Tag: call of duty

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Review

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Wireless expands on their multi-platform headset and polishes it to near perfection. While the core design remains the same, the most significant upgrades—namely the massive battery life boost and the addition of the mobile companion app—make this mid-to-high-tier offering a serious contender for the best all-around wireless gaming headset and being able to switch quickly if you have more than one device or console.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 Wireless headset might be new but the brand is seen as a staple in the gaming arena on conosle or mobile phone in which both was tested over the last while and it is a great headset for both gaming and listening to music or streaming videos etc.

You can optimize game audio for every system with the new SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 for PC, PlayStation, or Xbox  Windows and mobile, the addition of real-time audio control via the Arctis App with presets for the Top-3 games on the planet (Call of Duty, GTA, Fortnite), plus a boosted battery with +40% more juice, makes this master of dual-audio multitasking a “must-have.”

Whether it’s gaming on the go, listening to Spotify or watching Netflix while commuting on the train or bus, taking a Zoom call and needing to tune out the noise in a shared apartment, workspace, or coffee shop, at the home office with furry kids running around, in the gym or on a walk, playing some Call of Duty or Animal Crossing at home, and so much more….

The Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 series ushers in the next generation of audio power for those living a gaming lifestyle. I am one that uses headphones for everything and even for music and podcasts which I listen to most these headphones are quite remarkable with the audio quality I have to say with great bass and of course the flexibility of the EQ on board and I would not swap them over from gaming to another headset if using they are that good with the audio which is a win.

Featuring 200+ expertly crafted audio preset profiles for immersive gaming, music and entertainment via the Arctis App, an improved 54-hour battery life with optimized fast charging, Neodymium Magnetic Speaker Drivers for outstanding spatial audio, and simultaneous mixable 2.4GHz & Bluetooth audio, the Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 stands out as the ultimate choice for multi-platform gaming and multitasking thanks to seamless compatibility, a premium build, and powerful controls.

The only annoyance I had was updating these when I took them out of the box requiring two cables and the dongle which should be a thing of the past and should be done via the app like most headphones and earbuds but other than that these are a must have for the true gamers out there and even for those who like great audio listening to music or streaming movies.

 

Mobile App Arctis

 

Features

  • Presets for Call of Duty, Fortnite, and more to hear footsteps better in game, controlled via the mobile app
  • Mix game & mobile audio for simultaneous listening using 2.4GHz and Bluetooth
  • 50+ hour battery with optimized fast charging
  • Neodymium Magnetic Drivers are custom-designed to produce crystal clear highs, pinpoint mids, and deep bass
  • USB-C plug & play for Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch, Mac, VR, handhelds, mobile, and more
  • Premium steel construction with elastic support band for comfort and durability

BUY

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Video Review

Is Video Gaming Becoming More Expensive?

Gaming used to be simple. Buy a console, pick up a few games, and you were set for years. Now? The costs keep stacking up in ways that weren’t there before.

Console prices have climbed. The PlayStation 5 launched at £449 for the standard edition. The Xbox Series X hit shelves at £479. That’s before you factor in extra controllers, storage upgrades, or any games. And games themselves aren’t getting cheaper either.

In 2023, the average retail price for a physical video game in the UK sat at £35.70. New releases for current-gen consoles often push past £60. Add in season passes, downloadable content, and microtransactions, and a single game can cost well over £100 if you want the full experience.

Then there are subscriptions. PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, Nintendo Switch Online. Each one adds another monthly or yearly fee. Sure, you get access to libraries of games, but those costs add up month after month. What used to be a one-time purchase now becomes a recurring expense.

Cheaper Ways to Play

Not everyone wants to drop £500 on a console and £60 per game. Alternatives exist if you know where to look.

Free-to-play games dominate now. Fortnite, Apex Legends, Warzone. These games cost nothing upfront and provide hundreds of hours of entertainment. Yes, they push cosmetics and battle passes, but you can ignore all that and still play the full game.

Mobile gaming offers another route. Your phone can handle impressive games now. Some are free, some cost a few quid. It’s not the same experience as console gaming, but it’s gaming nonetheless without the hardware investment.

PC gaming has its own costs, but platforms like Steam run constant sales. Games that cost £50 at launch drop to £10 or less within a year. Patient gamers can build massive libraries for a fraction of console prices.

Browser-based games have improved too. You don’t need powerful hardware. No downloads, no storage concerns. Just open a tab and play. The quality varies, but options exist for every type of player.

The iGaming Alternative

New casino operators offer a different type of gaming experience entirely. These platforms provide entertainment through slots, table games, and live dealer options. Many include welcome bonuses and promotions that stretch your budget further than buying full-price video games.

The appeal is different from traditional gaming. It’s not about completing campaigns or ranking up. It’s about the experience itself, the variety of games available, and the social elements some platforms provide. For people who want gaming entertainment without investing in expensive hardware, it’s worth considering.

iGaming platforms work on almost any device. No console required. No storage issues. No waiting for downloads. You log in and play. The barrier to entry is lower, which matters when console gaming keeps getting more expensive.

The Hidden Costs Keep Growing

Storage is another expense most people don’t see coming. Modern games are massive. Call of Duty titles regularly exceed 100GB. Storage fills up fast, especially on base console models. Upgrading means buying expensive SSDs that can cost as much as some games themselves.

Accessories pile on too. Want a second controller for local multiplayer? That’s another £50 to £60. Headsets, charging docks, protective cases. The little things add up faster than you’d think.

