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Tag: gaming

  • Best Mobile Games to Play in 2025

    Best Mobile Games to Play in 2025

    2025 has been full of exciting news for mobile gamers. With the recent smartphone updates, developers are working overtime to create better mobile game experiences that can take on PC and console games. Whether you’re a casual player looking for some entertainment or a professional gamer searching for something new and challenging, you’re at the right place. 

    These are the best mobile games to play in 2025, and the best part? These games are all compatible with Android and iOS devices. 

    Top 10 Mobile Games of 2025

    So here’s our list of the top 10 mobile games in 2025.

    1. Genshin Impact

    Genshin Impact

    If you haven’t tried Genshin Impact yet, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of fun!

    Genshin Impact is a free-action RPG where you can explore a big open world, fight enemies, and follow exciting stories. This game gets its inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. What sets this game apart from the others is its regular updates that add new areas, characters, and events. With cool visuals and tons of content, Genshin Impact is perfect for anyone who loves adventure games with some depth and amazing visuals—and the best part? It’s completely free to play!

    2. Honkai Star Rail

    Honkai Star Rail, also made by the creators of Genshin Impact, is a turn-based RPG that has created its own niche in gaming. This game is set in a sci-fi world; it features a colorful cast of characters, exciting stories, and different planets to explore. The battles mix strategy with cool animations, making it fun for both experienced RPG fans and beginners. With a big focus on storytelling and adventure, the game keeps getting better and better.

    3. Forge of Empires

    For fans of strategy games, Forge of Empires is a classic game and is still popular in 2025 after all this time. The game allows you to build and grow your own city, going through history from ancient times to the future. It’s a fun and educational game, with a mix of city-building and tactical battles. If you love history or strategy games, this one’s a must-try!

    4. Jetpack Joyride

    Jetpack Joyride being one of the best mobile games in 2025 isn’t a surprise and proves that simple games can be incredibly fun. You play as Barry Steakfried, a quirky hero using a jetpack to dodge a bunch of obstacles in this endless runner. Even though it’s been around for a while, its frequent updates keep it exciting with new power-ups, challenges, and themes. It’s perfect for quick, lighthearted fun when you have a few minutes to spare.

    5. Slay the Spire

    Slay the Spire is a top 10 strategy game that mixes deck-building with roguelike features. You climb a mysterious tower, fighting enemies and making important choices along the way. What makes it so fun is that each playthrough is different, and your decisions impact the game. Now available on mobile, it lets you enjoy its deep, strategic gameplay wherever you are.

    6. Hero Wars

    Hero Wars is often misunderstood due to its misleading ads, but the actual game is a gem for RPG fans. You gather and train a team of heroes to conquer dungeons and defeat powerful bosses. The game’s progression system keeps you hooked and rewards you as you collect better gear and unlock new characters. It’s easy to get lost in, with a mix of casual gameplay and deeper RPG elements that appeal to a wide range of players.

    7. Reigns

    Reigns combines humor and strategy in a way few games do. You swipe cards to make decisions as a ruler in a medieval kingdom, and every choice leads to surprising (and often funny) results. With its quirky story and entertaining graphics, it’s a great choice for players who enjoy fun, story-driven games.

    8. Monument Valley Series.

    The Monument Valley series is a beautiful mix of art and puzzles. Known for its simple visuals and tricky challenges, it’s as much about the experience as the gameplay. With amazing designs and soothing music, it offers a relaxing break from everyday stress. The sequel improves on the original with tougher levels and a touching story.

    9. Paper Trail

    Paper Trail is an indie game that mixes creative puzzles with a touching story. You move paper-like environments to solve challenges and reveal the plot. Its fresh gameplay and calming visuals make it a great choice for those who enjoy creative and meaningful games.

    10. The Elder Scrolls: Castles

    Fans of the Elder Scrolls series will love this mobile adaptation. The Elder Scrolls: Castles mixes city-building with RPG elements, allowing you to manage a kingdom while exploring its rich story. It’s a great mix of strategy and adventure, perfect for players who like games with both depth and easy-to-learn gameplay.

    Mobile gaming in 2025 proves that mobile phones can deliver experiences as good as the traditional gaming platforms. These games show you the best of what the industry has to offer, from breathtaking visuals and exciting narratives to addictive games. Whether you’re in the mood for strategic battles, relaxing puzzles, or crazy adventures, these are the best mobile games in 2025 that will keep you entertained for hours.

    The future of mobile gaming looks brighter than ever, so grab your device and start exploring these incredible games today.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Mobile Games of 2025

    1. What are the best mobile games in 2025?

    Answer: The best mobile games of 2025 include:

    • Genshin Impact 
    • Honkai Star Rail 
    • Forge of Empires 
    • Slay the Spire 
    • Monument Valley Series

    2. Are these games free to play?

    Answer: Some of the mentioned games are free, but others provide you with optional in-game purchases or premium versions.

    • Some free-to-play games include Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, and Hero Wars.
    • Premium or subscription-based games like Slay the Spire might require a one-time payment or service access.

    3. What type of game is best for casual players?

    Answer: If you’re looking for light, quick games:

    • Jetpack Joyride is perfect for you.
    • Reigns offers a simple card-swiping mechanic with humorous outcomes.
    • Monument Valley provides a relaxing puzzle experience.

    4. Can I play these games offline?

    Answer: Some games, like Slay the Spire and Monument Valley, offer offline modes.
    However, others like Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail require an internet connection for gameplay.

  • The Best Mobile Gaming Devices of 2025

    The Best Mobile Gaming Devices of 2025

    As individuals with a love for playing games on mobile devices, we often face challenges that usually decrease the love of doing what we love. Mobile gaming has soared in popularity, reshaping the entertainment experience worldwide, especially in Africa where its influence is profound and keeps expanding on a daily. With the industry’s rapid evolution, selecting the right device is important for your casual or competitive activities. 

    This article reviews the top mobile gaming devices of 2025 using criteria like performance, display, and user comfort.

    Handheld Wars 2025: Asus ROG Ally vs. AYN Odin 2

    Asus ROG Ally

    mobile gaming devices

    This is at the pinnacle of gaming devices due to its reliability and power within the mobile space. The Asus ROG Ally stands out with its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, offering incredible processing power. Its 7-inch screen is slick and crisp, perfect for gaming enthusiasts who demand top-tier visuals with the ability to play pc game passes and ease of playing games from other stores. The battery life reviewed here, exceeding many competitors, ensures prolonged gaming sessions on PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile without charging.

    PROSCONS
    Storage(1-TB SSD)Very comfortable for usersCan run most Windows apps or gamesMarginally Expensive (1 Million Naira and above)Low battery lifeThe design might make some Windows apps look strange

    AYN Odin 2

    This device is a prime choice for retro gaming fans. The AYN Odin 2 delivers exceptional performance and stands out with its targeted features for classic game lovers, ensuring a smooth and nostalgic gaming experience.

    PROSCONS
    Strong battery life and storage(1Terrabite)PWD (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Chipset)The design is compact and ergonomicLess expensive (Below 1 Million Naira)128GB/256GB/512GB

    Mobile Wars: iPhone 15 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy

    iPhone

    Apple’s iPhone series continues evolving within the mobile space with the 15 Pro and 16 Pro. Both models offer seamless gaming experiences, however, the 16 Pro actualises more gaming experience through enhanced graphics and faster processors. Their compatibility with the latest mobile games adds to their unparalleled versatility and appeal. You may want to visit here to get more information on their gaming compatibility.

    PROSCONS
    PWD (A17/18 Pro Chipset)Storage(256GB-1TB)Mildly comfortable for usersThe camera is decent (48MP)Expensive (1.5 Million Naira and above)Decent battery life (3,582 mPh)3D Graphics is decent (4144 pts) compared to its rival

    Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

    Samsung’s resurgence in mobile gaming is palpable. The Galaxy series combines impressive gaming capabilities with high-resolution displays, catering to avid gamers. Samsung’s focus on improving graphic deliveries and user experience sets it apart in a competitive market.

    PROSCONS
    PROSPWD (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chipset)3D Graphics is higher (4444 pts) compared to its rivalDecent battery life(5,000 mPh)Storage(256GB- 1TB)Very Expensive (2 Million Naira and above)Too big and quite heavy

    Nubia Redmagic 9S Pro

    The Nubia RedMagic 9s Pro captures gamers’ attention with its combination of portability and display quality. It is the perfect mobile phone specifically made just for gaming, known for exclusive game titles like Call of Duty, Need for Speed, Wuthering Waves or Simpsons (as an idle game). 

    Also, it is a phone that boasts a screen that’s not just for play but for a visual feast. Its compact design, as explained here makes it an ideal companion for gamers on the move. However, the RedMagic 10 Pro and RedMagic 10 Pro+ are now available for pre-order in China as sales begin on the 18th of November 2024.

    PROSCONS
    Battery life (6500 mAh)Storage(256GB-1Terrabite)PWD (Snapdragon 8 LV Chipset)3D Graphics is higher (5381 pts) compared to SamsungThe camera is decent (50MP)Marginally expensive(Above 1 Million Naira)

    Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Gaming Device

    • Performance and Speed: Processing speed and RAM are critical in ensuring a remarkable gaming experience. Devices with advanced chips like the Snapdragon 8 will aid sufficient RAM to handle high-intensity games and graphics seamlessly, utmostly reducing lag.
    • Display Quality: An immersive gaming experience often relies on display quality. High screen resolution and adequate size are essential for clear graphics and engaging play. A graphical display above 4k will help aid a gaming mood without being in a gaming atmosphere. Devices with superior display capabilities ensure that visuals are rich and detailed.
    • Battery Life: Battery efficiency is a significant thing to look out for especially when looking for a gaming machine. It can make or break the gaming experience, especially during long commutes, esports tournaments or trips. Devices with advanced battery technology like the Redmagic might offer more extended playtime without frequent interruptions for charging.
    • Game Library and Compatibility: Access to a broad game library enhances the overall experience. Devices that support a wide range of storage spaces close to 1TB will always allow gamers to explore various genres and keep the excitement alive.
    • Ergonomics and Design: There is an old saying: “Comfort is key during prolonged gaming sessions.” Ergonomically designed devices like Odin 2 will help reduce hand strains and enhance the gaming experience. This only proves the significance of design as a crucial consideration when choosing gaming equipment or devices.

