Today, Blackbird Interactive and Gearbox published a blog detailing the abundance of changes and additions coming to Homeworld 3. Releasing on November 21, Update 1.3 delivers all of the content in the Year One Pass, including two premium DLC packs bolstering the War Games mode, as well as a host of free updates and further enhancements to deliver the complete vision for Homeworld 3.
Highlights for Homeworld 3’s last major content update include:
Combat Tuning: The game’s overall combat, resource and research management, and skirmish mode will be significantly updated and rebalanced based on community feedback and playtesting. For a more detailed look at the balance changes, please reference the Patch notes.
New Abilities: Available to use in all modes, Reinforce is a new targeted ship ability that lets players manage existing and new units within a fleet much more seamlessly than before.
War Games Additions: Introducing Interstitials, a new system which creates encounters that have a random chance of occurring between each round of a War Games run. Each interstitial will give players a different opportunity to enhance their fleet but at a high cost.
Premium DLC Packs: Two premium DLC War Games content packs will be available for individual purchase or for those who purchased the Homeworld 3 – Year One Pass so players can experience the unique gameplay styles of two new factions – the Somtaaw and Taiidan, each featuring two new dedicated War Games fleets.
For more information about Update 1.3, check out the official blog post (HERE).
Today, leading toy and game companyHasbro is launching Game Finder—a new tool designed to help anyone quickly find the perfect game for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family night or a lively party, Game Finder’s smart AI provides tailored game recommendations that feel more like advice from a friend.
Here’s how it works:
Deep Brand Knowledge: Game Finder’s AI is built to understand Hasbro games on a level that generic algorithms can’t match. It knows the nuances of each game, from the ideal play group size to the subtle strategies and unique features that make each title special.
Personalization Beyond Data Points: While many recommendation engines rely on high-level data (such as ratings or purchases), Game Finder’s AI is tuned to individual preferences. It factors in play style, game duration, mood, and group size – creating recommendations that feel thoughtful and personal.
Human Touch: Game Finder combines AI with the human expertise of the Hasbro team. Our recommendations include insights from team members who know these games best, making each suggestion feel like advice from a friend who understands what makes a game truly fun.
A World of Games, Just for You: Game Finder opens you up to Hasbro’s vast portfolio beyond our beloved classics! You might just discover an unexpected gem, like the quirky card games Aschamallows and Piggy Piggy, or the hilarious party game for adults, Fork Milk Kidnap! With so many options in our extensive library, this tool is designed to help you uncover new favorites you didn’t even know you were looking for.
Just answer a few questions or describe what you’re looking for, and Game Finder’s proprietary AI—trained specifically on Hasbro’s extensive game library—does the rest!
Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable, the first-person action-adventure VR platformer based on the highly-acclaimed manga with more than 120 million fans, crashes through the Walls of Early Access on Meta Quest Pro|2|3/3S via the Meta Quest Store and enters 1.0. We’d love to provide you access to the 1.0 build ahead of launch.
1.0 will provide the final three chapters in this epic saga, alongside the newly added two-player Co-op mode. Friends can now work together to take down vicious Titans and save humanity.
Join the Scout Regiment as an aspiring recruit and ready for battle. Quickly maneuver across building tops with Omni-Directional Mobility Gear, and change directions mid-air to avoid towering threats. Topple titans, complete timed objectives, unlock powerful new gear, and protect mankind from extinction.
Developer and publisher Owlcat Games today released the Game of the Year Edition for its critically acclaimed cRPG, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. This final edition includes the base game, all six premium add-ons, four free add-ons (all except Visitors of Morta, a collaboration with Children of Morta – which can be separately downloaded for free at any time), and new content specifically for the mythical Dragon’s Path – the final major content update for the game (available for all players).
Enjoy the ultimate adventure in the best RPGs of 2021, according to Kotaku, RPG Watch, and other media outlets, with all six premium expansions. Follow the complete experience throughout over 150 hours of gameplay! Lead the Fifth Crusade to free the lands of demon hordes. Diversify your playthrough by choosing from 10 mythic paths, 25 classes, and 160 archetypes. Build friendships and romantic relationships with 12 companions, but remember that your decisions affect how they feel about you.
