At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlight
The First Berserker: Khazan already has over 2000 reviews on Steam, despite only being in early access.
Over 90% of the reviews praise the game, giving it a very positive reception.
The title launches in just a few hours for those who bought the standard edition.
Developed by Neople, The First Berserker: Khazan is shaping into a great souls-like title. It received highly positive reviews, with many praising it for its brilliant combat and a darker take on the story, and the audience seems to share the same opinion.
The First Berserker: Khazan was available 72 hours in advance for those who bought the Deluxe Version, and despite not even being out yet, the title has already hit ‘Very Positive’ reviews on Steam.
Why it matters: The souls-like title does many things almost perfectly, featuring great combat, a gripping story, and, because it has an easy mode, it is more accessible to players.
The First Berserker already has around 2000 reviews and a very positive reception
On Steam, The First Berserker has already amassed more than 2000 reviews, and over 90% of them are very positive, hinting at a hit for the studio. It should be noted that these are only people who bought the deluxe, so we can expect big release numbers.
Neople’s title is also among the top-sellers on Steam. Barring the free-to-play games, it is number 3 on Steam, and only got beaten by the likes of cheaper games like Schedule l and REPO. It has even beaten Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ sales.
The title is also among Steam’s top-sellers
All in all, The First Berserker: Khazan is an excellent addition to the genre, and fans appear to love it. Its full launch is just a few hours away, so those of you who bought the standard version will soon be able to jump into the title.
What are your thoughts on The First Berserker: Khazan already getting very positive reviews on Steam? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
Story Highlight
Crystal Dynamics has just laid off 17 employees.
Amazon previously stated that the studio would be sheltered from Embracer Group’s layoffs.
Regardless, the studio claims that this change won’t affect their plans for their projects.
Being profitable or suffering from losses doesn’t mean anything since almost every studio in the gaming industry is currently prone to layoffs.
Crystal Dynamics, which is known for developing the Tomb Raider games and the infamous Marvel’s Avengers, is the latest studio to cut down its workforce.
Why it matters: Layoffs are never a good sign for studios as they can substantially alter and affect a video game’s development. Sometimes, they can even result in game cancelations.
Crystal Dynamics Being Hit With A Layoff || Source: X
Announced via social media, Crystal Dynamics is letting go of 17 members from its workforce. The studio is estimated to employ approximately more than 250 people in its three offices across the US.
However, they also stated that this change wouldn’t alter their current project plans.
While still a relatively small number, the 17 employees’ layoffs were most probably to cut down their operating costs. The developers haven’t released an AAA game since 2020’s Marvel’s Avengers, which was an utter disappointment and a commercial failure.
Embracers Group acquired Crystal Dynamics in 2022 along with the Tomb Raider IP, and they’re currently developing the next game in the franchise.
The Gaming Industry Will Be Hit With A Huge Wave Of Layoffs Soon
Moreover, the next Tomb Raider game is also being developed alongside Amazon, which is collaborating on the project. Amazon will publish and fund the game globally.
In 2024, Embracer Group laid off 8,000 members across several studios, but the Amazon Games Studio Head ensured that Crystal Dynamics would be sheltered by these practices. However, his words haven’t aged that well.
In addition, the studio is working as a support team on Perfect Dark, the reboot of the classic agent series.
Even if the studio’s own words imply that the layoffs won’t affect their projects, the long-run plans may be altered as they always have been, given the industry’s history of layoffs.
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments below or head towards the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
Pokemon Go battles incorporate various strategies to make the core gameplay more exciting.
Battles can range from co-op to PVP, offering different experiences for the players.
Understanding type advantages, team-building, and more is crucial to succeeding at this aspect of the game.
Pokemon Go remains one of mobile gaming’s most exciting offerings to date. Ever since its release in 2016, the game has remained a fan-favourite, and new players continue to join the world of Pokemon Go to collect new monsters and duke it out against other players.
The latter, in particular, has always been an exciting part of the Pokemon franchise. Although battles in Pokemon Go can be somewhat intimidating at first, they are incredibly enjoyable once players develop a basic understanding of the underlying systems and mechanics of these battles. Here’s a quick guide to getting started with these battles.
Pokemon Go Offers Various Type Advantages And Disadvantages
At its most basic level, the battle system is largely similar across the franchise. Players select a Pokemon to take into battle and use their quick thinking to outwit the opponents with moves and specific strategies.
