Tag: #gaming

The best games to play in 2021

Must-Play Games Worth Trying in 2021

2021 has been jam-packed with brilliant video games. Everything from action to horror to sequels of old favorites, this year has had it all. You can’t forget all the consoles getting some love and a host of new games. 

There have been a ton of new games to try on your phone, the PS%, the Nintendo Switch, and of course, your PC. Here are the best games that have come out this year that you should play, and a few that are about to be released. 

Deathloop 

Deathloop is a unique twist on the time-traveling and action genres. You play as Colt; an assassin stuck in a time loop who must take out eight targets, known as the Visionaries. However, time resets every 24-hours, and if you kill one and the others find out, the mission fails. 

Deathloop forces you to plan and investigate multiple areas of the world to ensure that you can kill all eight targets before time resets again when the time comes. It isn’t as easy as you think. 

Microsoft Flight Simulator 

This classic has been remastered in the best possible way. This iteration of Flight Simulator is the best one to be released, with players exploring the entire planet with crisp, clear detail and visuals. 

You can fly many different aircraft, take off and land at world-famous airports, and even be tested with changing and sometimes extreme weather conditions. There is no other game that provides a more realistic flying experience. 

Resident Evil Village 

Village is the much-hyped sequel to 2017’s Biohazard. This game sees you reprise the role of Ethan Winters, who is on the hunt for his kidnapped daughter, who disappeared after a deadly encounter with Chris Redfield. 

You then find yourself in a village, where you must not only continue your desperate search but also deal with deadly monsters and creatures that hide in the shadows. Village keeps the Resident Evil aesthetic and feel but adds a new level of action that fans have wanted. 

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart 

One of the most famous video game duo’s is back. Rift Apart is both a sequel to Into the Nexus and 2016’s Ratchet and Clank. This game finds you battling Dr. Nefarious and the very essence of time as Ratchet and Clank get separated due to the Dimensionator exploding. 

Rift Apart was met with critical acclaim, with many publications and websites rating it with scores of 90% and above. The formula for Ratchet and Clank has always been brilliant, and this title just builds on it. 

Hitman 3 

Agent 47 is back in the eighth installment of this hit franchise. Hitman 3 concludes the story that was started back during the first Hitman game in 2016, where Agent 47 and his allies track down and kill the members of Providence.

The stealth game features six new locations that Agent 47 can travel through; these include Dubai, Dartmoor, Berlin, Chongqing, Mendoza, and an epilogue set in the mountains of Romania. Hitman 3 received ratings in the high 80’s and low 90’s, with many saying it is one of the best Hitman games in the franchise. 

New Pokemon Snap 

One of the most beloved series in the Pokemon world, New Pokemon Snap was released earlier this year. As the player, you travel through the Lental region, researching and photographing Pokemon using an on-rail hovercraft. 

The game features over 200 Pokemon for you to discover and snap. While Snap doesn’t have the same action as the flagship Pokemon games, it is a unique way to interact with the pocket monsters and adds a fresh twist to the world. 

Far Cry 6 

Far Cry 6 is set to be released in only a couple of days. As the player, you find yourself on the fictional Caribbean Island of Yara, ruled by Anton Castillo or El Presidente. Castillo is raising his young son to be a more ruthless dictator and leader of the region. 

Your job as a guerilla fighter is to destroy what Castillo has built and overthrow him as the leader of Yara. Like previous Far Cry games, 6 features an extensive map, side quests, a new allow hiring system, and many weapons and vehicles to pick from. 

Rider’s Republic 

Battle Royales have exploded in popularity since the likes of Fortnite and Warzone took off. However, Rider’s Republic is here to put a racing spin on the genre. You can play as a mountain biker, snowboarder, skier, wingsuit flyer, or rocket wingsuit flyer. 

You compete against 50 other racers in battle royale style format, with the first one at the bottom being the winner. You can also compete in 6v6 trick battles, with the team earning the most points winning. 

Call of Duty Vanguard 

The next installment in the Call of Duty franchise takes us back to World War 2. While there has been a WW2-based Call of Duty before, this one uses the impressive Modern Warfare engine, giving you smooth and flawless gameplay without sacrificing speed and action. 