    Future Trends in Mobile Gaming Devices

    Integration of Cloud Gaming

    Cloud gaming is set to transform mobile gaming with free-to-play gaming services dominating the industry. Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now allow you to stream high-quality games directly from your device, which in a way helps lower the demand for powerful hardware and also expand gaming options.

    VR Headsets to Buy in 2023/How to Discover the Best

    Augmented Reality (AR) Capabilities

    The integration of AR technology into mobile gaming provides an innovative way to interact with games. This technology overlays digital content on the real world, offering new perspectives and immersive experiences.

    Enhanced Connectivity Features

    With 5G and Wi-Fi 6, mobile gaming is more interconnected than ever. These features ensure stable, high-speed connections, crucial for online multiplayer games and real-time interactions.

    Choosing the right mobile gaming device involves balancing performance, display quality, and user comfort. The devices mentioned represent the pinnacle of mobile gaming in 2024, each providing unique qualities that cater to different aspects for maximum satisfaction. However, these devices might not be budget-friendly for the average gamer, you may want to visit here for a much cheaper budget device as a gamer. 

    Finally, on a personal note, if you have the financial strength for any of the above, you might want to consider the Nubia Redmagic 9S Pro for your next gaming investment to match your passion. Additionally, if you’re an esports startup or a business owner aiming to enter the gaming market in Nigeria and need assistance with market analysis and data collection, you can find more information here.

  • Nintendo Switch 2: Features, Release Date, and Everything We Know

    Nintendo Switch 2: Features, Release Date, and Everything We Know

    Ready for the next big thing from Nintendo? The wildly popular Nintendo Switch successor might be closer than we think. While we’re still awaiting an official announcement, Nintendo’s president Shuntaro Furukawa hinted that an announcement about Nintendo Switch 2 is expected this year.

    Although some were expecting a reveal in June, sources like Nikkei report that the Nintendo Switch 2 launch has been pushed to March 2025. This delay is reported to ensure a strong launch lineup and avoid stock shortages just like what happened with the PS5 Slim.

    Features We’d Love to See

    1. Improved Joy-Cons: Enhanced ergonomics, less stick drift, and analog triggers.
    2. Battery Life: A bigger battery for longer play sessions, handy for travel.
    3. Wi-Fi Connectivity: Better Wi-Fi for faster downloads and smoother game streaming.

    Nintendo has a history of either building on the strengths of its existing consoles or innovating in completely new ways. Given this, we’re anticipating that the next console will be an upgraded version of the Switch, though it could come with a new name.

    We’re hoping for enhanced power, an OLED display standard, and 4K output to match up with the best TVs on the market. Nintendo plans to produce enough consoles to meet demand. Rumors suggest an 8-inch screen and backward compatibility with existing games and Joy-Con controllers.

    Specs and Hardware

    We’re expecting the Switch 2 to feature an Nvidia system-on-a-chip, possibly a custom chipset to maximize performance. While AMD advancements make it a contender, Nvidia seems to be the likely choice. Despite earlier rumors about a Samsung 5-nanometer chip, it’s more probable that an Nvidia chip will power the new console.

    A leaked spec sheet suggests an eight-core Cortex-A78AE processor, 10 streaming multiprocessors, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage—an upgrade, but not on par with PS5 or Xbox Series X.

    There’s also speculation about a co-processor chip in the dock to boost power and video output when connected to a 4K TV. Onboard storage could jump to 512GB, a significant upgrade from the current Switch models.

    Display Technology

    We’re hoping for an OLED panel, possibly with a 120Hz refresh rate, though rumors indicate that Sharp might be developing an LCD for the Switch 2 to cut production costs. Mobapad, a third-party controller maker, claims the Switch 2 will sport an 8-inch, 1080p display.

    Games and Backward Compatibility

    A new Mario game and a Mario Kart title, rumored to be the most expensive game Nintendo has ever produced, are expected for the Switch 2. Final Fantasy 7 Remake might showcase the new console’s power. Additionally, a Bayonetta Trilogy with enhanced visuals is rumored to be in the works.

    However, there’s some concern about backward compatibility. While some rumors suggest older games and Joy-Cons will work with the Switch 2, others are less optimistic. We’re hoping Nintendo ensures backward compatibility, as it’s a significant feature for many gamers.

  • Best Desktop Monitor for Gaming

    Best Desktop Monitor for Gaming

    Desktop Monitor for Gaming are a big deal lately. They’re not just accessories but important devices for anyone who takes their gaming seriously. And with new advancements popping up all the time, the future of gaming looks brighter than ever. If you’re playing your favorite video game, but instead of being sucked into the action, you’re squinting at a tiny screen with blurry graphics you need gaming monitors—the best Gaming Laptop in 2023.

    In gaming, every detail matters. The precise movements of your character, riveting virtual worlds, and a high-quality desktop monitor for gaming can make all the difference. The type of gaming monitor you purchase can influence how you enjoy your games. For most gamers, a high-refresh-rate monitor with a low response time is great. These features provide smoother visual activity and reduce input lag; which is important for fast-paced games where split-second reactions matter. Gaming monitors specifically designed with these features often outperform standard desktop monitors.

    PC monitors can be good for gaming, especially if they have the necessary specifications like high refresh rates and low response times. However, not all PC monitors are the same. Some PC monitors may lack the performance needed for competitive gaming, while others may excel in gaming scenarios.

    Gaming Monitor vs Desktop Monitor for Gaming

    The primary difference between a gaming monitor and a desktop monitor is its features and specifications. If you’re about to make a purchase and you’re curious why you should choose a gaming monitor over regular monitors, here are a few things to keep in mind. Gaming monitors prioritize factors like refresh rate, response time, and adaptive sync technologies such as G-Sync or FreeSync to provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. On the other hand, desktop monitors may focus more on color accuracy and resolution, which are necessary for tasks like photo editing or graphic design.

    As for the size of the monitor, it largely depends on personal preference and gaming setup. Many gamers prefer larger monitors for better gaming experiences, but a balance must be struck to avoid sacrificing responsiveness for size. Generally, a 24 to 27-inch monitor is considered a sweet spot for gaming. Some gamers may opt for even larger displays, especially for gaming genres like simulations or open-world adventures. Depending on the type of monitor you buy for your gaming, the best size is one that perfectly fits your gaming setup while delivering the performance you need.

    Premium and Budget Desktop Monitor for Gaming


    Dell Alienware AW3225QFDesktop Monitor for Gaming

    Best Desktop Monitor for Gaming - Dell Alienware AW3225QF


    A top choice for gamers with 4k resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, and a QD-OLED panel for unmatched picture quality and gaming performance, the Dell Alienware AW3225QF is one of the best desktop gaming monitors. Its rapid response time ensures minimal motion blur, complemented by support for various VRR formats to combat screen tearing. It also has Dolby Vision and HDMI 2.1 compatibility for high-end PC setups.

    Dell Alienware AW2725DFDesktop Monitor for Gaming


    Ideal for those not requiring 4k resolution, this monitor sacrifices some detail for a higher 360Hz refresh rate, perfect for competitive gaming. While lacking HDMI 2.1 support, its QD-OLED panel ensures vivid colors and deep blacks, maintaining excellent gaming performance.

    Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx

    Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx


    A cost-effective alternative with decent gaming capabilities and picture quality. Though lacking OLED performance, its Mini LED local dimming provides satisfactory contrast and brightness for gaming in both SDR and HDR modes.

    Dell Alienware AW2724DM

    Dell Alienware AW2724DM


    Balancing affordability with gaming performance, this monitor delivers smooth motion with its 165Hz refresh rate and supports various VRR formats. However, its lower resolution and limited local dimming affect picture quality.

    ViewSonic XG2431


    A budget-friendly option offering impressive gaming performance with a high 240Hz refresh rate and optional backlight strobing. Though lacking in resolution compared to higher-end models, its responsiveness and compatibility make it an attractive choice.

    ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q1A


    A simple and affordable option suitable for entry-level gamers, featuring a 165Hz refresh rate and FreeSync compatibility. However, its limited picture quality and ergonomics may not appeal to all users.

    ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM


    Utilizing the same QD-OLED panel, this alternative offers additional features like USB-C connectivity and higher power delivery, albeit at a higher cost.

    LG 32GR93U-B


    A viable substitute offering 4k resolution, albeit with slightly inferior picture quality compared to the Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx.

    LG 27GP850-B/27GP83B-B


    Another great alternative desktop monitor for gaming, but for budget-conscious gamers, although with reduced brightness compared to the Dell Alienware AW2724DM.

  • Meta Quest 3 Complete Beginner’s Guide

    Meta Quest 3 Complete Beginner’s Guide


    Just like was hinted at in Meta Quest 3 Most Anticipated Games for 2024, Meta Quest 3 has the potential to be a highly sought-after and powerful VR headset to buy in 2024, similar to its predecessor, the Quest 2. Compared to the Meta Quest 2, it boasts a better display with higher resolution, a faster processor, and even more advanced passthrough capabilities. However, it comes with a higher price tag.

    The base model with 128GB storage is priced at $500, while the 512GB version is priced at $649. Additionally, there are bundles available for the Quest, such as the comfort bundle which includes an advanced head strap, and the “Power” bundle featuring an elite strap with an extra battery.

    What is Meta Quest 3?

    Imagine wearing a set of glasses and suddenly finding yourself immersed in a digital world, whether it’s exploring the depths of the ocean, battling on the front lines of a war, diving into action-packed adventures, or even engaging in fitness activities. Virtual Reality VR headsets make you feel like you’re there. The Quest 3, as the successor to the widely acclaimed Meta Quest 2, takes this experience to the next level with improved features. A standalone VR headset, meaning you don’t need any cables or a high-powered computer to use it. Think of it as a gateway to extraordinary virtual adventures, all from the comfort of your own home.

    The Meta Quest 3 has high-resolution screens that show you amazing pictures, making it feel like you’re really there. It also has cameras that track your movements, so when you move your head or hands in real life, your avatar (your character) in VR moves too! You also get two wireless controllers that act like your hands in the virtual world, letting you interact with everything you see.

