Category: Gaming

  • Free Fairytale Racing Game on Steam with 100% Positive Reviews

    Free Fairytale Racing Game on Steam with 100% Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Success is defined by insight, determination, and humility, as shown in the tale of the hare and the tortoise.
    2. Players control the tortoise in a racing game that emphasizes strategy over speed, using the environment to their advantage.
    3. The game features challenging races where losing requires a restart, but winning unlocks upgrades for future attempts.
    4. Once Upon a Shell has a watercolor-inspired art style and offers a fairy tale setting that enhances the gameplay experience.
    5. Released on December 26, 2025, the game has positive early reviews but faces some criticism regarding camera controls and long-term engagement.


    Success isn’t about how fast you go, but rather about your insight, determination, and humility. This is a key lesson from the classic tale of the hare and the tortoise. Once Upon a Shell takes this lesson and turns it into a unique mix of racing and roguelike gameplay. Players step into the role of the tortoise, racing against haughty hares in intense competitions. Although the tortoise is slow, it uses clever strategies, leveraging its weight, the landscape, and its shell to glide quickly down hills.

    Race Mechanics

    The game features a series of individual races. If you lose one, you must restart from the beginning. However, if you succeed, you unlock upgrades that will enhance your chances in future attempts. Speed doesn’t just come from going faster; it comes from knowing the course well. Understanding slopes, jumps, and different surface types is essential for the tortoise’s smooth movement. Aesthetically, Once Upon a Shell showcases a watercolor-inspired art style that fits perfectly into its enchanting fairy tale setting.

    Development and Reception

    Created by Razzledazzle Studio and released by DADIU, Once Upon a Shell came out on December 26, 2025. The game is free to play and has received only positive reviews so far. At the moment, there are only 10 user reviews. Players applaud its delightful graphics and quick, fun gameplay that grows more difficult as you progress. Some feedback points out issues with camera controls and a perceived lack of long-term engagement. Additionally, the Steam Deck compatibility is currently marked as “Unknown,” with the price listed on Amazon at $470, meaning it’s not clear if it will support that platform yet.

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  • Worst GPUs of 2025: RTX 5050, RX 9060 XT 8GB, and More

    Worst GPUs of 2025: RTX 5050, RX 9060 XT 8GB, and More

    Key Takeaways

    1. The release of next-gen RX 9000 and RTX 50 series GPUs was exciting, but stock issues and limitations on VRAM dampened enthusiasm.
    2. The RTX 5050, with only 8 GB of VRAM and low specifications, performed poorly compared to older models like the RTX 4060.
    3. Despite its lower price, the RTX 5050 is not the best choice for performance, with better alternatives available just above its price range.
    4. GPUs like the RTX 5060 Ti and RX 9060 XT also suffer from performance issues due to their limited 8 GB of VRAM, especially in demanding games.
    5. A positive trend shows consumers moving away from 8 GB VRAM GPUs, as evidenced by their absence in the top-selling GPU lists.


    As we reflect on the year 2025 from the viewpoint of PC gamers, it has been a mix of joy and disappointment. The release of the next-gen RX 9000 and RTX 50 series GPUs from AMD and Nvidia was thrilling. However, this excitement was quickly dampened by the unfortunate stock issues surrounding the RX 9070 series launch in March 2025, along with both companies’ commitment to launching desktop GPUs that only have 8 GB of VRAM.

    The Worst GPUs of 2025

    Hardware Unboxed has shared its list of the least favorable GPUs from 2025, and it’s no surprise that it mainly features GPUs with 8 GB of VRAM. According to HU, the bottom of the barrel for GPUs this year includes:

    Launched quietly in June 2025, the RTX 5050 lacks appealing features. It is equipped with just 2,560 CUDA cores, 8 GB of VRAM, and a memory bandwidth of 320 GB/s. Furthermore, it has only x8 PCIe lanes, which could hinder performance for users with PCIe 3.0 motherboards. Unsurprisingly, these specifications result in subpar performance for the RTX 5050. Even the benchmarks released by Nvidia show the GPU trailing the RTX 4060, which debuted back in 2023.

