Azarath Metrion Zinthos! Warner Bros. Games has announced that MultiVersus will be adding DC’s Raven and Adventure Time’s Marceline to its growing roster of characters as part of Season 4: Midnight Misfits, which will take place from Nov. 12, 2024, through Jan. 21, 2025. DC Super Hero Raven, the powerful Daughter of Darkness and founding member of the (new) Teen Titans, will be available at the start of the season on Nov. 12. Marceline, the fun-loving 1,000-year-old vampire queen from the Adventure Time animated series, will arrive later in the season.
Daughter of DC Super-Villain Trigon, Raven possesses a half-demon, supernatural lineage that grants her incredible magical abilities, including telekinesis, flight, projection of her Soul-Self, and control over darkness itself, making her a formidable opponent for anyone in her way.
In the new trailer, Raven’s fighting skills as a Mage class character are on full display as she’s able to use dark magic and telekinetic skills to pummel enemies, while her pet bird Lenore can assist in battle and extend combos. The video also provides a first look at the White Raven, Rule Breaker Raven, and Trigon Possessed Superman character variants. For information on how to access the Raven playable character and other Season 4 in-game content, visit our FAQ.
Additionally, MultiVersus Season 4 will add Arena, a new mode allowing eight teams of two players to go head-to-head in round-based competitive matches to earn in-game rewards, along with the Back to the Past map, inspired by the Samurai Jack animated series, on Nov. 12, and the Candy Tavern map, based on the iconic locale from the Adventure Time series, later in the season.
Meridiem is pleased to announce that the World War II real-time tactics game 63 Days is now available in physical format for PlayStation 5. Set during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, 63 Days tells a universal story of brotherhood, youthful passion, and immense bravery against overwhelming odds and is developed by Destructive Creations, recognized for hits such as Ancestors Legacy and War Mongrels.
Meridiem is responsible for designing and manufacturing The Home Army Edition of 63 Days physical release for PlayStation 5 and will include a special collector’s case and an exclusive five-card set with illustrations of the main characters of this historical adventure.
I belong to the first generation born in a free Poland, after 123 years of foreign occupation. The outbreak of World War II stripped me of my family, my home and my future. We are angry, tired, but united. We are eager to do something to regain some control over our lives. My colleagues and I feel we have only one choice, to take revenge and regain the independence of our city and our nation, or die trying.
The odds are overwhelmingly against us. We are like brothers and sisters, united by an unwavering fighting spirit. We rely on our ingenuity, stealth and the strength of our teamwork. But will all that be enough?
Today, Sony Interactive Entertainment expands the PlayStation®5 (PS5®) family of products with the release of the new PlayStation®5 Pro (PS5®Pro) console – the company’s most advanced and innovative gaming console to date.
PlayStation 5 Pro was designed with deeply engaged players and game creators in mind and includes key performance features that allow games to run with higher fidelity graphics at smoother frame rates*.
Upgraded GPU: 67% more Compute Units than the current PlayStation 5 console and 28% faster memory enabling up to 45% faster rendering for gameplay, making the experience much smoother.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Providing more dynamic reflection and refraction of light allowing the rays to be cast at double, and at times triple, the speeds of the current PlayStation 5 console.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-driven upscaling that uses a machine learning-based technology to provide super sharp image clarity by adding an extraordinary amount of detail.
“With PlayStation 5 Pro, we wanted to make sure that the most dedicated gamers, as well as game creators, could utilize the most advanced console technology, taking the PlayStation 5 experience even farther,” said Hideaki Nishino, CEO Platform Business Group, Sony Interactive Entertainment. “This is our most advanced PlayStation to date, and it gives our community of players the opportunity to experience games the way that developers intended for them to be. Players will be thrilled with how this console enhances some of their favorite titles, while opening avenues to discover new ones.”
