Category: Gaming

  • Crytek Faces Crisis: 60 Layoffs and Crysis 4 Development Stopped

    Crytek Faces Crisis: 60 Layoffs and Crysis 4 Development Stopped

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crytek has laid off 60 employees, about 15% of its staff, due to “difficult market dynamics.”
    2. Work on Crysis 4 has been halted, raising questions about the future of the project.
    3. The gaming industry is experiencing widespread downsizing, influenced by rising development costs and economic uncertainties.
    4. Crytek is shifting focus to its game Hunt: Showdown, which is gaining popularity with over 60,000 concurrent players on Steam.
    5. Concerns exist within the community about potential increased monetization and microtransactions in Hunt: Showdown.


    Crytek, the German company known for the Crysis series, has let go of 60 employees and halted work on Crysis 4. In a post on X (previously Twitter), they mentioned “difficult market dynamics” as the cause for these decisions. The studio recognized the current struggles in the industry and stated that these actions are crucial for ensuring their long-term financial health.

    Layoffs and Industry Trends

    The reduction of 60 jobs represents about 15% of Crytek’s total staff, mainly affecting their development and support teams. This is part of a larger trend in the gaming industry, where numerous studios, including those affiliated with Microsoft and Sony, are downsizing in 2024. Increasing development costs and economic uncertainties are significant contributors, along with changes in the market post-pandemic that have compelled companies to retract after a period of rapid growth.

    Uncertain Future for Crysis 4

    Crysis 4, which was first announced in 2022, is now officially on hold. With hardly any news over the last two years, many are left wondering if the project will continue at all. This situation has sparked intense discussions on Reddit; while some fans had already given up hope, the sense of disappointment is still palpable.

    Focus Shift to Hunt: Showdown

    Crytek is now redirecting its attention to Hunt: Showdown, a multiplayer shooter that features a horror-western vibe. The game recently exceeded 60,000 concurrent players on Steam and is poised for further growth with the upcoming Hunt: Showdown 1896, which aims to bolster Crytek’s financial situation. Nevertheless, there are concerns within the community that this new direction may result in increased monetization and a rise in microtransactions.

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  • GTA 6 Release Window Hinted at in State of Play Event

    GTA 6 Release Window Hinted at in State of Play Event

    Key Takeaways

    1. No GTA 6 trailer was revealed during Sony’s State of Play on February 12, 2025.
    2. Borderlands 4 is set to release on September 23, 2025, suggesting a potential timeline for GTA 6.
    3. Take-Two’s CEO indicated that GTA 6 and Borderlands 4 will not release simultaneously.
    4. GTA 6 may be released a few weeks before or after Borderlands 4, possibly in late August or September 2025.
    5. A former Rockstar employee mentioned that GTA 6 is fully playable, raising hopes for its timely release.


    Although a lot of people didn’t expect much, some fans were still wishing for the second GTA 6 trailer during Sony’s State of Play on February 12, which showcased various new game announcements. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. But, fans of GTA didn’t leave without some news – Sony announced the release date for Borderlands 4, which could hint at when GTA 6 might come out.

    Borderlands 4 Release Date

    At the event, it was revealed that Borderlands 4 is set to launch on September 23, 2025. Fans who remember Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s chat with Variety back in November 2024 might find this interesting – Zelnick pointed out that GTA 6 and Borderlands 4 won’t be released at the same time. He mentioned:

    “I think it’s safe to say that we wouldn’t, and no one would, stack up huge releases unnecessarily.”

    This statement indicates that GTA 6 is likely to come out either a few weeks before or after Borderlands 4. Technically, late August or early September still falls under summer. So, a release in this timeframe could be possible. However, Take-Two’s official announcement of a Fall 2025 release window makes it seem more likely that the launch will happen later. Previous titles like GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas were also released in October, which adds some weight to this idea. Yet, many fans are skeptical about whether Rockstar and Take-Two can actually stick to this timeline. On the other hand, a former Rockstar employee has stated that GTA 6 is already completely playable, giving some fans a glimmer of hope for a timely release.

