Tag: Steam Deck

  • Absolute Real-Time Strategy Game at 65% Off – Best Price Ever

    Absolute Real-Time Strategy Game at 65% Off – Best Price Ever

    Key Takeaways

    1. Age of Empires IV, released in 2021, is the first new game in the series since 2005, developed by Relic Entertainment.
    2. The game features four historical campaigns and ten unique civilizations, enhancing strategic gameplay and historical narratives.
    3. A major free update, the Anniversary Edition, released on October 25, 2022, added two civilizations, new maps, and various gameplay improvements.
    4. While the game stays true to its real-time strategy roots, some players criticized its graphics and lack of certain features, yet it received generally positive reviews.
    5. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is priced around $40 on Steam but is currently available for $14 due to a 65% discount, and it is compatible with the Steam Deck.

    Age of Empires is a timeless real-time strategy series that captivated players in the late 1990s. Despite a few remastered versions, there hadn’t been a true new game since 2005. This changed in 2021 with the release of Age of Empires IV, crafted by Relic Entertainment, known for other RTS favorites like Company of Heroes and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. The anticipation for this fourth game was significant, and it did not disappoint.

    A Blend of History and Strategy

    Age of Empires IV enhances the features of earlier games with a compelling mix of historical narrative and strategic complexity. Players can experience four campaigns that highlight pivotal events from the Middle Ages, such as The Rise of the Normans, The Hundred Years’ War, The Mongol Empire, and The Rise of Muscovy. The German gaming magazine PCGames acknowledged this in their review, stating that the campaigns are both tough and informative, boosted by documentary-style cutscenes that animate history. With ten unique civilizations, including the English, Chinese, and Abbasids, the game provides vast strategic options. Each faction has its own special abilities; for example, the Mongols can create mobile bases, while the Delhi Sultanate benefits from free research upgrades.

    Major Free Update

    On October 25, 2022, the Anniversary Edition of Age of Empires IV was released as a significant free update. This version introduced an abundance of new features and enhancements, adding two more civilizations—the Ottomans and the Malians—along with fresh maps, challenges, master-level missions, and improvements to language support and the interface. This edition has now taken the place of the original version and serves as the default for players.

    Gameplay and Reception

    The gameplay of Age of Empires IV remains faithful to its real-time strategy origins: gather resources, construct your base, and command your armies in conflicts. PCGames mentioned that it closely resembles the gameplay of Age of Empires II, which is likely to please long-time fans of the franchise. Nevertheless, the game faced some backlash. Some players found the graphics to be a bit outdated, and useful features like auto-scouting and a global production overview were absent. Players also expressed a desire for more innovation, such as a diplomacy system. Despite these issues, the game received a warm welcome overall. On Steam, approximately 85,000 users have reviewed it, with 84% giving it a thumbs up. Critics on Metacritic rated it at 86, while the User Score stands at 8.6. PCGames rated it 8 out of 10, and GameStar scored it 87 out of 100, labeling it an “absolute real-time strategy hit.”

    Pricing and Compatibility

    Typically, Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is priced around $40 on Steam, but it’s currently available for 65% off until October 6, dropping the cost to about $14—this is the lowest price recorded, according to SteamDB. For those interested in playing on a handheld device, this offer is even more enticing: Steam indicates that the game is compatible with the Steam Deck, which is priced at $420 on Amazon.

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    Absolute Real-Time Strategy Game at 65% Off - Best Price EverAbsolute Real-Time Strategy Game at 65% Off - Best Price Ever

     

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  • Deadly One-Armed Bandit: Balatro-Like Roguelike Hits 96% Positive Reviews

    Deadly One-Armed Bandit: Balatro-Like Roguelike Hits 96% Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. CloverPit offers a unique roguelike experience, combining card game mechanics with a slot machine and a dark environment.
    2. Players must settle debts to survive; failing to deposit enough money leads to dire consequences.
    3. The game features over 150 items, talismans, and upgrades that influence slot machine outcomes and player strategies.
    4. Steam reviews highlight the enjoyment of experimenting with different setups for higher scores, making the game highly addictive.
    5. CloverPit launched on September 26, received positive feedback from users, and is currently available at a discounted price on Steam.

