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The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind Announced

January 31, 2017 – Today Bethesda Softworks announced The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, the next epic Chapter of ZeniMax Online Studios’ award-winning online RPG, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). This new adventure will returnElder Scrolls fans to the legendary island of Vvardenfell, the same iconic environment featured in Bethesda Game Studios’ genre-defining open world RPG, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.

Introducing an enormous new zone, a new player class, more than 30 hours of main story content, a new Trial, and a new three-team, 4v4v4 PvP mode, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will be the biggest addition toThe Elder Scrolls Online yet, offering a new adventure for ESO veterans as well as a fresh Elder Scrolls saga for players new to the game.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will release globally for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on June 6, 2017.  The game is now available for pre-order. To learn more and pre-order the game, please visit www.ElderScrollsOnline.com.

A NEW ELDER SCROLLS CHAPTER FOR EVERYONE

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind redefines the traditional MMO expansion by delivering vast new content and features that are equally accessible and fun for both existing and new ESO players.

  • New Players: New players can jump into The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind and start a new character without having to complete any previous ESO content. And, since the original ESO game is included with The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, new players will have instant access to hundreds of hours of additional adventures throughout Tamriel.
  • Existing Players: ESO veterans will be able to upgrade and immediately journey to Vvardenfell to start the new epic adventure. With the power of October’s One Tamriel update, existing players will find level-appropriate content from the moment they step onto the island of Vvardenfell, regardless of level. Existing players can also choose to create a new character and begin anew.
  • Haven’t played ESO in a while? The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind is a great chance to jump back in with your existing characters, or with a completely new one. Because ESO has no required subscription, you can just reinstall the game, log in, and start playing again.

RETURN TO MORROWIND

Vvardenfell is the largest zone added to The Elder Scrolls Online since launch and utilizes the same geographic footprint as The Elder Scrolls III, including all key points of interest from the classic game.  Players will embark on a dangerous journey through legendary locales in Vvardenfell, 700 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls III, from the docks of Seyda Neen, to the volcanic Ashlands, to dense, mushroom-filled forests, and through the glory of Vivec City, still under construction in this time period.

NEW CLASS – THE WARDEN

Players will harness nature-based magic to master the powerful new character class – The Warden. The Warden is the first new class since launch of ESO and true to ESO and the Elder Scrolls franchise, the player will have the freedom to select from a number of abilities that enable a variety of play styles. The Warden also introduces a devastating new combat ally – the War Bear – a ferocious fighter will stay by the Warden’s side through the most intense battles.

AN INCREDIBLE ELDER SCROLLS STORY

Set roughly 700 years prior to the events of The Elder Scrolls III, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will take gamers on a sweeping adventure through the legendary Vvardenfell, featuring iconic locations, characters, and storylines that will instill nostalgia with longtime Elder Scrolls fans and extend ESO’s narrative into a new chapter. Morrowind is in dire peril and it’s up to player heroes to help Vivec, the legendary warrior-poet and Guardian of Vvardenfell, solve the mystery of his mysterious illness, regain his strength – and save the world from ultimate destruction.

NEW PvP MODE — BATTLEGROUNDS

The Elder Scrolls Online is renowned for open world PvP battles, pitting hundreds of players in a massive battle for supremacy in Cyrodiil. The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will introduce a new PvP mode – Battlegrounds – intense 4v4v4 battles in arena-like environments. Players take the battle to the Ashlands to claim their place among the fiercest and most accomplished combat veterans in Tamriel.

