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
Space Marine 2 has led Focus Entertainment to a record increase in revenue.
It recorded sales of $217 Million in Q2 compared to last quarter’s $50.4 Million in revenue.
Plans for DLC and a sequel for Space Marine 2 have already been confirmed.
The Warhammer franchise has been around for quite some time. While its audience wasn’t huge, it has always had a very loyal fan base. But, it was only with the launch of Space Marine 2, that Warhammer opened to a wider audience.
Thanks to Space Marine 2, Focus Entertainment has managed to earn a massive revenue of $217 Million in sales, leading to a huge 4 times increase compared to last year’s results.
Why it matters: Space Marne 2 was the 10th biggest Steam launch for 2024. In addition, it also managed to hit a peak of over 220K concurrent players, becoming the biggest game in the franchise along with mostly positive reviews on Steam.
Space Marine 2 led to a massive increase in revenue
According to the latest financial report by Focus Entertainment’s parent company PulluP, it recorded a 4x increase in revenue thanks to the highly successful Space Marine 2. It recorded $217 Million in sales compared to last year’s $50.4 Million.
Space Marine 2 was Steam’s 10th biggest launch of 2024
There were more than a few reasons for the success of the game. For one, it captured the true essence of the classical games in the genre, which is an automatic key to success. Plus, it was overall a very well-executed game, especially fun in co-op.
Due to the success, Focus Entertainment has already announced plans for DLC and a sequel. If the studio can deliver more of the same, we are sure they’ll be able to capture even more audiences with their future titles.
What are your thoughts on Space Marine’s 2 success? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
As a Hardware Expert at Tech4Gamers, I blend my Computer Science expertise with a love for technology. Through comprehensive reviews and comparisons, I guide our audience in making informed tech decisions.
Nauman Siddique
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.
Anyone not interested in spending an outrageous amount on a cooler will end up searching for a budget CPU cooler to meet their requirements. Thankfully, there’s been an influx in several budget coolers as of late. Well, my team and I have tested a bunch of different AIOs and air coolers to help you get the Best Budget CPU Coolers.
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 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.
Top Picks And Comparison Between Them
Here are all our picks, showcasing different audience focus, types, and comparisons:
Cooler
ID-COOLING FROZN A720
Enermax Liqmaxflo 360 A-RGB
Arctic Freezer 36 A-RGB White
Looks
Award
Best Budget Air Cooler
Best Budget 360mm AIO Cooler
Best Budget White Air Cooler
Type
Dual Tower Air Cooler
360mm AIO Liquid Cooler
Single-tower Air Cooler
What We Liked
Top-notch cooling performance, Fairly priced at $69, Decent aesthetics
Impressive thermal performance, Low noise output (<41dBA), Included coolant for maintenance
Great cooling performance, Low noise output (39.9 dBA) at full RPM, Affordable
What We Disliked
Requires 170mm of case clearance to support high-profile RAM,
Noisier than most other air coolers
October 19, 2024: After testing dozens more coolers, we have updated our best budget recommendations with completely new products that offer excellent performance and value for the money.
ID-cooling’s products have been making waves for a while now, and for good reason. The Frozn A720 is the new sensation, with a dual-tower design featuring 2x 140mm fans. It features a total of 100 densely packed fins and 7x 6mm copper heat pipes. The fans feature an FDB design and have 9x blades capable of 2.26 mmH2O of maximum static pressure. Thanks to all this, the cooler showed mighty impressive numbers, narrowly beating the Noctua NH-D15 G2 in our testing. However, the CPU cooler was too noisy for our taste, reaching 48.1 dBA in the acoustic test.
The cooler shows a nice, all-black aesthetic without RGB. There is a plastic cover atop the two towers with a distinct, sleek design. This design is a winner for minimalism lovers like me, but understandably, some users may not be pleased with the lack of flashiness.
Testing the Frozn A720, our coolers expert, Hayyan Serwer said this:
The ID-Cooling Frozn A720 offers impressive cooling performance with its dual-tower design and two 140mm fans, making it a solid competitor to high-end air coolers at a more affordable price.
✅Buy It If
You want the best in air cooling: This is the best you can get among air coolers, and it costs a fair $69. This makes it cheaper than competitors like the AK620 Digital and far cheaper than Noctua’s offerings.
Minimalism is a priority:If you want a sleek-looking black cooler, this cooler fits the bill.
You’re using tall RAM modules:For high-profile memory, the cooler’s fans can be adjusted to provide up to 40mm of clearance.
❌Don't Buy It If
You have high-profile memory and a small chassis: If your particular scenario involves tall memory and a case supporting less than 170mm, you’re out of luck as the cooler won’t fit in any orientation.
Noise sensitivity is a concern: The cooler can produce up to 48 dBA at maximum RPM, which is a bothersome amount of noise for most users.
PRO TIP: Try adjusting the fan curves to tackle the high noise output of the cooler.
What Makes It The Best Budget Air Cooler?
At $69, the ID-Cooling Frozn A720 matches Noctua’s NH-D15 G2, the best air cooler we’ve tested so far (most expensive, too, at $149). The cooler has a neat all-black design with no RGB lighting being used here, and it will fit in both black and white-themed builds, no problem. ID-Cooling is kind enough to provide its Frost X25 paste with this, which performed quite well in our testing. Its noise output is on the higher side, though, and you’ll need to have a low-profile RAM ora large case to fit it.
