Author - Jerry Paxton

Razer Barracuda X Chroma Review: A Versatile Wireless Headset for Gamers on the Go

2024/11/16

Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

The Razer Barracuda X Chroma is a multi-platform wireless gaming headset that aims to provide a seamless audio experience whether you’re battling opponents on your PC, immersed in a console adventure, or jamming to your favorite tunes on your phone. With its lightweight design, dual wireless connectivity, and customizable RGB lighting, it certainly ticks a lot of boxes for gamers seeking versatility and style. But does it deliver on its promises?

Comfort and Build Quality

One of the standout features of the Barracuda X Chroma is its exceptional comfort. Weighing in at 285g, it’s still relatively light on the head, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions. The breathable memory foam earcups provide a snug yet gentle seal around the ears, effectively isolating outside noise without feeling too constricting. The adjustable headband, also padded with memory foam, ensures a secure and personalized fit for a variety of head sizes.

While the overall build quality is decent, the extensive use of plastic might raise some concerns about long-term durability. The earcups swivel smoothly to accommodate different head shapes, but the mechanism feels a tad less robust than those found in headsets with metal components. However, the lightweight construction is undoubtedly a contributing factor to the headset’s comfortable fit.

Sound Performance

Powered by Razer’s TriForce 40mm drivers, the Barracuda X Chroma delivers a respectable audio performance that caters well to gaming and music listening. This innovative driver design allows for the individual tuning of high, mid, and low frequencies, resulting in a clearer and more nuanced sound. The sound signature is generally balanced, with crisp highs and detailed mids that allow for accurate positional audio in games. Explosions and gunfire have a satisfying punch, while dialogue remains crisp and intelligible. Bass is present and provides a decent rumble without overwhelming the other frequencies, making for an immersive gaming experience.

While the headset doesn’t reach audiophile levels of fidelity, it certainly holds its own in its price range. The inclusion of virtual 7.1 surround sound further enhances the gaming experience, creating a wider soundstage and helping to pinpoint the direction of in-game sounds. However, the effectiveness of this feature can vary depending on the game and individual preferences.

Features and Functionality

The Barracuda X Chroma boasts a range of features that contribute to its versatility and user-friendly experience. The dual wireless connectivity, with both 2.4GHz wireless for low-latency gaming and Bluetooth 5.2 for mobile devices, is a major highlight. Razer’s SmartSwitch technology allows for seamless switching between the two modes with a simple button press, making it effortless to transition from gaming on your PC to taking a call on your phone. You can even pair to a 2.4GHz and Bluetooth device simultaneously for true multitasking. As a test, I wore these for an entire day – starting in the morning with business meetings and ambient audio while working, then moving to lunch and listening to audio from my smartphone, then ending the day with playing some various games on my PC. Despite some ear wear (wearing any headphone all day is a bit odd), the headphones worked great and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again if I needed to.

The detachable Razer HyperClear Cardioid Mic is another welcome addition, offering flexibility for those who prefer to use a separate microphone or simply want to use the headset for music listening without the mic getting in the way. The microphone quality is decent, providing clear voice transmission for in-game communication thanks to its noise-suppressing design.

For those who like to personalize their gaming setup, the 6-zone Chroma RGB lighting on the earcups adds a touch of flair. With customizable colors and effects controlled through Razer Synapse software, you can synchronize the lighting with other Razer peripherals for a cohesive aesthetic. This lighting works with over 300 games and 500 devices.

Software and Battery Life

Razer Synapse software provides a centralized hub for customizing the headset’s settings, including EQ adjustments, lighting effects, and microphone controls. While the software offers a decent level of control, it can occasionally be buggy, requiring restarts or updates to function properly.

Battery life is excellent, with up to 70 hours of use on a single charge. This ensures that you can enjoy extended gaming sessions without worrying about running out of juice. The headset can also be used while charging, which is a convenient feature for marathon gaming sessions.