    Getting Started with Your Meta headset

    Meta Quest 3: Your Complete Beginner's Guide 

    Setting up your Meta Quest 3 is super easy. Here’s what you need to do:

    1. Download the Meta app: This app is available for free on both Android and iOS phones and will be your control center for the Quest

    Setting up your headset and controllers

    1. Turn on your Quest 3:
    2. To start using your Meta Quest 3 headset and controllers, follow these steps:
    3. Take everything out of the box.
    4. Charge your headset with the charger and cable provided until it’s fully charged.
    5. Once charged, do the following:
    6. Take off the protective paper from the headset strap and lens.
    7. Hold down the power button on the left side of the headset until you hear a sound and see the Meta symbol.
    8. Remove the battery blockers from the controllers.
    9. Put the controllers on your wrists using the straps.
    10. Turn on each controller by pressing and holding the buttons on them.
    11. After a few seconds, you should see a blinking light and feel a vibration, showing that the controllers are ready.
    12. Follow the instructions on the screen in your headset to set up language and Wi-Fi.
    13. After that, you can adjust the headset’s fit.

    However, Before you update any software, be sure to plug your headset into a charger.

    How to Download Meta app

    To download the Meta Quest mobile app, you can go to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Search for “Meta Quest” and you should find the app. Then, just follow the prompts to download and install it on your device.

    However, to use the Meta Quest mobile app for setting up your Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2, or Meta Quest, make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and has Bluetooth turned on. If you install the app on a device it doesn’t support, you might have trouble setting up your headset.

    Once you’ve activated your headset with the app, you can complete the setup process in virtual reality.

    Pair your Headset With the Meta Quest Mobile App

    The Meta Quest mobile app works with your Meta Quest 3 headset. It helps you do things like shop in the Store, buy and download apps, adjust settings, and share what you’re seeing with your phone or a Chromecast device.

    You don’t have to use the Meta Quest mobile app every time you use your headset, but you’ll need it when you first set up and pair your headset.

    Here’s how to pair your headset with the app:

    1. Get the Meta Quest mobile app from the Google Play or Apple App store.
    2. Open the app and sign in or make a new account.
    3. Tap Menu, then Devices.
    4. Your headset and controllers should pair automatically. If not:
    • Put on your headset and look for a 5-digit code.
    • In the Meta Quest mobile app, enter the 5-digit code from your headset.
    • Once the code is entered, your headset should start pairing with the app.

    Make sure your app is updated. If you can’t find the option to add a Quest headset, update and restart the app. You need Bluetooth and sharing with nearby devices turned on to connect your phone and headset. Once your Meta Quest 3 is set up with the app, you can connect it to your PC using Quest Link or Air Link.

    That said, If you’re still stuck, contact Meta Store Support.

    How to set Set your play area:

    Hover over the clock on the left side of the universal menu. When Quick Settings appears, select it to open the Quick Settings panel. Select Boundary.

    When you’re setting up your boundary, you can pick from these modes:

    1. Stationary: This is for when you’re using your headset while sitting or standing still. It sets up a default boundary area of 3 feet by 3 feet (1 meter by 1 meter) centered on where you are.
    2. Roomscale: This mode is for when you want to move around in your play area. With Roomscale, you can use your Touch controller to draw the boundaries in your physical space. It’s best to have a safe and clear area that’s at least 6.5 feet by 6.5 feet (2 meters by 2 meters).
    set your play area
    Set your play area:
    1. Explore the Meta Quest App Store: This is an online store full of VR games, apps, and experiences. You can browse by category, search for specific things, and download whatever you want.

    Tips To Finding The Best Apps and Games on Meta Quest 3

    Meta Quest 3 has a huge library of VR games and apps for everyone. No matter what you like, there’s something for you! Here are some tips to find the best ones:

    • Think about what you enjoy: Do you like action-packed adventures, challenging puzzles, or hanging out with friends? Knowing what types of games you usually play can help you narrow down your search.
    • Read reviews and watch videos: There are websites and videos online that review VR games and apps. This can help you see what other people think and decide if something is worth your time.
    • Check out user ratings and recommendations: Other VR users can leave reviews and recommend games they like. This is a great way to find hidden gems and see what other people are enjoying.
    • Start with free experiences: There are several free VR games and apps available.  Press / on your right controller to pull up your toolbar menu.

    Navigate Store .

    select what you want to download.

    choose the price to buy it, or tap Free if it’s a free download.

    Trying these out can be a good way to get used to VR and see what types of experiences you like.

    Here are Some Popular Meta Quest 3 Games

    meta quest 3 games
    meta quest 3 games

    Games: There are several types of games on meta quest 3 here are some 

    • Assassin’s Creed Nexus. …
    • Pistol Whip. …
    • Walkabout Mini Golf. …
    • Eye of the Temple
    • The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, 
    • Arizona Sunshine, 
    • Dungeons of Eternity,  exploring more 

    Social experiences: Want to hang out with friends in VR? There are apps where you can chat, play games together, or even watch movies in virtual spaces.

    Educational experiences: meta quest 3 can also be a powerful tool for learning. Here are some examples: 

    • Visiting historical sites
    • Taking a virtual tour of the human body 
    • Visiting the bottom of the ocean
    • Learn to play the piano without needing to buy an actual piano.
    • Meditate without any distractions to find inner peace.
    • Enjoy concerts from your favourite artists without leaving your living room.
    • Work together smoothly with your colleagues in a virtual environment.

    How to use your Quest 3 for work and productivity

    Meta Quest 3 isn’t just for entertainment. Businesses are starting to use VR in creative ways to enhance communication, training, and even design processes. Here are some ways your work might benefit from VR:

    • Remote collaboration and meetings: Imagine holding meetings with colleagues who appear virtually present in the same room, even if they’re miles apart. VR can facilitate collaboration and communication by offering a more immersive and engaging experience compared to traditional video conferencing.
    • Training and simulations: VR allows companies to create realistic and safe training simulations. This can be especially beneficial for industries like healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing, where employees can practise procedures or learn new skills in a controlled virtual environment.
    • Product design and prototyping: VR can be used to design and test products in a virtual space before actually manufacturing them. This can save companies time and money by allowing them to identify and address any design flaws before production begins.
    • Brainstorming and creative thinking: VR can provide a unique and inspiring environment for brainstorming sessions and creative problem-solving. The immersive nature of VR can help teams think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas.

    Meta Quest 3 for work

    While VR technology is still evolving, it holds immense potential for various industries. If you’re curious about leveraging the Meta Quest 3 for work, here are some resources to get you started:

    • Meta Workplace: This platform allows businesses to create virtual workspaces where employees can collaborate, meet, and socialise in VR.
    • VR training platforms: Several companies offer VR training solutions for various industries. Explore these platforms to see if one aligns with your company’s needs.
    • VR design software: There are software tools specifically designed for creating and prototyping products in VR. These tools can be a valuable asset for companies looking to explore the benefits of VR design.

    Troubleshooting Common Meta Quest 3 Issues

    Troubleshooting Common Meta Quest 3 Issues
    troubleshooting meta quest 3

    As with any technology, you might encounter occasional issues with your Meta Quest 3. Here are some common problems and their potential solutions:

    • Connection problems: Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is stable and that your headset is properly paired with your smartphone. If issues persist, try restarting your devices or resetting the network connection.
    • Tracking problems: Make sure your play area is well-lit and free of obstructions. If tracking issues persist, consult the official Meta Quest 3 troubleshooting guide for further steps.
    • Battery issues: The Quest 3 offers 2-3 hours of playtime on a single charge. If you plan on longer VR sessions, consider investing in an external battery pack.
    • App crashes: Close any unnecessary apps running in the background and ensure your Quest 3 software is up to date. If the issue persists, try reinstalling the problematic app.

    The best guide for augmented reality apps, is just a small peek into what the Meta Quest 3 can do. With the Quest 3, you can do many amazing things, like visiting stunning virtual places or working with others in exciting new worlds. Feel free to try new things, discover, and let your imagination run wild.

  • Discover the Best VR Headsets to Buy in 2024

    Discover the Best VR Headsets to Buy in 2024

    Are you trying to figure out which VR Headset to purchase in 2024?

    In this post, we are going to explore some top VR Headsets you can purchase for your enhanced immersion, gaming experience, and impressive visualization.  

    Over the past few years, VR headsets popularly known as virtual reality headsets have been a hot topic globally. Even though you haven’t been keeping up with the VR trends, you must have heard someone discussing them. It’s easy to understand why.  Data estimates show that about 171 million people use VR technology globally. The virtual reality user penetration rate is projected to be 52.8% in 2024 and is expected to increase to 55.9% by 2028. A lot of users derive pleasure from the entertainment and immersive experience VR headsets offer. Others find it a welcome form of escapism from tedious aspects of everyday life.

    How do VR Headsets (Virtual Reality Headset) work?

    VR Headsets

    Currently, the use of VR headsets is limitless; every day, new ways of utilizing virtual reality technologies emerge. VR headsets immerse users in a simulated three-dimensional setting, by completely shutting off the real world. Virtual reality glasses usually feature a display screen, audio, sensors, and controllers, that enable users to enjoy life-like content. A VR headset can be used to play video games, meditate, stream sports, attend concerts, do real estate tours, have meetings, etc.

    There are three types of VR headsets; mobile, connected, and standalone VR headsets. Mobile VR headsets operate with smartphones (Android and iPhones to provide immersive virtual reality experiences. Connected or tethered VR headsets as the name implies utilize PCs or consoles to deliver VR content. While the standalone VR headsets come fully equipped and do not use external devices to function.

    To use a virtual reality headset, set up the device and place it on your head. Once the external surroundings are blocked or you can no longer see the world around you. When your field of view (FOV) adjusts to the environment projected on the display screen, use the controllers to interact with the simulated content.

    The Best VR Headsets in 2024

    #1. HTC Vive XR Elite VR Headsets

    The HTC Vive XR Elite is an impressive standalone VR headset that features robust graphics performance with a high resolution of 1920*1920 pixels per eye (3840*1920 pixels combined). And an adequate field of view of up to 110 degrees to deliver a high-quality experience.

    The device equally has dual microphones and embedded speakers for echo cancellation and to provide an excellent audio experience. The Vive XR Elite also comes with inputs that include dual integrated microphones, volume buttons, and a headset button.

