The annual The Game Awards celebrates the best that the industry has to offer and recognises the top games that players have invested in, from Alan Wake 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, to Cyberpunk 2077, but that’s not the end as the night’s news opens the gates for players to discover potential gems they might have missed in the last 12 months.

And while plenty of noteworthy titles took the spotlight, there’s no need to fret over whether your current rig can handle these top-tier games, especially with a GeForce NOW membership from StarHub. Starting from just S$2.99 a day, players can turn nearly any device – including an underpowered PC, laptop, mobile device, and even a MacBook – into a high-performance gaming machine ready to take on these popular game.

Once you’re all signed up, link up all your existing game store libraries and choose the device that you wish to play on. Once that’s all settled, here are some bangers from The Game Awards 2023 that you should definitely boot up on GeForce NOW Powered by StarHub.

Game of the Year – Baldur’s Gate 3

The big prize of the night went to Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3, and it was certainly deserving, as the game eventually went home with five wins out of eight categories it was nominated for. To count it up, it also bagged the Best RPG, Best Multiplayer, Best Performance, and Best Community Support.

An epic role-playing game that boasts amazing storytelling, unparalleled player freedom, and characters that leap right off the screen and into vibrant life, this is one Dungeons & Dragons adventure not to be missed. GeForce NOW members can start streaming right away once they have linked their Steam accounts; it’s that simple.

Best Ongoing Game – Cyberpunk 2077

While the debate continues on whether Cyberpunk 2077 actually constitutes an ongoing game, there is no doubting the support the CD Projekt Red has thrown behind its futuristic RPG in a bid to turn the tide. With the new 2.1 update and the recent Phantom Liberty DLC, this is the best time to jump into V’s boots and take a ride through Night City, taking in the sights and enjoying the life of whoever you choose to be.

Best Narrative – Alan Wake 2

While initial bugs marred our experience somewhat, there’s no denying that Alan Wake 2 is an amazing visual journey, with a story that is divisive yet gripping from start to finish. The dual protagonist path works really well, and there is always something to be afraid of in the dark. If you are looking for a spooky time on GeForce NOW, you can’t go wrong with this particular adventure.

Best Sports/Racing – Forza Motorsport

Turn 10 Studios has been pushing the boundaries of the racing genre for a couple of years now, and even against the competition of Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport has been a leading light at the front of the pack. Thank goodness racing game fans will be able to enjoy the greatness of this latest entry, and cutting-edge AI and a robust selection of cars are just a few of the amazing things about this racer.

Best Independent Game – Sea of Stars

A robust indie RPG that’s both nostalgic and fresh, Sea of Stars‘ dedication to gorgeous art and engaging gameplay mechanics coalesces into a game that, despite a few flaws, shines brightly amidst the gaming landscape. Seasoned RPG enthusiasts and casual players alike will be able to enjoy its thrilling adventure and inviting world, and GeForce NOW makes it easy as well.

Games for Impact – Tchia

The premise is straightforward: Join Tchia on her tropical open-world adventure as she sets off to rescue her father from the cruel tyrant, Meavora, ruler of the archipelago. Yet, Tchia offers a different kind of experience thanks to its freedom and room for creativity. Take control of any animal or object you can find, make new friends, and jam on your fully playable Ukulele; this is one awesome coming-of-age story that needs playing.

Experience GeForce NOW powered by StarHub, and transform your laptop, desktop, Mac, Android device, iPhone, or iPad into a PC gaming rig capable of playing the best AAA games available seamlessly across all devices. Play titles you already own, with over 1,800 supported titles from popular digital stores including Steam, Xbox, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft, and GOG.com, including immersive ray-tracing on supported games for stunning lighting and visuals.

The best part of it is that you won’t need a top-of-the-line device to get all these games going, which is perfect for anyone who is holding out for a new gaming PC but needs to start gaming anytime, anywhere, and on any device.

We recommend getting the Premium plan at only S$12.99 per month to start your journey with 50 priority hours per month, and for StarHub customers, you get an even greater deal at only S$6.99 per month for the premium plan. Also, be sure to utilise the code “FLASHDISC” to enjoy 20% off all monthly plans. Stop waiting and start streaming with GeForce NOW today!

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post Play All The Best Games From The Game Awards On GeForce NOW, Powered By StarHub appeared first on Geek Culture.

Now that the Steamboat Willie version of Disney‘s Mickey Mouse character has entered the public domain, there will surely be some interesting interpretations of the classic in new forms. One of the first to do so comes via Nightmare Forge Games, with the studio announcing Infestation 88, a new 1-4 player survival horror title that will exchange fond memories for new nightmares.

A Steam Early Access title that is targeting a 2024 rollout, the developers lay out their vision for a twisted take on nostalgia: “In the year 1988, what was thought to be an outbreak of vermin morphed into something far more sinister. Infestation 88 is an episodic, 1-4 player co-op survival horror game in which you and your friends are exterminators called in to treat these mysterious infestations.”

This will include needing to “explore unique locations and uncover the story behind how each infestation began. Find the means to access and unlock new areas. Use cameras to keep an eye on activity. Maintain power to enable different systems. Find the source at all costs.”

