Category: Gaming

  • Heartfelt Dark Fantasy RPG Ranks #1 on SteamDB

    Heartfelt Dark Fantasy RPG Ranks #1 on SteamDB

    Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist brings players into a foggy world filled with danger, where the violent Homunkuli roam free. You take on the character of Lilac, a unique individual who can soothe the Homunkuli and help them regain control over their rage.

    Explore a Mystical Realm

    In this game, your mission is to venture through the treacherous land, confront stronger enemies, and ultimately save both the land of fumes and its people from destruction. Lilac has the ability to free the spirits of the Homunkuli she defeats, turning them into devoted companions. With more than 30 distinct abilities for these allies, players can customize their gameplay experience to suit their own style. The game utilizes a 2D sidescrolling format, offers skill-based combat, and features a dark art style influenced by anime.

    Development and History

    Ender Magnolia was crafted by Live Wire and Adglobe in collaboration with Binary Haze Interactive, serving as the second entry in the series after Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, which debuted in June 2021 and received a remarkable 94% positive feedback on Steam.

    This dark fantasy RPG has eclipsed its predecessor in terms of success, accumulating 4,805 user reviews during our review period, with a fantastic 97% positive rating. It currently holds the top position in the “Hot Releases” section on SteamDB, earning acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling, demanding boss encounters, and captivating soundtrack. On Steam, the price for Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is $24.99, while the soundtrack can be purchased separately for $19.99.

    Critical Acclaim

    The game has been well-received by players, known for its intricate narrative and challenging gameplay. With a thriving community and an engaging world, it invites players to lose themselves in its charm. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is not just a game; it’s an experience that resonates with many, making it a must-try for fans of the genre.

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  • AMD RX 9000 Delay: RDNA 4 Shift and RX 9070 March Launch Details

    AMD RX 9000 Delay: RDNA 4 Shift and RX 9070 March Launch Details

    AMD has announced that the RDNA 4 GPUs will be released in March 2025, which has stirred up quite a bit of debate. While some folks believe that delaying the RX 9000 cards allows AMD to better observe the RTX 50 series, others feel this could be a significant blunder, especially since the RX 9070/XT may get overshadowed by the buzz surrounding the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti.

    Uncovering AMD’s Strategy

    Despite the discussions, the exact reason for AMD’s postponement of the RX 9000 release is still not entirely clear. However, an X post from David McAfee, along with a thorough leak from Moore’s Law Is Dead, might shed some light on AMD’s true intentions. According to Moore’s Law Is Dead, AMD appears to be changing its approach to launching Radeon GPUs by separating their product launches from the competition’s schedule.

    In interviews with MLID, various AMD insiders have suggested that Team Red is now prioritizing the release of new products based on what is best for RADEON, rather than reacting to Nvidia’s hardware and software launches. AMD is said to be moving away from being overly focused on Nvidia’s timeline, only putting out new products when they believe they are “Perfect.” A source even told Tom that they are “not worried about RDNA 4” and are confident it will succeed.

    Leadership Insights

    Additionally, it seems that Jack Huynh, who is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Computing and Graphics at AMD, has been pushing for a change in strategy following the “clumsy launch” of RDNA 3. He is thought to be the influential figure behind the last-minute decision to delay RDNA 4 and was a key player in the choice to cancel the flagship RDNA 4 model.

    So, if we take MLID’s findings at their word, AMD has made a choice to stop pursuing Nvidia and will only release Radeon GPUs when they are genuinely prepared. Interestingly, David McAfee echoed this sentiment on X, confirming that Team Red is “taking a little extra time to optimize the software stack for maximum performance.” They are also aiming to “enable more FSR 4 titles,” which is expected given that FSR 4 will be compared to Nvidia’s latest DLSS version. The delay is also said to allow AIBs more time to prepare inventory for the launch.

    Final Thoughts

    In summary, the delay of RDNA 4 appears to stem from AMD’s desire to avoid rushing the RX 9000 GPUs solely due to Nvidia’s activities. Instead, the focus is on refining the software experience and ensuring solid support for FSR 4. Only time will reveal what impacts, whether good or bad, this strategic change will have for AMD.

