Category: Gaming

  • Balatro’s Wild Multiplayer Mod: Installation Guide & Future Teasers

    Balatro’s Wild Multiplayer Mod: Installation Guide & Future Teasers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Multiplayer Transformation: BalatroMultiplayer mod changes the game from a solo experience to a competitive multiplayer format with two modes currently available and more planned for future updates.

    2. Game Modes and Features: The mod includes modes like Attrition and Showdown, offering custom lobby options where hosts can adjust various gameplay settings.

    3. Future Plans: Upcoming modes will allow for more players and include new gameplay styles such as Battle Royale, Precision, and Speedrun, enhancing competitive play.

    4. New Rulesets and Content: Various gameplay rulesets are planned, including Vanilla, Competitive, Tournament, and Weekly, along with around 20 new jokers and unique Trap cards.

    5. Installation and Support: Players need to set up LovelyInjector and Steammodded to install the mod, with resources available on the Balatro Multiplayer server for troubleshooting.

    This is the inaugural article of Mod Mania, a magazine series that highlights remarkable mods that enhance their original games in exciting or distinctive ways. In this debut piece, we are featuring a new multiplayer mod for Balatro, developed by the creators Virtualized and TGMM.

    Transforming Gameplay

    BalatroMultiplayer is an innovative mod that pits players against one another, changing the solo gaming experience into a competitive multiplayer event. Currently, the mod offers two modes with four more planned for the full 1.0 launch. There is already plenty to enjoy, with more features expected in future updates. I gained valuable insights from my short conversation with Virtualized, covering topics from jokers to consumables and various rulesets for lobbies. We will delve into all these aspects in this article, and at the end, you will find instructions on how to download the mod.

    Game Modes and Features

    At this moment, the mod includes 5 jokers and 1 asteroid card, along with all the multiplayer features you would expect. The two modes, attrition and showdown, have players competing in PvP blinds after a specific time, where the player with the highest score wins. Each player starts with a set number of lives (typically 4), and once they run out, they are eliminated. In Attrition mode, players face a boss blind, making each round a thrilling contest to see who has the best hands. Showdown mode allows players to prepare with 3 normal antes before entering an endless ante, where they compete until one player has no lives left.

    Currently, the beta offers a rich set of features, including custom lobby options for every game. Room hosts can adjust settings like comeback money, blind rewards upon round loss, lives lost on non-PvP losses, and much more. They can also decide whether players share the same seed or deck, and choose to enable or disable the multiplayer cards included in the mod.

    Future Plans and Updates

    Keep in mind that, according to Virtualized, all of this information could change. They are still finalizing details about added content like jokers and consumables. I had a quick chat with Virtualized regarding their future goals and how they achieved this level of popularity. When I inquired about their sudden rise, Virtualized mentioned, “I’ve been working on this mod since Balatro launched. Our Discord had about 2,000 members before Bean’s video dropped. It flew under the radar until the YouTube algorithm caught wind, and by early January, our Discord exploded to around 10,000 members, and now we’re at over 20,000.”

    During our discussion, Virtualized revealed exciting plans for the future. The modes are set to undergo a redesign, allowing up to eight players per mode. The new modes include:

    – Attrition: Similar to the current setup, focusing on 1v1 matchups against bosses.
    – Battle Royale: Every player competes in boss blinds, and the bottom 25% will lose a life.
    – Precision: Instead of aiming for high scores, players try to get as close to a target score as possible; the closest wins.
    – Speedrun: No PvP, the first to complete ante 8 wins, and if you lose a blind, you’ll restart on a new seed.

    New Rulesets and Content

    Virtualized also shared various rulesets they plan to implement:

    – Vanilla: Enjoy the base game of Balatro without any modifications.
    – Competitive: Focused on multiplayer gameplay with balance adjustments.
    – Tournament: Ensures lobby settings remain unchanged for tournament play.
    – Weekly: An arcade-style experience where certain jokers and cards are banned, refreshing every week or two.