    Pricing and Performance

    The one redeeming quality of the RTX 5050 is its MSRP of $249. Currently, it can be found for approximately $220 on Amazon. This price is reasonable for gamers looking for a card suitable for 1080p gaming at low to medium settings. Nevertheless, if you can stretch your budget a little more, the RTX 5060 is a far superior alternative, still under $300 on Amazon.

    While the 8 GB VRAM might make sense for the RTX 5050 given its low cost, there’s no justification for the RX 9060 XT and the RTX 5060 Ti to only have 8 GB of VRAM while being priced above $300. Hardware Unboxed has been critical of 8 GB VRAM GPUs throughout 2025, and it’s no wonder the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB and RX 9060 XT 8 GB are branded as two of the worst releases this year.

    Performance Issues

    Both the RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB and RX 9060 XT 8 GB can perform decently in games that don’t require more than 8 GB of VRAM, but their performance drops significantly when the VRAM limit is exceeded. HU has repeatedly shown this issue across various games.

    To add to this list, the RTX 5080 also finds its way into HU’s dishonorable mention. HU refers to the RTX 5080 as the worst RTX 80-class GPU to date. The reasons behind this include its meager VRAM when compared to the RTX 5090, its scarcity at the $1,000 MSRP, and its sluggish performance relative to the RTX 5090. Testing indicates that the RTX 5080 is even 15% slower than the previous generation RTX 4090.

    Fortunately, there’s a glimmer of hope: Consumers appear to be shifting away from 8 GB VRAM GPUs. For example, not a single desktop GPU with 8 GB of VRAM is listed in Newegg’s top 20 best-selling desktop GPU list.

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  • Predictions for Epic Games Store Free Indie Game on December 29

    Predictions for Epic Games Store Free Indie Game on December 29

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 12th mystery free game for Christmas 2025 is a well-reviewed indie game, continuing the trend of indie giveaways.
    2. Historical patterns suggest the 13th mystery free game will likely be an indie or AA title, as previous giveaways have favored these categories.
    3. Past free games on December 29 have received positive ratings, but there has been no repetition of games in this year’s offerings.
    4. Strong contenders for the next free game include 20XX and The Long Dark, both indie titles that aren’t on sale.
    5. The current 12th mystery free game, SKALD: Against the Black Priory, is available until December 29, 2025, at 16:00 UTC.


    The 12th mystery free game for the Christmas season of 2025 is, as some had anticipated, a well-reviewed indie game. This also marks the third indie giveaway in a row. While this might suggest that Epic Games Store could change the trend for December 29, historical patterns indicate otherwise.

    Past Free Games

    In recent years, Epic Games Store has offered the following as the 13th mystery free game: Among these, three were indie titles, two could be classified as AA, and only one was a AAA game. This points towards the likelihood that the next giveaway will be either an indie or AA game. Another interesting observation is that none of the past giveaways have heavily focused on narrative storylines or open-world gameplay.

    Quality of Previous Giveaways

    The bright side is that all the previous freebies from the Epic Games Store on December 29 have received positive ratings. However, unlike last year’s Christmas season giveaways, there has been a noticeable lack of repeat games in this year’s offerings, hinting that the next free game might actually be a game that has already been given away before.

    Strong Candidates for the Next Free Game

    Considering all of this, 20XX stands out as a strong contender for the 13th mystery free game. It was offered by Epic Games Store two years ago, is an indie game, and has a solid player rating. Additionally, the game isn’t on sale, which boosts its chances of being the forthcoming free title.

    Another strong option for the upcoming giveaway is The Long Dark. It meets all the criteria and is also not on sale. Other potential titles that might be included as the free game on December 29 are Arcade Paradise, ScourgeBringer, and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous.

    For anyone who hasn’t yet claimed the 12th mystery free game, SKALD: Against the Black Priory, it will be accessible on the Epic Games Store until December 29, 2025, at 16:00 UTC. After that time, the 13th free game will be officially announced.