    Roguelike card games such as Balatro and Luck be a Landlord have gained a loyal following due to their engaging mechanics. If you’re looking for something new in this genre, CloverPit offers a unique experience. Unlike traditional card games, it immerses you in a dark environment where your fortune is determined by luck. You find yourself in a small, poorly lit room featuring a slot machine and an ATM.

    The Stakes of CloverPit

    In CloverPit, your survival depends on settling your debts – if you don’t deposit enough money after a game session, the floor beneath you opens up, leading to a horrific demise. This game puts a new spin on the roguelike concept. In contrast to Balatro, where luck is determined by card draws, your fate here relies on the slot machine lever. However, players do have some control over outcomes: there are more than 150 items, talismans, and upgrades that can be unlocked, giving you more influence with every attempt.

    The Importance of Items

    At the heart of CloverPit are the items. They alter how the slot machine functions or affect how specific symbols behave. Some items boost certain combinations, while others improve the chances of hitting rare patterns or set off chain reactions that can lead to huge rewards. Steam users have noted that the real charm of the game lies in trying out various setups and striving for higher scores, which makes it exceedingly difficult to stop playing.

    Launch Details

    CloverPit has been in demo form since April and officially debuted on Steam on September 26. It has quickly gathered over 1,000 reviews, boasting an impressive 96% positive feedback. There’s a 10% launch discount available until October 10, bringing the cost down to $9. Additionally, the game is marked as “Verified” for Steam Deck (which is currently around $480 on Amazon), making it an excellent choice for gaming on the go.

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    Deadly One-Armed Bandit: Balatro-Like Roguelike Hits 96% Positive ReviewsDeadly One-Armed Bandit: Balatro-Like Roguelike Hits 96% Positive Reviews

     

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  • Baldur’s Gate 3: 15 Million Sold, Only 23% Finished the Game

    Baldur’s Gate 3: 15 Million Sold, Only 23% Finished the Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Baldur’s Gate 3 has sold over 15 million copies since its release in August 2023, but only 23.4% of players have completed the game.
    2. The game’s vast content leads to many players not reaching Act 3, with 76% of users still exploring earlier parts of the game.
    3. Baldur’s Gate 3 has a slightly better completion rate than other popular titles like The Witcher 3 and Skyrim, especially regarding early achievements.
    4. Larian Studios has released major updates and hotfixes, including improvements for performance issues in Act 3.
    5. Larian is rumored to be developing two new titles, possibly including a sequel to Divinity: Original Sin, with a release expected between 2028 and 2029.

    It’s been over two years since Baldur’s Gate 3 made a splash in August 2023. By November 2024, the game has reached sales of more than 15 million copies worldwide. Even though it remains one of Steam’s best-selling titles, less than a quarter of PC gamers have actually completed the game.

    Completion Rates and Player Engagement

    According to Steam achievement statistics for Baldur’s Gate 3, a mere 23.4% of players have earned the completion trophy named “All’s Well That Ends Well.” This figure doesn’t even include players who replay the game, as the trophy is only awarded once per playthrough.

    A significant portion of Baldur’s Gate 3 users, about 76%, seem to be wandering around the Forgotten Realms. It’s not unusual for many players, since countless gamers haven’t even reached Act 3 due to the game’s vastness and the plethora of side content available.

    Comparing with Other Popular Titles

    This situation isn’t unique to Baldur’s Gate 3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which debuted in 2015, has a completion rate of around 27%, with only 65% of players advancing beyond White Orchard. Likewise, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition, released in 2016, shows a rather disappointing completion rate of just 11.1%, likely because many players choose to engage with side quests instead of following the main storyline.

    Interestingly, Baldur’s Gate 3 does slightly better in some areas: only 10% of players have yet to achieve the “Descent from Avernus” trophy by escaping the tutorial-like Nautiloid ship in the prologue, which is a significant improvement over The Witcher 3.