    Personalization is essential; the Vive XR Elite has been designed with this in mind. Users can personalize their viewing experience with a slider that moves the lenses to accommodate IPD (inter-pupillary distance). And diopter dials to ensure users have the best experience possible. It also has a refresh rate of 90 Hz, ensuring everything looks smooth and not blurry.

    The Vive XR Elite is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor with 128GB/12GB of storage and memory. It also features 4x tracking cameras, a 16 MP RGB camera, a depth sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope, a proximity sensor, etc. For the battery, the headset is equipped with a 24.32Wh Battery that can last for about 2 hours. One of the best things about this device is that it’s lightweight and capable of running mixed-reality apps. The $1,299 price for this VR headset might be a bit upscale but you cannot put a price on entertainment can you?.

    #2 PlayStation VR2

    Experience next-generation virtual reality with this headset from PlayStation that features incredible 4k HD visuals. The headset comes with a stunning OLED display. A built-in 3D audio technology, 2000 x 2040 per eye resolution, and intelligent eye tracking. A 90Hz | 120Hz refresh rate, FOV of about 110 degrees, motion sensors, cameras, and an impressive game library. The lenses within the headset are equally adjustable using an external dial on the headset that either moves them closer or further apart.

    PlayStation VR2 needs a PlayStation 5 to work, and it has to be connected with a wired USB-C cable while you’re using it. The basic package of PlayStation VR2 costs $550, and it includes the VR headset, two wireless PS VR2 Sense controllers, and a pair of headphones.

    The PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers are designed with unique ergonomic design, finger touch detection, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers that let users have control of their interaction in virtual worlds. From subtle pulses and vibrations to innovative features that deliver the highest quality immersive experience, the Sony PSVR 2 is one of the best VR headsets to cop this 2023.

    #3 Meta Quest 2

    The Meta Quest 2 Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset is one of the best VR headsets in the market. It features fast-switching LCDs with a resolution of 1832*1920 per eye. This premium virtual reality headset from Facebook delivers more than just aesthetics. With high-quality features such as an impressive 90Hz refresh rate, and 6DoF. With a 90-degree field of view that users say isn’t that great. It also features built-in hand tracking and a portable, adjustable design that doesn’t require an external PC or console to operate.

    At $399, the Meta Quest 2 VR headset is every virtual reality addict’s dream. The head strap is lightweight and designed to offer users unmatched comfMeta Quest 2ort. Add the 3D positional audio built directly into the headset, and users can interact with and explore the virtual environment as if it were real. The 3.5 mm audio port allows users to play VR content with or without headphones. 128GB | 256 of storage and a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor with 6GB RAM combine to make the Meta Quest 2 a masterpiece.

    #4 Meta Quest 3

    The Meta Quest 3 VR Headset is powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, providing double the GPU processing power compared to other VR Headsets. This means faster loading times and smoother gameplay, enhancing the overall VR experience. The headset offers high-resolution visuals, similar to watching a movie on a top-tier screen. This ensures that the virtual environment appears crisp and detailed, making the experience more real for users.

    It is designed to be lighter and more comfortable than previous models. This makes it easier to wear for extended periods without feeling weighed down or uncomfortable, allowing users to fully enjoy their VR experiences without distractions. Meta Quest 3 has special cameras integrated into the headset to allow users to see the real world without having to remove the headset. This feature ensures safety by enabling users to remain aware of their surroundings while immersed in virtual reality.

    The Meta Quest 3 supports hand tracking, this eliminates the need for controllers. Users can interact with the virtual environment simply by moving their hands, adding a new level of immersion and convenience to VR interactions.

    Meta Quest 3 is available in two storage configurations: 128GB and 512GB. The 128GB version is priced at approximately $499.99 USD, while the 512GB version is priced at approximately $649.99 USD. This pricing structure offers flexibility for users based on their storage needs and budget considerations.

    So, the Meta Quest 3 combines advanced technology with user-friendly features to deliver an immersive and enjoyable VR experience. From enhanced performance to convenient design elements, it aims to cater to the needs of both casual users and VR enthusiasts alike.

    #5 Valve Index VR Headsets

    Named one of the best VR headsets in the market by critics. The Valve Index is another virtual reality headset to tick off the list. Valve Software is pushing the boundaries of technology. By developing not just a high-end VR tool, but an extremely reliable one. The Valve Index headset is rather bulky but not heavy, with a 1,440* 1,600-pixel resolution, an excellent 144Hz refresh rate, and a huge 130-degree field of view.

    Optimized with innovative off-ear balanced mode radiators to provide an enjoyable audio experience. As well as adjustable IPD, impressive camera, etc the Valve is a killer VR headset. Valve Index’s finger-tracking controllers and two Steam VR base stations come together with the device when you purchase it. The headset is ideal for PC gaming and at $999, the comfort and exceptional features make any dime spent worthwhile.

  • Latest Nvidia Graphics Cards Launching This July

    Latest Nvidia Graphics Cards Launching This July

    Are the latest Nvidia graphics cards some of their best yet?

    Realistic visuals in video games evoke this feeling of immersion and generally enhance the experience for gamers. Any random person will wonder “How do these incredible visuals in video games come about?.” Well, behind the scenes, there’s this remarkable piece of technology called graphics cards that goes to work to deliver those extraordinary visuals. Graphics cards better known as video cards or GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) are gaming hardware components. They’re responsible for rendering lifelike illustrations, generating clean animations, and facilitating real-time simulations.

    2 Types Of Graphics Cards

    Integrated graphics cards are built into the central processor or CPU of a computer, and shares memory with the CPU. They’re usually cost-effective and suitable for basic tasks. While dedicated graphics cards are detached or standalone graphics cards. They are more expensive, and powerful, and come with their own memory. These types of GPUs perform more graphic-intensive tasks and deliver better performance in gaming. For gaming laptops, a dedicated graphics card is the ideal GPU.

    If there were no GPUs in gaming, the visual quality of our favorite video games would be poor. Along with reduced frame rates, slower loading time, and the absence of special effects that unite to make video games immersive. Without the relentless efforts of gaming companies and game developers to leverage modern technology in advancing gaming, these areas would probably have been blindspots.

    Game developers are able to create richly detailed worlds, and astounding visual effects that immerse players in mixed realities by taking advantage of the incredible capabilities of graphics cards. With an ever-growing community of passionate gamers all over the world seeking new advancements in game technology; important tweaks to some of the hardware components in the market like graphics cards help improve user experiences.

    The Latest Nvidia Graphics Card Release Date

    One of the latest Nvidia graphics cards every game geek is currently anticipating its release is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti. It’s already promising to be one of the best graphics cards in the market this year. And for very good reasons. At an affordable price, it already has some very impressive specs and features. As well as performance that appeals to gamers who want a high-performance GPU without breaking the bank.

    The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti is available in two versions: one with an 8GB and another with 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM. Although the 16GB version is yet to be released, the details for both cards, however, have been made public. We’ll take a look at a complete review of the latest Nvidia graphics cards; Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti graphics card models. Including price, features, and performance.

    The 8GB version of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti is due for release on July 24th, 2023, with a price tag of $399. While the 16GB version is set to be released in same July 2023, but with no specific date disclosed, and will be priced at just $499.

    According to fans of Nvidia products, the price tags that Nvidia placed on both versions of the RTX 4060 seem fair and are quite affordable compared to other GPUs from Nvidia. Or even graphics cards from other brands in the market.

    Specs and Performance: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti

    latest Nvidia graphics cards
    Nvidia

    One of the key features of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti is its new AD106 GPU, which is smaller than that of its predecessor, the AD104 die. The AD106 GPU has 36 streaming multiprocessors (SMs), 4,608 CUDA cores, and 36 RT cores for ray tracing.

    The memory configuration of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti is also impressive. The 8GB version features a clock speed of 2250MHz with a 128-bit memory bus. Which gives an entire 288 GB/s bandwidth. While this may seem lower than some of its predecessors, Nvidia has compensated for the tighter memory by equipping the RTX 4060 Ti with a 32MB L2 cache. This is great because significantly reduces the chance of cache misses and alleviates the load on the memory interface.

    Rasterization and Ray Tracing Performance

    In terms of raw performance, the RTX 4060 outshines its predecessor, the RTX 3060 Ti, by a significant margin. On average, it delivers an excellent performance boost across various benchmarks, which extends to staggering ray tracing performance. The RTX 3060 Ti and AMD’s RX 7900 XT fall short in comparison. The RTX 4060 offers 25% better performance in rasterization. And double the performance in ray tracing, albeit at a lower price point. While the RTX 4090’s performance is unmatched, it does come with its caveats.

    Still, on gaming performance, the RTX 4060 Ti also delivers nice frame rates. Particularly for games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Metro Exodus, and Doom Eternal, at both 1080p and 1440p resolutions respectively. Safe to say it easily outperforms its predecessor, the RTX 2060. And offers more remarkable improvements than the RTX 3060 Ti in most cases.

    However, the 8GB VRAM may be a limiting factor for demanding games, especially when ray tracing is enabled. As well as that one disabled TPC (texture processing cluster) which leaves room for advanced AD106 GPU in the future. Drawbacks like these will most likely result in the card struggling to maintain an enjoyable gaming experience for users. But to overcome this limitation, Nvidia plans to release a 16GB version of the RTX 4060 Ti.

    Buying Guide for The Best Graphics Cards

    A buying guide will help prospective buyers make well-informed decisions when choosing the latest Nvidia graphics cards for gaming. Here are some important things you should know first before purchasing the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti.

    Graphics card memory amount is very important. At least 6GB to 8GB is recommended for gaming at 1080p and more for higher resolutions. Pay attention to key specifications like clock speed and CUDA cores, memory speed, and bandwidth. As well as efficient cooling features to prevent overheating. These factors directly impact the card’s performance and its ability to handle demanding gaming tasks.

    Power connectors are also essential, and most cards require supplemental PCIe connectors. Ensure the card has the necessary ports for your monitors. Also ensure it fits in your case, checking length, height, and thickness. Ray tracing and DLSS are also worthy of consideration. The best ray tracing and DLSS are supported by Nvidia’s RTX series GPUs.