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  • Space Quest IV Amiga Port Coming in 2025 with OCS Enhanced Remake

    Space Quest IV Amiga Port Coming in 2025 with OCS Enhanced Remake

    Key Takeaways

    1. Space Quest IV’s Original Challenges: The 1991 Amiga OCS version was criticized for poor adaptation, delivering low-quality graphics and failing to utilize the Amiga’s hardware effectively.

    2. Fan Disappointment: Many fans expressed frustration over the game’s graphics, with some feeling cheated compared to the superior PC version, leading to negative reviews and experiences.

    3. Sierra’s History of Poor Ports: Sierra has a track record of subpar Amiga ports, including titles like Police Quest 3 and King’s Quest V, which contributed to fans’ dissatisfaction.

    4. Revival in 2025: Developer Darasco is working on an enhanced Amiga OCS version of Space Quest IV, aiming to correct the original’s mistakes and improve visuals and gameplay.

    5. Use of Modern Tools: The new project will utilize custom tools and AI support to recreate visuals that match the capabilities of the Amiga, offering a brighter and clearer gaming experience.


    The retro gaming scene is bringing back some lost treasures from old tech. In this light, a fresh journey is unfolding for Space Quest IV on the Amiga OCS. This well-regarded Sierra Adventure first debuted in 1991 and narrated the escapades of janitor Roger Wilco, who engages in time-travel with a mix of light-hearted humor and brain-teasers.

    Challenges of the Original Port

    Despite its fame, Space Quest IV proved to be quite a tough game, leading many gamers to overlook it due to its lackluster gameplay and overall design. The 1991 Amiga OCS edition was particularly criticized for being a sloppy adaptation of the PC version, courtesy of Sierra’s lack of effort.

    Gamers were disappointed with the initial Amiga version, which claimed to offer 32-bit color graphics but only delivered 8-bit visuals. The result was a poor experience with dithered color palettes, jerky side-scrolling, and a failure to utilize the Amiga’s blitter hardware, which could have made animations smoother.

    Fan Frustrations

    Reviews from fans of the original Space Quest IV have been far from kind. One player recounted their experience of starting the game on their Amiga, playing for just 10 minutes before they “vomited at the non-Amiga worthy graphics” and destroyed their hard drive in a fit of anger. While that may be an exaggeration, it highlights the frustration many felt regarding the A1200 port.

    This wasn’t just a one-off mistake; Sierra has a history of failed Amiga ports, such as Police Quest 3 and King’s Quest V, where the potential of the Amiga hardware was not utilized properly, leaving fans feeling cheated when compared to the vivid VGA graphics seen on DOS systems.

    A New Hope in 2025

    However, things are taking a big turn in 2025. Space Quest IV is emerging from its digital obscurity, looking for a chance at redemption. Developer Darasco, part of the Spanish SCOP group, is working on a project to produce an improved Amiga OCS version of Space Quest IV, aiming to correct the mistakes made by Sierra. He even shared a YouTube video contrasting the original Sierra port with the upgraded SCP 2025 version.

    To bring the enhanced version of Space Quest IV to life, Darasco is focusing on recreating the visuals and color palettes from the superior PC MS-DOS version, specifically designed for the Amiga’s OCS original chipset.

    Using custom tools and AI support, he is tackling Sierra’s SCI engine assets. The goal is to completely revamp the game, delivering it as it should have been from the start, with bright colors and improved visual clarity that matches the capabilities of the Amiga OCS hardware.

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  • Ubisoft Customer Support Bribes Linked to Rainbow Six Siege Hack

    Ubisoft Customer Support Bribes Linked to Rainbow Six Siege Hack

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ubisoft’s customer support has become a vulnerable area for hackers, with reports of employees accepting bribes to share customer information since 2021.
    2. Account takeovers pose significant risks, potentially leading to server disruptions similar to the recent Rainbow Six Siege incident.
    3. Specific agents in India, South Africa, and Egypt are particularly at risk, as underpaid or poorly trained staff are more susceptible to bribery.
    4. Human error, rather than just database security breaches, is a major threat, with social engineering tactics used to manipulate employees.
    5. Ubisoft has experienced multiple significant cyberattacks over the years, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in their security framework, especially within customer support.


