Category: Gaming

  • High Hopes, Hard Landing: Unknown 9 Awakening’s Disappointment

    High Hopes, Hard Landing: Unknown 9 Awakening’s Disappointment

    Unknown 9: Awakening is a much-awaited action-adventure game made by Reflector Entertainment and published by Bandai Namco on October 17. In this game, players become Haroona, a character with magical abilities who can enter a parallel world known as "the Fold." Here, she learns to harness her supernatural powers while being chased by a group called "The Ascendants."

    Disappointment After Launch

    It appears that the creators of Unknown 9: Awakening have not met expectations. Although there was considerable excitement prior to its release, the game quickly turned into a letdown, perhaps even more disappointing than Sony’s recent flop, Concord. Data from SteamDB indicates that the game only reached a meager peak of 285 players since its launch. In contrast, Concord had about 700 players at the same time.

    Poor Ratings and Reviews

    The reviews are just as disappointing, with Unknown 9: Awakening garnering a low Metascore of 62 and a shocking user score of just 1.5. On Steam, the feedback is similarly grim: only 42 percent of the 280 reviews were positive.

    Technical Issues and Criticism

    Behind the scenes of Unknown 9: Awakening, there are numerous issues that both players and reviewers have pointed out. A major complaint is the outdated graphics, as the game was developed using Unreal Engine 4, making it look old-fashioned when compared to modern AAA games like Black Myth: Wukong or Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Additionally, many players have reported technical problems like stuttering and frame drops, even on high-end computers.

    Controversial Depictions

    Users on Reddit have criticized the game for its portrayal of social and political issues, claiming it’s clichéd and overdone. The representation of white men and the look of the female protagonist sparked intense debates, leading to frequent use of the term "woke."

    Ambitious Plans for the Future

    Reflector Entertainment, the Canadian studio behind Unknown 9: Awakening, had grand aspirations for the game. The story was intended to unfold not just in video games but also through novels, comics, and films. However, it remains uncertain whether these ambitions will proceed following such a rocky start.

    Steam DB, Steam, Metacritic

    Image source: Bandai Namco Entertainment

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  • Xiaomi Unveils 2K 180Hz Redmi G27Q Monitor with Multi-Functional Stand

    Xiaomi Unveils 2K 180Hz Redmi G27Q Monitor with Multi-Functional Stand

    Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Monitor G27Q Multi-Functional Stand Edition 2025 in China, appealing to both casual gamers and competitive ones. This updated model, which provides a more adjustable stand compared to its original version that had a basic stand, is now available for pre-order on JD.com for 1399 Yuan ($196). There’s also a special introductory price set at 949 Yuan ($134).

    Specs of the Monitor

    This gaming monitor sports a 27-inch 2K (2560×1440) Fast LCD display that boasts a brightness of 300 nits, a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and supports 16.7 million colors. With a 178° wide viewing angle, it ensures that colors and clarity remain consistent from different angles.

    Performance Features

    Featuring a quick 1ms GTG response time and a high refresh rate of 180Hz, the monitor provides smooth visuals while reducing ghosting during intense gaming experiences. It also includes FreeSync technology, which aligns the frame rate between the GPU and the monitor, cutting down on issues like screen tearing and stuttering.

    The monitor is designed with a wide color gamut, achieving 95% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB coverage for vibrant visuals. It supports 8-bit color depth and has a ΔE<2 for color accuracy. Additionally, it focuses on user comfort with a TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light mode and DC dimming to lessen screen flicker, making it suitable for long periods of use.

    Ergonomics and Connectivity

    An adjustable stand allows for height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, as well as wall-mounting options, providing ergonomic flexibility. It features ultra-thin bezels for a more immersive viewing experience, and a joystick control makes navigating menus easy.

    In terms of connectivity, the monitor is equipped with 2 DP 1.4 ports, 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, and 1 audio port. The overall dimensions with the stand are 612.5 × 227.3 × 521.9 mm, and it weighs 5.6 kg. Additionally, it is compatible with VESA mount (75×75).

