Monthly Archives: November 2024

Black Friday gaming deals 2024: The best sales on video games, consoles, accessories and more

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Black Friday is usually a good time to restock on video games and gaming gear on the cheap, and this year is no different. While the big day itself is technically a week away, several retailers have already kicked off their official holiday sales, so many of the better gaming deals we’re likely to see are available today. If you’re looking to pad out your backlog, pick up a new console or refresh your desktop with new peripherals, we’re rounding up the Black Friday gaming deals that are most worth your attention below.

We’ll see a few more discounts from Nintendo, Steam and others in the days ahead, but for now, a ton of well-regarded games and accessories we recommend in our various buying guides are down to their lowest prices to date. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are $75 and $50 off, respectively, as well. We’ve dug through reviews and used price history trackers to ensure each offer below is a genuine deal, and we’ll keep updating this post as new deals pop up.

The Xbox Series X game console lays on its side, with a black Xbox controller rested in front of it, on top of a brown wooden desk.
The Xbox Series X.
Photo by Aaron Souppouris / Engadget

  • Xbox Series X (1TB) for $448 at Amazon ($52 off): This is well off the lowest price we’ve seen for the higher-end Xbox, and there’s a chance we see alternative deals next week. It is Microsoft’s official discount, though, and any chance to save $50 is still worth calling out. Whether any Xbox is a must-have is another question, as Microsoft has put less and less emphasis on exclusives, but the Series X is still a nice piece of kit if you’re sold on Xbox Game Pass or just have friends who use the platform. Also at Xbox, Walmart, Target and others.

  • Xbox Series S (512GB) for $249 at Amazon ($51 off): The entry-level Xbox has had a difficult time keeping up with the technical demands of some new games, and the 512GB of storage in this model can run out fast. That said, it still has value for casual players or Game Pass subscribers who don’t care about high frame rates and just want a cheap way to play the latest stuff. This $51 drop isn’t an all-time low, but it makes the console a bit more palatable. Just remember there’s no disc drive. Also at Best Buy, Target and others.

  • ASUS ROG Ally X for $700 at Best Buy ($100 off): The ROG Ally X is the top Windows pick in our guide to the best gaming handhelds. It’s better-equipped to handle recent AAA fare than Valve’s Steam Deck, and its 120Hz VRR display does wonders to keep those games looking smooth. Windows itself remains something of a tire fire on handheld devices — which keeps the Deck our top pick overall — but it does give you the flexibility to play games from any PC client. This $100 drop isn’t massive but nevertheless ties the handheld’s lowest price to date.

Sony's DualSense Wireless Controller for the PlayStation 5
The PS5's DualSense Wireless Controller.
Aaron Souppouris/Engadget

  • PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller for $54 at Amazon ($21 off): While Sony’s official PS5 controller has gone for less in the past, steeper discounts have been fairly uncommon over the past year, so this is an decent time to stock up if you need a spare or two. The offer applies to several different color options, though a few are priced $5 higher than the others. Also at Best Buy, Walmart, Target, PlayStation Direct and others.

  • Xbox Wireless Controller for $40 at Amazon ($20 off): This is another deal we’ve seen a few times before, but it’s a decent $5 to $15 off the Series X/S pad’s typical street price, depending on which color you pick. Several different models are on sale, with some of the more vibrant colorways available for $45 or $50. Just remember that each requires a pair of AA batteries or a separate pack for power. Also at Walmart, Best Buy, Target and others.

  • PlayStation Plus 12-month membership for 30 percent off at PlayStation: Sony’s online service became a worse deal with last year’s sizable price hikes, but it’s still required if you want to play PS5 games online or utilize cloud saves. This year’s Black Friday deal is geared more toward upgrading than saving on your current service, annoyingly, but those just signing up can grab an annual membership for 30 percent off, bringing the standard “Essential” tier down to $64. If you’ve been thinking of stepping up from the base service to the higher “Extra” or “Premium” tiers, you can take 25 or 30 percent off the usual cost of that upgrade. You can check Sony’s overview page for a refresher on what perks are included with each tier.

Astro Bot
Astro Bot.
Sony Interactive Entertainment

  • Astro Bot for $50 at Amazon ($10 off): The wonderfully inventive 3D platformer Astro Bot is the closest thing the PS5 has to a modern Super Mario game, even if it is a bit too reverential to the PlayStation brand. Engadget Senior Editor Jessica Conditt called it nothing less than “one of the best games Sony has ever made” in her review. This is the game’s first major discount across retailers. Also at PlayStation, Best Buy, Target and others.

