Category: Gaming

  • Impressive Black Myth: Wukong 2D Pixel Game Demo for Android & PC

    Impressive Black Myth: Wukong 2D Pixel Game Demo for Android & PC

    Black Myth: Wukong is likely one of the most significant games released this year, and its impact continues to spark creativity among fans. One such fan, known as 火山哥哥 (translated as Volcano brother), has taken things in a unique direction by crafting a 2D pixel demo inspired by the game. While the original focuses on breathtaking graphics and captivating combat, this pixelated version leans into the nostalgia of retro gaming, reminiscent of classics like Double Dragon.

    Passionate Creation

    The developer, a true enthusiast, dedicated considerable effort to bring this nostalgic rendition to fruition, even pulling all-nighters to iron out bugs for the initial 0.1b version. The exciting part? It’s available at no cost for both PC and Android users here (you will need to create an account or log in to access the downloads), and the gaming community is eagerly participating, sharing their gameplay experiences and providing helpful feedback. In a video shared on bilibili.com, the creator details how he programmed various elements of the game. Up to now, he has only completed the first chapter of Black Myth: Wukong (check out our benchmarks for the game here), and viewers can see him take on Wandering Wight, one of the earliest yet toughest bosses in the game. Be sure to check out a snippet from the complete video below:

    A Unique Experience

    Although this version lacks the stunning visuals of its predecessor, it brings something unique—a straightforward, nostalgic perspective on Wukong’s grand adventure. For anyone longing for the charm of pixelated side-scrollers, this creation serves as a delightful throwback to a gaming era that many still cherish deeply.

    bilibili.com via r/BlackMythWukong


    Image 1
  • Valve Partners with Arch Linux to Boost Linux Gaming Experience

    Valve Partners with Arch Linux to Boost Linux Gaming Experience

    It’s clear that the arrival of the Steam Deck marked a significant turning point for those involved in Linux gaming. This handheld device operates on SteamOS 3.0, which is based on the efficient Arch Linux. It utilizes the Proton compatibility layer to allow users to play Windows games, a feature that has been met with enthusiasm from both FOSS and Linux gaming fans.

    Exciting News for Linux Gamers

    In more good news for Linux gaming, Arch Linux has announced a forthcoming partnership with Valve, the creators of the Steam Deck (currently available for $540 on Amazon) and the Proton compatibility layer. Developer Levente Polyak shared that Valve will provide financial support for two major projects that could significantly influence Arch’s future. He stated, “We are thrilled to share that Arch Linux is starting a direct partnership with Valve. They are generously funding two important projects that will greatly affect our distribution: a build service infrastructure and a secure signing enclave.” He also mentioned, “We think this collaboration will be greatly advantageous for Arch Linux, and we are eager to provide updates on development through this mailing list as we make progress.”

    The Importance of Funding

    While the specific amount that Valve is willing to invest in Arch remains undisclosed, the importance of this deal is undeniable. This is not only a victory for Arch, but also great news for the entire Linux community. Gabe Newell, Valve’s founder, has been a supporter of Linux gaming for over a decade, famously stating at LinuxCon 2013 that “Linux and open source are the future of gaming.” Valve’s collaboration with Arch indicates a stronger commitment to the Linux environment.

    Why Arch Linux?

    One might wonder why Valve chose Arch. This choice wasn’t random; Valve’s preference for this streamlined, efficient distribution for SteamOS 3.0 is well-founded. Arch Linux is designed to be minimalistic, has a small resource footprint, and offers extensive customization options, making it an ideal base for a gaming platform. The collaborative effort will not only advance expectations for Linux gaming but also enhance SteamOS and, consequently, the Steam Deck.

    ArchLinux.org

  • Get Your Free Game on Epic Games Store for a Limited Time!

    Get Your Free Game on Epic Games Store for a Limited Time!

    Epic Games has updated its weekly game giveaway, introducing a new indie title. Previously, the platform offered The Spirit and the Mouse for free from September 26 until today. Now, Epic Games is featuring Bear and Breakfast, which is published by the same company as The Spirit and the Mouse.