    Xiaomi backs this monitor with a 3-year warranty and offers extensive after-sales support, including on-site services by technicians in select areas.

    Moreover, Xiaomi has recently unveiled the Mijia Smart Aroma Diffuser Set, which boasts a 50-day battery life and HyperOS integration. They also globally launched the Portable Electric Air Compressor 2 Pro, capable of inflating tires in just 45 seconds.

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  • Intel Graphics Drivers Increase Gaming Performance by 24%

    Intel Graphics Drivers Increase Gaming Performance by 24%

    Intel has launched a fresh set of graphics drivers that bring major performance improvements and optimizations for many games, along with support for new titles. The drivers, 32.0.101.6127 WHQL and 32.0.101.6044 Non-WHQL, cater to integrated GPUs (iGPUs) in the Core Ultra 200V series processors (Lunar Lake), as well as discrete Arc Alchemist GPUs. Users can expect significant enhancements, with Lunar Lake iGPUs achieving up to a 24% performance boost, while Arc Alchemist GPUs can enjoy as much as a 20% increase in game performance.

    Fixes and Enhancements

    Alongside performance upgrades, Intel has resolved various known issues with this driver update, which enhances overall stability and functionality:

    Nevertheless, Intel has stated that some problems are still under investigation. These lingering issues include flickering in Doom Eternal (Vulkan), crashes in Blender during specific rendering benchmarks, corruption issues in Adobe Premiere Pro when using 8K AV1 Encode, and stability concerns in Star Wars Outlaws.

    Download Availability

    The 32.0.101.6127 WHQL and 32.0.101.6044 Non-WHQL drivers can be downloaded and are compatible with Intel CPUs from the 11th Generation up to the latest Lunar Lake processors. Nonetheless, Intel recommends that users should opt for OEM-customized drivers instead of the generic Intel versions. The OEM drivers are tailored for specific devices and have gone through rigorous testing to ensure they are compatible and stable.

    Another noteworthy point about this release is the increased driver package size, now reaching 1.4GB. This is due to the combination of drivers for both Arc GPUs and Lunar Lake iGPUs. Although this merger is expected to be temporary, it currently means that users of either GPU will need to download the entire package.

    Intel via Tom’s Hardware

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  • Leaked Video Shows Alleged RTX 5090 in Testing

    Leaked Video Shows Alleged RTX 5090 in Testing

    The Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series graphics cards are anticipated to launch next year. Recently, the RTX 5090, a premium desktop graphics card, was reportedly spotted in a factory during its early testing phase.

    Factory Footage Emerges

    A video has surfaced from a newly built factory in Indonesia. For those who may not know, U.S. chip export regulations block the sale of high-performance graphics cards to mainland China, especially models that can compete with or surpass the RTX 4090. This has led manufacturers to establish operations in Indonesia to guarantee the RTX 5090 is available for the Chinese market.

    Video Details

    The leaked footage appeared on BiliBili, a popular Chinese video-sharing site. The video’s description explicitly mentions that the graphics card featured is the RTX 5090. It captures the first unit rolling off the assembly line being tested for any potential problems. Additionally, it highlights workers celebrating after the RTX 5090 successfully boots up.

    Card Specifications

    As per VideoCardz, the graphics card in the video comes from Zotac. Notably, it is shown to be powered by a single cable, putting to rest prior speculations about the need for dual 16-pin cables to operate the card.

    Rumors have indicated that the RTX 5090 will come with 32 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 512-bit bus. It is expected to make its official appearance at CES 2025, which is scheduled for January.

