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CORSAIR SF1000L SFX Gold Review – Small Form, Big Performance

Corsair is among the very few brands that have enough in-house engineering expertise to modify any existing PSU platform from an OEM as they find it suited for their requirements. This is mainly the reason we get to see superior performance in Corsair’s PSUs even when they are utilising a platform which is used by many other brands.

Corsair has had a go in the past for their small form factor SFX lineup; this is the first time they are going for an SFL lineup, which is slightly bigger in size compared to SFX.

In this review, we are (as usual) expecting SF1000L to perform exceptionally well, as its SFL form factor being slightly bigger than SFX will help it achieve better results, especially under max load, which becomes very challenging due to excessive amounts of heat generated from the internal components.

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  • 20+ PSUs tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
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  • Objective testing criteria (See how we test peripherals).

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.

Key Takeaways

  • The Corsair SF1000L PSU combines compact size with superior performance, efficiency, and top-notch build quality, making it ideal for high-end, small-form-factor builds.
  • You should buy the Corsair SF1000L if you want an SFX PSU that does not compromise on performance to offer the most stable and reliable gaming experience.
  • You should not buy the Corsair SF1000L if you are after the most silent small form factor PSU in the market.
[toc]

Here are the specifications:

Cybenetics Efficiency Platinum
Cybenetics Noise Standard+
ATX12V Version 3.1
Continuous Power W 1000 Watts
Fan Bearing Technology FDB
Fan Size MM 120mm
Multi GPU Ready Yes
Modular Yes
MTBF Hours 100,000 hours
PSU Form Factor SFX-L
Zero RPM Mode Yes
80 PLUS Efficiency Gold
Warranty 7 Year
Weight 2.285

Packaging & Unboxing

The power supply comes in the iconic Corsair’s highlighter yellow-themed box. The front of the box has the ATX 3.0 label at the top right to show that the PSU complies with the latest ATX 3.0 standards.

At the back of the box, you’ll find some basic specifications, efficiency and noise level graphs, and highlights on the key features like the Cybenetics and 80+ GOLD badges and Zero RPM Mode of the fan.

The overall quality and feel of the box is right on line with Corsair’s standard; it feels premium and high quality. The accessories bundle packs all the necessary cables along with an SFX-to-ATX bracket. This is very useful for those who plan to install this PSU in an ATX chassis.

Design

Measuring at just 130mm x 125mm x 63.5mm, the SF1000L, as also suggested by its name, is an SFF (Small Form Factor) PSU that can easily fit in compact builds. The overall design of the Corsair SF1000L is pretty standard and basic. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, given that it does the job well with its perforated panels for improved airflow. But if you were in the market for an impressively attractive PSU, I would say the SF1000L won’t cut it.

Regardless, you can see the 120mm Rifle Bearing Fan; the white fan adds a nice touch of accent colours over the black shell, but that’s pretty much it.

Corsair SF1000L Spec Side
Spec Side (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Corsair has printed information about all the necessary specs over each rail on this side, along with all the regulation standards the PSU follows.

Cable & Connectors

The cable and connectors are impressive. Corsair has bundled 2x EPS connectors (each on a dedicated cable) as well as 3x PCIe 6+2 pin on dedicated cables. All the cables are more than enough to handle any high-end build to the point that you can even put a 4090 on it without any hiccups.

Here is the list of all connectors:

Cable Type Quantity
ATX Connector 1
EPS Connector 3
SATA Connector 12
PATA Connector 3
PCIe Connector 6

Here is the modular side of the PSU. It is great to see that Corsair has labelled the important connectors for novice builders. Plus, I have always loved Corsair’s micro-fit connectors because they are relatively easier to insert. 

Corsair SF1000L Connector Side
Connector Side (Image By Tech4Gamers)
PRO TIP: Use the SFX-to-ATX bracket if you plan to install this PSU in an ATX chassis, so the cables are not short.

Teardown & Component Analysis

Great Wall is the OEM for Corsair’s SFL PSU lineup, as was the case with their many previous PSUs as well. There are quite a few OEMs that seem to have mastered small form factor PSU designs, and Great Wall is among them.

Corsair SF1000L Internal PSU Layout
Internal PSU Layout (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Overall, the internal PSU layout is very clean, and we don’t see clusters of cables that would have caused components to not receive proper airflow. There’s a single piece of an aluminium heatsink that houses two Bridge Rectifiers, two APFC MOSFETs & its boost Diode along with Half-Bridge LLC converter’s MOSFETs, a topology which is usual in Gold-rated PSUs.

Main Heatsink has enough surface area to dissipate the heat of all the primary & secondary MOSFETs. You can also see the TO247 Package APFC MOSFET on the main heatsink.

One of the main reasons small form factor PSUs are hard to engineer is that an OEM has to re-engineer the main 12V rail Transformer by keeping its size to the absolute minimum. This is possible by increasing both the surface area of the transformer’s internal copper wiring and its switching frequency.

12V rail MOSFETs are all soldered on the back of the PCB, utilising the PSU’s metal shroud as their primary heatsink.

You can see the Thermal pad for the 12V rail. There is also a small vertical daughter board responsible for providing minor voltage rail 5V & 3.3V.

All the capacitors (electrolytic & polymers) are from top-of-the-line Japanese manufacturers such as Rubycon, United-Chemicon & FP-Cap. Such quality components are easily gonna surpass the 7-year long warranty period.

This is the first time we get to see Mini-fit Jr. connectors fitted on the back of any PSU and we just love them! They are not only tiny cute & cuddly but also require very less insertion force especially for the 24 pin connectors. This is one of many reasons we love & really appreciate Corsair’s engineering & innovation.

Corsair SF1000L 120mm FDB Fan
120mm FDB Fan (Image By Tech4Gamers)

A 120mm fluid dynamic bearing fan starts spinning when the PSU reaches a specific level of temperature. With the high efficiency of SF1000L, fan speed curve can be slightly tuned down for less audible operation.