Final Verdict

The Razer Barracuda X Chroma is a compelling option for gamers seeking a versatile and comfortable wireless headset that can seamlessly transition between different platforms. Its lightweight design, good sound quality courtesy of the TriForce drivers, dual wireless connectivity with SmartSwitch, and long battery life make it a strong contender in its price range. While the build quality could be more robust and the software has occasional hiccups, the overall package is impressive.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Pros:

Relatively lightweight and comfortable design
Good sound quality with TriForce 40mm drivers and virtual 7.1 surround sound
Dual wireless connectivity (2.4GHz and Bluetooth) with SmartSwitch for seamless transitions
Detachable Razer HyperClear Cardioid Mic with noise suppression
Customizable 6-zone Chroma RGB lighting compatible with a wide range of games and devices
Long battery life (up to 70 hours)

Cons:

Primarily plastic construction may raise durability concerns
Razer Synapse software can be occasionally buggy
Microphone quality, while decent, isn’t top-tier

Zhiyun CINEPEER CQ5 Combo Review: A Smart Stabilizer for the Mobile Creator

2024/11/16

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

The Zhiyun CINEPEER CQ5 Combo is a compelling option for those looking to elevate their smartphone videography without breaking the bank. This compact and feature-rich gimbal boasts impressive stabilization, intelligent AI tracking, and a handy built-in extension rod, making it a versatile tool for vloggers, content creators, and casual users alike.

Right out of the box, the CQ5 impresses with its user-friendly design. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold, and the controls are intuitive, even for first-time gimbal users. Setting up the gimbal is a breeze, and the ability to use it with just the phone’s camera app, without even connecting to Bluetooth, is a huge plus for quick captures and casual shooting.

The 3-axis stabilization is undoubtedly the star of the show. It effectively smooths out shaky footage, delivering incredibly stable shots that rival those captured with a tripod. Whether you’re walking, running, or capturing fast-paced action, the CQ5 keeps your videos looking professional and cinematic.

But the CQ5 Combo offers more than just basic stabilization. The included AI tracker module unlocks a world of intelligent features. The AI effortlessly tracks faces, bodies, and objects, ensuring your subject remains in focus even when they’re on the move. This is particularly useful for solo vloggers who want to move freely while filming. The gesture control adds another layer of convenience, allowing you to control the gimbal from a distance with simple hand movements.

The built-in extension rod is another standout feature. It extends your reach, enabling you to capture wider shots, unique angles, and group selfies with ease. This adds a whole new dimension to your smartphone videography, allowing you to experiment with different perspectives and capture more of the surrounding environment.

The magnetic fill light, while not incredibly powerful, provides a subtle boost in low-light conditions. It’s a welcome addition that enhances the overall quality of your footage when shooting in dimly lit environments.

While the CQ5 Combo excels in many areas, it does have some minor drawbacks. The battery life, while decent, could be better. Expect to recharge it after a couple of hours of continuous use. Balancing the gimbal can also be a bit fiddly at times, especially with larger or heavier smartphones. Additionally, the magnetic attachment for the AI module and fill light, while convenient, isn’t the most secure. You’ll need to be mindful of your movements to prevent them from detaching.

Despite these minor quirks, the Zhiyun CINEPEER CQ5 Combo delivers exceptional value for its price. It’s a feature-packed gimbal that combines impressive stabilization, intelligent AI tracking, and a user-friendly design. If you’re looking to take your smartphone videography to the next level, the CQ5 Combo is a worthy investment.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Pros:

Excellent 3-axis stabilization
Effective AI tracking with gesture control
User-friendly design and intuitive controls
Built-in extension rod for wider shots
Magnetic fill light for low-light conditions
Quick setup for casual use

Cons:

Average battery life
Can be fiddly to balance with larger phones
AI module and light attachment could be more secure

This War of Mine Marks its 10th Anniversary with Charity DLC

2024/11/16

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Creating a grim portrayal of war—a game that shifts away from the industry’s action movie-like depictions to show the struggle of survival from a down-to-earth civilian perspective—was a risk. Yet, 11 bit studios couldn’t be prouder of what This War of Mine has accomplished in the decade since its release.