    Regarding new content, Virtualized mentioned around 20 jokers are planned for the update, with some confirmed jokers like:

    – Conjoined Joker: Grants X1 Mult for every Hand your Nemesis has remaining during PvP blinds.
    – Jack-in-a-Box: If the first hand is a single Jack, it gets destroyed, creating 2 Trap cards.
    – Handshake: If multiple players have this joker at the start of a PvP blind, it gets destroyed, and they gain $20.
    – Mastermind: A 50% chance to create a spectral card when activating a trap.

    Additionally, they confirmed a unique gimmick called Trap cards, which will function as consumables stored separately. These will be sent by opponents, featuring various effects, with a total of 17 planned. The art competition for these cards recently concluded, and the effects are detailed below:

    All of this sounds quite exciting, and there’s a lot of potential ahead. Remember, though, that everything is still subject to change. As a final note, Virtualized mentioned another possible card type called Sabotage, which would activate when a player loses a PvP blind, allowing them to choose an effect that impacts the next round.

    For those eager to stay updated on future releases, you can join their Discord for a chance to connect with others interested in this awesome mod.

    To install the mod, ensure you have both LovelyInjector and Steammodded set up, along with downloading the Multiplayer mod. Follow the instructions provided, and you should be all set.

    A helpful tip: make sure there’s no -main at the end of any mod folders, as this can sometimes interfere with functionality. If you encounter any issues, the Balatro Multiplayer server is a great resource for assistance.

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    Balatro's Wild Multiplayer Mod: Installation Guide & Future TeasersBalatro's Wild Multiplayer Mod: Installation Guide & Future TeasersBalatro's Wild Multiplayer Mod: Installation Guide & Future TeasersBalatro's Wild Multiplayer Mod: Installation Guide & Future TeasersBalatro's Wild Multiplayer Mod: Installation Guide & Future TeasersBalatro's Wild Multiplayer Mod: Installation Guide & Future TeasersBalatro's Wild Multiplayer Mod: Installation Guide & Future Teasers
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  • Radeon 780M Laptop Rankings: Fastest to Slowest by 3DMark

    Radeon 780M Laptop Rankings: Fastest to Slowest by 3DMark

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Radeon 780M was the fastest integrated GPU from AMD until the Radeon 890M was released in 2024, but few laptops with the 890M are expected.
    2. A comparison chart of over 40 laptops with the Radeon 780M shows stable performance metrics, excluding mini PCs which generally perform better.
    3. The Asus ROG Ally X is the top performer with the Radeon 780M, outperforming typical systems by 15% due to its superior CPU and RAM.
    4. The HP EliteBook 865 G10 and EliteBook 845 G10 are among the slowest models with the 780M, running 40-50% slower than average.
    5. The performance of integrated GPUs can be significantly affected by configuration, particularly the use of dual-channel memory instead of single-channel.

    The Radeon 780M held the title of the fastest integrated GPU from AMD until the first half of 2024. Following this, it was replaced by the Radeon 890M. However, since most manufacturers are not expected to release many laptops featuring this GPU, our comparison chart below is likely to remain stable with little changes anticipated. The chart includes over 40 laptops from our database, all utilizing the same Radeon 780M GPU to compare their performance. It’s important to mention that mini PCs with the 780M are excluded from this list because they typically outperform the average ultra-thin laptop.

    Unexpected Top Performer

    Interestingly, the top-performing system with the Radeon 780M isn’t a bulky design or a large screen device. Instead, it’s a compact portable handheld designed for gaming on the move: The Asus ROG Ally X. The integrated GPU in this device operates around 15 percent quicker than the typical system in our database with the same 780M GPU. This enhanced performance is due in part to the Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU and LPDDR5x-7467 RAM, both of which are superior to what most other AMD laptops provide.

    Slower Alternatives

    On the flip side, there are some of the most sluggish 780M models available: The HP EliteBook 865 G10 and EliteBook 845 G10. The performance gap is quite significant, with these models running about 40 to 50 percent slower than the average 780M for two primary reasons. First, these laptops are designed for business use, meaning they lack optimizations for gaming. Second, our test units are equipped with a single SODIMM module in single-channel mode, which greatly hinders the iGPU’s performance. It’s crucial to fill both SODIMM slots whenever possible to maximize the capabilities of the integrated GPU, regardless of which system you select.