WARNING: Be aware that the PSU can get noisy under 50% load, which can get a bit annoying in quieter environments.

PSU Load Testing

Corsair SF1000L Testing
Corsair SF1000L Testing (Image By Tech4Gaemrs)

12V & Minor Voltage Rails Regulation

Load in % 12V 5V 3.3V
20% 12.05V 5.06V 3.33V
50% 12.03V 5.06V 3.33V
70% 12.01V 5.07V 3.34V
90% 12.00V 5.08V 3.35V
100% 12.00V 5.07V 3.34V

Voltage regulation is very tight. A very impressive performance for an SFL PSU.

PSU Efficiency

Load in % Power Factor Efficiency
20% 0.939 92.29%
50% 0.966 94.12%
70% 0.976 93.89%
90% 0.981 93.48%
100% 0.983 92.33%

This platform is well tuned for efficiency and although rated for 80 Plus Gold, it easily reaches Platinum level of efficiency in our test.

Voltage Ripple Performance

Load in % Voltage Ripple
20% 11.2mV
50% 10.4mV
70% 11.2mV
90% 11.8mV
100% 12.0mV

This is the test where even full ATX PSUs struggle if they aren’t designed well, but oh boy Corsair’s SF1000L performed exceptionally well and even much better than the full ATX PSUs we have reviewed in the past.

Corsair & Great Wall has designed a beast of a platform especially for the ones who are into extreme OCing.

Temperatures

Due to SF1000L’s extremely high efficiency, this PSU and its fan didn’t have to struggle much, even with the max 62.4C temperature on the back (where the 12V rail MOSFETs are located)

Should You Buy it?

Buy It If

✅You want a jack of all trades in an SFF: The Corsair SF1000L is a mix of both high efficiency & extremely well build quality that can easily handle and even overclock the most power-hungry desktop processors & GPUs available today and even for upcoming generations. Plus, if your utmost priority is to use it in a small form factor case, then we don’t think you will have to look elsewhere.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You’re fine with an ATX PSU: If a small form factor isn’t really your requirement, then SF1000L isn’t for you as you can easily buy a full ATX PSU for a lot cheaper than this.

Final Verdict

For those who want an SFL PSU for their small form factor case that will house some of the most demanding and power-hungry components, Corsair’s SF1000L, with its extremely well-built, latest ATX 3.0 specs and innovative design connectors, is our highly recommended pick!

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Coming Next: XPG Core Reactor II VE 850W Review

 

DeepCool Mystique 360 Review: The Ultimate AIO?

DeepCool has recently launched a new line of coolers called Mystique. These coolers are available in 240mm and 360mm sizes. The salient features of these coolers are a 2.83” TFT LCD Screen that can be customized using software and an improved pump for better cooling.

I am taking a look at Mystique 360. These coolers are available in black only. DeepCool’s LD series also has a display screen, but that lineup is aimed at the budget segment.

This cooler is compatible with Intel LGA 115x/1200/1700 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. DeepCool is using non-RGB performance fans on this cooler. These are 120x25mm in size. Unlike My Valkyrie SYN 360, this cooler has a microSD slot on the pump block.

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  • Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
  • 80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 900+ hours spent testing different coolers for our reviews.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we test CPU coolers).

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.

Key Takeaways

  • The DeepCool Mystique 360 is a high-performance AIO with a large customizable LCD screen and multi-socket compatibility.
  • You should buy the DeepCool Mystique 360 if you want top performance, LCD display, no chances of any leakages, and plan to switch platforms.
  • You should skip the DeepCool Mystique 360 if you don’t like looking at too many cables.
[toc]

Take a look at the key specs

Radiator Dimension 402x120x27 mm (LxWxH)
Radiator Material Aluminum
Pump Dimension 93x77x66 mm
Cold Plate Copper
Tube Length 410mm
Display Screen TFT LCD 2.8”
Screen Resolution 480×640 px
Fan Dimension 120x120x25mm
Fan Speed 500-2150 RPM ±10%
Fan Air Flow 72.45 CFM
Fan Static Pressure 4.32 mmAq
Fan Bearing Fluid Dynamic Bearings

How Is DeepCool Mystique 360 Different?

Compared to EK Nucelus AIO CR360 D-RGB, which is a high-performance cooler in our testing, the Mystique not only offers a bit better thermal performance but also provides a TFT LCD Screen at almost the same price tag, offering a feature-rich cooling solution at the user’s disposal. Both coolers have almost similar noise output, though.

Packaging And Unboxing

Packaging, Cooler, And Accessories (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Packaging, Cooler, And Accessories (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The outer box has DeepCool’s standard branding. However, they have changed the way the contents are packed inside the container. Pay attention to the unboxing if you want to close the cooler later. The following are provided:

  • 1x Cooler
  • 12x Fan Screws
  • 12x Radiator Screws
  • 1x Intel Backplate
  • 4x Mounting Bracket Screws
  • 4x Thumb Nuts
  • 2x Intel Mounting Brackets
  • 2x AMD Mounting Brackets
  • 4x Intel LGA 115x/1200 Spacers
  • 4x Intel LGA 1700 Spacers
  • 4x AMD Standoff Screws
  • 1x Fan Extension Cable

Design

It is time to take a look at each component of the cooler. I will start with the radiator.

Radiator

The fans come pre-installed on the radiator. This is now becoming a new standard, and most units come with pre-installed fans, reducing the overall number of installation steps.

The fans are daisy-chained out of the factory. Since these are non-RGB fans, there is only one cable per fan. These fans have short-length cables, which makes sense. DeepCool has provided a PWM Extension cable for easy connectivity.

DeepCool uses an aluminum radiator, which is a standard material unless stated otherwise. This radiator has a size of 402x120x27mm (LxWxH). This unit has a tad more length compared to the 393mm length of major coolers. Installing 120x25mm fans would make the overall height of this unit to be 53mm, including the fans’ screw heads.