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  • AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Specs Leak: 4096 Cores, 16GB GDDR6 VRAM

    AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Specs Leak: 4096 Cores, 16GB GDDR6 VRAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Radeon RX 9070 XT is launching in March with rumored specifications of 4096 cores and 16GB of VRAM.
    2. Leaks suggest a boost clock speed of 3.1 GHz and support for PCIe 5.0.
    3. Benchmark tests show an impressive average of 211.71 FPS at 1080p in Monster Hunter Wilds.
    4. Pricing is expected to be around $699, with partner cards potentially reaching $860.
    5. The performance may involve technologies like FSR or frame generation, warranting a wait for confirmed figures.


    The Radeon RX 9070 XT is set to launch in March, and as usual with new GPU releases, there are plenty of rumors and leaks circulating. The most recent leak provides some insight into the specifications of the Radeon RX 9070 XT, suggesting it will have 4096 cores and 16GB of VRAM, among other details. Furthermore, the leaker has shared a gaming benchmark indicating a high FPS at 1080p, though the visual settings details remain vague.

    Details on the Leak

    This information comes from a well-known X user known as HKEPC (@hkepcmedia), who posted a screenshot from GPU-Z, a utility that displays important GPU information, although the GPU name appears blurred. It’s identified as a Navi 48 GPU, which the leaker claims to be the Radeon RX 9070 XT. The image reveals 4096 unified cores, 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM, and a 256-bit memory bus. Additionally, it shows a boost clock speed of 3.1 GHz, which likely indicates an overclocked specification.

    Benchmark Insights

    The version of GPU-Z used for this leak is 2.62.0, which is the most up-to-date version available. The screenshot also indicates that the Navi 48 GPU supports PCIe 5.0, which is expected for modern GPUs. Moreover, the leaker shared another screenshot from a benchmark tool for Monster Hunter Wilds, revealing an average of 211.71 FPS at 1920×1080 resolution. The test was executed on an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU with 48GB of RAM and at Very High settings. Once again, the GPU name is blurred out. Given the high FPS, it suggests that the Radeon RX 9070 XT should handle this game and other demanding titles well at 1080p. However, it may also indicate the use of FSR or frame generation, so fans of the Red Team might need to wait for solid performance figures.

    Pricing Expectations

    In terms of pricing, a recent leak suggests that the Radeon RX 9070 XT will be around $699, with some partner cards reaching up to $860. For context, the Founders Edition RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti are priced at $549 and $749, respectively, with partner cards being more expensive.

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  • Indie Shooter Developer Faces Backlash Over Legal Threats

    Indie Shooter Developer Faces Backlash Over Legal Threats

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bluedrake42, a popular YouTuber, created the free tactical shooter game Operation: Harsh Doorstop as an alternative to other well-known shooters.
    2. He called for transparency from influencers, asking them to disclose payments over $10,000 from competing games before giving opinions on his game.
    3. Many community members reacted negatively to his post, viewing his threats as excessive and unprofessional.
    4. Critics accused him of using controversy to draw attention to his game, which they believe is underperforming.
    5. The backlash has negatively impacted the game’s reputation, leading to an increase in negative reviews on Steam.


    With a subscriber base exceeding a million, Bluedrake42 isn’t just a prominent figure on YouTube; he is also the creator of the free tactical shooter, Operation: Harsh Doorstop. This game aims to serve as an alternative to well-known shooters such as Battlefield, Arma, and Squad, and it operates on a completely free-to-play basis while providing extensive support for mods. However, just before the upcoming significant update set for February 28, the developer has sparked controversy with a post on X.

    Call for Transparency

    In his recent X post, Bluedrake42 urges influencers to reveal any payments exceeding $10,000 from competing games within the last year. He demands that they disclose this information prior to providing their opinions on his game. He warns that failure to comply might lead to legal issues. Bluedrake42 maintains that influencers are not “independent journalists” and often receive payments from developers to unjustly criticize other games. To further engage the community, he is also providing a Steam key for the upcoming playtest to anyone who shares his post.