The game will feature maps of famous areas such as the Pacific, Africa, and the Eastern and Western Fronts. Zombies will make a return, as well as new modes to keep the action coming thick and fast. Not to mention the release of a brand new Warzone map that comes out simultaneously as Vanguard. 

Battlefield 2042 

After not releasing a game last year, Battlefield will release a title that will either revitalize the franchise or kill it off altogether. Whereas COD is going back in time, Battlefield is heading to, you guessed it, 2042. 

The game will feature futuristic weapons, gear, vehicles, and combat that we haven’t seen before in a Battlefield game. By all accounts, we can forget what previous Battlefields were like because 2042 is planning on redefining what a first-person shooter is. 

2021 has already been a bumper year for gaming, and with only a few months left, it isn’t done yet. If you haven’t played any of these games yet, do yourself a favor and pick them up, you won’t be disappointed.

What We Know About the Project 007 Video Game So Far

Other than the free mobile game 007: World of Espionage, which was released in 2015 by the game developer Glu, there hasn’t been a proper James Bond video game since Activision’s 007 Legends, which came out in 2012 to coincide with the launch of the Skyfall film. Even with the much-anticipated No Time To Die now in cinemas, which you surely know is the last outing for Daniel Craig as Bond, there’s no new console video game release as of yet. However, a new game featuring everyone’s favourite martini-drinking British spy is currently in development. So, what do we know about the Project 007 video game so far

Who is making the game?

 IO Interactive, the company that brought us the acclaimed Hitman video game series, is developing the new James Bond video game at its two Nordic studios in Denmark and Sweden. IO Interactive is working closely with the licensors MGM and Eon Productions, so expect the new game to closely resemble the modern movie world of 007. Also, IO Interactive has stated that it has been recruiting elite talent from around the world to build the exciting upcoming game. We also know that IO Interactive is using Glacier, the same proprietary game design software that was used to develop the incredibly successful Hitman series of games. Speaking of which, if you can’t wait to play the Project 007 game, the Hitman series is a great substitute that’s sure to keep you entertained. You may also like to play older 007 video games like 2004’s GoldenEye: Rogue Agent or James Bond 007, which was released for Game Boy in 1998. Alternatively, you could follow in the footsteps of 007 and play thrilling and fun casino games. Play online slots at Dunder, or play Bond’s favourite game of baccarat.

What is the title of the game?

While the new James Bond video game is widely being called Project 007, that name is merely a working title. It looks likely that the name of the game will be changed before it is released. Although, we quite like the simplicity of the name Project 007.

When will the game be released?

 We actually know little about the new Project 007 game at present and IO Interactive hasn’t released or hinted at any details about a possible release date. However, progress is certainly being made. In November 2020, the first teaser trailer for Project 007 was released.

What is the teaser trailer like?

The forty-nine-second trailer begins with a bullet being loaded into a gun. Familiar Bond movie music then starts playing until it reaches a crescendo and the 007 logo appears. However, with no actual gameplay footage shown, it’s impossible to know what IO Interactive actually has in store for gamers.

What will the new game be about?

What we do know about the new Project 007 video game is a little about the story. The game will feature a brand-new, wholly original story, in which Bond earns his 007 status for the first time. The origin story won’t be based on the James Bond origin story contained in Ian Fleming’s original Casino Royale novel or in the 2006 movie adaptation in which Daniel Craig first played the charismatic spy. Nor will the origin story of Project 007 be based on the prequel novels written by Anthony Horowitz.

Which platforms will the game be released on?

According to IO Interactive, Project 007 will be launched on modern systems and platforms. So, while we don’t know precisely which consoles and platforms the game will be released on, it looks as though Project 007 will be available to play on both game consoles and PCs.

The Falconeer Soars Through The Cloud On Stadia Today

The Falconeer asks players to climb atop a giant warbird and take to the skies in a breathtaking experience set above The Great Ursee, an oceanic world teeming with mysteries. Dive headfirst into a unique adventure filled with intense aerial dogfights, jaw-dropping set-pieces, and immersive storytelling.

