogy:

Originally funded via Kickstarter in just 28 hours, and the first Kickstarter-funded game to launch after raising over $1 million, Shadowrun Returns is a story-rich RPG with turn-based tactical combat set in the celebrated Shadowrun universe. Designed by Jordan Weisman, the creator of the original Shadowrun tabletop RPG, Shadowrun Returns released to critical acclaim for PC and mobile platforms, with two sequels released shortly afterwards. The standalone sequels, Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut and Shadowrun: Hong Kong – Extended Edition, join Shadowrun Returns as the Shadowrun Trilogy, coming to console platforms later this year.

For more information on the Shadowrun Trilogy or to pre-order for your platform of choice, please visit https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/games/shadowrun-trilogy/

* Pre-order is subject to regional availability.

BenQ ScreenBar Halo LED Monitor Lamp Review

2022/04/20
Jennifer Paxton
Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

A lot of gamers struggle to find an use a desk lamp that will provide enough light for the situation but not interfere with their monitor – either by throwing off a lot of glare or simply taking up too much desk space. BenQ has attempted to solve this issue with their ScreenBar series of LED monitor lamps. A successor to its popular ScreenBar Plus, the ScreenBar Halo is said to make more improvements to the design and adds a wireless remote control unit.

Powered via USB cable, the BenQ ScreenBar Halo LED monitor light sits on top of your monitor and shines down light on the desk beneath. It feels very sturdy, being made from an aluminum alloy and ABS plastic. The light thrown from the ScreenBar Halo is adjustable – not only in temperature (2500K – 6500K) but also in brightness (all the way up to 800 lux). It also features a smart sensor which will automatically adjust the light based on the ambient light in your office.

Not only is it bright and adjustable, but it is also designed to illuminate the desk in front of you and NOT the monitor itself. This means that it won’t cause glare, which can be a real disruption when playing your favorite game. The light body can even pivot, allowing you to customize the angle of the illumination. It sits on top of the monitor with a spring loaded clip design and BenQ even includes a small pad that adheres to the back of your monitor to pad where the clamp touches it. On the back of the ScreenBar Halo, you’ll also find the backlight. This backlight will illuminate the wall behind the monitor and help reduce eye strain by eliminating contrast. It can be turned on and off of course, so you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. If you have a curved display, that is no trouble for the ScreenBar Halo either, as BenQ has very smartly included a curved monitor adapter piece to allow the light to properly attach.

The wireless remote controller is outstanding. It uses three AAA batteries with an extremely long battery life. Not only is it small but it also has an extremely stylish touch interface. It has light elements and allows full control of the ScreenBar Halo. You can even save your light configuration and recall it with the press of a button – that saves me so much headache. It is nice to not lose my favorite light setup when I’m experimenting with it.

There are only a couple of things that could be improved with the BenQ ScreenBar Halo. One is that it takes up a decent amount of space on top of your monitor and, these days, our monitors are usually adorned with a webcam for Zoom use. With the ScreenBar Halo in place, it *could* interfere with your webcam placement. Of course, if you don’t have a webcam or have a larger monitor this might not be a big deal, but it’s worth mentioning. Also, the remote control touch interface gets very smudgy with consistent use. This can cause it to have glare when the light hits it which is a little annoying.

These small issues aside, the BenQ ScreenBar Halo LED monitor lamp is an excellent choice if you need a desk lamp that won’t take up a lot of space and won’t throw a lot of glare on your monitor. The BenQ ScreenBar Halo retails for $179.99 and is available now.

Little Cities Pushed to May 12th

2022/04/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Sit back and relax with Little Cities this spring, as the cozy VR city creation game releases exclusively on Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2 on May 12th. Developed by UK indie studio, Purple Yonder, and published by nDreams, Little Cities lets players create beautiful miniature cities in idyllic island settings.

We are delighted to reveal the many locations where you will be able to create your perfect Little Cities, across the game’s extensive campaign. Each island or archipelago will feature diverse themes with each bringing unique gameplay elements that you will need to consider to keep your citizens happy.

Volcanic islands bring the risk of eruptions, but geothermal vents can be used to power cities, whilst desert islands feature sandstorms that can be overcome through the planting of trees. Archipelagos with multiple islands also bring the challenge of building bridges to efficiently connect your different neighbourhoods. Each island also features its own set of unique buildings that you will unlock as your city grows from a humble settlement to a bustling metropolis. These include a thermal spa and a water park on Volcano islands and an aquarium and a stadium on Tropical islands.

