Category Archives: Metal Jesus Likes

ROG Ally vs Steam Deck vs Nintendo Switch

Having spent a bunch of time with both now, I wanted to share my thoughts on how the ROG Ally compares to the Steam Deck, with a couple thoughts thrown in for how they relate to the Nintendo Switch. Looking at comfort in handheld mode, button and sticks layout, battery life, game performance, gameplay while docked, and how the general experience is different for each one.

The ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and Nintendo Switch are all gaming devices that cater to different segments of the gaming community, each with its own set of features and target audience.

The ROG Ally is a product by ASUS under their Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, primarily focused on high-performance gaming laptops and peripherals. While specific details about the ROG Ally might have emerged after my last knowledge update in September 2021, ASUS often emphasizes powerful hardware components, customizable RGB lighting, and advanced cooling systems in their ROG lineup. The ROG Ally is likely to offer a more traditional gaming laptop experience with a wide range of games from various platforms, making it suitable for gamers seeking a comprehensive gaming and computing solution.

On the other hand, the Steam Deck is Valve’s venture into the handheld gaming market. It runs on a custom AMD APU, blending a quad-core Zen 2 CPU with RDNA 2 graphics architecture, which brings substantial gaming power to a portable device. The Steam Deck is designed to provide a dedicated handheld PC gaming experience, allowing users to access their existing Steam library, as well as other PC platforms like Epic Games Store, GOG, and more. It essentially functions as a portable gaming PC, offering more versatility and potential for productivity tasks compared to traditional gaming consoles.

The Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, pioneered the concept of a hybrid gaming console. It seamlessly transitions between a handheld mode and a TV-connected mode. The Switch’s focus lies in Nintendo’s first-party game lineup, offering exclusive titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Super Mario Odyssey,” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.” Its unique Joy-Con controllers and family-friendly gaming experience have contributed to its widespread appeal. However, the Switch’s hardware capabilities are more limited compared to the other two devices, making it less suitable for graphically demanding games available on other platforms.

In summary, the ROG Ally is likely to offer a high-performance gaming laptop experience, the Steam Deck provides a portable PC gaming experience with access to various storefronts, and the Nintendo Switch focuses on exclusive Nintendo titles and versatile hybrid gameplay. The choice between these devices ultimately depends on the user’s preferences, gaming library, and desired gaming experience.

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered – Official Announcement Trailer

Get your first look at the remaster of the classic 1995 Star Wars first-person shooter Dark Forces, which is being developed by Nightdive Studios, the same team responsible for the recent remasters of Quake 2 and System Shock. Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered is in development for all major platforms (PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch).

“Star Wars: Dark Forces” is a classic first-person shooter video game released in 1995, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers and Star Wars fans. The game’s appeal can be attributed to several key factors:

1. **Immersive Star Wars Universe:** The game is set in the beloved Star Wars universe, allowing players to experience its iconic characters, locations, and technology in a new interactive way. This immersion taps into the nostalgia and excitement that fans have for the franchise.

2. **Engaging Storyline:** “Dark Forces” introduced a compelling original storyline that expanded on the Star Wars narrative. Players assume the role of Kyle Katarn, a former Imperial soldier turned Rebel agent, as he battles against the sinister plans of the Galactic Empire, including the development of the feared Dark Trooper project.

3. **Gameplay Innovation:** At the time of its release, “Dark Forces” was innovative in its blending of first-person shooting action with puzzle-solving elements. Players had to navigate complex levels, find key items, and solve environmental puzzles, offering a diverse gameplay experience beyond just shooting enemies.

4. **Varied Environments:** The game featured a wide range of environments, from Imperial bases to starships, desert planets to space stations. This diversity kept gameplay fresh and provided a sense of exploration and adventure.

5. **Iconic Weapons:** The game introduced a variety of weapons, including the Bryar Pistol and the classic E-11 Blaster, as well as more powerful weapons like the Thermal Detonator and the iconic Lightsaber, which was available in later levels. These weapons added to the player’s sense of empowerment and choice in how to approach challenges.

6. **Technical Achievement:** “Dark Forces” was a pioneer in the realm of 3D graphics and sound design for its time. It showcased advanced graphics technology and atmospheric audio that enhanced the overall immersive experience.

7. **Modding and Community:** The game’s active modding community allowed players to create and share custom levels, modifications, and total conversions. This extended the game’s longevity and creativity, enabling players to continue enjoying new content long after completing the base game.

8. **Legacy and Influence:** “Dark Forces” laid the foundation for subsequent Star Wars video games, especially in the first-person shooter genre. It influenced titles like the “Jedi Knight” series, which expanded on the adventures of Kyle Katarn and introduced lightsaber combat and Force powers.