    Pricing and Availability

    Bear and Breakfast is usually priced at $19.99 on Epic Games. Additionally, Armor Games Studios has made the game available on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, with the latter being the only platform offering a physical version (currently priced at $24.99 on Amazon). As shown in the video below, Bear and Breakfast is a management adventure game where players control a bear who manages a bed-and-breakfast.

    System Requirements

    Due to the game’s simple graphics, Bear and Breakfast has fairly modest system requirements. Armor Games Studios indicates that players will need at least 8 GB of RAM, along with a processor like the Intel Core i3-6300 and a GPU with 1 GB of VRAM, such as the NVIDIA GeForce GT 440. For an optimal experience, Armor Games recommends a GPU with 2 GB of VRAM and a more current quad-core processor. For further details, check out Epic Games‘ store listing.

  • Ubisoft to Introduce Co-Op Mode in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

    Ubisoft to Introduce Co-Op Mode in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

    Ubisoft has recently announced that the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been pushed back. Initially scheduled for November 12, the game will now debut in mid-February 2025. As mentioned in our previous reports, this delay is said to be necessary for polishing the game and fulfilling fan expectations.

    New Co-op Mode on the Horizon

    While the delay might be disheartening for fans eager to dive into Assassin’s Creed Shadows, there’s a silver lining. According to Tom Henderson, a well-known insider, Ubisoft is working on a cooperative mode for the game, which is set to be added through an update after its release.

    The insider shared few details on this cooperative mode, which is codenamed "LEAGUE." It has been under development for a significant time, so it’s not a factor in the game’s postponement.

    More Multiplayer Experiences Coming

    Tom also mentioned that this won’t be the only multiplayer option in the franchise. He pointed to the rumored Assassin’s Creed Invictus, which is anticipated to be a game focused on multiplayer and is expected to launch next year. This game is said to provide a completely different feeling compared to other titles in the series.

    According to leakster @xj0nathan, Assassin’s Creed Invictus will allow players to compete against one another in various modes, including free-for-all and team deathmatch. The tipster also indicated that the gameplay would be arcade-like, featuring elements reminiscent of well-known games such as Super Smash Bros.

    Nostalgic Maps and Characters

    Invictus is rumored to include maps inspired by previous Assassin’s Creed games, and it may feature beloved characters like Ezio and Cesare Borgia as playable options. If these reports are accurate—especially regarding the co-op mode for Shadows—Ubisoft could potentially regain many players who were dissatisfied with some of the less successful recent releases in the franchise.

    Insider Gaming

  • New Building Game Earns 96% Positive Ratings on Steam

    New Building Game Earns 96% Positive Ratings on Steam

    Released on September 23, 2024, Tiny Glade, a building game from indie creator Pounce Light, has gained great reviews on Steam. It currently holds a 96 percent positive rating from over 5,800 reviews. The thing players appreciate the most is the vast creative freedom they enjoy when constructing and designing medieval buildings.

    Game Features

    Similar to games like Townscaper or Dorfromantik, Tiny Glade offers a relaxing experience where players can create without any time limits or strict objectives. Its easy-to-use building system, which operates without a grid, enables more natural and flowing designs. Instead of building whole structures, players have the option to position single components like walls, roofs, or windows. Each part can be resized and its color can be customized.

    Artistic Touches

    The game’s automatic decoration method adds small details like flags, chimneys, or plants, which enhances the overall design. This makes the structures feel more animated and unique without the need for players to painstakingly arrange every decorative element. Additionally, players can explore their buildings from a first-person view in the photo mode.

    Currently, Tiny Glade is priced at about $14.80 on Steam. However, there’s a special offer running until October 3 at 7 p.m. (CET), where players can purchase the game for around $12.50.

    Reception Overview

    Despite its high ratings on Steam, Tiny Glade has a lower score on Metacritic, sitting at 74 with a user score of 6.7 at the time of this research. Critics mainly point out the limited gameplay and a lack of long-term engagement. Some players mention that the building process can become repetitive very quickly.

    Additionally, certain mechanics are not very clear, which means players often have to learn through trial and error. The limited terrain and decoration options also restrict manual adjustments, hindering creative expression. Yet, if you’re in search of a calm and cozy game that allows for a high degree of building freedom, Tiny Glade could still be an enjoyable experience.