    Updates and Future Projects

    Larian has wrapped up major updates for Baldur’s Gate 3 but continues to release hotfixes. The latest update, Hotfix 34, has added native Steam Deck support and reduced framerate spikes in busy locations like Act 3 across all platforms.

    Act 3 became notorious at launch for its high number of NPCs in the lively city of Baldur’s Gate, causing even powerful CPUs like the Intel Core i9 12900K to struggle, leading to frame time spikes and FPS drops of about 20%. This performance issue may have contributed to some players deciding against finishing the game.

    Baldur’s Gate 3 marked its second anniversary last month, with Larian’s head Swen Vincke sharing insights about how the game’s incredible success has allowed the studio to focus on upcoming projects.

    As the rumors go, Larian is developing two new titles. Speculation hints that one might be a brand-new IP while the other could be a sequel to one of Larian’s earlier franchises, potentially Divinity: Original Sin 3. Vincke mentioned that Larian’s next game is expected to launch sometime between 2028 and 2029.

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  • Add a Second Screen to Your Steam Deck for Just $69

    Add a Second Screen to Your Steam Deck for Just $69

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Retroid dual-screen add-on enhances gaming on handheld devices, including the Steam Deck, despite it not being officially supported.
    2. Connecting the add-on to the Steam Deck is easy and reliable, making it suitable for emulating dual-screen games like those on Nintendo DS and Wii U.
    3. Games benefit from the second screen, with improved gameplay for titles like Mario Kart, although some Pokémon games have awkward menu navigation.
    4. Limitations exist, particularly for games relying on touch controls and gyroscope features, but overall performance is smooth and stable.
    5. Compatibility with smartphones is limited, with few workarounds available, reducing the accessory’s broader usability.

    The Retroid dual-screen add-on is a cool accessory that can be added to a Retroid handheld or any other third-party device, allowing for a second screen experience while gaming. Although its official documents don’t say it works with a Steam Deck, it actually does.

    Testing the Accessory

    YouTube channel GameXData did a test on this add-on. In a recent video, the YouTuber mentioned that connecting the display to the Steam Deck was super simple. It attached securely and had no connection issues, making it especially handy for emulating dual-screen systems like Nintendo DS, 3DS, or Wii U.

    Gaming Experience

    GameXData reported that games like Mario Kart really benefited from having maps and item information on a separate screen, while Pokémon games worked fairly well, though some menus felt a bit awkward. The YouTuber also said that the Steam Deck’s trackpads helped to fix some touchscreen scaling problems seen on external displays using Arch Linux, making the navigation easier and quicker than just using touch.

    Limitations

    However, not everything was flawless. GameXData pointed out that games with a lot of touch controls, like Pokémon Ranger, were still hard to play, and games needing heavy gyroscope controls could feel clumsy. Even so, the YouTuber called the combination of stable performance, the Steam Deck’s design, and its flexible controls one of the most smooth portable dual-screen setups they had ever tried.

    Interestingly, GameXData mentioned that the device Retroid specifically labels as unsupported could actually be the best non-Retroid handheld for this display. They also confirmed that Windows compatibility was good, which means that pairing the add-on with handheld PCs like the Asus ROG Ally could offer an affordable dual-screen emulation setup, especially when compared to dual-screen handhelds that cost more than $1,000.

    Limitations with Smartphones

    The YouTuber also pointed out that support for Android and iOS is a big limitation. There are some workarounds, like using SF Rotate on Android, but the lack of broader plug-and-play compatibility restricts the accessory’s potential for use with smartphones.

    If you’re interested in seeing how the Retroid dual-screen display works with the Steam Deck and other handhelds, check out GameXData’s video linked below. The video goes into more detail about the setup, performance, and quirks when playing different games.

     

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    Add a Second Screen to Your Steam Deck for Just $69

     

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  • New 3D Action Roguelike Game: 2,500 Reviews & 15% Launch Discount

    New 3D Action Roguelike Game: 2,500 Reviews & 15% Launch Discount

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gameplay Variety: Megabonk features over 70 items, more than 20 unique characters, and around 240 in-game quests, providing extensive gameplay variety and experimentation.