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    AMD RX 9000 Delay: RDNA 4 Shift and RX 9070 March Launch Details
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  • Thunderobot 24.5″ 400Hz Gaming Monitor: 1ms GTG, 95% DCI-P3

    Thunderobot 24.5″ 400Hz Gaming Monitor: 1ms GTG, 95% DCI-P3

    Thunderobot has launched a new gaming monitor called the Black Warrior CF25F400L, aimed at the Chinese audience. This monitor boasts a remarkable refresh rate reaching up to 400Hz. It is priced at 1,499 yuan ($206) and is currently available for purchase on JD.com. Now, let’s dive into the main specifications.

    Key Specifications of Thunderobot CF25F400L

    The CF25F400L features a 24.5” Fast-IPS Full HD display with a resolution of 1920×1080. It has a native refresh rate of 360Hz but can be overclocked to 400Hz using DisplayPort 1.4, which allows for smooth and uninterrupted gameplay. Moreover, the monitor supports a refresh rate of 240Hz via HDMI 2.0, providing clear and detailed visuals.

    Performance and Visual Quality

    This monitor is equipped with a Fast-IPS panel that has a 1ms GTG response time and a 0.5ms MPRT. This ensures quick pixel transitions, resulting in clearer images and minimized motion blur. To enhance the visual experience further, the monitor is factory-calibrated with a Delta E of ≤ 2. It covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 99% of the sRGB space, boasting a wide color volume with 125% sRGB. With an 8-bit color depth, it presents bright and realistic colors, making it ideal for gaming and content creation.

    Additional Features for Gamers

    Supporting HDR400, the monitor achieves a peak brightness of 400 nits, offering better contrast and dynamic range. It comes with Adaptive-Sync technology, which aligns the refresh rate with the graphics card to avoid screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in a more enjoyable gaming experience. The monitor is compatible with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync technologies as well.

    To enhance eye comfort, it incorporates low-blue light technology and DC dimming, which helps in reducing flicker on the screen, thus easing strain during long gaming sessions. It also offers gaming-specific features like customizable crosshairs, frame rate displays, and a countdown timer to improve gameplay performance.

    Ergonomics and Connectivity Options

    Ergonomically, the monitor’s stand allows for full height adjustments, 90° vertical rotation, a 30° horizontal swivel, and a tilt range from -5° to 20° for flexible positioning. For connectivity, it includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and a 3.5mm audio output.

    Earlier this month, Thunderobot also introduced various new products, such as the Aura AR Smart Glasses that feature a 150-inch projection, 600 nits brightness, and support for gaming consoles, along with a new 31.5-inch 4K 165Hz OLED gaming monitor that uses a Samsung QD-OLED panel.

    Thunderobot 24.5Thunderobot 24.5
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  • GTA 6 Estimated $100 Price May Set New Industry Standard

    GTA 6 Estimated $100 Price May Set New Industry Standard

    Gamers might not get to experience Grand Theft Auto VI until 2026, according to industry experts, but there’s more to be anxious about. The buzz around GTA VI (GTA 6) is so significant that Take-Two/Rockstar could decide to raise the game’s base price to $100. Even more troubling is the risk of other major game titles following this trend.

    Pricing Predictions

    Matthew Ball, an analyst from Epyllion, presented his thoughts on how GTA 6 could affect game pricing in his State of Video Gaming in 2025 talk. He pointed out that over the last 44 years, the prices for packaged video games have decreased in real dollar value. In contrast, other entertainment industries, like movies, concerts, and streaming services such as Netflix, have seen their prices rise over time.

    Impact on the Industry

    This situation paints a grim picture for the gaming sector, regardless of the size of the studio. AAA games that used to cost around $50 million to develop 15 years ago are now racking up expenses between $200 million to $500 million or even higher. Minecraft and GTA V still hold the record for being the two best-selling packaged games ever based on unit sales.

    The gaming community anticipates GTA VI will surpass the unofficial $70 price threshold, with Take-Two’s prominent title expected to sell between $80-$100, according to developers’ hopes. While a $70 price tag would be the least expensive for a GTA game, Ball forecasts that the average price for the title could reach $91.