RELEASE AND VERSION DETAILS; PRE-ORDER BONUSES

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will release globally for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on June 6, 2017.  The game is now available for pre-order on all platforms. Please visitwww.ElderScrollsOnline.com for more information. Editions available include:

  • Standard Edition ($59.99): Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind as well as The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.
  • Upgrade Edition ($39.99): Existing players can upgrade their current game to unlock the new The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind content.
  • Digital Collector’s Edition ($79.99): New players can grab this special collection of in-game bonuses by purchasing digitally:

o   Collector’s Edition Grey Bear – An exclusive grey War Bear for use while playing as the Warden.

o   Armored War Horse – Players can charge into battle atop this steed clad in armor fashioned with ancient Dwarven plate.

o   Dwarven Spider Pet – A personal Dwarven Spider is ready for adventure through Vvardenfell.

o   Morag Tong Converter – Players can flaunt their commitment to the assassins by customizing their gear with the distinct style of the Morag Tong.

o   Character Emotes – Celebrate victory in the battlegrounds with this bundle of exclusive emotes.

    • Includes all in-game rewards contained in the Pre-Order Bonus “Discovery Pack.”
    • Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.
  • Digital Collector’s Upgrade ($59.99): Existing players who only need an upgrade can grab all the digital goodies from the Digital Collector’s Edition with the Digital Collector’s Upgrade.
  • Collector’s Edition ($99.99): The ultimate fan of The Elder Scrolls Online can grab the Collector’s Edition, which contains everything included in the Digital Collector’s Edition, as well as:
    • Dwarven Colossus Statue – Recreated with the help of sacred Dwarven texts, this 12” tall replica of the Colossus that starred in the announcement trailer stands ready to defend treasures.
    • Naryu’s Journal – A full-color, large-format book chronicling Morag Tong assassin Naryu’s pursuit of a conspiracy across Tamriel. Illustrated with a broad array of concept art.
    • Map of Morrowind – Players can chart adventures throughout Vvardenfell with this handy map at their side.
    • Exclusive Game Case – A limited edition metallic case bearing the marks of Vivec and the Tribunal.
    • Includes all in-game rewards contained in the Pre-Order Bonus “Discovery Pack.”
    • Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.
  • PRE-ORDER BONUS — THE DISCOVERY PACK: Fans who pre-order The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will be rewarded with a collection of exclusive in-game bonuses, including:

o   Exclusive Warden Costume – An exclusive costume available for all classes that matches the Warden’s outfit as seen in the announcement trailer.

o   Dwarven War Dog Pet – A unique armored non-combat in-game pet.

o   Treasure Maps –  Maps detailing the location of Vvardenfell’s greatest rewards.

o   Dwarven Crown Crate – A special Crown Crate with a chance to contain Dwarven-themed mounts, pets, costumes, and more.

o   Experience Scrolls – Advance through Vvardenfell gaining 50% more experience points for two hours.

Sniper Elite 4 101 Gameplay Trailer

January 31, 2017 — Captured entirely from in-game footage, this six-minute ‘101’ trailer showcases all-new gameplay from Sniper Elite 4’s extensive feature set, including:

  • An expansive campaign for 1-2 players: Explore 1943 Italy and fight alongside the brave men and women of the Resistance. Hunt down a terrifying new weapon that threatens the entire Allied fightback.
  • A deep and rewarding sniping simulation: deliver pinpoint assassinations at extreme distance, adapting to wind and gravity, and adjusting for range with scope zeroing.
  • Traverse massive environments featuring hundreds of enemies and vehicles: Find your ideal sniper’s nest, out maneuvers your enemies or hunt them up close. Combine suppressed weapons with deadly traps to torment enemy formations and isolate priority targets.
  • Employ a massive, personalized arsenal including iconic World War II rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, explosives and heavy weapons. Adapt your loadout for each mission and upgrade core attributes like scope magnification, stability, recoil, muzzle velocity and more.
  • Challenging online co-op & multiplayer modes set across six gorgeous custom-designed maps. Take on dedicated co-op modes for up to four players and prove your mettle across seven competitive modes for up to 12 players.

It’s time to deploy, sniper. It’s time to liberate Italy and set the wheels in motion for victory in Europe.

SNIPER ELITE 4 releases for PlayStation 4, Xbox One & PC on February 14, 2017.