Pokemon are divided into different types, which give them various strengths and weaknesses depending on the match-up. Similarly, these types carry over to the different attacks, adding a layer of strategy to each encounter.
Attacks are also divided into several categories, including fast and charged moves. Finally, stats like stamina, defence, and attack are important to consider before heading into battle.
Gym Battles
Pokemon Can Be Placed In Gyms That Are Cleared
This is one of the most iconic parts of the franchise, and gyms in Pokemon Go represent major challenges for players to overcome. During gym battles, dodging and fast moves are essential, as they eventually unlock a charged move.
Using the strategies mentioned above is also crucial, with the right matchup giving players a headstart.
Raid Battles
The raids in Pokemon Go add co-op gameplay into the mix, giving players the chance to team up with fellow trainers. Raid bosses typically consist of legendary Pokemon, making for memorable encounters that force trainers to work together and combine their strengths.
Again, appropriate Pokemon types are essential here, and working together is almost always a recipe for success.
Trainer Battles
Battle League Adds A New Dynamic To The Game
PVP in Pokemon Go can be quite exciting since it allows players to engage in 3v3 gameplay, where teams are built based on a CP limit. The Go Battle League serves as the ultimate test of a trainer’s strength, pitting players against each other in various cups with different rules.
Experimenting with different styles of stamina or all-out attacks can be game-changing in the many PVP leagues, netting big rewards like in-game items and rare Pokemon encounters.
Using Stardust and Candy
Stardust and Candy come in handy when building teams. The former upgrades the overall CP, and the latter helps evolve various species. Candy can be earned by collecting duplicate Pokemon or trading with friends.
Both resources are essential to building a powerful team with a high CP, making it important to manage Stardust and Candy from the beginning.
Important Strategies
Keeping everything discussed so far in mind, the best way to stay ahead of the curve is to make use of everything Pokemon Go offers.
Considering type advantages, using Pokemon with different moves, and diversifying teams are often the most basic elements to winning more battles. Moreover, watching charged moves is important since a well-timed attack can completely shift the tide of battle.
Those looking to get a head start can also buy high-level accounts to skip the early grind and jump straight into battles.
Ultimately, Pokemon Go battlestest strategy and knowledge, giving players many fun and memorable moments. Whether players choose to engage in PVP or co-op, the game has something to offer for practically everyone.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
CS2 boasts an active skin trading market.
Prices depend on skin patterns, rarity, and demand.
The top five most expensive skins start at $10,000 and cost as much as $1.5 million.
Skins have become a quintessential part of the Counter-Strike experience today, and CS2 is no different. Because skins are so valuable, activities like trading and case openings are extremely popular, with many looking to snag a skin that can cost upwards of a thousand dollars.
However, a thousand dollars can often seem like a small amount on CS2 skin sites. Indeed, many of these cosmetics can fetch prices well above $1000, making the list of the most expensive skins quite surprising at first glance.
Why it matters: These cosmetics have become such an integral part of the game that many CS2 players are enticed toward the first-person shooter simply for a chance to score a lucrative cosmetic.
How The Value Is Judged
The CS2 Trading Market Is Highly Lucrative
CS2 weapon camos are typically judged in many different ways. For starters, limited availability and an appealing design can instantly lead to a price hike.
Factors such as pattern index, different categories, and float effects also make a huge difference, giving certain skins the edge when it comes to player choice and preference. Naturally, weapons with a higher demand boast a higher price.
Karambit | Case Hardened (Blue Gem) – $1.5 Million
Pattern #357 Makes All The Difference For This Karambit
This may come as a surprise, but this specific Karambit can cost more than most houses in the US. The case-hardened Karambit practically embodies everything players hope to find in a CS2 skin, making it highly sought after in the market.
The Blue Gem Karambit with the #357 pattern costs nearly $1.5 million, making it the most expensive in the game.
AK-47 Case Hardened | Up To $1 Million
This Particular AK-47 Costs A Fortune
The AK-47 can be found sporting many looks in the game, but this specific variant, imitating a metal that has undergone the hardening process, can fetch quite the price.
The price can vary from $30,000 to $1 million, with the float effect being the main differentiating factor. This makes it the second most valuable cosmetic in CS2.
Souvenir AWP Dragon Lore | Up To $250,000
The Souvenir AWP Dragon Lore is Only Available In Limited Quantity
The AWP is a fan-favorite of the CS2 community, and its skins typically compete with the most expensive weapons in the game.