    Price Increases Across the Board

    If this trend continues, we could see a minimum price hike of $10 across the board, meaning $50 games may jump to $60, $60 games could rise to $70, and $70 titles might go up to $80, and so forth.

    Gamers, especially those who favor AAA titles, may need to prepare their budgets if these predictions come true. It’s worth noting that these figures refer to base prices, suggesting that Deluxe and Premium editions may end up costing even more.

    Trends in Gaming

    The analyst also explores the roles of generative and agentic AI in gaming, along with how the success of devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck has revived interest in handheld AA/AAA gaming.

    Interestingly, while gamers on PC and consoles are increasingly turning to other entertainment options, Ball reveals that PC gaming has actually seen a 20% growth, while console gaming has plateaued since 2021.

    This growth is linked to several advantages of the PC platform, including a vast and ever-growing game library with nearly complete backwards compatibility, the ability to multitask, the availability of PlayStation exclusives on PC (though delayed), premium Roblox games, and the emergence of Windows-based gaming handhelds.

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    GTA 6 Estimated $100 Price May Set New Industry StandardGTA 6 Estimated $100 Price May Set New Industry StandardGTA 6 Estimated $100 Price May Set New Industry StandardGTA 6 Estimated $100 Price May Set New Industry Standard
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  • Innocn 49-Inch Curved OLED Gaming Monitor: 144Hz & 0.03ms GtG

    Innocn 49-Inch Curved OLED Gaming Monitor: 144Hz & 0.03ms GtG

    Innocn has introduced a new ultra-wide curved gaming monitor, known as the 49Q1R, to the global audience. With a price tag of $999.99, it is currently available on Amazon US. Let’s explore its main specifications.

    Key Features of Inocn 49Q1R

    This monitor comes equipped with a 49-inch OLED screen that offers a DQHD resolution of 5120×1440, which makes it ideal for professional graphic tasks and thrilling gaming experiences. The screen has a 32:9 aspect ratio along with an 1800R curvature that enhances the viewing experience. Moreover, its matte finish helps in minimizing glare and reflections, which boosts visibility under various lighting conditions.

    Performance and Technology

    The refresh rate of this monitor reaches up to 144Hz, and it boasts an impressive 0.03ms GtG response time, making motion blur almost nonexistent. This is especially important for action-packed gaming or fast video playback. It supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync technologies, ensuring a seamless gaming experience by aligning the monitor’s refresh rate with the frame rate of the output device.

    Color and Connectivity

    When it comes to color accuracy and dynamic range, the monitor has HDR 400 certification, enhancing contrast and color spectrum for deeper blacks and brighter whites. It features a high contrast ratio of 1.5m:1, covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color space, and achieves an impressive color accuracy of ΔE<2, which promises outstanding color fidelity and sharp contrasts.

    For connectivity options, the 49Q1R includes two HDMI 2.1 ports for high-bandwidth inputs from the latest gaming consoles and PCs, one HDMI 1.4 port, and a USB-C port that supports 90W PD-Out for charging devices like laptops or tablets. Additionally, there are two USB-A ports, one USB-B port for data transfer, an RJ45 Ethernet port for network access, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

    Additional Features and Competitors

    This gaming monitor also features PIP (Picture-in-Picture) and PBP (Picture-by-Picture) technologies, enabling it to showcase content from two different sources at the same time. Furthermore, it includes built-in dual 5W speakers that deliver strong audio output for everyday needs.

    Earlier this month, Viewsonic launched a 27-inch Fast IPS 2K gaming monitor with a 210Hz refresh rate, priced at only $109. In addition, Thunderobot revealed a new 31.5-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor with a 165Hz Samsung QD-OLED panel.

    Innocn 49-Inch Curved OLED Gaming Monitor: 144Hz & 0.03ms GtG
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  • ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM: 27″ 4K OLED Gaming Monitor

    ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM: 27″ 4K OLED Gaming Monitor

    ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has revealed the ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM, which is the first 27-inch 4K OLED monitor designed for gaming, and it’s currently available for pre-order at a price of USD $1,099. This monitor incorporates the latest fourth-generation ROG QD-OLED technology, offering a pixel density of 166ppi for crisp images and endless contrast.

