Category: Gaming

March 14, 2025
Radeon 860M Outperformed by Radeon 760M in Initial Benchmarks
Key Takeaways
1. The Radeon 890M GPU is AMD’s top-tier integrated graphics option, known for its high performance.
2. The Radeon 860M GPU underperformed significantly, lagging 40-45% behind the Radeon 780M and 25-30% behind the Radeon 760M.
3. The 860M is essentially a rebranded version of the 760M but does not perform as expected.
4. The Asus Vivobook 16 M1606K, which features the 860M, may have performance issues due to being a low-cost model that could be underclocked.
5. More testing is needed to fully understand the performance of the Radeon 860M, and casual gamers should be cautious when considering it.
AMD often promotes its top-tier Radeon 890M GPU, and for good reason—it’s among the fastest integrated graphics options on the market. However, the Radeon 860M, a lesser model, doesn’t get much attention in their marketing efforts. It’s easy to understand why AMD might want to downplay this particular GPU after testing our first laptop equipped with the 860M.
Performance Comparison
During our experience with the Asus Vivobook 16 M1606K, which features the integrated Radeon 860M, we found the GPU to be underperforming compared to the Radeon 780M, lagging behind by about 40 to 45 percent. Moreover, it was roughly 25 to 30 percent slower than the Radeon 760M, which it is meant to replace, as per our benchmark findings detailed below. While this is just a single instance of the 760M, this initial performance is quite disappointing for what should be a midrange iGPU from AMD’s new Ryzen AI CPU series.
Concerns About Specs
It’s puzzling that the 860M underperforms compared to many 760M laptops, especially since it is basically a rebranded iGPU that shares the same number of unified pipelines and RT cores as the 760M. Our specific model of the Vivobook 16 could potentially have been underclocked, given that it is a low-cost budget option. More testing with additional samples is certainly necessary for a clearer understanding. Until more data is available, casual gamers looking for solid performance from the Radeon 760M should proceed with caution.
Tags: AMD Ryzen AI, ASUS Vivobook 16, Radeon 860M
March 14, 2025
New TMNT Tactical Takedown Game Launching in May 2024
Key Takeaways
1. Somber Narrative: The game features a darker story where the Ninja Turtles are dealing with the loss of Shredder and Splinter as they approach adulthood.
2. Conflict Among Friends: The Turtles face challenges both from new enemies and from each other, causing their friendships to become strained.
3. Dynamic Gameplay: Levels transform with each turn, introducing new areas, opponents, and challenges to enhance player engagement.
4. Visual Style: The game’s art style is reminiscent of a graphic novel and board game, featuring simplistic animations and game piece-like characters.
5. Developer Reputation: Strange Scaffold, known for previous successful titles, is developing the game, suggesting a level of quality and reliability.
A fresh turn-based game based on the Ninja Turtles is set to launch in May on Steam. It appears to delve into a rather somber narrative featuring the mutated turtles. In a world where both Shredder and Splinter have passed away, the Turtles, now nearing adulthood, find themselves in a phase filled with angst.
Conflict Among Friends
As they face off against foes and each other, their bonds slowly begin to fray. In the absence of Shredder, the Foot Clan is now led by a new figure, who is causing chaos throughout the city. This is reflected in the gameplay, which features around 20 levels designed to “highlight each Turtle on their own.”
Dynamic Gameplay
What makes this game unique is how these levels are constantly transforming with each turn, introducing fresh areas, opponents, and challenges to keep players engaged.
The visual style sits somewhere between a graphic novel and a board game, with action figures representing both the Turtles and their adversaries. The animations are quite basic and don’t show much character movement. Instead, the characters resemble pieces on a game board. It doesn’t come across as particularly innovative and has a rather old-fashioned look. However, similar styles have been successfully executed in past titles like Hitman GO and Lara Croft GO, so there is hope that the developers will refine this aspect before the game is released.
Developer Reputation
Strange Scaffold, the team behind this project, has a solid track record with titles such as El Paso, Elsewhere, and I Am Your Beast, so it seems that the game is in capable hands. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown is set to launch on May 22nd.