Infestation 88 will also allow players to use all kinds of extermination gear to get the job done against the monstrous fiends hiding in the shadows. However, there will be times when you will need to hide or run, so naturally, this will create scenarios where friends either extend a helping hand or watch as their partners get mowed down.

Nightmare Forge Games looks set to keep players engaged over the Early Access period, with promises of replayability, progression, and technical support. This means features like randomised item layouts, unpredictable AI, custom settings, and more, while consistent play will see players earn experience, skins, perks, items, and other unlockables. The addition of NVIDIA DLSS support will also give the game a visual edge, if it happens.

Interested players can wishlist Infestation 88 on Steam, and keep tabs on the progress of the horror title starring a different Mickey Mouse that we are used to in the coming months.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post ‘Steamboat Willie’ Mickey Mouse Enters Public Domain & Into Horror Game ‘Infestation 88’ appeared first on Geek Culture.

The medium of video games has allowed players everywhere to live out their fantasies in a myriad of worlds, but inputting functions into a controller still has its limitations, which is where virtual reality gaming comes in. Nothing immerses the player quite like stepping into the literal shoes of their chosen protagonist, and in Assassin’s Creed Nexus, it is the closest anyone’s going to get to becoming a full-fledged member of the Brotherhood.

While we may not be entering the Animus like Michael Fassbender did in the 2016 film adaptation, players are going to utilise the Abstergo invention for a VR adventure that comes pretty close to the experience of working in the dark to serve the light. The elements of parkour and stealth are well realised by Ubisoft and Red Storm Entertainment in this exclusive Meta Quest title, helping to drive along a serviceable story. Just don’t look too closely at the textures or the combat.

The plot of Nexus sees players being caught between the villainous Abstergo and the Brotherhood of Assassins, tasked to retrieve artefacts that can have a significant impact on the freedom of the world. This is familiar fare, as are the many faces that will greet us along the way, such as Rebecca Crane and Shaun Hastings. Of course, the main highlights are the fact that we will be spending time as Ezio Auditore, Kassandra, and Connor Kenway.

Throughout the 12-15 hours spent in Assassin’s Creed Nexus, all would-be assassins can experience the action-adventure formula that has been made signature over the years. As Ezio, there’s always time to eliminate Templars while being part of the festivities at Carnevale, whereas Kassandra’s time deals with politics and war. Finally, as Connor, players will play a vital role in overthrowing the British.

For fans, this represents an excellent opportunity to revisit the various locales and periods of these heroes, albeit in a more intimate fashion. The very idea of stealthy movement is no longer just a concern of precise control of analog sticks, but of your entire body as well. The tension of eavesdropping and not trying to get caught is always exciting, and learning to make use of the environments to peek around corners or to hide behind objects physically makes this a unique adventure, distinct from the mainline series. 

Even the parkour takes on new meaning in virtual reality, elevating that sense of control and mastery whether you are running across rooftops or reaching out to grab surfaces and pulling yourself up. Taking a leap of faith into bales of hay never felt more intense, and that rush is hard to replicate outside of VR, which is most certainly a win for the team.

It is also worth noting that those with motion sickness should be able to enjoy Assassin’s Creed Nexus without major issues. And the extensive range of options that can up the comfort level is a huge plus, ensuring that everyone gets to be the assassin they always wanted to be without the fear of losing their balance or throwing up.

However, where the game falters is the combat, a key aspect of the latter Assassin’s Creed games. Although stealth combat works well, once enemies are aware of your presence, things take a turn for the worse. It would have been enjoyable if there was competent AI to test your swordplay and parrying skills, but the enemies are prone to shallow repetition with their telegraphed attacks.

Attacking only one at a time means players have all the time in the world to figure out their next move, not that it’s anything requiring much thought other than preparing to counter. It’s worse when the enemy decides to turtle up, which means plenty of waiting for a window of opportunity to eliminate them outright without the hassle of breaking their guard. Compared to the stealth and parkour action, such combat is a big letdown, which is a problem that plagues much of Kassandra’s time.

The issues also extend to some of the technical aspects of the game, both for performance and in terms of its visuals. The framerate can drop randomly, and crashes are never fun, especially when you are in the middle of a dangerous stealth situation. Loading screens are aplenty, and that can be a boring wait if you are in VR and have no other means of distractions

And while visual fidelity is never going to be on par with the more traditional platforms, the textures in Assassin’s Creed Nexus are still underwhelming to look at, and it’s not a case of sacrificing good looks to achieve better performance. How much of this is due to the fact that the game needs to run on the older Meta Quest 2 headset remains a mystery, but chances are, if it was only exclusive to the Quest 3 or even made its way to the PSVR 2 or PC VR, things could very well be better as a whole.

Taking the good and the bad, it is still quite a remarkable feat to transition a familiar gameplay formula into the realm of VR, and those moments of feeling like a true assassin make it worthwhile to give Assassin’s Creed Nexus a go. Try to stay hidden as much as possible to avoid those pesky combat encounters, and what you’ll find is virtual reality gaming at its finest, sending you to another universe just like the Animus.

Assassin’s Creed Nexus is available on the Meta Store for US$39.99.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post Geek Review: Assassin’s Creed Nexus appeared first on Geek Culture.