The FPI count is 20, and the coolant flow has 12 channels. The complete assembly is finished in black. The fin stacking job is satisfactory. There is a gap of 105mm between two opposite-end mounting holes.

Looking at the side of the unit, you can spot a DeepCool branding on the near head. The near end has a thicker block compared to the far end. DeepCool uses sleeved rubber tubing with black mesh. The tube length is 410mm.

Block

Let’s take a look at the pump cover.

It is nice to see a refreshing pump cover design—no more rounded design! The block’s salient feature is the integrated 2.83” TFT LCD Screen with a massive screen resolution of 480x640px, which I have not yet seen on any other cooler I have tested. You can display various sensor readings, animations, pictures, etc.

The cover, made of ABS and aluminum, measures 93x77x66 mm and is quite large. However, it does not obstruct the motherboard’s near socket areas.

Looking at the side of the cover’s frame, you can see a dotted pattern: DeepCool’s design pattern. An integrated RGB diffuser right under the top plate provides subtle lighting effects, adding a nice touch to the block. The LEDs are rated for 2.45W power consumption.

One look at the backside reveals that the tubes are installed in 90ᵒ. The connection has a metallic cover, which complements the cooler’s overall theme. The tubes can be slid to make the routing clean and neat. A plethora of cables are coming out of the main housing as well.

The unit comes with a pre-installed thermal paste. The copper base measures 54x52mm. DeepCool has redesigned the cold plate and uses 0.1mm flow channels. The layout is placed over the CPU’s heat-intensive areas for effective heat dissipation.

I wish DeepCool had used a different approach like providing all these cable connections from the radiator by integrating and routing the cables internally. This would be beneficial in clean and neat cable management and for the backplug motherboard design which is the coming future.

FT12 SE Fans

DeepCool has used black FT12 SE fans in the Mystique coolers. These are high-performance fans. Each fan has 9x blades made of PBT material. There is a black sticker over the center with DeepCool branding. Each mounting corner has a cut-to-size anti-vibration pad.

There is a slope-down design on the mounting edges. The fan motor utilizes the 3-phase, 6-slot, 4-pole design and is coupled with Fluid Dynamic Bearings for smoother operations and long life.

Looking at the backside of the fan, you can see 4-arms. These are not curved to aid in the airflow pattern. They rather disrupt the airflow coming out of the fan. One arm has a wider body and holds the wires coming out from the center. These fans are made in China.

A 4-pin PWM connector powers each fan and also has a 3-pin socket so that the fans can be daisy-chained. These cables have a nice mesh sleeve.

Salient specifications of these fans include:

Dimension 120x120x25mm
Speed Range 500 – 2150 RPM ±10%
Noise Level ≤ 36.49 dB(A)
Air Flow 72.45 CFM
Static Pressure 4.32 mmAq
Rated Voltage 12 VDC
Rated Current 0.3 A
Power Consumption 3.6 W

Installation

I have tested this cooler on an Intel LGA1700 socket. Here are the steps:

  • Place the backplate on the motherboard.
  • Place the Intel LGA1700 spacers over the threaded screws.
  • Install the mounting brackets over the base using 4x screws.
  • Apply thermal paste where needed or as per requirement.
  • Place the block over the CPU so that the brackets pass through the threaded portion of the screws.
  • Secure the block using the thumb nuts.
  • Install the radiator assembly as required.
  • Connect the cables.
  • Installation is complete.
WARNING: Be prepared for a challenging cable management process due to the four cables coming out of the pump block. This can make the build look cluttered if not managed properly.

Clearance

This cooler has no clearance issue concerning DIMM slots, NVMe Heatsink cover, and PCIe slot. The dimension of this cooler is 402x120x53mm. Keep this in mind for the PC Case clearance.

Display Software

The software interface is user-friendly, unlike the Myth.Cool from My Valkyrie but it is still nowhere as simple as from the Raijintek for their Cyclops display coolers. The first page shows the various sensors’ output which in my opinion is not needed.

The second tab shows the PC specs which is again not needed. The last tab is where the 100% action is performed and it is the only thing that is required in my opinion. There are three modes that the user can use to customize the display as per the requirement.

Screen rotation is a blessing in this cooler. The cooler will adjust the orientation according to the block’s orientation. This is a super cool feature. You can customize the sensors as well. This is where I found out that the voltage rails readings are out of the standard margins of my AX1200i.  

Screen In Action

The above pictures show the display screen in action. A video would be a better platform to show the animation effects on this screen. I am in love with this screen display. Job well done, DeepCool!

Thermal Testing

I have used the mentioned configuration to test the performance of this cooler: –

Here is the settings table for testing:

All Cores 5.4GHz on P-Cores, 4.2GHz on E-Cores
VCore (V) Auto
Power Limits Removed
Thermal Paste Pre-Applied
Test Run Time 30 minutes CINEBENCH R23.2
Idle Time 10 minutes
Fan/Pump Speed 100% PWM Duty Cycle
Monitoring Software HWInfo64

Here are our results:

Our Test Results (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Our Test Results (Image By Tech4Gamers)

DeepCool Mystique 360 has performed very well as it comes in the second slot in my graph with just a 1ᵒC difference from the top performer, which is My Valkyrie SYN 360 White.

This cooler operates at a 44 dBA sound level, which is a tad high, in my opinion, but you can customize the fan’s speed using fan curves or Auto PWM settings.

PRO TIP: To manage the noise level, set custom fan curves in your BIOS or through the included software. This will help balance cooling performance with acoustic comfort.

Should You Buy It

Buy It If

✅You are looking for a premium performance cooler:  The DeepCool Mystique 360 comes with a superb performance out of the box, giving other premium coolers a run for their money.

✅You want an LCD Screen on the Cooler: If you are in the market looking for a cooler that has an LCD screen, then DeepCool Mystique 360 is one of the best display coolers.

✅You are after the Anti-Leak Technology: This cooler has DeepCool’s patented Anti-Leak technology that does not let excessive pressure build up inside the loop. You can have a peace of mind.