  • Elden Ring for $20 at Amazon ($40 off): There isn’t much we can say about Elden Ring that hasn’t already been said. Its world runs almost unfathomably deep and feels lived-in (really, died-in) in a way few games ever have. It’s both haunting and darkly funny (hello Ordina). It is unafraid to test your resolve and make its quest matter, yet it grants you the freedom to simply walk in a different direction and find new paths forward. It’s great, and this deal brings it down to the best price we’ve tracked. Also at Best Buy. If you want to double up with the game’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, a copy that comes with that DLC is on sale for $50, another new low.

  • Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for $40 at Amazon ($30 off): Engadget UK Bureau Chief Mat Smith gave this grandiose action-RPG a favorable review earlier this year, and it’s one of the year’s highest-rated games overall. You need to have played its predecessor — and, ideally, the original PS1 game — to really get where it’s going, but it’s absolutely stuffed with things to do (for better and worse), and its combat system is still a rush. This is a new low for the PS5 exclusive. Also at Best Buy, or PlayStation for $2 more.

  • Metaphor: ReFantazio for $50 at Amazon ($20 off): It’s about as subtle as you’d expect a game named “Metaphor” to be, but the latest from the minds behind Persona 5 is a fantasy JRPG through and through: bombastic, stylish and deeply earnest. (And long.) This deal is a new low. Also at PlayStation and Xbox for $2 more.

Elden Ring
Elden Ring.
FromSoftware / Bandai Namco
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door.
Nintendo

  • Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for $42 at Woot ($18 off): This is a new low for the recent Switch remake of the beloved GameCube RPG Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Engadget Senior Editor Devindra Hardawar was pretty straightforward in his review: “It’s great, you should play it.”

  • Super Mario RPG for $32 at Woot ($18 off): The lively and brisk Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars remains one of the Super Nintendo’s essential games. It didn’t necessarily need a Switch remake, but it got one last year anyway; thankfully, the new version keeps the original’s oddball spirit in tact as it spruces up the visuals for true 3D. If you’re in the market for a lighter RPG, this deal at Amazon subsidiary Woot brings the game down to a new all-time low.

  • Portal: Companion Collection for $5 at Nintendo ($15 off): Portal and Portal 2 are two of the most fully-actualized games ever made, a pair of human-lab-rat simulators overloaded with wit and mind-opening puzzles. The second is also one of our favorite couch co-op games. This discount ties the lowest price we’ve seen for the Companion Collection, which bundles both games for the Switch, and it comes as part of a wider suite of digital game deals at Nintendo’s online store.

  • Mass Effect Legendary Edition for $5 at Epic ($55 off): The Mass Effect trilogy doesn’t hold up perfectly — the original is very much a game from 2007, while the overarching “morality” system feels ancient in a post-Baldur’s Gate 3 world — but it remains as accessible and deeply entertaining as any action-RPG series out there. The Legendary Edition remasters all three titles, and this discount brings the compilation down to its lowest price to date. The deal comes as part of the Epic Games Store’s Black Friday sale, which is otherwise light on standout offers.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubcon
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.
FromSoftware

  • Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon for $20 at Amazon ($40 off): Armored Core VI is a big loud action game about building a mech and using it to blow up everything in sight. It rules. But it’s not mindless: Its many boss fights are genuine duels, and it’s deeply flexible in how it lets you tweak your death machine to tackle stages in different ways. This price is another new low. Also at Best Buy.

  • Unicorn Overlord for $30 at Amazon ($30 off): Unicorn Overlord’s story leans a little too hard on RPG tropes, but it’s gorgeous, and its battle system should satisfy those who pine for classic Fire Emblem or (especially) Ogre Battle games from yesteryear. Engadget Senior Writer Sam Rutherford called it a “must-play for tactics fans” in his review. This discount is the largest we’ve seen for the PS5 and Xbox editions and ties the all-time low for the Switch copy.

  • Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 for $19 at Amazon ($21 off): Few games take the responsibility of entertaining you as seriously as the Metal Gear series; even fewer have as clear of a voice and point of view. The Master Collection may not go as far as it should in updating the landmark stealth games for modern consoles, but if you’ve yet to give them a try, you really ought to take the ride. This deal ties the lowest price we’ve tracked. Also at Best Buy for $1 more.

  • Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth for $25 at Amazon ($45 off): Infinite Wealth is the kind of goofy, playful and wholly excessive RPG that’s come to define the series formerly known as Yakuza. It can border on “too much,” and you’ll need to have played past entries to get the most out of it, but its turn-based combat is fun, and it’s more endearing than obnoxious in the end. This discount ties the best price we’ve seen for the next-gen versions of the game.