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  • Black Myth: Wukong ESRB Rating for Xbox Indicates Launch Soon

    Black Myth: Wukong ESRB Rating for Xbox Indicates Launch Soon

    Black Myth: Wukong has bin given a rating by the ESRB for Xbox, hinting that its launch on that platform is possibly just around the corner. This action RPG, crafted by Game Science, has received a “T” for Teen rating. This is due to the presence of blood and gore, some language, partial nudity, and violence in the game. This update arrives nearly two months after it successfully made its debut on PC and PlayStation 5 in August 2024.

    Delays and Optimizations

    The release for Xbox was delayed earlier because of some technical difficulties. With the ESRB rating now in hand, it appears that the game is approaching the final optimization stages for the console.

    Gameplay and Reception

    Black Myth: Wukong draws its inspiration from Chinese mythology and the well-known tale, Journey to the West. Players take on the role of Sun Wukong, a mighty character with the ability to transform into various creatures, cast spells, and partake in melee fighting. The game has been widely acclaimed for its breathtaking visuals, deep storytelling, and an exciting combat system.

    Anticipation for Release

    With the ESRB rating secured, it is anticipated that the developers will soon reveal the official launch date for the Xbox Series X|S version. Recently, the Xbox Partner Preview took place, so we can look ahead to upcoming events for possible announcements. Who knows—perhaps the company will drop a teaser on its social media channels!

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  • Unity 6 Launches with Windows on Arm Support and Enhanced Graphics

    Unity 6 Launches with Windows on Arm Support and Enhanced Graphics

    Unity has released its newest game development engine, Unity 6, enabling game developers to build video games efficiently on Windows, Macs, and Linux systems.

    Custom Engines vs. Unity

    Game studios, such as Kojima Productions, often utilize proprietary game engines tailored for their major titles. This approach allows them to integrate distinctive features that are absent in standard game engines and address bugs swiftly. Among the game development engines available, Unreal Engine is recognized as the most robust and feature-rich. Although it’s a commercial product, it has been utilized to create blockbuster games like BioShock, Fortnite, and Black Myth: Wukong.

    Simplicity for Smaller Studios

    Nevertheless, the intricacy of custom engines or Unreal Engine can slow down the development process for smaller studios. The complexity and the multitude of operating systems, CPUs, and GPUs can pose challenges. In such cases, a more straightforward commercial engine like Unity can significantly reduce the time and resources needed to test and release simpler games.

    New Features in Unity 6

    The latest version introduces various essential features aimed at helping developers produce visually appealing games more swiftly. Graphics rendering has been enhanced, boasting up to 50% better performance compared to its predecessor. Unity 6 incorporates Spatial-Temporal Post-Processing (STP), which upscales low-resolution images in real-time, contributing to improved game performance. Additionally, the rendering of environmental elements such as skies, water, foam, and plants has been upgraded for a more lifelike gaming experience.

    Moreover, Unity 6 brings an upgraded Sentis AI library, enabling games to respond in real-time to inputs from cameras, microphones, and other sensors. Developers can select AI tools from well-known sources like Hugging Face. The UI (User Interface) Toolkit and game editing tools, including ProBuilder and Cinemachine, have been refined to enhance developer efficiency. The latest iteration also introduces support for Windows on Arm for both the editor and compiled applications, making it compatible with the specialized Snapdragon X computers. However, game developers usually require high-performance machines with strong graphics cards, such as the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (available on Amazon), to ensure high productivity and compatibility with widely used tools like Autodesk Maya and Adobe Creative Cloud, which are not compatible with Snapdragon X CPUs.

    Unity 6, Unity on YouTube, Unity blog post.

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  • TCL Unveils 27″ 4K MiniLED Gaming Monitor with 165Hz Refresh Rate

    TCL Unveils 27″ 4K MiniLED Gaming Monitor with 165Hz Refresh Rate

    TCL has launched the Thunderbird U9, a 27-inch gaming monitor specifically for the Chinese audience. The price tag for this monitor is 3,699 yuan ($520), and it is currently available for purchase on JD.com. Let’s take a look at its main specifications.

