Tag: Gearbox Software

  • RTS Classic Remastered: 90% Off on Steam for Just $3.50

    RTS Classic Remastered: 90% Off on Steam for Just $3.50

    Key Takeaways

    1. Homeworld Remastered Collection: Released in 2015, it features improved graphics, redesigned cutscenes, and a refreshed sound experience for both Homeworld and Homeworld 2.

    2. Engaging Storyline: The narrative follows the Kharak people’s journey from their destroyed planet to deep space, with cinematic storytelling and an immersive soundtrack.

    3. Tactical 3D Gameplay: Players engage in strategic space combat with over 100 ship types, utilizing a fully 3D battlefield that allows for vertical navigation and complex resource management.

    4. Critiques and Ratings: Despite some technical issues and dynamic difficulty concerns, the collection received a solid score of 84/100 from GameStar and positive reviews from the Steam community.

    5. Nostalgic Value and Pricing: The collection includes both original and remastered versions, currently available at a significant discount of 90% on Steam, making it a great deal for fans.

    Released at the start of the new millennium, Homeworld and Homeworld 2 stand as two of the most impactful real-time strategy games in gaming history. In 2015, Gearbox Software revitalized these classics by releasing the Homeworld Remastered Collection. This remaster boasts improved graphics with support for 4K, redesigned cutscenes, and a refreshed sound experience. Both games now feature a combined user interface, enhancing control accuracy and making it more user-friendly overall.

    Storyline and Narrative

    Just like the original from 1999, Homeworld follows the journey of the Kharak people from a desert planet. Its destruction propels them into deep space as they search for their ancestral home, which is the Homeworld itself. Homeworld 2 picks up the story with a fresh threat that throws the galaxy into chaos. The narratives of both games are told through a combination of radio messages and cinematic sequences, all complemented by an immersive soundtrack.

    Tactical Gameplay

    The Homeworld series is all about strategic space combat, where players lead fleets in battles against foes. With over 100 different ship types—ranging from fast fighters to gigantic capital ships—the game provides an extensive array of tactical options. What really makes it unique is its fully 3D battlefield. Units can navigate not just horizontally but vertically, enabling attacks from any angle and complicating fleet positioning. Another vital aspect is resource management: players must gather resources during fights to create new ships and repair their fleets, adding more depth to every battle.

    A German gaming magazine called GameStar evaluated the Homeworld Remastered Collection upon its release and commended its stunning visual improvements. With enhanced textures and effects, the space battles stand out much more vividly compared to their 1999 counterparts. However, since the remaster is now more than ten years old, players shouldn’t anticipate the latest visual technology. The reviewers also noted the refined controls and the evident respect for the original titles. Most new gameplay elements blend seamlessly, preserving the series’ hallmark tactical sophistication.

    Critiques and Ratings

    Even with the overall acclaim, GameStar’s review did mention some drawbacks. A significant concern was the dynamic difficulty, which adjusts enemy strength according to the size of your fleet—often diminishing the sense of reward when making progress. Technical issues were particularly apparent in Homeworld 2, including blurry textures at times and erratic AI behaviors. Furthermore, the remaster does not feature the spin-off Homeworld: Cataclysm, as its original source code was reportedly lost, making a remastered version unfeasible at that point.

    In spite of a few issues, GameStar gave the Homeworld Remastered Collection a solid score of 84 out of 100. The Steam community has also reacted favorably—over 11,000 user reviews have been logged since launch, with 88% being positive. On Metacritic, the collection boasts a Metascore of 86 and a User Score of 8.0, solidifying its strong standing among both critics and gamers.

    By the way: The Homeworld Remastered Collection includes the original editions of Homeworld and Homeworld 2, alongside the remastered versions— a great addition for those who feel nostalgic.

    Typically, the Homeworld Remastered Collection retails for about $35 on Steam, but it is currently priced at just $3.50 due to a 90% discount that runs until May 26. As per SteamDB, this offer tends to appear regularly during sales—most recently at the end of March. However, a bigger discount has not been provided before.

