Tag Archives: PC

Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition – Launch Trailer

Enjoy Resident Evil 4 to its fullest with the base game, Separate Ways story DLC, and an Extra DLC Pack with Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition! The action-packed The Mercenaries mode is also available as a free DLC. Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition Release date: Feb. 9, 2024

Resident Evil 4 is widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential video games in the survival horror genre. Released in 2005 by Capcom, it revolutionized the series by introducing a more action-oriented gameplay style while still retaining elements of horror and tension. One of the key reasons for its popularity is its innovative over-the-shoulder third-person perspective, which provided players with a more immersive and dynamic experience compared to the fixed camera angles of its predecessors. This new perspective allowed for greater control and precision in aiming weapons, enhancing the game’s combat mechanics and making encounters with enemies more intense and visceral.

Another factor contributing to Resident Evil 4’s popularity is its compelling storyline and atmospheric setting. The game follows special agent Leon S. Kennedy as he embarks on a mission to rescue the President’s daughter from a sinister cult in rural Europe. The eerie and atmospheric environments, along with the grotesque and menacing enemies, create a sense of dread and unease throughout the game. Additionally, Resident Evil 4 features a variety of memorable and challenging boss battles, as well as clever puzzles and exploration elements that keep players engaged and immersed in the game world. Combined with its polished gameplay mechanics and high production values, Resident Evil 4 set a new standard for action-horror games and continues to be beloved by fans and critics alike for its thrilling gameplay experience.

Restoring Sony’s first VAIO laptop! (1998)

Sony’s PCG-505 looks like a pretty typical late-90s laptop at first glance. But it actually had a big impact on the computer industry — you probably just didn’t realize it.

The Sony Vaio line of laptops, introduced by Sony Corporation in 1996, gained prominence for its sleek design, advanced technology, and premium build quality. Vaio, an acronym for “Video Audio Integrated Operation,” initially focused on multimedia capabilities, setting itself apart in the market. Over the years, Sony Vaio laptops became synonymous with cutting-edge innovation and a blend of form and function. The laptops featured vibrant displays, powerful processors, and high-quality audio, catering to users who sought a seamless multimedia experience. Sony Vaio laptops were particularly known for their distinctive design elements, such as the slim profile, metallic finishes, and backlit keyboards, contributing to their premium appeal.

Despite their initial success, Sony eventually sold its Vaio PC business in 2014 to a Japanese investment firm. The Vaio brand, however, continued to thrive under new ownership. The laptops retained their commitment to high-end performance and style, adapting to changing technological trends. The Sony Vaio line left a lasting legacy in the laptop industry, symbolizing a convergence of style and functionality, and paving the way for the premium laptop market to evolve.

*New* BOOMER SHOOTERS: 8 Games You Must Play!

Boomer Shooters are very popular these days and I share eight games that you must play now!
GAMES SHOWN:
Beyond Sunset
Chop Goblins
Wizordum
Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition
Deadlink
Impaler
Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered
Forgive me father 2

A “Boomer Shooter” is a subgenre of first-person shooter (FPS) video games that draws inspiration from classic shooters of the 1990s, particularly those from the era of PC gaming dominated by titles like Doom, Quake, and Duke Nukem 3D. The term “Boomer” in this context doesn’t refer to the generational demographic but rather pays homage to the gameplay style and design philosophy reminiscent of the shooters that were popular during the formative years of the genre. These games aim to capture the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action, and straightforward mechanics that characterized the early days of FPS gaming.

Typically, Boomer Shooters feature intense, non-stop combat, large and intricate level designs, and a focus on skill-based gameplay. They often eschew modern gaming conventions like regenerating health and cover-based mechanics, opting instead for health pickups, expansive weapon arsenals, and challenging enemy encounters. The graphics and visuals may deliberately adopt a retro aesthetic, utilizing pixel art or low-polygon models to evoke a nostalgic feel while still incorporating modern design elements. Boomer Shooters cater to players who appreciate the purity of the classic FPS experience, emphasizing speed, precision, and a sense of immersion in dynamic, action-packed environments reminiscent of gaming’s golden age.

Game Chasers: This Apple II Computer Turned Out To Be Worth The Money!

Game Chasers Billy takes the Apple II he found for $40 bucks to The 8-Bit Guy, a local vintage computer hobbyist. They will find out if it works, restore it to its former glory, and see whether or not it was worth the money to pick it up.