    2. Unique Mechanics: The game combines auto-shooting and upgrade loops found in other titles with 3D movement and direct combat, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

    3. Quirky Tone: Megabonk has a humorous and quirky style, featuring unusual characters and items, which enhances the overall gameplay experience.

    4. Accessibility: The game has low system requirements and supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux/SteamOS, and the Steam Deck, making it accessible to a wide audience.

    5. Positive Reception: Upon launch, Megabonk received positive reviews and peaked at 18,000 concurrent players, though it currently lacks multiplayer features.

    Megabonk hit Steam on September 18, 2025, brought to us by the solo developer vedinad. The game is an action roguelike survival title that presents a familiar concept. It features random maps, enemy waves, bosses, loot, character unlocks, and upgrades. However, the way it combines mechanics, pacing, and style makes it feel like more than just another typical game in this genre.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    Players begin with limited resources – just one character, a basic weapon, and little power. As you battle through enemy hordes, you gain experience, unlocking items, weapons, tomes, and new abilities. With over 70 items and more than 20 characters to discover, each offering unique traits, there’s plenty of variety. Additionally, the game has about 240 in-game quests, allowing for ongoing experimentation.

    Unique Style

    What sets Megabonk apart is its blend of gameplay styles. It incorporates the auto-shooting mechanics and addictive upgrade loop found in Vampire Survivors but does so in a 3D environment that allows for more movement, verticality, and direct combat interaction. You’re not just an observer; you’re actively darting, bonking, dodging, and chasing. It also takes cues from Risk of Rain 2’s open-map layout, scaling challenges, and spatial awareness while facing numerous enemies. Critics have dubbed it “Vampire Survivors on steroids,” which is fitting: with its loot flashes, chaotic enemy swarms, and the rewarding feeling of perfectly upgrading your build.

    Quirky Tone

    The game has a distinctively quirky tone. Featuring skeletons on skateboards, sunglasses-wearing monkeys, strange weapons, bizarre power-ups, and flashy loot effects, it’s evident that Megabonk isn’t aiming for a serious or dark atmosphere. This unique personality shines through, and many previews suggest that its humor enhances the overall gameplay experience.

    Megabonk is also quite accessible in terms of system requirements. It doesn’t require a high-end gaming setup. The minimum specs are user-friendly (2 GB RAM, decent graphics), and it supports both Windows and Linux/SteamOS. Moreover, it is verified for the Steam Deck (currently priced at $752 on Amazon), and there is controller support available.

    Pricing and Reception

    During the launch phase, a 15% discount was offered until October 2, bringing the price down to $8.49, which is fair for the content provided. Reviews have been largely positive, with an early peak of around 18,000 concurrent players. Word-of-mouth marketing has played a significant role, especially as many streamers are showcasing the game. However, a current drawback is the absence of multiplayer or co-op features, as it is strictly single-player for the time being. The developer noted that multiplayer wasn’t part of the original design, meaning adding it later would necessitate extensive rebalancing and rewriting.

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    New 3D Action Roguelike Game: 2,500 Reviews & 15% Launch DiscountNew 3D Action Roguelike Game: 2,500 Reviews & 15% Launch Discount

     

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  • Free Multiplayer Shooter: Perfect for Quick Casual Games with Friends

    Free Multiplayer Shooter: Perfect for Quick Casual Games with Friends

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fast-Paced Gameplay: X-MODE offers quick matches that last just a few minutes, making it ideal for casual gaming sessions.

    2. Simple Mechanics: The game features easy-to-understand controls and basic rules, welcoming newcomers without a steep learning curve.

    3. Multiplayer Modes: Players can choose from various modes like Free For All, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Flag, with a mix of ranged and melee weapons.

    4. Visual Style: The game uses a simplistic pixel art aesthetic, similar to BattleBit, and has received mostly positive reviews.

    5. Free to Play: X-MODE is free to play, making it easy for players to try without any financial commitment, despite some concerns about limited maps and matchmaking.