Game creators have embraced the latest technology from PlayStation 5 Pro, and several games will be upgraded with free PS5 Pro Enhanced software updates to take advantage of the console’s features including: Alan Wake 2, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, F1 24, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Hogwarts Legacy, Horizon Forbidden West, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Metal Gear Solid Delta, No Man’s Sky, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, The Last of Us Part I, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, and many more.
The PlayStation 5 Pro console is available now at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $699.99 USD, £699.99 GBP, €799.99 EUR, and ¥119,980 JPY (including tax). It will include a 2TB solid state drive, a DualSense® wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed in every PlayStation 5 Pro purchase. PlayStation 5 Pro also launches with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in territories supporting this standard.
PlayStation 5 Pro is available now directly from PlayStation at direct.playstation.com and at participating retailers.
*Features only available on select PS5 games that have been enhanced for PS5 Pro when compared with the PS5. PS5 Pro enhanced features will vary by game.
Today, Ubisoft announced that the highly anticipated Year 2 and Season 5 update for The Crew™ Motorfest will be available worldwide starting tomorrow, November 6th, on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. Unveiled during The Crew Showcase 2024, Season 5 of The Crew Motorfest is the biggest update ever released by Ubisoft Ivory Tower’s team for the franchise, introducing a substantial amount of new content that expands the game’s experience.
With the arrival of Season 5 on November 6, The Crew Motorfest players can explore the new island of Maui for free. With over nine new areas and biomes, plus more than 470 km of new roads to explore, Maui offers endless opportunities for adventure, competition, and fun. Best of all, it’s seamlessly accessible from O’ahu without any loading time, making travel between islands a pure pleasure for all players.
New and exciting playlists will also make their debut:
Made In Japan Volume 2: the thrilling follow-up to the highly acclaimed original playlist brings a fresh, intense night street racing experience, available for free to all The Crew Motorfest players. Completing the playlist unlocks access to Rival Races, where players can compete against 21 rivals scattered across O’ahu and Maui, engaging in dynamic face-offs on randomly generated races and earning exclusive rewards as players dominate the streets.
Chase Squad Playlist: players will embark on a high stakes hunt to track down, outmaneuver, and take down street racing rivals in dynamic face-offs across the island. Available through the Year 2 Pass, this high-octane experience offers a chance to rise from rookie status to a respected squad member. After completing the Chase Squad Playlist, new open-world chases, with 21 street racers to take down, will be playable. Throughout the playlist, they will discover exclusive intense music tracks by Carpenter Brut, a renowned French artist notorious for blending elements of horror films, metal, rock, and electronic music. These creations perfectly capture the intense atmosphere of the Chase Squad experience and the
The Chase Squad experience, with its exclusive playlist, will be included in the Year 2 Pass, available on day one for $29.99. It also unlocks access to 20 additional vehicles in total: 7 exclusive Chase Squad vehicles players can earn through dedicated missions and open-world chases; and 13 new cars via Monthly drops, including 2 at launch. Year 2 pass is also part of the refreshed Gold and Ultimate Editions of The Crew Motorfest, available today. As for the Year 1 Pass, its price drops from $39.99 to $29.99.
The new Gold and Ultimate Editions of The Crew Motorfest come with the Year 2 Pass across all platforms. It will allow players to unlock the thrilling Chase Squad experience, complete an exclusive playlist, and dive into a new open-world chase game mode. The pass also grants access to 20 additional cars, starting with 9 unlockable vehicles in the playlist from November 6th.
Season 5 also introduces significant improvements for the experience of all players, including functional rearview mirrors on New Gen Consoles and PC for the first time ever on a The Crew game, enhancing situational awareness and providing a better view of competitors and the environment behind. Prestige Tickets, a new currency, allow players to unlock previously missed rewards from the Summit Contests. To add depth to the racing experience, new Grand Race modifiers and sections on Maui make their debut, alongside the addition of the No Collision feature. More modifiers will be incorporated based on player feedback to ensure an engaging experience for everyone. Lastly, the Bug Reporter
With Season 5, Ubisoft Ivory Tower is thrilled to be part of the first batch of games that will be enhanced for the new PlayStation 5 Pro when the console launches on November 7th. The game will run at 60 FPS with an average resolution of 1696p during missions, upscaled using the new PSSR technology. Maximizing the console’s capabilities, The Crew Motorfest will reach an unprecedented level of visual quality on PS5, with sharper and cleaner image quality and more objects on-screen—decals, vegetation, and crowds—to provide the most intense way to experience the game.