    Community Backlash

    When looking at reactions on Reddit, the feedback has been predominantly negative. Many community members consider the developer’s threats to be excessive, unprofessional, and ineffective. Critics have accused Bluedrake42 of using controversy as a strategy to gain attention for his underperforming game. One user remarked, “He rants about paid reviews, yet his own game is almost unplayable. Could this be the reason for the poor feedback?”

    Impact on Reputation

    The ongoing controversy is already negatively affecting Operation: Harsh Doorstop. While the game previously enjoyed a decent reputation with 77% positive reviews from over 17,000 users on Steam, the backlash triggered by Bluedrake42’s post on X has resulted in a notable increase in negative ratings.

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  • Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires Release in March

    Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires Release in March

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hearts of Iron IV, released in 2016, is priced at $39.99 on Amazon and has sold over five million copies on Steam by mid-2023.

    2. The game has received nearly a dozen DLC updates, with the first three expansions included with the base game as of April 2024.

    3. The upcoming DLC, Graveyard of Empires, will feature unique focus trees for India, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, highlighting historical imperial ambitions.

    4. Hearts of Iron IV has over 235,000 “very positive” ratings on Steam and currently retails for $49.99.

    5. A subscription option for expansions and new content is available at $7.99 per month or $14.99 every three months.


    Released back in 2016, Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy game that is currently priced at $39.99 on Amazon. As of mid-2023, it has sold over five million copies on Steam. Since its launch, nearly a dozen DLC updates have been released. The first three expansions—Together for Victory, Death or Dishonor, and Walking the Tiger—were included with the base game as of April 2024. The next DLC, titled Graveyard of Empires, is set to launch on March 4th.

    New Focus Trees and Historical Context

    The upcoming DLC will introduce unique focus trees for regions today known as India, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In the context of Graveyard of Empires, India is referred to as British Raj, a term that was used from 1858 until 1947. Paradox Development Studio describes this DLC as exploring the imperial ambitions that clash in the complex terrains of Central and South Asia. The British Empire, which holds sway over Iraq and India, seeks to expand its influence into Iran and Afghanistan, while Russia is also eyeing these territories. Players will face various challenges and will have the opportunity to alter the flow of history—a common theme throughout the Hearts of Iron series.

    Pricing and Subscription Options

    As for reviews, Hearts of Iron IV enjoys over 235,000 “very positive” ratings on Steam and is available for $49.99 at present. For those interested in keeping up with all expansions and new content, there is a subscription option priced at $7.99 per month or $14.99 every three months.

    Paradox Interactive is the publisher behind this engaging strategy game, making it a must-try for fans of the genre.

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  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090: No VRAM ECC for Pro Workloads

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 features the new GB202 GPU with significant hardware upgrades compared to previous models like the RTX 4090 and RTX 3090 Ti.

    2. The RTX 5090 does not include the ability to switch between ECC and non-ECC memory states, a feature available in the RTX 3090 Ti and RTX 4090.

    3. ECC (Error Correction Code) memory is crucial for tasks requiring high data accuracy, such as machine learning, while regular consumers may not need it.

    4. GDDR7 memory specifications now include on-die ECC to handle increased memory densities and improve error correction capabilities.

    5. The RTX 5090 has high-performance GDDR7 memory but its support for ECC features is uncertain, relying on future updates for potential activation.


    Since the Ampere generation, Nvidia has replaced its top Titan card with the 90 series models aimed at both professionals and gamers.

    Significant Hardware Upgrades

    The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 features the new GB202 GPU, which shows major hardware enhancements when compared to the RTX 4090’s AD102 and RTX 3090 Ti’s GA102 GPUs. Interestingly, while the RTX 3090 Ti and RTX 4090 allowed users to change the VRAM ECC state in the driver, this function seems to be omitted in the RTX 5090.