It has only been slightly more than a year since 2022’s Game of the Year, God of War Ragnarok, blew our minds with its take on deeper Norse mythology and the growing legend of Kratos and Atreus, but Santa Monica Studio is back and taking things up a notch with an interesting roguelite detour. God Of War Ragnarok: Valhalla may be an epilogue, but it gives us even more hope that the series will continue to shine in years to come.

At its core, Valhalla distils the immense scope of the main experience into a more digestible form, where repetition is a tool to further the storytelling as well as the challenges involved when it comes to besting the arena that forms Kratos’ personal purgatory, redemption, and ultimately, acceptance of who he is, and who he will be. 

Considering the bloody history of the titular God of War, there is much to draw upon when it comes to him taking responsibility for his actions in Valhalla, and the focus on the more distant past makes for some valuable reflection and insights, a boon for longtime fans and those hoping to delve deeper into Kratos’ psyche.

It is particularly satisfying to take a look back at things through the lens of the grizzled god. Where once was wanton, reckless violence, now lies more nuanced takes on sacrifice, revenge, and the price all of that exacts on even the most divine of us all. Hearing Kratos talk about the likes of the boat captain, Calliope, the decapitated Helios and more is all helpful in charting his growth, and while he can no longer change the past, the future’s still up for grabs.

However, to earn all of these moments of poignancy and pondering, players will have to go through the gauntlet of death and rebirth. Beginning at the hub area of The Shore, it is here where decisions have to be made when it comes to your starting loadout, and Freya and the Valkyries provide their counsel. Go through those big sturdy doors, and the real fun begins.

Each room that awaits can be filled with a variety of enemies drawn from God Of War Ragnarok, with Valhalla adding new twists and combinations to spice things up, forcing players to master all of the three weapons at their disposal in order to survive. From tough mini-bosses to crowds of element-resistant enemies, it requires all of your knowledge of the game’s base systems to come out on top.

It is therefore a blessing that Kratos has access to all of his skills and abilities, allowing for a strong foundation that helps the combat shine through, just as it did a year ago. Yet, all of his stats, perks, and Runic Attacks are all randomised, where players’ choices when looting various chests will determine their build for the rest of the run. 

On the road to discovering the best or favourite build, it nudges you to experiment, making this DLC an excellent discovery tool of the potential abilities that could have come in handy during the main story but were never used. The same goes for the many Labours and Mastery tasks that Vahalla tasks players with, where persistent rewards in the form of currencies and, subsequently, permanent upgrades can be obtained by completing the requirements.

This constant repetition can start to grate if it wasn’t so entertaining, with the outstanding combat enhanced further by the risk-and-reward nature of the roguelite setup, and the fact that whether you are successful or not, there is always progress being made. Players will start to get stronger and better, and the many narrative tidbits that are doled out, either in conversation between Kratos and Mimir, or with the Valkyries are all tantalising and worthwhile to chase down.

Of course, the longevity of God Of War Ragnarok: Valhalla fundamentally lies in your appreciation of Kratos as a character. After more than ten hours spent, we are still yet to tire of its formula and, more crucially, its importance to where the series will head next. 

The best compliment for this free DLC is that it comes across as a work of love, put together for a distinct purpose and smashes that target beyond all expectations. Even against the growing scale and scope of AAA games, this smaller slice stands tall and mighty as an essential piece of the puzzle, giving fans more to enjoy and love. For the low price of nothing, it represents a return of immense value, as well as a therapeutic journey that all would enjoy.

God Of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is available now as free DLC.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post Geek Review – God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla (DLC) appeared first on Geek Culture.

While the deal for Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard means a world of change in gaming, one of the other notable developments was the fate of long-serving CEO, Bobby Kotick. Having been in charge over the past 32 years with his fair share of debacles and issues, he will now be officially stepping down on 29 December.

This comes as part of the company’s ongoing reorganisation following Microsoft’s buyout. In a note shared with employees and on the official site, Kotick shared his thoughts on running the publisher for more than half its existence, first becoming CEO in 1991.

“Forty years later, as my last day leading this company inches closer, I marvel at how far the talented people at our company have come toward realising the great potential of games. You have transformed a hobbyist form of entertainment into the world’s most engaging medium. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to work alongside you as we broadened the appeal of games,” Kotick said.

“Perhaps the most important part of my job has been to help bring talented people together, provide the best resources possible, and foster an environment that encourages inspiration, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

That environment is certainly one to debate, as his time at the helm of Activision Blizzard saw the company hit with several lawsuits involving issues such as gender discrimination, inequality, and much more, with Kotick supposedly well aware of the accusations but has done nothing to address them. His departure would be celebrated by some in the company as a move in the right direction.

This isn’t the only change for Activision Blizzard. According to The Verge, Activision Blizzard vice chairman Thomas Tippl, Activision publishing president Rob Kostich, Blizzard president Mike Ybarra, and King president Tjodolf Sommestad will all now report directly to Xbox game content and studios president Matt Booty. Activision Blizzard CCO Lulu Meservey will also be leaving the company at the end of January.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post Controversial Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick Departure Dated appeared first on Geek Culture.

We have already known for some time now that Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions have been trying to get a Death Stranding movie adaptation going, but other than confirmation that the auteur would not be directing and that there are studios attached, there hasn’t been much progress. Now, big news has dropped, as the acclaimed studio A24 has announced it is collaborating with Kojima Productions to make the Death Stranding movie come to life.

