- RetroArch is a popular software for hosting games on various consoles under one roof.
- Daijisho's UI paired with RetroArch's power is a match made in emulation heaven.
- Older phones, like the Pixel 7 Pro, can still perform well with 2D titles and games up to the GameCube era.
- The Pixel 7 Pro may not be as powerful as modern flagship phones for emulation, but it can still breathe new life into older handsets.
Action roguelikes, particularly those inspired by Hades, have gained popularity, with "Lost in Random: The Eternal Die" being a notable recent release. This sequel retains whimsical aesthetics and introduces a magical die companion, focusing on action gameplay rather than exploration. Players select weapons with multiple forms and battle through four regions, facing a boss at the end of each. The game features an innovative card system that allows players to discover unique spells, with timing affecting spell effectiveness.
A relic system adds strategic depth, where players draft bonuses and align relics to enhance damage types. Level design includes interconnected rooms and engaging boss battles, which may surpass those in Hades. The game has a playtime of under 21 hours and is currently available at a 45% discount during the Steam Spring Sale for .67 / £10.99, as well as on Xbox Game Pass with a demo available.
Mojang Studios and Merlin Entertainment are collaborating to create a theme park called Minecraft World, set to open in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures in Greater London. The project will require an investment of £50 million and will feature a Minecraft-themed roller coaster, retail and dining options, and various attractions inspired by the game. The park's design will involve collaboration with notable Minecraft creators, though specific details about them have not been revealed. Minecraft World will be the first official video game theme park in the UK.
YouTube has introduced a new feature called "Previews" for its mobile app, which allows users to view sneak peeks of recommended videos. This feature is currently being tested with a select group of users and presents "five to 10" previews through an entry card on the homepage. Users can choose to watch the full video or save it for later after viewing the previews. Additionally, YouTube has launched the "Reimagine" feature for Shorts, enabling users to transform scenes from a Short using AI. More AI-driven features are planned for development by 2026.
Avast launched its VPN service, Avast Secureline VPN, in 2017, focusing on encryption, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. The company operates outside the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances, which limits data-sharing with intelligence agencies. In January 2020, Avast faced criticism for collecting user data for its subsidiary, Jumpshot, but ceased this practice shortly after. The VPN offers dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, basic split tunneling, and a kill switch, but lacks comprehensive features compared to competitors. Supported protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec, with encryption standards generally secure. Avast claims to operate 700 servers across 27 countries, with a limited selection of streaming-optimized servers. The app supports various platforms but lacks support for Linux or routers. Speed tests showed an average download speed of 275.69 Mbps, but performance in unblocking content was disappointing, with limited success on streaming services. Avast's privacy policy indicates extensive data collection, despite claims of addressing past issues. Customer support includes 24/7 access for paying customers. Pricing tiers include a 60-day free trial, with competitive rates but limited features. Pros include decent speeds and reasonable pricing, while cons highlight controversial data practices, limited information, poor streaming performance, and fewer features compared to competitors.
Steam's annual Spring Sale offers discounts up to 95% on games. Humble's Multiplayer Madness bundle includes nine games compatible with the Steam Deck, available in two tiers: the first tier includes five games, while the second tier includes all nine games and an additional DLC for a higher price. The combined price of Phantom Squad and Shotgun Farmers on Steam is .48, making Humble's bundle a better deal by offering seven extra games for the same price. The bundle features games such as Shotgun Farmers, Phantom Squad, and others, with two games marked as Verified for smooth performance on the Steam Deck. Humble also offers a Checkmate bundle with 11 chess-themed games valued at 0 for .
March has seen the release of several notable gaming titles including Slay the Spire 2, Crimson Desert, Monster Hunter Stories 3, and Timberborn. The Steam Spring Sale offers discounts on a variety of PC games, running from March 19 to March 26. Featured titles in the sale include:
1. Dispatch: 20% off - .99 / £19.99
2. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: 50% off - .99 / £24.99
3. Routine: 20% off - .59 / £26.79
4. Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader: 60% off - .19 / £17.19
5. Maze Mice: 50% off - .49 / £4.49
6. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: 50% off - .49 / £12.49
7. Blue Prince: 34% off - .84 / £14.84
8. Dungeons of Hinterberg: 66% off - .45 / £6.45
9. Star Wars Jedi Survivor: 90% off - .99 / £5.99
10. Dread Delusion: 50% off - .74 / £7.74
The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles for PC users until March 26 at 3 PM GMT: Electrician Simulator and World of Warships - Epic Anniversary Tachibana Pack. Electrician Simulator, typically priced at .99, allows players to perform tasks like installing sockets and repairing equipment, and has received Mostly Positive reviews on Steam. The World of Warships pack, priced at .99, includes the Japanese Premium destroyer Tachibana and five exclusive Epic permanent camouflages. Next week, new titles Havendock and Hyper Echelon will be available.