For more details, visit sniperelite4.com

Star Wars Pinball: Rogue One Launch Trailer

January 31, 2017 – Zen Studios is excited to announce that Star Wars™ Pinball: Rogue One™, the highly-anticipated pinball table based on the blockbuster film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, is now available across Zen’s pinball platforms. In Star Wars™ Pinball: Rogue One™, team up with Jyn Erso and steal the Death Star plans to bring hope back to the galaxy! To celebrate the launch, Zen has released a new trailer showcasing the table in action.

In Star Wars™ Pinball: Rogue One™, players are tasked with a special mission of the utmost importance. The Empire has begun testing a major weapon, and the Rebel Alliance needs to find out how to destroy it. As part of a small band of Rebels, you must infiltrate the Empire and steal the plans for the Death Star and restore hope to a hopeless galaxy.

The Star Wars™ Pinball: Rogue One™ table features 10 story-related game modes, each one with its own set of playfield toys and goals. You must avoid stormtrooper detection in stealth missions, hold your own in firefights and combat missions, evade the footsteps of an AT-ACT walker, navigate the U-wing to shoot down TIE strikers as the ship’s gunner, and face off against Director Krennic and his Death Troopers in a white-knuckle multiball mode.

Rebellions are built on hope – and the only hope the galaxy has lies at the feet of a rogue band of rebel fighters that is prepared for a daring mission. Welcome to Rogue One!

Think of the Children Announcement Trailer

Tuesday 31 January, 2017: Little Bobby’s dead, the BBQ’s on fire, Jen’s eating poisonous berries and the birthday cake still needs icing. It’s just another wonderful day out with the kids in Think of the Children, a frantic new multitasking game revealed today by developer Jammed Up Studios and indie label Surprise Attack Games. Think of the Children will release on PC via Steam in mid 2017.

Hauled before the court for bad parenting and endangering your children, the prosecution present a series of family days out as evidence that will either condemn or exonerate you. To avoid jail players will have to play through each event in flashback to prove their parenting skills, and their innocence, to the judge.

Looking after kids is far from child’s play, however. Playerc1s are tasked with simple jobs to be done like setting the tables, tending the BBQ, putting suntan lotion on grandpa, having an adult conversation. Unfortunately their kids can’t seem to stop playing with dangerous hazards like rabid dogs, vicious seagulls, runaway trolleys or escaped gorillas. To get a good parenting grade and avoid jail time you need to get all your tasks done, keep the kids happy and, ideally, have as many of them as possible still alive at the end.

Players can parent solo or co-operatively with up to four players, locally or online and all kinds of families are welcome – single dad? Two mums? A mum, two dads and a horse in a long distance relationship? It’s all good.

Highlights:

  • Think of the Children officially announced, coming to Steam mid 2017
  • Frantic multitasking game
  • Get your tasks done whilst keeping the kids happy and, ideally, alive
  • Prove your parenting skills to avoid a jail sentence
  • Solo or co-op play with up to four players

XX Film Review (Horror)

I recently got the chance to take a look at Magnolia Pictures new horror anthology, XX. XX is made up of four short horror films, each directed by a different female filmmaker. The four short films are separated by some really creepy segments of stop-motion animation which were very impressive, and the film’s overall runtime is 1 hour and 20 minutes. I sat down to watch XX on one of Southern California’s more recent cold evenings with a trusty mug of hot cocoa next to my chair and my fireplace roaring – a great night for a spooky horror film.

Interestingly enough, XX was not a horror anthology of the kind that I was used to. Modern horror anthology films like V/H/S and ABC’s of Death all have a a certain frenetic (maybe sometimes amateurish) pacing to their horror segments – even those segments meant to be more cerebral seem to move along curtly. The four short films of XX have a more professional pacing, which is terrific for the body of each short, but not for their endings. I was consistently left wanting or needing to know more about the story that wasn’t provided. While this can work to a short film’s benefit, in these cases what with their professional pacing, you simply don’t expect for the endings to come on as abruptly as they do. When the endings do arrive, it is somewhat jarring. Also, while I appreciated the amazing stop-motion animation, I was hoping to find the interludes and bumper sections to be more of a frame story.

