Category: Gaming

  • Sony’s God of War Ragnarök Criticized for PSN Account Reset

    Sony’s God of War Ragnarök Criticized for PSN Account Reset

    After the God of War series was rebooted, it made its debut on PC in 2022, which raised excitement among fans for the PC version of God of War Ragnarök. Since September 19, PC players have been able to dive into the ongoing adventures of Kratos and Atreus as they face gods and monsters to avert the coming Ragnarök. This action RPG features a tactical combat system, intricate puzzles, and a rich narrative. However, the initial excitement has quickly turned sour.

    Mixed Reviews and Criticism

    Despite the well-received story and engaging gameplay, Ragnarök is facing significant backlash. Out of approximately 2,600 reviews on Steam, only 67 percent are positive. In contrast, the previous game (God of War 2018) boasts an "extremely positive" rating with 96 percent positive feedback from over 90,000 reviews. The primary criticism from players revolves around the need to create a PlayStation Network account for what is essentially a single-player experience. Many users on Reddit express their frustration, questioning the necessity of an online account for a game that lacks any online features. Additionally, there are concerns regarding security.

    Previous Trends and Future Prospects

    This requirement is not new for PlayStation. Games like Ghost of Tsushima and Helldivers 2 also forced PC players to create a PSN account. However, Sony recently reversed this policy with Helldivers 2, eliminating the account requirement. It remains uncertain whether a similar change will be made for God of War Ragnarök in light of the negative feedback. For now, Sony appears to be sticking with its current policy. However, with player numbers possibly falling short of expectations, there may be pressure on Sony to reconsider. According to Steam DB, Ragnarök has peaked at around 25,000 players, while its predecessor had peaks reaching 73,000 players.

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  • AMD Radeon 890M Offers Nearly 2x Higher FPS with AFMF 2

    AMD Radeon 890M Offers Nearly 2x Higher FPS with AFMF 2

    AMD has recently released the technical preview of AFMF 2 for its Strix Point series. This update brings support for the latest frame generation technology to the new Zen 5 processors, complemented by the company’s innovative VGM technology. In their announcement, AMD claimed that Fluid Motion Frames 2 would significantly enhance the gaming experience, a statement that ETA Prime has put to the test.

    Testing Setup

    For the tests, ETA Prime utilized the latest Asus ProArt P16 laptop, which is equipped with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. This model features the high-performance RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU, the Radeon 890M. ETA Prime dedicated 4 GB of memory to the integrated graphics, and the new Fluid Motion Frames technology also incorporates Variable Graphics Memory (VGM).

    Game Performance Results

    According to AMD, VGM automatically allocates memory to the iGPU based on the selected mode. During testing, ETA Prime set the Search Mode to "Standard" and the Performance Mode to "Performance." Initially, they ran Forza Horizon 5 at 1200p with medium graphics settings. Before enabling AFMF 2, the game averaged 86 FPS, but this improved to an average of 136 FPS after turning on the technology.

    Next, ETA Prime tested Elden Ring at 1080p with medium graphics settings. Without frame generation, the game ran at about 45 FPS, but with AFMF 2 enabled, the average increased to around 85 FPS. Additionally, they conducted a test on Fallout 4 at 1600p and ultra settings. With AFMF 2 active, the game averaged approximately 84 FPS, a notable rise from the previous average of 54 FPS. ETA Prime pointed out that all tests were conducted at a TDP of 45W, suggesting that the Radeon 890M could achieve even better performance at a higher TDP.

    Compatibility with Previous Generations

    It’s also important to mention that AFMF 2 is compatible with previous-generation RDNA 3 integrated GPUs, including the Radeon 780M, which is used in handheld devices like the Legion Go and ROG Ally Z1 Extreme (currently priced at $549.99 on Best Buy).

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  • Xbox Game Pass Adds 3 New Games, Featuring 2 AAA Titles

    Xbox Game Pass Adds 3 New Games, Featuring 2 AAA Titles

    Strategists will find plenty to enjoy from Microsoft this September. Throughout the month, the Game Pass will introduce three new strategy games, with a special emphasis on Frostpunk 2 and Ara: History Untold—both are brand new AAA titles available on Game Pass from their launch date.

    Wargroove 2 Overview

    Wargroove 2 features a turn-based strategy format where multiple factions vie for dominance. Each faction is led by commanders who possess unique abilities, known as "Grooves." In this sequel, these Grooves become even more potent as players can charge them over multiple phases. The game boasts a comprehensive single-player campaign filled with a rich storyline, alongside various modes including multiplayer battles and editing tools. Its vibrant pixel art style adds a nostalgic touch to the experience.