“There’s something very fitting about The Falconeer finding a new nest in The Cloud,” said Leo Zullo, Managing Director at Wired Productions. “We love how Stadia lets players jump between screens and experience games on their own terms, without technological shackles, much in the same way as high-flying Falconeers are encouraged to venture out and explore The Great Ursee with complete freedom.”

“I’m incredibly eggcited to bring The Falconeer to a new audience with Stadia, which I can’t stop raven about. I hope players have an impeckable time, whichever devices they use for their adventure,” said Tomas Sala, Creator of The Falconeer.

For more information about Stadia, visit the official website.

About The Falconeer: Warrior Edition

The Falconeer: Warrior Edition includes extensive new updates and features every single add-on pack released since its original launch on the Xbox family of devices and Steam. This includes The Kraken, The Hunter and Atun’s Folly, as well as the latest expansion, Edge of the World, which adds new mini campaigns, new missions, new locations and more. Further additions and updates include the re-recording of significant voice-over work, and a streamlined prologue tutorial.

The Falconeer: Warrior Edition is available now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. The Falconeer and all additional add-on content featured in the Warrior Edition is also available on the Xbox family of devices via the Microsoft Store, for PC via Steam, and on Amazon Luna.

Tech Review – Tronsmart Battle Gaming Earbuds

Having tested many of Tronsmarts products they never seem to disappoint and for gamers these earbuds should be something on your radar and of course they are affordable but the question is do they work and are they worth the money, for gamers they like a certain set of parameters for the audio experience and there is other brands out there that are known to gamers for that particular sound the gamer likes but for your money here in short these do a fine job.

Build quality

There are really cool earbuds with a glossy finish which is fine and have a small stem and akin to Airpods in design, I prefer this type of approach and the quality seems good, they are durable and look solid but time will tell on this but for me they should last just as long as any other earbud, they come in a really cool charge case that is transparent and I really like this effect and it is nice to see a different approach to the case which makes them look really nice overall.

Fit

Fit here is fine and they are comfortable, there is a stem but this is fine, some folk do not like stems but for me I do not really mind at all and they are comfortable even for long term use ie many hours of gaming and music.

Controls

There is no app here which might change as the company does have an app with a selection of their earbuds on it, to change your options you just tap the upper side and they worked really well here with every tap and that for me is a great feature as some earbuds do not respond to every command, you have all the features required and the same applies to use these for music, I tested these in both gaming and music and worked well.

tronsmart battle techbuzzireland

Sound

These sound great i have to say and ideal for both gaming and music and anything else you would use earbuds for they are crisp and clear and sharp delivering great direction and gives you a level of immersion when gaming you will not be disappointed here with these and they perform really well for the price you pay which is an added bonus. You can triple tap to change between gaming mode and music mode and the job is done.

The Tronsmart Battle Gaming Earbuds has Bluetooth 5.0 with AVRCP, A2DP, HFP codecs. It supports voice commands and IPX5 certification for water and dust resistance. The battery life will be about 20 hours and this does vary to volume levels and so on. Skip track,reverse track and volume controls are all present here.

Features

  • Ultra Low Latency Gaming True Wireless Earbuds.
  • Premium Audio with Custom Engineered 13mm Driver.
  • Diverse Lighting Effect.
  • Pressure-reduced Idea.
  • Semi in-ear Ergonomics Structure.
  • Quick Access to Multiple Functions.
  • 20 Hours of Playtime.
  • Supports Voice Assistant.

BUY HERE

Tronsmart sent these for us to review with no compensation or input and are seeing the review the same time as you, Click here to see the video review.

Legion Esports launch new esports series for Irish college students

Legion Esports, Ireland’s leading esports company, has launched a new esports series specifically for Irish third level students with tournament registrations having opened across the country on September 23rd. 

As the only third level esports series in Ireland, Legion Collegiate will provide students the opportunity to go head to head with fellow esports competitors with over 20 Irish universities and colleges already signed up. 