The cost of developing games has skyrocketed, with major releases requiring budgets between £50 million to £100 million or more. These development costs inevitably get passed down to consumers through higher game prices and more aggressive monetization strategies.

Online multiplayer used to be free on most platforms. Now you need a subscription just to play with friends. Cross-play features, cloud saves, monthly free games. They’re nice perks, but they come at a price that didn’t exist in previous console generations.

Subscriptions That Actually Save Money

Not all gaming subscriptions drain your wallet. Some provide real value if you use them properly.

Xbox Game Pass gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. If you play even two or three games from the library each month, you’re saving money compared to buying them outright. Day-one releases for major titles make it even better value.

PlayStation Plus has tiers now. The basic tier just covers online play. The higher tiers include game libraries similar to Game Pass. Whether it’s worth it depends on how much you play and what games interest you.

EA Play costs less than most subscriptions and includes sports titles, which are some of the most expensive annual releases. If you play FIFA or Madden every year, the subscription pays for itself quickly.

The key is picking one subscription that matches your gaming habits instead of paying for multiple services you don’t fully use.

The Real Question

Is gaming more expensive now? Yes. Video game software prices have climbed. Game prices have increased. Subscriptions add recurring costs. Storage, accessories, and DLC pile on even more expenses.

But options exist. Free-to-play games, sales, subscriptions, mobile gaming, and alternatives like iGaming platforms give people choices. You don’t have to spend £500 on a console and £60 per game to enjoy gaming anymore.

The expensive path is still there if you want the latest hardware and newest releases. But budget-conscious gamers have more alternatives now than ever before. Pick what fits your wallet and how you actually want to play.

The Thrill of Speed: Best Fast-Paced Video Games

In the world of gaming, speed can be everything. Quick-paced video games keep players fully engaged, leaving no room for them to get bored. To win in these games, you need sharp reflexes and smart planning. 

Here are some of the best fast-paced games available today: 

Online Slot Games

In the world of fast-paced gaming, online slot games have become an amazing option for those looking for entertainment. These modern-day slots are crafted for rapid gameplay, often allowing spins to occur in just a matter of seconds. This fast tempo keeps players engaged while they pursue the thrills and the chance for significant payouts. What makes online slot games stand out from the rest is how easily accessible they are, along with the tempting idea of instant rewards. 

Many platforms focus on speedy withdrawals, so players can cash out their winnings without any form of delay. For example, sites like fastwithdrawal.casino make it easy for players to celebrate their wins without having to wait around. The combination of speed, eye-catching themes, and the opportunity to win makes these games so popular and attractive to casual gamers and seasoned pros.

Call of Duty: Warzone

One game that has taken the battle royale world by storm is Call of Duty: Warzone. This fast-paced title blends the strategic elements of warfare with the excitement of survival. Players drop into a sprawling map, scavenging for equipment while battling both enemies and the ever-shrinking gas zone. The gameplay is filled with intense firefights that demand quick reflexes and strong teamwork. The rapid action often leads to heart-stopping moments where every second counts. 

Apex Legends

Apex Legends’ unique characters and skills elevate the battle royale genre to a whole new level. The game’s fast-paced structure promotes active movement and teamwork, making it an exciting adventure. While navigating a vibrant and dangerous world, players can use their Legend’s special abilities to come up with creative plans. Players are kept captivated and interested by the game’s quick gameplay made possible by its jump mechanics and movement options. The average length of a game is 15 to 30 minutes, which provides the ideal amount of excitement without being tiresome.

Rocket League

For those who enjoy sports with a twist, Rocket League merges soccer and fast-paced vehicular action. In this game, players control rocket-powered cars to hit a giant soccer ball into the opponent’s goal. Matches are typically five minutes long, and the skill ceiling is impressively high, offering plenty of opportunities for spectacular plays. The fast-paced nature of Rocket League means you’re always in the action, continuously strategizing to redirect the ball or outmaneuver opponents. It’s perfect for players who crave speed combined with a touch of competitive spirit.

Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 revolutionizes team-based shooters with its speedy gameplay and character diversity. Each character’s unique abilities lead to fast-paced strategic encounters where teamwork can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Matches are short and action-packed, filled with exciting team-based objectives. With heroes designed for offensive, defensive, and support roles, players need to adapt quickly to shifting team dynamics and make split-second decisions that directly influence the match outcome.

DOOM Eternal

For players who want raw speed combined with ferocity, DOOM Eternal delivers an unmatched experience. This first-person shooter is designed for players who thrive on moving quickly through hordes of enemies. The game’s unique “dash” mechanics allow players to maneuver smoothly while dispatching various foes. The relentless speed and requirement for precise aiming create a thrilling experience that can be both incredibly challenging and satisfying. Engaging in the fast-paced action encourages players to adopt aggressive playstyles, making for an intense gaming session.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fast-paced and thrilling game in which players use celebrated characters from many different kinds of video games to engage in battle. The fights are brief and intense, frequently featuring an explosion of action, but this is exactly what adds to the excitement because players have to move quickly and learn how to use each character’s abilities and fighting styles. Every battleground has its own challenges and opportunities, which push players to think on their feet and find ways to beat their opponents by taking advantage of their weaknesses. This keeps the game fresh and engaging every time you play.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

If you like the adrenaline that racing games bring, players should try Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s a colorful and exciting kart racing game where you can compete against friends or the computer itself, and the races are usually just a few minutes long. This makes it easy to keep playing one race after another. The game is not only about speed but also about using power-ups, which can help you move faster or slow down your opponents, adding to the fun and chaos of each race. Whether you’re playing alone or with others, it offers an enjoyable and thrilling experience.