    The recent incident involving Rainbow Six Siege is making waves in the news, but it’s not the only situation where hackers have breached Ubisoft’s security. A reputable cybersecurity organization, Vx Underground, has disclosed another security lapse. This breach is separate from the Rainbow Six Siege hack, but it has come to light that Ubisoft’s support team allegedly accepted bribes to share customer information.

    Weakness in Customer Support

    According to Vx Underground, Ubisoft’s customer support has turned into a vulnerable area. Since 2021, they “were reportedly taking money to give hackers access to other users’ Rainbow Six Siege accounts.” Through the customer service portal, these hackers managed to steal sensitive information like full names and IP addresses of users.

    Risks of Account Takeover

    Once hackers gain control of accounts, the potential for harm is enormous. If done on a large scale, this could lead to the kind of disruption that caused the recent suspension of the Rainbow Six Siege servers. Ubisoft has initiated actions to curb employees’ readiness to comply, yet the issue continues to be a pressing worry for the company.

    Vulnerable Agents

    In a social media update, it was pointed out that agents in India, South Africa, and Egypt are especially at risk. Similar to the PlayStation Network incidents, hackers often target underpaid or poorly trained personnel. Bribes appear to be more tempting, especially when other staff members lack the skills to spot suspicious behavior.

    A common explanation for the recent Rainbow Six Siege hack is a breach in database security. However, a FastPassCorp article emphasizes that human error is a larger threat. Social engineering tactics can involve hackers pretending to be customer support representatives or gamers. Even with robust firewalls, it is frequently the employees who fail to identify a threat.

    Ubisoft games have faced significant attacks multiple times, including in 2013 and 2023. However, help desks have consistently been easier targets for cybercriminals. An example highlighted by Vice shows how an individual was able to successfully bribe Roblox support in 2020. Just like the story from Vx Underground, this person managed to alter passwords and sell high-value accounts.

    Conclusion

    In summary, while the Rainbow Six Siege incident is a significant event, it highlights a larger issue within Ubisoft’s security framework. The vulnerabilities in customer support are a major concern that needs to be addressed to prevent further breaches.

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  • Sleeping Dogs Movie: Simu Liu as Wei Shen, Directed by Timo Tjahjanto

    Sleeping Dogs Movie: Simu Liu as Wei Shen, Directed by Timo Tjahjanto

    Key Takeaways

    1. A live-action film adaptation of the Sleeping Dogs video game is in development, directed by Timo Tjahjanto.
    2. Simu Liu will star as the main character, undercover officer Wei Shen, with the script already finalized.
    3. Sleeping Dogs is an open-world action-adventure game focusing on Wei Shen’s infiltration of the Sun On Yee triads, praised for its gameplay and storyline.
    4. Timo Tjahjanto is recognized for his work in action films and has expressed a long-standing interest in adapting Sleeping Dogs.
    5. The film currently has no studio affiliation or release date, but production is progressing smoothly.


    Long-time enthusiasts of the Sleeping Dogs video game have a fresh motive to revisit and experience the narrative of Wei Shen: a live-action film adaptation is reportedly in the works, helmed by an exciting director. The Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto, who recently wrapped up shooting the action-filled sequel to Nobody 2, is set to lead the project, starring Marvel’s Shang-Chi, Simu Liu.

    Simu Liu Takes the Lead

    It looks like Simu Liu will portray the undercover officer Wei Shen, who delves into the ranks of the Sun On Yee Triads. Liu took to social media to share the good news, stating that the script is finalized and that the film’s production is moving along smoothly.

    A Look Back at the Game

    For those who may not know, Sleeping Dogs was crafted by United Front Games and published by Square Enix. The plot centers on Wei Shen, a police officer of Hong Kong-American descent, who gradually earns the trust of the Sun On Yee triad to dismantle it from the inside.

    The game provided thrilling open-world action-adventure gameplay, with intense martial-arts fighting, parkour elements, and a raw storyline set in Hong Kong. It received praise for its unique take on the GTA-clone genre. Despite this, it didn’t perform well in sales, which resulted in the cancellation of planned sequels. At one point, Donnie Yen was set to play Wei Shen in 2017, but that adaptation didn’t progress beyond initial discussions.