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  • Borderlands 4 Release Moved Up to Avoid Clash with GTA 6

    Borderlands 4 Release Moved Up to Avoid Clash with GTA 6

    Key Takeaways

    1. Borderlands 4 release date moved up to September 12, earlier than the original September 23 date.
    2. CEO Randy Pitchford announced the change in a now-removed video, stating that development is progressing well.
    3. Sony will showcase over 20 minutes of Borderlands 4 gameplay during its State of Play event on April 30.
    4. The date change may be a strategy to avoid competition with the anticipated release of GTA 6, expected in late September 2025.
    5. GTA 6, the sequel to GTA 5, is highly anticipated and could potentially release in fall 2025 without delays.

    Borderlands 4 developer Gearbox Software has shared that the game’s release date has been advanced to September 12. Initially, it was set for September 23, but it appears the development is going better than anticipated. This new date could indicate that publisher 2K and its parent company Take-Two Interactive are creating space for GTA 6 to prevent any competition.

    CEO’s Announcement

    Randy Pitchford, the CEO of Gearbox, put out a brief video on X that has now been taken down. In it, he announced that Borderlands 4 will indeed release earlier than planned, now on September 12. Pitchford mentioned that “everything is going great,” and even described the situation as “kinda the best case scenario.” Even though the video is no longer available, Sony confirmed this news during its State of Play announcement set for tomorrow, April 30.

    Upcoming Gameplay Reveal

    The upcoming State of Play will focus specifically on Borderlands 4, showcasing over 20 minutes of gameplay guided by the developers. The event is scheduled to begin at 2 PM PT/10 PM BST/11 PM CEST.

    While this is excellent news for fans of the franchise, there might be another factor behind the date change — avoiding competition with GTA 6. Borderlands 4 is published by 2K, which is under the Take-Two Interactive umbrella. Take-Two also owns Rockstar, the developer and publisher of GTA 6. Though GTA 6 does not have an exact release date, it is anticipated for the fall of 2025, possibly late September. By moving up Borderlands 4, they can steer clear of a likely larger release like GTA 6.

    Anticipating GTA 6

    There’s a chance that the eagerly awaited sequel to the hugely successful GTA 5 could come out in late September or early October this year, with no delays in sight. Here’s hoping for the best!

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  • AAA Shooter Game 90% Off – Now Only $6 for a Limited Time

    AAA Shooter Game 90% Off – Now Only $6 for a Limited Time

    Key Takeaways

    1. Definition of Looter Shooter: Borderlands was pivotal in creating the looter shooter genre, combining first-person shooting with a focus on loot collection, inspired by action RPGs like Diablo.

    2. Borderlands 3 Availability: Borderlands 3 is currently offered at a 90% discount on Steam, priced at $6 instead of $60.

    3. Borderlands 4 Announcement: Borderlands 4 has been announced with a release date of September 23, following a recent State of Play event by Sony.

    4. Gameplay Features: Borderlands 3 features fast-paced action, extensive weapon variety, and an upgraded skill system that enhances player customization.

    5. Mixed Reception: While Borderlands 3 received a decent Metascore of 81, user reviews were mixed at 5.6, with criticisms regarding its narrative and humor compared to previous games in the series.

    Released in 2009, Borderlands was instrumental in defining the looter shooter category. These types of games blend classic first-person shooter elements with a major emphasis on loot collection. Weapons and gear are generated randomly, which keeps gamers persistently searching for superior items. Drawing inspiration from action RPGs such as Diablo, this approach offers players ongoing motivation. The newest game in the series, Borderlands 3, is available on Steam now at a whopping 90% discount, reducing the price from $60 down to only $6.

    Exciting News Ahead

    Oh, and just to let you know, Borderlands 4 is on its way and has finally been given a release date! This was revealed during Sony’s recent State of Play event, and the game is set to launch on September 23. That said, the first gameplay trailer has sparked mixed feelings among fans.