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Tags: Strange Scaffold, Tactical Takedown, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
March 14, 2025
New Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine Game Announced by Games Workshop
Key Takeaways
1. Massive Success: Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has sold over 4.5 million copies, becoming one of the most popular Warhammer titles on Steam.
2. Development of Space Marine 3: Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment are officially developing Space Marine 3, although details about the game are currently limited.
3. Transformative Impact: Saber Interactive describes Space Marine 2 as a transformative game for their studio and aims to create a tribute to the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
4. Future Support: Saber plans to continue supporting and expanding the Space Marine 2 universe with new missions and upgrades in the coming years.
5. Current Discounts: Space Marine 2 is available at a 35% discount for the Gold Edition on Steam, making it the most-played Warhammer game on the platform.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has become a massive success, with over 4.5 million copies sold, making it one of the most popular Warhammer titles on Steam. Given this achievement, it’s no wonder that Games Workshop, the stewards of the Warhammer brand, has decided to allow Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment to continue their work on the franchise.
Exciting News for Fans
Saber Interactive has officially announced the development of Space Marine 3, with them taking the lead alongside Focus Entertainment. However, the details surrounding this project remain scarce, as “specific details on gameplay, setting, and factions are tightly under wraps” for the time being.
Saber Interactive mentioned that Space Marine 2 “has proven to be a transformative game” for their studio, and they see it as a chance to create a genuine tribute to the Warhammer 40,000 universe. They also stated that they will continue to “support and grow the Space Marine 2 universe in the years to come.”
What to Expect Next
The release of the new game “is likely years away.” In the meantime, Saber is putting in effort on Space Marine 2 to “deliver a jaw dropping lineup of new missions, additional upgrades and more enemies to introduce to the business-end of your bolt rifle.”
In related news, Space Marine 2 is currently available at a discounted price. You can purchase the Gold Edition on Steam, which comes with a season pass, at a 35% discount. Right now, Space Marine 2 holds the title of the most-played Warhammer game on Steam.
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Tags: 000, Space Marine 2, Space Marine 3, Warhammer 40
March 14, 2025
Get a Unique Zombie Game for Free on Steam Now
Key Takeaways
1. Scheming Through The Zombie Apocalypse: The Beginning is free on Steam until March 18 as part of the Steam Spring Sale 2025.
2. The game, launched in 2018, focuses on choices, manipulation, and dark humor rather than action-packed gameplay.
3. Players control Hank, a retired rabbit salesman, and his dog Larry, navigating a post-apocalyptic world through scavenging and negotiation.
4. Reception has been mixed-to-positive, with praise for its humor and storytelling, though some find the pace slow.
5. After March 18, the game will return to its standard price, so players should claim it before the deadline.
A pretty interesting story-focused zombie survival game is available on Steam for free, but it’s only for a limited time. Scheming Through The Zombie Apocalypse: The Beginning can be claimed at no cost as part of the ongoing Steam Spring Sale 2025. This offer allows gamers to permanently add the title to their libraries before the promotion ends on March 18.
Game Overview
Initially launched in 2018, the game brings a fresh take to the zombie genre, swapping out action-packed gameplay for choices, manipulation tactics, and a hefty dose of dark humor. Players take on the role of Hank, a retired rabbit salesman, along with his dog buddy Larry, as they traverse a post-apocalyptic world by convincing others to tackle the dangerous tasks for them. The gameplay focuses heavily on scavenging, trading, and negotiating instead of direct fighting, making it a more laid-back yet tactical experience.
Reception Insights
When it comes to feedback, the game has garnered mixed-to-positive reactions, with users appreciating its humor and engaging storytelling, although some have pointed out its slower pace. While it might not suit everyone, it presents a unique free opportunity for those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences with a funny twist.
If you’re keen, you can claim Scheming Through The Zombie Apocalypse: The Beginning for free on Steam until March 18. After this date, it will revert to its standard price.
Watch the Trailer
Don’t forget to check out the launch trailer for the game below.
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Tags: Scheming Through The Zombie Apocalypse, Steam Spring Sale 2025, zombie survival game
March 14, 2025
Epic Immersive Sim on Steam: 80% Discount, High Replay Value
Key Takeaways
1. Prey is an immersive sim that is currently available on Steam with a 90% discount, including all extra content like the Mooncrash DLC.