    Understanding ECC

    Error Correction Code, or ECC, is a method that allows memory to fix itself. Memory errors can happen due to bit flips during data transfer or when errors arise in the data as memory cells discharge and recharge their energy. This self-correction is achieved through either a dedicated memory chip that checks for parity among the other eight chips (known as on-die ECC) or through the memory controller (DRAM ECC).

    Most DDR5 consumer system memory supports ECC, but not fully. DDR5 RAM is designed to spot multi-bit errors but only fix single-bit errors through its built-in checking system. Due to how DDR5 divides 64-bit memory into two 32-bit sections, DDR5-ECC RAM comes in 72-bit (32+4) EC4 or 80-bit (32+8) EC8 configurations.

    When is ECC Necessary?

    ECC memory is not often needed for regular consumer tasks. If this term is new to you, it’s likely you won’t require ECC memory. Nevertheless, ECC is crucial for mission-critical and machine learning tasks where data accuracy must be preserved throughout the entire process. Google faced significant issues back in 1999 when they neglected to use ECC memory, which severely hampered their search engine’s performance due to memory corruption.

    All GPUs that use GDDR5 and GDDR6/6X VRAM have a system for detecting memory errors called Error Detection Code (EDC). Nvidia refers to this as Error Detection and Replay (EDR), a process that requests the retransmission of bits from the memory controller after a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is completed. EDR helps reduce pixel artifacts when VRAM is overclocked, although this may have a slight negative effect on performance.

    Features of RTX 3090 Ti and RTX 4090

    A lesser-known feature in the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Ti and RTX 4090 desktop GPUs is the ability to switch between ECC and non-ECC memory states via the driver. Unfortunately, this option is missing in the new RTX 5090. Both the RTX 3090 Ti and RTX 4090 incorporate a method known as “soft ECC,” which doesn’t require a separate chip for parity. Instead, activating this feature dedicates some VRAM to act like an on-die ECC module.

    Consequently, this reduces the total available VRAM and memory speed. For the RTX 4090, the usable VRAM drops from 24 GB to 22.5 GB, with 1.5 GB allocated for ECC functions. Activating the ECC state affects performance; for instance, with ECC on in the RTX 4090, 3DMark Speed Way scores saw a 6.4% decrease, and Cyberpunk 2077 2.21 Phantom Liberty experienced about a 5% dip in average fps. The extent of performance loss varies based on the specific task.

    Advances with GDDR7

    With GDDR7, JEDEC has now included on-die ECC as part of the VRAM specifications, recognizing the higher chances of errors due to increased memory densities. GDDR7 employs on-die ECC with a protocol that informs the memory controller about the types of errors that occur. According to JEDEC, GDDR7 can fully correct 1-bit errors and completely detect 2-bit errors, although the detection for rare 3-bit errors drops slightly to 99.3%.

    Moreover, the official specifications also include command address parity with command blocking (CAPARBLK) to enhance the reliability of the command address bus. However, it remains uncertain whether Blackwell’s memory controller utilizes this on-die ECC functionality by default.

    Specifications of RTX 5090

    The RTX 5090 is equipped with 512-bit GDDR7 memory rated for an impressive 1.792 TB/s bandwidth at a rapid 28 Gbps clock, which could lead to transmission errors. Furthermore, Nvidia is promoting the RTX 5090 for AI workflows, which could gain from ECC when processing large datasets. However, Nvidia’s architecture whitepaper only mentions support for “Enhanced Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) for Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS),” which does not equate to ECC.

    While it would be reasonable to assume that Nvidia would activate GDDR7’s on-die ECC capability for the anticipated Blackwell workstation GPUs, it is still unknown if the ECC state toggle will be available for the consumer RTX 5090 through a future driver or VBIOS update.