Gaming and esports in Ireland has seen a surge in popularity in recent years with a significant pool of talented players across a wide range of games, with Legion Esports recently announcing a ground-breaking title partnership with An Post Money for the company’s flagship Legion Esports Series. 

Speaking ahead of the launch of the new college series, Legion Esports Co-Founder & CEO Stuart Dempsey believes there is significant potential to develop a world class student series in Ireland. “Legion Collegiate is a hugely exciting opportunity for us. The popularity of esports amongst third level students has been obvious for a number of years now, and we’re looking forward to providing them a platform to showcase their skills and go head to head with other college teams in Ireland and beyond.”

 

Legion Collegiate – Participating Colleges
University College Dublin Dublin Business School
University College Cork Dublin City University
Trinity College Dublin Dundalk Institute of Technology
University of Limerick Institute of Technology Carlow
University of Ulster Institute of Technology Sligo
Letterkenny Institute of Technology Queen’s University Belfast
Maynooth University RCSI Dublin
Munster Technical University Technological University Dublin
National College of Ireland Waterford Institute of Technology
National University of Ireland Galway Athlone Institute of Technology

As part of the new series, Legion Collegiate has also announced a partnership agreement with Ireland’s leading supplier of gaming peripherals, GamerStore.ie, which will include prize pool sponsorship, gaming equipment prizes and cross marketing campaign activations. 

In terms of the tournaments available to students, Legion Collegiate is offering a packed programme including League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, Smash Bros. and CS:GO with the initial Legion Collegiate Winter Series running from October 11th and concluding in January. The subsequent Legion Collegiate Spring Series will kick off in February 2022 and conclude in May of that year. 

While the college esports scene in Ireland has continued to develop at a rapid rate over recent years, Dempsey sees significant scope to scale Legion Collegiate over the next 12-18 months in particular. “Ultimately we want to integrate Legion Collegiate into our live events programme and give these students the opportunity to compete live on stage in front of thousands of spectators. We’re delighted to announce the partnership of Legion Collegiate and GamerStore.ie, while we’re also speaking to a number of additional brands who are excited at the opportunity of engaging with third level students in a genuine and meaningful way via esports.” 

 

Registrations for Legion Collegiate Winter Series are Now Open:  challengermode.com/s/LegionCollegiate

The Technologies that Could Impact Online Slot Games in the Future

Most of us have seen phenomenal changes in technology within our lifetimes, and the industry doesn’t look as if it’s going to slow its advancements any time soon. From digital special effects in the movies, to electric cars and missions to space, these things seemed impossible just 100 years ago. Technology has also affected our lives on a smaller scale. Most adults now own a smartphone, with computing technology small enough to fit in their pocket. And by connecting to 4G internet, they can instantly access a global network of information.

The advancement of technology has also brought into existence entirely new industries. One of the fastest growing new industries is the online gambling industry, which is only 25 years old now. Online casinos and slot providers, like Wink Slots,  are now able to provide top quality games to millions of customers, anytime and anywhere. This convenience is why mobile slots are fast becoming one of the nation’s favourite online games.

The Evolution of Online Slots

Online slots developers have now got more creative freedom to design their games, because they know that modern technology can handle it. Gone are the standard 3 reels, some slots play around with 5 or 7, but developer NetEnt have taken it one step further and invented InfiniReels, where every win adds a new reel to your slot, with no limit to how many you can have. This really shakes up the way that online slots are played, and it’s not the only fun new innovation in slot design.

Megaways and Gigablox are some of the other fun new slot designs which offer players the change to play for higher jackpots than every before. Of course, the odds of hitting the top money are still very small, but new players are enticed in by the promise of larger payouts.

Technological advancements have also enabled online slots to come in many different themes and styles. Because it’s so easy to tweak a few settings within the coding of a game, new slots can be released quickly and without much cost. There are now online slots to suit every player, from animal themes to Viking themes, with different RTPs and volatility ratings.

How Technology has Made Online Slots Popular

Slots have always been a very visually appealing game, so it was important for their success that online developers be able to replicate the classic video slots look. But it was also important for players to possess hardware powerful enough to showcase the games in all their glory. The development of the smartphone market, and the fact that prices now start reasonably low for what is still a decent phone, has made it possible for more people than ever to access online games and enjoy them at their leisure.