Stemming from the Cobblestone collection, the AWP Dragon Lore is only available in limited quantity. Because of its rarity, the weapon can easily cost as much as $250,000 when offered in pristine condition.
M4A4 Howl | Up To $35,000
The M4A4 Howl Boasts A Distinct Pattern
This is yet another rare weapon that is no longer available in cases. Featuring a fiery beast on a red background, this skin offers a unique look for one of CS2’s most popular guns, making it highly famous in the community.
Despite its popularity, very few have managed to obtain the M4A4 Howl, leading to prices as high as $35,000.
AK-47 Wild Lotus | Up to $16,000
The Wild Lotus Offers An Expressive Look For The AK-47
The AK-47 Wild Lotus may seem cheap in comparison to the weapons mentioned above, but it still serves as a major investment for CS2 players. At minimum, a pristine AK-47 Wild Lotus costs over $10,000, with certain variants fetching prices as high as $16,000.
These weapons represent the most lucrative part of the skin market, but the first-person shooter offers many more cosmetics for those looking to turn a quick profit.
Keeping an eye on reliable CS2 skin sites can be a tried-and-true way of staying updated on pricing and market trends, allowing players to potentially score a highly sought-after weapon of their own.
At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.
XPG is back with a new generation of liquid coolers named Levante II. They are available in 240mm and 360mm sizes and in white and black colors.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Nauman Siddique is our hardware expert who has been testing graphics cards, motherboards, processors, and AIOs for more than a decade.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
Some salient features distinguish this generation from the last gen (Levante X):
New Dual chamber Pump design with enlarged cold plate
Three-Phase Pump Motor
Infinity Mirror Design on Fans and Pump Head
Stunning visuals on fan assembly
Integrated Assembly of three 120mm fans reducing cable clutter
Supporting Latest Sockets
I have also tested and reviewed the last-gen XPG Levante X 240 and Levante X 360, make sure to check their reviews out as well in case you are interested in them.
Key Takeaways
The XPG Levante II 360 is a powerful and visually stunning liquid cooler with easy installation, strong performance, and a unique all-in-one fan setup—though a bit noisy under load.
You should buy the XPG Levante II 360 if you want a high-performance 360 AIO that not only does the job but also looks good and is easy to install.
You should skip the XPG Levante II 360 if you’re on the LGA20XX socket because the AIO is incompatible with it.
The MSRP of this variant is USD 120.00 with a 5-year warranty.
XPG has delivered a solid cooling product that not only has a good thermal performance but equally good visuals and outlook. The salient feature is a three-fan assembly with a single cable connection. The Infinity Mirror Design and A-RGB backlighting adds the missing touch. The only downside is a bit of loud output.
Packing and Unboxing
Packing Box
Unboxed
The cooler is shipped inside a cardboard box with XPG’s standard red color theme. The cooler and accessories are placed in an egged carton inside the main box.
The following are provided:
1x Pre-Assembled Cooler
1x Intel Backplate
1x Intel Mounting Bracket
1x AMD Mounting Bracket
4x Intel LGA1700/1851 Standoff Screws
4x Intel LGA115x/1200 Standoff Screws
4x AMD Mounting Screws
4x Thumbscrew Caps
12x Radiator Screws
1x User Manual
Before proceeding, the installation guide is basic and it does not give clear instructions on the proper use of Standoff Screws. I will cover this in the installation section.
Design
Let’s take a look at the unit.
Radiator
Radiator
Fan Assembly Cable
This cooler is different from the competition in the sense that it has a single assembly of three 120mm fans. This design reminds me of the Cooler Master Master Fan SF360R series where a single assembly of three fans was provided making it convenient to handle the fans.
The assembly is secured using 4x Philips Screws. The overall dimension is 396x120x54mm including fan assembly.
The fan assembly has only one cable connection which helps in reducing cable clutter. It uses a proprietary connection on one end and standard 4-pin PWM and 3-pin ARGB connectors on the other end.
Radiator Fins
Tubes Connection
This cooler has a 360mm size radiator. It is made of aluminum material and has a dimension of 396x120x27mm. 54mm height is with the fans.
The assembly has 12 channels for coolant flow with an FPI count of 20. A gap between two opposite end holes on the main frame is 105mm. Overall build quality is satisfactory and I did not observe any bent or broken fin.