The game’s stark portrayal of reality, where morality erodes under the weight of war, has transcended the boundaries of the gaming industry, earning a place in prestigious exhibitions such as those at the Imperial War Museum in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Through charity DLC, the game continuously raises funds for War Child, an organization dedicated to supporting children affected by war. Following Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, all proceeds from one week of This War of Mine sales were donated, generating $850k for the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Furthermore, This War of Mine has influenced academic settings globally, offering lecturers a unique way to educate students on the harsh realities of war. It became the first video game to be officially recognized as “supplementary material” by Poland’s Ministry of Education, with an educational version available for free on the government website for Polish students and teachers. Recently, the game received a Special Recognition Award from Amnesty International, honoring its role in raising awareness of international humanitarian law. Yet, for all this acclaim, we remain troubled by the state of the world today.

This is why the new playable content is titled Forget Celebrations. Innocent lives are still being lost on battlefields, new conflicts are erupting, arms production escalates to feed war’s demand, and civilians and soldiers continue to face unimaginable brutality. With the world bleeding, we believe it is vital to keep pushing for change.

In Forget Celebrations, players return to war-torn Pogoren to follow the story of Katia, a seasoned war correspondent. While struggling to write a book on the brutal realities of war, a missile attack devastates her home, forcing her into an even harsher fight for survival and the recovery of her gathered material. All studio proceeds from Forget Celebrations will be donated to support our charity partners in this anniversary initiative: War Child, Amnesty International, Liberty Ukraine Foundation, and Indie Games Poland. Stay tuned to learn how you can make a difference.

Heroes of Barcadia: Heroes for Hire is Now Available for Pre-Order

2024/11/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

Rollacrit’s second Heroes of Barcadia adventure, Heroes for Hire, ended on Kickstarter on October 10, 2024. With an initial goal of $75K, the campaign met and surpassed that goal within hours of being live on the site, ultimately reaching $1,099,487. Loyal fans love Heroes of Barcadia, and considering Rollacrit’s successful delivery on the first game, players cannot wait to expand their adventures in the dungeon. But for fans who missed the Kickstarter, Rollacrit is now making Heroes for Hire available for pre-order on Rollacrit.com, along with its 4-character set expansion pack, new game content, accessories, glasses (including the new Voodoo Ranger Character Cup), a surprise character (Brewtus the Barkeep), and the Die of Barcane Chaos – all sold separately.

The game’s concept is unique and fun, and because of how it is structured, no two games are the same. The Heroes for Hire expansion brings more than just new characters to the Heroes of Barcadia game world; it introduces a new mechanic, the Die of Barcane Chaos, which has the power to alter reality and make things more chaotic. Gamers will battle new monsters, build custom dungeons, and compete with friends in this unique board game with a Liquid Life SystemTM where players drink when they receive damage.

The Heroes for Hire Story

The original Heroes of Barcadia are facing a new challenge! The Grand Drink Guardian found an ancient artifact in the dungeon — the Die of Barcane Chaos and released its chaotic energy. Feeling overwhelmed, our original heroes retreated to the Plastered Pony Tavern to regroup, where they ran into Brewtus Pintsmasher, the event organizer of the drinking contest. After the heroes tell him what happened, Brewtus sends letters to distant lands, calling for help (with financial motivation, of course). Four valiant heroes answered his plea — the Heroes for Hire. With rewards aplenty should they succeed, they venture into the dungeon, facing trials even tougher than those of the original Heroes.

The new Heroes for Hire is available now for pre-order here.

Star Wars: The Old Republic Announces Galactic Threads Update

2024/11/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Today during a special developer livestream, the Star Wars: The Old Republic team revealed the next major update coming to the beloved MMORPG with Game Update 7.6 – Galactic Threads. This game update includes Dynamic Encounters, character art modernization, a new lair boss, Skeleton Crew inspired items, and more and will begin to roll out to players worldwide this December with story missions arriving in 2025.