✅You want multi-socket support: This cooler is compatible with Intel LGA115x/1200/1700 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.

Don’t Buy It If

❌You already have a high-end cooler: Skip this cooler if you already have a high-performance cooler fulfilling your requirements.

❌You don’t like too many cables: The block of this cooler has 4 cables coming out of it. This can make cable management challenging.

❌You have a backplug motherboard and PC: The future is already here, and thanks to backplug motherboards, there is almost no cable on the front of your build. However, there is hardly a cooler that would match this requirement, such as the CORSAIR H150i iCUE Link. Mystique is not your cooler in that sense since its block will show 4x cables.

❌You want a USB-C connection: Unlike the competition, the Mystique does not have a USB-C connection for the display.

Final Words

I have tested a flagship liquid cooler from DeepCool. It is Mystique 360, which is also available in 240mm sizes. This is a feature-rich solution, including a large display screen on the pump cover. This cooler has a radiator measuring 402x120x27mm. It has 20 FPI and 12 channels for coolant flow.

DeepCool uses 410m long rubber tubes with braided sleeve mesh. The block is made of aluminum and ABS materials. There is a 2.83” TFT LCD screen having a screen resolution of 480×640 px compared to 320×240 px on My Valkyrie SYN 360 White that I tested earlier. The copper base measures 54x52mm, and it has pre-applied thermal paste. The pump is not PWM-regulated. It has a rated speed of 3400 RPM ±10% and uses a 3-phase, 6-slot, 4-pole motor.

Speaking of cables, there are standard A-RGB cables, SATA cables, 3-pin power cables, and a 9-pin USB 2,0 cable coming out from the pump cover. This makes this cooler unsuitable for the backplug motherboard and systems. As of now, the AIO manufacturers need to come up with a design change to accommodate this category.

When it comes to installing this cooler on LGA1700, you would need 15 items to install the block over the CPU in 5 steps. Overall, installation is convenient, and there is no clearance issue except that the length of this unit is 402mm.

This cooler retails at USD $176. This is actually a good price tag given the large size display screen and high performance of this cooler. My Valkyrie SYN 360 comes at USD 220 and has a small size display screen.

DeepCool offers a 5-year warranty making this cooler even more compelling at an effective pricing and almost covering all the bases. This unit runs louder and you can control the fan speed by setting a custom fan curve or Auto PWM.

What Others Think

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Star Wars Outlaws Has Left Me With Mixed Thoughts After Recent Previews

Story Highlight
  • Despite the game’s stunning visuals, I am concerned that the open world of Star Wars Outlaws might feel empty.
  • It risks becoming a collection of existing mechanics from other games rather than creating its distinct Star Wars experience.
  • So far, The gameplay feels unoriginal, with mechanics familiar to other Ubisoft releases.

Star Wars Outlaws is a big deal for the series, being the first true open-world Star Wars experience. Exploring one of the richest universes in entertainment is incredibly exciting, without a doubt.

However, with only two months left until its release, there are worries about how well the open-world mechanics will work, and the previews are not looking good. Although the game offers a lot, some parts appear too much like the usual Ubisoft open-world formula, making them seem generic and uninspired.

Why it matters: While the game’s visuals look stunning and Uncharted-like, it would be a shame to explore its open world with massive areas feeling empty.

Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws faced a lot of controversy due to Kay Vess’ character design.

The Classic Ubisoft Open-World Formula

Ubisoft has a strong background in open-world games, from Assassin’s Creed to Far Cry. These titles are known for their vast worlds packed with activities, and Star Wars Outlaws follows suit. It features iconic locations such as Tatooine, Akiva, and Kijimi, each offering unique environments and challenges.

However, my main concern arises here. During Ubisoft Forward’s June event, they showcased the game’s mechanics, highlighting space battles, dealings with crime syndicates, minigames like Sabacc, stealth gameplay, and more.

Despite this detailed preview, how these elements blend into a seamless experience remains uncertain. Knowing the infamous “Ubisoft open-world formula,” I’m concerned Star Wars Outlaws will be the same.

The studio’s open-world titles, while rich in content, suffer from pacing issues due to an overwhelming amount of activities and a convoluted leveling system. Fans have been vocal about their concerns, and Ubisoft has a chance to get things right this time.

The game could change how the open-world genre is seen in the Star Wars universe. It explores the criminal side rather than the usual Jedi and Sith stories, offering a new narrative approach.

However, it must steer clear of checklist-driven content and deliver a truly immersive exploration adventure.

Star Wars Outlaws
The game’s world is beautifully designed with detailed locations that feel true to the Star Wars universe.

Generic Gameplay Elements

Looking closely at the most recent gameplay, I feel like I’ve played Star Wars Outlaws a million times before. That’s how generic the gameplay feels to me.

The lockpicking mini-game, for example, feels like a standard feature I’ve seen several times, lacking innovation. Similarly, the combat system, though functional, doesn’t seem to introduce anything new.

The gunfights and blaster abilities are well-done but familiar, reminiscent of mechanics from other action-adventure titles. While the missions shown in the gameplay video seem enjoyable, they strongly resemble mechanics seen in other Ubisoft releases.

For example, the stealth mechanics involve sneaking past enemies and taking them down, similar to Assassin’s Creed or Far Cry. Similarly, the space combat and dogfights, while a new feature, don’t appear significantly different from those in Star Wars: Squadrons and Starfield.

My concern is that Star Wars Outlaws might not have a unique identity. While it borrows from successful franchises, there’s a risk it could end up as a collection of existing mechanics rather than carving out its own unique space.

This would be a missed opportunity for such a beloved and massive IP like Star Wars.

Star Wars Outlaws
From the early previews, the combat doesn’t feel unique at all.

Missed Opportunity?

Despite my concerns, Star Wars Outlaws has several genuinely impressive aspects. The game world is expansive and beautifully designed, featuring detailed locations that seem faithful to the Star Wars universe.

