Category: Gaming

March 17, 2025
Nvidia Zorah Tech Demo: The Future of Near-Photorealistic Game Graphics
Key Takeaways
1. Nvidia’s “Zorah” tech demo showcases neural rendering to improve graphics efficiency by replacing traditional shaders with AI-based neural networks.
2. The demo runs on Unreal Engine 5 and utilizes Nvidia’s RTX 5090 to achieve nearly photorealistic visuals with realistic lighting and shadows.
3. An updated version of the demo was released on March 13, receiving praise for its artistic quality, though concerns about its practical application in gaming remain.
4. A preview of the DirectX 12 Agility SDK supporting neural rendering will be available in April through a partnership with Microsoft.
5. Nvidia plans to release Unreal Engine 5 plugins for developers, but the timeline for implementing this technology in game development is still uncertain.
Nvidia has introduced an innovative tech demo named “Zorah,” which highlights the power of neural rendering. This AI-based technology is designed to boost efficiency in handling complex graphics by substituting traditional shaders with trained neural networks. The aim is to enhance image quality while simultaneously improving performance. Additional insights can be found in a blog post from Nvidia.
Tech Demo Features
The Zorah tech demo operates on Unreal Engine 5 and has been specifically crafted utilizing Nvidia’s unique RTX branch (NvRTX), a specialized version of the engine. It is powered by the latest RTX 5090, which is the flagship model in the 5000 series, striving to provide visuals that are nearly photorealistic, complete with authentic lighting and shadow effects. Nvidia first demonstrated this technology back in January:
Recent Updates
On March 13, an updated iteration of the tech demo was unveiled, showcasing even greater detail:
YouTube users have lauded the artistic quality and visual excellence of the tech demo. Nonetheless, its stationary nature has led to questions about whether these advancements are truly ready for integration into game development. Some commenters have humorously noted potential low frame rates, making remarks like ‘RTX 5090: 17 FPS’ or ‘Without DLSS: 4 FPS.’
Future Collaborations
In partnership with Microsoft, a preview edition of the DirectX 12 Agility SDK that supports neural rendering will be launched in April. Nvidia also plans to provide various Unreal Engine 5 plugins for developers. However, it is yet unclear when and how this cutting-edge technology will be utilized in the realm of game development.
YouTube / Nvidia GeForce
Image source: Nvidia
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Tags: NVIDIA, RTX 5090, Unreal Engine 5
March 17, 2025
New Action Roguelike Launches on Xbox Game Pass This Week
Key Takeaways
1. Game Overview: 33 Immortals is developed by Thunder Lotus Games, known for Spiritfarer, and focuses on cursed souls rebelling against a deity in a unique adventure.
2. Team Dynamics: Players form groups of six to explore dungeons called ‘torture chambers’, complete challenges, and engage in “Ascension Battles” for legendary relics.
3. Customization and Gameplay: Players can choose from four classes (melee, ranged, support, tank) and customize avatars with various cosmetic items, featuring 14 weapons inspired by the seven deadly sins and virtues.
4. Procedural Generation: The game features procedurally generated levels, ensuring varied gameplay experiences each time players venture out.
5. Release Date: 33 Immortals enters Early Access on March 18 for PC and Xbox Series X/S and will be available on Xbox Game Pass from the same date.
Only one new game has been revealed for Xbox Game Pass this week, but 33 Immortals seems to have a lot of potential. Created by Thunder Lotus Games, which is known for the adored indie game Spiritfarer, this title presents quite a different adventure. While Spiritfarer delves into ideas of goodbyes and what comes after, 33 Immortals tells the story of cursed souls rebelling against a harsh deity. Players kick off their journey in the Dark Forest, a central hub where they can pick from four classes – melee, ranged, support, or tank – before they step through the Eternal Gate to engage in battles.