    For gamers who want a change from intense tactical shooters like Rainbow Six Siege or Escape from Tarkov, the arena shooter X-MODE could be the perfect option. Launched on Steam on September 19, this free-to-play game swaps lengthy preparation and intricate rounds for quick matches, simple rules, and immediate action. As the developers say, it’s “ideal for fast, casual games with pals.”

    Fast-Paced Matches

    In X-MODE, the matches are brief, often clocking in at just a few minutes. The pace is quick, the controls are easy to understand, making it feel welcoming for newcomers right from the get-go. The small maps, obvious objectives, and a basic selection of weapons help maintain a constant flow of action without requiring a steep learning curve. Players can dive into various multiplayer modes such as Free For All, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Infection, Elimination, and Point Hold. There’s a mix of ranged and melee weapons, along with options for character and gear customization. Progress is tracked on global leaderboards.

    Visual Style and Reception

    X-MODE showcases a simplistic pixel art aesthetic, reminiscent of BattleBit, which gained significant attention in 2023. The feedback has been largely favorable, with all 13 reviews available being positive at the time of writing. However, some gamers have pointed out the limited and underdeveloped map selection as a downside. Matchmaking could also be a bit tricky at the moment, since SteamDB recorded a peak of only 28 concurrent players. Nonetheless, giving it a try is risk-free since X-MODE is entirely free to play. Current Steam Deck compatibility is marked as “Unknown,” with the device listed on Amazon for $600.

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  • Fast-Paced Co-Op Hack-and-Slash Game Hits 45,000 Players in Week

    Fast-Paced Co-Op Hack-and-Slash Game Hits 45,000 Players in Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Successful Launch: Shape of Dreams debuted on September 10, 2025, with a peak player count over 45,000 and daily players often exceeding 40,000.

    2. Launch Discount: The game is currently available at a 20% discount, priced at $19.99, offering a good value for players.

    3. Unique Gameplay: It combines MOBA mechanics with co-op PvE gameplay, featuring procedurally generated levels and character progression through unlocking memories.

    4. Artistic Graphics: The game features a stylized, surreal aesthetic that enhances the dreamlike experience, despite having moderate hardware requirements.

    5. Positive Reception: Shape of Dreams has a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, with 81% of over 5,000 reviews praising its combat, progression system, and customization options.

    Shape of Dreams made its debut on Steam on September 10, 2025, quickly achieving a peak player count exceeding 45,000, with daily players often surpassing 40,000. This new co-op roguelite game combines fast-paced action, skill-based gameplay, and distinct graphics to create a truly unique experience.

    Launch Discount and Compatibility

    As part of its launch promotion, Shape of Dreams is currently available at a 20% discount, priced at only $19.99. Reviews suggest it offers a delightful experience packed with progression and replay value. It also plays well on the Valve Steam Deck and other handheld devices that run SteamOS, like the Lenovo Legion Go S (currently $649.99 on Amazon), due to its lenient hardware requirements and a Platinum rating on ProtonDB.

    Unique Gameplay Elements

    Shape of Dreams is published by the same company that brought us Lies of P, ensuring a legacy of responsive combat from the get-go. What makes Shape of Dreams stand out among other roguelites is its integration of MOBA mechanics into a co-op PvE setting. Players select a champion to navigate through the dream realm and face various challenges. Each playthrough is procedurally generated, ensuring that every session offers a fresh experience. During each run, players unlock new memories for their characters, allowing for on-the-fly customization and progression to suit their preferred play style.

    Artistic Graphics

    The visuals of Shape of Dreams are another distinctive feature. Despite having moderate minimum requirements, the game boasts a highly stylized, surreal aesthetic that immerses players in a dreamlike environment.

    As of now, Shape of Dreams has received a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, with 81% of more than 5,000 reviews being favorable. Players commend the game for its engaging combat, innovative progression system, and the challenging yet satisfying gameplay, including boss encounters. Additionally, there is much appreciation for the customization options and detailed skill trees available in the game.

    In conclusion, if you’re not a fan of top-down MOBA-style games, Shape of Dreams may not be for you. However, for those who love the roguelite genre and are looking for something unique, this game appears to be a fantastic option to explore.