A standout feature is the seamless transition between ground exploration and space travel. This leads to a more immersive experience where players can seamlessly hop into their ship and journey to different planets without interruptions.

The game also offers a story-rich experience, where choices influence the plot and the player’s relationships with various factions. However, it seems like Ubisoft hasn’t really learned from its mistakes.

The developer’s open worlds are known for their abundance of collectibles and side missions, and Star Wars Outlaws seems to embrace this approach.

Latest Updates

There’s a risk of these elements becoming repetitive and overshadowing the main story. Previews indicate these side activities are crucial, impacting faction interactions with the player.

Yet, without careful execution, they might feel like filler rather than enriching gameplay. As much as I want to immerse myself in this universe, I hope the final release balances drawing inspiration and introducing fresh ideas that stay true to the Star Wars legacy.

Elden Ring DLC Reviews Fall To “Mixed” Amid Crushing Difficulty

Story Highlight
  • Shadow of the Erdtree has become a controversial release because it is extremely hard. 
  • Fans have left negative reviews on Steam, leading to the overall rating dropping to “Mixed.”
  • Many have also cited performance issues as a reason for the negative reviews.

Shadow of the Erdtree, the much-anticipated DLC for the game that won Game of the Year 2022, has been out in the wild for three days now. While many fans are enjoying the game, others have been frustrated due to the difficulty.

FromSoftware is known to make games challenging. However, this DLC consists of the hardest bosses it has ever made, and they have proven too much for some fans. That is why some fans started negatively reviewing the game.

Following such reviews, the game is now sitting at a “Mixed rating.”

Why it matters: The preparation for the DLC is challenging on its own, so fans should have expected it to be much harder than the base game.

Shadow of The Edtree Mixed Reviews
Less Than 70% of Shadow of The Erdtree Reviews Are Positive

On Steam, the expansion has a surprising reception after 24,790 reviews. This is rare for a DLC that received an excellent 95/100 score on Metacritic. We also think this review bombing is unjustified, as FromSoftware always makes the DLC way harder than the base game.

Elden Ring already consists of monsters like Malenia and Mohg, so it was kind of expected that even harder bosses would be in the DLC. According to the reviews, the DLC contains bosses that are just frustrating.

Players have pointed to the seemingly impossible combo strings these bosses throw their way. Others have also pointed to performance issues, saying that the game runs worse than it did before the expansion launched.

62% of the players didn’t even beat Mohg, so it was obvious that most were not ready for Shadow of The Erdtree. It seems FromSoftware has given everyone a reality check, leading to the negative reviews.

Latest Updates

FromSoftware is unlikely to crank down the difficulty.  It might tone down a few of the most problematic bosses, but that won’t make much difference for those having a hard time with it.

Fans are claiming bosses have unfair moves that take a chunk of your health, and if you try to heal, you have another combo coming. However, those fans should consider using Scadutree Fragments, which are designed to counter this difficulty.

Xbox Says It Finally Hit Stride, Doesn’t Need To Rely On Halo & Forza Anymore

Story Highlight
  • Xbox has previously been accused of relying too much on Halo, Forza, and Gears.
  • Matt Booty states that the team has finally escaped this criticism, with the recent showcase being proof.
  • He hopes to put on an even better showcase next year.

Xbox has plenty of momentum after delivering this year’s biggest showcase. Plenty of new games have been revealed, Call of Duty is finally headed to Game Pass, and Microsoft is going all-in on first-party support.

Elaborating further on this success, Matt Booty has stated that the gaming giant has finally hit its stride. He also teased an exciting lineup for the future.

Why it matters: Microsoft’s first-party lineup was mostly dry in recent years despite the incredible potential shown in 2020. The gaming giant is finally realizing this potential today.

Xbox Games Showcase
Xbox Games Showcase 2024 Fired On All Cylinders

Speaking to Variety, Matt Booty, the Head of Xbox Game Studios, described Microsoft’s latest showcase as having led to plenty of excitement.

The gaming giant saw the culmination of its past acquisitions during the showcase as it unveiled games like Doom: The Dark Ages and Black Ops 6. Commenting on this showcase, Matt Booty noted that Xbox is finally beginning to find its rhythm.

He also noted that Xbox did not need to rely on Halo or Forza this time. The gaming giant has commonly received criticism for sticking too close to the Halo, Forza, and Gears trio in the past.

It didn’t depend on those things that we historically go to (Halo and Forza), I think it’s a good indicator that we’ve hit that stride.

-Matt Booty

According to the executive, there is still a lot more to come.

He states that Xbox has an exciting lineup for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. Notable games in this lineup include Indiana Jones and potential releases like Doom: The Dark Ages, Fable, and South of Midnight.

Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 Is Among The Best Xbox Exclusives

Matt Booty is now looking forward to Xbox Games Showcase 2025. He expects the teams to put on just as great of a show next year, with the combined forces of the first-party studios providing incredible gaming experiences.

Latest Updates

Overall, the next year should prove to be a special one for Xbox as it moves toward new first-party releases, potential announcements for the rumored handheld console, and more.

All Studios Should Learn From Capcom When Making Remakes

Story Highlights
  • Capcom has released solid remakes one after the other, with more in the pipeline.
  • This quality has been possible due to a combination of classic and modern elements.
  • More studios should take notes since various remakes have disappointed in recent years.

Capcom is one of the finest studios out there. The long-standing company has some of the most memorable franchises across multiple genres. While the developer has actively made new games, it has also been remaking classic titles recently.

Remakes have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, with many companies rebuilding their classic games for the modern audience. At times, these remakes seem underwhelming compared to the original, but Capcom has perfected the formula. 

Capcom has remade Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 so far. Barring Resident Evil 3, all of its remakes have been a huge hit. I would even argue that Resident Evil 3 was much better than most people gave it credit for.

Why it matters: The best remakes retain the classic identity while introducing modern elements into the mix. While this sounds simple on paper, many developers often struggle to find this balance.

Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 Remake Took The IP To New Heights

Combining Classic With Modern: A Perfect Recipe

The trend of remakes isn’t new for Capcom. It dates back to the early 2000s when the developer remade Resident Evil for newer consoles. The title was originally launched as a Nintendo Gamecube exclusive but was later released for a wider audience.

However, the remakes we know today kicked off with Resident Evil 2, which was the start of immense success. To date, the remake is the best-selling entry in the entire series, standing at over 13.9 million units sold.

The best part about the remake is that it offers a great combination of classic and modern elements. Though the story was kept mostly the same, the mechanics and gameplay were tweaked quite a lot, making it a better version of the original.

Then came Resident Evil 3. While it wasn’t as flawless as its predecessor, it proved to be yet another solid recreation, at least for me. However, the developer dialed everything up to eleven with last year’s Resident Evil 4 Remake.

Already considered one of the best releases in the franchise, this remake took the fourth entry to a whole new level. The visual upgrades, polished combat, improved storyline, and more raised the bar for any future remake.

It eliminated the annoying gameplay elements that felt outdated in the original. Moreover, it gave the other characters, such as Luis and Ashley, more personality. All in all, it retained the original’s class and multiplied it by quite a lot.

Silent Hill 2 Remake
Silent Hill 2 Remake Is Shaping Up To Be Disappointing

The Faults With Other Remakes

We recently got an extended look at Silent Hill 2 Remake gameplay, but the audience’s reaction was very mixed. On the one hand, they were excited about returning to the franchise, and on the other hand, they were disappointed in the gameplay and visuals. 

While the final product might be great, fans have undoubtedly become concerned about it. Similarly, Metal Gear Solid 3 has drawn some criticism for providing an uncanny blend of classic and modern elements.

Fans have pointed to outdated animations, even though the overall footage looks solid. Moving over to Demon’s Souls Remake, this re-release was an incredible PS5 first-party title.

However, for all its strengths, it failed to recapture FromSoftware’s meticulously crafted atmosphere. Consider Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and you’ll see even more remakes that fall flat.

Sticking too closely to their original Nintendo DS counterparts, these 2021 Pokemon entries were largely criticized for not doing enough as remakes. These are just a few examples, but making a solid remake is easier said than done.

Fortunately, developers can look up to Capcom if they intend to do it right.

Capcom New Titles
Capcom has been brilliant with all its recent projects

More Capcom Remakes

According to a recent survey, fans have demanded that Capcom revive Dino Crisis. A Resident Evil-like remake would be more than welcome for this IP.

On the other hand, we know that Capcom is working on more remakes. These include projects based on Resident Evil Zero and Code Veronica, fulfilling a longtime fan demand in the latter’s case.

Latest Updates

The best part is that Capcom isn’t just doing remakes; it’s working on Resident Evil 9 at the same time. In recent years, the studio also dropped great titles like Dragon’s Dogma 2, Street Fighter 6, and more.

Moreover, it has denied any kind of exclusivity and retained a business model that has stayed profitable for many years. With all the projects in the pipeline, I am stoked to see what this studio has in store for us next.

Nvidia Teases DLSS 4; Points To AI-Generated Objects For Future

Story Highlight
  • Nvidia is pushing the boundaries of AI in gaming through DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling).
  • CEO Jensen Huang recently discussed using DLSS to create AI-driven textures and objects.
  • Nvidia is actively developing new technologies to support these advancements, including a new texture compression solution.

It’s no surprise that AI is considered the future of gaming. With Embracer Group, Ubisoft, and others onboard, the stage has been set for artificial intelligence to dominate game development.

Nvidia is a key player in the space, recently becoming the world’s biggest company due to its AI expertise. It has already made great strides with DLSS, but the company has teased even more exciting possibilities in a new interview.

This interview seems to have given readers a glimpse of what DLSS 4 will bring.

Why it matters: DLSS has transformed the PC gaming experience with its upscaling and frame generation. Therefore, everyone wants to know what comes next.

Nvidia DLSS Effects
Nvidia DLSS 3 Can Instantly Improve Frame Rates

In an interview at Computex 2024, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang responded to a question about the future of DLSS, stating that generated textures and objects made entirely of AI will be seen in the future.

In the future, we’ll even generate textures and objects.

-Jensen Huang

Huang added that AI NPCs would be created exclusively using AI, similar to the Nvidia ACE demo. Meanwhile, using DLSS to generate in-game assets will improve gaming performance.

In the same way that DLSS upscales frames now, Huang reveals that he envisions DLSS producing texture and objects independently, enhancing object quality. This new generation of DLSS technology may not be too far off.

Nvidia is already developing a new texture compression solution to greatly improve texture quality while maintaining the same VRAM requirements in current games.

Latest Updates

DLSS 3 frame generation technology improves performance by injecting AI-based frames between real frames. With in-game objects created completely from scratch, asset generation goes beyond anything the company has offered so far.

The CEO also spoke on in-game NPCs. Using a video game as an example, he described six characters, two of which could be real, while artificial intelligence generates the other four.

However, this type of technology would put further strain on the GeForce RTX gaming lineup. Based on the vision, we should expect a bump in raw performance.

PS3 Backward Compatibility For PS5 Reportedly In The Works

Story Highlight
  • Many fans appreciate Xbox for supporting older consoles through backward compatibility.
  • PlayStation skipped PS3 backward compatibility for the PS5 in 2020 due to the Cell architecture’s complex nature.
  • A new report states that Sony is working on a solution to introduce PS3 backward compatibility for the PS5 through emulation.

The PS5 is the current market leader, but there are a few key areas where Microsoft’s Xbox Series S|X consoles are clearly better. Among them, backward compatibility is a huge plus for Xbox consoles.

The Xbox Series S|X is fully compatible with nearly all Xbox One games. Moreover, you can play a huge chunk of Xbox 360 games and original Xbox games on the consoles through emulation.

It seems Sony intends to rival this feature, with PlayStation working on PS3 backward compatibility for PS5.

