We're looking for new writers to join us!

RayNeo's offering up Black Friday sales on their Air 2 and Air 2s

by: John -

RayNeo is putting two of their AR glasses on sale starting tomorrow, November 21 and lasting through December 2nd. This is your chance to pick up some good AR glasses at a good price.

First up is the RayNeo Air 2 featuring Sony's Micro OLED screens with a 3840x1080 resolution that simulates a 201" screen from 6 meters away. The Air 2 has a FOV of 46" and a solid PPD rating of 49. During the sale, you can nab this one for $199, a 47% discount from the original price of $379.99. On top of that, you can use the code TXIN4TE9 and get an additional $15 off, which makes it an even more tempting buy. Those interested can go to Amazon's website starting tomorrow to get this deal.

The RayNeo Air 2s, which we reviewed, is also getting a discount for the same time period. The Air 2s has the same screen as the Air 2, but has a few improvements such as better facial adjustments, 4 speakers, and better cushioning for comfort. It'll be on sale from $399.99 to $319 and also have a code to stack on an additional $15 off by using INQ4HWN. You can also go to Amazon tomorrow to pick this up on sale.

If you're in the market for some AR glasses, these two might just fit your needs and can be had starting tomorrow at a much lower price.

I'm the calmest PGATour2k23 player on the planet

by: Joseph -

Now, if you're thinking that I am still playing PGATour2K23, because there isn't a 2024 version, you're right. They don't have to make another version, similar to Topspin, because these games can skip a year or two, and still be relevant. Jae Esquire, however, loves this game, and decided to put the driver to me, in two games of 18 holes. She requests that the game release more gender neutral clothes for the create-a-character. While we wait, watch me talk in my best golf voice, in the stream below, and if you didn't snatch this up when it was available for Playstation Plus, it's unfortunately still $60. You might find a physical copy cheaper, if you want to save some...green.

Reminder: Ghostface is out for early access

by: Joseph -

Hello, Sidney. A friendly reminder, that Ghostface is out for early access users on Mortal Kombat 1.  I was joined by my friend, and sponsor of the Khaos Reigns expansion, DJ Coolbreeze, and we think the character is pretty fun. I'm a very filthy casual, so you won't see any wombo combos from this gameplay. Also, try to ignore the conversation about toxic fanbases. I will say that my favorite move is the dash move, which can be made into three different moves, The way he can teleport out to a different version of himself on the fly is pretty slick.

I'm not here to talk about how terrible I am. You have the info. Some interesting tidbits came from the Playstation blog, so you can see that neither Kira, or Kobra, are the other versions of Ghostface. You probably think this article is being written from inside your house. Billy Lumis, will be available for the rest of ya November 26th, just in time to carve up you turkeys. The game, and expansion are both on sale right now, too. 

EDIT: I stand corrected. It is confirmed from the Kombat Kast that Billy Lumis has recruited two members from the Black Dragon, and according to the copy's move sets, they are indeed Kira and Kobra. Confirmed at the 31 minute mark. I have left the stream as is, because I can't change it. 

More details on the VITURE Neckband Pro released as it launches on 11-26 at 8AM PST

by: John -

The VITURE Neckband Pro will be releasing in December and more details have emerged on the update to the wearable Android device. For starters, the Neckband Pro will have 12GB of RAM and up to 256Gb of storage. That's a big upgrade from the 2GB of RAM on their first Neckband and it sounds like you can get a version with double the storage of the first Neckband as well.

Battery life should be increased too as that was one of the shortcomings I found with the original. While the original lasted about 2 hours, VITURE is saying it should go for 4+ hours. We'll see if that is the case when we get our hands on it, but 4 hours would be about what I would want as  the minimum on a device like this.

A big complaint of the old Neckband was the fan noise and VITURE is saying that there will be less heat and no noise on the new Neckband. If they are able to reduce the noise level to an acceptable level, we'll have another one of the major cons against the Neckband addressed.

Finally, cameras on the Neckband Pro will allow for hand gestures to control the device. I'm not as big on hand gestures, but we'll see if the implementation on the Neckband Pro will make using it easier.

The Neckband Pro is launching next week on 11/26 at 8AM PST with shipping starting in December. No price announced yet, but we should get that soon since pre-orders are just right around the corner. Look for a review of this from us once it becomes available.

Road Maintenance Simulator 2 launching December 9th for PC and consoles

by: Jason -

The folks over at publisher Aerosoft are the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season. Fresh off the heels of revealing that Highway Police Simulator is launching in December, now the sim specialists have announced that Road Maintenance Simulator 2 is launching December 9th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

As you might imagine, the game puts you in charge of highway maintenance in a German setting across all four weather seasons. You can expect to clear snow, repair potholes, and manage traffic patterns across more than 40 assignments. Road Maintenance Simulator 2 features 10 different vehicles to accomplish those tasks, including combination rollers, tipper trucks, marking trucks, and all-purpose vehicles.

Check out a brief release date trailer before you go:

Medieval fantasy RPG Of Ash and Steel announced for PC

by: Jason -

Publisher tinyBuild and developer Fire & Frost Studios have announced third-person medieval fantasy RPG Of Ash and Steel for PC, with a 2025 release window. We already have an early look at gameplay in the announcement trailer, and it certainly looks promising. Of Ash and Steel sees players exploring the Kingdom of the Seven (which sounds very Game of Thrones-y) as you forge alliances and try to survive the dangers of the realm. You begin the game as a novice adventurer, growing to become a legendary hero as your actions have a direct impact on the world around you. Of Ash and Steel also takes a hands-off approach to exploration, with no marker system or hand-holding, instead emphasizing the joy of discovery and player agency.