The tube connections are not in the center of the radiator housing as there is a considerable gap between both connections. This is not a bad thing in any way. It is just a design element. The connection is concealed using white clamps. A sticker shows the serial number of the unit. Removing this sticker will void the warranty.
Complete Radiator Housing with Block (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The side frame of the radiator housing has no branding. The far block is less thick than the near block. The real visual comes from the infinity mirror design on the side of the fan assembly.
XPG has employed rubber tubes with white nylon braided mesh sleeves. These tubes have a length of 400mm and they are somewhat flexible.
Block
Block Design
Infinity Mirror
The outlook of the pump housing or block is quite appealing however plastic made pump head gives an average feel to it. The pump head has a dimension of 67×62.5×50.2mm. It has a textured pattern on one side which bodes well with the overall white and gray elements. The front has XPG branding.
The top has an infinity mirror design on the XPG branding. It has a good visual appeal with angular sides. Its sides have A-RGB backlighting as well. XPG has gone all hands on deck with the visual appeal of the pump head and it does look fantastic when powered.
Block Base
Block Rear
The black base has a groove or inset on three sides. This is where you will slide the mounting bracket into the main frame.
The rear of the block has 90ᵒ fittings on which the tubes are attached. This gives you the flexibility to adjust the tubes to some extent as per the requirement. Two flat cables are coming out of the housing. Take note of the warranty void sticker on the lower section.
PWM Cable
Copper Base
The pump is PWM regulated which is an excellent choice. The other connector/socket is 5V, 3-Pin A-RGB for the A-RGB LEDs.
This cooler has an enlarged copper base. It comes with pre-applied thermal paste. There is no extra tube of thermal paste in the accessory box which should have been provided.
Fan Assembly
Fans
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Fan Assembly (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Fan Assembly (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Fan Assembly (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Fan Assembly (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Fan Assembly (Image By Tech4Gamers)
XPG has used a single assembly of three 120mm fans having a dimension of 360x120x27mm. This is a unique design although not a new one. You can see the A-RGB diffuser lining on the main frame. The center of the fans features an Infinity mirror design. Both sides of the assembly feature an infinity mirror design.
Fan Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Back in time when I tested the Master Fan SF360R fans from Cooler Master, I raised an observation about non-modular design where complete assembly would have to be returned if any fan developed a fault. Although XPG has provided four screws to remove the blade assembly, there seems to be no way of disconnecting the cables from the assembly. This non-modular approach is a con of such design.
PWM Cable (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The complete fan assembly has a single cable connection which is a wise move. XPG has provided a 4-pin PWM connector and a socket along with two 5V, 3-pin A-RGB connectors on one end of this cable. The other end uses a proprietary connector.
Installation
Standoff Screws (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The installation guide does not cover which end of the standoff screw goes to the backplate. One threaded side of the screw has a bulkhead under the main head. This side goes towards the motherboard. Using the other end could result in shorting the PCB as metal would touch it.
Installation (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The cooler is tested on MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX motherboard using Intel Core i7 13700k. The installation steps include:
Place the backplate under the motherboard.
Use Intel LGA1700/1851 Standoff Screws to secure the backplate.
Place the Intel Mounting bracket on the pump head.
Place the pump head over the CPU so that the threaded side of the screws passes through the holes on the mounting bracket.
Use thumbscrew caps to install the pump head.
Install the radiator.
Connect the cables.
Installation is completed.
Clearance
This cooler has a dimension of 396x120x54mm with fan assembly. Make sure your PC Case supports this dimension.
A-RGB Lighting
RGB Showcase
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RGB Lighting (Image By Tech4Gamers)
RGB Lighting (Image By Tech4Gamers)
RGB Lighting (Image By Tech4Gamers)
RGB Lighting (Image By Tech4Gamers)
RGB Lighting (Image By Tech4Gamers)
This cooler uses a standard 5V, 3-Pin A-RGB connector on the pump head and fan assembly making it compatible with RGB sync technology of motherboard manufacturers including:
ASUS Aura Sync
ASROCK-Polychrome Sync
GIGABYTE RGB Fusion 2.0
MSI Mystic Light Sync
The cooler was tested on an MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX WiFi motherboard and it was responding well to the changes in the Mystic Sync app.