    Exceptional Performance

    The display boasts an impressive 240Hz refresh rate and a rapid response time of 0.03ms, ensuring a smooth and agile gaming experience. For connectivity, it comes equipped with a four-lane DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20 that provides an 80Gbps bandwidth, alongside HDMI 2.1 and a USB-C port that delivers 90-watt power. This monitor is compatible with VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black, Dolby Vision, and HDR10, making it easy to switch between these modes using the OSD menu.

    Enhanced Viewing Experience

    To enhance user comfort, the monitor features ROG OLED Anti-Flicker 2.0 technology, which employs a luminance-compensation algorithm that decreases flicker by 20% in comparison to previous versions. Furthermore, it includes a Refresh Rate Cap option, which allows users to set the refresh rate according to their preference, with three preset choices available.

    Smart Features for Protection

    Another notable addition is the ROG OLED Care Pro suite, which includes the Neo Proximity Sensor. This sensor detects how far the user is from the monitor and automatically turns the screen black when the user steps away, helping to minimize the chance of burn-in. The display will return to its normal state once the user is back. Other protective features for the screen comprise pixel cleaning, a screen saver, taskbar detection, and a three-year warranty. The ROG DisplayWidget Center also enables users to easily modify monitor settings and access tools for OLED care.

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    ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM: 27ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM: 27ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM: 27
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  • RTX 5070 Ti Release Date Leaked by EU Retailer

    RTX 5070 Ti Release Date Leaked by EU Retailer

    This year’s Nvidia GeForce RTX 5000 series has introduced the GeForce RTX 5090, 5080, and 5070 Ti, all revealed during the same event. The RTX 5090 is set to be the first available for purchase (though the January 30 release date is now uncertain). Meanwhile, the more budget-friendly GeForce RTX 5070 Ti appears to be delayed compared to its higher-end siblings.

    Expected Release Date

    A leak from the well-known European retailer, Proshop, suggests that the RTX 5070 Ti may officially launch on February 20. This date comes three weeks after the anticipated availability of the GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080, but it falls at least a month before AMD’s RX 9070 and 9070 XT GPUs, which are now expected to debut in March.

    Strategic Moves by Nvidia and AMD

    During the Nvidia RTX 5000 series launch, the company was quite vague about the specific release dates, only mentioning “January” for when retail sales would begin. The RTX 5070 Ti is likely to compete directly with AMD’s RX 9070 XT, launching just ahead of the March AMD RDNA 4 release. It seems like both AMD and Nvidia are being more strategic than ever regarding pricing, launch dates, and media announcements.

    GPU Recommendations

    If you are looking for a new graphics card, you might want to consider the Sapphire Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT, which is currently priced at $659.99 on Amazon.

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  • Viewsonic 27-Inch Fast IPS 2K 210Hz Gaming Monitor Only $109

    Viewsonic 27-Inch Fast IPS 2K 210Hz Gaming Monitor Only $109

    ViewSonic has introduced a new gaming monitor named VX27G58-2K in China. The monitor is available for an impressively low price of 799 yuan ($109) and is currently open for pre-orders on JD.com. Let’s take a closer look at its main features.

    Key Features of VX27G58-2K

    This monitor comes with a 27-inch Fast IPS display that offers 2K resolution, ensuring clear and detailed images. It has a native refresh rate of 200Hz, which can be overclocked to 210Hz, and it features a rapid 1ms GTG response time, allowing for smooth gameplay without motion blur or lagging.

    Enhanced Visual Experience

    It holds an HDR400 certification that enhances contrast and color accuracy, bringing out intricate details in both dark and bright scenes. The monitor covers a wide color range, with 100% of the sRGB and 94% of the DCI-P3 color spaces, providing a vivid and immersive visual experience. This makes it ideal for gaming, professional graphic design, and video editing purposes.

    Comfort for Long Gaming Sessions

    To ensure comfort during long gaming sessions, the monitor includes various eye-care technologies. It has a second-generation hardware low blue light filter, which helps reduce eye strain by lowering harmful blue light emissions. Additionally, its flicker-free technology stops the backlight from flickering, minimizing eye fatigue and making it easier to use for extended periods.