The Apple II was a pioneering personal computer released by Apple Inc. in 1977, revolutionizing the consumer tech landscape. With its sleek design and innovative capabilities, it became a hallmark of the burgeoning home computing era. The Apple II featured a distinct beige-colored plastic case, a built-in keyboard, and a central processing unit running at just over 1 MHz. Its graphical display, utilizing a color palette that was revolutionary for its time, facilitated a variety of applications from gaming to word processing.

What set the Apple II apart was its expandability and versatility. Unlike many computers of its era, it offered expansion slots, allowing users to add peripheral devices like floppy disk drives, printers, and modems. The availability of software like VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program, propelled the Apple II into offices and businesses, solidifying its impact on both personal and professional spheres. Its accessibility and user-friendly design made it a cornerstone of the microcomputer industry, leaving a lasting legacy that contributed significantly to the evolution of personal computing.

Digital Foundry’s Best Game Graphics of 2023 – PC, PS5, Xbox, Switch – Another Amazing Year

As is DF tradition, we round off the year with a look at the team’s personal picks for the best game graphics of 2023. Covering off the very best in both PC and console rendering, Alex Battaglia, John Linneman and Oliver Mackenzie share their thoughts on the most impressive visuals of the year, leading to an open debate on which title did it best: Alan Wake 2, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora or Cyberpunk 2077’s RT Overdrive?

The history of video game graphics is a captivating journey marked by groundbreaking advancements. In the early days of gaming during the 1970s, games relied on simple, pixelated graphics due to technological limitations. The Atari 2600, released in 1977, featured iconic games like “Pong” and “Space Invaders,” showcasing basic shapes and limited colors. As technology progressed, the 8-bit era emerged in the 1980s with consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Sega Master System, introducing more detailed sprites and vibrant colors, enhancing the gaming experience.

The 1990s witnessed a significant leap in video game graphics with the advent of 16 and 32-bit consoles such as the Super Nintendo (SNES) and the Sega Genesis. These consoles allowed for smoother animations, more complex character designs, and richer environments. The transition to 3D graphics became a game-changer in the mid-1990s with the release of consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64, enabling developers to create fully immersive 3D worlds. Technological advancements continued rapidly, leading to high-definition graphics, photorealistic textures, and lifelike character models in modern gaming, as seen in consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and powerful gaming PCs. The evolution of video game graphics reflects the relentless march of technology and human creativity, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s visually possible in gaming.

Top 5 Worst Decisions in Cyberpunk 2077 – Phantom Liberty

Despite mostly sporting a plethora of morally grey choices. Here are some decisions in Phantom Liberty that can turn out pretty bad!

Cyberpunk 2077 paints a vivid and sprawling picture of a dystopian future where the boundary between humanity and technology has blurred beyond recognition. Set in Night City, a vibrant yet dark metropolis, the game unfolds in a world dominated by mega-corporations, where power, greed, and advanced technology collide. Cybernetic enhancements are the norm, offering individuals a chance to augment their bodies with cyberware for both survival and status. Neon-soaked streets pulsate with a mix of cultures, from the opulent skyscrapers of the elite to the seedy underbelly where gangs rule and desperation lingers. The game’s narrative weaves a complex web of intrigue, moral ambiguity, and the quest for power, all against the backdrop of a society teetering on the edge of chaos and control.

The IBM WorkPad z50 was a quirky $1,000 PC for CEOs

Today I’m unboxing a IBM WorkPad z50 which was a quirky $1,000 PC for CEOs. There are a ton of quirks and features built into this little handheld PC! ++ WATCH >> https://youtu.be/y1nHgkcj-Q8

The IBM WorkPad series of PCs, also known as the IBM WorkPad PC Companion, was a line of portable computing devices introduced by IBM in the late 1990s. These devices were designed with the aim of providing professionals with a compact and lightweight computing solution for on-the-go productivity. The WorkPad series was particularly notable for its sleek and ergonomic design, making it highly portable and easy to carry.

The WorkPad PCs were powered by various iterations of the Palm operating system, a precursor to modern mobile operating systems like iOS and Android. They featured monochrome displays and stylus-based input, emphasizing pen-based computing. This made them well-suited for tasks such as note-taking, calendar management, and basic document editing. Despite their limited processing power compared to full-fledged laptops of the time, the WorkPad series offered a convenient and efficient means of managing personal information and performing essential computing tasks while away from the office or home.

Though the WorkPad series was eventually discontinued, it played a significant role in the early development of portable computing technology. Its emphasis on mobility and productivity paved the way for later generations of mobile devices, influencing the design and functionality of modern smartphones and tablets. The legacy of the IBM WorkPad series can still be seen in the portable computing devices we use today.

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.

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.