The announcement comes ahead of the eighth anniversary of Kojima Productions, which falls on 16 December, and marking a new milestone in video game-to-film adaptations. The film is set to delve into the mysteries of the world-ending event known as the Death Stranding, and brings to our world nightmarish creatures and a step closer to a global collapse.

“A24 was born into this world about 10 years ago, their presence is singular within the industry, they are like no other. The films they are delivering to the world are high in quality and very innovative. I have been attracted to their creations and they have even inspired my own work. Their innovative approach to storytelling aligns with what Kojima Productions has been doing for the last 8 years. Now, we are making a Death Stranding movie together,” shared Kojima.

“There are a lot of “game adaptation films” out there but what we are creating is not just a direct translation of the game. The intention is that our audience will not only be fans of the games, but our film will be for anyone who loves cinema. We are creating a Death Stranding universe that has never been seen before, achievable only through the medium of film, it will be born.”

A Death Stranding universe will definitely be something interesting to check out, but whether that all comes to fruition will likely depend on the success of the movie adaptation first. Kojima has always been ambitious in whatever he sets out to do, and this new collaboration is certainly going to be the same way. For fans, this can only be exciting news, and we can’t wait to find out what comes next.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post A24 Developing ‘Death Stranding’ Movie With Kojima Productions appeared first on Geek Culture.

It has been more than a year since we last heard anything concrete about The Last of Us online multiplayer project, and with The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered coming in a month’s time, it would have been the perfect moment to get fans excited again. Unfortunately, that would no longer be the case, as Naughty Dog has made the decision to cancel development on that project.

In a new blog post, the team shared that they have “made the incredibly difficult decision to stop development on that game,” as it would have required too much of the studio to support both a live service as while as to maintain its focus on single-player narrative experiences.

“The multiplayer team has been in pre-production with this game since we were working on The Last of Us Part II – crafting an experience we felt was unique and had tremendous potential. As the multiplayer team iterated on their concept for The Last of Us Online during this time, their vision crystalized, the gameplay got more refined and satisfying, and we were enthusiastic about the direction in which we were headed,” said the team.

“In ramping up to full production, the massive scope of our ambition became clear. To release and support The Last of Us Online we’d have to put all our studio resources behind supporting post launch content for years to come, severely impacting development on future single-player games. So, we had two paths in front of us: become a solely live service games studio or continue to focus on single-player narrative games that have defined Naughty Dog’s heritage.”

With Naughty Dog having cut its teeth on its excellent single-player games for so many years, it kind of does make sense for the team to make this decision. It doesn’t make it easier for fans looking forward to the project though, but maybe, for the rest of us, it is actually the best thing moving forward.

“We have more than one ambitious, brand new single-player game that we’re working on here at Naughty Dog, and we cannot wait to share more about what comes next when we’re ready,” the post also teased. Fingers crossed we’ll find out soon.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post Naughty Dog Cancels ‘The Last of Us” Multiplayer To Focus On Single-Player Games appeared first on Geek Culture.

Game development is a gargantuan task for any team to take on, whether it is an indie studio or a well-established giant like Ubisoft. And as we were taken on a studio tour at Ubisoft Singapore to learn more about the process of making Skull and Bones, it was hard not to be amazed by the lengths to which this crew has gone to push this game towards its launch on 16 February 2024.

Bringing a pirate fantasy to life is hard enough, but to do so in a localised context within the waters of Asia is a whole other matter altogether. There are different people, cultures, accents, and beliefs to get right for both narrative and gameplay purposes, and there’s also plenty of work to be done on the visual front, straddling the line between fantasy and authenticity when it comes to pirate kingpins, ships and vanities, and surprisingly, sea monsters.

Not to mention the water tech that has always been lauded since the days of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, now made even better with time and even more expertise on the team. It seems like there are enough ingredients to deliver a swashbuckling adventure worthy of legend. On the visuals and sound design front, the game definitely meets the mark; it is the gameplay sections that remain in choppy waters.

Skull and Bones has players working their way up the pirate hierarchy, doing tasks for kingpins and factions, all while fattening up their own pockets and getting more upgrades when it comes to weapons, defences, and the like, further etching their name into pirate folklore.

With an open world size of 620km², that means players are going to be doing a lot of sailing, and going from point A to B can feel frustratingly slow. Sure, there are flotsam and jetsam to scrounge materials from, resources to gather via a timing minigame from around the environment, and other ships to do battle with, but it can feel like busywork.

The tendency is to hoard as many materials as possible, and there are a ton of things to wade through, but then there is a weight limit to consider when it comes to management. Having to sail a distance just to chop a specific piece of wood only to have to make the same, arduous journey back for an upgrade is also not our idea of fun. There’s fast travel, but only from and to specific outposts, forcing players to stay on the water most of the time.

Thankfully, there is ship combat that can spice things up. It is always a daunting experience going up against a new ship type out on the water, figuring out how they manoeuvre and where their weak points are make for some fun encounters. It is never advisable to go up against big fleets either, but that certainly didn’t stop us from trying out hit-and-run tactics to thin out the group, with the inclement weather doing its part to amp up the drama.