Performance: 9/10
Value: 9.5/10
Features: 8.5/10
Design: 9/10
Enermax Liqmaxflo 360 A-RGB
Best Budget 360mm AIO Cooler
Enermax Liqmaxflo 360 A-RGB Pictures From Our Review
1 of 4
Enermax Liqmaxflo 360mm A-RGB
Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 installed. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The Enermax Liqmaxflo 360mm provides stellar cooling thanks to an improved pump design utilizing their Shunt-Channel technology. Inside the pump is a VRM fan, enlarged coolant inlets and outlets, and an optimized fluid channel for more efficient flow. The 38mm thick radiator and 3x fans, with thick 3mm blades and speeds of up to 1800 RPM, do the rest! In our testing, the cooler kept the i7-13700K under 83°C without power limits! At the same time, the noise output was one of the lowest across our 360mm coolers.
The cooler stands out with its all-black design, which is also found on the radiator fans and the VRM fan. Atop the pump is a plastic cover that can be replaced with your own 3D-printed design, and Enermax promises custom offerings of their own are coming soon. The fan cables can be daisy-chained, with a single cable for power and RGB, so it’s easy to set up, and you won’t have cable clutter.
The Enermax Liqmaxflo is indeed a powerful cooler; when I tested it for its dedicated review, here’s how I summarized it:
The ENERMAX LIQMAXFLOW 360mm is a powerful AIO CPU cooler perfect for high-end CPUs. It features a thick radiator, dual-chamber pump, and a unique VRM fan to keep your CPU cool and quiet, even under heavy load. It’s also compatible with a wide range of sockets, has a refill port, and is rated for 400W TDP, making it an excellent value for the price.
✅Buy It If
You want a quiet liquid cooler:Despite its 60 mm VRM fan, this cooler has one of the lowest noise outputs we’ve recorded among liquid coolers.
You want RGB in your cooler:The cooler features RGB lighting in both the radiator fans and the VRM fan, providing plenty of flamboyance for those who prefer it.
You’re using an older Intel CPU: Whether you’re rocking the latest Intel LGA 1700 build or say, an old Intel LGA 1366 CPU, the cooler will work.
Extra features matter to you:Whether it’s the included coolant for maintenance, the VRM fam for cooling your motherboard’s power phases, or the pre-applied thermal paste, the cooler offers some goodies that other coolers may not.
❌Don't Buy It If
Your case can’t support it:With a combined radiator + fan thickness of 64.8mm, many chassis are ruled out as they support the standard 52mm thickness.
What Makes It The Best Budget 360mm Liquid Cooler?
The Liqmaxflo 360mm ticks almost every box: great performance, a pleasing design, and a fair price tag. Its acoustic performance really impressed us, especially considering the extra VRM fan (whose speed depends on the pump’s speed). It was nice to see the extra coolant provided by Enermax; you can easily refill it when it runs out and extend your cooler’s lifespan, and the cooler is backed by a 5-year warranty, too.
The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB comes packed with two 120mm P12 fans, capable of reaching speeds of 1800 RPM. The VRM cooler has also been increased in size, now covering a larger part of the block for improved cooling over a larger area. It can also reach a maximum speed of 2500 RPM. The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB’s build quality is top-notch, offering fans tuned for high static pressure along with an in-house pump design that leaves no stone unturned. You get a thick 38mm radiator with a total of 15 fins as well as rotatable tubes made out of more flexible material, making installation easier.
I’m glad Arctic was designed to move away from the bulky design of the previous cooler’s pump, now shifting to a circular shape that fits in better in most PC builds. On the other hand, RGB is present on the pump head as well as the P12 fans, adding a nice touch to the overall aesthetic.
Once Hayyan Serwer, our coolers expert,finished testing the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB, he said:
I’ve been really impressed with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 White ARGB. It’s clear they’ve made significant strides in design and performance, taking user feedback to heart. The fact that it fits major sockets, excels in heat dissipation and offers sleek cable management really stands out.
✅Buy It If
You want the best possible value: The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB provides incredible performance for its price.
You want a silent 240mm AIO: Both the pump and the fans make little noise, which is impressive considering the performance they manage to provide.
❌Don't Buy It If
You want better compatibility with Intel sockets: Compatibility with Intel sockets other than the LGA 1700 is very limited at the moment, which is disappointing.
You want the best motherboard compatibility:The larger pump head design means some motherboards won’t be compatible with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB.
What Makes It The Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler
The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 continues down the path of the previous coolers from the Arctic, showcasing unmatched price-to-performance, which is why I have crowned it the Best 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler.
WARNING:Make sure to ensure compatibility with your motherboard since some motherboards are not compatible with the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB.
Arctic’s Freezer 36 continues where the Freezer 34 and 35 left off, revealing another excellent budget air cooler. Like those two, this is also a single-tower cooler, but with 2x 120mm fans, capable of up to 2000 RPM. It has 4x copper heat pipes and 59 aluminum fins to dissipate heat, and the fins extend out from the sides for extra dissipation. The cooler utilizes direct-contact heat pipes for smooth heat transfer. Testing the cooler with the Ryzen 9 7950X (stock), we noted a maximum temperature of 63°C under a 30-minute Cinebench R23 MT run. It also ran very quiet throughout!