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  • Borderlands 4 on MSI Claw 8 AI vs Steam Deck: FPS Comparison

    Borderlands 4 on MSI Claw 8 AI vs Steam Deck: FPS Comparison

    Key Takeaways

    1. Borderlands 4 performs significantly better on the MSI Claw 8 AI with AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme compared to the Steam Deck.
    2. On the MSI Claw 8 AI, the game can achieve around 30 FPS at 1080p with medium settings, but frame rates drop during action.
    3. Lowering resolution and settings improves performance, but maintaining a steady 60 FPS requires very low resolutions (700p or 800p).
    4. The Steam Deck struggles with Borderlands 4, often hitting only 18-22 FPS, making gameplay challenging even with overclocking.
    5. Both handheld devices highlight that Borderlands 4 may need optimization for better performance on portable hardware.

    YouTuber ETA PRIME has recently tried out Borderlands 4 on the MSI Claw 8 AI, which is driven by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme. The performance of the game is clearly improved when compared to its performance on the Steam Deck. In a prior video, he evaluated Borderlands 4 on the Steam Deck and found that even though the game can be played, the overall experience is not very enjoyable. The conclusion was that players might be better off waiting for a performance patch before jumping in.

    Performance Comparison

    In stark contrast, the MSI Claw 8 AI, equipped with the more robust AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, shows much better performance. ETA PRIME kicked off his tests at a 1080p resolution with medium graphics settings and FSR scaling set to Balanced. The thermal design power (TDP) was limited to 35 W.

    During this testing phase, Borderlands 4 managed about 30 FPS, but often dropped below that number. It’s important to mention that there was no action happening on screen; the player was just wandering through empty fields. This indicates that when enemies come into play, the frame rate might drop even more.

    Adjusting Settings for Better Performance

    When he reduced the resolution to 1600×900 using medium settings, the performance improved to above 30 FPS, yet the gameplay still felt slow. Turning on frame generation raised the averages close to 50 FPS, but maintaining a steady 60 FPS was challenging. Lowering the settings to low at 900p enhanced performance even more, however, achieving a constant 60 FPS required dropping down to 700p or 800p.

    ETA PRIME also looked into performance at an 18 W TDP. Running with low settings, FSR Balanced, and frame generation, the experience was not significantly different from the 35 W profile, as both were prone to occasional drops below 60 FPS. Nonetheless, this setup provided smoother gameplay than on the Steam Deck, thanks to the Claw’s larger 80 Wh battery which gave decent runtimes.

    Steam Deck Performance Issues

    In ETA PRIME’s previous video, the performance on the Steam Deck was much less impressive. At an 800p resolution with FSR set to Performance, Borderlands 4 often fell between 18-22 FPS, making aiming and combat really difficult. The particle effects caused even more performance issues, and even with frame generation turned on, the game had a hard time reaching 30 FPS. He even overclocked the Steam Deck’s GPU to 1600 MHz, but while frame rates got closer to 40 FPS, heavy input lag and stuttering continued to make the experience quite frustrating.

    In comparison, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme-powered MSI Claw 8 AI performed significantly better with Borderlands 4, although both handheld devices underline that the game wasn’t made for portable hardware. Without further optimization from Gearbox, players using handheld devices might need to depend on lower resolutions and reduced settings to keep the gameplay smoother.

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    Borderlands 4 on MSI Claw 8 AI vs Steam Deck: FPS Comparison

     

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  • Normal Fishing Review: Palworld Devs’ Game Falls Short – Demo Playable

    Normal Fishing Review: Palworld Devs’ Game Falls Short – Demo Playable

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pocketpair is publishing a unique indie game called Normal Fishing, developed by The Bworg.
    2. The game combines retro aesthetics with psychological horror, featuring eerie incidents and messages.
    3. A trailer suggests the game has dark humor, showcasing a woman sending her husband fishing with disturbing twists.
    4. Normal Fishing features nostalgic pixel graphics and a mix of fast-paced mini-games, RPG elements, and monster confrontations.
    5. A free demo is available on Steam, and players can wishlist the game, though no release date has been announced.