    Frostpunk 2 Details

    Frostpunk 2 is the follow-up to the acclaimed city-building strategy game by 11 Bit Studios. Set 30 years after the original, players are once again thrust into a harsh, frozen environment where survival is a challenge. As the leader of a surviving community, players must oversee city management, gather resources, and face tough moral choices. Unlike the first game, which relied on coal as the primary energy source, Frostpunk 2 shifts the focus to oil as a new, limited resource. Key dilemmas involve making political choices: Should children work harder for increased productivity, or should the elderly be sent into the icy wasteland to conserve resources? The real question is: how far are you willing to go to secure the community’s survival?

    Ara: History Untold Insights

    This turn-based strategy title allows players to craft an alternate version of human history. Echoing traditional 4X games (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate), the game emphasizes exploration and strategic decision-making. However, Ara aims to invigorate the genre with fresh mechanics and a dynamic world that evolves over time. Players will manage resources, develop technologies, and grow their nation while navigating conflicts with rival civilizations.

    Xbox continues to enhance its offerings, making September an exciting month for strategy enthusiasts.

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  • Vampire-Themed First-Person Shooter Trust Launching on Steam

    Vampire-Themed First-Person Shooter Trust Launching on Steam

    Founded in 2017, Byte Barrel is an independent game developer with a limited selection of titles, having released just two so far. Their games include Mythbusters: The Game – Crazy Experiments Simulator and the dark retro shooter series Forgive Me Father, which has two games available. The studio is set to introduce another first-person shooter named Trust, which shares a similar graphic style with Forgive Me Father. However, this new title will incorporate immersive sim elements and allows players to experience the narrative from the viewpoint of a vampire battling against humans.

    Upcoming Release Details

    The official trailer for Trust teases that it is "coming bloody soon," and fans can already add it to their wishlist on Steam. Unfortunately, there are no specific details regarding its price or exact release date at this time. The storyline is intriguing, placing players in a universe where humans utilize vampire blood in reactors and batteries to power cities, vehicles, household devices, and even weapons. The game’s hand-drawn art style is filled with intricate details and secrets, giving players the choice between stealth tactics or aggressive combat to complete their objectives.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    Additionally, the cycle of day and night significantly influences gameplay. During the day, players must cleverly use shadows to survive and progress with their missions. Trust will be available in both English and Polish languages, and it will feature partial support for Xbox controllers. It will focus solely on single-player gameplay, at least for now, with no current plans for multiplayer options. Given its violent content, including scenes where players can drink the blood of human foes, Trust is expected to receive an adult rating. The minimum system requirements are fairly accessible, requiring an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card or a comparable alternative.

    Hardware Recommendation

    For those in the market for a new graphics card without wanting to spend nearly $1,000, the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 WINDFORCE OC 8G (GV-N4060WF2OC-8GD) is currently available on Amazon for $299.99.

  • PS5 vs PS5 Pro: Huge Improvements in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

    PS5 vs PS5 Pro: Huge Improvements in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

    Sony’s highly awaited PlayStation 5 Pro was released to a mixed response, with many gamers voicing their discontent over the console’s steep price of $699 and the unchanged Zen 2 CPU.

    Expert Opinions

    Despite the criticism, some experts have offered a more favorable perspective on the PS5 Pro. For example, Digital Foundry stated that building a comparable PC would likely cost "a fair bit more."

    Key Improvements

    Sony highlighted three major enhancements for the PS5 Pro: a GPU that is 45% faster, Deep Learning-based PSSR upscaling technology, and enhanced ray-tracing features. It remains uncertain whether these improvements will guarantee the PS5 Pro’s success in the market.

    Performance and Graphics

    During the official launch event led by Mark Cerny, Sony’s promotional material and demos fell short in showcasing the fidelity upgrades. However, additional gameplay footage shared with Digital Foundry has shown significant differences between the PS5 and the PS5 Pro.

    In ‘Performance’ mode, the PS5 Pro achieves a steady 60 fps with sharp visuals. In contrast, the standard PS5 experiences issues like blurry textures, ghosting, and unclear particle effects during action scenes. The PS5 Pro enhances detail clarity, showcasing fine textures like hair and foliage much better.

    In the ‘Graphics’ mode, the PS5 Pro offers a noticeably sharper image with improved frame stability. While some temporal instability and minor artifacts can be observed—common with machine learning-driven PSSR upscaling—the overall experience is significantly superior to that of the base PS5, which is currently available for $449 on Amazon. Even during intense scenes, the PS5 Pro consistently holds 60 fps, while the base model frequently experiences frame drops.