The cooler’s all-white look stands out, and the RGB lighting makes it a complete package. The RGB is integrated into the blades, central ring, and logo. The top of the heatsink has an aluminum plate with the Arctic logo, completing its pleasing, balanced look; one of my favorites!
WARNING: For Intel users, installing the cooler involves removing the default ILM socket, which may void CPU and motherboard warranty.
✅Buy It If
You want RGB in your cooler:This variant of the Arctic Freezer 36 features dual RGB fans, which provide a nice amount of illumination.
You want a low noise output:Noise-sensitive users need not worry; the cooler is one of the quietest ones we’ve tested, at around 39.9 decibels.
You’re worried about RAM clearance:The cooler’s design allows full RAM compatibility, regardless of which RAM modules you install.
You don’t want to spend extra on thermal compound: Arctic provides 0.8g of its MX-6 thermal paste, one of the best-performing compounds we’ve tested!
❌Don't Buy It If
You’re running an older Intel CPU:The board only supports Intel’s LGA1700, with a separate LGA 1200/115X mounting kit needing to be purchased for those older systems.
What Makes It The Best Budget White Air Cooler?
The Arctic Freezer 36 A-RGB White is an affordable (~$34) air cooler that can cool power-hungry chips like the Ryzen 9 7950X without breaking a sweat. It runs quiet, is easy to install, and comes with Arctic’s MX-6 thermal paste to ensure top performance. The only problem is that support for Intel’s LGA 1200/115X sockets requires the purchase of an additional mounting bracket. So, users who aren’t rocking the latest Intel CPUs may be let down.
To help you figure out exactly which budget CPU cooler performs up to your standards, we tested all of them for separate reviews. Here are our benchmarks.
Thermals Benchmarks (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Important CPU Cooler Key Terms
I’ve added some important CPU key terms you should keep in mind when reading my guide.
AIO: All-in-one liquid coolers consist of a pump unit, radiator, and fans, all in a single package.
Heatsink: A cooler’s heatsink is a component comprising numerous fins that are used to facilitate heat dissipation.
Heat pipes: Heat pipes are used to transfer heat from one point on the cooler to another. They are usually connected to the heatsink and baseplate.
Thermal Paste: Thermal paste is a conductive material designed to narrow the gap between the baseplate of the cooler and the CPU to allow for better transfer of heat between the two bodies.
Noise Level: The amount of noise generated by the cooler is referred to as the noise level.
Socket Compatibility: The CPU Socket the coolers are compatible with is known as socket compatibility. The list of compatible sockets is usually mentioned on the manufacturer’s website.
Overclocking: Overclocking is the act of increasing a processor’s clock speed past the original speed designated by the CPU manufacturer. It is a great way of increasing the processor’s performance.
FPI: As suggested by the name, fins per inch refers to the amount of fins within one inch of a radiator.
How We Selected The Best Budget CPU Coolers
For your convenience, we’ve mentioned and explained a couple of crucial points to brood over while attempting to complete your quest for handpicking the Budget CPU cooler in accordance with your unique workflows.
Compatibility: It’s essential to cross-match your desired Budget cooler’s support for the components you’re planning to pair it with. For your convenience, I have already highlighted all the CPU sockets that are supported by each of the Budget CPU Coolers.
Thermal performance: We are focused on judging the cooler’s airflow and heat dissipation ability. The mechanical design that helps heat dissipation and prolongs the cooler’s life is also brought into the discussion.
TDP Configurations: The lower the amount of TDP required, the smaller the cooler. This relationship works across all coolers. In fact, higher TDP usually means more coverage area, speed, and fans, as more TDP generates more heat.
Noise: As the CPU ramps up its temperatures under load, its fan automatically gains more speed when controlled by the motherboard to cool the system down, producing noise that can be very off-putting. So the noise that a cooler produces is a very important factor when choosing the right product.
Build Quality and Aesthetics: Aesthetics like RGB LEDs, mechanical features like the build material that helps in heat dissipation, and apparent build quality matter a lot if you are buying one of these in person. My list includes well-built coolers, with each cooler offering varied visuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to look for in a low-budget CPU cooler?
You should look for a well-rounded CPU cooler that gets the job done. Do not prioritize fancy build quality and RGB set-ups. Target great airflow and good mechanical design, and if possible, try to go with a fan that does not make much noise.
Are budget CPU coolers worth it?
Yes, Anything that gets your work done and is easy on your wallet is a great CPU cooler. Buyers should focus on performance and compatibility first. Then, the performance needs to be compared to other CPU coolers at a similar price point. If a CPU cooler performs the best in its category and is within your budget, that is worth it.
Recent Updates
July 28, 2024: We have changed the formatting to improve readability.
March 5, 2024: Along with a few text changes, I have also replaced the DeepCool GAMMAXX GT with the DeepCool AK620 due to its superior thermal performance. Similarly, I also swapped the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB with the SilverStone Technology VIDA 240 Slim, thanks to its better design and lower price.
February 23, 2024: Added thermal benchmarks from our in-house tested individual cooler reviews.
August 18, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
June 26, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
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
In an era where video games are getting needless remakes, Silent Hill 2 is a necessary one, revitalizing James Sunderland’s story with modern gameplay and enhanced storytelling.