Being able to unlock new ship types and weaponry is also a step in the right direction for Skull and Bones,, but depending on your proficiency, that could take a while. With ship combat being a big part of the game in terms of progression, this is nothing but good news for those who prefer to do their talking with cannon fire.

However, that enjoyment is harder to come by when it comes to quests and side content on the islands that make up the world. It never gets more interesting than sinking enemy ships or fetching resources; on occasion, there are treasure maps to decipher, but that leads to another potential issue, stepping foot on land. There are explorable outposts in different parts of the world, but movement is clunky and it can be hard to find your way to the various vendors. More than once, it felt like these sections could be relegated to just menus that pop up rather than fully realised places; such was the trouble.

Perhaps the only other saving grace right now is that this will be a live service game, with other players occupying the same waters as you are going to be. Teaming up to take on larger fleets brings on the chaos and ups the fun, and the idea of taking on more difficult challenges like a sea monster or even ghost ships is tantalising. The issue is to get players invested long enough to reach that content in the first place.

With just a few months to go before launch, Skull and Bones finds itself in an interesting position. While the game looks and sounds as good as it gets, including accurate accents that were a pleasant surprise, the gameplay outside of combat leaves much to be desired. We are not sure just how much more it can be tweaked or iterated on, but the appeal will likely only apply to a specific audience.

Knowing how hard game development is, we can only hope we are wrong, and players can see for themselves by jumping into the December Closed Beta happening from 15 to 18 December.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post Geek Preview: ‘Skull and Bones’ Remains A Ship Without A Sail appeared first on Geek Culture.

With plenty of success already on its belt, Sony is not content with just sitting on its laurels, and will soon be pushing out a new generation of the PlayStation 5 consoles, as first revealed back in October. While many have taken to calling these the slim versions of the PS5, the official position is that they are just new models.

To help consumers get a better understanding of what to expect should they go for a refresh or a new addition to their entertainment setup, we ripped into the packaging to check out both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition in their new slim form factors, as well as the Vertical Stand and Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive.

PlayStation 5 Slim

Priced at S$799, the new PlayStation 5 stands at 96mm (width) x 358mm (height) x 216mm (depth), and compared to the original’s 104mm x 390mm x 260mm, there is roughly a 30% reduction in volume.

It is also lighter should you need to lug it around, and other than a DualSense controller, USB-C cable, and HDMI cable, there is also a pair of plastic stands that will come in handy when laying the console down horizontally. Performance remains the same as the OG PS5 consoles, but the slim version does come with the full 1TB of storage.

PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition

As for the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, it will cost you S$669. The device’s dimensions of 80mm (width) x 358mm (height) x 216mm (depth) when positioned vertically also see a roughly 30% drop in space requirements, with the original standing at 92mm x 390mm x 260mm.

It also comes with all the same accessories as above, with its plastic stands being slightly smaller to match the reduced weight of the console as well.

Accessories

Should you get yourself a Digital Edition and start to have regrets over the inability to play physical media, the optional Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive is easy to install, but it will set consumers back S$159. Just watch those hooks when you are removing the cover.

Those who bought the original PlayStation 5 consoles would remember the handy stand that could work both for vertical and horizontal orientations, but the slim versions will require an additional Vertical Stand to let it sit upright safely. It costs S$44.90, and it can be used for both the older and new versions of the consoles, with the entire process of installing it a simple task.

The new PlayStation 5 will be available in Singapore from 20 December through local retailers, together with the Ultra HD Blu-ray-Disc Drive and new Vertical Stand compatible with all PS5 models.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post Unboxing the Redesigned PlayStation 5 Slim Consoles & Accessories appeared first on Geek Culture.

When it was first revealed back in June, there were plenty of questions from longtime fans of the series about Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. The art style was divisive, to say the least, and going back to 2D from 3D was something that needed getting used to once again. But after spending about four hours with Sargon, we found ourselves being more optimistic than ever about the future of the franchise.

Just from the opening cutscenes, the stage is set for this Metroidvania adventure in ancient Persia to unfold with much at stake. Sargon, alongside the other six Immortals, rides to save the day in the war against Kushan, kickstarting a tutorial section that immediately shows off the game’s focus on platforming and the pleasant surprise that is its combat system.

Enemies hit hard in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, so there is an emphasis on strategic attacking coupled with dodging and parrying, paving the way for flashy Vengeful Counters that are fun to pull off and satisfying to watch. Time those parries wrong, and you’ll get punished heavily. It doesn’t take long for this mechanic to become integral to progression, especially up against more daunting foes, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Simple ground combos soon develop into air juggles and slams, with various directional inputs allowing Sargon to unleash his ever-growing arsenal of moves and choice of weapons. It won’t be a surprise to see players diving deep into the combat and coming up with unstoppable strategies against the many different foes found on Mount Qaf and beyond, and we cannot wait to taste more.

As for the platforming, anyone who has played modern, challenging platformers like Ori or Hollow Knight will feel right at home in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, as the legacy of the past is brought to life quite well for this new entry. Sargon is agile and quick, able to sprint and leap with the best of them, but throw in moving platforms, dangerous traps, and more, and things get much more entertaining.