I’m in – let’s get it playable on Steam Deck, Fire & Frost Studios! Check out the new trailer below:

Stray releases today on Nintendo Switch

by: Rob -

Stray, originally a Playstation exclusive, is seeing its first release on a new console today. Nintendo Switch players are finally getting their chance to step into the furry paws and through the visually striking sci fi future our feline hero must navigate on their journey. We gave that first iteration on PS5 a purrfect 10 in our review. (apologies for the pun, I couldn't help it. You must permit me just that one...)

There is a physical version of the game at retailers that includes six full color art cards, but the digital version is right on Nintendo's online shop: https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/stray-switch/  

The digital version is also 10% off on a release sale through the weekend, taking it's $30 price tag down to $27. 

 

Play EA Sports F1 24 for free this weekend

by: Rob -

EA Sports F1 24 is offering a free weekend just as the F1 season reaches its final moments. There are only three races left in the 2024 season and while the Vegas Gran Prix is the official stop for the pros, you can take F1 24 into any living or gaming room at no cost. The free weekend starts on Thursday, November 21st and will run through the Monday the 25th. In addition to the free weekend, all players are getting a free livery (car skin) that they can apply to their car. The livery is a collaboration of three time (soon to be four time) world champion Max Verstappen and artist Lefty Out There. The livery can be found by logging in to the game and checking out your mailbox.

The free weekend coincides with a Double Podium Pass XP event to quickly level up your account to unlock in-game rewards twice as fast. All in-game progress from the trial will carry over into the regular game, which is on sale at 60% on the regular price. EA Sports F1 24 is available on PS4/PS5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and PC. You'll find the trial version for download on the respective online marketplaces of those systems. 

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is getting a demo this weekend

by: Nathan -

The release of Dynasty Warriors: Origins is still a few months away but people will be able to get their hands on the game very soon as a demo will be released this weekend. 

The demo will feature The Battle of Sishui Gate, the same level that was featured in the trailer for the game. The time limit will be turned off for the demo so players can explore and play the level without worrying about the time running out. Four different weapons will be available as well including Sword, Wheels, Pudao and Guandao and all will be customizable with arts, gems and accessories.

Check out the Playstation blog for more details on the demo.  

The demo for Dynasty Warriors: Origins arrives on PS5 this Friday, November 22nd. 

The game will officially launch on January 15th 2025 for PC, PS5 and Series X. 

Game of the Year Nominees revealed for The Game Awards

by: Joseph -

The Game Awards, hosted by Geoff "Starfield" Keighley, will be shown from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, December 12th. The Nominees for Game of the Year have been released. We reviewed or talked about most of them. Here is what we thought. 

Astro Bot 

"Team ASOBI came out swinging for the fences, expanding on the existing games in the series in every direction. Astro Bot is a delight in every sense of the word. A magnificent tour through Sony PlayStation’s history, the franchise – and the Astro Bot character – has enough charm and chops to now launch forward as PlayStation's premier mascot-driven series. Stellar platforming, a mountain of secrets, and a never-ending sense of discovery and adventure, Astro Bot is a new classic.So. Much. Fun." - Eric Hauter, Editor In Chief, from his review. 10 out of 10. 

Black Myth Wukong

"Black Myth: Wukong is a gorgeous game and if you’ve got the system to play it at max settings, you’ll be treated to a fun cinematic experience. DLSS3 really helps with performance in this very demanding game and for those wanting to push their machine to the max, this game will do just that." - "Main Man" John Yan, from his Tech Analysis on PC and GE Force RTX 4090

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

"Elden Ring is everything I’ve ever wanted in a game, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the game has in store. Every inch of the Lands Between, from the insanely beautiful art direction and brutally challenging enemies to the richly deep narrative, showcases From Software’s best project yet. I can without a doubt say that this will be my game of the year when it comes out." - Former Staff Writer

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

"With the core team assembled, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth feels like embarking on a fantastic adventure with a gang of your best friends. More open, action-packed, and surprisingly funny, Rebirth gives players days of content and the freedom to pursue it, while still telling a wonderful and cohesive story. Every aspect of Remake has been examined, refined, and improved. This is the franchise's Empire Strikes Back, in all the best ways." - EIC Eric Hauter, review, 9.5. 

One of the games we neglected to cover was the last year announced Metaphor ReFantazio. Metaphor ReFantazio is an RPG from the makers of Persona 3, 4, and 5. It has amazing reviews, currently sitting at a 94% critic score, via Metacritic. It looks phenomenal, but I would have to find time to play it, as well as the last 3 Personas, and that's after FFVII Rebirth. Gawk at it's visuals here. 

Balatro is described as a rogue like, deck builder, where you play illegal games of poker. The joy comes from finding Jokers to help you win all the points. I'm sure rogue like means lose, and lose again, until you figure it out and start winning. They've also crossed over with The Witcher III, Vampire Survivors, Dave the Diver, and Among Us. I have also not touched this one, but maybe it's worth a shot. It has a 90 on Metacritic, if that means anything to you. 

The internet is already up in arms about these selections, saying that DLC should not win Game of the Year, but they must not know how voting works. We get to vote on these games, ourselves, so if we don't want something to win, we shouldn't vote on it. I know with the internet, we're used to making a big stink, and getting what we want like a bunch of e-Karens, but maybe you should just vote. Good luck.