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  • AOC Launches AG246FK6: 600Hz Monitor for Esports Gamers

    AOC Launches AG246FK6: 600Hz Monitor for Esports Gamers

    Key Takeaways

    1. High Refresh Rate: The AGON Pro AG246FK6 features a native 600Hz refresh rate, the highest in its category, designed for competitive esports gaming.

    2. Advanced Response Times: It offers a 0.3ms MPRT and 0.5ms GtG response time, ensuring minimal motion blur during fast-paced games.

    3. Rich Visual Experience: Supports 1920 x 1080 resolution with VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, 500cd/m² peak brightness, and a dynamic contrast ratio of 80M:1, along with impressive color accuracy.

    4. Gaming Enhancements: Includes features like dynamic crosshairs, dark field control, MBR+ for motion blur reduction, and customizable RGB lighting with 14 effects.

    5. Ergonomic Design and Connectivity: Adjustable stand with multiple movements, four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and support for multitasking with PIP and PBP modes.

    AOC has introduced the AGON Pro AG246FK6 gaming monitor in China, featuring a 24.1-inch Fast TN panel specially crafted for competitive esports. One of its most impressive characteristics is the native 600Hz refresh rate, which is the highest in its category, alongside a 0.3ms MPRT and 0.5ms GtG response time.

    Essential Features for Gamers

    This AG246FK6 monitor supports a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels through HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 (with DSC), allowing it to reach its peak 600Hz for games like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant. It has Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync) to eliminate screen tearing, and it boasts VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification for peak brightness of 500cd/m² and an enhanced contrast ratio of 80M:1 dynamic. The color accuracy is impressive, aiming for ΔE<2 (factory-calibrated) and covering 99% of the sRGB color space and 90% of the DCI-P3 gamut.

    Advanced Gaming Tools

    The monitor comes equipped with features like dynamic crosshairs, dark field control which improves visibility in shadows, and MBR+ for motion blur reduction. The “Aigong Esports” menu allows software-based customization, while the low input lag and a “human-machine controller” enable fast mode switching. Its 1.5mm micro-frame design helps maximize screen area, and it has an asymmetrical base that won a Red Dot Design Award, complete with RGB lighting offering 14 effects and over 100,000 color choices. Additionally, Flicker-free technology and low blue light modes are included to lessen eye fatigue during long gaming sessions.

    Adjustable Stand and Connectivity

    The stand of the monitor provides a 130mm height adjustment, a pivot range from -90° to 90°, a tilt of -5° to 23°, and a swivel range of -30° to 30°, along with quick-release VESA mounting support. The AG246FK6 also has four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, one of which is for fast charging, plus a retractable hook for headphones. It allows for multitasking with PIP (Picture-in-Picture) and PBP (Picture-by-Picture) modes, accommodating multiple input sources. As of now, the monitor is not available for purchase in China, and there is no information regarding its global release.

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    AOC Launches AG246FK6: 600Hz Monitor for Esports GamersAOC Launches AG246FK6: 600Hz Monitor for Esports GamersAOC Launches AG246FK6: 600Hz Monitor for Esports Gamers

     

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  • HP Launches Omen 16 Slim and Omen Transcend 14 with Intel Ultra 9

    HP Launches Omen 16 Slim and Omen Transcend 14 with Intel Ultra 9

    Key Takeaways

    1. HP launched the Omen 16 Slim and refreshed Omen Transcend 14 gaming laptops with powerful Intel Arrow Lake processors and Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs.
    2. The Omen 16 Slim is 16% thinner than its predecessor, featuring a 16-inch IPS screen with a resolution of up to 2560 x 1600, a 240Hz refresh rate, and various memory options up to 32GB DDR5.
    3. The Omen 16 Slim offers strong connectivity with multiple USB ports, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, and supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, while its cooling system maintains low noise levels.
    4. The Omen Transcend 14 weighs only 1.675 kg, features a 14-inch 3K OLED display, and supports up to 64GB LPDDR5X RAM and 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD storage.
    5. Both laptops include HP’s Omen AI for optimized gaming performance and come with a wide range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, although pricing and availability details are still pending.