Additionally, Patch 2.5 accompanies the launch of the Game of the Year Edition: it expands the Gold Dragon Mythic path and is available to all existing players. This final major update completes the work of fleshing out the Mythic character path and brings new visuals, mechanics updates, new spells, narrative updates, and more.
Key features of Patch 2.5 include:
Dragon Worship: Two new dragon-themed religions, Apsu and Dahak, geared towards new Gold Dragon players, but available at character creation for any and all characters looking to worship a draconic deity
New Blessings: For dragon enjoyers, the new Scalykind Domain and Blessing will support early game affiliation with the Gold Dragon Mythic
Gold Dragon Mythic Path Update: For the Gold Dragon path specifically, players can enjoy visual improvements, 10 new mythic features and 10 new mythic spells, general upgrades and rebalancing, as well as more narrative options
Leading VR developer Survios debuted the story trailer for Alien: Rogue Incursion, the upcoming action-horror VR title set in the Alien universe.
Launching on PlayStation VR2 and PCVR via Steam on December 19, 2024 and on Meta platforms in early 2025, Alien: Rogue Incursion follows ex-Colonial Marine Zula Hendricks and her sentient AI companion Davis 01 as they undertake a dangerous mission into an infested research facility on the planet Purdan.
TQ Jefferson, Survios Chief Product Officer and Creative Director of Alien: Rogue Incursion, shared more about the trailer in a new post on the PlayStation Blog, where he also announced that Alien: Rogue Incursion has officially gone gold ahead of launch next month.
Act II of Destiny 2: Revenant launches tomorrow, November 19, bringing in new content including the new Tomb of Elders mode, new weapons and Artifact perks, the Street Fighter™ 6 partnership, and more. Players will work with Mithrax and Eido to stop Fikrul from resurrecting more Fallen for his Scorn army, including the deadliest of enemies from the Prison of Elders.
Inspired by the beloved Prison of Elders mode in the original Destiny, Tomb of Elders will bring intense challenges to the fray, as Guardians infiltrate the tomb and face off against different combatant factions in multiple arenas, while escalating in difficulty each round. Act II also introduces a new set of Artifact perks for those looking to power up their melee and Arc builds. Check out last week’s This Week in Destiny for a breakdown of the perks. Later this Act, The Dawning celebration returns, with Eva Levante bringing back her Holiday Oven for delicious winter treats to share around the galaxy, and gifting Guardians the new Void Linear Fusion Rifle, Mistral Lift.
Here comes a new challenger! Launching alongside Act II of Destiny 2: Revenant on November 19, prepare to experience a Shoryuken-style collaboration with an array of new cosmetics inspired by Street Fighter™ 6 available in the Eververse Store. Channel the iconic fighting styles of Chun-Li and Ryu with three new Finishers – Hadoken, Lightning Kick, and Spinning Kick. Guardians can charge up their Drive Gauge with two energetic emotes, Blanka Fight and Bonus Stage, and gear up their Ghost with three new shells modeled after Cammy, Chun-Li, and Ryu. Also featured is a Blanka-inspired universal helmet ornament available for all classes, ensuring that their Guardians are ready for every best-of-three showdown.
Players can jump into Revenant Act II tomorrow, November 19, but in the meantime, Act I is available now and features Tonic brewing, Onslaught: Salvation, new weapons and Artifact perks, and more.
Today, SQUARE ENIX® announced that the digital version of LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE will launch for Nintendo Switch™ on Nov. 19, with the Nintendo Switch physical edition to follow on Jan. 28, 2025. The game is currently available on Xbox Series X|S consoles, PlayStation®5 (PS5®), and PC via Steam and Windows Store.
Watch the Nintendo Switch animated trailer:
Players can pre-order the physical edition now, including a steelbook pre-order bonus available with select retailers. The physical edition includes the full game on the 16GB cart. Those wanting to purchase the digital version can do so when LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE launches on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
In LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE, players step into the boots of Max Caulfield, photographer-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University. After discovering her closest new friend Safi dead in the snow, Max tries to Rewind time – a power she’s not used in years – but instead, opens the way to a parallel timeline where Safi is still alive, and still in danger! Max realizes the killer will soon strike again – in both versions of reality. Only Max can Shift between the two parallel timelines to solve and prevent the same murder.
LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE was brought to Nintendo Switch by Engine Software in association with original developer, Deck Nine Games.
New Holland Brewing & Distilling Co. today announced the release of a new Dragon’s Milk product line, in collaboration with leading toy and game company Hasbro and its Wizards of the Coast division, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D). The expansion includes two limited-edition releases, D20 Brew Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout and Origin Mead Cask Bourbon Whiskey. The limited-edition D20 Brew release will be available at select retail locations with both products available online nationwide at dragonsmilk.com/dnd starting Nov. 16.
“Our latest Dragon’s Milk launch has captured the imagination of craft beverage enthusiasts and fantasy lovers alike,” said Brett VanderKamp, CEO and founder of New Holland Brewing Company. “The outpouring of enthusiasm we’ve seen from both our loyal Dragon’s Milk patrons and the passionate D&D community has been extraordinary following September’s product announcement.”
D20 Brew and Origin Mead Cask Bourbon Whiskey are new additions to New Holland’s well-established Dragon’s Milk product line, which currently features several year-round stouts and bourbons. Both products will be offered in commemorative gift packs with custom DUNGEONS & DRAGONS-themed accessories for the special-edition release.
“Dragon’s Milk continues to live up to its reputation as a bold, legendary beverage portfolio,” said VanderKamp. “We can’t wait for our consumers to experience the magic and decadence of our newest Dragon’s Milk products for themselves as they gather their next party and escape on an adventurous campaign fueled by Dragon’s Milk and D&D.”
The top selling American-made stout, Dragon’s Milk has received numerous accolades over the years including Gold at the New York International Beer Competition and Silver at the Great American Beer Festival. Additionally, Dragon’s Milk Origin Small Batch Bourbon received the highest honor – a double gold medal – at the 2022 New York International Spirits Competition, was recognized as the “Best in Class” bourbon at the 2023 American Distilling Institute’s (ADI) International Spirits Competition and received a Platinum medal at Fred Minnick’s Ascot Awards in 2023.
For more information on Dragon’s Milk by New Holland Brewing Company, visit dragonsmilk.com. For more information on D&D, visit dndbeyond.com.
The world of online content creation has exploded in recent years, with podcasting, streaming, and voiceover work becoming increasingly popular. This surge in creativity has fueled a demand for high-quality microphones that capture pristine audio without the cost and complexity of professional studio setups. Enter the RØDE PodMic USB, a microphone that has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional sound, versatile connectivity, and user-friendly design. But does it live up to the hype? After delving into its specifications, scrutinizing user reviews, and comparing it to its competitors, I’m prepared to offer a thorough assessment.
Build Quality and Design
The moment you unbox the PodMic USB, its robust build quality is apparent. The all-metal construction exudes durability, assuring you that this microphone is built to withstand the rigors of regular use and even the occasional accidental bump. Its compact size is another welcome attribute, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into even the most space-constrained setups. While it might not have the flashy aesthetics of some competitors, the PodMic USB’s understated design conveys a sense of professionalism and purpose.
Sound Quality: Where It Truly Excels
The PodMic USB’s true strength lies in its exceptional sound quality. It consistently delivers a rich, full-bodied sound that’s perfectly suited for capturing the nuances of the human voice. Vocals sound crisp and clear, with a warmth and presence that elevates recordings to a professional level. Whether you’re engaged in podcasting, streaming, or voiceover work, the PodMic USB faithfully captures every vocal inflection and detail.
RØDE has clearly paid close attention to minimizing unwanted noise. The built-in pop filter effectively suppresses plosive sounds, while the internal shock mount dampens vibrations that can interfere with recordings. This dedication to providing a clean and polished audio experience is a testament to RØDE’s commitment to quality.