    Key Features of the Thunderbird U9

    The Thunderbird U9 boasts a resolution of 3840×2160 (4K) and employs TCL’s FAST-HVA panel. It supports a refresh rate of 165Hz and offers a sophisticated 10-bit color depth (8-bit + FRC) for vibrant images.

    With Mini LED backlighting and 2,304 local dimming zones, this monitor delivers precise lighting control which improves clarity and minimizes halo effects, making it perfect for gamers and content creators alike. The peak brightness can reach up to 1600 nits and it supports HDR 1400 for breathtaking HDR visuals that closely resemble natural light. The static contrast ratio is 4000:1, while the dynamic contrast ratio hits 1,000,000:1, which helps in revealing more details in darker scenes.

    Color Accuracy and Performance

    The monitor is equipped with QD Quantum Dot Wide Color Gamut technology, covering an impressive 95% of the DCI-P3 color space and 99% of the sRGB spectrum, ensuring colors are true-to-life, which is ideal for both gamers and professionals. With a 1ms GTG response time, it guarantees minimal lag and blur during fast-paced gaming sessions. It is also compatible with FreeSync Premium and G-Sync, allowing for a seamless gaming experience on various devices. Additionally, it features built-in 2x3W speakers.

    Connectivity and Design

    For connectivity, the monitor offers two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DP 1.4 port, and a USB-C port that provides 90W power delivery and Display Stream Compression (DSC) for high-quality connections. It also includes two USB-A 3.0 ports, a USB-B 3.0 upstream port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

    The design includes a stand that can tilt, pivot, and adjust in height for user comfort and flexibility. The Light Wing back design adds a futuristic element with integrated RGB lighting and a hidden hook for headphones for easy storage.

    The Thunderbird U9 comes with a KVM switch, allowing users to control two PCs using a single set of peripherals. It supports Picture-in-Picture (PIP) and Picture-by-Picture (PBP) modes for effective multitasking, along with two low blue light modes to protect your eyes during long periods of use.

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  • Tecno Pocket Go Launches as Unique Windows Gaming Handheld

    Tecno Pocket Go Launches as Unique Windows Gaming Handheld

    The gaming handheld industry has seen significant changes this year, from the high-end ASUS ROG Ally X to various Anbernic models like the RG35XX SP (currently priced at $76.99 on Amazon) that cater to the budget-friendly segment. Recently, Tecno has launched the Pocket Go via Kickstarter, which completely reimagines the conventional gaming handheld design.

    Unveiling the Pocket Go

    Tecno first showcased the Pocket Go in February at MWC 2024, where it revealed important specs and the device’s appearance. Later, in September, it presented the same device at IFA 2024, but didn’t share details about pricing or availability. For context, the Pocket Go controller runs on Windows 11 and comes equipped with the following hardware:

    Features and Specifications

    Additionally, the Pocket Go controller includes two USB Type-C ports and a UHS-II MicroSD card reader, alongside Hall effect analog sticks and triggers. It also has the typical gamepad buttons, featuring an ABXY layout similar to Xbox, all packed in a compact body weighing 550 g and measuring 181.7 x 129.7 x 67.4 mm.

    In comparison, the paired Pocket Vision glasses deliver 1080p resolution at 60 Hz through 0.71-inch Micro OLED screens. These VR glasses are also equipped with speakers, a headphone jack, and a myopic adjustment wheel. However, they have a fixed USB Type-C port, which sets them apart from other similar devices.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Pocket Go and the VR glasses can be backed on Kickstarter starting at around $869. This base model includes 512 GB of storage and 16 GB of RAM, while a different option with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage is available for $1,049. Tecno is also selling the Pocket Vision glasses independently for $349. It’s important to note that the company plans to begin shipping both products in December 2024, with intentions to sell them at higher prices outside Kickstarter starting in November.