It may sound like I am picking on XX, but I am only mentioning these things because I enjoyed the film quite a bit. Each of the short stories had me wanting more and I applaud each director for their mastery of film craft. Jovanka Vuckovic’s “The Box” had me on the edge of my seat the entire time as did Roxanne Benjamin’s “Don’t Fall”, while Annie Clark’s “The Birthday Party” had a wicked sense of dark comedy that I desperately wanted expanded upon. I would love to see The Birthday Party made into a 90 minute feature. Melanie Lynskey is a great actor with terrific comic timing and she could carry the story to dark, dark places in a believable and humorous way. Karyn Kusama’s “Her Only Living Son” was tense and also a bit heartstring-tugging. I am intentionally avoiding talking about the plot points of the film just because XX should be viewed with as little foreknowledge as possible. If you do a spoiler search on the Internet prior to viewing, you will probably not enjoy the film nearly as much.

Ultimately, XX is an intense horror anthology that leaves audiences wanting more. It is also a testament to women in film-making and the four directors should be very proud of their work. XX is due out in theaters and VoD come February 17, 2017.


XX Review Score

[mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#ff3a3a” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#ff3a3a” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#ff3a3a” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star” color=”#ff3a3a” type=”fa”][mks_icon icon=”fa-star-o” color=”#ff3a3a” type=”fa”] (4 out of 5 Stars)


 

Mass Effect: Andromeda Cinematic Trailer #2

January 27, 2017 – How far will you go? Prospective Pathfinders will learn a little more about the dangers of the Andromeda galaxy today as EA and BioWare revealed two new trailers for Mass Effect: Andromeda, one of 2017’s most anticipated games. The new cinematic character trailer offers a glimpse at Pathfinder Ryder’s squadmates and allies in their search for humanity’s new home. The explorers find a little more than they bargained for, however, as the dangerous Kett Archon demonstrates that the uncharted Andromeda galaxy is also full of new perils and threats.

The latest Andromeda Initiative briefing video also released today introduces players to leading members of the human Pathfinder team on Ark Hyperion, including Pathfinder Alec Ryder, his children Scott and Sarah Ryder, Crisis Responder Liam Kosta and Operations Specialist Cora Harper, who together will lead humanity’s discovery of new worlds in the Andromeda Galaxy when Mass Effect: Andromeda launches on March 21.

The Pathfinder Andromeda Initiative briefing video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqZvYgn35K4

Fans can sign up for the Andromeda Initiative and receive news alerts for Mass Effect: Andromeda here: http://x.ea.com/25657

Square Enix and Marvel Unveil Secret The Avengers Game

GLENDALE, Calif. & TOKYO, JAPAN (January 26, 2017) – Marvel Entertainment and SQUARE ENIX® today announced a new multi-year, multi-game licensing agreement to develop and publish original games based on beloved Marvel Super Heroes, beginning with The Avengers. This newly established partnership pairs the creative minds at Marvel and Square Enix for one of the most powerful alliances in interactive entertainment. The first blockbuster game is being crafted by Crystal Dynamics®, developers of the award winning TOMB RAIDER® series, in collaboration with Eidos-Montréal, the home of the critically acclaimed and award-winning DEUS EX game series.

The Avengers project is being designed for gamers worldwide and will be packed with all the characters, environments, and iconic moments that have thrilled longtime fans of the franchise. Featuring a completely original story, it will introduce a universe gamers can play in for years to come. More details on The Avengers project and other games will be announced in 2018.