    A New Era for Sleeping Dogs

    Jumping forward to 2025, Simu Liu is ready to step into the shoes of Wei Shen. The charming Canadian actor confirmed earlier this year that a version of the movie’s script has been drafted.

    Timo Tjahjanto’s involvement is also promising, as he has made significant headway in recent years with films like The Night Comes for Us, which highlighted his keen attention to detail in stunning fight sequences.

    Confidence in Tjahjanto is on the rise after he directed Bob Odenkirk’s Nobody 2, proving he can handle large-scale Hollywood projects. Interestingly, Tjahjanto has long been an outspoken supporter of Sleeping Dogs. In previous interactions on social media with Liu, he shared how studio executives failed to see the game’s potential and expressed his genuine wish to direct the film.

    What’s Next for the Film?

    At this point, the movie lacks a studio affiliation or a set release date. Nevertheless, with the script finished and Tjahjanto’s expertise behind the camera, Sleeping Dogs the movie could very well come to fruition.

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  • D&D-Themed Co-Op Strategy RPG Hits Steam Trending with 82% Rating

    D&D-Themed Co-Op Strategy RPG Hits Steam Trending with 82% Rating

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cooperative Gameplay: Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked is designed to eliminate the need for a Dungeon Master, allowing players to focus on strategy and decisions in a cooperative setting.

    2. Simple Mechanics: The game features easy-to-understand gameplay where players choose heroes, move them on a board, and engage in turn-based battles, making it accessible for quick play sessions.

    3. Cross-Play Functionality: Battlemarked supports cross-play across multiple platforms, including Steam, PS5, PS VR2, and Meta’s Horizon Store, enhancing the ability for friends to join in the game together.

    4. Regular Content Updates: The developers are committed to ongoing updates, introducing new quests and improvements to enhance the gaming experience, keeping it fresh and engaging.

    5. Positive Reception and Pricing: The game has received a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, with a current price of $29.99, reflecting good player feedback despite some minor complaints about game features.


    Tabletop game nights can easily go off the rails for one main reason: someone has to take charge of the game. Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked is designed to completely avoid that issue. This is a cooperative, turn-based “digital tabletop” adventure set in the Forgotten Realms, and it’s structured so the game manages the pacing and rules, allowing your group to focus on strategy and decisions. Battlemarked was released on Steam on November 20, 2025, by Resolution Games, who both developed and published it.

    Simple Gameplay Mechanics

    The concept is quite simple: choose your heroes, move them like miniatures on a board, and battle through dungeons using turn-based tactics. Unlike a typical D&D session, there isn’t a human Dungeon Master making things up on the fly. Instead, Battlemarked features a more “curated” campaign structure and moments of choice for quick gameplay—it’s more about “set up and play” rather than “plan your whole weekend around it.”

    Strong Cross-Play Support

    What makes the game really appealing is its broad reach. It allows cross-play between Steam (including PCVR), PlayStation (PS5/PS VR2), and Meta’s Horizon Store ecosystem, which is essential because co-op gaming relies on whether friends can actually join in. The game’s reception has been good so far, with Steam ratings showing “Very Positive” for both recent and overall reviews, indicating about 80% positive feedback from hundreds of players. However, there are some complaints: players have noted the absence of a battle log, unclear move visibility, and no bot progression, along with some syncing issues.

    Ongoing Content Updates

    From a content perspective, the developers seem to treat it like a “living” tabletop experience. The Steam community feed has mentioned a limited-time side quest linked to Simril (the festival of light), as well as updates that allow solo players to control a full party of custom heroes and various quality-of-life improvements regarding turn order and multiplayer party management. Additionally, it’s fully controller-compatible, so devices like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C wireless controller (currently priced at $29.99 on Amazon) should work really well for this game.

    Battlemarked is available for $29.99 on Steam, and SteamDB currently lists this as the standard price since it launched.