    HP has launched its new gaming laptops, the Omen 16 Slim and the refreshed Omen Transcend 14. These devices come equipped with the latest Intel Arrow Lake processors and Nvidia’s new RTX 50-series GPUs. They are crafted for gamers who want powerful, portable machines packed with high-end features.

    Omen 16 Slim Overview

    The Omen 16 Slim is notable for its sleek design, being 16% thinner than the regular Omen 16. This makes it easier to carry without losing out on performance. Buyers can choose configurations that include an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU. It boasts a 16-inch IPS screen with a resolution of up to 2560 x 1600, a rapid 240Hz refresh rate, and a 3ms response time, providing an excellent gaming experience. Memory options range from 16GB to 32GB DDR5, along with up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD for storage.

    Connectivity and Cooling

    The connectivity options are impressive, featuring a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery, three USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, an Ethernet jack, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. The Omen 16 Slim also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, but it does not have Wi-Fi 7. HP’s advanced cooling system, paired with the “Unleashed Mode,” enables the laptop to reach up to 105W TPP while keeping noise levels as low as 46 decibels.

    Omen Transcend 14 Details

    Meanwhile, the Omen Transcend 14 refresh carries on the tradition of strong hardware in a compact form. It weighs only 1.675 kg and features up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor alongside an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU with 8GB GDDR7 memory. The device features a stunning 14-inch 3K OLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an ultra-fast 0.2ms response time. HP offers memory configurations that can go up to a whopping 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options of up to 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD.

    Both laptops come with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, as well as a comprehensive selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4. They are equipped with HP’s Omen AI, which optimizes settings for the best gaming performance.

    Although HP has not yet revealed pricing or availability details, these new models are predicted to be available later this spring.

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  • Anbernic RG557 vs. Retroid Pocket: Snapdragon G2 Chipset Showdown

    Anbernic RG557 vs. Retroid Pocket: Snapdragon G2 Chipset Showdown

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic has not released a new gaming handheld in several months, a change from their previous monthly launches in 2024.
    2. The company is reportedly working on a successor to the RG556, potentially named the RG557, in partnership with a mystery OEM.
    3. The RG557 is expected to feature a 5.5-inch screen with native 1080p resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate.
    4. Anbernic’s upcoming device may utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon Custom G2 chipset, likely referring to the Snapdragon G2 Gen 1.
    5. The RG557 could be equipped with an Adreno A22 GPU and an octa-core CPU setup designed for gaming.

    Anbernic hasn’t launched a new gaming handheld in several months. This is pretty normal for many brands, but Anbernic was releasing new devices every month in 2024. It looks like the company might be preparing something exciting with a new Snapdragon chipset.

    Latest Developments

    Recently, there were reports suggesting that Anbernic has partnered with a mystery OEM to develop a successor to the RG556 from last year, which is currently priced at $229.99 on Amazon. As we noted earlier, the new RG557 seems to feature a 5.5-inch screen that supports native 1080p resolution in a 16:9 ratio and boasts a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

    Chipset Insights

    An image shared by Retro Handhelds mentioned a chipset called ‘Qualcomm Snapdragon Custom G2’, which we believe refers to the Snapdragon G2 Gen 1. Recently, Qualcomm has revealed a new version, showcasing it alongside the more advanced Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 and the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2.

    Future of Anbernic

    It looks like Anbernic’s upcoming Android device will likely be equipped with one of Qualcomm’s newest chipsets tailored for gaming handhelds. If this is true, the RG557 could come with an Adreno A22 GPU and an octa-core CPU configuration consisting of 1 Prime, 4 Performance, and 3 Efficiency cores. At this time, only Retroid has confirmed to be utilizing the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 in their forthcoming devices.