“By partnering with Crystal Dynamics and Eidos-Montréal, we are now working with two of the industry’s most talented and respected game development studios to bring Marvel stories to life in ways our fans have never experienced,“ said Jay Ong, Senior Vice President, Games & Innovation, Marvel Entertainment. “The Avengers project is a perfect example of how Marvel is making games a key part of the landscape for Marvel storytelling, alongside comics, television and film. We can only do this by matching our greatest Super Heroes with the world’s top developers, such as the creative minds at Square Enix.”

“Marvel’s diverse, innovative universe has created millions of longtime fans, including all of us,” said Phil Rogers, CEO, Square Enix Americas and Europe. “It’s exciting to bring together Square Enix’s award-winning development studios with Marvel’s extraordinary storytellers to establish a new entertainment powerhouse.  This collaboration of passion and talent will craft epic, imaginative experiences allowing gamers to live out their Super Hero dreams like never before.”

Crystal Dynamics is the studio behind the critically acclaimed and world-famous TOMB RAIDER franchise, which has sold over 48 million copies worldwide. With over 30 video game titles released and hundreds of awards, the heroine Lara Croft has been a cultural icon for 20 years and has made an indelible mark on virtually every facet of entertainment. The most recent release, Rise of the Tomb Raider®, has received over 100 awards and nominations and is one of the highest rated games on next generation systems.

Eidos-Montréal is the award-winning studio behind the relaunch of the DEUS EX series. In 2011, the studio made its mark with the critically acclaimed Deus Ex: Human Revolution®. Its sequel, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided™, was released in 2016 and received more than 100 awards and nominations.

Star Trek Online: Season 12 – Reckoning Launch Trailer

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – January 26, 2017 Today, Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a leading publisher of free-to-play MMORPGs, and Cryptic Studios announced Star Trek Online: Season 12 – Reckoning is now available on PC. The update celebrates a very special milestone for the 100% free-to-play MMORPG based on the iconic Star Trek franchise, as the game celebrates its incredible 7th Anniversary. To commemorate this achievement, captains can experience a brand-new episode, featuring the debut of General Rodek, voiced by actor Tony Todd. Players will also complete daily missions to earn special rewards, including the new Lukari ship, which the community helped design last fall. Season 12 – Reckoning will be available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 at a later date.

Season 12 puts out a desperate call to captains across the galaxy to battle the powerful Tzenkethi, a highly-intelligent, militant warp-capable species. The mission begins when the Lukari set out on a journey to investigate some unusual activity in an unexplored region of the Alpha Quadrant. Upon further inspection, they discover data that suggests weaponized use of protomatter and request immediate assistance from the Alliance. Captains must work together with the Lukari to prevent a looming cataclysmic attack from the Tzenkethi.

These events all transpire in Season 12’s newest featured episode, “Of Signs and Portents.” The update also brings back Star Trek Online’s popular anniversary events and offers players new content to explore, including a challenging new reputation, two new space queues and new Research and Development school. A full list of features for Season 12 – Reckoning includes:

  • New Lukari Science Vessel – Captains can finally earn the community-designed T6 Lukari Ho’kuun Science Vessel by participating in daily anniversary missions and completing the new featured episode.
  • Two Daily Anniversary Missions –Completing “Omega Molecule Stabilization Daily” and “Party Patrol” each day will earn dilithium, reputation marks and pictures of Q, which must be collected to earn the new Lukari ship.
  • Omega Molecule Stabilization Mini-Game – Players can track down omega particles that Q has scattered across the galaxy and use them to craft upgrade kits.
  • New Featured Episode – In the brand new episode, “Of Signs and Portents,” captains team up with the Lukari to battle the Tzenkethi and earn rewards toward the new Lukari Science Vessel.
  • New Reputation – “The Lukari Restoration Initiative” allows players to earn marks toward weapons and gear infused with protomatter technology to defend themselves from the Tzenkethi.
  • New Crafting School Season 12 introduces a new Research School to the R&D System, allowing captains to create new kits and modules.
  • Two New Space Queues
    • “Gravity Kills” – Captains will lead an attack on a Tzenkethi protomatter facility and collect Hawking particles to drop their special defenses.
    • “The Tzenkethi Front” – Players will defend the Eta Serpentis system from a Tzenkethi attack by turning their protomatter weapons against them.
  • Full Space Battlezone – Captains will head out to the final frontier to lead an all-out war against the Tzenkethi, in an effort to stop the production and deployment of protomatter weapons.