  • Wordle Game: The Real Love Story Behind Its Creation

    Wordle Game: The Real Love Story Behind Its Creation

    Wordle is one of the most exciting internet-based word games that has been quite popular among puzzle gamers. Most people aren’t privy to the motivation behind the creation of this game. Very few people have no idea that the Wordle game was the brainchild of a love-struck, Brooklyn-based software engineer.

    Back in 2013, a prototype of the word game was created by Josh Wardle. Drawing inspiration from the color-matching game Mastermind, Wordle was designed to allow players back then to play an unfiltered wordlist of puzzles consecutively. But due to the difficulty in recognizing some of the less common words, the game’s prototype was abandoned after completion.

    Then Covid 19 struck and everyone was holed indoors for months, and creators blossomed. Wardle and his partner Palak Shah became deeply engrossed in The New York Times’ Spelling Bee and daily crossword puzzles during the pandemic. Wardle got the motivation to create a puzzle game for Shah called Wordle, which was a clever adaptation of his name.

    Wordle Game: The Real Love Story Behind Its Creation
    New York Times

    Following several months of playing the word game, which quickly became an addiction too among his relatives on the family’s WhatsApp group, Wardle started to acknowledge that he might have developed something valuable. So in October 2021, he decided to launch it to the public.

    Wordle Game: The Real Love Story Behind Its Creation
    Wordle

    How to play wordle online

    Wordle game is a daily word challenge that prompts players to attempt to guess a five-letter word using a game-play system. How do you play it from the beginning? It is quite similar to the classic “Mastermind” color-guessing game which gave the inspiration for the game’s prototype. Upon submitting their guess, players are informed by the game if any of the letters in their guess match any of the letters in the secret word, and if they are positioned correctly within the word. To win, players must guess the correct word within six tries.

    Wordle did not have a feature to enable the sharing of results. Aware that players manually share their results by posting a sequence of green, yellow, and black emojis to represent the grid, Wardle was prompted to create an automated solution. For the game’s players to boast about their achievements without revealing any spoilers.

    The New York Times Wordle

    In a move towards achieving its goal of reaching 10 million digital subscriptions by 2025, the NYT company acquired Wordle on January 31, 2022. At an undisclosed amount. Citing the acquisition as a key factor in its growth strategy. The game remains free, although it’s very likely that the New York Times will eventually put it behind a paywall.

    Is a subscription necessary for accessing the Wordle game?. No, the Wordle game is completely free and does not require any registration or login. And if you’re on a quest for an official Wordle app, it doesn’t exist. The game can only be played online from a browser through a web page. You can utilize any internet browser of your choice to play the game, such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. The New York Times Crossword app currently incorporates the game and it’s available on iOS and Android app stores.

    Wordle word game application users are restricted to playing one puzzle per day. The daily game resets at midnight based on the user’s local time zone, while the puzzle remains the same for all players. Sharing the game on social media is acceptable, but it should be done without disclosing the solution to avoid spoiling the game for other participants.

    Why Did Wardle sell Wordle?

    it is not uncommon for people to clone other people’s inventions. In the world of gaming, there is often intense competition and the desire to create the next big thing. Unfortunately, this can lead to some small companies or individuals outrightly copying the ideas and inventions of others.

    By creating very similar games without adding any unique features or improvements to said stolen inventions. Cloning another person’s content can be frustrating for the original creators. Not all of these games are protected by intellectual property laws, and even those that are can sometimes be difficult to enforce. This was the case with Josh Wardle as shortly after his launch, we saw the emergence of several equivalent word games.

    Wardle equally expressed that the recent surge in attention towards him and his partner had caused them to feel uneasy. And the couple was not inclined to engage in the struggle against the emergence of the game’s replicas. He conveyed that the situation was rather intricate and unpleasant for him, and selling the rights to Wordle was a straightforward way to distance himself from the drama and attention.

    Alternative Games Like Wordle Games

    If you’re up for a stimulating word puzzle experience, then you might be interested in exploring alternative Wordle games like Quordle, Octordle, Dordle, and Sedecordle. These four-word games share a resemblance to Wordle but present additional complexity with extra rows, columns, and words to solve. Dordle, for example, requires you to tackle two words simultaneously. To top it off, users can also play these puzzle games online from a browser through a web page.

    So, those seeking a more intellectually challenging puzzle game should give the following 25 offline and online puzzle games a try.

    1. Antiwordle
    2. Quordle
    3. Word Master
    4. Crosswordle
    5. Antiwordle
    6. Octordle
    7. Hello Wordl
    8. Waffle
    9. Primel
    10. Dordle
    11. Nerdle
    12. Lewdle
    13. Worldle
    14. Heardle
    15. Name That Ride
    16. Lookdle
    17. Framed
    18. Sedecordle
    19. Words With Friends
    20. Word Forward
    21. Wordscapes
    22. Kitty Letter
    23. SpellTower
    24. Absurdle
    25. Lordle of the Rings

    Wordle Tips and Tricks

    Although getting hints for the latest Wordle might not be your preference, implementing some useful techniques can surely help you complete the game. One of the first methods is to select your first word wisely. It’s not easy to guess the correct answer right away, so choose a word that has three vowels. While there are over 13,000 five-letter words in the English language, only around 2,400 have approval for use in Wordle.

    Next, begin with a word that utilizes five distinct letters to improve your chances of uncovering some of the right ones. Avoid utilizing plurals. Wordle excludes plural forms of three- or four-letter words that end in ES or S. The game does not repeat any answers. So, always choose two distinct words for your initial guesses. If your first guess does not result in many clues, starting over with a new word that has all new letters might help.

  • Paid and Free Games on PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

    Paid and Free Games on PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

    As gaming technology continues to evolve, games have become more immersive, challenging, and entertaining than ever before. In this article, we’ll explore the most eagerly anticipated paid and free games on different gaming platforms, slated for release in 2023.

    Video games have undergone a serious upgrade in recent times, moving beyond the ordinary Tetris matching and stacking designs of puzzle games to more advanced gaming offerings with mind-blowing, and fully engrossing experiences.

    Paid and Free Games on PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc

    Thanks to the latest software in tech and game design, developers can now concoct intricate virtual and augmented realities, unique soundscapes, stimulating visual puzzles, etc that do not demand a ton of mental effort to solve them all. These upcoming paid and free games on gaming platforms are equally introducing captivating storylines. Which adds an extra layer of appeal to the already fascinating games. So that players can unravel secrets, explore various alternate worlds, interact with fascinating characters, and have an overall transforming digital experience.

    Paid and Free Games on PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc

    For the past few decades, the gaming industry has relied on action-packed, brain-wracking, and heart-racing games to keep players hooked. Whether you’re navigating treacherous puzzles, embarking on epic adventures, or testing your skills in intense sports simulations, these games offer a thrilling and immersive escape from reality. Not only do they entertain, but these games also sharpen logical and problem-solving skills. Making users true gaming experts while also boosting creativity.

    Free & Paid Games On PlayStation Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PCs

    gaming 3d

    Here are 10 upcoming games (paid and free games on PlayStation Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PCs, etc) for game lovers in 2023. Whether you’re a novice looking for entertainment or a seasoned gamer looking for a challenge, these games will provide players with hours of fun and entertainment.

    January 2023 Paid & Free Games On PC, Xbox, Switch, PlayStation

    • Aquatico – PC
    • Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider – PS4, PS5, Switch, PC
    • Dragon Ball Z Kakarot – PS5, Xbox Series X|S
    • One Piece Odyssey – PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
    • Persona 4 Golden – PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
    • Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable – PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
    • Colossal Cave – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC
    • Fire Emblem Engage – Switch
    • Monster Hunter Rise – PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
    • Forspoken – PS5, PC
    • Mahokenshi – PC
    • World War Z – PS5, Xbox Series X|S
    • Hitman World of Assassination – PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC
    • Death in the Water 2 – PC
    • Dead Space – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
    • PowerWash Simulator – PS4, PS5
    • Raiden 4 x Mikado Remix – PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
    • Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition – Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
    • Season: A Letter to the Future – PS4, PS5, PC
    • SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake – PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
    • Inkulinati – Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC

    February 2023 Paid & Free Games On PC, Xbox, Switch, PlayStation

    • Wild Hearts – PS5, XSX|S, PC
    • Atomic Heart – PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, PC
    • Like A Dragon: Ishin! Remake – PS5, XSX|S, PC, PS4, XBO
    • Horizon Call of the Mountain – PS5|PSVR 2
    • Zenith: The Last City – PS5|PSVR 2
    • Digimon World: Next Order – Switch, PC
    • After the Fall – PS5|PSVR 2
    • Blood Bowl 3 – PC, PS5, XSX|S, PS4, XBO, Switch
    • Sons of the Forest – PC
    • Kerbal Space Program 2 Early Access – PC
    • Theatrhythm Final Bar Line – PS4, Switch
    • Kirby’s Return To Dream Land – Switch
    • Octopath Traveler 2 – PS5, PC, PS4, Switch
    • Scars Above – PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
    • Destiny 2: Lightfall – PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, PC
    • Football Manager 2023 – PS5
    • Deliver Us Mars – PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
    • Tails: The Backbone Preludes – PC
    • Life Is Strange 2 – Switch
    • Metroid Prime Remastered – Switch
    • Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society – PS4, PS5, Switch, PC
    • Pharaoh: A New Era – PC
    • Returnal – PC
    • Blanc – Switch, PC
    • Shadow Warrior 3 Definitive Edition – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
    • Phantom Brigade -PC
    • Horace – PC, Xbox One
    • Void Terrarium 2 – PS4, Switch
    • Clive ‘N’ Wrench – PS4, PS5, Switch, PC
    • Kirby’s Return To Dreamland Deluxe – Switch
    • Company of Heroes 3 – PC

    March 2023 Games On PC, Xbox, Switch, PlayStation

    • The Day Before – PC, XSX|S, PS5
    • Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – PS5, XSX|S, PS4, XBO, PC
    • The Last of Us: Part 1 – PC
    • Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania – PC, PS5, XSX|S
    • Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon – Switch
    • Have a Nice Death – Switch
    • Resident Evil 4 Remake – PS5, XSX|S, PS4, PC
    • Crime Boss: Rockay City – March 28 (PC)
    • Amnesia: The Bunker – XSX|S, PS4, XBO, PC
    • System Shock Remake – PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, PC
    • Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star – Switch
    • King of the Castle – PC
    • Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
    • Transport Fever 2: Console Edition – PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
    • Train Life: A Railway Simulator – Switch
    • The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure – PS4, Switch, PC
    • WWE 2K23 – PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
    • Remnant: From the Ashes – Switch
    • Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and the Secret Key – Switch
    • EA Sports PGA Tour – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