2. The game is a first-person shooter (FPS) where players often need to use strategies other than shooting due to limited ammo and powerful enemies.
3. Each playthrough of Prey can reveal new aspects and strategies, making it a unique experience every time.
4. The setting is a space station called Talos I, where players explore various areas and encounter terrifying experiences.
5. Players can float in zero gravity and engage with survivors, learn their stories, and complete side quests throughout the game.
Even though Prey was not very well-received by critics when it first came out, this immersive sim is a gem that lovers of the genre shouldn’t miss. Right now, it’s on Steam with a massive 90% discount, and this includes all the extra content that was released after its launch, like the Mooncrash DLC which introduces a Roguelike element to the gameplay.
Gameplay Experience
At its core, Prey is an FPS title. However, you’ll find out pretty quickly that shooting isn’t the best solution for every problem. Early on, weapons don’t pack much punch, ammo is limited, and enemies are everywhere, prompting players to seek out different strategies and avoid fights when they can. There are numerous ways to experience Prey, and every playthrough can uncover new aspects that you might have overlooked previously.
Setting and Exploration
The game takes place on Talos I, a space station that orbits Earth. As you move forward in the game, you’ll unlock additional areas of the station and encounter new terrifying experiences. Yes, there are parts where you have to float through zero gravity, both inside and outside of Talos I. Alongside the continuous waves of foes, you can discover the remnants of a mostly operational space station, meet survivors, learn their stories, and even take on various side-quests to keep you engaged.
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Tags: FPS, immersive sim, Prey
March 14, 2025
Get Your Mother Game with 20% Discount on Steam Today!
Key Takeaways
1. Game Overview: “Your Mother” is a quirky point-and-click adventure game by M for Mother, filled with humor and a silly storyline, currently available at a discounted price of $0.79.
2. Language Learning: Players can learn various languages from the mother character, including Japanese, English, Cantonese, Min Nan, and Shanghainese.
3. Multiplayer Fun: The game allows remote interactions, enabling players’ mothers to interact with each other’s mothers for a unique experience.
4. Player Feedback: The game has received over 2,000 reviews on Steam, with a “very positive” rating from players.
5. System Requirements: It has minimal system requirements, only needing a 64-bit processor and operating system to run smoothly.
As if it wasn’t already tough to hear your mom’s nagging in person, now there’s a new game that brings that experience right to your screen! Joking aside, Your Mother, created by the German indie studio M for Mother, is a quirky point-and-click adventure game filled with humor and a silly storyline. The game cleverly plays on well-known clichés and is currently offered at a 20% discount, costing $0.79 instead of the regular price of $0.99.
A Unique Twist for Gamers
Are you looking to baffle your friends on Steam with a message saying “Person X is playing your mum”? This is the perfect title for that! Within the game, you can learn various languages from your mother figure, including Japanese, English, Cantonese, Min Nan, and Shanghainese. Plus, you can encounter some entertainingly mysterious mothers, like a Japanese Yakuza mom.
Fun with Friends
The game also allows for remote interactions with multiple players, meaning your mom can interact with your friend’s mom for a memorable experience. While the character design is adorable, your mother mainly just follows the cursor and chats endlessly—making it more of a desktop application than a traditional game. She can be an amusing sidekick while you dive into your favorite first-person shooter, cheering you on or asking if you’re winning.
Player Feedback and System Requirements
The game has already received over 2,000 reviews on Steam, boasting a “very positive” rating from players. However, it’s worth noting that the game utilizes ray tracing and frame generation through Unreal Engine 5, which may not work on every PC—just kidding! The system requirements are actually quite minimal, with a 64-bit processor and operating system being more than adequate.
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Tags: M for Mother, Steam, Your Mother
March 14, 2025
Retroid Pocket Flip 2: High-End Clamshell Gaming Handheld Launch
Key Takeaways
1. Pre-orders for the Pocket Flip 2 will start on March 17 in some regions and March 18 in others, at 01:30 UTC.
2. The base price for the Pocket Flip 2 is $189, featuring a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chipset, while a Snapdragon 865 version is available for $219.