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    Anbernic RG557 vs. Retroid Pocket: Snapdragon G2 Chipset ShowdownAnbernic RG557 vs. Retroid Pocket: Snapdragon G2 Chipset Showdown

     

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  • Palmer Luckey Teases ModRetro M64: Analogue 3D Rival Unveiled

    Palmer Luckey Teases ModRetro M64: Analogue 3D Rival Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. The release of the Analogue 3D has been delayed, with no new date announced.
    2. 8BitDo is now responsible for sharing updates about the Analogue 3D.
    3. Competitor ModRetro, launched by Palmer Luckey, is selling the ModRetro Chromatic, which competes with the Analogue Pocket.
    4. ModRetro is reportedly developing an alternative to the Analogue 3D, potentially named the ModRetro M64.
    5. Details about the ModRetro M64, including its features and comparison to the Analogue 3D, have not been confirmed.

    Analogue has recently informed us that the release of their new device, the Analogue 3D, will not happen by the end of this month as they had initially planned. Currently, the company hasn’t provided a definite date for when the device will actually be available. Instead, it appears that the responsibility for sharing that information has been handed over to 8BitDo, the company that offers the default controller for the Analogue 3D.

    Competition Heating Up

    When Analogue first revealed the 3D, it faced no rivals in the market. However, since then, Palmer Luckey has launched ModRetro and started selling the ModRetro Chromatic. This product directly competes with the Analogue Pocket, which is priced at $309.99 on Amazon, by offering a lower cost and a more genuine Game Boy emulation experience.

    New Developments Ahead

    Luckey has recently hinted that ModRetro is working on an alternative to the Analogue 3D. The image shared below suggests that this new device might be called the ModRetro M64. However, neither Luckey nor ModRetro have confirmed the name of this upcoming product. So far, there are no additional specifics about the device, including how it will stack up against the Analogue 3D.

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    Palmer Luckey Teases ModRetro M64: Analogue 3D Rival Unveiled

     

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  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows PS5 Pro Test: Boosted Lighting Quality

    Assassin’s Creed Shadows PS5 Pro Test: Boosted Lighting Quality

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced Lighting Effects: The PS5 Pro version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows features significant improvements in lighting, particularly with ray-traced global illumination (RTGI), creating realistic visuals in its Japanese settings.

    2. Performance Modes Offered: The game provides multiple modes – performance, quality, and balanced – with the PS5 Pro achieving a smooth 60fps in performance settings.

    3. Lack of PSSR Upscaling: Despite being optimized for the PS5 Pro, Assassin’s Creed Shadows does not include PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling, leading to potential image artifacts at higher resolutions.

    4. Minor Differences in Fluidity: While players can experience ray tracing effects on the PS5 Pro, the overall differences in gameplay fluidity and image clarity compared to the standard PS5 are minimal.

    5. Technical Stability: Despite Ubisoft’s previous challenges, Assassin’s Creed Shadows demonstrates a well-crafted open world with few technical issues on consoles, providing a solid gaming experience.

    Developers sometimes don’t clearly state the benefits a title will offer on the PS5 Pro. Luckily, Digital Foundry conducted a detailed examination prior to the release date of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The most notable enhancements are in the lighting effects, which render the Japanese settings of the game hauntingly realistic.

    Modes and Performance

    Similar to many recent console titles, Assassin’s Creed Shadows provides performance, quality, and balanced modes. Digital Foundry discovered that Sony’s most powerful gaming console truly shines with 60fps performance settings. The version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows for PS5 Pro utilizes ray-traced global illumination (RTGI), a feature not available on the standard PS5. The footage illustrates how indirect light authentically reflects off plants, while the visuals on the PS5 appear lackluster.

    Patch Updates and Development

    Post-launch patches are common for many PS5 games to introduce features specific to the PS5 Pro. Nevertheless, since Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a current-gen title, it seems to have been designed with this console in mind. Digital Foundry suggests that Ubisoft’s game is one of the finest examples of the PS5 Pro’s capabilities to date. However, it’s surprising that Assassin’s Creed Shadows lacks PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling. As a result, images at higher resolutions can display more artifacts than one might expect.