Versatility and Connectivity
One of the PodMic USB’s most compelling features is its hybrid connectivity. With both XLR and USB-C outputs, it caters to a wide spectrum of recording scenarios. Traditionalists who appreciate the control and flexibility of analog setups can connect it to an audio interface or mixer. On the other hand, those who prioritize simplicity and ease of use can plug it directly into their computer for instant recording gratification. This adaptability makes the PodMic USB an excellent investment for both beginners and seasoned audio professionals.
Furthermore, the PodMic USB boasts compatibility with a diverse range of devices, including Windows and Mac computers, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. This broad compatibility unlocks possibilities for recording on the go, making it an ideal choice for podcasters, musicians, and content creators who require a portable yet high-quality recording solution.
User Experience: A Balanced Perspective
While the PodMic USB excels in many areas, user reviews reveal some areas where it could be improved. One recurring concern is the lack of a dedicated mute button, a feature that’s become commonplace on many microphones and is particularly valuable for gamers and streamers who need to quickly silence their audio. Another point of contention is the absence of a mix control for the headphone output. This feature, present in some of RØDE’s other microphones, allows users to balance the levels between their own voice and audio from their computer, which can be crucial for tasks like podcasting with remote guests or gaming.
These omissions, while not necessarily dealbreakers, are worth considering depending on your specific needs and workflow. Fortunately, workarounds exist, such as utilizing push-to-talk features in software or employing a dedicated mixer for more granular control over audio levels.
The Final Verdict
The RØDE PodMic USB is undeniably a high-quality microphone that delivers exceptional sound, versatile connectivity, and a robust build. It’s a superb choice for podcasters, streamers, voiceover artists, and content creators who demand pristine audio. However, the lack of a mute button and mix control might give some users pause, particularly gamers seeking an all-in-one solution.
If your primary focus is on capturing the best possible sound quality, the RØDE PodMic USB is a strong contender. Its combination of professional-grade audio, adaptable connectivity, and user-friendly design makes it a valuable asset for any recording setup. While it may not be perfect for everyone, its strengths far outweigh its minor shortcomings, solidifying its position as a top choice for discerning audio enthusiasts.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Pros:
Exceptional sound quality: Delivers rich, broadcast-quality audio ideal for vocals.
Versatile connectivity: Offers both XLR and USB-C for flexibility.
Durable construction: Built to last with an all-metal body.
Effective noise reduction: Internal pop filter and shock mount minimize unwanted sounds.
Wide compatibility: Works with computers and mobile devices.
Cons:
No mute button: Lacks a dedicated mute button for quick silencing.
No mix control: Can’t balance audio sources in headphone monitoring.
Get ready to tune up your car and head back into the Olympic Exclusion Zone, but before you do, why not deck out your garage with some fresh decorations? In the third free content update released today for their acclaimed driving survival game, Pacific Drive, indie developer Ironwood Studios delivers a range of cosmetic options in addition to new gameplay features. For those looking to add a touch of winter flair, the new Frosted Customization Pack is also available for $4.99 and brings more cosmetic add-ons.
For those eager to uncover additional secrets, it’s time to venture back into the Pacific Northwest once more. The Trips and Treasures update brings something new to discover in the Zone which [INFORMATION REDACTED]. Players will also encounter various types of Goldshells growing from twisted trees, each containing garage and car cosmetics. However, they’ll need to figure out how to crack them open to claim the loot inside.
Free Content Update Highlights:
Goldshells: Found growing in the Zone these come in multiple varieties and hold garage and car cosmetics
[INFORMATION REDACTED]
New Activity
Players can decorate their garage with treasures found in the Zone
30 mounting locations
23 garage cosmetics
Items include posters, neon signs and treasures found in the zone
New Free Cosmetics:
Ski Pole Shifter
Hot Cocoa Sticker
Frosted Customization Pack:
Snowflake (Antenna Topper)
Frozen Steering Wheel (Steering Wheel)
Snowman (Bobblehead)
The Chrome Toboggan (Hood Ornament)
Snowdrop (Mirror Ornament)
Blizzard (Decal Kit)
Pacific Drive is available now for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. A physical collector’s edition is available through select retailers and distributed by Maximum Entertainment. To find out more, visit:https://www.pacificdrivegame.com/