For more information about The Crew Motorfest, please visit thecrewgame.com
Publisher Annapurna Interactive and developer BlueTwelve Studio, in partnership with distributor Skybound Games, have opened pre-orders for the critically acclaimed cat adventure Stray, coming soon to Nintendo Switch. Fans can pre-order the digital version here, as well as the physical edition of Stray, which includes six full-color art cards, at global retailers.
In Stray, the winner of the Best Independent Game and Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards, players take the role of a stray cat who must untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten cybercity. Along the way, the cat befriends a small flying drone, known only as B-12. With the help of this newfound companion, the duo must find a way out.
Both the digital and physical editions will be available from global retailers and online storefronts for $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99 starting November 19.
Paradox Interactive and The Chinese Room discussed how fashion matters in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 in their latest dev diary. From representing the visual identity of each clan to dressing the part when feeding on Blood Resonance, each outfit is created with style.
This dev diary has a lot of insight from a wide range of team members, all quoted and attributed in the blog post. You can check it out here and pasted below:
Welcome, Kindred, to our latest Bloodlines 2 Dev Diary from the team at The Chinese Room.
Tonight’s diary is about the different outfits you can collect and wear. A vampire’s clothing is an important tool in their hunting arsenal: do you wish to blend in unnoticed, lure your victims with your beauty, or intimidate others into submission? What you wear sets a first impression so choose your dinner attire wisely.
– Project Creative Director Alex Skidmore
In-game shot of Katsumi talking to you
The visual identity of each clan has been displayed in countless vivid images, and it was crucial for us to capture this in the clan outfits. At a glance, each outfit should convey the essence of its clan – whether it’s the refined opulence of the Ventrue or the sinister threat of the Banu Haqim. We worked meticulously to compartmentalise and distill these visual styles to their purest form, ensuring players truly feel they are embodying their chosen role.
– Associate Art Director Ben Matthews
Character renders of the 4 base clans.
Concept Art’s Inspirations
While coming up with ideas for each clan’s costumes, we had so much flavour to draw from. Making sure to incorporate their history, subcultures and preferred activities gave us opportunities to explore different shapes and details that fit the clan style.
Brujah are rough and ready. They need hard-wearing materials that reflect their rebellious nature. Denim, leather and band T-shirts blend into Punk and rock bars. We added details like rips, anarchic logos and badges to show the Brujah’s anti-establishment streak.
Tremere’s history as mortal mages, and their use of arcane powers, inspired us a lot when designing this clan. The outfits reflect a more antiquated time, while also incorporating modern elements. We considered how practical they were to wear while using powerful ranged attacks, so the arms are less restricted for those large, magical gestures. Red was, of course, the first choice for accent colours in clothing and jewels, as the Tremere can control blood.
We wanted Banu Haqim to be a modern take on stealth-style clothes. Sticking to the shadows, finding ways to conceal your identity. Being able to move freely and silently through the environment unencumbered by jingling jewelry or heavy armour. They can also use Celerity, so we used accessories such as scarves, hoods, and pieces that add a sense of movement to their actions while hiding their face.
Ventrue are defined by their wealth and status so each version reflects a different kind of upper social class and culture. They wear fashion that is more about showing who they are to people rather than pieces ready for combat. To this end we used colours and styles that are opulent, almost regal. Every detail is there to show they’re ready for business or to show off their expensive jewelry.