Team Dynamics and Gameplay
Groups of six venture out to uncover the map, facing ‘torture chambers’, which are small dungeons offering relics when completed. Completing these dungeons activates the “Wrath of God,” igniting the map in flames. The remaining players then divide into three teams for “Ascension Battles,” which provide legendary relics that come with global advantages. Levels are generated procedurally to keep the gameplay fresh, and players can customize their avatars with various cosmetic items. The game boasts 14 different weapons, each influenced by the seven deadly sins and the seven heavenly virtues.
Release Information
33 Immortals was initially revealed in June 2023 at the Xbox Games Showcase, marking Thunder Lotus Games’ first foray into online gaming. Early Access is set to start on March 18 for PC and Xbox Series X/S, with the action roguelike debuting on Xbox Game Pass on the same date.
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Tags: 33 Immortals, Thunder Lotus Games, Xbox Game Pass
March 17, 2025
AAA Racing Game on Steam Now Just $5, Down from $70
Key Takeaways
1. Illegal Street Racing Theme: Need for Speed Unbound focuses on illegal street racing in Lakeshore City, inspired by Chicago, where players aim to enter a premier tournament by winning races and enhancing their vehicles.
2. Day-Night Cycle: The game features a day-night cycle where daytime races are safer but offer smaller rewards, while nighttime races provide bigger payouts, but with increased police presence and more aggressive AI.
3. Mixed Community Reception: Players have expressed dissatisfaction with the relentless police AI and slow campaign progression, along with a mandatory EA app installation requirement that frustrates some users.
4. Distinct Visual Style: Lakeshore City is designed as an open world with a mix of realistic environments and comic-like effects, though some players wish for an option to disable these vibrant graphics.
5. Pricing and Discounts: Currently retailing for $70, Need for Speed Unbound has significant discounts available, with prices dropping as low as $5 during sales, along with special editions also seeing major price reductions.
Need for Speed Unbound is all about illegal street racing set in Lakeshore City, a make-believe city inspired by Chicago. Players step into the shoes of an ambitious driver looking to get into The Grand, the city’s premier tournament, by winning high-stakes races, collecting cash, and enhancing their vehicles. The game has a day-night cycle that adds a strategic twist. Races during the day are safer but yield smaller rewards, whereas nighttime races can offer bigger payouts but also come with a heavier police presence. The more reckless the driving, the more aggressive the police become. Yet, some players are not thrilled with this aspect. A lot of the community thinks the police AI is too relentless and unbalanced, leading to frustrating chases that disrupt the game’s pace.
Open World Features
In Need for Speed Unbound, Lakeshore City is an open world that’s split into different areas. Players can zoom through urban spots like downtown filled with tall buildings, as well as vast industrial zones, winding mountain paths, and fast highways. The game combines realistic worlds with comic-like effects and cel-shading, creating a distinct visual style. Nevertheless, many gamers have voiced their discontent over the absence of an option to turn off the vibrant effects in the graphics settings. Beyond the single-player campaign, Unbound offers a multiplayer mode where up to 16 players can compete against each other.
Mixed Reviews
The German gaming publication Eurogamer gave Need for Speed Unbound a nod for its dynamic open world and exhilarating speed. However, they pointed out the unbalanced AI and slow progress in the campaign as areas needing improvement. Each in-game day only allows a limited number of retries for unsuccessful races, and the rewards are often too low compared to the prices of new cars. This creates a feeling that early progress drags on unnecessarily. Another annoyance is the compulsory installation of the EA app, even when starting the game through Steam, which has left many players unhappy.
Pricing and Availability
Developed by Criterion Games in collaboration with Electronic Arts, Need for Speed Unbound was released in December 2022. Since its launch, the game has garnered almost 38,000 reviews on Steam, but with only 62% being positive, it falls into the “Mixed” category. Its reception on Metacritic hasn’t been much better, boasting a Metascore of 73 and a user score of 5.9.
Need for Speed Unbound typically retails for $70 on Steam, but during the spring sale, there is a massive 93% discount until March 20, dropping the price to about $5. The Palace Edition, which comes with four additional cars and cosmetic items, is marked down by 85%, reducing its price from $80 to $12. The Ultimate Collection, featuring all released content, is available at an 80% discount for $17 instead of $85.