In summary, the appeal of “Star Wars: Dark Forces” lies in its ability to transport players into the Star Wars universe while offering engaging gameplay, a compelling storyline, and technical achievements that were impressive for its time. The game’s legacy continues to resonate with fans and stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Star Wars franchise in the realm of interactive entertainment.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon Review

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon’s stellar customization options feed into its excellent mecha combat, and the result is challenging combat puzzles that kept my attention all the way through its 15-hour campaign and beyond. It’s let down by a dull story, but lands direct hits where it counts. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon review by Mitchell Saltzman on PlayStation 5. Also available on PlayStation 4, Xbox, and PC.

The Armored Core series of games holds a unique appeal for a variety of reasons, making it a beloved franchise among gamers, especially those who enjoy mecha combat and customization-driven gameplay. Here are some of the key factors that contribute to the series’ appeal:

  1. Mech Customization: One of the standout features of the Armored Core series is the deep and intricate mech customization system. Players have the freedom to build and modify their mechs (known as Armored Cores) with an extensive range of parts, weapons, and equipment. This level of customization allows players to create truly unique machines tailored to their preferred playstyle, strategy, and aesthetic preferences.
  2. Tactical Gameplay: Armored Core games often emphasize strategic gameplay and tactical decision-making. The battles are not just about raw firepower; players need to consider factors like terrain, positioning, weapon loadouts, and defensive capabilities. This adds a layer of depth and complexity to the combat, appealing to gamers who enjoy thought-provoking challenges.
  3. Challenging Difficulty: The series is known for its challenging difficulty, which attracts players who seek a rewarding and engaging experience. Mastering the intricacies of combat mechanics, optimizing loadouts, and learning to adapt to various opponents provides a sense of accomplishment as players progress through the game.
  4. Engaging Storytelling: While the focus is primarily on mech combat and customization, the Armored Core series often incorporates intriguing and immersive narratives. The games explore futuristic dystopian worlds, corporate intrigue, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of powerful mechs. This adds a layer of depth to the experience and keeps players invested in the game world.
  5. Online Multiplayer: Several installments of the series feature online multiplayer modes, allowing players to pit their custom-built mechs against others in intense battles. The competitive aspect enhances replayability and provides an opportunity for players to showcase their unique creations and combat strategies.
  6. Aesthetic Design: The design of the mechs, environments, and overall visual style of the Armored Core series has a strong appeal to fans of futuristic and sci-fi aesthetics. The attention to detail in mech design and the portrayal of futuristic landscapes contribute to the overall immersive experience.
  7. Evolution of Technology: The series spans multiple generations of gaming platforms, showcasing the evolution of technology and graphics capabilities. This evolution allows players to see how the franchise has grown over time while experiencing advancements in gameplay mechanics and visual fidelity.
  8. Niche Appeal: The Armored Core series caters to a specific niche within the gaming community – fans of mecha and sci-fi combat. This focused approach helps the games resonate deeply with players who are passionate about the genre.

In summary, the appeal of the Armored Core series lies in its intricate mech customization, tactical gameplay, challenging difficulty, engaging storytelling, online multiplayer options, aesthetic design, and its ability to cater to a dedicated niche audience of mech and sci-fi enthusiasts. These elements come together to create a gaming experience that is both unique and rewarding for those who enjoy the intricacies of mecha combat and customization.

Ultimate Coleco/Atari 2600 Tier List – ALL RELEASED GAMES RANKED

In this video, we’ll be diving headfirst into a selection of captivating classics brought to us by Coleco and rank all thirteen titles on a tier.

Coleco, a prominent toy and video game company of the 1980s, made a significant impact on the gaming industry with its line of Atari games. Recognized for its innovative products and dedication to gaming, Coleco developed a series of popular titles for the iconic Atari 2600 console. One of their standout releases was “Donkey Kong,” a highly successful arcade adaptation that showcased the console’s capabilities and became a best-seller. Additionally, Coleco’s “Venture” introduced players to a captivating dungeon-crawling adventure, garnering praise for its engaging gameplay. The company’s commitment to quality gaming experiences extended to other platforms as well, with ColecoVision, their home video game console, gaining a devoted following for its impressive graphics and library of exciting titles. Despite challenges in the gaming market during the video game crash of the mid-1980s, Coleco’s contributions to Atari games left an indelible mark on gaming history and cemented its position as a respected player in the industry.

Can The Steam Deck Run Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart?

Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart brings one of PlayStation’s best franchises to the PC. Of course it’ll be great to see this run on a powerful PC at 4K with Ray Tracing. But we’re here to see how the Steam Deck handles Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart

The Steam Deck, being a handheld gaming device that aims to provide a PC gaming experience, faces several challenges in achieving optimal performance for PC games. One of the main hurdles is hardware limitations. While the Steam Deck boasts impressive specifications, such as a custom AMD APU, it still falls short of the raw power and capabilities of high-end gaming PCs. This means that some demanding AAA titles might require graphical compromises or lower framerates to run smoothly on the device. Additionally, managing thermal performance in a handheld form factor is challenging, as intense gaming sessions can generate significant heat, potentially impacting overall performance over extended periods. Another obstacle is game optimization; PC games are not always designed with handheld devices in mind, leading to potential compatibility issues or inefficient resource utilization. Furthermore, the wide variety of hardware configurations on PC presents a challenge for game developers to ensure consistent performance across all devices. Despite these challenges, the Steam Deck’s promising hardware and Valve’s dedication to fine-tuning the user experience could lead to significant strides in handheld PC gaming, making it an exciting prospect for gamers seeking a portable gaming solution.

Marvel Secret Invasion Full TV Series Review

The Marvel Secret Invasion TV show was a highly anticipated and ambitious addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed comic storyline of the same name, the series promised to be a thrilling, action-packed ride for fans and newcomers alike. The show delves into a complex narrative where shape-shifting alien Skrulls have infiltrated Earth, posing as trusted individuals, including beloved Marvel characters. This gripping premise sets the stage for intense suspense, unexpected betrayals, and jaw-dropping reveals as the heroes of the MCU must navigate a web of deceit and uncertainty. With a stellar ensemble cast, led by charismatic performances from established MCU actors and newcomers, the Secret Invasion TV show was primed to explore themes of trust, identity, and loyalty, while also expanding the universe’s mythology in profound and captivating ways. The combination of high-stakes storytelling, character-driven drama, and thrilling action sequences is sure to make Secret Invasion a must-watch event that will leave audiences eagerly awaiting each new episode.

The Game Chasers – Ep 84 What’s in the Suitcase?

The Game chasers head back to the flea market once again in nearly 100-degree heat to search for retro video games at cheap prices, and they finally find some great stuff. They discover and buy video games hidden away in a shop not once, but twice.

The Game Chasers YouTube channel possesses an irresistible appeal that has captured the hearts of gaming enthusiasts worldwide. With a perfect blend of nostalgia, humor, and genuine passion for retro gaming, this channel has become a beloved destination for both seasoned collectors and casual gamers alike. The hosts, Billy and Jay, bring an infectious camaraderie and witty banter to their adventures, as they embark on thrilling quests to uncover rare and treasured video game finds from the past. Their genuine reactions, unscripted moments, and genuine love for all things gaming create an authentic and engaging viewing experience. From exploring local flea markets and gaming expos to uncovering hidden gems in dusty old shops, the Game Chasers embody the thrill of the hunt, evoking fond memories of a bygone era. This authenticity and dedication to their craft have earned them a devoted fan base, making the Game Chasers YouTube channel a cherished source of entertainment and nostalgia for gaming enthusiasts around the globe.

The Ferrari 360 Modena is the Approachable, Fun Ferrari

The Ferrari 360 Modena is an iconic sports car that exudes elegance, power, and sophistication. Introduced in the late 1990s, it continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts with its timeless design and high-performance capabilities. Its sleek, aerodynamic body is a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to both form and function. The heart of the 360 Modena is a mid-mounted 3.6-liter V8 engine, producing a symphony of raw power and a spine-tingling exhaust note. With its rear-wheel-drive setup and finely tuned suspension, the 360 Modena delivers an exhilarating driving experience, effortlessly hugging corners and offering responsive handling. Inside the cabin, the car’s craftsmanship shines, featuring a driver-focused cockpit with luxurious materials and modern amenities. The Ferrari 360 Modena stands as a symbol of automotive excellence, combining Italian craftsmanship and engineering prowess to create an unforgettable driving experience for those lucky enough to get behind the wheel.

Classic Game Room: SIMON review

The Simon game by Milton Bradley is a classic electronic memory game that has captivated players since its introduction in 1978. Designed for both children and adults, the game features a round, colorful device with four large buttons, each emitting a unique tone and lighting up. The objective of Simon is to follow and replicate a sequence of lights and sounds as it progressively becomes more complex. With each successful replication, the game adds another step to the sequence, challenging the player’s memory and concentration. The Simon game provides an engaging and addictive experience, encouraging players to test their cognitive skills and strive for higher scores. Its simple yet effective design and timeless gameplay have made it an enduring favorite among generations of players, solidifying its status as an iconic and beloved classic.