The game’s combat and gameplay elements have been entirely reworked to fit new gameplay standards.
New locations, updated cutscenes, and additional endings expand the original’s narrative for a fresh, immersive take.
Konami’s work on the Silent Hill franchise has been hailed as one of the greatest, and the same storytelling and gameplay excel with Silent Hill 2‘s Remake, which is just a start for the franchise’s renaissance.
Silent Hill 2 Remake’s storytelling has somehow been enhanced and is a fresh way to experience James Sunderland’s story once again but with a different twist this time. Fans of the original game will feel a sense of familiarity but, simultaneously will get a glimpse of an entire new game.
This is because the original game was severely outdated and wasn’t translated well to today’s gaming standards of a remake. Bloober Team takes some creative liberty to enhance the game while preserving every aspect of what made the game unique in the first place.
Why It Matters: Silent Hill 2 is a remake that was needed to retell the original game’s story as to why it was so special in the first place, unlike other games that are getting remade despite not even having outdated formulas or being that old.
Major Gameplay Overhaul
Silent Hill 2 Remake Has Some Of The Best Puzzles | Image Credits: Tech4Gamers
Being a remake, Silent Hill 2 adapts perfectly to the new gameplay standards. The very first part of the game that you’ll notice has significantly changed is the camera angle, which has gone from free-moving to a fixed-person shooter-esque design.
A 23-year-old is evident to have a significant graphic overhaul, but Bloober Team does best to preserve the original game’s environments, art style, and horrorcore.
That said, the developers have also expanded their creative liberty to the game’s cast, completely changing their appearances in some context. Starting with the main protagonist, James looks quite different from the original and draws much inspiration from Leon Kennedy’s design from Resident Evil 4.
Outfits have seen a lot of changes, with the main one being Marie’s, who seem to wear much fuller clothes with the same color and style as the original games.
The game’s main priority with the remake is its combat which has been completely transformed from the base game. Having played the original Silent Hill 2, combat wasn’t a main aspect of the game, and with the free-roam camera, I’d tend to avoid fighting enemies.
The same enemies now have a massive change in attack variety, and they genuinely feel intimidating and scarier than ever. Combat has been emphasized in the remake, and James has a new set of attack varieties to challenge these enemies this time.
The last significant improvement to the game might be the puzzle sequences, which, frankly, I didn’t enjoy from the base game. In the remake, however, they have been updated with new sequences, and some annoying ones have been removed altogether, prioritizing player experience rather than copy-pasting.
Silent Hill 2 Remake Reworks A Lot Of Plot Changes From The Original Game
Bloober Team Has Elevated Silent Hill 2 Remake’s Storytelling| Image Credits: Tech4Gamers
Silent Hill 2 brings a fresh experience to players of the original game, even if they have engraved the plot in their minds altogether. The story has been significantly reworked, making it an even better experience and more of a visual novel that will keep players entertained during their 17-hour runtime, almost double the original game.
This is mainly because the game has entirely new locations, which helps make the foggy Silent Hill town lived in at a time before. Backyards, Post Office, and the Lakeside Diner are some of the few additions in Silent Hill town.
Much of the dialogue work has been overhauled, with additions of the new lines and recorded voice acting. This voice delivery perfectly complements new facial expressions and cinematics, enhancing them.
A lot of the cutscenes have even changed altogether. For example, Eddie’s cutscenes appear in a theatre rather than a bowling alley this time, which fits the characters’ lore and the story’s context.
The game’s endings have seen a few changes, too, with the addition of two new endings, which I won’t ruin, but they can be unlocked with NG+. Different narrative themes are fully explored with these endings, and they’re even reworked to some extent, adding a sense of personalization for the characters.
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
Much of Rockstar’s original talent is still involved in work on GTA 6.
The likes of Aaron Garbut, Sam Houser, and Rob Nelson have a strong legacy.
A former Rockstar developer estimates that around 80% of the staff has remained the same between GTA 4 and GTA 6.
GTA 6 has been in the works for many years, and Rockstar has changed in a number of ways since the launch of the last Grand Theft Auto entry. The team has also lost a few notable names, leading to concerns about GTA 6 as a result.
Fortunately, former Rockstar developer Obbe Vermeij has good news. He states that around 80% of the team that worked on GTA 4 is still part of Rockstar North.
Why it matters: Bleeding talent is a major problem in the gaming industry. For instance, a team like Rocksteady lost much of the veteran staff that had helped put it on the map during the days of Batman Arkham’s popularity.
Obbe Vermeij Discusses Rockstar North’s Current Staff via Twitter
A fan recently asked Obbe Vermeij to name a few of the veteran staff members still present in the team, and he estimated that most of the old talent is still involved in Grand Theft Auto’s latest entry.
This includes the likes of Aaron Garbut,the Art Director who has been with the series since GTA 3. Sam Houser, one of the studio’s original founders, is also helping lead GTA 6.
At the same time, the game is being directed by Rob Nelson, the developer who directed the phenomenal Red Dead Redemption 2. For context, the same staff previously pioneered class-leading titles like Max Payne 3, Red Dead Redemption, and more.
Considering these names and the solid first reveal trailer from last year, fans have little to worry about. While the likes of Leslie Benzies, Dan Houser, and Michael Unsworth are no longer at the studio, plenty of experienced talent is still involved in the Grand Theft Auto IP.