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Tags: Criterion Games, EA, Need for Speed: Unbound
March 17, 2025
Samsung Game Booster+ Enhances Gaming on Galaxy Phones
Key Takeaways
1. Samsung has launched Game Booster+, an upgraded feature in the Good Lock app aimed at enhancing mobile gaming on Galaxy devices in Korea.
2. Game Booster+ offers new customization options, including key remapping, GPU settings tweaks, and game classification.
3. Users can create up to four profiles for Game Controller Key Remapping, allowing for personalized button layouts for different games.
4. The Enable Game Booster GPU Settings feature gives options for performance and quality, with three modes: Default, Performance, and Quality.
5. Game Category Settings allows users to manually classify apps as games, ensuring they benefit from Game Booster’s optimizations.
Samsung is upping the ante in mobile gaming with the introduction of Game Booster+, a fresh module for the Good Lock app that’s now available in Korea. This upgraded version of the existing Game Booster feature provides gamers with enhanced customization options, allowing them to better tailor their gaming experience on Galaxy devices.
Exciting New Features
The original Game Booster let users adjust performance, refresh rates, and charging behavior to help prevent overheating issues. However, Game Booster+ takes things a step further by adding features such as key remapping, GPU settings tweaks, and game classification options.
A Closer Look at Game Booster+ Features
Game Booster+ comes packed with three key features: Game Controller Key Remapping, Enable Game Booster GPU Settings, and Game Category Settings. The first one, Game Controller Key Remapping, lets users customize game controller buttons according to their liking. Gamers can create as many as four distinct profiles, making it super simple to switch settings for various game types.
The second feature, Enable Game Booster GPU Settings, is quite fascinating. It allows users to toggle between two GPU configurations: PreTransform and Texture Filter. PreTransform aims to lighten the GPU’s workload during screen rotations in Vulkan-based games, while Texture Filter improves the quality of textures. Users can pick from three modes: Default, Performance, and Quality, depending on whether they prefer speed or visual clarity.
Classifying Games Made Easy
Finally, the Game Category Settings feature enables users to manually categorize apps as games. This is handy for apps or games that the system doesn’t automatically recognize, ensuring they take full advantage of Game Booster’s optimization benefits.
Currently, Game Booster+ is exclusive to the Galaxy Store in Korea, but tech fans have managed to extract the APK, making it available for download in other areas. However, it’s wise for users to be careful when installing the APK or consider waiting for an official launch in their respective regions.
Samsung has been using Qualcomm chips in all its Ultra flagship models for the past few generations, and it’s great to see the company making efforts to fully utilize this high-end hardware.
Tags: Galaxy Store, Game Booster+, Samsung
March 17, 2025
Infinix XPAD GT: Upcoming Gaming Tablet Launch Soon
Key Takeaways
1. Infinix is entering the gaming tablet market with the upcoming Infinix XPAD GT model.
2. The Infinix XPAD GT will feature 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
3. Enhanced processors for gaming and 5G compatibility are expected in the XPAD GT.
4. The original XPAD had an 11-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 7,000mAh battery.
5. The new tablet is anticipated to have improvements in hardware and gaming-specific features.
Infinix is reportedly gearing up to make its entrance into the gaming tablet market. A recent discovery has unveiled an upcoming Infinix XPAD GT model, which is expected to boast features and specifications aimed at gamers. Here’s what we’ve gathered so far.
New Infinix Gaming Tablet on the Horizon?
Infinix XPAD
The company behind this brand is recognized for its affordably priced smartphones, many of which are designed for gaming. To jog your memory, the Infinix XPAD was launched in 2024, showcasing a 90Hz display alongside the Helio G99 Ultimate chipset. Now, the GT series is set to expand with a new gaming tablet. The Infinix XPAD GT was recently spotted on the Carlcare Service platform, the official after-sales service company utilized by Infinix, Tecno, and several other brands (as per Raihanhan121 on X).