This also folds into the different puzzles and side quest content that are littered around in the game, having players explore all corners of the map and taking on combat and platforming sections that range from straightforward to downright dastardly. There are also light role-playing elements to note as well, with special equipment and unlockables there to make your life easier or harder, depending on your preference.

The story itself will also take some time to brew, especially as Sargon comes into contact with time powers and the like, unmasking the secrets behind the mysterious mountains as well as all the machinations that go on behind the scene. Needless to say, the aim is tell a gripping story, and for now, the ingredients are there for the taking.

Perhaps the only grip we have with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the map, which serves its purpose of displaying the progress of players throughout their time in Persia, but could do with more obvious indicators when it comes to quest locations and the like. It’s not that big of a deal, but if the Ubisoft team is looking for players to spend 20-25 hours exploring and enjoying themselves, a better map that continues to tease and tantalise will be the cherry on top.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is coming to PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC on 18 January 2024.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post Geek Preview: ‘Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’ Keeps The Legacy Alive appeared first on Geek Culture.

With the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and repeated failures in bringing back the marquee event of gaming in the month of June for the past few years, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has thrown in the towel. 28 years after it first appeared, the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) has ended for good.

This comes via a statement shared on Twitter/X, which, while predictable, is still something to mull over for the many who have had the chance to experience the unique magic of the convention in the past years.

“After more than two decades of serving as a central showcase for the video game industry, ESA has decided to end E3,” the statement reads. “ESA remains focused on advocating for ESA member companies and the industry workforce who fuel positive cultural and economic impact every day.”

It was only in June 2022 that the ESA announced that E3 would be returning for 2023, but in March of this year, it became clear that interest was no longer as fervent as before, while logistical and financial challenges made it even more impossible to stage the show. This would have been the first physical show since 2019, with the 2020 show cancelled due to COVID-19, while 2021 saw a digital version of the convention.

E3 has had a long history, kicking things off in 1995 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and was a key event for all the big players in the gaming industry, as well as for media and the general public. There were big reveals and announcements, press conferences were often something to look forward to, and it was truly a celebration of the medium we all love.

However, as companies became more focused on their own products and started having their own showcases, the end of E3 was on the cards. That, as well as the emergence of The Game Awards and the much bigger Gamescom shows, meant that it was hard for E3 to recover. Now, it’ll only live long in the memories.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post E3 Officially Dead After Years Of Failed Comebacks appeared first on Geek Culture.

Hideo Kojima is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in gaming, long associated with the Metal Gear Solid series and the outlandish Death Stranding. He is also well-known for being a fan of film and storytelling, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to find out the creator is willing to share more via his own documentary, Hideo Kojima: Connecting Worlds.

In partnership with PlayStation Studios, fans all over the world will soon be able to witness all the hard work and hours spent by Kojima trying to do his thing. This will be a visually captivating documentary that gives a rare insight into his creative process as he launches his own independent studio and sets about developing Death Stranding.

While its content remains a mystery to the wider world, what we do know is that Hideo Kojima: Connecting Worlds will bring players on a journey into one of the leading creative minds when it comes to video games, and possibly give us a better understanding of the art form through the eyes of world-class talent.

Its world premiere was at the Tribeca Film Festival, which took place in June in New York, and will come to Disney+ in early 2024. Directed by Glen Milner and produced by Ben Hilton, it also sees appearances from the likes of George Miller, Guillermo del Toro, Nicholas Winding Refn, Grimes, Norman Reedus, Woodkid, Chvrches and many others.

At The Game Awards, Kojima also revealed that he is working on a new horror game, OD, alongside Jordan Peele. This will be his first game done in partnership with Xbox Game Studios, and stars Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post ‘Hideo Kojima: Connecting Worlds’ Documentary Debuts On Disney+ Spring 2024 appeared first on Geek Culture.

It is never easy to dip your toes into something new, much less a series that has been going on for nearly two decades, but for players hoping to test the waters with Tekken 8 early in 2024, things are shaping up to be very welcoming. After spending a couple of hours being put through the paces as well as speaking to Project Producer Michael Murray and Game Director Kohei Ikeda, we are more confident than ever that Tekken 8 is the perfect starting point for newcomers.

There are a couple of aspects to this, starting off with the new Special Style control scheme that can be toggled on at any given time during a fight. It has been designed for players to focus specifically on timing and spacing between fighters while giving easy access to signature combos and juggles that can deliver flashy action on screen.

Once players get those fundamentals down, it will serve as a great base to start learning each character deeply, and our time spent with it definitely opened our eyes to the possibilities when it comes to all the fighters.

“As you’re using Special Style and playing, you’ll gradually gain an understanding of why people like Tekken so much, and hopefully, at the same time, find a character that you resonate with out of those 32,” Murray shared. Yet, many would worry that this could be a tool that ruins competitive play, but that is not going to be the case. First off, as Ikeda said, players using Special Style would be “limited in your moveset,” but crucially, moves “don’t come out at their fastest frame,” so for everyone else who knows the same moves by heart, they are going to have a speed advantage.

The learning journey doesn’t stop there; Tekken 8 also boasts several more engaging modes that further strengthen your ability to stand up for yourself in the fight. Arcade Quest is definitely worth checking out, a hybrid offline-online mode that sees players jump into a metagame of sorts, using an avatar to explore arcades and take part in Tekken tournaments, all while learning battle knowledge and techniques that are used by the pros.