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  • Monster Hunter Wilds Switch 2 Port Leaks in Title Update 4 Datamine

    Monster Hunter Wilds Switch 2 Port Leaks in Title Update 4 Datamine

    Key Takeaways

    1. Capcom is developing a Monster Hunter Wilds version for Switch 2 but needs more time to meet performance expectations.
    2. A datamine revealed potential new content, including a powered-up Elder Dragon called Tempered Gogmazios and hints about the “nsw2UpgradeEdition.”
    3. Fans are questioning the upgrade label, suggesting it may indicate a port with additional content not in original versions.
    4. Performance issues may arise for Monster Hunter Wilds on Switch 2, despite the console’s superior specs compared to the Xbox Series S.
    5. Capcom’s commitment to Nintendo’s console remains strong, as they acknowledge Switch 2’s success despite challenges with Monster Hunter Wilds sales in Japan.


    With Capcom’s solid footing in the Nintendo console market, the idea of a Monster Hunter Wilds version for Switch 2 felt like a given. Yet, concerns arose due to release date and performance issues on other platforms. Capcom clarified that they required additional time to fine-tune the game to match Switch 2 specifications. A recent datamine from Title Update 4 hints that development for the handheld is underway.

    Interesting Code Discoveries

    A Reddit user named STRCoolerSimp found intriguing code in the 1.040 patch for Monster Hunter Wilds. One notable find is a powered-up form of the Elder Dragon Gogmazios, referred to as Tempered Gogmazios, which could make an appearance in a future update. However, the mention of “nsw2UpgradeEdition” has especially grabbed the attention of Nintendo fans.

    Upgrade Concerns

    There are questions among fans regarding why Capcom would label a new game for Switch 2 as an upgrade. It might indicate that the publisher intends to launch a port that includes extra content not found in the original versions. Additionally, a line of code mentions “NSW2.user,” which leaves little room to guess what the abbreviation could mean.

    Potential Performance Issues

    Should Monster Hunter Wilds be released for Switch 2, it may face performance challenges. Even after Title Update 4, opinions on the improvements in frame rates remain mixed. Players with powerful gaming PCs still see a lot of unutilized potential at higher settings. On consoles, the game has had a tough time running on the Xbox Series S, which is the most similar comparison to Nintendo’s handheld.

    The Switch 2 specs have a notable edge over Microsoft’s lower-end system with the inclusion of DLSS. This upscaling technology has improved the visuals of demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Capcom has already used this AI-driven tech in Street Fighter 6 to keep a smooth 60 fps during gameplay.

    A Different Development Strategy

    An alternative strategy for developers could involve creating a port from scratch. Monster Hunter Rise was specifically designed for the original Switch before making its way to other platforms. However, this seems less likely in this instance, as Monster Hunter Wilds was launched across multiple systems.

    In spite of these challenges, Capcom remains committed to supporting Nintendo’s latest console. President Haruhiro Tsujimoto noted that the sluggish sales of Monster Hunter Wilds in Japan were due to the high price of the PS5. In contrast, he praised the Switch 2’s success in a market that typically favors handheld devices.

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  • Zelda: Breath of the Wild VR Mod Launches with Full 6DOF Support

    Zelda: Breath of the Wild VR Mod Launches with Full 6DOF Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo’s Success: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a major success for Nintendo on multiple platforms, but lacks complete 6DOF VR support on consoles.

    2. PC VR Experience: The Cemu Wii U emulator allows for a fully realized PC version of Breath of the Wild in virtual reality, surpassing the capabilities of original hardware.

    3. BetterVR Mod Features: The Breath of the Wild BetterVR mod offers immersive VR gameplay with full motion controls, 6DOF head tracking, and both first-person and third-person modes.

    4. Technical Requirements: To run the mod smoothly, players need a powerful CPU and may face compatibility issues with AMD GPUs, while specific Intel and NVIDIA setups perform well.

    5. Legal Considerations: Players must obtain a legal copy of the game to use with the Cemu emulator, as the mod is open-source but requires proper game files.


    The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a major success for Nintendo on platforms like Wii U, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2, but none of these versions offer complete 6DOF (six degrees of freedom) VR with full head tracking. It was only on the Nintendo Switch 2 that the game managed to run at 60 FPS on Nintendo’s hardware. Meanwhile, in the PC realm, the Cemu Wii U emulator has gone beyond what the original hardware could do, leading to a fully realized PC version of Breath of the Wild in virtual reality.