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  • GTA Developer Launches New Explosive Third-Person Shooter Game

    GTA Developer Launches New Explosive Third-Person Shooter Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Leslie Benzies, former president of Rockstar North, was key in developing iconic games like GTA III, Vice City, and GTA V before starting his own company, Build A Rocket Boy, in 2016.
    2. Benzies’ debut game, Everywhere, is a sandbox MMO allowing players to explore and create their own worlds and challenges, with closed beta sign-ups available.
    3. At a recent Sony event, Benzies announced his second game, MindsEye, a third-person shooter featuring the character Jacob Diaz and themes of AI and military factions.
    4. Community reactions to MindsEye have been mixed, with praise for cinematic cutscenes but criticism of incomplete graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles.
    5. MindsEye is set to launch in summer 2025 on PlayStation 5, with Xbox Series X|S and PC versions to follow, and players can add it to their Steam wishlist.


    Leslie Benzies, who was the president of Rockstar North, was instrumental in creating popular games like GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas, GTA IV, and GTA V before parting ways with the company in 2016. After his departure, he started his own company called Build A Rocket Boy, which revealed its debut game in 2022. The game, titled Everywhere, is a sandbox MMO that lets players explore pre-existing content and design their own worlds, games, and challenges. While a specific release date hasn’t been provided yet, players can sign up for closed beta tests.

    New Game Announcement

    At a recent Sony State of Play event that showcased significant gaming announcements, Leslie Benzies and his studio introduced their second title – MindsEye, a thrilling third-person shooter. Players will assume the character of Jacob Diaz, a former soldier who has a strange neural implant, which brings back memories of a pivotal mission. The game’s trailer suggests a focus on artificial intelligence, cutting-edge experiments, and rogue military factions as Diaz seeks to uncover the secrets of his past. Fans of both storytelling and action may find themselves captivated by the game’s explosive third-person combat, which includes ground skirmishes, car chases, and helicopter confrontations.

    Community Reactions

    The feedback for MindsEye on Reddit has been varied. While many have applauded the cinematic cutscenes, the graphics have been criticized for appearing incomplete. Some users have likened the visuals to those of older AA games from the PS3 and Xbox 360 era, leading to concerns about the game’s overall quality. Nonetheless, this viewpoint could change as the game gets closer to its release date.

    MindsEye is projected to launch in the summer of 2025, although a precise date has not yet been confirmed. It will debut on PlayStation 5, with versions for Xbox Series X|S and PC (available through Steam) coming later. Players can currently add the game to their wishlist on Steam.

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  • 1 vs. 1,000 Battles: Exciting Roguelite Shadow Drop Surprise

    1 vs. 1,000 Battles: Exciting Roguelite Shadow Drop Surprise

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Release: Warriors: Abyss was unexpectedly launched during the PlayStation State of Play event on February 12, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    2. Gameplay Mechanics: Players fight as a hero summoned to the underworld to defeat the evil Gouma, gathering Karma Embers to recruit fallen heroes and build a team.

    3. Classic and New Features: The game retains the traditional 1 vs. 1,000 battle style while introducing roguelite elements, including procedurally generated levels and enemy layouts.

    4. Progression System: Most progress resets after defeat, but players can keep certain upgrades, unlocked heroes, and collected Karma Embers.

    5. Player Reception and Pricing: Warriors: Abyss holds a 75% positive rating from 74 Steam reviews and is priced at $24.99, with special editions offering additional content at higher prices.


    The latest addition to the popular Warriors series, known for its epic battles, is Dynasty Warriors: Origins, which was released in January 2025. During the PlayStation State of Play event on February 12, various games were announced. One of the highlights was Warriors: Abyss, which unexpectedly launched as a shadow drop for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    Gameplay Overview

    In Warriors: Abyss, players take on the role of a hero who is summoned to the underworld by the King of Hell to vanquish the evil Gouma. As you fight through swarms of hellish foes, you gather Karma Embers—an in-game currency that allows you to recruit the spirits of fallen heroes and build a formidable team. With more than 100 heroes at your disposal, the game provides a rich strategic experience.

    New Features

    The game maintains the classic 1 vs. 1,000 battle style that fans love while introducing roguelite elements for the first time. Each playthrough presents randomly generated enemy layouts and power-ups, with levels that are also procedurally created, ensuring a unique experience with every session. Although most progress is reset after a defeat, certain upgrades, unlocked heroes, and collected Karma Embers persist.