Thermaltake Core P6 TG Snow Edition in an open frame layout
Here is the settings table for testing:
Clock (MHz)
Auto
Voltage (V)
Auto
Power Profile
Intel Default
Thermal Paste
Pre-Applied
Thermal Paste Application
Even Spread
Test Run Time
30 minutes
Idling Time
10 minutes
All Fans Speed
100% PWM Duty Cycle
Pump Speed
Stress Software
CINEBENCH R23.2
Monitoring Software
HWINFO64
Let’s go over the test results
Thermal Test Result
Thermal Performance (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The XPG Levante II 360 has 3ᵒC better temperature than the predecessor Levante X 360 showing its good potential to keep your CPUs cool.
I recorded a sound level of 44 dB(A) with fans at full speed. This cooler is loud. I would suggest using Auto PWM or a custom fan curve for a better sound level depending on the load.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅You are after a high-performance cooler: XPG Levante II 360 is rated for 320W TDP. This cooler can handle extreme thermal load.
✅Visuals are your thing: This cooler after its thermal performance is all about visual appeal. The infinity mirror design on the pump head and fan assembly with A-RGB backlighting gives this cooler a pop.
✅You want an integrated fan assembly: This cooler comes with a single fan assembly comprising 3x 120mm fans with a brilliant overall outlook.
✅You prefer reduced cable clutter: Only one cable connection is needed for the fan assembly making it convenient to handle.
Don’t Buy It If
❌You are still on the LGA20XX socket: This cooler is not compatible with the Intel LGA20xx socket. Skip it if you are on this socket.
Final Thoughts
XPG Levante II is a new generation of high-performance liquid coolers. This series has 240mm and 360mm sizes in white and black color. This series features a drastic change in terms of fan design. This generation has a single assembly of three 120mm fans having a dimension of 360x120x27mm.
This integrated and pre-installed design provides an effective and simple installation of the cooler along with reduced cable clutter since only one cable connection with the assembly is required.
This cooler features an aluminum radiator having a size of 396x120x27mm without the fan assembly. It is compatible with Intel LGA115x / 1200 / 1700 / 1851 and AMD AM4 / AM5 sockets. This cooler is not compatible with the Intel LGA20xx socket. The nylon braided-sleeved rubber tubes have a length of 400mm. The pump features a dual-chamber design using a three-phase motor with PWM regulation.
The pump head has a stylish design with gray textures, an infinity mirror design, and A-RGB backlighting. The same goes for the fan assembly. It has a bold, stylish, and innovative design with A-RGB backlighting and an infinity mirror design. The pump head has a copper base with pre-applied thermal paste.
The fans are rated for speeds of up to 2000 RPM ±10%. The airflow rating is 58 CFM ±10% at 12VDC. The air pressure rating is 2.046mmH₂O at 12VDC. These fans use Hydraulic bearings and are PWM-regulated.
A total of 10 items are required to install the pump head over the CPU. Installation is simple and convenient. However, the installation guide could have been more detailed.
This cooler has an MSRP of USD 120.00. This is a good price tag. It seems like XPG has changed the OEM for this generation compared to the Levante X series. This cooler has a good performance but it is loud. I would suggest Auto PWM or custom fan curve settings for better output.
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Story Highlights
Its stunning visuals and bonkers choices make it stand out from other games. Its light survival mechanics and heavy exploration are also great.
It doesn’t have any proper waypoints that guide you, the stealth isn’t as refined, and the AI stops engaging in combat at some instances.
While the game feels polished and refined, it also feels cheap and not very appealing in other instances.
Atomfall is an upcoming post-apocalyptic survival game that has already garnered satisfactory reviews from major media outlets before its release. Its gameplay has been released, and while it does look promising, I’m not entirely convinced.
What I Love About It
The game is said to be a combination of Fallout, Metro, and Bioshock. However, it doesn’t merely include these elements; it merges them to form something unique. While some aspects of the game are flawed, others are brilliant.
Visually Aesthetic
First of all, let’s discuss the game’s appearance. At first glance, it looks like it has Metro Exodus’s brilliant atmosphere, with vast wastelands. But Atomfall’s 1950’s British atmosphere truly sets it apart.
For those who might not see any atmospheric resemblance to Metro Exodus, Atomfall’s atmosphere surely resembles that of the beautiful Stalker 2. This game has a lot of plant life and greenery, just like in Stalker 2.
Bonkers Choice-Based Mechanics
While not all, some of this game’s mechanics are similar to Bioshock’s. There are some ‘bonker’ choices that can trigger some events, which many players can overlook as well. These mechanics have a significant influence on the world.