– Senior Concept Artist, Jordan Grimmer and Lead Concept Artist, Michele Nucera
Sculpting the Fashion
Creating the outfits for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is more than just a matter of fashion – you have to think about the character’s usability, animation and so on. We started with setting a benchmark costume; in our case, this was “Tremere 03,” which served as the initial guide for clothing fit and design direction before even having the masculine Phyre model ready. This outfit became the foundation for future costumes, helping our team understand how different clothing types would fit and move.
From long coats to tight, sleek outfits, our goal is to offer players a variety of styles to suit their tastes. Concept art is just the beginning; we evolve these designs into something that not only looks good in cutscenes and fighting but also considers animation and practicality. Textures are given an “uplift” as they transition from 2D concept to 3D model, adding depth and realism.
Each clan has its own unique flair – for instance, “Ventrue 04” stands out as a favourite, while “Banu Haqim 02” features this great hood. Many of the costumes feature dramatic elements, like big collars or materials that add visual complexity – leather, fur, denim, silk, and cashmere. We think all these through with great importance. For instance, these outfits need to be functional for vampires running up buildings! And even though vampires rarely feel cold, we don’t want them breaking the Masquerade.
– Principal Character Artist Tim Turner
Soundset differences for different outfits
For the different outfits for our Protagonist, we took into account the different reactions from players and the effect the player might have on the passers-by.
Each outfit is curated not only to the clothing they are wearing but the foley (clothes and shoes) are mixed for the clan that said outfit is attributed to. Creating a more stealth-like feeling or the aggressive presence that one might expect between Banu Haqim vs Brujah.
– Lead Audio Designer Tessa Verplancke
In-game video of Tolly judging your outfit
Unlocking and Equipping Outfits
As you play through the game, you’ll gain access to a wide variety of outfits. These outfits not only allow you to set the fantasy you might want to play as but also have an effect on the inhabitants of Seattle.
One of the goals we had for outfits was to really lean into and reflect each clan’s style and personality while also offering lots of dress-up options; after all fashion is king!
With that in mind, we decided to unlock the outfits based on what abilities you have gained access to. Because it’s possible to play as Brujah but still gain access to Ventrue abilities, you can unlock and wear all the outfits in the game simply by playing, but you will naturally unlock the outfits for your chosen clan earlier.
Honestly, some of the outfits are so cool that I sometimes choose the order in which I unlock abilities based on the outfits I’ll gain from the unlock. I’m partial to some of the streetwear of the Banu Haqim (who doesn’t love a good hoodie). But with a wide range of options to unlock, I’m confident there’s plenty of fashion to suit everyone’s tastes.
– Lead Game Designer Gavin Hood
In-game outfit menu with the four base clan outfits unlocked.
Fashion Matters in chatter, too!
Prey can be scared off by sudden movements, loud noises, or things that don’t seem quite right… So, for Phyre, if they want to feed on the right Blood Resonance, they need to keep that in mind. Just knowing that the angry sex worker nearby is full of choleric blood and ready for a fight is just step one. Step two is making sure that you’re wearing something that will push them over the edge and really make that blood boil. Dressing and acting like a wealthy John could get them talking, but if you approach looking like someone who likes it rough? That might scare them right out of their angry mood, and then all that delicious choleric potential goes away.
In-game examples of NPCs reaction (with a non in-game overlay to show which outfit is equipped).
Many people in Seattle judge a book by its cover, but a Kindred knows that it’s what you have inside that counts. You know. The blood.
As the crows of Odin soar, the clash of steel and the sound of battle fill the air. The time has come! Starting on November 7, Battle Pass Special: Vikings invites players to embark on an epic journey inspired by the popular Vikings TV series. For two weeks, players will unleash their inner Viking as they conquer, shoulder to shoulder with iconic characters, to claim the ultimate prize—a Viking war chariot, the Felice Tier IX Premium tank.
Tank commanders will be able to recruit Ragnar Lothbrok, Bjorn Ironside, and Ivar the Boneless—legendary figures portrayed in Vikings—and hear them speak words of courage and wisdom. These fearsome warriors bring their cunning and strength to the battlefield as Basic Rewards in the Battle Pass. For those seeking to complete their Viking raiding party, additional commanders, Lagertha and Floki, will be available for purchase in the in-game store. Together, they form the ultimate Vikings squad, ready to join the raiding party and lead tanks to victory.