Rockstar is currently targeting a 2025 launch for GTA 6, and a new trailer is expected before the end of 2024. Following a long period of silence, fans are excited to hear from the team again.
What are your thoughts on the development team behind GTA 6? Are you confident the game will live up to the series’ legacy? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers Forums.
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
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the next PlayStation port headed to PC, releasing in January.
Unfortunately, just like the recent ports, it won’t be available in regions that don’t have PSN support.
Sony is hurting itself with the region-locking as it results in compromised sales.
PlayStation has finally announced the PC port for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, just a year after the official launch. However, like most recent PlayStation ports, it will be region-locked in countries without PSN support.
Why it matters: God of War Ragnarok was the last port that fell victim to this, and the uproar from the fans was clear as the game debuted to mixed reviews with most complaining about the region-locking issue.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will require a PSN ID on Steam
This unfortunate trend picked up from Helldivers 2. While fans fought their way and got the PSN requirement removed from the game, it is still delisted in over 170 countries worldwide.
The same will be true for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on PC as Sony has confirmed the mandatory requirement for a PSN account. That means once again, a huge number of players won’t be able to access the PC port.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 won’t be available in over 170 non-PSN-supported countries
This step is nothing but Sony sabotaging itself. For context, the original God of War on PC sold massively, while Ragnarok didn’t even manage to sell a fraction of that amount.
PSN requirement has been hurting Sony but the company is still forcing itself to go with it. It even defended the requirement stating that it is essential for cross-play and progression.
So, while it does somewhat make sense when it comes to multiplayer games, for single-player games the requirement is entirely unnecessary. This is just Sony being irrational as sales have plummeted since the introduction of the PSN account on PC.
Nonetheless, for supported regions, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 arrives in January 2025. Another unfortunate thing is that the game won’t support Dual Sense features on PC but there will be keyboard and mouse support.
What are your opinions on Sony’s PSN requirement for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2? Let us know in the comments section or join the discussion at the official 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.
Story Highlight
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is a huge hit, marking Spike Chunsoft’s long-awaited comeback.
This success has set a new bar for anime games, leading to high expectations for the future.
Franchises like Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, Hunter x Hunter, and more deserve the same treatment.
Following much anticipation, Dragon Ball Sparking Zero has finally given fans of anime games something to celebrate.
Until recently, the genre suffered from half-hearted adaptations, rushed sequels, and bland, uninspired arena fighters, but Spike Chunsoft’s latest title changed everything.
This release has also set the stage for a new era of prosperity. In fact, I would go as far as to say that future adaptations no longer have any excuses for being mediocre.
Why it matters: Anime games are, more often than not, considered the bottom of the barrel of the gaming industry due to a history of mixed quality.
Spike Chunsoft’s Comeback
Spike Chunsoft More Than Earned Its Success This Time | Image via Tech4Gamers
It’s no secret that Bandai Namco’s latest release has become the biggest launch in series history. The title has sold 3 million units in 24 hours, putting it on track to taking Naruto Storm 4’s throne as the best-selling anime game.
Figures rivaling AAA releases are no small feat, considering anime titles rarely reach such numbers. The reviews, serving as a testament to the sheer quality offered by Sparking Zero, are just as impressive.
Perhaps the most interesting part about this success is the fact that it comes from developer Spike Chunsoft. This studio has a long history, and recent years have not been too kind to the developer.
One Punch Man: A Hero Nobody Knows, the team’s last major anime adaptation, was lambasted for being a quick cash grab based on a famous IP. Just one year earlier, the studio had released Jump Force, another arena fighter that fell completely flat on its face.
These two failures meant that fans were quick to shun Spike Chunsoft when the team was confirmed to be leading Sparking Zero. Even before Jump Force, the studio’s arena fighter portfolio was anything but impressive.
The likes of J-Stars Victory VS+ and One Piece Burning Blood were far from exceptional, and Spike’s work on 2011’s Dragon Ball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi can only be described as a disaster.
Spike later became part of Spike Chunsoft, so Sparking Zero’s accomplishments serve as a much-needed redemption for everyone who failed to do the Tenkaichi series justice in 2011.
Dragon Ball’s latest triumph has proven that anime games don’t have to be mediocre, and it’s quite fitting that Spike Chunsoft is the team leading the charge. If the studio behind One Punch Man: A Hero Nobody Knows can come up with a satisfying sequel to one of Dragon Ball’s most legendary gaming franchises, I fail to see how others can’t follow suit.
It’s clear that teams like Cyber Connect 2 and Byking do not lack the talent necessary for similar quality. Yet, recent releases like Naruto Storm Connections and Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash have been largely disappointing.
Other IPs Deserve The Same Love
Naruto’s Latest Adaptation Was A Complete Letdown
There’s an air of excitement everywhere you look for Dragon Ball fans. The late Akira Toriyama’s legacy is being carried forward by his work on Daima, the Dragon Ball Super manga, and the four major games available for fans to play.
Between FighterZ, Xenoverse 2, Kakarot, and now Sparking Zero, fans have no shortage of choice. In my opinion, developers need to offer similar variety and quality for other franchises.