    Player Reception and Editions

    Currently, Warriors: Abyss has received 74 reviews on Steam, with approximately 75% of players rating it positively. The game is priced at $24.99 on Steam, while the Hack’n’Dash Edition costs $39.99, and the Hack’n’Dash Ultimate Edition is available for $79.99. These special editions come with extra playable characters, skins, and Karma Embers.

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  • Avowed Review: Explore an Immersive World with Great Replay Value

    Avowed Review: Explore an Immersive World with Great Replay Value

    Key Takeaways

    1. Replayability and Side Quests: Avowed offers significant replayability, with many side quests that impact the game’s ending and experience, making exploration crucial.

    2. Technical Performance Issues: The game pushes system requirements to the max, with reported frame drops and crashes, but fixes are expected with upcoming patches.

    3. Character Customization and Classes: Avowed features extensive character customization, allowing players to switch classes and adjust skills on the fly, enhancing player flexibility.

    4. Companions and Team Dynamics: Players can have two companions with unique abilities, enhancing gameplay, though romance options are absent, which feels unusual for an RPG.

    5. Crafting and Gear Limitations: The crafting system is shallow with limited gear tiers, lacking the depth expected from a true RPG, highlighting the gap between good and great game design.


    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was definetly the most fun I’ve had with a title promoted by Xbox. This is why I was excited for Avowed, mainly because it comes from Obsidian Entertainment. I really enjoyed The Outer Worlds, so a new game by Carrie Patel was something I looked forward to. You can see hints of TOW in Avowed, but they are pretty subtle. More on that later.

    I confess, I’m not well-versed with the game’s origin (Pillars of Eternity), but that didn’t stop me from diving into it for several hours. I aimed to explore as much side content as I could on my first playthrough, yet I still missed some aspects. Avowed offers a lot of replayability, so with one run completed, I feel the next will be smoother. So, does it live up to the expectations? Let’s explore.

    Performance and System Requirements

    Like all Unreal Engine games, Avowed pushes your system to its max. On my setup, which includes a Ryzen 7 5800X3D, GeForce RTX 3080 Ti, and 48 GB DDR4-3200 CL 16 RAM, my FPS ranged from 40 to 60 FPS, just below maximum settings with DLSS quality turned on. Occasionally, I experienced frame drops in busy areas, but this is pretty typical for an open-world game.

    Aside from frame drops, I encountered quite a few crashes during my 20-hour gameplay. Luckily, Obsidian quickly recognized the issue and promised a fix at launch. One crash happened during the frustrating ‘shader compilation’ phase found in nearly every Unreal Engine title. As of now, detailed PC requirements have been disclosed, but based on my experience, Avowed should work fine on lower-end systems with some adjustments.

    Playing on Different Devices

    I attempted to run the game on my Steam Deck OLED, but it was far from playable. Even on the lowest settings, I struggled to stay above 30 FPS. Hopefully, this changes with the day-one patch set for Feb 13 or the one on Feb 17. Also, the game doesn’t have a dedicated benchmarking tool, which feels strange for a game released in 2025. And there’s no Photo Mode. I don’t care much for it, but it’s odd to see a game launch without one.

    In Avowed, you begin your journey waking up on a desert, completely clueless about how you arrived there. Later, a doctor revives you and calls you Courier. Just kidding! But the actual story isn’t too far off. You wash up on the shore after your ship sinks and then battle through the tutorial and face what I like to call a cheap version of a Soldier of Godrick.

    The Storyline and Quests

    Once that’s out of the way, you enter the Living Lands, where your mission is to discover the reason behind a strange plague (Dreamscourge) causing people to hallucinate and look like fungus. As an emperor’s envoy and a ‘Godlike’ being, you’re quickly recognized and taken to see a local commander, and that’s where the real plot begins to unfold when you die and come back to life. Throughout your journey, there’s a persistent voice in your head that talks to you in riddles.