Why it matters: The PS3 has a phenomenal library that could soon be lost to time. This console is over 17 years old, so fans have demanded preservation measures from Sony.

During the latest Xbox Era Podcast, leaker Nick Baker revealed that Sony has plans to preserve the PS3 library.

Sony is working on select PlayStation 3 backwards compatibility.

-Nick Baker

The leaker clarified that Sony is not working on full backward compatibility.

This likely means that something similar to Xbox’s offering is being planned. Fans can expect a select batch of games to be supported, with Sony hand-picking the biggest PS3 games for the program.

While this may sound disappointing, fans should note that the Xbox backward compatibility program has grown since the initial days. While it began with a similar premise, it supports nearly every game one can think of.

As such, fans should expect popular IPs like Infamous, Sly Cooper, God of War, and more to eventually arrive on the PS5.

PS5 Xbox Series S|X
PS5 Has Already Managed To Beat Xbox Series X/S This Generation

PlayStation may also use the PS Plus Premium subscription to push this backward compatibility program. However, this part of the leak remains unclear for now.

Latest Updates

Sony is rumored to be cutting PS3 support this year, so the leak aligns with past rumors. If the PS3 online store goes offline permanently, Sony can keep its legacy going through backward compatibility on the PS5.

With recent experiments like the PS VR2 failing, fans might be pleased to see Sony trying something new. The PS3 library is still special for millions across the globe, making this an exciting leak for PlayStation enthusiasts.

Palworld PS5 Version Hinted At By Community Manager

Story Highlight
  • Palworld’s community manager recently teased a PS5 release with a cryptic tweet.
  • Pocketpair has also expressed interest in expanding to more platforms, including a possible PS5 release.
  • Launching on PS5 could significantly expand the game’s reach.

Palworld, often called ‘Pokemon with Guns,’ took the world by storm after it launched as an early access title. Mixing creature collection and intense combat, it quickly gained popularity, hitting over 2 million players on Steam at its peak.

This milestone outpaced Counter-Strike 2, Lost Ark, and Elden Ring. Palworld was never released for PlayStation, but that is about to change. A recent tweet has fueled speculation that the title may come to PS5.

Why it matters: Despite a gradual decline in player numbers since its launch, the title retains a respectable player base, boasting over 24,000 active players on Steam. A PS5 launch would likely increase the player count further.

Palworld PS5 Launch
Pocketpair is interested in expanding to PS5. | via Steam FAQ.

It seems Palworld might finally be heading to PS5.

Pocketpair’s Global Community Manager teased this with a tweet featuring colored hearts representing the game’s current platforms. Interestingly, the community manager added a blue heart, hinting at a possible PS5 release.

Pocketpair’s CEO has already discussed expanding Palworld to more platforms and hinted at a potential acquisition. Currently, the title is only available on PC and Xbox. The recent social media hint aligns with these plans, pointing to a future PS5 release.

Since its release, the game has gained considerable attention and success, selling over two million copies in its first 24 hours. This rapid achievement has increased interest from players across all platforms.

Although Pocket Pair hasn’t officially confirmed a PS5 release, several hints indicate it could happen. Shuhei Yoshida from Sony responded positively on Twitter to a fan’s question about Palworld coming to PS5, tagging PlayStation’s partner development executive for China and Japan.

Furthermore, in an official FAQ on Steam, the developers stated they are open to the idea of a PS5 release.

Palworld
Palworld’s Pokemon-style gameplay was an instant hit among PC players.

Introducing Palworld to PS5 could broaden its audience and attract a large player base. With more than 150 million PS5 and PS4 users worldwide, the community could thrive once again thanks to an influx of new players.

Latest Updates

The title’s mix of creature-catching, survival elements, and crafting has already proven popular on other platforms, and a PS5 release could enhance its success even further. With the player base down by 97% on Steam and a major update coming this month, there is no better time to bring in even more players.

The Accidental Creation Of Counter Strike

Story Highlights
  • Counter-Strike started as a mod creation for the first Half-Life game and was developed by modders who had experience with Quake.  
  • This real-life scenario-inspired game was released 7 months after Half-Life’s release and the community loved it.
  • Due to its rampant success, Valve acquired it after 2 years and released its standalone game Counter-Strike 1.0.

Counter-Strike has continued its legacy and has gained popularity for each of its games, including the new CS2. But, have you ever wondered how did it all begin? Well, its creation was nothing short of an experiment. 

What Came First?

Not many people are aware of this but, Counter Strike wasn’t the original game that had a counter-variant named Half-Life. In fact, the opposite is true. First, we had Half-Life and then Counter-Strike followed in its footsteps. However, the creation of CS wasn’t planned by Valve at all.

Half-Life Menu

Creation As A Mod

Half-Life was first released by Valve Corporation on November 19, 1998. The game found its popularity due to its horror elements with an eerie atmosphere and the existence of extra-terrestrial creatures in a vast world with a well-structured narrative. 

However, two developers began to create a mod for the game which was later known as Counter-Strike. This pivotal moment in gaming history is well-known and appreciated in the modding community but many people aren’t aware of what went down at that time.

The Developers

Counter Strike was created by no more than two developers, Minh “Gooseman” Le and Jess “Cliffe” Cliffe. Minh was an avid gamer and a modder who had previously worked on mods for Quake and Quake II, which helped him gain experience in development.

Dust 2 (CS1.6 Vs CS: GO)

His partner, Jess was responsible for co-creating Counter-Strike and mainly worked on creating the maps, helping with the game design, and managing the community. He is the reason why we have the “Dust 2” map since he has created it. 

The Concept

Both the developers drew the game’s concept for real-life bomb-disposal scenarios that took place between the Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists globally. They took this concept and formed an idea to create a team-based, tactical shooter.

Their main motive was to integrate realism, strategy, and skills in their mod. This was a unique idea because, at that time, fast-paced shooters like Doom and Quake were popular games within the community.