The platform verifies the Infinix XPAD GT name and discloses the model number X1301. Besides the naming confirmation, the listing also indicates 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. This marks the brand’s inaugural step into the gaming tablet realm. Given that the original XPAD was equipped with a 4G chipset, we can reasonably anticipate enhanced processors tailored for gamers, as well as 5G compatibility. It is also likely that there will be a high refresh rate display and a substantial battery to ensure a seamless gaming experience.
Infinix XPAD GT Specifications
To those who may not be familiar, the Infinix XPAD debuted with an 11-inch IPS LCD display featuring FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. Both the front and rear of the device housed an 8MP camera, and it operated on the Android 14 OS with the XOS 14 custom skin right out of the box. A colossal 7,000mAh battery powered this device, supporting 18W wired fast charging. Therefore, we can also look forward to improvements in its hardware as well.
Tags: Gaming Tablet, Infinix XPAD, Infinix XPAD GT
March 17, 2025
Red Magic Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro: 30W Cooling & Wireless Charging
Key Takeaways
1. Cooling Efficiency: The Red Magic Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro can lower device temperatures by up to 41 degrees Celsius and reach a minimum cooling temperature of -16 degrees Celsius.
2. Modular Design: It features a versatile modular system with magnetic and clip-on attachments, making it compatible with various devices.
3. Advanced Cooling Technology: Equipped with a 30W cooling system, a large 4.7mm thermoelectric cooling plate, and a seven-blade fan, it enhances cooling efficiency while maintaining low noise levels at 35dB.
4. Smart Temperature Control: The cooler includes an NTC sensor for real-time temperature monitoring and offers three cooling modes for customizable performance.
5. Multiple Charging Options: It supports both wireless and wired charging, includes various modular attachments, and features dual Type-C ports for fast charging.
As anticipated, Nubia has introduced the Red Magic Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro, a top-tier gaming accessory crafted to avoid overheating. The basic version is available for 239 yuan ($33), while a package that includes a wireless charging cooling plate is priced at 369 yuan ($51). This product comes in a sleek Silver White color.
Features of the Red Magic Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro
The Red Magic Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro boasts a cutting-edge modular design, enabling users to attach it using a 14N magnetic module for compatible devices or a clip-on module for phones that lack magnetic capability. It is equipped with a robust 30W cooling system that provides quick heat dissipation. In ideal circumstances, it can lower device temperatures by as much as 41 degrees Celsius, with the lowest cooling temperature reaching -16 degrees Celsius.
The cooler has a 4.7mm-thick high-density thermoelectric cooling (TEC) plate, which is 34% larger than standard TEC plates, increasing cooling efficiency by 17%. Its aluminum heat sink, infused with graphene, enhances thermal conductivity by 54%, while a dual-layer composite thermal silicone pad improves heat transfer and ensures a scratch-free attachment.
Enhanced Performance and Functionality
The device includes a 40x15mm seven-blade fan that boosts airflow by 20% and enhances cooling efficiency by 15%. Its aerodynamic 3D air duct design reduces noise levels and improves airflow without causing discomfort. Even with its powerful performance, it operates at a quiet 35dB, making it ideal for an engrossing gaming session.
To avoid condensation and overheating, the cooler is fitted with an NTC sensor that tracks real-time temperatures and adjusts the fan speed and power output on-the-fly. It offers three cooling modes: smart temperature control, overclocking mode, and manual adjustment, allowing users to tailor their cooling experience according to their preferences.
Versatile Charging Options
The cooler is compatible with both wireless and wired charging modules. It comes with several modular attachments, including a magnetic cooling clip, a clamp-style attachment, a live-streaming cooling module, a wireless charging module, and a portable power bank. Each attachment serves a unique purpose and can be purchased separately.
The Cooler 6 Pro includes dual Type-C ports with PD fast charging, and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. It also features RGB lighting effects, app-based controls, and a compact and lightweight design for convenient portability.