Forty stages of rewards await in the Battle Pass Special: Vikings, unlocking the ultimate Viking treasure —the Felice tank coated in exclusive “Westward Bound” 3D style. This design draws inspiration from early medieval Scandinavian culture and incorporates recognizable elements from Vikings. The tank is layered with Viking shields, inspired by the series, on its support rollers and side screens, while Ragnar Lothbrok’s axe and a Carolingian sword evoke the power of the Viking warriors. Other elements that help solidify the tank as a symbol of dominance, include Ragnar Lothbrok’s flag, and a Viking compass that helps players find their way. As a final touch, a lone and vigilant raven flies above the tank, symbolizing Odin’s watchful eye over the battlefield.
In addition to the Felice tank and its incredible 3D style, the Battle Pass also features a selection of 2D styles that will allow players to customize their tanks with unique Vikings-inspired designs. One style pays tribute to the fierce and courageous Lagertha by replicating her iconic shield, another is designed as a set of mystical stone runes, and finally, the Spawn of Jormungandr style showcases the intricate decorative patterns found on weapons seen in the Vikings, embodying the craftsmanship of a true warrior.
Vikings was produced by MGM Television, a division of Amazon MGM Studios. The collaboration between World of Tanks and Vikings is made possible through a license granted by Amazon MGM Studios Consumer Products and Interactive Licensing.
Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch sails to the shores of Steam pages in Early Access today! Spinoff to the beloved Lost Eidolons, which received over 2,000 reviews on Steam, Veil of the Witch features a distinct combination of tactical turn-based combat and roguelite progression to craft the perfect strategic adventure for even the most battle-hardened explorer to undertake.
From Ocean Drive Studio and Kakao Games, this Early Access title features an extensive tactical system that allows players suitably fantastical levels of flexibility in their quest for survival. With 9 playable characters, 200 unique skills and gaming-changing equipment, customisation won’t be an issue for players as they look to tell their story on this treacherous island.
No two journeys are the same as players will use every bit of guile they have to overcome the obstacles before them. Every choice matters, be it which encounter they select, who they bring along or what build they have carefully curated. If at first they don’t succeed, death is only the beginning.
After thousands of hours of development, Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch will launch into Early Access with the majority of story content already available to players. Instead of a game-changing evolution, Ocean Drive is looking to use Early Access to provide polish, finalise backstories for each ally and prepare to unveil the epic conclusion to this fantasy tale.
Alongside an Early Access launch, Ocean Drive are proud to announce that they are aiming for a full release of Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch in Summer 2025. This will be complete with new bosses, ally backgrounds, full English voice acting and console releases across Xbox, PlayStation and Switch!
The Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller for PS4, PS5, and PC is a versatile weapon in the arsenal of any serious gamer, designed to conquer across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Windows PC. This professional-grade gamepad is a masterclass in customization, performance, and cross-platform compatibility. But does it truly deliver on its promise of a competitive edge?
The Pro BFG immediately impresses with its robust build quality and comfortable ergonomics. It feels substantial in hand, inspiring confidence without being overly heavy. The textured grips ensure a secure hold, crucial for those intense gaming moments. While the overall design is sleek and understated, the “Field Op” edition, with its tactical gray color scheme and military-inspired markings, adds a distinct visual appeal for Call of Duty enthusiasts.
One of the most striking features of the Pro BFG is its modular design. This isn’t just a controller; it’s a platform for controller personalization. The ability to swap the left and right modules, along with interchangeable thumbsticks and D-pads, allows you to tailor the controller to your exact preferences and gaming style. Do you prefer the familiar PlayStation analog stick layout or the offset configuration common to Xbox controllers? The Pro BFG caters to both with a simple 180-degree rotation of the left module. For fighting game aficionados, the optional Fight Pad module transforms the Pro BFG into a precision weapon, ready for any combo execution.