Star Trek Online is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online game where players can pioneer their own destiny as Captain of a Federation starship, become a Klingon Warrior and champion the Empire through the far reaches of the galaxy, or rebuild the Romulan legacy as the commander of a Romulan Republic Warbird. In Star Trek Online, players have the opportunity to visit iconic locations from the popular Star Trek universe, reach out to unexplored star systems and make contact with new alien species. Star Trek Online is currently available on PC, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.

To download and play Star Trek Online today for free, visit www.playstartrekonline.com.

Star Trek Online is licensed by CBS Consumer Products.

® & © 2016 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire Announced with Fig Campaign

IRVINE, CA — January 26, 2017 — Today, Obsidian Entertainment announces its isometric, party-based role-playing game (RPG) Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, a sequel to the critically-acclaimed Pillars of Eternity. Currently in development for Windows PC, Mac, and Linux, the fan-funding campaign in support of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire kicks off today on Fig (www.fig.co) offering both equity and rewards opportunities, with an overall goal of $1.1M USD, $2.25M being open for equity.

“We are so thankful to our fans, who believed in us and made the original Pillars a huge crowdfunding success. For the sequel, we have turned to Fig for our fan-funding needs because we not only wanted our fans to help shape Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, but to financially share in its potential as well,” said Feargus Urquhart, CEO of Obsidian Entertainment. “Pillars of Eternity set the standard for quality among fan-funded games by not only delivering an amazing game, but also making good on everything we promised to our backers. Our goal for Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is to improve on what fans loved about the original while adding features our fans want to see, truly living cities, more freedom to explore the open world, and pushing what we do best at Obsidian – letting players define and play the role they want to play.”

Inspired by classic titles such as Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire improves upon the rich narrative, beautiful environments, and intricate, tactical combat that made the original a fan and critical sensation. With Deadfire, Obsidian will take players on a second fantastic journey to the world of Eora, this time to the vast, uncharted, Deadfire Archipelago where they will fight for their souls as they hunt down a god.

For more information on Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, visit https://www.fig.co/campaigns/deadfire

For those wanting to play the original Pillars of Eternity, please visit http://buy.pillarsofeternity.com.

Screenshots/Art

The Surge – Bad Day At the Office Trailer

January 26, 2017 – Deck 13’s new hardcore action-RPG The Surge today unveils a CGI trailer exploring Warren’s first day on the job at CREO, the megacorporation on a mission to save a dystopian world from itself.

Freshly recruited as an augmented worker at CREO, Warren’s first day coincides with a catastrophic event during the routine surgical operation meant to graft―through flesh and bone―employee exo-suits. This marks the first in a series of brutal events, turning this first day at CREO into a hellish nightmare of robots gone haywire, crazed employees with fried cranial implants, and artificial intelligence who all want Warren dead.

Now equipped with a state-of-the-art exoskeleton, you’ll have to improvise in order to survive―tools manipulated by CREO workers, while not originally meant for combat, make for effective lethal weapons. The equipment pieces compatible with your exo-suit will make you faster, stronger, and sturdier. During battle, target your enemies’ limbs, slice them, and retrieve the attached equipment to improve and power-up your own suit―allowing you to delve deeper in the CREO complex and attempt to put an end to the madness initiated by the Surge.

Make the most of your exo-suit, armors, and almost limitless armament combinations to survive CREO when The Surge slices its way onto PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in May 2017. 

The Surge will be showcased to international press during the What’s Next de Focus taking place in Paris on February 1st and 2nd.