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Tags: gaming accessory, Magnetic Cooler 6 Pro, Red Magic
March 17, 2025
Silent Hill f Gets ESRB Rating; Release Date Still Unknown
Key Takeaways
1. Silent Hill f relies on tension from expected violent confrontations rather than constant bloodshed, enhancing horror through anticipation.
2. The game is set in a 1960s Japanese mountain town, introducing a new environment that heightens tension for long-time series fans.
3. Silent Hill f has received a Mature rating from the ESRB, indicating intense melee combat with monsters but no firearms mentioned.
4. There is no confirmed release date for Silent Hill f, despite the game likely nearing completion after receiving its ESRB rating.
5. Players should expect unsettling occurrences, and it may be wise to wait for the game’s official launch on PS5, Xbox, and PC for full details.
Much of the fear in Silent Hill games comes from the tension of expecting violent confrontations rather than constant bloodshed. However, as characters make their way through towns shrouded in fog, horrifying scenes eventually appear. The latest trailer for Silent Hill f, which is the first game in the series set in Japan, showcases some terrifying visuals. Konami’s game has now earned a Mature rating from the ESRB, along with a few spoilers. Dissatisfied fans are still left without a definite release date for Silent Hill f.
Mature Rating Expectations
It’s not surprising that Silent Hill f carries a Mature label, as earlier games in the series have also been rated the same. However, as graphics become more advanced, the portrayal of blood and violence can appear more lifelike. The ESRB website highlights intense melee combat featuring monsters, mutants, and mythical beings. Interestingly, there is no mention of ranged weapons or firearms, which are often present in many Silent Hill installments.
A New Setting
Silent Hill f is set in a Japanese mountain town from the 1960s, breaking away from the usual American Maine backdrop. The trailer does not provide a clear storyline or delve into various gameplay elements. Still, gamers will need to navigate a female student through streets stained with blood and surrounded by corpses, as noted by the ESRB description. The unfamiliar environment for long-time Silent Hill enthusiasts should heighten the tension.
Uncertain Timeline
There is no established timeline for when a game is released after receiving an ESRB rating. Typically, a game is almost finished, and players can anticipate its launch soon. Additionally, the multi-platform game has its PC specifications listed on Steam. While the release of Silent Hill f may only be a few months away, it remains unclear why Konami has not provided more details.
The ESRB summary hints at even more unsettling occurrences. To keep surprises intact, it might be wise to wait until Silent Hill f is launched on the PS5, Xbox, and PC.
The reveal trailer and ESRB rating page offer a glimpse into the chilling world of Silent Hill f.
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Tags: ESRB Mature, PS5, Silent Hill f
March 17, 2025
AMD Achieves Record GPU Market Share in Japan with RX 9070 Series
Key Takeaways
1. AMD has launched the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT, gaining attention for their strong price-to-performance ratio and better availability than RTX 50 GPUs.
2. AMD Radeon sales in Japan have reached a record-high share of 45%, but ASRock aims for a 70% share, indicating room for growth.
3. AIB partners are facing production challenges due to a shortage of GPUs, affecting the supply of Radeon cards.
4. The RX 9070 and 9070 XT are performing well globally, ranking among the top sellers in markets like the UK, Germany, and the US.
5. AMD is currently successful in the GPU market but will face competition from Nvidia as they prepare to launch the RX 9600 and RTX 5060 series.
AMD has successfully launched the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT, which have gained a lot of attention. Their great price-to-performance ratio and a larger availability compared to the limited supply of the RTX 50 GPUs have led to strong sales for AMD Radeon cards. This surge in sales is likely to positively impact Team Red’s market share, helping it to close the gap with Nvidia, who has been the market leader in recent times.
Sales Success in Japan
During a Team AMD Roundtable event in Japan, Yoshiaki Sato, the Marketing Manager for AMD Japan, shared that “Radeon’s sales share in Japan has reached 45%.” This is said to be a record-high figure. Nevertheless, ASRock’s representative, Mr. Haraguchi, expressed a wish for a 70% share, noting that Team Red is still “below the majority.”