    Image source: Pounce Light


    Image 1
  • New Sonic Heroes Sequel Rumored for 2025 Release

    New Sonic Heroes Sequel Rumored for 2025 Release

    When Sonic Heroes launched on consoles in 2003, it revolutionized the series by adding a gameplay style based on teams. Players had the ability to switch characters quickly, merging speed, power, and flying to complete levels. The game united Sonic and his companions into groups like Team Sonic, Team Dark, and Team Rose, offering a new twist on the classic fast-paced platforming experience. Although it received mixed feedback, many fans fondly remember the direction Nintendo took with it.

    New Developments in 2024

    Now we jump to 2024, and whispers are surfacing about a possible new Sonic Heroes game in the works. A well-known leaker has mentioned that this project, which is being called "SHR," has been in development since 2023, with a possible launch scheduled for Autumn 2025. This same leaker had previously shared details about the third Sonic Movie, although their pictures were removed due to copyright issues.

    Anticipating Changes

    Though not much is confirmed yet, we can start to imagine how Sega might refresh the team mechanics for a new gaming experience. Enhanced graphics, revamped team skills, and maybe even an online multiplayer feature could be on the table, especially considering how much technology has advanced since 2003.

    It’s thrilling news for Sonic enthusiasts, but as with any rumor, it’s wise to hold off until the publisher makes an official announcement. For the time being, fans of Sonic can only speculate and dream about the potential features of this upcoming game, should it eventually be released.

    @sonicas0 on X/Twitter via r/GamingLeaksAndRumours

  • Epic Games to Launch Free Games Program on Mobile Store Soon

    Epic Games to Launch Free Games Program on Mobile Store Soon

    The Epic Games Store app has just arrived on Android, giving users a new option for downloading games aside from the Google Play Store and other platforms. Although the selection isn’t as large as what some competitors offer, Epic has promised that third-party games will be added soon.

    Free Games Coming to Mobile

    Moreover, Epic is set to introduce its popular free games initiative to the mobile platform. This was revealed at the Unreal Fest event, where the company noted that the free game program is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of this year. This move seems aimed at encouraging mobile gamers to try out this new third-party store.

    Legal Action Against Tech Giants

    In related news, Epic Games Store has recently initiated legal action against both Google and Samsung. The lawsuit claims that these two technology powerhouses are collaborating to suppress competition within the Android app marketplace.

    While further details on the mobile free games program have yet to be released, it’s possible that users may receive free games on a weekly basis, similar to the offerings on the Epic Games Store for PC users.

    Upcoming Third-Party Titles

    Regarding third-party games, Epic Games mentioned that there will be “between 10 and 50” titles available during the initial launch phase. However, the company expressed concerns about the potential difficulties in establishing a payment system, which could delay the release of some of these games by several months.

    Mobile Gamer via: Android Authority

  • Age Ratings for Steam Games in Germany Starting Next Month

    Age Ratings for Steam Games in Germany Starting Next Month

    Back in March, Valve revealed that both German and Brazilian laws mandate content ratings for video games. German regulators are particularly stringent, with the BZKJ stating that this requirement would also apply to games added to Steam prior to the law’s enforcement. Initially, there was no set deadline for compliance, but Valve has now clarified that all games released on Steam before 2020 must meet the German regulations by November 15th.

    Developer Responsibilities

    Developers are required to fill out a content questionnaire available on Steam and submit their answers by mid-November. If they do not comply, their games will be hidden from Steam users in Germany. Even after submitting the questionnaire, there is a chance that the game may still not be visible to German customers. According to Valve’s Steamworks guidelines, "Certain types of content are prohibited for sale to customers in Germany."

    Special Considerations

    Additionally, games that have obtained a USK rating can enter their information through the store page editor, which allows developers to bypass the aforementioned questionnaire. There is a concern regarding games that remain on Steam but are no longer supported due to developers passing away or studios going bankrupt. This issue requires more focus from both Valve and the German regulatory bodies moving forward.

    The current situation illustrates how digital games can become inaccessible in specific markets for a variety of reasons. However, the physical history of video games remains intact. For those interested, there is a 32% discount on Simon Parkin’s An Illustrated History of 151 Video Games, now priced at $20.30, down from $29.99.