    April 2023 Games On PC, Xbox, Switch, PlayStation

    • Hogwarts Legacy – PS4, Xbox One
    • Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection – Switch, PS4, PC
    • God of Rock – PS5, PS4, PC, Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
    • Minecraft Legends – PS5, PS4, PC, Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
    • Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores DLC – PS5
    • Dead Island 2 – PS5, XSX|S, PC, PS4, XBO
    • Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – PC, PS5, XSX|S
    • Star Trek: Resurgence – P55, XSX|S, PC, PS4, XBO

    May 2023 Games On Pc & Switch

    • Redfall – XSX|S, PC
    • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Switch
    • Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice – PS5, XSX|S, PC
    • Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook – PS4, PS5, Switch
    • Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 – PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC
    • Darkest Dungeon II – PC
    • Atlas Fallen – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

    June 2023 Paid & Free Games On Pc, Xbox & Switch

    • Street Fighter 6 – PS5, PS4, XSX|S, PC
    • Loop8: Summer of God – PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
    • Master Detective Archives: Rain Code – Switch
    • Diablo 4 – PS5, XSX|S, XBO, PS4, PC
    • Final Fantasy 16 – PS5
    • Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC

    July 2023 Games

    • Hogwarts Legacy – Switch
    • Pikmin 4 – Switch
    • The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie – PS4, PS5, Switch, PC
    • Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg – PS4, PS5, Switch, PC

    August 2023 Games

    • Baldur’s Gate 3  – PC
    • Sea of Stars – PS4, PS5, Switch, PC

    Dive into the world of new video games and digital puzzle games, and let the fun begin!. Don’t also forget to stay tuned for September, October, November, and December game release dates as we make a full compilation of the most anticipated games of 2023. As well as all yet-to-be-confirmed 2023 games on PS5, Xbox games 2023, 2023 games for PC, and games coming out in 2024.

    Also, as you await the release of these new games, make someone special happy this season with luxury games and gadgets, gaming accessories, etc, to upgrade their game arsenal.

  • Review On Best Gaming Laptops with Strong Battery

    Review On Best Gaming Laptops with Strong Battery

    The term ” Gaming Laptop” is used to describe laptops with very powerful hardware, that allows users to play high-end games, do intense video editing, as well as other power-intensive tasks. Despite the fact that Gaming Laptops feature High-end specs, the fact that they usually feature poor battery life is unarguable. This fact is attributed to the power consumed by their high-end components. Despite the fact that most gaming laptops have been characterized by poor battery life, there are some gaming laptops that feature impressive battery life, despite their power consuming components. In this article, we explore a comprehensive list of best gaming laptops with strong battery life .

    1. Dell Inspiron 15 7000

    best gaming laptops with strong battery

    Seeking for a very good gaming laptop, that features a long-lasting battery and an affordable price, the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 may just be the laptop you have been looking for. It houses all the essentials you will need for gaming, without being too flashy.

    The Inspiron 15 7000 features an Intel Core i5-73000 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 1TB hard drive storage and an Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics card, with 6GB of VRAM. These specs put together makes the Inspiron 15 7000 a very awesome laptop to game on, and also an excellent machine for video editing and graphics design.  In addition, the Inspiron 15 7000 is VR ready. You can buy from Amazon or Jumia ng.The Inspiron 15 7000 features a battery rated for 7 and a half hours. 

    2. Acer Predator Helios 300

    The Helios 300, is a laptop that offers powerful hardware for gaming, without sacrificing battery life. It was designed to allow gamers game for long without plugging their power brick into an outlet. It lets users game on the go.

    The Helios 300 features an Intel Core i7-700 Processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, A Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics card. The Helios 300 is VR ready, allowing you to play VR titles. These specs put together allows users to play favorite games seamlessly. You also have the option of increasing Ram and storage, to suit your needs.  Buy from Amazon or Jumia ng.The Helios 300 offers 8 hours of battery life.  

    3. MSI GS65 THIN

    The MSI GS65 thin is a gaming laptop that provides users with an entirely different feeling. Unlike most gaming laptops, the MSI GS65 offers a more professional look. It is one of those gaming laptops you can take into a conference room, without looking odd.

    It features a relatively thin chassis that makes carriage easy. The MSI GS65 features an 8th gen core-i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 1 TB HDD, 512GB SSD, an Nvidia GTX 1060 MAX Q graphics card. This Graphics card allows MSI to achieve a lot using a thin chassis, avoiding overheating problems. With the MSI GS65 you are getting 5 hours 40 minutes of battery life.

    4. GIGABYTE AERO 15X

    best gaming laptops with strong battery

    Still, on the topic of best gaming laptops with a strong battery, the Aero 15X is yet another awesome gaming laptop that offers an impressive battery life. The Aero 15X is one of those gaming laptops that offers excellent gaming hardware, without sacrificing battery life.

    The Aero 15X is powered by an Intel Core – i7 87050H, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, an Nvidia GTX 1070 max Q graphics card. The Aero 15X features a 144 Hz 4k display, that makes gameplay smoother. The Aero 15X features a 94WH battery, which will power it up to 10 hours. 

    5. Razer Blade Stealth 13.3

    best gaming laptops with strong battery

    Razer is one of the highly sought after brands we have today when it comes to gaming laptop choice. Their products have shown high efficiency, in offering quality gaming experience, allowing gamers to game seamlessly. The Razer Blade stealth 13.3 is no exception.

    The Razer blade stealth 13.3 was built to allow gamers to game on the Go, without being restricted by the size and weight of the laptop or Battery life. The Razer blade stealth 13.3 is a 13-inch laptop that is powered by a 7th gen intel processor Core – i7, 8GB Ram, 256 SSD. The Balde stealth 13.3 offers approximately 8 hours of battery life.

    6. Acer Nitro 5

    Last but not least, the Acer Nitro 5 is yet another highly recommended gaming laptop with a strong battery. It is another stealth gaming laptop, that fits into a conference room and works excellently

    The Acer Nitro 5 is powered by an Intel Core i5-7300HQ processor, A Nvidia 1050Ti graphics card with 5GB of VRAM, 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD. It features a 15.6-inch display with a screen resolution of 1920 X 1080 resolution. The Acer Nitro 5 features a 48WH battery. 

    There you have it – a comprehensive list of best gaming laptops with strong battery life. As already mentioned these laptops offer quality gaming hardware without sacrificing excellent battery life.

  • Nintendo Switch: Where it Should Go

    Nintendo Switch: Where it Should Go

    (Opinion) The Nintendo Switch is just a bit shy over 1 year’s old. And while I was late to the party (not obtaining my own copy of the hybrid console until last February), it seems to have had a great lifespan – at least, according to other outlets. And it’s fair enough to assume so. We got Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chorincles 2, Fire Emblem Warriors, Breath of the Wild, and more great games. But, wait? Do you notice something there? Most of the Switch’s greatest games released in its first year are either all Nintendo IPs, or published by Nintendo? Seem familiar?

    This is the pattern I’ve noticed on Nintendo consoles ever since I interacted with them as a child. The DS, 3DS, Wii, WiiU, all had some great first-party games on it. And some decent third-parties, but mostly first-parties. And while these titles are always a blast, fans have been crying for more and more third-party support ever since the days of the Wii, and even some consoles beforehand. And while we can blame it on the sales (for example, the awfully performing WiiU), I personally believe we have none other than Nintendo to blame. The entertainment company has always been harsh on third-parties; pretty much denying any and all access to their consoles, at least to triple A games and developers. And it’s that push that leads to poorly-performing console sales on Nintendo’s end.

    Recently, we saw a light of hope with the Nintendo Switch focusing on a more pro-third-party catalogue and a more pro-mature one as well. We’ve seen titles we’d never suspect make it to a Nintendo console, such as Skyrim, L.A. Noire, and even DOOM. It’s honestly amazing to me, but at the same time, it’s not enough. Now, I know this makes me sound like some nit-picky, over-demanding fanboy. That may be the case. However, it’s not enough to me, because the steam we were picking up for more immersive, third-party games on the new Switch has started to blow down.

    And while we can understand – not everyone is eager to port every triple A game to the Switch – there’s another problem present along with it: lack of original, new first-parties. That’s just a big Nintendo-no-no. Sure, we have all the games I previously mentioned, including Pokken, Mario Kart 8, and more. But most of these games are WiiU ports, and if not, there’s not many brand-new Nintendo IPs on the new console. It feels almost as if Nintendo hadn’t even given themselves enough time to have a powerful catalogue to go with.

    So, in a hopes to rally some discord and to get Nintendo thinking, here’s the Nintendo IPs that need to be made for the Switch. And not just ported: new AND original, to separate the console from the WiiU/3DS. Alongside this is discussion of the need of a system software overhaul.

    1) Pokemon Switch

    We’ve already been seeing confirmations of the Pokemon Switch game to be the 8th generation, and this is great news! This most likely points to a guarantee that it will be a new mainline Pokemon game, and not a port or mashup of Sun & Moon.

    2) Animal Crossing

    The last home console Animal Crossing game is going to be ten years old this November. 10 years old. The last fully-fledged Animal Crossing game is going to be 6 this year. Yes, I’m excluding Happy Home Designer and the mobile Pocket Camp. Animal Crossing is obviously a popular Nintendo IP that many people, young and old, love dearly. The Switch being a hybrid console, means we could indeed have a beautiful, large Animal Crossing game going with us anywhere in the world. I don’t want ports, as stated, but sticking with the idea of City Folk wouldn’t be bad either.

    3) Star Fox

    One of the more underrated IPs of Nintendo is Star Fox. I personally loved the play style of all the Star Fox games I had the chance to play as a kid. The last attempt to boot up Star Fox on the WiiU didn’t go as well as expected, only averaging a 69% metacritic score. The Switch’s booted graphics and mobility, however, are the perfect environment for a Star Fox game to find itself in.