Central to this mode is Super Ghost Battle, bouts against AI ghosts that utilise what is termed Q-learning, which sees its learning players’ moves and replicates them with lifelike consistency and accuracy. If you ever wanted to fight against one of the developers or even the pros, this is where you can test your mettle and derive strategies to counter them.

“There’s kind of a hurdle between learning through the Story mode and the base of how the mechanics work, and then actually jumping online and fighting against other players. So this time around, we started developing an all-new AI system in which it recreates a ghost character of an opponent,” Murray continued.

“And it learns and fights quite like a human. So that’s kind of a nice little buffer between enjoying the story and then jumping online against other people. So rather than going straight into the shark tank, you can kind of practice against these ghost opponents until you’re ready to fight human opponents.”

The stronger players get, the stronger their ghosts will get as well, mimicking the progression of someone getting better and better at Tekken 8, and setting them up for more success in the competitive space. To round it all up, more work can be done in My Replay & Tips, a frankly revolutionary addition that is impressive, to say the least.

All battles in Arcade Quest, Super Ghost Battle, and Versus mode between human players will recorded, and the fight history can be reviewed at any time, dropping players into past fights with precious advice to improve their technique and execution. Although it may seem like overkill for the casual player, this is a big game-changer for those hoping to make the next step up. Add in Practice Mode, where there are combo challenges and situational replays, and the Tekken curriculum becomes even more comprehensive.

And while gameplay can always be refreshed and iterated on, the story of this franchise is the most daunting and intricate of webs that need to be unravelled, something that the development team is well aware of.

“So there are various ways that people can get caught up in the story,” explained Murray. “There’s a gallery mode in which you can see movies that kind of concisely explain what happened during Tekken 1 through 7. We also had in Tekken 7 something similar. But then once you do get your hands on Tekken 8, obviously, playing through the story and the character episodes for each character will give you a better idea of that character’s personality and motivations for the tournament.”

“And then also, depending on certain pairings of characters at the beginning of the match, when they meet up, and they say a certain spoken line, it actually changes depending on if they have a certain relationship with that appointment or not. So that will give you kind of an idea of the dynamics between the different characters in the Tekken universe, and what kind of characters there are and what their motivations are.”

With Azucena and Victor Chevalier already revealed, Reina is the newest face on the block, and she comes with plenty of intrigue, further complicating the dynamics of the established characters in Tekken 8.

This is a fighter who possesses a mixture of traits and a personality to match her prowess in combat, able to be ruthless and manipulative, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. The developers are keen for players to discover more while playing the main Story mode, as it will dive deeper into who Reina really is, and possibly give us an understanding of why, for some reason, she appears to be using the Mishima way of fighting.

Even after so many years, the Tekken series continues to find new ways to reinvent itself, giving its most ardent fans more to look forward to in story, character development, and more ways to improve the main highlights of fighting in one-on-one battles. Whether you are a veteran or a newcomer, the stage is set for one of the more explosive entries in the entire series, and that is certainly a great way to kick off the year. 24 January just cannot come soon enough.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post Geek Preview: ‘Tekken 8’ Makes It Easier Than Ever To Master Fighting Dominance appeared first on Geek Culture.

Not all video game movies will perform amazingly like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, but sometimes, that’s okay. Take the Uncharted adaptation, for instance, which had a strong debut and was ranked fourth for the biggest opening for a video game movie at that time. Critics weren’t impressed, but fans came out in droves, and according to star Mark Wahlberg, the Uncharted sequel is making progress.

In an interview with The Direct, Wahlberg shared that Uncharted 2 was in active development, and the team was looking at various options when it comes to the next one.

“I’ve heard lots of different ideas. I know somebody’s written a script, and they’re still working on it, and it would consist of having the moustache the whole entire time,” Wahlberg said about an Uncharted sequel. “Which completely makes sense; obviously, in that final scene, I have the moustache.”

“When I finally got the moustache, people really appreciated it. And it was a nice tag to the end of that film. So if we can make it better than the first, you know, I’d be open to it, but I only know as much as you do right now.”

That moustache is a key element of Victor “Sully” Sulivan in the Uncharted games, and heading down that direction in a sequel to the first movie that saw a post-credits scene with Wahlberg sporting that familiar facial hair makes perfect sense.

However, the key point is that Uncharted 2 is yet to be confirmed, although producer Charles Roven did share that the studio was “definitely looking to make another” earlier this year. Who could blame them, especially since the first movie made over US$400 million globally on a reported US$120 million budget?

The hope is that Sully and Nathan Drake will team up for more adventures down the line; the fans definitely are on board, and we cannot wait to see Wahlberg with that moustache on the big screen.

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post Mark Wahlberg Reveals Existence Of ‘Uncharted’ Sequel Script Despite No Official Announcement appeared first on Geek Culture.

With the year coming to an end, that can only mean one thing for gamers all over the world. The Game Awards 2023 has come to a conclusion, showcasing a bunch of new reveals and giving awards to the best games that have come out in the preceding months. With so many amazing titles to discuss, here is a quick guide to all the winners for each category at The Game Awards 2023 so you instantly get caught up.