3. The Snapdragon 865 model offers about 30% better performance than the Dimensity 1100 in benchmarks.
4. Both versions will feature a 5.5-inch AMOLED display and a 5,000 mAh battery, but the Dimensity 1100 has slower wired charging.
5. The Pocket Flip 2 aims to match the performance of the more expensive Ayn Odin2 when emulating games from systems like the PS2 and Wii.
The Pocket Flip 2 has an official release date, similar to the Pocket Classic that was discussed earlier. To summarize, Retroid first introduced the Pocket Flip 2 nearly a month ago, and soon after, speculations about the device started circulating online.
Pre-Order Details
Now, it has been announced that fans only have a few days left until pre-orders for the clamshell gaming handheld become available. As shown in the image below, the Pocket Flip 2 will be available for purchase starting March 17 in certain regions and March 18 in others. Specifically, Retroid will start taking pre-orders at 01:30 UTC on March 18.
Pricing and Specifications
The Pocket Flip 2 will be priced starting at $189 and features a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chipset, 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and 128 GB of UFS 3.1 flash storage. Alternatively, there will be a version with a Snapdragon 865 for $219, which has the same memory specifications, including a $10 discount for launch. For comparison, the Snapdragon 865 performs about 30% better than the Dimensity 1100 in our benchmarks.
Performance Expectations
With the Snapdragon 865, the Pocket Flip 2 is expected to approach the performance levels of the pricier Ayn Odin2 (currently listed at $449 on Amazon) when emulating games from systems like the PS2 and Wii, among others. Both versions of the Pocket Flip 2 will come equipped with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display and a 5,000 mAh battery. However, the Dimensity 1100 model will have slower wired charging, yet it includes a slightly newer Bluetooth version compared to the Snapdragon 865 model.
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Tags: Pocket Flip 2, Retroid, Snapdragon 865
March 14, 2025
Anbernic RG557 Rumors and New Gaming Products Spotted
Key Takeaways
1. Anbernic has been quiet after a busy 2024, releasing a new handheld each month and recently adding a fifth color option to the RG34XX.
2. There are hints of a successor to the RG556, with a prototype reportedly shown at CES 2025.
3. The new device may be named ‘RG557’ and is expected to feature a 5.5-inch 1080p display with a 60 Hz refresh rate.
4. Anbernic might upgrade the processor from the Unisoc Tiger T820 to the Snapdragon G2 Gen 1, paired with 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM.
5. The RG557 could support 33 W fast charging and will maintain a similar size to the RG556, but other specifications remain unknown.
Anbernic has been a bit quiet recently after a very busy 2024. Just to summarize, the company released a new gaming handheld every month last year, ending with the RG34XX launch in December (curr. $84.99 on Amazon). Although there have been whispers about an RG34XX SP, Anbernic has only added a fifth color option to the RG34XX.
New Developments on the Horizon
There’s growing evidence that Anbernic is working on a successor to the RG556, which came out in February 2024. A company linked to Anbernic reportedly showed off an early prototype at CES 2025 in January, and we’ve included proof of this from Silicon Den below.
Naming and Specifications
It’s not clear yet what name Anbernic will give to this new device. Going by their usual naming pattern, it seems likely that it will be called ‘RG557’ because of its 5.5-inch display. This screen is said to operate at 1080p with a 60 Hz refresh rate and a 16:9 aspect ratio, similar to the RG556. We’re still waiting to find out if OLED technology will be used again in the RG557.
Possible Upgrades
Anbernic might replace the Unisoc Tiger T820 in the RG556 with the Snapdragon G2 Gen 1, which Qualcomm introduced in 2023 along with the Snapdragon G1 Gen 1 and Snapdragon G3x Gen 2. If the image shown is correct, then the Snapdragon G2 Gen 1 will be paired with 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and support for 33 W fast charging, all within a 255 x 114 x 32 mm body. Sadly, other specifications are still not known at this time.
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Tags: Anbernic, RG557, Snapdragon G2 Gen 1
March 14, 2025
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Mobile Clip Now Available for Android Smartphones
Key Takeaways
1. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller is priced at $59.99 and is designed for Windows and Android devices, with a mobile clip available for enhanced use on smartphones.