Despite being a survival game, there’s not much focus on the survival part. The hunger, thirst, and sleep mechanics are very lighthearted. While this might be disappointing for some, I like this feature as it doesn’t distract me from exploration.
Heavy On Exploration
Speaking of exploration, this mystery game wants you to explore. It’s all about answering the questions and discovering what was happening in the interchange, what the factions are about, and why the protocols are still here.
Being heavy on exploration comes with a price. No directions or waypoints will guide you to your next step. Instead, you rely on leads. This may be difficult for players who are used to having guides in games.
Exploration Without Guides (Image Credits – YT/PartiallyRoyal)
I like being guided in a few instances, but I often get lost in the world when I want to explore more. In a way, this lack of guidance allows players to wander freely and let events take place on their own without having to follow a script.
What Aren’t The Most Exciting Things
Speaking of the things I’m not the most happy about is the combat and the AI. Despite being such a promising game that also appears beautiful, the AI in this game seems like it’s a low-quality cheap game.
AI Is Dumb
These enemies are unpredictable, but not always in a good way. Sometimes, they’ll engage in combat with you, while other times, they’ll only scream at you without doing anything.
Dumb AI (Image Credits – YT/PartiallyRoyal)
There are instances, even on a higher difficulty, when the enemies are stuck on walls and stare at you, and you can kill them easily. This removes the challenging aspect, which is an integral part of any game, let alone a survival game.
Apart from that, this game has instances where rats attack you. Now, this may seem normal, but I’m talking about tons of rats attacking simultaneously. You might consider this part of the game, but it gets annoying if it happens repeatedly.
Stealth Isn’t As Refined
The stealth aspect of this game isn’t very refined as well. What I mean by that is once you take out an enemy, their body will be immediately spotted, and ultimately, the enemy spots you as well.
Stealth In Atomfall (Image Credits – YT/Eurogamer)
The inaccurate sound cues in this game also hurts the stealth experince. The enemies could be far away at one corner of the building, but their sound would feel as if they’re close to you.
Even the bad AI experience could’ve been forgiven if the stealth aspect had been done right. Given that Atomfall is from the makers of the Sniper Elite series, which excels in stealth, it is disappointing to see such stealth in this game.
Other Minor Details
Another annoying thing is that you have to open the pause menu to heal yourself. This is frustrating because the enemies can kill you quite fast, especially at higher difficulty settings, and pausing means you’re being an easy target.
Small Inventory (Image Credits – YT/PartiallyRoyal)
It would’ve been great if healing items could be quickly consumed with a press of a button. Speaking of items, you need to manage your inventory smartly, as it can get full quickly, even if you have guns, grenades, and some food.
Atomfall Is Good Or Bad?
Does this mean it’s a bad game? Certainly not. While the game has downsides, the immersive exploration will make you overlook its flaws. Moreover, Atomfall fills the Fallout experience gap, as Stalker 2 did before.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
Story Highlight
The co-CEO of CD Projekt Red states that the demand for single-player games will never disappear.
He believes that coming titles, like Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk Sequel, will continue to be popular.
The studio has also confirmed that it will double down on making more single-player games.
While many developers have been focusing on live-service projects, recent years have suggested that single-player games are still the best, and most gamers still prefer them over multiplayer titles.
Just now, CD Projekt Red has also stated that demand for single-player titles like The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk will never disappear as the genre remains popular.
Why it matters: Not too long ago, the Astro Bot director stated that developers should create smaller games as players have a backlog of games they can’t complete.
The latest financial report from CD Projekt Red discussed multiple things, like when to expect the next entry in the Witcher franchise, and the demand for single-player games was also discussed.
Co-CEO Michał Nowakowski talked about how the studio will continue to develop single-player games and believes that titles like The Witcher 4 and the Cyberpunk sequel will continue to be popular.
We believe that cutting-edge single-player games rooted in strong franchises and immersive narratives will continue to enjoy great popularity.
Michał Nowakowski also discussed how the company collaborates with global tech and innovation leaders to offer fans top-quality games.
Our experience, along with brands such as The Witcher and Cyberpunk, which it is our pleasure to further develop.
The Witcher 4 Won’t Be Coming Out Before 2027
The studio has also confirmed that it won’t use generative AI for its upcoming projects. Still, fans must wait a long time to try a new title from the studio, as The Witcher 4 won’t be released before 2027.