All Winners at The Game Awards 2023

Game of The Year

• Alan Wake 2
• Baldur’s Gate 3 – Winner
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• Resident Evil 4 
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Best RPG

• Baldur’s Gate 3 – Winner
• Final Fantasy XVI
• Lies of P 
• Sea of Stars 
• Starfield 

Best Action Game

• Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon – Winner
• Dead Island 2 
• Ghostrunner 2  
• Hi-Fi Rush 
• Remnant 2 

Best Action/Adventure Game

• Alan Wake 2
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 
• Resident Evil 4 
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor 
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Winner

Best Fighting Game

• God of Rock 
• Mortal Kombat 1 
• Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 
• Pocket Bravery 
• Street Fighter 6 – Winner

Most Anticipated Game

• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – Winner 
• Hades II 
• Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
• Star Wars Outlaws 
• Tekken 8

Best Sim/Strategy Game

• Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp 
• Cities: Skylines II 
• Company of Heroes 3
• Fire Emblem Engage 
• Pikmin 4  – Winner

Best Sports/Racing

• EA Sports FC 24 
• F1 23 
• Forza Motorsport – Winner
• Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
• The Crew Motorfest 

Best Multiplayer 

• Baldur’s Gate 3 – Winner
• Diablo IV 
• Party Animals 
• Street Fighter 6
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder 

Best Family Game

• Disney Illusion Island
• Party Animals
• Pikmin 4
• Sonic Superstars
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Winner

Best Debut Indie Game

• Cocoon – Winner
• Dredge
• Pizza Tower
• Venba
• Viewfinder

Best Independent Game

• Cocoon 
• Dave the Diver 
• Dredge 
• Sea of Stars – Winner
• Viewfinder 

Best Narrative

• Alan Wake 2 – Winner
• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
• Final Fantasy XVI
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Best Game Direction

• Alan Wake 2 – Winner
• Baldur’s Gate 3 
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder 
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Best Performance

• Ben Starr, Final Fantasy XVI 
• Cameron Monaghan, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
• Idris Elba, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
• Melanie Liburd, Alan Wake 2
• Neil Newbon, Baldur’s Gate 3 – Winner
• Yuri Lowenthal, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Best Art Direction

• Alan Wake 2  – Winner
• Hi-Fi Rush 
• Lies of P  
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder 
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Best Score and Music

• Alan Wake 2, Composer Petri Alanko 
• Baldur’s Gate 3, Composer Borislav Slavov 
• Final Fantasy XVI, Composer Masayoshi Soken – Winner 
• Hi-Fi Rush, Audio Director Shuichi Kobori 
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Composed by Nintendo Sound Team 

Best Audio Design

• Alan Wake 2
• Dead Space
• Hi-Fi Rush – Winner
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• Resident Evil 4

Games for Impact

• A Space for the Unbound 
• Chants of Sennaar 
• Goodbye Volcano High 
• Tchia – Winner 
• Terra Nil 
• Venba

Best Ongoing Game

• Apex Legends 
• Cyberpunk 2077 – Winner
• Final Fantasy XIV
• Fortnite 
• Genshin Impact 

Best Adaptation

• Castlevania: Nocturne 
• Gran Turismo 
• The Last of Us – Winner
• The Super Mario Bros. Movie 
• Twisted Metal 

Innovation in Accessbility

• Diablo IV
• Forza Motorsport – Winner
• Hi-Fi Rush
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
• Mortal Kombat 1
• Street Fighter 6

Best Community Support

• Baldur’s Gate 3 (Larian Studios) – Winner
• Cyberpunk 2077 (CD Projekt Red)
• Destiny 2 (Bungie)
• Final Fantasy XIV (Square Enix)
• No Man’s Sky (Hello Games)

Best VR/AR Game

• Gran Turismo 7 
• Humanity 
• Horizon Call of the Mountain
• Resident Evil Village VR Mode – Winner
• Synapse 

Best Mobile Game

• Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis 
• Honkai: Star Rail – Winner
• Hello Kitty Island Adventure 
• Monster Hunter Now 
• Terra Nil 

Best Esports Athlete

• Lee “Faker” Sang-Hyeok – Winner
• Mathieu “Zywoo” Herbaut
• Max “Demon1” Mazanove
• Paco “Hydra” Rusiewiez
• Park “Ruler” Jae-Hyuk
• Phillip “ImperialHal” Dosen

Best Esports Coach

• Christine “Potter” Chi – Winner
• Danny “Zonic” Sorensen
• Jordan “Gunba” Graham
• Remy “XTQZZZ” Quoniam
• Yoon “Homme” Sung-Young

Best Esports Event

• 2023 League of Legends World Championship – Winner
• Blast.TV Paris Major 2023
• EVO 2023
• The International DOTA 2 Championships 2023
• Valorant Champions 2023

Best Esports Game

• Counter-Strike 2
• DOTA 2
• League of Legends
• PUBG MOBILE
• Valorant – Winner

Best Esports Team

• Evil Geniuses
• FNATIC
• Gaimin Gladiators
• JD Gaming – Winner
• Team Vitality

Content Creator of the Year

• IronMouse – Winner
• PeopleMakeGames
• Quackity
• Spreen
• Sypherpk

Jake Su

Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.

The post The Game Awards 2023: ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ Sweeps With Five Wins appeared first on Geek Culture.