    Design and Connectivity

    With a sleek, compact design, the monitor features a minimalist metal stand that maximizes space for other devices. For connectivity, it provides two HDMI 2.0 ports, one audio port, and a DP 1.4 interface, making it adaptable for different gaming and professional configurations.

    Gaming Optimization Features

    For enhanced gaming performance, the monitor includes pre-set modes designed for various gaming genres such as FPS, RTS, and MOBA, allowing players to switch modes based on their gaming needs for optimal performance. It also supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring a tear-free gaming experience by aligning the frame rate output between the graphics card and the monitor.

    New Releases in Gaming Monitors

    In other news, Thunderobot has recently launched two new gaming monitors: a 31.5-inch 4K 165Hz OLED model equipped with a Samsung QD-OLED panel, and a 27-inch 2K 210Hz version that features a Fast-IPS panel with 400 nits of brightness.

    Viewsonic 27-Inch Fast IPS 2K 210Hz Gaming Monitor Only $109Viewsonic 27-Inch Fast IPS 2K 210Hz Gaming Monitor Only $109
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  • Doom: The Dark Ages Release Date Set for Mid-May Launch

    Doom: The Dark Ages Release Date Set for Mid-May Launch

    So far, the only info we got about Doom: The Dark Ages is the meager trailer that was shown off last year. More details about the game are expected to come out at Xbox’s Developer Direct on January 23. In the meantime, a sharp-eyed user on Resetera found some intriguing details regarding the new Doom title.

    Possible Release Date

    A now-removed post from a French source mentioned that Doom: The Dark Ages is set to be released on May 15, 2015. This is just over five years since Doom Eternal’s release, and it seems like a reasonable time frame. We only have to wait one more day to get the confirmation. It’s fair to think that Doom: The Dark Ages will utilize some version of id Tech 7, the same engine that’s behind Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    Hardware Requirements

    Whether it will include ray tracing features like the latter game is still uncertain, but Doom: The Dark Ages will definitely require some powerful hardware, especially for higher resolutions. Luckily, new graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD should become available around that time. However, it’s worth noting that Doom Eternal was one of the most well-optimized games during its release period, so there’s no reason to believe that its sequel won’t maintain that standard.

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  • GeForce RTX 5090 Launch Faces Supply Issues, Says PC Builder

    GeForce RTX 5090 Launch Faces Supply Issues, Says PC Builder

    It has been a recurring theme during the last two GPU releases from Nvidia: Team Green introduces a flagship 90 series card that boasts significant power but is tough to acquire at its suggested retail price (MSRP) due to limited availability. We saw this scenario unfold with both the RTX 3090 and the RTX 4090. Now, it appears that the upcoming RTX 5090, scheduled for launch on January 30 at an MSRP of $1,999, is likely to face a similar challenge.

    Supply Concerns

    Recent reports indicate that the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 will have limited launch stock, potentially leading to a shortage of models at MSRP. For example, Moore’s Law Is Dead reported just days ago that even AIBs (Add-in-Board partners) are anticipating a supply situation akin to that of the RTX 3090.

    PowerGPU, a company specializing in custom gaming PCs, has corroborated MLID’s claims and cautioned gamers on X that “the launch of the RTX 5090 will be the worst when it comes to availability.” They do not foresee any improvements “for the first 3 months”.

    Retailer Differences

    It’s important to note that the supply chain used by custom PC builders may differ from that of larger retailers like Best Buy. This means that the overall stock levels could be somewhat better for these major retailers.

    If the RTX 5090 does indeed face stock shortages at launch, gamers can expect that the models priced at the official MSRP will be the most difficult to find. This aligns with the fact that the RTX 5090 variants priced at $2,000 will represent the lowest price point. AIBs typically prefer to equip flagship GeForce cards with premium cooling systems and sell them at higher prices than Nvidia’s Founders Edition models.

    Scalper Activity

    Moreover, if the demand for these GPUs exceeds supply, scalpers will likely swoop in to grab as much stock as they can, reselling the cards at inflated prices. We observed a similar pattern during the launches of the RTX 3090 and RTX 4090.

    In conclusion, it remains to be seen whether the launch of the RTX 5090 will be more favorable or less so compared to the RTX 4090 and the RTX 3090. We sincerely hope that the rumors regarding stock difficulties are exaggerated.

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