Recent reports have also suggested that Rocksteady will return to Batman’s single-player game after the failure of Suicide Squad. So, the coming years must be exciting for the genre’s fans.
However, do you believe single-player titles are still a fan-favorite genre in the industry? In the comments, let us know your thoughts, or join the Tech4Gamers forums.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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A new report by analyst Dr. Serkan Toto suggests that 5 out of 8 major Japanese gaming studios have reached new heights.
These studios, including Sony, Nintendo, and Konami, have reached record-breaking share prices in the last few weeks.
Many of the same Japanese gaming studios also outperformed their Western competition in the stock market last year.
The reputed industry analyst Dr. Serkan Toto now reports that 5 of the 8 major Japanese gaming studios reached new milestones in the last few weeks. They hit record-breaking share prices as the rest of the industry staggers and struggles.
Why it matters: Top AAA Japanese studios, already breaking records this year, pose unprecedented competition for Western developers.
Japan boasts some of the most renowned gaming franchises.
In his blog on Kantan Games, the analyst explains that Sony’s share prices hit an all-time high of 3,904 JPYon February 18 this year, followed by Nintendo (11,800 JPY), Konami (19,645 JPY), Capcom (4,100 JPY), and Bandai Namco (5,297 JPY).
Most of these similar studios also outperformed the Western stock market last year, so these figures suggest that Japanese studios’ AAA dominion will continue to grow in the future.
Serkan Toto says these Japanese AAA studios have been ‘doing their homework’ and performing well financially in the last few years. Sony dominated Xbox in the console battle, and Nintendo has built a strong console market as Switch continues to shatter expectations.
Additionally, these wins can be attributed to the high quality of AAA games that have come out of Japan in the last few years. There were also fewer layoffs in the region compared to the West, which helped them thrive in an otherwise struggling AAA environment.
Do you think Japan’s AAA presence in the gaming scene will start dominating the Western counterpart? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is currently the best-selling pre-ordered game on the PlayStation store throughout multiple countries.
Forza Horizon secures the next spot, yet another Xbox first-party title.
More Xbox games are speculated to arrive on the PS5 consoles.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is officially launching on the PS5 consoles on April 17 next month. Pre-orders have already begun, and it seems the game will find a resurgence on the PS5.
Currently, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle hold the number one spot on the PlayStation charts. This is a huge achievement for developers MachineGames and Xbox, with the gaming giant now guaranteed more profits with a diverse release.
Why it matters: Indiana Jones and The Great Circle was expected to perform mediocrely financially due to Xbox exclusivity and a day-one Game Pass release. However, its PS5 launch could lead MachineGames to a better outcome.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the best-selling pre-ordered game in PS Stores throughout Canada, the US, the UK, Portugal, and more. The game is sold under two separate listings, premium and base editions.
Surprisingly, the premium edition is outselling the base edition. Through pre-orders, players can get two days’ early access and the DLC “Order Of The Giants.”
Moving towards the rest of the chart, Xbox still dominates the store as a publisher. Forza Horizon 5 takes the next spot and is being sold like hotcakes.
Xbox Will Flood PlayStation With Its First-Party Games Soon
The next few spots are secured by The First Berserker Khazan and Death Stranding 2, the latter of which might be the most anticipated new release for PlayStation fans.
With the drought in PlayStation’s first-party releases this year, Xbox publishing games on their consoles is a mutual win for both gaming giants. Moreover, additional first-party Xbox games like Gears of War, Halo, and the upcoming Fable will arrive on PS5 sooner or later.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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CDPR says it won’t use generative AI for The Witcher 4 or any future projects.
This isn’t because the outcome looks half-baked but because it causes legal issues.
The audience hugely criticizes Generative AI as it makes the content look low-effort.
Generative AI is becoming a huge part of the gaming industry. While some people praise it, others don’t appreciate it, making development a low-effort task. However, some studios completely avoid it, as CDPR is doing with The Witcher 4.
CDPR has revealed that they won’t use generative AI for The Witcher 4 or any future projects. The reason isn’t that it makes the games look sketchy, but that it causes some ownership issues.
Why it matters: There is no denying that AI can be revolutionary, but most fans oppose relying on it for complete game development, and even some developers don’t back it.
During CDPR’s FY2024 presentation, joint CEO Michał Nowakowski was asked about the status of generative AI in their development. Previously, the studio commented that AI can help in certain areas, although it can’t replace the workforce.