Usually, the goal of each encounter is to take over the enemy's stronghold without losing your own.
Unicorn Overlord.
Screenshot by Sam Rutherford/Vanillaware
The video game Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Xbox Game Studios

  • Madden NFL 25 for $30 at Amazon ($40 off): Madden could pretty badly use a creative reset, but it’s ultimately still Madden, so there’s fun to be had if you’re in the football mood and feel like denying Patrick Mahomes a championship in at least one realm of existence. This is the best price to date for this year’s latest installment. Also at Best Buy, or at PlayStation, Xbox and Steam for $5 more.

  • EA Sports FC 25 for $30 at Amazon ($35 off): We’re not going to sit here and tell you the series formerly known as FIFA is good — AI defending is still a mess, while the Ultimate Team mode still blends grinding with gambling to mind-numbing effect — but we realize that many people just want to mess around as their favorite footy team. This is a new low for the PS5, PS4 and Xbox editions. Also at Best Buy, or at PlayStation, Xbox and Steam for $5 more. The Switch version is down to $30, too, though it won’t run as well.

  • WWE 2K24 for $24 at Amazon ($11 off): We acknowledge that this is a new low for the physical PS5 and Xbox copies of the latest WWE game, which should scratch the itch for most people looking to do some fantasy booking and digital powerbombing. Just don’t be surprised if you run into a few bugs every now and then; this is a 2K game, after all. Also at Walmart, Target and Best Buy, or for $1 less at Xbox. The last-gen versions are on sale for a few bucks less as well.

  • NBA 2K25 for $30 at Amazon ($40 off): NBA 2K has its own longstanding issues with pay-to-win online modes and occasional glitchiness, but its on-court play is generally rock solid if you’re looking to play through a season or run some offline games with friends. This is a new low for the PS5 and Xbox copies of the game. Also at Walmart, Target and Best Buy. Nintendo has the Switch edition for $4 less, though that version is generally slower and more watered-down than the others.

The WD Black C50 Xbox Storage Expansion Card slotted into the back of a white Xbox Series S console, with its cover off to the side on a black desk.
The WD Black C50 Expansion Card for Xbox Series X/S.
WD

  • WD Black C50 Expansion Card for Xbox (1TB) for $100 at Amazon ($58 off): It’s aggravating, but the only way to fully increase the storage of an Xbox Series X/S is to use a proprietary expansion card. Only two of those currently exist, but the C50 is one, and this discount drops the 1TB model to a new low. It’s normally sold for roughly $40 more in recent months. Is this still expensive compared to a normal SSD with the same capacity? You bet. But any extra savings should be welcome. Also at Best Buy. A 512GB model is a couple bucks above its all-time low at $68 as well.

  • Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X/S (2TB) for $200 at Amazon ($160 off): Seagate makes the other official storage expansion card for the Xbox Series X/S. This discount isn’t the best we’ve ever seen, and it’s been live for most of the month, but it’s still about $30 to $50 below the 2TB model’s typical street price. There’s little performance difference between this and the C50, so which is best merely comes down to how much space you need and whatever one costs less.

  • Crucial P310 (1TB) M.2 2230 SSD for $70 at Amazon ($102 off): The P310 is a small-size SSD you can slot into handheld PCs like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally. It uses cheaper QLC memory, not the faster and more durable TLC, but other reviews suggest that it still performs well for what it is. This is a new low for the 1TB model. The 2TB version is down to its best price yet at $140 as well. Also at Crucial and B&H.

The Astro A40 TR gaming headset rests on a white stand on an outside table, with its built-in microphone extended.
The Astro A40 TR.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
A black video game controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller, rests on a white shelf in front of a row of several red Nintendo Switch video game cases.
The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

  • Keychron Q3 Max mechanical keyboard for $182 at Keychron ($32 off): The Keychron Q Max is the top pick in our guide to the best mechanical keyboards, pairing an upscale (if heavy) aluminum case with a lovely typing experience and extensive customizability. This is the lowest price we’ve seen for the tenkeyless model, but other size layouts are similarly discounted. Also at Amazon for $6 more, but only for Prime members.

  • Keychron V3 Max mechanical keyboard for $87 at Amazon ($22 off, Prime only): The V Max is our favorite mechanical keyboard in the $100 range. It has a plastic frame and suffers a bit more from rattling in the larger keys but otherwise carries most of the same perks as the Q Max series. This Prime-exclusive deal marks the best price we’ve tracked for the tenkeyless model, but other size options are also 20 percent off. Also at Keychron.

  • Keychron C3 Pro mechanical keyboard for $38 at Amazon ($22 off, Prime only): If you just want to pay as little as possible for a decent mechanical keyboard, the C3 Pro is the budget pick in our buying guide. Its keycaps are a bit slick, but its typing feel and sound are still levels above the membrane boards you usually find in this price range. This Prime-exclusive deal is within $5 of the best price we’ve seen for the model with hot-swappable switches and RGB backlighting. Another model that doesn't support hot-swap and only has a red backlight is available for $28, though we've seen that one go for less in the past.