Supply Challenges
AIB partners at the event raised concerns about their inability to produce as many Radeon cards as needed due to a shortage of GPUs. In simpler terms, the supply for Radeon GPUs like the Navi 48, which is used in the RX 9070 and 9070 XT, is insufficient, leading to a decrease in card production by AIBs.
If AMD can resolve this supply issue, it could lead to better stock levels, which may lower prices and boost sales, further increasing AMD’s market share.
Global Performance
The RX 9070 and 9070 XT aren’t just doing well in Japan; previous reports have indicated that Team Red’s newest cards are also selling effectively in the UK and Germany. In the US, they are among the top sellers on Newegg, with two RX 9070 XT AIB models ranking 4th and 5th, nestled between other AMD models like the RX 6600 and RX 7900 XTX (Available on Amazon). For comparison, the RTX 5080 is the sole RTX 50 card listed in Newegg’s top ten best-sellers, coming in at 9th place.
Currently, AMD is riding high in this GPU generation. It will be interesting to see if they can maintain their edge over Nvidia as we approach the entry-level and lower-midrange segments with the upcoming RX 9600 and RTX 5060 series.
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Tags: AMD RX 9070, GPU Market Share, Newegg Best Sellers
March 17, 2025
CS: Legacy Announced – Counter-Strike 1.6 Remake on Source Engine
Key Takeaways
1. Counter-Strike 2 has set a record with 1.8 million concurrent players.
2. A new project called CS: Legacy recreates Counter-Strike 1.6 using Valve’s Source Engine.
3. CS: Legacy aims to maintain the classic feel of Counter-Strike 1.6 while offering modern updates.
4. The game will enter early access in 2025, with a full version expected to take longer.
5. Players can follow CS: Legacy’s development on social media and support it through Patreon.
Counter-Strike 2, with its highs and lows, has managed to set a new record for concurrent players, reaching a peak of 1.8 million. Fans of the classic Counter-Strike series will be excited to learn that a skilled group of modders has recreated the iconic Counter-Strike 1.6 from the ground up. This ambitious project is named CS: Legacy, and it comes from the same developers who created CSPromod.
A Modern Take on a Classic
CS: Legacy has been constructed entirely on Valve’s Source Engine, featuring unique assets and game code. This essentially transforms it into a contemporary version of Counter-Strike 1.6. Players can only wish that the developers retain some of the beloved quirks of Counter-Strike 1.6 to preserve the authentic feel. The trailer showcases two key maps: de_nuke and fy_pool_day. Additionally, it’s expected that fan-favorite maps like cs_untitled and cs_untitled2 will also be included, which would be great.
Waiting for the Release
Sadly, CS: Legacy won’t be available for play right away. The game is set to enter early access at some point in 2025, and the full version might take even longer to arrive. To stay updated and get more information, you can follow the development team on various social media or join their official Discord channel. If you’re interested in supporting the developers financially, there’s a Patreon page specifically for that purpose.
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Tags: Counter-Strike 2, CS: Legacy, Valve’s Source Engine
March 16, 2025
Steam Adds New Free Games in March 2025 Collection Expansion
Key Takeaways
1. Steam’s yearly Spring Sale features significant discounts on popular games, with some prices at their lowest ever.
2. Numerous free games are available during the sale in March 2025.
3. Prices and deals are subject to change, and may be limited by time or availability.
4. Gamers should check back regularly for new deals and updates throughout the sale.
5. Notebookcheck is not responsible for any price changes made by retailers.
Steam is having its yearly Spring Sale, slashing prices on several popular games to their lowest ever. But that’s not all that the platform has to offer in March 2025. In addition to the big discounts, there are also numerous free games available. Below are some key points:
Important Notice
Please note that Notebookcheck is not liable for any changes in prices made by retailers. The deals or prices shared in this article were accurate at the time it was written, but they could be limited by time or availability.
Exciting Offers
With this sale, gamers can grab fantastic titles at reduced prices. Be sure to check back regularly as the sale progresses since new deals may appear and some may disappear.
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Tags: discounted games, Free Games, Steam Spring Sale