Gen AI, to be honest, is quite tricky when it comes to legal IP ownership and so on, and many other aspects.
– CEO Michał Nowakowski
Generative AI technology is becoming more mainstream in the industry
However, Nowakowski explained that they are investigating the use of AI for their future projects, but none of them revolve around using generative AI. This is purely because the technology causes legal IP ownership issues.
Also, generative AI isn’t admired by the audience. Recently, ARK DLC’s trailer was heavily criticized for using it. Even Call of Duty will use the tech for game assets. Nonetheless, we’re seeing this become more mainstream in the industry.
What are your thoughts on The Witcher 4 not using generative AI for development? Let us know your opinions in the comments, or join the discussion at the Tech4Gamers forum.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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S-Game says it was inspired by the PS1/PS2 era of development for Phantom Blade.
In the 90s, budgets were controlled, teams were more manageable, and creativity was the key.
After Black Myth: Wukong’s success, expectations from Chinese devs are higher than ever.
Phantom Blade Zero is expected to be released in 2026. The action game was developed by Chinese developers S-Game, who, based on initial impressions, seem to have done a great job with it. Now, the team has revealed the motivation behind the development process.
According to developers, they want to take things back to the PS1/PS2 era of gaming with Phantom Blade, when budgets weren’t too huge and creativity was the key.
Why it matters: Modern games are often criticized for lacking creativity and playing too safe due to the enormous budgets associated with development these days.
Phantom Blade Zero has a lot of expectations
Talking to Eurogamer at GDC 2025, Liang, the founder of S-Game, discussed the key elements of their upcoming release. The game has been inspired by Devil May Cry, Dark Souls, and Resident Evil 4, borrowing a few elements from each.
They also wanted to manage the scope of the title, so they followed the 90s (PS1/PS2 era) development approach, where creativity was the most important thing, teams were manageable, and budgets weren’t skyrocketing.
We want to get back to the PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 era, when the games were not so big, the budgets not sky high, the team manageable, and all the developers were passionate and creative
Black Myth: Wukong set a benchmark for Chinese games
Liang compared Phantom Blade to a bigger indie game with a higher budget and a more stable development team. He said that Black Myth: Wukong’s success has pressured and motivated them to do even better.
Furthermore, the world now realizes that Chinese games have the potential to sell 30 million copies in half a year, so expectations are higher than ever. Phantom Blade Zero will likely be released next year on the PS5.
What are your thoughts on devs taking inspiration from the PS1 era for Phantom Blade Zero? Let us know your opinions in the comments, or join the discussion at the Tech4Gamers forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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Rocksteady is currently hiring for a new game, which is reportedly based on Batman.
Job listings for the project confirm that the team intends to use Unreal Engine 5 during development.
The project is also targeting a cross-generation launch with PS5, Xbox Series S|X, and future consoles.
DC’s famous caped crusader has yet to receive a new gaming adaptation since Rocksteady wrapped up the Arkham franchise. However, reliable reports suggest the team is finally ready to return to Batman. Following the studio’s failure with Suicide Squad, a new unannounced game is confirmed to be in development.
While little is known about this project, we have spotted a job listing for a Senior Core Engine Programmer that confirms the team is looking to utilize Unreal Engine 5 for an all-new Batman experience.
Why it matters: The studio has historically produced exceptional results while using older iterations of Unreal Engine, so the switch to a more recent iteration is quite exciting.
The Team Directly Confirmed Unreal Engine 5 For Next Project | Image via Rocksteady
According to the job ad, the engine programmer will work directly with Unreal Engine 5’s low-level engine code and systems. The listing also explicitly states that the new employee will work on Rocksteady’s unannounced AAA project.
The role involves writing, extending, and optimizing the code and systems of UE5.
Perhaps the choice of Unreal Engine 5 should come as no surprise, considering Rocksteady’s history with the engine.
The team previously used an older version of the same engine for all Batman Arkham games, and even Suicide Squad utilized Unreal Engine 4. However, the proposition of a Batman game built on the strong foundations of Unreal Engine 5 still sounds exciting.
The job listing also suggests Rocksteady will launch the game on next-generation consoles. This aligns with expectations of the five to six-year-long development timeline, allowing the team to leverage new consoles while simultaneously supporting the PS5 and Xbox Series S|X.
Your work will enable the team to deliver the highest quality experience on our target hardware, including PC, PS5, Xbox Series S|X, and next generation consoles.