For a taste of what you can expect when the game releases on April 21st, check out our latest trailer here:

Little Cities is a city creator with coziness at its heart. With an exquisitely composed soundtrack, the gentle hum of an everyday city comes to life, and the tranquil sounds of nature filters through. Offering multiple ways to play, Little Cities has been built for VR from the ground up and is designed to be accessible for everybody. Sit in comfort, or playroom-scale where you can move around and lean in to view the world you created up close. The intuitive controls make building easy, unfussy, and fun, as you relax and make your biggest creations possible!

Little Cities is the first title to be published by nDreams via their third-party publishing initiative. nDreams also recently announced a $35 million investment from the newly formed Aonic Group that will help expand their third-party publishing operation, with multiple games to be announced over the coming months.

Eager city creators can get prepared for release day and Wishlist the game on the Quest store now: https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/4988470131168299/

There’s still lots of Little Cities news to share in the build-up to release so follow Purple Yonder on Twitter and nDreams on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for further updates in the coming weeks.

Contra Anniversary Collection Launch Trailer

2022/04/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News

Limited Run Games, pioneers dedicated to the preservation of classic, current, and influential games in the physical format, announced today it has partnered with video game publisher KONAMI to celebrate over 35-years of the beloved and classic Contra franchise with the physical release of the Contra Anniversary Collection, coming soon to Nintendo Switch™ and PlayStation®4. Three Collector’s Editions — the Classic Edition, the Hard Corps Edition, and the Ultimate Edition — will be made available alongside a Standard version of the game. The Contra Anniversary Collection will be available to pre-order for six-weeks, beginning on Apr. 29, 2022 via the official Limited Run Games website.

The three Collector’s Editions will contain a full loadout of extra collectibles worthy of any longtime-Contra fan. These curated versions include retro-style boxes styles modeled after the original NES and Genesis releases, a CD soundtrack, posters and prints, and much more.

“As lifelong gamers and fans, it is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to work with KONAMI on the Contra Anniversary Collection,” said Josh Fairhurst CEO and Co-founder at Limited Run Games. “For players who grew up during those halcyon days of console gaming in the late ’80s and ’90s, we’ve put together something extra special with this collection, including the original arcade version, Japan-only releases, and all the landmark titles for this legendary franchise from the original Contra that made the ‘Konami code’ famous to more rare releases, like Probotector.”

Limited Run Games is excited to bring this amazing collection of Contra titles to physical formats, which allows a new generation of gamers to experience this beloved franchise in its full glory. In addition, Contra veterans will be happy to replay many of their favorite titles from the ’80s and ’90s and score these exclusive editions.

35 Years of Contra

This special, physical release coincides with the 35th anniversary of the franchise. On February 20, 1987, Bill and Lance blasted into arcades for the first time, and a year later they would liberate living rooms from the evil Red Falcon Organization. Its fast-paced gameplay and infamously brutal difficulty cemented itself as a must-play title and continues to give it a place on lists of the greatest games of all time. The Contra legacy is alive—and dangerous!

About the Contra Anniversary Collection

The Contra Anniversary Collection brings the classic run and gun franchise back to modern platforms. Released as part of KONAMI’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, this collection highlights the Contra franchise’s most definitive releases, from iconic arcade games to the classic console titles that fans have loved for decades.

Grab power-ups and blast your way through waves of menacing enemies and bosses that will put your reaction skills to the test. Included in the game is a digital Bonus Book featuring concept documents and sketches, the official chronology of the franchise, an exclusive interview with a veteran producer of the series, and more!

Alone or with a friend, Contra provides hours of nail-biting action. In a pinch, make sure you know the code!

The following games are included in the Contra Anniversary Collection:

  •  Contra (Arcade)
  •  Super Contra
  •  Contra (NA)
  •  Contra (JP)
  •  Super C
  •  Contra III: The Alien Wars
  •  Operation C
  •  Contra Hard Corps
  •  Super Probotector Alien Rebels
  •  Probotector

Details for the three Contra Anniversary Collection Edition sets include:

Standard Edition | $34.99:

  •  A physical copy of Contra Anniversary Collection

Classic Edition | $64.99:

  •  A physical copy of Contra Anniversary Collection
  •  Classic-style silver box
  •  Dust sleeve for the game
  •  CD soundtrack
  •  Reversible 18 x 24-inch poster

Hard Corps Edition | $64.99:

  • A physical copy of Contra Anniversary Collection
  •  Deluxe clamshell case
  •  CD soundtrack
  •  Reversible 18 x 24-inch poster

Ultimate Edition | $174.99:

  •  A physical copy of Contra Anniversary Collection
  •  Classic-style silver box
  •  Deluxe clamshell case
  •  SteelBook® Case
  •  Metal flying capsule replica with stand
  •  Spread and Barrier power-up pins
  •  Reversible 18 x 24-inch poster
  •  Acrylic character standees
  •  Bill & Lance Metal Keychains
  •  Hardcover History of Contra book
  •  Framed lenticular art print

For more details on Limited Run Games and upcoming sales for rare collectibles, sign-up for the newsletter on the official website, and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Discord.

The Last Worker Gets End-Stage Capitalism Trailer

2022/04/19
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Publisher Wired Productions, Writer / Director Jörg Tittel and pioneering games studio Wolf & Wood are today thrilled to announce that Zelda Williams (The Legend of Korra) and Tommie Earl Jenkins (Death Stranding) have joined the cast of the upcoming narrative adventure The Last Worker. A brand-new trailer, featuring Zelda, as well as existing cast members David Hewlett, Jason Isaacs and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, unpackages the dystopian, thought-provoking world of the game and showcases its stunning hand-crafted visuals.

Visitors to PAX East, (Boston, MA) this weekend can get the world’s first hands-on with The Last Worker, by swinging by the Wired Productions booth at 14030, located at the heart of the show floor.

Zelda Williams and Tommie Earl Jenkins join a star-studded cast alongside Jason Isaacs (The Death of Stalin), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (The Deep), Clare-Hope Ashitey (Children of Men) and David Hewlett (The Shape of Water).

The Last Worker is a first person narrative adventure centred around our struggle in an increasingly automated world. Combining a hand crafted art style with uniquely immersive gameplay mechanics in an epic setting, The Last Worker delivers an emotional, thought provoking and comedic story packaged with rich characters performed by an all-star cast.

“Who would’ve thought a casual conversation on Twitter in the middle of a global pandemic would somehow lead us here?”, said Zelda Williams. “I’ll be forever grateful that Jörg saw fit to send another battle-weary warrior woman my way, and it was a joy to lend her my voice.”

“Working with such a stellar cast would be miraculous enough on a major feature film or series”, said Writer, Director Jörg Tittel, whose company, Oiffy, is producing the game. “But to have such world class actors lend their talent to an indie game must make me the luckiest man alive. But ultimately this game has been an equaliser, with every team member pouring heart and soul into every minute detail. No matter how dystopian they want to make the real world, ours at least will be full of colour and crafted with love.”

“The anticipation of seeing the first public demo of the game is really building in the studio” , said Ryan Bousfield, Creative Director of Wolf & Wood, “As a collective, we’ve all had a part in shaping the stylised world and unique characters of The Last Worker, but now, to have such beautiful performances from an amazing cast to top it all off, fills us with confidence for the public response!”

“The Last Worker continues to be a thrilling project to work on with the groundbreaking storytelling from Jörg, and the technical genius of Wolf & Wood,” said Neil Broadhead, Head of Marketing, Wired Productions. “With the addition of Zelda Williams and Tommie Earl Jenkins to the all-star cast, we are so excited for visitors at PAX to get their hands on The Last Worker for the very first time!”

The Last Worker will be released in 2022 on Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Meta Quest 2.

For more information, check out the latest news and wishlist via Steam, visit the official website for The Last Worker or follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Evil West Playable at PAX East 2022

2022/04/18
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Focus Entertainment is pleased to announce that Evil West will be playable for the first time as part of the publisher’s show floor lineup at PAX East 2022 at booth #12043! The new third-person action game from Flying Wild Hog puts you in the boots of a vampire hunter fighting bloodthirsty monstrosities to save a Wild West consumed by darkness.

Battle through the shadows to eradicate a threat that lies beneath your feet in this exhilarating adventure featuring dynamic, third-person combat and brutal combos, coming soon to PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC.

You can check out other Focus titles during PAX East at booth #12043 as well, including the newly revealed Warstride Challenges, Chants of Sennaar, Dordogne, and Hardspace: Shipbreaker, which officially launches out of Steam Early Access on May 24.

The physical edition of Evil West is available for pre-order now on the Focus Entertainment Store. Add the game to your wishlist now and become a Focus member to get the latest information and future exclusive offers from Evil West and across the entire Focus catalogue.