Why can’t Naruto go back to the fighting game-like combat of Clash of Ninja or receive Arc System Works’ 2D fighter treatment instead of repetitive Storm sequels? How did Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash end up missing the mark so badly when the series was at the peak of its popularity last year?
These questions are genuinely baffling in a post-Sparking Zero world. Even Hunter x Hunter Nen Impact seems to be lacking the production values one would expect for such an iconic series.
Similarly, My Hero Academia has received next to no attention after two serviceable arena fighters. As far as I can tell, these IPs are big enough to justify big investments, yet publishers and developers are willing to settle for less.
Hope For The Future
One big game that has my attention for now is Bleach Rebirth of Souls. Looking at all the recent footage, it’s clear that more thought has been put into this adaptation than the average arena fighter cash grab.
Rebirth of Souls seems to be adhering to its source material for gameplay tailored to Bleach’s battle system rather than another Naruto Storm clone with slight changes.
It’s great to see that Bleach’s much-anticipated gaming return is shaping up to be a big deal, and I hope this is just one of many exciting titles to come for anime fans.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
The Silent Hill 2 remake has been a critical success for Konami and the Bloober Team.
Thanks to the success, the developer is now open to making more remakes or even new games in the series.
The development plans haven’t been shared yet, but there is some hope.
The Silent Hill 2 remake was recently released, and it has won the hearts of many. The remake managed to satisfy the original game’s fans as well as attract a new fandom. It launched with over 95% positive reviews on Steam and over 23K concurrent players.
The game has also sold over 1 million copies already and has received positive impressions from critics and fandom. Due to this reception, Bloober Team has recently revealed that it is open to making more games in the series.
Why it matters: After witnessing such an outstanding remake, the fandom started demanding Silent Hill 1 and 3 remakes.
Speaking to IGN, Wojciech Piejko, the director and designer of Bloober Team, revealed that the developer is open to remaking more games in the franchise or even creating a new game.
I think we are always open. If we like the opportunity, we’ll take it.
-Wojciech Piejko
He then states that there are opportunities they have to seize, and if they can remake a game like Silent Hill 2, then everything’s possible. So, Piejko has given the fandom hope for more Silent Hill games in the future.
There are opportunities that you have to seize. Like Silent Hill 2, you can remake the legend. So yeah, I do believe that everything’s possible.
Given how well the latest game from Bloober Team was received, it would be a waste not to continue with the remakes of a new title in the franchise. While Piejko didn’t reveal exactly what they are going to make next, he has spoken enough for now.
However, the main decision maker is, of course, Konami, so hopefully, the publisher will make the right choice. Bloober Team did manage to convince it to release the game on PC, too, so there’s a lot of hope for more releases.
What do you think of this latest statement from Wojciech Piejko? Do you want more remakes or new entries in the franchise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or join the Tech4Gamers’ official 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.
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Spider-Man 2 is heading to PC next year.
The title will come with a slew of upgrades and all previous content.
This port marks PlayStation’s fastest release for a first-party title on the platform.
Following exciting PC ports like Ghost of Tsushima and God of War Ragnarok, PlayStation has announced yet another first-party title for the platform out of nowhere.
A PC port for Spider-Man 2 was leaked in 2023 after Insomniac suffered a major hack, and PlayStation has just made it official. Insomniac’s latest title is heading to the platform in early 2025.
Why it matters: Spider-Man 2 is joining the platform just over a year after its PS5 release. This makes it one of the fastest ports yet, setting an exciting precedent for the future.
According to the official announcement, the title will be available for PC gamers worldwide on January 30.
As always, the PC version will offer a slew of enhancements over the PS5 version. Led by Nixxes Software, this port is expected to offer a polished experience for everyone in January.
Insomniac also seems to confirm that no DLC is currently planned for Spider-Man 2. Instead, the title will come with extra content, including NG+ and DLC costumes, on PC next year.
The Superhero Adventure Became PlayStation’s Biggest Release In 2023
Major updates to Spider-Man 2 include ray tracing overhauls to make full use of more powerful hardware on the platform. Fans can also expect more details to show up in the months to follow.
Following this release, Insomniac fans can look forward to more information on Wolverine. As per a leaker, more details about this game will be shared soon, making it an exciting time for the studio after it suffered a huge leak last year.
Are you excited for the game? Share your thoughts in the comments, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers Forums.
As Tech4Gamers’ Founder and Editor-in-Chief, I bring over 13 years of PC Hardware Reviewing and 8+ years of IT Project Management experience. Certified in Google IT Support , my focus is on providing honest product reviews and analysis and fostering a strong gaming community with 130k+ members in PPG.
As Nintendo is expected to announce its Switch 2 in March-April next year, more and more information about the console surfaces. A new report from Centro Leaks brings good news for most Nintendo fans: The Switch 2 will use the same gaming tools and ROM format as its predecessor, which will make emulation easy in the future.
It appears that Switch 2’s software will undergo fewer modifications than previously believed. Everything will be more compatible and upgradeable, as they will only require new encryption keys.
Why it matters: Designing Switch 2 to be easy to emulate is likely to harm the handheld in the long run.
Nintendo Switch 2 Report By Centro Leaks
As reported by Centro Leaks, the upcoming switch seems to have the same format and tools as its predecessor. With the Same ROM format, which makes it easy to emulate. That’s why Nintendo is taking strict action against emulators like Yuzu, Suyu, and Ryujinx after so many years.