Performance is where the Pro BFG truly shines. With its powerful processor, low-latency wireless connection (via the included USB dongle), and incredibly responsive buttons, it ensures that your commands translate instantly to in-game actions. The patented Clutch Triggers, featuring adjustable trigger stops and a hair-trigger mode, provide a tangible advantage in shooters, allowing for lightning-fast reflexes and precise aiming. The addition of four mappable back buttons further enhances customization, enabling you to optimize your control scheme for any game, across any platform.
The Victrix Control Hub app elevates the Pro BFG from a great controller to a truly exceptional one. This PC-based software unlocks a world of customization, allowing you to fine-tune button mappings, adjust stick and trigger sensitivity curves, create custom audio EQ profiles, and even run diagnostics to ensure optimal performance. The app is user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible to both casual and hardcore gamers.
While the Pro BFG excels in many areas, it’s worth noting a few minor drawbacks. The absence of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, signature features of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller, may be a disappointment for some. Additionally, the sheer number of customization options might feel overwhelming to casual players, requiring a bit of a learning curve to fully master.
Compared to its rivals, the Pro BFG stands tall. It offers a similar level of customization and performance as the Scuf Reflex Pro and the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, but at a slightly more competitive price. However, the lack of PlayStation 5-specific features like haptic feedback gives the DualSense Edge a slight edge in terms of immersion.
In conclusion, the Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller is a triumph of design and engineering, a testament to Victrix’s commitment to providing gamers with the tools they need to excel. Its modularity, performance, and cross-platform compatibility make it a compelling choice for serious gamers on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Windows PC. While the lack of haptic feedback and the premium price tag may be considerations, the Pro BFG’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Score: 4 out of 5
Pros:
Modular design with interchangeable modules, thumbsticks, and D-pads
Excellent performance with low latency and responsive inputs
Clutch Triggers offer a competitive advantage in shooters
Four mappable back buttons for enhanced customization
Comprehensive Victrix Control Hub app for advanced tuning
In the realm of gaming headsets, where audio quality can be the difference between victory and defeat, the Corsair VIRTUOSO MAX Wireless Gaming Headset emerges as a beacon of technological prowess. This isn’t just a device; it’s an experience designed to wrap you in a cocoon of sound, where every whisper of wind, every distant explosion, and each subtle footstep is rendered with such clarity that you’d swear you’re part of the game world itself.
From the moment you unbox the VIRTUOSO MAX, its premium feel is unmistakable. The headset boasts a machined aluminum frame that not only looks sleek but feels robust enough to withstand the test of time—or at least the rigors of intense gaming sessions. The ear cups, generously sized and covered in a soft, breathable fabric with plush memory foam inside, offer comfort that feels like clouds, if clouds were designed by ergonomists. This comfort is crucial for those marathon gaming nights where every second counts, and discomfort could mean the end of your virtual life. Even with its sturdy construction, the VIRTUOSO MAX remains surprisingly lightweight, minimizing fatigue during extended wear.
Let’s dive into the auditory experience. The VIRTUOSO MAX orchestrates sound with 50mm high-density graphene drivers, delivering a clear and immersive soundscape. These drivers, meticulously tuned by Corsair’s audio engineers, provide exceptional dynamic range and accuracy. The bass is deep and resonant without being overpowering, allowing you to feel the rumble of explosions without muddying the finer details. The mids are rich and full, ensuring clear dialogue and immersive environmental sounds. And the highs are crisp and detailed, bringing out the subtle nuances of in-game audio, like the clinking of armor or the whistling of wind through trees. Listening to music through these headphones is an experience in itself, with each instrument and vocal rendered with stunning clarity and separation. But it’s in games where the VIRTUOSO MAX truly shines, revealing layers of sound that you might otherwise miss.