Initial Development

Half-Life had smooth and easy-to-use mechanics thanks to Valve’s GoldSrc engine. This engine was a refined version of the engine Quake, which had the flexibility, robustness, and a multiplayer mode which allowed the developers to use it to their advantage. 

Finally, they released the first beta of Counter-Strike after 7 months of Half-Life’s release, on June 19, 1999. The game featured a limited selection of weapons, basic multiplayer gameplay, round-based matches, and realistic recoils. 

Accidental Growth

Unlike other mods, this beta was very well received by the Half-Life community. Players enjoyed the multiplayer teamwork and tactical shooter that included strategy and a realistic combat approach.

Gradually, the word spread on online forums, and people began to share feedback and their strategies. Eventually, its popularity extended far beyond the modding community. Even other gamers began to become a fans of this beta.

Iterative Updates

With the rapid growth of the game, the two developers were quick to incorporate the feedback given by the community and launched numerous updates that improved the gameplay, fixed bugs, and enhanced the overall experience.

Valve’s Acquisition

After seeing the rampant success of this groundbreaking mod, Valve decided to acquire the rights to Counter Strike in 2000. This allowed the two developers to work closely with Valve to produce a more polished variant of the mod.

On November 8, 2000, Valve released a standalone game known as Counter-Strike 1.0. This included additional content, improved graphics, enhanced stability, and other features which made gave it a more polished feel. 

Valve’s Journey

After the success of this game, Valve began to launch variants of the game. One of the most popular variants of the first ever Counter-Strike still remains accessible and is known as CS 1.6. It included bug fixes and further improvements that fans wanted.

After this Valve began to launch more Counter Strike games, including CS: Condition Zero, CS: Source, CS: Neo, CS: GO, and the latest CS:2. 

Legacy & Impact

All of Counter-Strike that came after it was filled with modders who tried to add new things to the game. 

This goes to show how a simple mod left a mark in the gaming community forever. This motivated other modders to craft groundbreaking mods so they could have the same luck. 

Latest Updates

Xbox Ports No Longer Worth It Without Game Pass Deal, Say Devs

Story Highlight
  • Developers say that Xbox users are conditioned to rely on Game Pass.
  • They state that porting games to the platform is rarely worth it without a special deal for the service.
  • Upon signing such deals, Microsoft pays the developers immediately, making the investment worth it.

Xbox has been fighting an uphill battle for over ten years, with PlayStation’s lead growing bigger with each passing year. The platform is still doing well in terms of revenue, but hardware and install base growth is limited when considering consoles alone.

This has also made Xbox less of a priority for many developers, particularly when it comes to teams with fewer resources. According to a report, many developers believe the platform is not worth an investment without a Game Pass deal.

Why it matters: Microsoft signs various deals with third-party publishers to secure day-one availability for Game Pass. However, this may end up becoming a double-edged sword in the future.

According to Skill Up, a member of his team recently reached out to various developers to ask them about the potential of publishing games on Xbox. The responses were quite interesting, with most developers arguing in favor of a Game Pass deal.

It’s not worth putting your game on Xbox unless you have a Game Pass deal.

-Skill Up

They explained that Xbox has conditioned its users to play titles through the subscription service. Therefore, developers intend to enjoy the benefit of Microsoft’s upfront payment.

If they go the other route, the studios are unlikely to make a return on their investment. It is also important to note that this sentiment came from indie and AA teams, but various AAA studios have recently skipped the Xbox platform, as well.

Black Myth Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong Is The Latest Title To Be Delayed For Xbox

Previously, a former Rockstar developer made a similar comment, stating that developers prioritize PlayStation since Sony has the biggest user base on consoles.

Latest Updates

Still, Microsoft remains committed to the service. With games like Black Ops 6 arriving on the subscription later this year, the buzz around this service will only increase from here. Therefore, Microsoft needs to figure out a way to deal with this problem.

Elden Ring Players Frustrated As DLC Way Harder Than Base Game

Story Highlight
  • Shadow of the Erdtree is out, but it has proven to be way harder than the base game.
  • This has led to a wave of negative reviews on Steam.
  • Such players should utilize the new consumables like Scadutree Blessing for a better experience.

Shadow of the Erdtree is finally out now, and the majority of the fandom has hopped on the game again. Nearly 62% of the players didn’t beat Mohg, so they had to clear a final obstacle before entering the DLC.

This was enough of a hint for players that the DLC wasn’t going to be a pushover. Mohg is one of the most difficult bosses in Elden Ring, so beating him is a hint of things to come. Many are now enjoying the experience, but some players are negatively reviewing the DLC because it is way harder than they expected.

Why it matters: Shadow of the Erdtree consists of FromSoftware’s hardest bosses, as Miyazaki claims. The team has also said that it won’t be making future games easier.

Elden-Ring-DLC-Review
Negative Review of Shadow of The Erdtree By A Player On Steam | Image Credits: Steam

Over on Steam, many players have pointed to the incredibly hard-hitting attacks that enemies possess in Shadow of the Erdtree. The normal enemies can two-shot you, even if you have 60 vigor.

Others have pointed to specific bosses like Messmer, claiming that they are way too strong. However, there is an easy solution to most of these problems. The DLC has an offering known as Scadutree Blessing, which comes in handy.

This blessing will increase your damage output and reduce the damage you take. We recommend applying these consumables from the Site of Grace as they are a permanent buff.

However, you would have to collect them as they are scattered throughout the realm of shadows.

 

That said, we don’t understand why people are negatively reviewing the game without understanding everything. The DLC was expected to be hard, so why are players surprised now?

This is a pattern with FromSoftware games, and the team already stated that the DLC would present more of a challenge than the base content. Overall, this should not have been surprising.

Latest Updates

Some fans claim the bosses are harder than Malenia, and we completely agree. The never-ending combos and the damage scaling are way higher.

While we agree that FromSoftware went to great lengths with this one, we believe relying on specific strategies can be very beneficial. Players can also try out Flame Protect Me or Black Flame Protection for more defense.

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