  • Gigabyte Launches AI Street Fighting Arcade Tournament in Canada

    Gigabyte Launches AI Street Fighting Arcade Tournament in Canada

    Gigabyte has launched a new project that aims to make generative art more engaging, offering a unique experience that goes beyond just creating a Street Fighter-style avatar. This initiative is part of Gigabyte’s broader strategy to promote the use of AI technology, which is powered by their hardware, in both daily life and entertainment settings.

    Tournament Details

    The first VS AI Street Fighting Arcade is equipped with RTX 4080 SUPER GAMING OC 16G graphics and operates on a Z790 AORUS ELITE X WIFI7 motherboard. This arcade can be found at Canada Computers’ Markham store, located at 3828 Hwy 7, Markham, ON L3R 1L7 in Ontario.

    Visitors can enjoy the arcade experience daily and decide if they want to join the official Tournaments. These tournaments will be held on Gigabyte Brand Days, scheduled at regular intervals during the Canada Computers event on October 5, November 9, and December 7, 2024.

    Prizes Up for Grabs

    Each Tournament offers an RTX 4080 card as the grand prize, while the second prize is an Aorus FO27Q3 1440p/360Hz OLED monitor, which is currently available for $749.99 on Amazon. Additionally, premium peripheral sets will be awarded to the 3rd and 4th place finishers.

    The VS AI Street Fighting Arcade in collaboration with Canada Computers also features exciting elements such as special giveaways and promotional deals on Gigabyte products. This event will continue until December 31, 2024.

  • Five New Games Coming to Xbox Game Pass by Mid-October

    Five New Games Coming to Xbox Game Pass by Mid-October

    Although there are no new game releases until mid-October, there are still five fresh titles across various genres. MLB The Show 24 introduces numerous features for baseball enthusiasts, but it is only playable on the Xbox Series X/S (priced at $480 on Amazon) or Xbox One through Game Pass. For those seeking a deep narrative experience, Open Roads is a great choice. Fighting game lovers will also have two new options: Sifu, a challenging single-player beat-’em-up inspired by Souls games, and Mad Streets, a lively multiplayer brawler. If you’re in the mood for something entirely different, check out Inscryption.

    MLB The Show 24 Features

    The baseball simulation game, MLB The Show 24, offers players different gameplay modes. In the Road to the Show mode, you can create your own baseball player and advance from the Minor Leagues to the Major Leagues, with the added option of creating female characters for the first time. The Storylines mode explores iconic moments in baseball history, while Franchise mode allows players to manage their own teams. The Negro Leagues Season, featuring legendary figures like Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard, has been carried over from the previous installment into MLB The Show 24.

    Open Roads Narrative Adventure

    Open Roads takes players on an emotional journey centered around the relationship between a mother and daughter. The story unfolds through the perspective of Tess, who travels with her mother, Opal, to uncover family secrets following her grandmother’s passing. They stumble upon old diaries and letters that reveal mysterious events from the past. The game emphasizes emotional storytelling and encourages players to engage in dialogue and exploration. Open Roads is visually presented in a realistic yet slightly melancholic comic book style.

    Sifu and Mad Streets for Fighting Fans

    For fans of souls-like games, Sifu offers a tough action beat ’em up experience, where players take on the role of a young kung fu fighter seeking revenge against the murderers of his family. The gameplay revolves around skill-based martial arts combat and introduces a unique aging mechanic: each time the player dies, the character ages, gaining strength but losing health points. The objective is to complete the quest for vengeance before the character becomes too old to fight.

    Mad Streets brings a physics-based party brawler with a vibrant cartoon aesthetic. The exaggerated characters and cartoon-like physics ensure entertaining yet challenging fights. The combat system is designed to be easy to pick up but hard to master. Players can battle in various settings like schoolyards, backyards, or parking lots, and can engage in local multiplayer with up to four players or compete online.

    The Unique Experience of Inscryption

    Inscryption blends elements of card games, roguelikes, puzzles, and psychological horror to create a unique gaming experience. The narrative revolves around a card master who draws players into a dark card game, where the stakes are life and death. At its essence, Inscryption is a deck-building game where players collect cards with unique abilities to strategically defeat their opponents. The game stands out for its frequent breaking of the fourth wall, drawing players into various metagames and puzzles.