  • 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard (N Edition) for $60 at Woot ($40 off): While not a top pick in any of our keyboard guides, the wireless 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is still a nice value for anyone looking to give their desk a more vintage look, as its keycaps and accents are inspired by Nintendo’s old NES console. It’s comfy for typing and hot-swappable, too, though the default switches are pretty noisy. This discount matches the lowest price we’ve seen.

The Razer Basilisk V3 gaming mouse rested on a black mouse pad, with RGB lighting emitting from its logo, scroll wheel and underside.
The Razer Basilisk V3.
Jeff Dunn / Engadget

  • Razer Basilisk V3 gaming mouse for $40 at Amazon ($30 off): We recommend the Basilisk V3 in our guide to the best gaming mice for those who don’t mind using a cable and prefer a more ergonomic right-handed shape. We’ve seen this discount several times before, but it matches the device’s all-time low. Note that Razer released an revised version with an improved sensor a few months ago, but that one costs $40 more, and it’s not a massive upgrade in practice. Also at Target, Best Buy and others.

  • Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite MMO gaming mouse for $50 at Best Buy ($30 off): The Scimitar RGB Elite is the top MMO pick in our gaming mouse buying guide. It has 12 customizable side buttons, which make it easier to pull off strings of actions in complex titles like Final Fantasy XIV or World of Warcraft. This deal comes within a couple bucks of the lowest price we've seen. Also at Corsair. A wireless model with an upgraded sensor is also on sale for $89, which is the second-best price we've tracked for that variant.

  • ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (2023) gaming laptop for $700 at Best Buy ($400 off): Although it’s a 2023 model, this configuration of the A16 should do the job for value-minded buyers. It comes with a 16-inch 165Hz 1,920 x 1,200 display, an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD and an AMD Radeon RX 7700S GPU. You’ll still have to deal with the usual trade-offs of a cheaper gaming laptop — it can get warm under load, it’s bulky, the keyboard isn’t great and the screen is somewhat dim. But it’s powerful enough to run newer games in 1080p, the chassis generally feels sturdy, and the battery can reach double-digit hours when you aren’t gaming. This discount is $20 above than the config’s all-time low but ties the best price we’ve seen otherwise.

  • Alienware M18 R2 gaming laptop for $2,200 at Amazon ($500 off): The M18 R2 is an iteration of the top 18-inch pick in our gaming laptop buying guide. It’s an absolute tank, but it’s sturdily put together, and this configuration can blow through new games at high settings in 1080p or 1440p. It comes with a 165Hz 2,560 x 1,600 panel, an Intel Core i9-14900HX chip, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPU. This deal price is far from cheap, but it's a new low for this variant. A lower-spec model is also on sale for $1,900, though that one will likely run into issues sooner with more demanding games.

A gray and red mechanical keyboard called the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard rests against a well-lit pink and pastel green background. In front of the keyboard are a pair of giant red
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard.
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget

  • LG 32GS95UV-W 32-inch gaming monitor for $1,000 at Amazon ($400 off): This is a variant of the “no-compromise” pick in our guide to the best gaming monitors. It’s a premium OLED panel with a sharp 4K resolution and a fast 240Hz refresh rate, though it can jump to a super-smooth 480Hz if you drop to 1080p (and own a PC that can handle that). That’s great if you spend a decent chunk of time in esports-style games like Counter-Strike 2. Being an OLED monitor gives it excellent contrast with deep black tones, though it’s not quite as vivid as the handful of high-end OLEDs that also use quantum dots to boost colors. Still, it’s well worth a look if you have cash to burn and know you’ll use the dual refresh rate modes. This deal has been live for a month but represents an all-time low. Also at LG and Best Buy. Compared to the recommendation in our guide, the only differences with this model are that it has a white finish and its built-in speakers aren’t as strong.

  • MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 27-inch gaming monitor for $480 at Amazon ($210 off): This ties the lowest price we’ve seen for MSI’s QD-OLED monitor, which blends the high contrast and inky blacks typical of OLED displays with color-enhancing quantum dots. It has a 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, which should be sufficient for most, though like many OLEDs it’ll look better in dim lighting than a bright room. Also at B&H, or at Best Buy for $20 more.

  • MSI MPG 321URX 32-inch gaming monitor for $880 at Amazon ($70 off): The MPG 321URX (gesundheit) is a larger high-end monitor with a gorgeous QD-OLED panel, a 4K resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. It also includes a KVM switch and a USB-C port that can deliver up to 90W of charging power. It’s certainly not cheap, but at its current deal price it undercuts its handful of competitors by a fair amount. This is another all-time low. Also at Best Buy.

  • ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM 32-inch gaming monitor for $999 at Amazon ($300 off): If the MSI 321URX runs out of stock, the PG32UCDM is an excellent alternative with a similar list of features. Some reviewers we trust say it can get brighter, too, plus it supports the popular Dolby Vision HDR format. This discount represents a new lowest price. Also at Walmart and Best Buy.

Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-gaming-deals-2024-the-best-sales-on-video-games-consoles-accessories-and-more-144605738.html?src=rss

PlayStation Portal is finally catching up to the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck

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What is the point of being portable if you can’t exactly carry it everywhere? Granted, you can indeed bring the PlayStation Portal anywhere inside the house as long as it’s within range of a Wi-Fi network that’s connected to your PlayStation 5. That’s definitely fine if that’s all you ever want to do, but not in the age of gaming handhelds.

Launching after the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck, and a whole host of other gaming PC handhelds, the PS Portal definitely felt limiting and disappointing. Fortunately, it seems that Sony is finally giving what PS fans have been clamoring for, allowing remote cloud access to PlayStation games anywhere they are.

Designer: Sony

To be fair, the official branding of the PlayStation Portal calls it a “Remote Player for PS5 Console.” Its large size, practically an 8-inch tablet flanked by split DualShock controllers, isn’t something you can easily stash inside a bag anyway. Given the popularity of handheld consoles these days, not to mention the absence of an Xbox handheld as well, the limited “local network” functionality of the PS Portal still felt like a step backward.

A new system update for the remote player device is finally taking steps in the right direction. It is enabling cloud streaming support for PlayStation Plus Premium members, which practically means they’ll be able to play a select number of games from anywhere. Even better, they don’t even need to own a PS5 console since they will be streaming from Sony’s servers.

The feature is still in beta, so there are a few caveats like maxing out quality at 1080p/60fps and no access to PS4 or PS3 games in the catalog. A few PS Plus features are also not available, including party voice chat and in-game commerce, but these restrictions are to be expected during the early testing stages anyway.

Game streaming has its fair share of downsides, particularly when it comes to the required Internet bandwidth. Even streaming at just 720p requires a steady 7Mbps connection, while 1080p needs a good 13 Mbps speed. It still doesn’t have the true portability of other handheld consoles that let you play games installed locally, but it’s an acceptable compromise for the PlayStation ecosystem.

The post PlayStation Portal is finally catching up to the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck first appeared on Yanko Design.

Mind-Blowing iPhone Tricks You NEED to Try

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iPhone Tricks

iOS 18 brings a host of new features and enhancements that allow you to customize and optimize your iPhone experience like never before. From improved notifications management to streamlined app organization, iOS 18 empowers you to take control of your device and boost your productivity. Discover how you can make the most of your iPhone […]

The post Mind-Blowing iPhone Tricks You NEED to Try appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Get 20 percent off Ooni pizza ovens for Black Friday

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Ooni is discounting all of its ovens and accessories by 20 percent as part of a Black Friday deal. This sweeping sale means you can snag one of our two top choices for a home pizza oven. If you're looking to splurge, the Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel pizza oven is available for $519, down from its typical price tag of $799. We appreciate that this model can use wood, charcoal or gas to sizzle up your slices, plus it has a built-in digital thermometer and can fit up to a 16-inch pie.

If you'd rather not prep your pizza in the great outdoors, then the Ooni Volt 12 Electric pizza oven might be more your speed. It's on sale for $719 instead of the usual $899. This is our top choice this year for an indoor pizza oven thanks to its quick heating and flexibility for fitting pans or other baked items into its 13-inch interior. It's also flexible on location, since the weather-resistant materials mean it can be used outside too.

At the scorching temperatures needed for good pie, you don't want to mess around with the wrong gear. Since Ooni is also cutting the prices on accessories, this is a good time to stock up on other essential tools, like a baking stone or pizza peel. And if you need the ingredients to kick off your pizza journey, Ooni is also taking 20 percent off orders of its dough and up to 50 percent off other grocery items. The Black Friday offer for Ooni goods will be available from today through 11:59 pm local time on December 2.

Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-20-percent-off-ooni-pizza-ovens-for-black-friday-150052139.html?src=rss

Strinova’s 2D Stringify mechanic breathes some new life into hero shooters

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Strinova is a third-person hero shooter coming out this week, and its recent closed beta functioned more like an open beta despite the label. Its anime art style caught my eye, so I decided to register and try it out. While this hero shooter had much in common with others in the genre, I thoroughly enjoyed the new mechanics it introduced.

