Amusement Arcade Toaplan has released a collection of 25 classic games from the developer on iOS and Android, including shoot 'em ups and other genres. Players can enjoy arcade classic Truxton for free and design their own 3D arcade layout.
Avowed is set for release on February 18, with early access available for Premium Edition owners. The game is developed using Unreal Engine 5 and is noted for its smooth performance, impressive expansive zones, and commendable visual fidelity. It features ray-traced reflections, particularly on water, and minimal stuttering issues when a frame rate cap is applied. Obsidian has implemented a shader generation process during initial loading to enhance gameplay smoothness. The game does not currently support NVIDIA’s DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation, but a workaround for subtitle ghosting was utilized. Performance testing was conducted at 4K resolution with max settings on a high-end rig, achieving an average of 200 FPS with DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation set to 4x. The visuals are striking, although there is no native HDR support, which can be enabled through a workaround. The game supports the DualSense Edge controller, and Dolby Atmos performs well. The credits reveal collaboration with several supporting studios, including the Xbox Games Technology Group.
A report from Microsoft reveals that the Russian state-sponsored threat group known as Seashell Blizzard has shifted its operational focus to exploiting public vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems. This subgroup, associated with the Russian Military Intelligence Unit 74455 (GRU), has been conducting operations under the "BadPilot campaign," allowing them to maintain long-term access to compromised systems since at least 2021. They have been responsible for at least three destructive cyberattacks in Ukraine since 2023 and are now targeting a broader range of industries globally, including energy, telecommunications, and government sectors. Since early 2024, they have exploited vulnerabilities in software such as ConnectWise ScreenConnect and Fortinet FortiClientEMS, indicating a "spray and pray" approach to achieve compromises at scale. The group has adapted to exploit various public vulnerabilities, including critical issues in applications like Microsoft Exchange and Zimbra Collaboration, demonstrating their capability to leverage weaknesses in essential systems. Microsoft describes Seashell Blizzard as a key component of Russia's cyber strategy, particularly in efforts to destabilize Western institutions.
Microsoft has warned that the Russian hacking group Sandworm's BadPilot unit has shifted its focus from Ukraine to targets in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. BadPilot operates as an "initial access operation," breaching networks to establish footholds for further exploitation. Over the past three years, their targeting has evolved from Ukraine to a broader range of English-speaking Western nations. The group has targeted various sectors, including energy, telecommunications, and international governments, using known vulnerabilities in software such as Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet's security tools. They install software for persistent access and have been linked to disruptive cyber operations, including the NotPetya malware attack. Currently, there are no indications that BadPilot plans to escalate its activities beyond espionage.
A fresh English translation patch has been released for the PC-98 RPG Appare-den: Fukuryū no Shō, enhancing accessibility for Western gamers. The game, originally launched in 1995, is a top-down adventure developed by Technical Group Laboratory, focusing on Gento, a general store owner in a reimagined Edo period Japan, who embarks on a quest with a cat-like companion, Benimaru, to deliver a secret scroll and thwart a world domination conspiracy. The game features engaging battle sequences, intricate character animations, and a diverse cast inspired by historical figures and Japanese folklore. The translation patch was developed by 46Okumen, known for their work on other titles, and is currently available for download in version 0.9.9. The team also plans to create a scanlation of the Japanese manual and artbook.
Steps to download the PUBG Mobile 3.7 beta on an Android device:
- Head to PUBG Mobile's official social media account
- Find the post announcing the beta tests' arrival
- Tap on the link in the post to redirect to a Google Document file
- Tap on one of the two provided links
- Tap on the Download Android Version button
Content in the PUBG Mobile 3.7 beta test:
- New themed gameplay: Golden Dynasty with a golden sand kingdom concept
- New map: Rondo with urban and rural settings, diverse weather, destructible surroundings
- New Firearm: JS9
- Emergency Cover Flare with bunkers for cover
The Drowner's Map is obtained from a drowned treasure hunter and points to the Water Goblin's Treasure located on the southern shore of Rocktower Pond. Players can find the treasure by following a path west from Zhelejov, passing Bozhena's shack. At the end of the trail, they need to navigate through reeds near the shore to discover a small clay pot containing 125 Groschen. The Water Goblin's Hut is located on the opposite side of Rocktower Pond.
Petroglyph Games has removed the Denuvo protection from their game, The Great War: Western Front, leading to its quick appearance on torrent sites. The game is a real-time strategy set during World War I, allowing players to command armies and make strategic decisions. It was launched in 2023 on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Animus - Stand Alone is an RPG and action game being developed by TENBIRDS. The game is set in a dark and spooky world where the player's goal is to escape dangerous locations by defeating groups of enemies and bosses. The game features highly detailed 3D models, monsters, and cool effects. The character in the game has the ability to heal, block hits, move sharply, and combine two types of attacks.
Crimea has been discussed as a potential hub for computer piracy, particularly after the imposition of sanctions in 2022, which created opportunities for a resurgence in digital piracy. Experts suggest that lifting sanctions might lead to a decline in piracy as the region could shift towards legitimate digital content distribution. In 2018, Yatsenko, the Minister of Information for the Donetsk People's Republic, proposed creating a digital ecosystem to rival Western offerings, though implementation faced challenges. The ongoing conflict and prioritization of traditional industries over the tech sector may hinder progress in fostering a digital piracy landscape. Historical examples, such as lobbying by Latvian fishing interests in Moscow, raise questions about the potential for IT sector lobbying in Crimea. There is speculation about the possibility of a virtual pirate republic or a unique Russian iteration reflecting local culture and identity.