We’ve included additional details on all of the updates arriving in Game Update 7.6 – Galactic Threads at the following recap blog for your reference.

New Story Missions: Galactic Threads begins immediately following the events from the Desperate Defiance storyline. Players and their Alliance race to find Darth Malgus and stop whatever plans he has set in motion. At the same time, players will also seek answers surrounding Darth Nul’s holocron and the Hidden Chain’s ambitions. Story Missions will be taking players to Hoth, Tatooine, and the digsite at Nul’s temple of Elom.
Dynamic Encounters: Dynamic Encounters is new world content that players can experience to help bring life to the worlds they inhabit. As players explore planets, they will naturally come across Dynamic Encounters or they can actively search them out on their map. Dynamic Encounters can range from taking out Hidden Chain forces to herding escaped Banthas running amok in a space port. These Encounters will debut on Hoth and Tatooine with 7.6 and will have a variety of rewards for players to earn!
Propagator Core XR-53 Lair Boss: The Propagator Core XR-53 is the newest lair boss coming to the game and will be launching in both Story and Veteran difficulties. The Propagator Core XR-53 originated from one of the many broken pieces when the Emperor’s Fortress crashed onto Ilum. The XR-53 is a Rakatan droid replicator trying to fix itself by harvesting resources but its core functions have gotten a bit disrupted….
Character and Planet Art Modernization: Modernization of the Star Wars: The Old Republic experience continues with art updates coming to Tython, Korriban, Hoth, and Ilum (with a large focus on the starter planets). Character models, specifically heads, will also see improved fidelity across the game! Players will see updates to their character via updated character textures, along with ocular specularity and with lighting, and shader improvements. Texture changes are starting in this update with Human, Chiss, Cyborg, Miralukan, Mirialan, Togruta, Rattataki, and Zabrak models.
Skeleton Crew Inspired Items: The Skeleton Crew inspired items such as the Mysterious Rogue armor (with two variants), Fearless Buccaneer weapons, and new customizations will be coming to the Cartel Market. In addition, the Skeleton Crew inspired Meirm Cicada Mount comes with companion AND mini pet functionality. Now you can cruise the galaxy with your favorite companion and mini pet riding along with you. As a thank you to the community, the Meirm Cicada Mount will be free to players with an active subscription anytime between November 29 – January 4 and will be granted at 7.6 launch!

Industry Giant 4.0 Now in Early Access

2024/11/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Development studio Don VS Dodo and publisher Toplitz Productions proudly announce that Industry Giant 4.0 releases into Steam Early Access today. After more than 20 years, one of the cult franchises at the turn of the millennium is back with a vengeance.

Build dozens of industries, expand infrastructure, introduce production chains from resource gathering up to end consumer sales, keep an eye on your company’s finances and directly impact the growth of the cities in the vicinity: Those are the core components of Industry Giant, embraced by gamers for decades.

The fascination of those components and the underlying challenging business simulation rings true until today. But Don VS Dodo, the studio responsible for development, addresses a wider audience than only the franchise veterans. “Of course we are aware of the cult status that the franchise achieved” says Matthias Lutz, co-founder of Don VS Dodo and game producer. “But with Industry Giant 4.0 we rely on much more than sheer nostalgia or cult status. Our re-imagining of the classic gameplay is based on the franchise’s core principles, but modernizes all elements without sacrificing depth. We are convinced that both veterans as well as newcomers to business simulations will enjoy the game.”

With the release into Early Access the next development phase of Industry Giant 4.0 will be introduced. One of the focal points for the studio will be the community response. With the gameplay foundation in place and already numerous industries and close to 80 producible goods available for aspiring business titans, the feedback from players is key. Over the course of the Early Access period not only will new content and additional gameplay elements or features be introduced, but also the requests of the community will be honored.