    Much of the first act involves hunting down your assassins. Act 2 is somewhat forgettable story-wise, but there’s a series of side quests you can’t miss. The game is packed with side quests to keep you busy for hours, and some rewards are too good to ignore. You can’t rush the main story without losing a lot of EXP by skipping non-essential content. Some side quests even impact the game’s state or ending later on. So, don’t skip them! While most are marked on the map, some aren’t, so talk to every NPC you encounter.

    Lore and Character Customization

    Since Avowed already has a rich setting, there’s plenty of lore for fans to dive into. The game mainly keeps a medieval RPG tone but includes light moments and a good dose of cheeky one-liners. If you played The Outer Worlds, you’ll feel right at home. Before the credits roll, you see the consequences of your actions through a hand-drawn presentation narrated to you.

    Avowed features an extensive character creation screen packed with customization options. If you want your character to look a specific way, you can easily spend hours tweaking it. Outside of character creation, you’ll find many customization options throughout the game. You can even disable everything on the HUD for a Morrowind-style experience for maximum immersion.

    Technically, Avowed has only three classes, but you can choose from five backgrounds, which provide unique stats and dialogues. Moreover, you gain unique ‘Godlike’ abilities as you progress. This changes depending on your play style, dialogue choices, and story path. Unlike other RPGs that make you commit to one path, Avowed allows you to switch classes easily. Skills and stats can be adjusted on the fly, even during intense battles. Coupled with quick-save and quick-load options, you can navigate tricky dialogue checks with ease.

    Exploration and Map Design

    I appreciated how the game handled exploration. Instead of allowing you to roam the entire map at once, the Living Lands are divided into regions unlocked through story progression. This encourages a balance between main story and side content, as eventually, there’s literally nothing left to do in an area. However, you can spend a good dozen hours in one region due to the vast amount of exploration, and some hidden items are nearly impossible to find without help. Listen for audio cues to detect nearby treasures, making loot collection easier.

    The map scaling for each area was confusing because the in-game distances feel much shorter than what’s shown on the map. Strangely, Avowed doesn’t allow you to place your own markers on the map, which is odd for an open-world game. Many including myself have asked the developers to add this as a quality-of-life upgrade, and I really hope it’s included in the day-one patch mentioned earlier.

    Platforming and Combat Systems

    Lastly, some platforming aspects felt strange. The player occasionally grabs ledges that seem unreachable, which isn’t bad since it gives you more freedom to explore. Plus, you don’t lose stamina while sprinting, which is nice.

    Avowed allows you to experience the Living Lands in either first or third-person, with a dedicated key to switch between them. Personally, I prefer the third-person view, but some veteran RPG enthusiasts might lean towards first-person. My inner Souls-like fan scoffed at the thought of using a magic or ranged character, so I picked up the biggest stick available to smack everyone with it. This worked great in the early game, but things changed.

    Even on easy mode, I struggled to one-shot many basic enemies with an upgraded weapon. However, this changed when I switched from my stick to a rifle. Ranged combat, especially with the right companions (more on that later), makes even the most annoying bosses much easier.

    Weapon and Armor Mechanics

    Weapons and armor in Avowed come in five tiers (Quality), starting from ‘Common’ to ‘Legendary’. Keep an eye on the icons over enemies’ heads, as they indicate what tier of weapon/armor is needed to fight them effectively. For instance, trying to defeat a ‘Fine’ enemy with a ‘Common’ weapon will feel like hitting with a wet noodle. Similarly, you’ll take more damage from higher-tier enemies compared to your armor. This system also applies to spell casting, so keep leveling up your favorite spells.

    The tier of an item determines its damage and defense stats. Additionally, there are ‘unique’ items featuring special properties, with a progression system similar to regular weapons. If you find a unique weapon you like in the early game, you can keep it until the end by upgrading its quality, although eventually, it’s better to save upgrade materials for more powerful gear.