    Experience VR Like Never Before

    Thanks to the Breath of the Wild BetterVR mod, players can now immerse themselves in full virtual reality with one of Nintendo’s top titles. This mod includes full motion controls, 6DOF head tracking, and all the features expected from a captivating VR game. Actions like melee combat, paragliding, shield-surfing, and various unique moves that fans love can now be enjoyed in VR. The BetterVR mod isn’t confined to just first-person gameplay; it also offers a third-person mode, allowing players to enjoy a more classic feel while still experiencing Hyrule in a new way. And yes, you can still pet the dogs!

    Technical Requirements and Considerations

    Even though the mod is open-source and should be available for free within 48 hours of this writing, there are some things to consider. As with any emulator, you are responsible for obtaining and ripping your own legal copy of the game to use with the Cemu Wii U emulator. To run the game smoothly, a powerful CPU is necessary, along with additional mods to achieve 60+ FPS, which is crucial for a comfortable VR experience since low frame rates can cause nausea.

    For those who are willing to tackle these technical requirements and have the right hardware, the Breath of the Wild BetterVR mod is a fantastic opportunity. However, the developer has mentioned that AMD GPUs may face compatibility issues at launch, while driver bugs have made the mod unusable on their AMD testing system. On the upside, AMD CPUs are reported to work well, with positive results seen using an Intel Core i9-13900K alongside an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 or an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060.

    Crementif on YouTube.

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  • Epic Games Store Offers “Very Positive” Retro RPG Free on December 28

    Epic Games Store Offers “Very Positive” Retro RPG Free on December 28

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store is giving away indie games for free, with SKALD: Against the Black Priory as the latest surprise giveaway available until December 29, 2025.

    2. SKALD: Against the Black Priory is a retro-style RPG inspired by 1980s classics, featuring visuals similar to the Commodore 64 and a focus on choice-driven gameplay.

    3. The game includes a turn-based combat system with unique classes, rewarding strategic thinking while maintaining accessibility for players.

    4. Player feedback highlights the retro aesthetic and immersive storytelling, though some criticize the clunky user interface and simplistic AI in combat.

    5. The game has received positive reviews, with 93% of over 2,600 Steam reviews being favorable, and is normally priced at $14.99 when not offered for free.


    Epic Games Store has been consistently giving away well-received indie games for free, and this trend is set to continue with the twelfth surprise giveaway. The latest free game for the Christmas season of 2025, revealed by the store, is SKALD: Against the Black Priory.

    About the Game

    This retro-style RPG comes from High North Studios and will be available for free on the Epic Games Store until December 29, 2025, ending at 16:00 UTC. At that time, the next game giveaway will be announced.

    Released in 2024, SKALD: Against the Black Priory takes a lot of inspiration from 1980s classics like Ultima. It’s recognized for capturing the essence of classic RPGs, with visuals reminiscent of the C64 that fit perfectly into the game’s overall atmosphere.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    The story mainly focuses on choice-driven events, offering players various paths to explore. Additionally, the game features environmental storytelling and journals that enhance the immersive yet harsh world that players navigate through.

    Players also commend the game’s turn-based combat system. It includes unique classes and a party setup that rewards strategic thinking without making it too complicated.

    Player Feedback

    While the retro aesthetic of SKALD: Against the Black Priory is a strong point, its retro-themed user interface can sometimes be clunky. Some gamers have also pointed out that the game relies heavily on text. The combat system has its imperfections, with many players feeling that some battles can seem overly simplistic due to static AI.

    Despite a few drawbacks, the free game on Epic Games Store has garnered positive reviews overall. It boasts more than 2,600 reviews on Steam, with 93% of them being favorable, achieving a “Very Positive” rating. When not on sale, its price is set at $14.99, and it supports controllers as well (GameSir Super Nova currently priced at $49.99 on Amazon). For more insights into SKALD: Against the Black Priory, check out the video below.

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