Nintendo has spent the previous 18 months obsessing over whether to shut down, ban, or restrict PC emulators for the Switch.
It is only a matter of time until some friends of others find them and realize the potential of emulators if the tools and the format of the Switch 2 ROM are shared with Switch 1 and there are only new keys.
This would undoubtedly have a terrible effect on console sales and, more importantly, on game sales, which is why emulator developers are terrified. Switch 2 has the same ROM format and tools, so the fact that games have almost total backward compatibility could be taken for granted already.
With it, the aforementioned emulators could break what is expected to be a bombshell launch after so many years on the market. Now, the obvious issue is how long it will take them to figure out Nintendo’s keys and crack the encryption. Many predict that this will happen in a few months.
It sounds too good to be true, but certain people have demonstrated a liking for seemingly too great to overcome problems, and the Switch 2 will be the ideal platform to demonstrate each person’s proficiency in that area.
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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After the impressive 1-3 collection, Tomb Raider 4 to 6 are also getting a remaster.
Tomb Raider 6 was a messy game on launch, filled with mechanical issues and bugs.
This remaster creates the opportunity to fix the problems of the 6th game.
If you’ve been gaming for quite some time now, I’m sure the name Tomb Raider means a lot to you. Lara’s iconic ruin-hopping adventures, filled with awkward traversal mechanics, blind leaps of faith, and shooting bad guys and praying it hits them, are some of my most treasured memories.
Tomb Raider was quite a feat and a remarkable intro to the thrilling adventure genre where you explore the unknown. The series may be dormant right now regarding new titles, but getting to play the legendary classics beautifully remastered is surely a cause for celebration.
Why it matters: Tomb Raider 6 was a disaster on launch, filled with many problems. However, this remastered collection can recover its image if Aspyr improves the game.
Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered Is Inbound
I still remember when I heard the news that Tomb Raider 1-3 is getting a remaster. I was beside myself with joy, and when I finally got to try it, those feelings didn’t change. Not only did the remaster feature an improved control scheme and visuals for new players, but it also brought back the original look and feel perfectly, jank and all.
The smile on my face hasn’t faded yet (Image by Steam)
Those awkward block controls, camera angles, and clunky jumps were all a part of these past games, and I was glad to see the original soul intact. Tomb Raider 1-3 was truly a well-done remaster. And now, it’s the next three games’ turn.
Yes, you heard me right. Tomb Raider 4-6 are receiving a remaster next, and if the first bundle is any indication, we’re certainly in for a brilliant title. These 3 titles are much more mechanically refined than their predecessors, too, and loads of fun. I can’t wait to play this, but if I can make one wish, it’s to improve the 6th game.
More Tomb Raider classics? Sign me up (Image by Nintendo)
Angel Of Darkness Was A Mess On Launch
Since I’ve experienced the first remastered collection, I know this next one is in good hands, too. I’m happy that today’s gamers get to experience these classic games; I personally loved this direction of the series more. There is just one problem, though. I wonder how they would handle Tomb Raider 6, aka The Bad Apple.
The Angel of Darkness is flawed (Image by Steam)
Did you know that the Tomb Raider series was on the verge of death once? Tomb Raider 6 very nearly killed the franchise; that’s how bad it was at launch. The movie’s flop was blamed on the game, its planned sequels were all scrapped, Core Design was relieved of its duties by Eidos, and Crystal Dynamics took over.
In contrast to 1-3, the 4-6 games are not as tightly knit of a trilogy. All these try something different that sets them apart, especially the 6th entry. The Angel of Darkness had a solid plot, that’s true, but it was so much of a mess in the gameplay department that it was nigh unplayable.
And I don’t mean mechanically janky in a good way. Past games were era-appropriate; this one was not. It didn’t feel like a PS2 title in any way. Poor control handling, frustrating enemy AI, bugs and glitches galore, a useless stealth system, and nerve-wracking camera angles made controlling Lara feel like a chore and needlessly difficult.
Some Improvements Are Needed, Aspyr
It’s a shame that Tomb Raider 6 is more understood today. Some of its introductions became genre staples later, and the narrative was intriguing enough. However, this mechanical awkwardness and buggy design are getting in the way of enjoying a pretty good game.
This is precisely why I call this remaster a golden opportunity for Aspyr. Tomb Raider 6 hasn’t quite shaken off its poor image even now. New gamers haven’t tried the game due to its bad reputation, and past players still remember the disastrous launch state.
With this remaster, you can be sure many people will be playing Tomb Raider 6 for the first time. It will be first impressions all over again. And this time, The Angel of Darkness should immediately strive for a good impression.
I know Aspyr can do a good job, so I’m confident it can fix Tomb Raider 6. Though problems with the core mechanics probably can’t be fixed, better control handling, camera angles, and bug elimination are very much possible, which can go a long way in improving its image.
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 Death Note game for the PS4 and PS5 has been rated in Taiwan.
Considering it’s Bandai Namco, it won’t be surprising if it turns the title into an arena fighter.
An Ace Attorney-style interactive visual novel would be the perfect Death Note game; I hope Bandai Namco agrees.
Over the years, Anime has grown into a massive, world-encompassing medium. Thanks to some titles like Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece, the medium has received the recognition it deserves.