    Companions and Team Play

    Going on adventures alone is tough, and in a game like Avowed, you definitely want someone to make your journey through the Living Lands more enjoyable. You start with a random character whose only purpose is to guide you to Kai, your first ‘real’ companion. Kai is your typical goody-two-shoes, Marius is the stoic dwarf who’s seen a lot and is okay with morally questionable decisions, Giatta is your healer who loves to nerd out, and lastly, Yatzli is your damage-dealing wizard.

    Kai instantly reminded me of Sarah Morgan from Starfield, and not in a positive way. He’s the tank of the party with self-revival abilities, which is super handy if you need someone to absorb damage. Giatta’s healing spells are useful when you’re low on healing items. Marius excels in single-target damage and has an AoE disable. Of the four companions, I found Yatzli’s spells the most effective as they sync well with my build.

    You can only have two companions with you at a time, while the rest stay back at camp. There, you can chat with them, and depending on your actions in certain quests, you can unlock passive bonuses. Each companion boosts a different stat, so watch for dialogue prompts on your screen. Interestingly, you can’t romance any of your companions, which feels odd for an RPG.

    Your companions are quite chatty and will frequently give you prompts during combat and unsolicited advice during puzzles. You can technically go solo, but I wouldn’t recommend it since Avowed is designed with team play in mind.

    Final Thoughts

    As a fantasy RPG, Avowed ranks among the best. It offers significant replay value, an engaging story, and rich lore, with plenty of potential for expansion. However, from a technical viewpoint, it has some shortcomings. Its crafting feels shallow and unfulfilling. Resources collected in the wild are primarily useful for immediate consumption or food items. There are only two tiers of gear, which offers little incentive to use non-unique items. Crafting gear is completely absent. I could elaborate more, but Avowed lacks the depth expected from a true RPG.

    Obsidian obviously invested a lot of effort into the lore and storytelling, and I wish that level of care extended to other game aspects. This highlights the gap between a good game and a great one. While Avowed is enjoyable, it doesn’t quite reach greatness. It feels like a game from 2011 with modern elements mixed in. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it misses many quality-of-life features from both eras. Still, it’s worth experiencing at least twice for its plot and storyline. You can access it on Xbox Game Pass starting February 17 or today if you opt for the Deluxe Edition.


  • AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Pricing Leak: Great Value for Mid-Range

    AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Pricing Leak: Great Value for Mid-Range

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s RDNA 4-based Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs are set to launch early next month, targeting the gaming market.
    2. AMD has a chance to compete effectively in the mid-range market due to Nvidia’s supply issues and high prices.
    3. Leaks suggest that the performance of AMD’s RDNA 4 cards may rival that of Nvidia’s offerings.
    4. The RX 9070 is priced at approximately $589, while the RX 9070 XT is around $699, positioning them as more affordable options compared to Nvidia’s RTX 5070 lineup.
    5. The RDNA 4 series, particularly the RX 9070 XT, is expected to underprice Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 models.


    AMD is set to make a big splash in the gaming world with its upcoming RDNA 4-based Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs, likely debuting early next month. Given the terrible supply issues and high prices that Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 faced, it seems reasonable to think that their more budget-friendly counterparts, the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070, could also struggle with similar challenges.

    AMD’s Opportunity

    There’s no doubt that AMD has a significant opportunity to price its RDNA 4 graphics cards competitively and dominate the mid-range market. Recent leaks suggest a noticeable improvement in performance that rivals Nvidia’s offerings, while another leak indicates that the RDNA 4 cards may be more affordable. A Canadian retailer has showcased a range of RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT cards from various AIB partners, as highlighted by @GawroskiT and VideoCardz.

    Pricing Breakdown

    Starting with the entry-level PowerColor Reaper series, the Radeon RX 9070 Reaper is listed at $839 CAD, which equals about $589. In contrast, the RX 9070 XT is priced at $999 CAD, or around $699. Additionally, several other models are available, with the PowerColor Red Devil RX 9070 XT leading the pack at a staggering $1,239 CAD, approximately $860. It’s clear that the RDNA 4 series is positioned to underprice the GeForce TX 5070 lineup, especially considering the recent leak regarding the RTX 5070 Ti’s pricing.

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