    The Storyline

    Borderlands 3 unfolds several years after the previous game, taking players on an adventure across various planets. The main antagonists are the Calypso twins, who lead a group called the Children of the Vault, aiming to seize control of the universe’s hidden chambers. Players can choose from four new Vault Hunters – FL4K, Moze, Amara, or Zane – as they embark on a quest to thwart the twins’ plans.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    The gameplay remains faithful to the franchise’s iconic style: fast-paced action, extravagant weapons, and an endless supply of loot. A significant upgrade is the improved skill system, which allows for enhanced customization options. Each class features three active skills, giving players more versatility in battles. With over a billion unique weapons, all generated at random, each gaming session brings something fresh.

    Since its launch, Borderlands 3 – created by Gearbox Software and published by 2K in 2020 – has garnered an impressive number of reviews on Steam. As of the last check, it boasted over 110,000 reviews, with 85% rated positively.

    Reception

    On Metacritic, the looter shooter received decent feedback from critics, achieving a Metascore of 81. However, user reviews were not as kind, leading to a mixed score of 5.6. A significant complaint was that the narrative and humor fell short compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, the game encountered technical issues upon release and was an Epic Games Store exclusive for its first six months, which frustrated many players.

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  • Borderlands 4 Gameplay Trailer Launch: Mixed Reactions Unveiled

    Borderlands 4 Gameplay Trailer Launch: Mixed Reactions Unveiled

    After the varied responses to Borderlands 3, the expectations for Borderlands 4 are exceptionally high for the team at Gearbox Software and its publisher, 2K Games. Many fans felt disappointed with the last installment due to its weak storyline and uninspired character designs, leading to a Metacritic user score of 5.5. This rating is notably low for the series, especially when compared to Borderlands 2, which enjoyed a much better reception with a user score of 8.2.

    Improving on Previous Mistakes

    Borderlands 4 was officially announced in August during gamescom 2024, with the goal of correcting earlier issues. The developers have promised a more engaging narrative that draws inspiration from the cherished Borderlands 2 and a redesigned character aesthetic aimed at making the Vault Hunters feel unique and unforgettable again. New gameplay mechanics, such as the laser lasso, are intended to enhance combat, making it more dynamic and varied. Fans can catch a sneak peek of these features in the recently released trailer, which provides a first look at actual gameplay.

    Trailer Highlights

    The trailer kicks off with a cinematic scene showcasing a battle between two groups: the recognizable psycho mask-wearers and a futuristic faction. At 1:06, it shifts to gameplay footage, sometimes shown from a first-person view, hinting at four characters available to play. A standout moment for many is the return of Zane Flynt from Borderlands 3. Now older and with a beard, his character brings a sense of nostalgia to the mix.

    The exciting shooter action is on display, along with a brief appearance by Claptrap, the robot who divides opinions among players. The trailer also introduces the laser lasso, featuring grappling hook elements. While no exact release date is given, the tagline “coming soon” and the mention of “2025” at the end offer a vague timeline. Fans can already place the game on their Steam wish lists.

    Community Feedback

    Reactions from the community have been mixed across platforms like YouTube and Reddit. Many fans have expressed appreciation for the more serious tone that harkens back to the glory days of Borderlands 2. The lesser focus on slapstick humor has been positively received by a sizable portion of the audience. The new villain displayed in the trailer, who radiates a dark and intimidating vibe, has also gained favorable reactions. Fans have longed for an antagonist to match the legendary Handsome Jack from Borderlands 2.

    On the flip side, a number of players feel that the design of the Vault Hunters lacks distinctiveness and seems too standard. Some fans have also voiced their concerns about the diminished focus on the signature cel-shading art style that has been a hallmark of the series. Additionally, there are worries about the potential similarities to Borderlands 3, raising fears that Borderlands 4 might repeat its predecessor’s mistakes by failing to innovate enough.

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