2. The 8BitDo Mobile Clip fits phones with widths between 49mm and 85mm, is made of aluminum and ABS plastic, and is adjustable for user preference, priced at $14.99.
3. The controller connects to Android via Bluetooth and to Windows either wirelessly or through a USB cable, featuring TMR joysticks for improved sensitivity and precision.
4. It includes a toggle switch for switching between linear hall effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers, enhancing gameplay options.
5. The 8Speed feature provides a stable wireless connection with ultra-low latency of 1ms, along with customizable 6-axis motion control, a 1,000Hz polling rate, rumble vibration, and a 1,000mAh battery.
It has been several weeks since the announcement of the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller. This wireless controller is priced at $59.99 on Amazon and is tailored for Windows and Android devices. If you plan to use it with an Android smartphone, adding a mobile clip will enhance the experience. 8BitDo has launched a mobile clip specifically for the Ultimate 2 Controller, and it is currently available for purchase.
Mobile Clip Specifications
The 8BitDo Mobile Clip for the Ultimate 2 Controller fits phones with widths between 49mm and 85mm. It features a sturdy aluminum frame combined with ABS plastic, and the angle is adjustable to suit your preference. You can grab this mobile clip on Amazon for only $14.99.
Connectivity and Features
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller connects to Android devices through Bluetooth, while it connects to Windows either wirelessly or via a USB cable. It is equipped with TMR joysticks that offer better sensitivity and precision compared to traditional hall effect joysticks. Additionally, there is a toggle switch that allows users to alternate between linear hall effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers.
8BitDo’s latest controller comes with an innovative feature named 8Speed. This technology utilizes a unique wireless connection to ensure a stable link with an impressive ultra-low latency of just 1ms. Other notable features include customizable 6-axis motion control, a 1,000Hz polling rate, rumble vibration, and a battery capacity of 1,000mAh.
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Tags: 8BitDo Mobile Clip, 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller, Bluetooth Gaming Controller
March 14, 2025
Epic Games Store Offers Free Game and DLC Soundtrack Giveaway
Key Takeaways
1. The Epic Games Store has changed its free game offer from Them’s Fightin’ Herds to Mortal Shell.
2. Mortal Shell, inspired by the Dark Souls series, features unique gameplay mechanics but has received mixed reviews, particularly regarding its level design.
3. The free Mortal Shell offer is exclusive to PC, but the game is also available on other platforms like Amazon Luna, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
4. Epic Games includes a free downloadable content (DLC) pack called the Rotting Christ Pack, which adds an alternative soundtrack to Mortal Shell.
5. The Rotting Christ Pack has been well-received by fans, while another DLC, The Virtuous Cycle, offers additional features but is not free.
Earlier today, the Epic Games Store made a change to its free game offer for PC users. Previously, they were giving away Them’s Fightin’ Herds for no cost, following a discount on Mages of Mystralia just a week before. Now, the store has switched to providing Mortal Shell, a game that was released nearly five years ago and received mixed feedback from players.
Game Mechanics and Critiques
Mortal Shell draws clear inspiration from the Dark Souls series, featuring gameplay elements like character possession and a novel approach to shield mechanics. However, the game has faced criticism for its level design and the evident influence from Dark Souls. While this week’s free offer is exclusive to the PC version, Mortal Shell can also be found on platforms such as Amazon Luna, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch (currently priced at $295 for used copies on Amazon).
Additional Content Offered
Initially, it looked like Epic Games would enhance the Mortal Shell giveaway with a bundle for World of Warships. Instead, they have subtly included downloadable content (DLC) for Mortal Shell, which might be missed when players redeem the game. Specifically, Epic Games is providing the Rotting Christ Pack, which adds an alternative official soundtrack (OST) to the game.
It is important to note that this DLC is free, in contrast to The Virtuous Cycle, which introduces a Roguelike Mode and various in-game items. Despite that, the Rotting Christ Pack has been positively received by fans of Mortal Shell. Be sure to check out the video below to hear what the Rotting Christ Pack sounds like during one of Mortal Shell’s intense boss encounters.
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Tags: Epic Games Store, Mortal Shell, Rotting Christ Pack