The roadmap gives an outlook on the planned content that will be introduced in the coming weeks and months on the path to version 1.0.

Industry Giant 4.0 will be available today for PC in Early Access. For more information about the game, please visit the official product page on Steam or connect with us on Discord or our social media channels.

Topgolf Sonic the Hedgehog Game Launching in Topgolf U.S. Venues

2024/11/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

Sonic the Hedgehog and friends arrive at Topgolf at supersonic speed on Friday, Nov. 15, with the official launch of the new game, Topgolf Sonic the Hedgehog, which will be exclusively available for play at Topgolf venues across the U.S. and Glasgow. Additional Toptracer-enabled franchise venues around the globe will debut localized versions of the game in Q1 2025. Developed by Topgolf in partnership with SEGA®, the game is the first venture into the golf entertainment space for the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.

Game Details
Topgolf meets the fast-paced action of Sonic in the new in-venue game, as super fans of all skill levels go head-to-head in iconic virtual Sonic environments, Green Hill Zone and Sky Sanctuary, to hit springs, collect rings and destroy badniks. The experience utilizes Topgolf’s proprietary Toptracer ball-tracing technology to blend the physical act of hitting a golf ball with digitally watching popular characters Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy track shots and collect rings as Players climb to the top of the leaderboard. Watch the trailer here!

Player Offer: Play for Free!

Topgolf is leveling up the fun with an exclusive Player offer for Sonic fans everywhere! Collect 30 minutes of free play time with any walk-in reservation by using the redeemable code at www.topgolf.com/FREE. Restrictions and exclusions apply; please see here for more information.

Integrated Advertising Campaign

To kick off this launch, Topgolf is introducing its latest advertising campaign where Sonic the Hedgehog meets families and friends in the Topgolf bay to play the new game. The global campaign launches November 14, 2024, on Thursday Night Football, followed by an integrated launch on streaming, digital and social channels. The campaign assets were developed in partnership with Topgolf’s creative agency of record, Anomaly, as well as Topgolf’s internal creative team. See all the current spots here.

Exclusive Merchandise
Players can power up their game with exclusive, limited-edition merchandise available for purchase at all U.S. and Glasgow Topgolf venues. Sonic the Hedgehog-themed hats, sweatshirts and t-shirts – available in adult and youth sizes – feature Sonic himself holding Topgolf’s newest club, The Sure Thing.

What They Said
“At Topgolf, we believe in the unlimited power of play and creating moments of joy for everyone who steps into our venues,” said Topgolf Chief Brand Officer Geoff Cottrill. “The multi-generational appeal of Sonic’s iconic energy and speed gives our Players a fresh, playful way to just have a little fun together with friends and family. The new Sonic game in partnership with Sega absolutely takes the Topgolf experience to the next level.”

“Through our collaboration with Topgolf, we’ve created a game that both the Sonic and Topgolf communities are going to love,” exclaimed Ivo Gerscovich, Senior Vice President and Chief Business and Brand Officer of Sonic, Head of SEGA Brands.” The Sonic franchise continues to extend across the transmedia landscape, and we look forward to seeing everyone experience the final product at Topgolf venues globally.”

Learn more and book your reservation today at www.topgolf.com/sonic.

Willliams Pinball Volume 8 – Banzai Run Announcement Trailer

2024/11/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Zen Studios—the leading global producer and publisher of digital pinball video games—today announces in partnership with Williams Electronics Games Inc. © the next pinball table, Banzai Run™️, coming to Pinball FX in the Williams™️ Pinball Volume 8 pack. Following the September reveal of the first table in the pack, Earthshaker!™️, pinball fans will be thrilled to add Banzai Run™️ to their collection.

Earthshaker!™️, Banzai Run™️, and a third to-be-revealed table will launch in December 2024, on PC and consoles as part of the complete Williams™️ Pinball Volume 8 DLC pack!

