Meta and XBOX have launched a starter edition of XBOX Game Pass on the Meta Horizon+ platform, providing access to over 50 games. This edition includes 10 hours of cloud gaming each month, allowing players to stream select titles without downloads. Users can also download games for unlimited play across various devices. The library features notable titles such as Fallout 4, Overcooked 2, Grounded, DayZ, Deep Rock Galactic, and SnowRunner. Meta Quest Touch controllers will soon emulate an XBOX gamepad, enabling easy access to Game Pass titles. The subscription to Meta Horizon+ costs .99 USD per year or .99 USD per month, with a one-month free trial for new users, and includes over 100 VR games.
SNEG has announced the revival of six classic PC titles, which will be available on Steam and GOG. The titles are:
- Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor
- Warlords IV: Heroes of Etheria
- Soldiers at War
- Dark Earth
- Ecstatica 1 & 2
Players can wishlist these games to support their revival.
A selection of Android games and apps are available at discounts, including MEGA MAN X for (reg. ), Little Big Workshop for .25 (reg. ), Ace Attorney Trilogy for (reg. ), GHOST TRICK for (reg. ), LEGO Bricktales for (reg. ), and Neighbours from Hell 1 Premium for (reg. ). The Google Pixel Flex Dual Port 67W USB-C Fast Charger is now priced at , reflecting a 25% discount. The Google Nest Doorbell is available for (reg. 0). The most affordable unlocked Pixel 10 is up to 8 off, while Pro models are reduced by up to 4. The Google Pixel Watch 4 is currently 2 off.
The text highlights four free games available on Steam:
1. The Song of WILL: Act I - An RPG by Dylan Webber, inspired by 90s JRPGs, featuring randomized weapons and a "Positive" rating based on 11 reviews.
2. All Tomorrows: Invasion - A casual first-person shooter by Bluestone, with solid shooting mechanics and a "Positive" rating from 11 reviews.
3. Oblivion Maiden - Developed by Project Ex Libris, this game has a "Positive" rating from 29 reviews and combines elements of The Legend of Zelda and classic Final Fantasy.
4. BomBee - A puzzle game described as an online arcade PvP game, currently lacking a rating.
Steam's Games Made in Sweden sale features notable titles such as Vermintide, Darktide, Payday, Valheim, Amnesia, and Satisfactory, with many available at discounts. Vermintide 2 is priced at £2.34. Three microstrategy games highlighted in the sale are Bad North, Kingdom Two Crowns, and The Battle of Polytopia, all available for under £10. Bad North involves defending islands from Viking invasions, Kingdom Two Crowns combines town-building with exploration and co-op gameplay, and The Battle of Polytopia offers quick 4x gameplay with 16 civilizations and various modes. Some notable titles, like Arc Raiders, are not included in the sale.
The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles this week: Nova Lands and Tattoo Tycoon, available until July 16, when Echo Generation and Luto will replace them. The July Humble Choice lineup includes eight games: Sea of Stars: Sunset Edition, TUNIC, Neon White, Police Simulator: Patrol Officers, Drop Duchy - Complete Edition, Sledders, Dicefolk, and Our Adventurer Guild, available for purchase until August 4. Additionally, Humble has released two game bundles: the Narrative Bundle, featuring 12 games, and the Squad Goals bundle, which includes cooperative titles. The GOG store has ended its DRM-free summer sale but continues with standard promotions. Availability and pricing may vary by region.
Valve's Steam Machine, priced at ,000, was tested with a 2TB unit using default settings at 1080p resolution, upscaled to 4K. Various games were evaluated for performance, including:
- Cyberpunk 2077: Smooth 60 FPS with light ray tracing; stability issues at resolutions above 1080p.
- Mouse: P.I. for Hire: Ran flawlessly at 60 FPS with default settings.
- Left 4 Dead 2: Performed admirably.
- Borderlands 4: Had visual issues initially; became playable after adjustments.
- Hades 2: Ran seamlessly at default settings.
- Silent Hill 2: Struggled with performance.
- Doom: The Dark Ages: Played smoothly; could use visual adjustments.
- Megabonk: Performed impressively.
- Spider-Man 2: Decent at default settings; improved with resolution increase.
- Windrose: Struggled at default settings; medium settings improved performance.
- Overwatch: Exceptional experience at default settings.
- Grand Theft Auto V: Ran well after initial setup issues.
- Gears of War Reloaded: Visuals improved after tweaks.
- Fallout 4: Maintained solid performance without adjustments.
- Control Ultimate Edition: Needed settings lowered for stable performance.
- Arc Raiders: Playable but with fuzzy image quality.
- Elden Ring: Performed admirably with some tweaks.
- Vampire Crawlers: Provided a sharp experience.
- Resident Evil 4 remake: Satisfactory but needed adjustments for better visuals.
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart: Became playable after adjustments.
- Helldivers 2: Ran well but lacked sharpness compared to PS5 Pro.
- Resident Evil Requiem: Solid experience but fell short against PS5 Pro.
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered: Ran exceptionally well.
- Peak: Required no adjustments and performed comparably to high-end PCs.
- Warhammer 40K: Darktide: Achieved stable 60 FPS after tweaks.
- Halo: Master Chief Collection: Unplayable due to login issues.
- Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip: Ran smoothly at maximum settings.
- Rage: Ran smoothly after adjustments.
The Steam Machine is seen as intriguing but its high price limits appeal to dedicated enthusiasts. It offers access to a vast library of Steam games, particularly older or 2D titles, but may not be justifiable for non-PC gamers, especially with upcoming titles on rival consoles.
Dyed Blocks++ by DogHouse introduces 930 new blocks in 16 colors for builders and designers. The Cats and Dogs add-on by Street Studios features 12 new dog breeds and 12 cat breeds with accessories. Modern Textures by Team Vaeron provides new textures and blocks for contemporary home designs. Modern Textures World by Imagiverse includes over 800 furniture items for modern decor. Space Oneblock by Honeyfrost offers a survival challenge in space starting with a single block. Enter the Dungeon by King Cube presents a customizable dungeon adventure with bosses. Safest Treehouse! by Dodo Studios is a treetop fortress with security features. Pro Mansion by Dodo Studios is a luxury multistory mansion with automatic farms and a pool. Fruitcore by Yeggs offers fruit-themed outfits, while Crystal Core by CubeCraft Games provides gem-themed outfits. TV Heads HD Skin Pack by CupcakeBrianna features nostalgic TV-themed skins. Simple Scapes Texture Pack by Giggle Block Studios emphasizes clean design. Tranquility - Calm Textures by Pathway Studios offers soothing colors for a serene backdrop. Royal Delight - Soft Textures by Pathway Studios reimagines blocks and armor with regal hues. Organic Toon Texture Pack by Giggle Block Studios includes over 2000 cartoon-inspired textures.
PC gamers can claim, download, and retain ownership of the story-driven crime game "Whiskey Mafia: Leo's Family" for free, without any digital rights management (DRM) restrictions, through a limited-time offer from IndieGala. The game typically retails for a modest price, providing significant savings for players.