    Experience on PS5 Pro

    Players of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PS5 Pro can enjoy standard ray tracing effects in quality mode. Conversely, when compared to the PS5, the differences in fluidity and overall image clarity are minimal. For those solely focused on consistent frame rates, the Xbox or PS5 versions could be adequate. Frame rates generally achieved their goals in quality, performance, and balanced modes. Meanwhile, similar to Monster Hunter Wilds, the Xbox Series S demonstrates its limitations with occasional stuttering gameplay.

    Ubisoft has faced delays and controversies leading up to the release date of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Given these challenges, the publisher could not risk poor performance leading to further backlash. At least on consoles, the game showcases a beautifully crafted open world with few technical issues.

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    Assassin's Creed Shadows PS5 Pro Test: Boosted Lighting QualityAssassin's Creed Shadows PS5 Pro Test: Boosted Lighting Quality
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  • Microsoft Launches Xbox Adaptive Joystick Globally for $29.99

    Microsoft Launches Xbox Adaptive Joystick Globally for $29.99

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft launched the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, first revealed in August, designed for accessibility.
    2. The joystick features a customizable layout with four face buttons and two additional buttons (X1 to X6).
    3. It can be used independently or together with the Xbox Adaptive Controller or standard Xbox controllers.
    4. The controller can be mounted using a 1/4-20” threaded mount and operates only with a wired connection, lacking built-in batteries.
    5. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is priced at $29.99 and was developed in partnership with 8BitDo.

    Microsoft has at last launched the Xbox Adaptive Joystick. Just to remind you, the company first revealed the Adaptive Joystick last August, together with the Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller, which is currently priced at $59.99 on Amazon. This controller was developed in partnership with 8BitDo.

    Features and Design

    As demonstrated in the video below, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick includes a joystick, four face buttons, and two buttons located on the back. The buttons, marked X1 to X6, can be fully customized, similar to the Xbox Adaptive Controller. This means the Adaptive Joystick can function both independently and in conjunction with the Adaptive Controller or an Xbox controller.

    Compatibility and Usage

    In addition, the controller can be easily mounted using a 1/4-20” threaded mount. It’s important to mention that the Xbox Adaptive Joystick doesn’t have any built-in batteries, meaning it only works with a wired connection. Right now, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is available for purchase at $29.99 in the US. For context, Microsoft provides the following actuation forces on its site:

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  • Xbox Game Pass: 3 New Games from 3 Genres This Week

    Xbox Game Pass: 3 New Games from 3 Genres This Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Octopath Traveler II Release: Launching on March 19, this JRPG features eight characters, each with unique stories and a combat system using Break & Boost mechanics and Latent Powers.

    2. Train Sim World 5 Features: This train simulation game allows players to operate various locomotives with realistic driving physics, a dynamic weather system, and a free mode for custom schedules and scenarios.

    3. Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island Overview: An exploration adventure game where players help forgetful Greek gods regain their memories through puzzles and relationships, set on a visually appealing island.

    4. Crossover Missions in Octopath Traveler II: Players can experience character interactions and joint adventures through crossover missions that deepen relationships and enhance storytelling.

    5. Dynamic Environment in Train Sim World 5: The game includes challenges affected by weather conditions, enhancing realism and providing a varied gameplay experience.

    After the action roguelike 33 Immortals was added to Game Pass on March 18, Microsoft has shared the game titles for the second half of the month. This week, three new games have been announced, and we’ve put together a brief overview below.

    Octopath Traveler II – March 19

    Octopath Traveler II is a traditional JRPG set in the realm of Solistia, where gamers embark on an adventure with eight distinct characters. You start by selecting one main character but can recruit the others along the way, allowing you to experience their unique tales. The combat system uses the Break & Boost mechanic, which lets players exploit enemy weaknesses to break defenses, enabling powerful boosted attacks. A notable new feature is the Latent Powers, which are strong abilities that can quickly change the outcome of battles. In addition to the primary quests, there are crossover missions that bring two characters together for joint adventures, deepening their relationships. The expansive world invites exploration through optional side quests, secret dungeons, and secondary professions that provide new skills.