This new third-person shooter from iDreamSky has elements players of Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch and Valorant will find familiar, such as game modes and Agent roles. However, the game sets itself apart by implementing a mechanic called “Stringify,” allowing Agents to turn from 3D into paper-thin 2D models.

Stringify allows Agents to avoid gunfire, climb up walls and even glide through the air, but they can’t shoot or use abilities while Stringified. This mechanic allows for possibilities like chambering sniper rifle rounds while minimizing one’s hitbox and traversing walls mid-gunfight. It was incredibly entertaining to move around like this, but it isn’t so over-the-top like how some Call of Duty games and Titanfall implement movement mechanics. Spamming glides or sprints won’t do much good.

Each Agent has unique abilities and primary weapons, while secondary weapons and grenades can be swapped out. You have many familiar roles like snipers, designated marksmen with semi-automatic rifles, mid-range assault units and close-quarters-focused brawlers armed with shotguns. The abilities range from defensive supports to lone-wolf offensive kits, though Strinova doesn’t encourage engaging groups of enemies alone due to a longer time to kill.

My favorite Agent from the open beta is Meredith (image below), a mid-range assault Agent who can glide in mid-air longer due to a time-slowing mechanic. Her gunplay feels almost inspired by Warframe’s Zephyr, who also has extended airtime. Meredith also has area denial abilities that apply debuffs, most significantly with her Ultimate Skill that drains HP temporarily while limiting vision.

Meredith Strinova
Jeremy Gan for Engadget

Another standout is Audrey, whose ability turns her into a stationary turret and lets her fire her machine gun without recoil or reloading. However, you’ll want to watch out for overheating. She has a limited shield that blocks some incoming fire while aiming down the sights — but there’s a catch. Despite being a bullet hose, she’s vulnerable to a single sniper headshot, and a shotgun user can take her out quickly before she enters turret mode, which has a longer startup animation.

There were four game modes in the open beta: team deathmatch, team arena, escort, and demolition. Escort is similar to what Overwatch offers, which has an attacking team escorting a payload to the goal. Demolition is basically competitive Counter-Strike. Team deathmatch has five teams of three fighting each other, while team arena has a 7v7 format. In the last two game modes, Ultimate Skills are disabled.

Based on my experience, Strinova has a longer time to kill, which forces players to be more tactical, especially when everyone can use Stringify to move around. I was forced to ditch my highly aggressive playstyle and employ proper movement and peeking to ensure I survived gunfights. Since each Agent gets to turn 2D, glide and climb walls, there are plenty of ways to get the drop on opponents.

Weapon Upgrade Strinova
Jeremy Gan for Engadget

Strinova ran smoothly on my gaming laptop, reaching 120FPS easily and rarely dropping many frames. However, there was a glaring bug in which my A key was perceived as being held down. The only way to “fix” was to pause or unplug my keyboard. I usually had to perform the latter, and it was rather annoying to deal with, though hopefully it’s something that gets worked out by release.

I definitely enjoyed playing the Strinova open beta, and the game is set to come out on November 21. There are plenty of other cool things in the game, but the combat absolutely stands out. I don’t play that many hero shooters, but this one is like a diamond in the rough to me.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/strinovas-2d-stringify-mechanic-breathes-some-new-life-into-hero-shooters-140043155.html?src=rss

Apple patches vulnerabilities used to target Intel-based Macs

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Apple has rolled out updates for its operating systems, which come with security fixes for vulnerabilities that may have already been used to target its customers. The updates are now available for Macs, iPhones, iPads, the Vision Pro and the Safari browser. In its notes, Apple revealed that the security patches will fix bugs affecting WebKit, the rendering engine Safari uses, and JavaScriptCore, which runs JavaScript code on macOS and iOS devices. 

If JavaScriptCore is fooled into processing "maliciously crafted web content," it could execute arbitrary codes, Apple explained. Meanwhile, WebKit could be exploited for cross site scripting attacks if it gets tricked into running malicious content. The company said it's aware of a report that the vulnerabilities could've been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems. According to TechCrunch, the bugs are zero-day vulnerabilities, as Apple had no knowledge of their existence when they were exploited. Researchers from Google's Threat Analysis Group were reportedly the ones who discovered the vulnerabilities. The group is known for detecting and analyzing government-backed hacking and attacks. 