Fibre broadband and the arrival of 5G mobile internet has also been a massive boost to the industry. Players no longer have to wait for their games to load, or deal with buffering and lag. Online slot games load almost instantly and players can play for as long as they like. Faster download speeds have made it more appealing for people to play for short bursts of time, like during a commute or a lunch break, and this has been great for the online slots industry.

Technology has allowed players to be able to play whenever and wherever they want.

 

Increased Competition

One of the downsides of the online slot industry’s rapid growth is that the marketplace is now saturated with competing sites. While this is great for the players as they have more choice of where to go, it means the online slots sites are having to work harder to appeal to new customers.

One-way sites are using technology to do this is by offering different payment methods. Debit and credit cards are no longer the only way of making deposits, with many online providers utilising the services of online wallets and cryptocurrencies to encourage new types of users to join their sites.

Female players tend to gravitate towards slots, but they also like to play socially. So online slots sites have started offering chat rooms, live slots games, and multiplayer slots. This increases player interaction and has replaced the missing social element that you could get from playing slot with friends in a land-based casino.

Technology has opened many doors for slot providers, however, competition has become even more intense.

 

The Future

Live online slots are just starting to appear online, as are virtual reality casinos, proving that there’s plenty of scope for the sector to continue evolving. Live online slots utilise fast streaming technology to broadcast from a studio where a dealer oversees spinning the reels. Players can interact with the dealer through a chat box and carry out conversations in real time – like being part of a massive game show! So far, only two online slots are available in this format, but interest is growing, and it looks certain to join other live casino games as the next big thing.

Conclusion

Online slots are constantly evolving and advancing to keep up with technological changes. Faster internet speeds mean the games can include more functions and better graphics; better smartphone penetration means that more slots are optimised for mobile in order to tap into a new market; and live slots are putting the community feel back into gaming. With 5G rolling out and virtual reality headsets becoming more affordable, online slots will be in for another big change soon.

Tech Review – Creative Chat USB-C headset.

Many of us now are working from home and it looks like it will be the new norm but working in the office is als not entirely ruled out either post pandemic but having said all that you need the tools that can be used in both and this new headset from creative is one to look at which is affordable and lightweight too, being wired though may put some off but there is still a large cohort of people out there that do like wired headsets and for me either is fine.

This headset has USB-C which is the new norm and can also be used with your mobile phone which is handy and can be used in a personal capacity to take calls do zoom calls and listen to music too so you are not confined to your PC either so in effect you could save money here to with one headset and remember it is lightweight too.

Build

The build quality is decent enough too and being lightweight makes it even better especially for long term use the cups are soft too a nicely settle on the ears which make for a comfortable experience overall.

Controls

This is a simple plug and play unit but it does have an inline control panel built in you also get some software to play around with that can enhance the experience and we show you this in the video review below with a standard set up and one connected with the software running, the controls are simple to use and nothing is complicated here at all.

Smarts

The headset comes with a built-in noise-cancelling boom mic and swivel-to-mute function along with SmartComms Kit’s auto-mute and two-way noise cancellation features that make online calls a breeze for users. From webinar presentations to conference calls, the Creative Chat USB offers quality audio and effective noise-cancelling capabilities that works to prioritize voice pickup over unwanted background noises

Audio

Built with a pair of 40 mm Neodymium drivers, the Creative Chat USB has been intricately designed to deliver excellent audio performance that precedes its price by offering a much bigger audio bang for the buck. So, be it for work calls or entertainment, users can expect nothing but high-quality and crystal-clear audio playback all day.

Multiplatform

The Creative Chat USB also works with gaming consoles such as PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch so again you are not tied down to one product to use this headset on so it is a win if you have all the above including a phone or tablet.

Conclusion

Overall this is a great affordable headset that is not restricted with it use case scenario and gives decent audio too and being light it is comfortable and even though it is wired it still offers more options than others out there with connectivity

BUY – creative.com/chatusb.

Creative sent us this to review and no compensation paid nor any input given and are seeing this review the same time as you.