The wait is almost over! For over a year, pinball fans have been waiting to get their hands on the next volume of Williams™️ pinball tables. Modern pinball meets nostalgia when the golden age of pinball starts with Earthshaker!™, a seismic classic from 1989 with renowned innovative features and earthquake-themed gameplay. Traverse through Zen Studios’ next retro table, Banzai Run™️, and defeat the king of the hill in a legendary motocross race to become number one. Show off your pinball skills through Pinball FX’s most nostalgic DLC yet and prepare for an unforgettable adventure with the previously announced Earthshaker!™️ and Banzai Run™️. Keep an eye out for the final pinball table reveal to complete the full Williams™️ Pinball Volume 8 collection!

Pinball FX’s Williams™️ Pinball Volume 8 Key Features:

First released in 1988, Banzai Run™️ is back and better than ever in this modern take to overthrow the king of the hill to become number one in an exciting daredevil motocross race
Get ready to feel the ground shake, rumble, and roar as you chase high scores through these two Williams™️ masterpieces
Prepare for an unforgettable pinball experience with Earthshaker!™️ that will be fully playable when Williams™️ Pinball Volume 8 releases
Nostalgia meets thrilling gameplay with each new legendary table
In Earthshaker!™️, you’ll experience the seismic excitement as the earth trembles beneath your flippers! Get ready to immerse yourself in this beloved table, which will bring hours of retro fun

DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake Launch Trailer

2024/11/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Today, SQUARE ENIX^® released DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake, a stunning reimagining of the beloved, formative masterpiece DRAGON QUEST III. Featuring vibrant HD-2D graphics, new and modernized features, and a refined narrative, players are invited to set out on an epic fantasy adventure to save the world from a dark evil. The game is now available on Nintendo Switch^™, PlayStation^®5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam^® and Microsoft Store on Windows.

Developed by SQUARE ENIX, DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake uses the acclaimed HD-2D style, which blends beautifully rendered and dynamic 3D backgrounds with classic 2D pixel sprites. This approach retains the spirit of the classic DRAGON QUEST III, and provided the creative opportunity to make it more accessible and appealing, with more detailed lighting and shading effects, a more visually spectacular world to roam, and beautifully rendered monsters.

Numerous enhancements to improve the gameplay experience make the overall experience feel like a more modern game, including quality-of-life improvements, full English and Japanese voice acting, and auto-saves. The game also delivers a refined take on the classic turn-based battle system, with new animations, adjustable battle speeds, an auto-battle setting, and more.

As players explore the vast world map, they will notice an abundance of rich and captivating locations to discover, accompanied by an immersive soundtrack that captures the timeless essence and magic of the DRAGON QUEST universe, composed by Koichi Sugiyama and performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony.

Additionally, the classic DRAGON QUEST III story fans know and love, which is chronologically first in the “Erdrick Trilogy,” has been refined to better tie-in to the events of DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake, which is releasing next year.

Hearts of Iron IV: Götterdämmerung Launch Trailer

2024/11/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Today, Paradox Interactive released Hearts of Iron IV: Götterdämmerung, an expansion that adds depth to the game’s World War II strategies, brings a larger German focus tree, alternate historical paths, and Special Projects that boost technological advancement. Götterdämmerung is available on Steam for $24.99.

Check out the release trailer here:

Players can shape different historical outcomes with character-driven events and expanded research options. Key features include:

Larger German Focus Tree: Additional political paths for Germany, including democratic restoration, alternate militarist options, and character events that bring unique challenges and rewards.
Austrian, Hungarian, and Belgian Focus Trees: Rewrite the history of these nations with options for an independent Austria, a reformed Austro-Hungarian Empire, or a Belgian government-in-exile utilizing resources in the Congo.
Special Projects: Drive specialized research in nuclear physics, rocketry, advanced tanks, and more to enhance military capabilities.
Raids: Execute precise strikes against enemy ports, research sites, and other critical targets to disrupt opponents.
And More: Enhanced map visuals, AI improvements, and expanded atomic warfare mechanics.