    4) Fire Emblem

    We’ve had a very basic confirmation that the Switch will indeed have a Fire Emblem game (not referencing Fire Emblem Warriors). However, this statement was made long ago, not too long after the Switch’s birth. Since then, several Nintendo Directs have passed, and no news has been shared about the project. I’m hoping Nintendo will go for a new game, like Fates or Awakening, and avoid another port, or at the very least bring a from-the-ground-up reboot of an older game.

    Alongside these suggestions, of course Nintendo needs to do all they can to make the Switch more inviting to third-party developers. They need to force developers to think “Nintendo-only.” Many great third-party games yet to release for the Switch are also going to release for other platforms, and while this offers a great amount of choice to players, this can very well be bad for business to Nintendo. I’ve noticed this lack of Switch-only third-parties lately, and we all know it’s in fear of failing sales. If Nintendo makes their move now with more first-party releases, and some major system changes (I discuss those down further), they can reignite the hype and buzz the console had upon it’s first announcement. Such a rise in coverage would bolster sales, at least in theory, and make third-parties that aren’t just indies (hopefully) strive to create unique, exclusives for the console.

    I mentioned needing a system overhaul earlier, and whether you agree or not, the system itself seems so…lacking. The 3DS is an amazing performer for Nintendo, just ask anyone. This system also has a unique, customizable and interactive software UI. The Switch? A choice between White or Black backgrounds, with some game tiles and a button to the eShop, Album, Settings and Controllers. While many may respect the simplicity, it just seems to barebones for a Nintendo system.

    First and foremost, the lack of customizing makes it moot. White or Black are our options of Themes, yet there’s no Theme shop available like there is for the 3DS. I can’t make folders for certain apps, I can’t use a web browser, user profiles are lackluster. I personally think the Nintendo Switch’s UI is where it fails the most. It’s so boring and unimaginative that sometimes browsing your console is just, well, unbearable. I strongly believe Nintendo is hard at work on addressing such changes, but we can only hope it comes soon enough before the interest and lack of support fades from this very promising console.

    What are your thoughts? Feel free to debate down in the comments section, or share what games and changes you want to see on the Nintendo Switch.

  • Awale, Backgammon and 1 other Game Technology has transformed

    Awale, Backgammon and 1 other Game Technology has transformed

    From time memorial, man has indulged himself into seeking out ways to improve his living standard. The application of this science into practical purposes is what is termed ‘technology’.

    The constant evolution of technology has affected every part of human existence: information is more accessible, we enjoy good roads, better & healthy living. We can also admit that the introduction of some technology has shortened our existence on earth; with the worldwide life expectancy age just lying above 70 years, life is indeed very short.

    Games such as Awale are not only there for our entertainment, it also improve family and friendship bonding. These days, we have school and work commitments which make it increasingly difficult to enjoy the thrills that gaming brings. That is where online gaming platforms steps in, providing online gaming platforms where you can play countless games online, with the added benefit of betting.

    My business here today is to discuss 3 important games, with historic background that technology has presented us in a platter of gold – playable in your mobile devices at your convenience.

    Awale

    Awale also known as Ókwè, Alancho, Ayoayo, Oware or Ise, has its root in Africa and played worldwide. A common name in English is Awari but one of the earliest Western scholars to study the game, R.S. Rattray, used the name Wari.

    fogo-sao-filipe-jeu-awale-62

    The game is considered the national game of the Ashanti kingdom in Ghana; it is also played traditionally in Nigeria, especially in the Igbo-speaking tribes. Known to encourage family bonding, Awale is one on the most social two-player abstract.

    Today, Awale can be downloaded and played on your computer and mobile devices. You can find Awale on the Google Playstore or download it on the Apple store.

    Backgammon

    Backgammon is one of the oldest board games known to man. It goes down to the ages when human bones were used for dice and Emperor Nero and Claudius making a fortune through gambling.

    cigar-backgammon-board

     

    Just before technology stepped in, the church and government banished backgammon because of the gambling aspect of it. However, some Good Samaritan in the 1920s introduced doubling to rekindle interest in the game.

    In recent years, backgammon has been studied with great interest by computer scientists. Owing to this research, backgammon software has been developed that is capable of beating world-class human players (see TD-Gammon for an example). More developers are also pushing out backgammon games you can play both on your Android and iOS devices.

    You can find backgammon games you can play for free on Android here and here, for iOS.

    Chess

    The Chess game needs no introduction. The game has been around ever since the 6th AD. It’s thought to have originated from India with its modern version (Romantic Era of Chess) characterized by swashbuckling attacks, clever combinations, brash piece sacrifices and dynamic games. Winning was secondary to winning with style.

    acient-chess

    According to a survey in 2012, “chess players now make up one of the largest communities in the world: 605 million adults play chess regularly”. Chess is played at least once a year by 12% British people, 15% Americans, 23% Germans, 43% Russians, and 70% Indian people.

    What’s more? Technology has ensured that the new era of chess can be taking anywhere with you. Thousands of chess games have been developed for both PC and mobile. Even the famous Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate edition comes with the Chess game as one of the pre-packaged system application.

    Owing to the modern trend of mobile technology, mobile application developers has delivered by making countless Chess games you can download both on the Android store and Apple store.

  • Verizon Makes a Working Video Calling Phone in Minecraft [VIDEO]

    Verizon Makes a Working Video Calling Phone in Minecraft [VIDEO]

    CaptainSparklez, popular YouTube gamer and “Minecrafter,” uploaded a video to his channel yesterday titled Minecraft: Working Cell Phone w/ Web Browser and Video Calling. In the video, he discusses how Verizon had asked him to showcase a project they’ve been working on in the game ‘Minecraft.’ It was way cooler than anyone had expected.

    The project adds a cell phone, and “service towers” into the game which the user can build and use. The phone can make calls, browse web pages (all rendered with in-game blocks), and the crux of the project: video calling. The phone can actually video call to a device in the real world, and a video exchange can be made between the Minecraft character and the receiver.

    The project by Verizon can be found on its Github page.

  • Steam Machines: slower at gaming than Windows PC

    Steam Machines: slower at gaming than Windows PC

    Ars Technica ran benchmarks on November 13th of the Steam Machine, against Windows 10. The result was pretty much the fresh operating system processing gaming much faster than the machine meant for a couch-convenient PC gaming experience. The two systems are relatively close when it comes to the mechanics for gaming, but the Steam Machine was found to lag way behind the new Microsoft operating system when it came to real gameplay. You could end up losing frames and detail of graphics depending on which game you’re playing on the SteamOS versus Windows 10, according to the tests.

    The tests were run with a playable, modest setup: a dual-core 3GHz Pentium with an old GeForce GTX 660; which could pose a problem when handling more major and demanding games.

    The SteamOS’ foundation is based on Linux, which is an operating system not well fitted with custom video cards/specialized gaming cards unlike Windows and Mac Pro systems. The implementations of the software is simply keeping the hardware from excelling to its true potential, and that could change with a little bit of refinement and fine-tuning from Valve.

    Until that time comes, we’ll stick with sitting at our computer desks for our PC experience.

  • The Launching of Grand Theft Heists for GTA

    The Launching of Grand Theft Heists for GTA

    Grand Theft Auto Online Heists is coming March 10

    The Launching of Grand Theft Heists for GTA Online is scheduled for March 10th. Heists will bring a brand new four-player cooperative gameplay experience to GTA Online, giving players the chance to team up to pull off a string of intense, multi-part raids and robberies across Los Santos and Blaine County. Over the next couple of weeks, we will have more information about the launch of Heists and about other new features that we will release with it.

    Please stay tuned for lots more information in the weeks ahead and for now, check out some new screens showing action from Heists.

    #We are happy to bring Grand Theft to you

  • PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE offline due to Attacks

    PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE offline due to Attacks

    The two most popular gaming networks, PSN and Xbox Live, have been offline most of Christmas day due to a DDoS (distributed denial of service) attack. A group named the Lizard Squad has taken credit for the attack. This is the same group that credited themselves for an attack on the PlayStation network and MMO games World of Warcraft and League of Legends back in August.

    Both service status pages for the Xbox and PSN state (at the time of this writ) that they’re offline. This definitely caps off a rough Holiday for Sony, who recently had their Sony Pictures subsidiary get attacked and sourced as one of the biggest tech topics over the past week and a half. During which, a group of hackers named the Guardians of Peace (GOP) threatened a 9/11 style attack on theaters that would show the leaked Sony Pictures movie “The Interview.”

    Sony had decided to pull the film when the U.S. government determined that North Korea had been behind the hack, but recently decided to put the film on services like Google Play and show it in cinemas in the U.S. on Christmas day. The film can be purchased on other services like YouTube and, on Xbox Live.

    We’re aware that some users are having issues logging into PSN – engineers are investigating
    — PlayStation (@PlayStation) December 25, 2014

  • Nintendo’s new Star Fox Game said to release before the new Zelda Title for the WiiU

    Nintendo’s new Star Fox Game said to release before the new Zelda Title for the WiiU

    Nintendo has revealed that it will be releasing it’s new Star Fox for WiiU game ahead of the more anticipated Legend of Zelda title.
    During the Game Awards in Las Vegas, CA, the developer of the ever-lasting Mario franchise show cased in a video that the game will be released in 2015 – a head of the next installment for The Legend of Zelda series. During the announcement, Shigeru Miyamoto also announced that the game would be employing some new features that will take the gamepad experience for the game to the next level.

    Several people that played the game have stated that players can now control the Airwing using the gamepad’s analogue sticks when aiming and firing at enemies. There are also now special effects during the transition of the Airwing into a Landmaster; two pinnacles of the series’ vehicles.
    One last thing noted is the added creation of a seemingly two-player mode where one player controlls a helicopter, and the other a small robot that collects items and materials.
    If you’re anything like me, you’re very excited for the release of the new Star Fox game. Having played the original, 3DS remake, and the original Gamecube Star Fox; I am a bit excited to see the execution of this game, especially much sooner than the new Legend of Zelda.
    (Story developing)
    sources:
  • New Microsoft adapter lets Xbox One’s Kinect play nice with PCs

    New Microsoft adapter lets Xbox One’s Kinect play nice with PCs

    Xbox One owners can attach their Kinect motion sensors to Windows PCs and tablets thanks to a new adapter introduced by Microsoft.