    Train Sim World 5

    Train Sim World 5 is a meticulously crafted train simulation that allows users to operate different locomotives on faithfully recreated railroads from across the globe. The driving physics and handling differ based on whether you’re piloting a high-speed train, a commuter line, or a heavy freight engine. A dynamic weather system adds an extra layer of challenge by impacting driving conditions. A new highlighted feature is the free mode, which enables users to create their own schedules and scenarios. Besides the official routes, the game presents numerous challenges, including career scenarios that assess your accuracy and timeliness.

    Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island

    In the relaxed exploration adventure Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island, players find themselves stranded on a strange island inhabited by forgetful gods from Greek mythology. As a wandering traveler, you explore the open world, collect clues, and aid the deities in recovering their memories. Central to the gameplay is a friendship system where interactions, gifts, and solving puzzles enhance your relationships with the gods, gradually uncovering their tales. The island is filled with hidden spots to explore, and the changing weather and time of day enrich the atmosphere. With delightful comic book-style graphics, Mythwrecked offers a unique and visually stunning adventure.

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  • Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Radeon 8060S iGPU Handheld Gaming Test

    Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Radeon 8060S iGPU Handheld Gaming Test

    Key Takeaways

    1. Chinese brands have launched gaming handhelds with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, featuring the powerful Radeon 890M iGPU, while devices with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 are on the way.

    2. Initial tests with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Radeon 8060S iGPU show limited performance, struggling to exceed 600 MHz at 18 W TDP and 1,000 MHz at 25 W TDP.

    3. In gaming tests, GTA 5 ran at around 60 FPS at 1080p on High settings at 18 W TDP, improving to about 90 FPS at 25 W TDP.

    4. DOOM Eternal performed over 70 FPS at 1080p on Medium settings, while The Witcher 3 achieved around 65 FPS at 18 W TDP and 84 FPS at 25 W TDP.

    5. Gaming performance may require sacrificing battery life, and AMD might adjust power settings if a Ryzen Z-series APU is released, potentially alleviating battery concerns.

    While gaming handhelds with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme haven’t arrived yet, Chinese brands have already launched devices that come with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. This model brings the powerful Radeon 890M iGPU into the gaming handheld market, and now that more devices featuring the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 are being announced, we could soon see handhelds equipped with the latest Zen 5 APU.

    Performance Insights

    Before this happens, ETA Prime has shared a sneak peek of what the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with the Radeon 8060S iGPU might perform like in a gaming handheld. In a recent simulation, the YouTuber tested the Zen 5 APU at both 18 W and 25 W TDPs. Although the gaming performance appears adequate, the iGPU seems limited and unable to reach its full potential.

    Limitations in Power

    Specifically, ETA Prime points out that the Radeon 8060S doesn’t exceed 600 MHz when operating in the 18 W TDP mode. Even when the TDP is raised to 25 W, it struggles to surpass 1,000 MHz during gaming tests. For context, the Radeon 8060S has a boost capability of up to 2900 MHz when the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 isn’t power-limited.

    Game Performance Summary

    In terms of actual performance during the simulation, ETA Prime first tested GTA 5 Enhanced Edition. At 18 W TDP and with the resolution set to 1080p, the frame rate stayed around 60 FPS for most of the gameplay on the High preset. When the power was increased to 25 W, the game maintained an average of about 90 FPS.

    For the next game, ETA Prime ran DOOM Eternal, which performed at over 70 FPS in most scenarios at 1080p on the Medium preset. The Witcher 3 also performed satisfactorily. At 18 W TDP with 1080p resolution on the Steam Deck preset, the power-limited Radeon 8060S achieved an average of roughly 65 FPS. When the TDP was increased to 25 W, the average FPS improved to around 84.

    Battery Life Considerations

    From this simulation, it appears that gaming handhelds featuring the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 may need to sacrifice battery life to deliver solid performance (the 140 W Anker 737 power bank is priced at $109.99 on Amazon). Of course, AMD could adjust the power profiles and overall settings if it chooses to release a Ryzen Z-series APU based on this. In such a case, the same battery life concerns might not apply. For a look at how well the Radeon 8060S performs in a mobile device when not limited by power, check out our review of the ROG Flow Z13 GZ302EA.

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