    PS5 vs PS5 Pro: Huge Improvements in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

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  • GTA V Online Kernel Anti-Cheat Ruins Steam Deck and Linux Support

    GTA V Online Kernel Anti-Cheat Ruins Steam Deck and Linux Support

    Anyone who has played GTA Online knows that the game struggles with cheaters, and Rockstar Games is taking steps to tackle this issue by introducing BattleEye anti-cheat through a recent update for GTA V. While this news may be welcomed by many dedicated players, it has sparked controversy within the Steam Deck and Linux gaming communities. The implementation of kernel-level anti-cheat has rendered GTA Online incompatible with both Linux and the Steam Deck.

    Rockstar’s Stance on Compatibility Issues

    Interestingly, Rockstar’s support page regarding BattleEye cites the lack of Steam Deck support as a problem originating from Steam’s end:

    "Steam Deck does not support BattlEye for GTA Online. You will be able to play GTAV Story Mode but unable to play GTA Online."

    It seems odd for Rockstar to place the blame on Steam, especially since several titles successfully support BattleEye when played on Linux through Proton. A brief look at the Steam Deck Verified games list, Are We Anti-Cheat Yet?, and ProtonDB shows that games like DayZ, ARK: Survival Evolved, ArmA 3, Unturned, Planetside 3, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, and other BattleEye-enabled titles run smoothly on the Steam Deck and various Linux systems.

    Offline Play Still Available

    It’s worth mentioning that GTA V can still be played in offline or story mode on Linux and the Steam Deck by using the -nobattleye launch option. This allows players to start the game without BattleEye active in the background.

    This indicates that Rockstar Games may have intentionally chosen to overlook support for Linux and the Steam Deck. They might be trying to avoid a flood of support requests from Steam Deck users or Linux gamers regarding potential issues from future updates. The timing of the anti-cheat addition to GTA V and GTA Online raises eyebrows, especially since the game debuted nine years ago. Some speculate that this could serve as a test for GTA VI, which is expected to launch next year. While a PC version for GTA VI may not arrive until a year or two after its console release in 2025, Rockstar may be attempting to manage expectations for the new installment.

    If you’re in search of a handheld gaming device optimized for Windows that can also run Linux, consider the Lenovo Legion Go, priced at $699.99.

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  • New FUSION Pro Xbox Controllers: Hall Effect Sensors & RGB

    New FUSION Pro Xbox Controllers: Hall Effect Sensors & RGB

    Most gamers who own an Xbox are likely familiar with the standard Xbox One controller, which is currently priced at $59.99 on Amazon. This controller has been a popular choice for many due to its comfortable design. For players looking for enhanced control, customization options, and additional features, third-party controllers like the new FUSION Pro series from PowerA may be appealing. The FUSION Pro Wireless and FUSION Pro 4 Wired Controllers are designed to provide advanced features that typical Xbox controllers lack.

    Advanced Features of the FUSION Pro Wireless Controller

    The FUSION Pro Wireless Controller boasts Ghost RGB LED lighting, featuring six different modes and four customizable zones. This model utilizes low-latency wireless technology with a USB adapter, making it compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11. It promises up to 30 hours of gameplay on a single charge and offers extensive customization through the PowerA Gamer HQ App.

    Gamers will appreciate the four mappable buttons, 3-Way trigger locks for adjustable trigger travel, and the innovative ‘Quick-Twist’ thumbsticks, which allow for simple height adjustments without needing to remove any parts. These enhancements offer more gameplay flexibility than the regular controller. The thumbsticks and triggers use Hall effect sensors for improved precision and durability. The controller is also designed with textured grips, anti-friction rings, ergonomic shape, dual rumble motors, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a specific Profile Button.

    Budget-Friendly Option: FUSION Pro 4 Wired Controller

    The FUSION Pro 4 Wired Controller shares many professional-level features but comes at a more affordable price point. It includes competition-grade Hall effect thumbsticks, four mappable buttons, and the same ‘Quick-Twist’ thumbsticks, making it suitable for gamers who desire accuracy without a hefty price tag. This wired controller features a 10-foot braided USB-C cable and offers audio options that include a 3.5mm jack and a one-touch mic mute.

    Both controllers come with a two-year warranty and are officially licensed by Xbox. The FUSION Pro Wireless is available for $149.99, and you can pre-order it now on Amazon. The wired version will retail for $69.99, but it is not yet available on Amazon. You can order both controllers directly from the official PowerA website, although you may have to pay an additional fee of up to $36.50 for expedited shipping.