The integration of Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio on PC (and Xbox, but not PlayStation) elevates this headset to another level. It’s not just about hearing where sounds are coming from; it’s about feeling them envelop you, creating a truly three-dimensional soundscape that can make even the most mundane game feel epic. The precision in sound placement is impeccable, allowing you to pinpoint the location of enemies with uncanny accuracy. Imagine being able to hear an opponent’s footsteps creeping up behind you, or the distinct whirring of a drone circling overhead. The VIRTUOSO MAX transforms every game into a masterclass of audio engineering, giving you a competitive edge and deepening your immersion in the virtual world.
Customization is another forte. The dedicated Custom button, which by default cycles through audio presets, can be remapped through Corsair’s powerful iCUE software for almost any function you desire. This opens up a world of possibilities for personalizing your audio experience. For example, you could set the button to toggle sidetone, allowing you to hear your own voice in the headset, which is helpful for ensuring you’re not shouting at your teammates. Or you could use it to adjust EQ settings on the fly, fine-tuning the audio to your preferences for different games or media. You can even create custom profiles for specific games, automatically switching between them as you launch different titles. This level of control ensures that the headset adapts to you, not the other way around. Whether it’s toggling between ANC and transparency mode, muting your microphone, or even launching applications, the VIRTUOSO MAX becomes an extension of your gaming setup, tailored precisely to your needs.
Speaking of ANC, the Active Noise Cancellation here is truly impressive. It’s like having an invisible bubble around your ears, effectively silencing the cacophony of the real world, allowing for deep immersion into whatever virtual world you’re exploring. Whether it’s the hum of a nearby refrigerator, the chatter of family members, or the roar of traffic outside, the VIRTUOSO MAX effectively filters out distractions, allowing you to focus on your game. But when you need to reconnect with reality, a simple press of the Custom button switches to Transparency Mode, instantly amplifying your surroundings without needing to remove the headset. This dual functionality is perfect for those moments when you need to answer the door, engage in a quick conversation, or simply be aware of your surroundings.
The wireless functionality is where the VIRTUOSO MAX truly caters to the modern gamer’s needs. The lightning-fast 2.4GHz wireless connection ensures lag-free gameplay, which is absolutely essential in competitive scenarios where milliseconds matter. You can move freely without worrying about audio dropouts or delays, maintaining a seamless connection even during intense gaming sessions. The addition of Bluetooth capability further enhances the headset’s versatility, allowing for seamless switching between PC and mobile devices. You can even connect to two devices simultaneously, listening to music from your phone while gaming on your PC, or taking a call without interrupting your gameplay. This feature alone elevates the headset’s utility beyond gaming, transforming it into a truly versatile audio companion for all your devices.
Battery life is another area where this headset excels, offering up to an impressive 60 hours on a single charge. Of course, this figure can vary depending on your usage, with features like RGB lighting and ANC potentially impacting battery life. However, even with these features enabled, you can expect to enjoy extended playtime without needing to reach for the charger. This is a godsend for uninterrupted gaming sessions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your virtual adventures without worrying about running out of juice.
However, it’s not without its caveats. The price point, while justified by the headset’s premium features and performance, might be a barrier for some, potentially pricing out more casual gamers. While the build quality is undeniably excellent, some users with larger heads may find the headset squeezes more than they prefer, which could lead to discomfort during extended wear. Finally, the extensive customization options offered through the iCUE software, while undeniably powerful, might initially feel overwhelming to users who are new to such deep levels of personalization. It may take some time to explore and master all the features and settings available.
Overall Rating 5 out of 5
**Pros:**
– Exceptional audio quality with Graphene drivers
– Immersive Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio
– Versatile with dual wireless connectivity
– Extensive customization options via iCUE
– Long battery life
**Cons:**
– Premium pricing might not suit all budgets
– Complex customization might be daunting for some
In conclusion, the Corsair VIRTUOSO MAX Wireless Gaming Headset is a formidable tool in the hands of gamers who value audio as a critical component of their gameplay. It offers a blend of luxury, technology, and functionality that’s hard to beat, making it a worthy investment for those who live for the sound of victory.