Apple didn't say how many devices had been attacked using exploits taking advantage of the bugs, and it didn't say if any information was stolen from the targets. Mac, iPad and iPhones users may want to check their devices for the latest updates, though, so they can install the security fixes as soon as possible. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/apple-patches-vulnerabilities-used-to-target-intel-based-macs-133027514.html?src=rss

HUGE Update! One UI 6 Watch Rolling Out to Older Galaxy Watches

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The One UI 6 Watch Update is poised to transform the user experience for a wide array of Galaxy Watch devices. This groundbreaking update brings a wealth of new features and enhancements, previously exclusive to the innovative Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7, to older models such as the Galaxy Watch6, Galaxy Watch5, and Galaxy […]

The post HUGE Update! One UI 6 Watch Rolling Out to Older Galaxy Watches appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

UK government will summon Elon Musk as part of social media inquiry

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The UK government is expected to launch a parliamentary inquiry into the roll of social media in summer riots, particularly around the use of generative AI, The Guardian reported. As part of that, MPs (members of Parliament) wish to cross-examine X owner Elon Musk, along with senior executives from Meta and TikTok, as part of a Commons science and technology select committee social media inquiry.

"[Musk] has very strong views on multiple aspects of this," said Labour chair of the select committee, Chi Onwurah. "I would certainly like the opportunity to cross-examine him to see … how he reconciles his promotion of freedom of expression with his promotion of pure disinformation. [The committee will] get to the bottom of the links between social media algorithms, generative AI, and the spread of harmful or false content."

The government is looking into the use of fake images created by generative AI, often containing Islamophobic content, which were widely shared in social media posts on Facebook and X. Such posts may have inflamed riots last August that took place after three schoolgirls were murdered. MPs are also looking into big tech business models that "encourage the spread of content that can mislead and harm."

Musk, who may soon have a large role in the US government under incoming president Trump, has criticized the UK government and isn't likely to attend. During the riots in August he said: “Civil war is inevitable," and on Monday stated that "Britain is going full Stalin." 

In December, UK regulator Ofcom will publish new rules as part of the Online Safety Act. With the new regulations, it's likely that social media platforms will be forced prevent the spread of illegal materials such as CSAM and survey activities that could stir up violence. Companies like X and Facebook will then be required to remove any illegal material. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/uk-government-will-summon-elon-musk-as-part-of-social-media-inquiry-130004409.html?src=rss

10 Best LEGO Creations Of October 2024

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LEGO is a beloved pastime for people of all ages. In recent times it has transcended from a basic building toy to a tool for artistic creativity and expression. These iconic bricks are used by LEGO builders all over the world to create fascinating figures and structures. They serve as an exciting platform for creativity and imaginative play. LEGO enthusiasts have been creating intricate and fascinating masterpieces – ranging from cute cottages to pop culture-inspired structures.

We have curated a collection of ten impressive LEGO creations, each one is a testament to exceptional design and meticulous craftsmanship. These unique builds are visually interesting, while also boasting the limitless potential of LEGO as a creative tool. Whether you are a devoted LEGO aficionado or a newbie exploring the vibrant LEGO universe, you will discover something extraordinary and inspiring in this collection of LEGO builds.

1. LEGO Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

This LEGO model of the SR-71 captures the original aircraft’s spirit perfectly. The model is meticulously crafted and adopts the SR-71’s sleek and elongated form. It features a sharply defined nose and sweeping wings. The model also includes functional flaps, retractable landing gear, and a fully actualized cockpit. Each piece was created to honor the original’s impressive design.

The SR-71 model was created by an aerospace engineering student by the name of ‘Buds 234’, and it showcases technical appreciation and a meticulous eye for detail. This MOC goes beyond a typical LEGO build, creating an image that is captivating and yet true to the original SR-71. The complete model is supported by a base with a plaque detailing the SR-71’s key specifications.

2. LEGO Cataclaws

Called Cataclaws, this new icon by LEGO was launched right in time for the holidays! It is designed to become a “CAT-alyst” for play. The furry creature was born from the minds of children, to remind the young and the old that there is no limit to how creatively we can use our LEGO bricks. Cataclaws is a tuxedo cat wearing a red and white beanie that will push people to play around the holidays, encouraging them to get into the holiday mood.

The LEGO feline was introduced in a short film, where he goes on an adventure around the city to turn boring situations into playful and fun ones. You’ll see 20 products and builds in the video, and there are also a few mini Cataclaws builds in the video if you’re in the mood to play Spot the Cataclaws!

3. LEGO Rolex Submariner

The world of Rolex has just met the world of LEGO in this stylish and contemporary build – the LEGO Rolex Submariner. It is a sophisticated art model created for a more refined and picky audience. The Submariner’s “super’ case was transformed into a lovely LEGO form, creating an eye-catching piece, that makes for some wonderful home decor.

It is blessed with a signed brevet crown, which perfectly represents the iconic component of the Submariner, shining a light on its luxurious heritage. A functional and fully operating rotating bezel mimics the functionality and utility of the original Submariner watch.