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  • $1 Game Pass Trial Disappears Before Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

    $1 Game Pass Trial Disappears Before Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

    Once more, Microsoft has chosen to cut back on the $1 Game Pass trial that is meant to give gamers a 14-day glimpse into what the subscription service provides. The timing of this decision seems rather suspicious, falling just before the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

    Changes to the Trial

    Originally, the $1 trial (£1 in the UK, Rs 50 in India) lasted for a full month, but that was removed in March 2023. Instead, Microsoft rolled out a referral program for PC Game Pass, which permitted current members to invite other PC users to test the service for a period of 14 days. The trial returned in August, but it was shortened to 14 days, just a few weeks prior to the release of Bethesda’s Starfield.

    Availability of Black Ops 6

    According to Microsoft’s plan, Black Ops 6 will be exclusively accessible through PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions on consoles. This comes despite the company’s earlier commitment to making all first-party releases available for all Game Pass subscribers from the very first day.

    Reasoning Behind the Change

    One could argue that this strategy serves as a deterrent against potential cheaters who might want to access the multiplayer mode at a lower cost, possibly by creating multiple accounts.

    The Verge, IGN.

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  • CheckMag: 5 Must-Try Demos from Steam Next Fest

    CheckMag: 5 Must-Try Demos from Steam Next Fest

    Steam’s Next Fest has returned, offering many playable previews for upcoming games. With a plethora of choices to sift through, it can become quite challenging to spot something that catches your interest. The list below is intended to help streamline that process.

    Heartworm: A Retro Horror Experience

    Heartworm presents a survival horror adventure in a retro style, drawing influences from iconic titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, while integrating modern quality-of-life improvements. The game’s unique art style revives the nostalgic low-poly fear reminiscent of the PS1 era, all while delving into themes of grief and isolation as you face bizarre creatures in an alternate realm. Its combat system stands out by incorporating mechanics from Fatal Frame, requiring players to utilize their camera as a weapon. What shines in this demo is the evident passion behind the project. Every aspect is designed to evoke a retro feel, with delightful nods to classic genre favorites. From the aesthetics of the main menu to the inventory screen, it radiates charm and pays tribute to the horror classics of the 90s.

    Ys X: The Next Chapter in a Beloved Series

    The latest entry in the beloved Ys action RPG series, Ys X, brings players back into the journey of Adol as he explores the Obelia Gulf. This time around, the game introduces a new Cross Action System that allows players to alternate between Adol and newcomer Karja, merging their attacks to fill a Revenge gauge for unleashing more powerful strikes. Fans can expect a soundtrack packed with energetic rock music, perfect for those intense hack-and-slash moments. While the graphics have never been the series’ strong suit, this installment certainly looks superior to Monstrum Nox. The character designs are impressive, showcasing greater detail than previous games. For long-time fans of the series, this teaser is essential.

    A Unique Hybrid Shooter

    … is a fast-paced hybrid movement shooter that blends classic enemy dispatching with elements reminiscent of Vampire Survivors. Essentially, it’s a chaotic shooter where players are constantly on the move, battling increasingly larger waves of foes to win the admiration of a ravenous audience.

    Turtles Unite in an Action Game

    Originally launched for Apple Arcade in May 2023, this isometric multiplayer action title allows players to step into the shoes of the iconic Turtles and deliver some serious damage to their foes. With several build types available, the game offers quick-paced, addictive combat that keeps players engaged.

    Knights: A Roguelike Deck Builder

    Set in the same universe as the studio’s previous game, Fights in Tight Spaces, Knights follows suit with an engaging roguelike deck builder that will keep you on your toes thanks to its clever turn-based tactical gameplay. The thrill of gradually unlocking new ability cards over time is incredibly enjoyable. The slower combat pace means that every mistake can feel more impactful, contrasting beautifully with the satisfaction of finally discovering the right strategy. Similar to Fights, there are additional challenge objectives to complete, and the game features a visually pleasing style that resembles a medieval painting coming to life before the player’s eyes.

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