    The new $49.99 adapter is specific to Kinect sensors built for Xbox One, and it plugs into the USB 3.0 port of Windows 8 PCs. Microsoft already sold a separate $199.99 Kinect for Windows v2 motion sensor, which plugs directly into PCs without the need for an adapter.

    There will be no difference in the performance of the Kinect sensors, Microsoft said.

    Kinect sensors can recognize movement and gestures, which then allows users to participate in games. It can do much more for PCs than a simple webcam-style monitor. Kinect sensors, for example, can work with Windows applications like Microsoft’s 3D Builder, which allows the scanning of 3D objects.

    Software developers are working on various PC applications that take advantage of Kinect sensors, which are also used in engineering, design, and healthcare applications.

    To further fuel developer interest, Microsoft on Wednesday also released the Kinect SDK 2.0, which is available for download. It is an update from the June preview and has more than 200 updates and improvements.

    With SDK 2.0, “developers can commercially deploy Kinect apps in the Windows Store for the first time,” Microsoft said.

  • Amazing Spider-Man 2 Review: Swinging nowhere

    Amazing Spider-Man 2 Review: Swinging nowhere

    Every year or two they release a new Spider-Man game. Every year or two I get my hopes up that the developers have made a proper follow-up to 2004’s Spider-Man 2—the only fun Spider-Man game in recent memory. We’re now a decade out from that, and Amazing Spider-Man 2 shares (mostly) the same title as that lone bright spot. Is this the Spider-Man game that will break the long streak of stinkers?

    Nope.

    Impossible standards

    In a way, it’s unfair to developer Beenox to hold them to Spider-Man 2’s standards. See, Spider-Man 2 wasn’t even a very good game. It fell prey to a lot of the movie-game pitfalls—repetitive content, dumb missions, a horrible camera, et cetera.

    The swinging, though. Spider-Man 2 was the first game to implement a system where Spidey’s webs actually stuck to walls instead of fastening to some invisible helicopter in the sky. I distinctly remember standing in a GameStop in New Jersey, waiting for my dad to finish up shopping at Home Depot or something, transfixed by the way the swinging worked, probably humming the song from the Spider-Man 2 trailer under my breath. (I think it was Vicarious by Dashboard Confessional? Different times.)

    Spider-Man 2 was the first game to make me feel like Spidey, which was a big deal—he’d always been one of my favorite superheroes, and I’ve long thought that web-swinging is a more interesting mode of transportation than flight.

    It was easy to put up with all the dumb movie-game garbage in Spider-Man 2 because swinging around Manhattan was such a joy. Keep in mind, this was also an era when expansive open-world games were relatively novel. We’d only had two large-scale Grand Theft Auto games and a handful of knock-offs. There was still a sense of wonder at just moving around an enormous environment, even if you could only enter a handful of buildings and the draw distance was about a hundred feet.

    This is what nostalgia results in: impossible standards.

    Amazing Spider-Man 2 is not really that bad, compared to Spider-Man 2. Let me rephrase: “Game released this month” is not really that bad, compared to “Game that came out a decade ago.”

    After a baffling sidestep into the old “webs attach to skyhooks” mode in 2012’s Amazing Spider-Man, Beenox has brought Spidey back into a world governed by physics. His webs are forced to attach to walls or ceilings, which is a step in the right direction. You also affect speed by releasing higher or lower in the arc of your swing.

    Swinging still doesn’t feel quite right, though. I could never quite get the hang of Spidey’s momentum, and it seemed like I swung into walls a bit more often than I’d expect. It also lacks the complexity of Spider-Man 2’s system, which allowed for all sorts of high-level maneuvering by accounting for how long you held buttons. Amazing Spider-Man 2 is at least on par with Ultimate Spider-Man (the second-best Spidey game) though, as far as swinging is concerned.

    Roll film

    Where Amazing Spider-Man 2 is not on par with anything worth playing recently is in the actual game part. This is where those “impossible standards” come into play. I’m not going to argue that Amazing Spider-Man 2 is any worse than the original Spider-Man 2. But that’s not a high bar.

    Amazing Spider-Man 2 has far too much in common with the movie tie-in games of old. Bad camera, bad lip-syncing, bad models, bad mission design—it’s all present here.

    Side quests are universally abysmal. Many of them are the same rote, quicktime event-infested tedium we’ve seen in other Spider-Man games—stop the fleeing car full of criminals!—except here you have to load into them. You swing to a location, hit a prompt to start the mission, and then sit and wait for the scene to load instead of having the events trigger organically in the world. You already won’t want to do the missions because they’re boring, but you doubly won’t want to do them when you have to sit through a loading screen each time.

    Too bad. You have to do them. If you don’t, Spidey’s reputation goes down and you’re targeted by hit squads that make it an enormous pain to just swing around the city. Apparently “not stopping a crime” is equivalent to “endorsing crime.” It’s asinine, and makes the game tedious even if you’re just there to run through story content.

    And the story? For some baffling reason Marvel or Beenox or Activision or whoeverdecided the story shouldn’t really match the story of the film. Maybe they got gun-shy after Amazing Spider-Man spoiled the film for certain players?

    Whatever the case, you’re left with an utterly forgettable tale that mostly concerns a bunch of iconic villains doing the least iconic things possible. Some of my favorite villains make an appearance in this game, but they’re given short shrift by lackluster writing and acting.

    Another thing: Apparently this game, despite being an official tie-in, couldn’t secure rights to any of the actors. Neither likenesses nor voices are present here. This results in an awkward situation where, for instance, Spidey sounds a lot like Tobey Maguire instead of Andrew Garfield, and Gwen Stacey doesn’t even appear in the entire game. It’s explained away with so much hand-waving.

    No, it doesn’t really make sense.

    Bottom line

    Sorry, true believers. I know you’re holding out hope for a great Spider-Man game, but this isn’t it. It’s good for a few hours of web-swinging entertainment if you need a fix, but by no means does it recapture the magic. (That won’t stop me from getting my hopes up the next time a Spider-Man game comes around, though.)

    This review was originally posted on PCWorld. Price When Rated: $40$40 Our Rating: 3.0   Operating System: Windows, Mac

  • Battlefield 4, FIFA 14 and 6 Co-Op PS4 Games to Watch in 2014

    Battlefield 4, FIFA 14 and 6 Co-Op PS4 Games to Watch in 2014

    Here is something for the gamers. If you need to turn your friends into war enemies, go on adventures or solve ‘head cracking’ puzzles together, the new console games is the answer you seek.

    The latest PlayStation 4 titles, featuring mutiplayer facility and more advance gaming environment boast of answers for any co-op gaming style you prefer. While some of this games are available and ready to be explored, a few of them will only be available at some point in this year, but considering the interesting new mutiplayer features introduced to PS4, I think they’ll be worth the wait.

    Below, we take a look at the top six co-op games to rock with your friends. Note: You can also find some of the games listed below on your old PlayStation or the new Xbox One, but nothing can be compared to the feeling of playing it on PS4.

    6. Lego Marvel Super Heroes

    The world is in imminent danger, and it is counting on you and your friends to save it! You and your friends will have to play alone or together as members of the well-known team to save the world in Lego Marvel Super Heroes. All the superheroes have their unique superpowers, and you’ll need all their strength to go into battle against the most venomous villains of the Marvel universe.

    5. Destiny

    If you are a big believer in destiny, then you will be exited for Destiny console game. Destiny was made by the manufactures of multiplayer greats Halo and Call of Duty. The promotional trailers and gameplay videos display a beautiful world for you and your friends to explore, cherish and protect. It’s part of the new “shared-world shooter” genre which combines the typical fine motor skills of a FPS game with traits that are more common to MMOs. If anyone can make wonders out of this new breed of games, it’s the folks at Bungie.

    This game will be available, starting from Sept. 9th 2014.

    4. Watch Dogs

    Unfortunately, this amazing title from Ubisoft isn’t available yet, but it’s been making some impressive noise  since its initial unveiling. Not only will Watch Dogs allow players the chance to sneak and hack their ways through a fictional downtown Chicago, but the game will also have a multiplayer option integrated into the normal campaign. Your objective is to hack other players with a malicious virus before they catch and kill you. Ubisoft will let you opt out of the multiplayer if you want to focus on the single-player story, but we’re all looking forward to getting our hands on exponentially more underground cyber justice when the game launches. Right now, the release date is set as a hazy spring 2014.

    3. Killzone Shadow Fall

    This series has long been a PlayStation exclusive, and Killzone Shadow Fall has all the great dystopian warfare between the ISA and the Helgast that gamers have come to expect. Warzone matches players through a ringer of several traditional co-op modes (such as Team Deathmatch or Search and Destroy) all in one battle royale. Players can customize their own rules for matches, setting the modes, number of players, classes or weapons allowed, then share those creations with the online community.

    2. FIFA 14

    If the word “football” conjures up images of a black and white ball and rabid European fans, then you’re probably well-versed in the FIFA games. With FIFA 14, soccer is looking better than ever on the new generation of hardware. Players’ movements and behaviors have new realism and a much sharper look that old consoles couldn’t dream of matching. EA received some flak from long-time fans for removing the Tournament feature, but with many available co-op modes remaining, this is still an excellent title for going multiplayer. Create a unique footballer to send through the Pro Clubs circuit and pursue a stellar career in all-player matches. You can also go head-to-head against another gamer in Seasons and Online Friendlies, or team up with friends for two-on-two games.

    1. Battlefield 4

    No game delivers complex, realistic warfare as well as the Battlefield franchise. Battlefield 4 has dynamic, visually stunning maps that require players to display finesse and strategy in order to achieve victory. Technical difficulties plagued the latest release at launch, but that’s due in part to its massive scope. Now that DICE has cleaned up most of the issues, players can enjoy the classic Conquest or Rush battles, or the new Obliteration and Defuse modes. The Xbox One may be getting the expansions and other new content first, but superior graphics capabilities make the PS4 the platform of choice for the console crowd.

    Image Credit: EA Sports, DICE, Bungie, Sony, Lego, Ubisoft | Games Decription By: Mashable