Try it, and you’ll see it’s way more than the child-like nature normally associated with animated products. Featuring diverse themes from everywhere, between grim truths and cheerful daily life, there’s something here for every taste. And among these versatile anime, Death Note holds a pretty significant position.
Why it matters: Bandai Namco is quite notorious for turning every anime into an arena fighter regardless of compatibility, and I hope the same doesn’t happen to Death Note.
Watch Bandai Namco Turn Death Note Into An Arena Fighter
Death Note is among the anime you recommend to someone who says, “Anime is for kids.” Thanks to its thrilling storyline, the back-and-forth between intellectual rivals, and mature themes portraying our society, it’s the perfect piece of work to showcase anime’s prowess.
Death Note is a good introduction to anime’s greatness (Image by IMDB)
And now, you’ll be glad to know that this legendary series is also receiving a game adaptation. A new Death Note game has recently been rated for the PS4 and PS5. We don’t know the details yet; it’s up to Bandai Namco.
Technically, it’s not the first Death Note game, but it’ll probably be the first full-fledged title outside Japan. There’s just one problem, though. I’m deathly scared Bandai Namco will make it another arena fighter.
The fans are pondering this. They’re scared that Bandai Namco will see Death Note and say, “Turn it into an arena fighter.” Well, it’s mostly a joke, as even Bandai Namco can’t be that illogical, but you know what, considering the company’s history, I have a genuine concern mixed in as well.
And can you blame me? Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece, My Hero Academia, One Punch Man, Kill-la-Kill, and Jujutsu Kaisen all have one or more arena fighter games, and in most cases, they’re just a straight-up mess with nothing entertaining.
Just because the towering Dragon Ball and Naruto succeeded in a field doesn’t mean the entire medium should just follow it. Anime is not so shallow that only arena fighters can be made out of it. Despite having some distinct titles, Bandai Namco somehow returns to the overused concept of arena fighters.
No need to blindly copy these two (Image by Tech4Gamers)
An Ace Attorney/Danganronpa Style Game Suits Death Note Best
So, if not an arena fighter, what should Death Note be? Rest assured, there’s a perfect fit already available. An Ace Attorney or Dangonronpa-style visual novel focuses on the mystery and detection aspect of the series coupled with interactive gameplay.
Considering how Death Note is all about finding out who “Kira” is, this sort of game design can work pretty well. You know how impressive the Ace Attorney games are. I’ve grown to love the visual novel-style story delivery and interactivity.
Now, this would fit Death Note perfectly (Image by IMDB)
Imagine being in the shoes of Light or L, trying to outsmart each other, looking for clues all the while Light maintains his facade, and L digs for the truth (I don’t like Near, so I won’t include him). Similar to Danganronpa, where you have to name the culprit, a game design trying to bring out the best of Death Note is the most suitable one.
Though I believe the game will stick to adapting the Death Note story, there’s also the possibility of creating an original plot while keeping the theme of “Who’s Kira?” intact. An original story in the Death Note verse is unlikely but a viable option.
I wouldn’t be here discussing this without Bandai Namco’s foolish obsession with arena fighters. When a Death Note game gets leaked, who in their right mind would think it’s an arena fighter? But when the Bandai Namco name is written next to it, you can’t help but point it out.
RPGs, character-action games, visual novels, open worlds, strategy titles, all these are pretty entertaining options, why doesn’t Bandai Namco try these?
Thus, this is a good opportunity for Bandai Namco to clear its name. Make a solid Death Note game true to the series’ core themes, and let the world know that you’re committed to making anime games greatagain.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Unknown 9 Awakening, a game where Sweet Baby is heavily involved, has been bombed on Steam.
The game has a below 300 player count and over 70% negative reviews.
Most of the negative reviews for this game were from those who got it for free with a new AMD CPU/GPU.
Almost every game this company has worked on has been highly criticized by fans, which has become a trend. Recently, Unknown 9 Awakening, a game backed by Bandai Namco, was released but had a really poor launch.
Sweet Baby Inc. is heavily involved in this game, which launched to below 300 players and received mostly negative reviews on Steam.
Why it matters: Most of the games this company is involved with get criticized a lot. Unknown Awakening 9 seems to have a lot more problems, and fans think this consulting company is behind them.
Unknown 9 Awakening Launched To Really Disappointing Player Count | Source: SteamDB
As you can see in the image above, the game has an all-time high of 285 players. This title was released yesterday and launched to a player count below 200. However, the number of players increased just recently, and so did the negative reviews.
Uknown 9 Awakening has launched to mostly negative reviews with just 16 of them being positive and 57 of them being negative.
I could write a long review explaining everything but I won’t waste my time. It’s already failing but if you need one main cause, I will say this: Sweet Baby Inc was involved.
-Raygne on steam
The hilarious thing about the reviews is that most of those who gave it a negative review didn’t even buy the game. They received it for free with an AMD GPU/CPU. Many negative reviews claim it has really outdated combat and seems like a bland title overall.
The impressions are highly negative, with some claiming it doesn’t even have a single redeeming quality. Fans think Sweet Baby Inc.’s involvement has ruined this game and are advising others not to waste money on it.
What do you think of this game, advised by the controversial consultant company? Do you agree with the reviews? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or join the Tech4Gamers’ official forums.