    Pocketpair is in the news again, but this time it’s not about Palworld. Instead, the spotlight is on a unique indie game they’ve decided to publish. On September 11, the studio revealed its backing for Normal Fishing, a creation by The Bworg. A free demo can be found on Steam, and players have the option to add the game to their wishlist.

    A Unique Experience Awaits

    Don’t let the title fool you; this game is anything but ordinary. What initially looks like a simple fishing game quickly morphs into a strange blend of retro aesthetics and psychological horror. As you aim to catch 20 different aquatic creatures, you’ll face eerie incidents, foreboding messages such as “Don’t touch the water,” and whispers about a godfish hiding in the depths of the lake.

    A Dark Joke Unfolds

    In a 30-second trailer that announces Pocketpair’s involvement, the title Normal Fishing seems to be more of a dark humor statement than a true description of the game. The video depicts a woman sending her husband out to fish to support her “extravagant lifestyle.” The most disturbing moment, however, is when a giant crab appears out of nowhere, and the final scene reveals the woman momentarily changing into a monster, suggesting a twisted horror lurking beneath the game’s surface.

    Nostalgic Yet Innovative

    With its sepia-toned pixel graphics, Normal Fishing brings back memories of classic handheld games. The gameplay features a mix of fast-paced fishing mini-games along with action, RPG components, and monster confrontations. Although there’s no set release date announced, and the compatibility with Steam Deck (priced at $455 on Amazon) is still uncertain, the system requirements seem quite low, indicating that the game should perform well on most systems.

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  • Steam Deck Borderlands 4 Performance: 40 FPS, Input Lag Issues

    Steam Deck Borderlands 4 Performance: 40 FPS, Input Lag Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Randy Pitchford, Gearbox’s CEO, faced backlash over comments about Borderlands 4’s physical edition on Switch 2 requiring an internet download for full content access.
    2. The game is experiencing performance issues on PC and other platforms, which Pitchford has acknowledged.
    3. Testing on the Steam Deck showed poor performance, with frame rates struggling to stay above 20 FPS at 800p resolution.
    4. Enabling frame generation improved performance to nearly 30 FPS, but introduced severe input latency, making gameplay difficult.
    5. ETA PRIME recommended waiting for future patches before playing Borderlands 4 on the Steam Deck due to the current unsatisfactory experience.

    Borderlands 4 has faced a lot of drama since it was first announced, mainly because of remarks made by Gearbox’s CEO, Randy Pitchford. Recently, another issue arose when he mentioned that the physical edition of Borderlands 4 for the Switch 2 won’t be fully available on the cartridge and will need an internet download to access all the content. With the game’s release, it is once again encountering performance problems, something Pitchford has openly recognized.

    Performance Testing on the Steam Deck

    Randy’s comments were mostly about the performance on PC, but popular YouTuber ETA PRIME decided to test Borderlands 4 on the Steam Deck, a well-known handheld console, to see how it performs.

    At first glance, the results were not good. Running the game at 800p resolution with FSR set to Performance, it struggled to keep even 20 FPS, often fluctuating between 18 and 22 FPS. The particle effects made things worse, causing significant slowdowns, and aiming at this framerate was nearly impossible.

    Frame Generation Issues

    In the middle of the video, the YouTuber switched to a game capture device, effectively streaming the game at 720p. By enabling frame generation, the performance improved to nearly 30 FPS, but it came with a major downside: severe input latency, making the gameplay feel sluggish and hard to control. Even when the Steam Deck’s GPU clock speed was increased to 1600 MHz, the game continued to struggle with input lag and stuttering, though it did manage to reach around 40 FPS.

    ETA PRIME concluded that although Borderlands 4 technically works on the Steam Deck, playing it in its current state is not enjoyable. They suggested that unless future patches bring improvements, players eager to experience the game on Valve’s handheld might want to wait a bit longer.

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    Steam Deck Borderlands 4 Performance: 40 FPS, Input Lag Issues

     

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