immersion

AppWizard
February 20, 2025
Rockstar Games has released a free update for the PC version of Grand Theft Auto V, introducing ray-traced shadows and reflections. The update will be delivered as a new executable, allowing players with older hardware to access the original version. Key enhancements include ray-traced ambient occlusion (RTAO) and global illumination (RTGI), DirectStorage support for optimized SSD performance, Dolby Atmos support, and compatibility for higher resolutions and aspect ratios. Players may need more powerful gaming CPUs and GPUs for high-resolution settings, but specific requirements are not disclosed. The update also includes in-game bonuses and support for DualSense adaptive triggers. However, online play will be segregated between the old and new executables, limiting interactions between players with different hardware capabilities.
AppWizard
February 20, 2025
Delta Force's new Black Hawk Down campaign is a remake that emphasizes the intensity of real combat, contrasting with cinematic portrayals. The gameplay features tightly scripted levels that reflect the events of the original film and real-life incidents, focusing on methodical tactics in confined environments rather than expansive freedom. Players engage in slow, deliberate actions, requiring careful communication and coordination with squadmates. Key gameplay elements include crucial ammo management, teamwork for injuries, and strategic positioning against enemies. The game presents a stark portrayal of warfare but has predictable enemy behavior and lacks sophisticated AI, which may detract from immersion. The campaign consists of seven missions, taking approximately 4-5 hours to complete, and offers a brief yet intense experience, with multiplayer potential if monetization challenges are addressed.
AppWizard
February 19, 2025
Avowed allows players to customize their gameplay experience through an extensive settings and accessibility menu. Key modifications made include switching the quest tracker mode to "Show on Update," turning off objective markers, and disabling interaction icons. These changes enhanced immersion by reducing intrusive prompts and allowing for more organic exploration. The game includes a compass for active quest objectives, which can also be disabled for a more challenging experience. The UI and navigation options in Avowed blend old-school challenge with modern convenience, catering to different player preferences.
AppWizard
February 19, 2025
Indie publisher and developer Firenut Games has partnered with Digital Dream to release a psychological horror adventure game titled Baptiste, set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X later in 2025. The game follows Sara and her son Tom as they deal with a family tragedy and relocate to Jagged Shore Cliff, where they face their fears. A demo featuring the first 30 minutes of gameplay is available on Steam, introducing players to the storyline and mechanics, including a doll named Baptiste. Key features of the game include total immersion, a suffocating atmosphere, a tormented protagonist, bloodthirsty mysteries, a disturbing aesthetic, and a surrounding narrative that enhances the horror experience. Fans can add Baptiste to their Steam and PlayStation wishlists.
AppWizard
February 14, 2025
Ubisoft has announced that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, set in 16th-century feudal Japan. The game features two protagonists: Yasuke, a historical African samurai, and Naoe, a skilled shinobi. It will not be available on older consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Key features include uncapped frame rates on PC, multiple performance modes on consoles, ray tracing, AI-driven upscaling techniques, and spatial audio technology. The game is powered by the new Anvil engine, designed exclusively for current-generation hardware, and will run at 60 FPS on consoles. Minimum and recommended system requirements for PC have been specified, and the game requires a constant internet connection for activation and online features. Pre-orders are open with multiple editions available.
AppWizard
February 12, 2025
In December of last year, Google introduced Android XR, an extended reality operating system for virtual and mixed reality headsets, with a commercial launch planned for 2025. Samsung is developing a headset for this platform, called Project Moohan, and Google’s DeepMind subsidiary is creating a pair of smart glasses. Android XR app developers can request camera permissions similar to those on Android smartphones, allowing access to both world-facing and selfie cameras. Unlike Meta’s Quest 3 and Apple’s Vision Pro, which do not allow third-party camera access, Android XR will enable developers to access the living room feed through the headset's cameras to enhance mixed-reality applications. Developers can also request access to "Scene Understanding" features, including light estimation and advanced tracking capabilities for hand movements. Basic hand tracking functionalities will be available by default, with further details expected from Google soon.
AppWizard
February 9, 2025
Mojang is introducing new cow variants for Minecraft, known as "cold and warm cows," which will have distinct characteristics suited for different climates. Cold cows will have fluffy fur coats, while warm cows will have sleek coats. Additionally, new foliage will be added, including firefly bushes that glow at night. The desert biome will receive enhanced ambient sounds, including whispers of sand, chirping crickets, and howling winds. These updates will first be tested in the Java Edition before being rolled out to the Bedrock Edition.
AppWizard
February 8, 2025
The Cashew PC equipped with Nut OS 1.1 is designed for digital detective work, offering fast internet browsing and efficient database navigation. It serves as the primary tool for players of the game "The Roottrees are Dead," which involves documenting the Roottree family lineage after a tragedy at the Roottree Candy Company. Players must uncover the identities of the family members over 90 years of history, utilizing fictional resources and a search engine called SpiderSearch. The game features a detailed interface that allows players to highlight clues and search for information easily. The game is set to release on January 15, 2025, priced at .99/£16.75, developed by Robin Ward and published by Evil Trout. It does not support multiplayer and was reviewed on an Intel Core i7-10750H with 16GB RAM and GeForce RTX 2060. An expansion titled "Roottreemania" builds on the original game's narrative, introducing new storylines and challenges. The remake features hand-drawn artwork and incorporates elements of the player's living space into the gameplay.
AppWizard
February 6, 2025
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is set to release on January 30, 2025, developed by Insomniac Games and Nixxes Software, and will be priced at £50. The game features a dual-protagonist system with Peter Parker and Miles Morales, allowing players to switch between the two during missions. It has been reviewed on high-end hardware, including Nvidia Geforce RTX 3080 and AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, with 32GB of RAM. The game promises around 10 hours of gameplay, but has faced criticism for its narrative depth and character interactions. Technical issues, including frequent crashes, have been reported, affecting performance stability. The game will transition to PC in 2025, following its PS5 launch in 2023.
AppWizard
February 3, 2025
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is developed by Square Enix and will be released on PC on October 23, 2025. The game features stunning graphics and a rich narrative, with battles that resemble cinematic events. The lighting in certain areas is inconsistent, particularly in dungeons and towns, while open-world areas are well-illuminated. The gameplay recommends using a controller, but it performs well with mouse and keyboard, despite some cumbersome controls. The game runs smoothly on an RTX 2070 Super graphics card and AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, even at high settings, with minimal slowdowns.
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