4. LEGO The Marvel X-Men: The X-Mansion set

The Marvel X-Men: The X-Manion set includes iconic characters from the X-Men 97 animated series including Professor X, Jean Grey’s new avatar, Iceman, Bishop, Gambit, Magneto, Storm, Wolverine, Cyclops, and Rogue. The set comprises of a modular two-floor building with six individual sections that can be removed with ease.

Many LEGO building sets are open from the back, but this one is closed from all sides. The interiors are completely furnished, and they include the Cerebro, Jean Grey’s lab, and also the Danger Room! The building is guarded by a huge Sentinel robot, offering some powerful protection, if your other LEGO action figures decide to stage an attack.

5. LEGO Coachella Pyramid

Daft Punk’s 2006 Coachella set achieved iconic status, and it is still remembered even 2 decades later. The Coachella Pyramid is an important part of music history, and Robotrock built a LEGO set to do full justice to it. They developed a 2000-brick recreation of that moment. The set includes two artists standing on a colorful pyramid-shaped stage. Lights have been integrated inside the pyramid, and they are glowing as the duo performs music.

The two artists are dressed in robot-shaped clothing, and they are perched on the platform, working on their electronic console, creating, remixing, and performing their music. “This project began in 2020 as a fun father-son collaboration, growing into something epic as we found ourselves needing a creative escape during lockdown,” says Robotrock. “Both huge Daft Punk fans, this build is a fusion of 2 passions. I spent my teenage years listening to Homework on my Walkman, while my son’s 1st favorite baby song was Get Lucky. It felt only natural to blend our love for Daft Punk’s music with our love for LEGO. My then 8-year-old son started with a prototype built from the bricks we had at home, and I expanded on it digitally.”

6. LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar

The holiday season is brewing up, and they are a magical time. But this season, LEGO is making it even more special with a Harry Potter Advent Calendar. This calendar makes it extra magical, as it counts down the days till Christmas from the 1st of December. It offers a creative and amusing twist on a classic and age-old tradition. This one has something special up its sleeve!

Advent calendars make the Christmas countdown extra special by providing a new treat each day. But instead of offering the typical chocolates or tiny trinkets, this set delivers a daily building adventure that perfectly captures the beauty and charm of the Wizarding World, gifting you a lovely surprise behind every door.

7. LEGO ‘The Eras of Taylor Swift’

We finally have a LEGO set for all the Swifties in the house! Celebrate your love for Taylor and LEGO with this 1,410-piece display model that beautifully replicates the iconic poster from the Taylor Swift Eras tour. It captures Taylor’s first ten albums – ranging from her debut album “Taylor Swift” to “Midnights”.

What makes this build even more exciting is, that if you remove each of the ten album panels, you can access a Taylor Swift minifigure, and an accessory inspired by that particular era. The various Taylor minifigures include Taylor in her iconic teal dress and guitar for her debut album, and Taylor wearing an outfit inspired by the “You Belong With Me” music video.

8. LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar

LEGO has been making Star Wars-themed sets for almost 25 years. And with the holiday season around the corner, they’ve created something that all LEGO + Star Wars lovers will definitely want to have! This Official 2024 Advent Calendar features a Star Wars theme, and it is truly selling like hotcakes, with almost 60,000 units already sold.

The set is interactive and buildable, created for both kids and adults. It is equipped with new Star Wars minifigures and vehicles that can be assembled each day, leading up to Christmas day! It is a 368-piece LEGO set and it includes miniature versions of the Holiday Princess Lia, Mandalorian Gauntlet, Jabba’s Sail Barge, Emperor’s Shuttle, Praetorian Guard, Super Battle Droid, and many more.

9. LEGO Turing Machine

The Turing Machine was technically the theoretical predecessor to the computer that helped the Allied powers win World War II. A Turing Machine is essentially any machine that is able to process algorithms, and a LEGO genius recently managed to build the first operational Turing Machine made entirely from LEGO bricks.

This LEGO build isn’t simply a decorative or sculptural model, but an actual device that can compute algorithms. And what’s even better is that it does so without electricity! The model is quite tangible, built on the idea that a machine can compute any algorithm as long as the right instructions are given. The setup includes a physical tape and a moveable “head” that reads, writes, and moves across the tape.

10. LEGO Linguini & Remi

Pixar’s Ratatouille movie featured the iconic duo Linguini and Remy. And they’ve finally been captured in the super adorable BrickHeadz style. The cute LEGO set features the two characters – Linguini is holding his chef’s hat, while Remy is standing beside him. Both of them look as if they’re about to cook up something tasty!

The LEGO set perfectly captures and reflects their heartwarming bond and rather quirky and dynamic bond. LEGO builder Altstuff created the set with the intention of building a physical representation of Linguini and Remi’s unusual and endearing bond.

The post 10 Best LEGO Creations Of October 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.