Watch the video below for more

 

 

Choose your own adventure with A Little Golf Journey from Okidokico and Playtonic Friends

A relaxed, playful experience built around a stripped back version of the game of golf, A Little Golf Journey is all about the journey, not the driver.  Explore diverse biomes, uncover each course’s secrets and tee off on the most relaxing round you’ve ever experienced.

A Little Golf Journey will be launching on Steam for PC, GOG and Nintendo Switch on 14th October and just like the real game, you can take your time to soak in the natural beauty of the course, spend all your time out of bounds – but who knows what you might discover – or shoot straight for the hole!

Born from a desire to break away from the hyper-specialisation of AAA game development, A Little Golf Journey took the team at Okidokico on their own journey as they had to master all the disciplines to create their take on Golf whilst creating a relaxing, intriguing narrative with puzzles a plenty and flexibility in play which allows you, the player, to chart your own course through the world.

Wish lists are open right now on Steam and the Nintendo eShop will go live later this week.

What Can We Expect Next from the Adventure Game Genre?

Adventure games such as role-playing games (RPGs) and other fantasy titles have been massively popular for decades. They tend to follow roughly similar themes, with magic, incredible creatures, exploration, and fighting usually all part of the adventure. How have they become so popular and what can we expect to see next?

The Rich History of RPGs and Adventure Games

Perhaps the best-known example of this genre is World of Warcraft. First released in 2004 by Blizzard Entertainment, it has since established a reputation as arguably the most popular MMORPG of all time. WoW is loved by players for the way it gives them complete freedom to explore the world in the way they prefer, and it has led to spin-offs in several other genres, as well as books and a blockbuster movie.

There’s also The Elder Scrolls series, by Bethesda Game Studios, which has become hugely successful in the last few years, despite being initially released in 1994. These games take the player through open-world fantasy settings that mix real-life elements with mythology to terrific effect. The most recent entry in the series, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, is still going strong a decade after it was first released, which is testament to the enduring popularity of adventure RPGs.

Mobile games also now offer a similar experience to desktop games in terms of RPGs. Among the best mobile RPGs just now are 2020’s Genshin Impact and Another Eden, which was released in 2017. As mobile technology improves, the ability to explore huge worlds and carry out varied missions has grown enormously, meaning that mobile RPGs are now a lot closer to the feel of desktop versions. 

Developers in other areas of the online gaming industry have also taken note of the popularity of adventure games. Slot titles such as Book of Dead by Play’n GO and Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt have been classic favorites among players, such that you’d find them offered by both old established names in the industry as well as new slot sites, among many other adventure-themed slots.

New World: The Next Big Adventure Game?

The New World by Amazon Games is one of the latest examples of a game that lets you live out amazing adventures, although it has received a mixed reception upon the preliminary release of its free beta iteration. While it isn’t due for official release until September 28th, here’s what we already know about the game and how players have responded to it, so far.

Firstly, New World is set in the Atlantic Ocean, where the protagonists are shipwrecked on Aeternum Island. The action takes place in the 17th century, and you can join a group of up to five members due to its multiplayer online RPG format, or else join one of the major factions on the island. Your adventures are comprised of foraging for resources and exploring while fighting monsters and other players. 

Though Amazon Game Studios have been talking about this title since 2016, the release date was delayed from 2020 until this year. Over this period, there was plenty of hype generated, which is perhaps why the overall reception has been pretty mixed.

On the one hand, players who signed up on Steam to try the beta version have applauded the impressive graphics and have deemed New World a visually stunning game. Players also highlighted that they enjoyed the chance to explore a varied, open-world setting where you can fish, fight, and get immersed in the gameplay.

However, some reviewers who’ve tried the beta version think that the combat feature is fairly weak with repetitive characters and moves, and have also complained about the grind in collecting items before being able to fully explore the island.

It’s still early days for New World, but it looks like it’ll be a worthy addition to the adventure canon. Although the first reviews suggest that there’s a mixed reception, it’s clear that there are manageable elements that could be easily improved, and that this game could go on to become a classic alongside the others we have looked at.