    PR Newswire / PowerA / Amazon

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  • New Z-Pocket Game: Leaked Retro Handhelds Revealed

    New Z-Pocket Game: Leaked Retro Handhelds Revealed

    Until now, Z-Pocket Game (ZPG) has been slowly introducing new devices. The A1 Unicorn has been the only product from the company for some time. However, it appears that ZPG is looking to enhance its competition against the Anbernic RG Cube (currently priced at $214.99 on Amazon) with a range of new offerings.

    New Developments in Gaming Handhelds

    Recently, the company revealed exciting updates about its long-anticipated Bubble gaming handheld. Following this, NITTRX provided initial insights regarding the Mini, which seems to be an alternative to the current GKD Pixel and Anbernic RG Nano. Additionally, the YouTuber has leaked some footage of the ‘Little A1’ along with a second unnamed device.

    Details on the Little A1

    Unfortunately, not much is known about the unnamed device at this moment. However, it seems to be larger than the Bubble. In contrast, the Little A1 is small, as its name implies. ZPG has equipped it with two USB Type-C ports, two MicroSD card readers, and a complete set of gamepad buttons featuring large triggers. It appears that the Little A1 also boasts a 1:1 display, potentially making it a more compact alternative to both the A1 Unicorn and the RG Cube.

    NITTRX (1) (2)

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  • Powkiddy Launches RGB10X: Affordable Retro Gaming Handheld

    Powkiddy Launches RGB10X: Affordable Retro Gaming Handheld

    Powkiddy has recently begun selling the RGB10X, which launched approximately two weeks after initial information about the device was shared online. As anticipated, Powkiddy offers its new gaming handheld in three color options: Black Transparent, Grey, and Yellow. Additionally, buyers can choose to have either a 64 GB or 128 GB MicroSD card included from the factory.

    Expandable Storage Options

    The RGB10X features a secondary MicroSD card slot, allowing users to add extra games beyond what the included MicroSD can hold. For context, the device has dimensions of 145 x 73.2 x 17 mm, which means it has a relatively compact display and a lower-capacity battery. Specifically, Powkiddy has integrated a 2,800 mAh battery, which it claims can provide up to eight hours of gameplay. However, the device uses slow charging technology, resulting in a full charge taking about two hours.

    Performance and Specifications

    Moreover, the RGB10X is equipped with a 3.5-inch IPS display that boasts a resolution of 640 x 480. This is paired with a Rockchip RK3326 chipset and 1 GB of LPDDR3L RAM. Consequently, the RGB10X’s performance will be similar to that of the older RGB20S, which is currently priced at $79.99 on Amazon. At this time, the RGB10X is offered at a price of $39.99, or $49.99 if you opt for the 128 GB MicroSD card. As of the latest update, Powkiddy aims to start shipping the device on September 25.

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  • GameSir T7 Wired Gaming Controller for Xbox, Windows, Steam

    GameSir T7 Wired Gaming Controller for Xbox, Windows, Steam

    The GameSir T7 is the newest wired gaming controller introduced by GameSir. This controller is made for Xbox consoles (Series S/X and Xbox One) and is also compatible with Windows 10/11 and Steam.

    Design and Features

    The layout of the T7 controller resembles that of the official Xbox Wireless Controller and features a membrane D-pad along with face buttons. Unlike the GameSir G7 HE, which is currently priced at $44.99 on Amazon, the T7 does not include back buttons. According to GameSir, the controller is equipped with non-magnetic hall effect joysticks that boast a lifespan of up to 5 million cycles, ensuring they remain wear-free throughout use.

    Performance and Controls

    Additionally, the T7 features precision-tuned hall effect analog triggers that provide a consistently smooth pull, making them ideal for racing games. Gamers can also activate hair trigger mode for a quicker response in shooting games. The controller includes four rumble motors—one located in each grip and trigger—for an immersive vibration experience. The joysticks are designed with anti-friction rings, and the grips feature laser engraving to enhance grip. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack and a button to mute the microphone.

    Color Options and Pricing

    The GameSir T7 is offered in three colors: Creamsicle White, Ruby Red, and Sapphire Blue, with the last two being translucent. There is no information indicating that the faceplates can be changed, so users will need to choose their preferred color carefully. The controller includes a detachable cable, which, while not braided, matches the controller’s color.

    The price for the T7 is set at $34.99 in the US and £39.99 in the UK. It is available for purchase on Amazon in both countries as well as on GameSir’s official website.

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