Developed by the Simteract studio and published by NACON, Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is out now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. The launch trailer gives you the chance to check out the game’s various features as you spend a day in the shoes of a Barcelona taxi driver who also runs his own business:
06:26am: My work day starts with the first fare! It’s still early, just after sunrise, but already fairly warm. My customer asks me to open the window. I grant her request, and a light breeze blows in and cools the interior. It’s set to be a fine day!
09:02am: After taking a coffee break at the Barceloneta market, I stop at a gas station, taking the opportunity to fill up the car: best to be good and ready before the next fare!
11:43am: I had a long chat with one of my passengers, a tourist, who was asking for recommendations for iconic locations to photograph. I advised her to check out the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a magnificent Gothic church situated in the La Ribera district. She must have been really pleased, because she gave me a very positive rating and left a generous tip!
1:32pm: I just had a minor accident on the road… I braked too suddenly at a red light, and a car ran into the back of mine. I swiftly stop by the garage for a quick repair. To help get myself over the mishap, I take the opportunity to customise my vehicle, by changing the wheels, the bodywork colour and adding the odd interior accessory.
3:17pm: I’ve got a meeting with one of my drivers, Claudia. She’s been working for my taxi company for a few months, and today I decided to assign her to the El Raval area, a very touristy part of Barcelona. I’ve noticed that she always takes great care of her vehicle, and I think I can trust her with a fancier car, which will definitely catch the eye of the customers there.
5:19pm: As usual, I set aside some time to cruise around the city with no particular destination in mind. No matter how long I’ve lived here, I’m always discovering hidden points of interest! Getting to know Barcelona like the back of my hand provides precious experience, enabling me to acquire new skills, which makes me a better driver, but also a better manager.
6:34pm: I round off the day with a beautiful drive along the seaside road, enjoying the rows of palm trees and a magnificent sunset. I hope to see you soon in Barcelona!
Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is now available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store).
Have you ever wanted to communicate with ghosts, or felt as though spirits were attempting to reach out to you? For thrill-seekers, believers, and skeptics alike, the opportunity to explore the realms of the supernatural is now within reach in Long Beach, California.
The Grey Ghost Project is inviting guests to participate in an ongoing documented paranormal investigation for proof of supernatural activity onboard one of the world’s most haunted locations, The RMS Queen Mary. Tickets are limited and available for select nights at GreyGhostProject.com.
Embark on a spine-tingling 3-hour exploration of the ship’s most supernaturally active locations, including areas not typically accessible to the public. Under the expert guidance of Resident Investigator Rebecca Knight, The Grey Ghost Project employs a skeptical and evidence-based methodology in its investigations of the paranormal. All required equipment for use during the investigation is provided. Guests will have access to the latest tools of the trade, even incorporating the use of The Estes Method into its investigations. This technique encourages participants to wear noise-isolating headphones and a blindfold while listening to a spirit box, enhancing the immersive and focused experience in communication with potential paranormal entities.
“Our goal with The Grey Ghost Project is to share the ship’s history, while researching and collecting evidence of her guests that may still remain from years past,” shared Resident Paranormal Researcher Rebecca Knight. “Even the living love to return to places we have made cherished memories at. For countless individuals, sailing aboard this iconic vessel marked some of life’s most special moments. It’s no wonder the echoes of those joyous days still reverberate throughout its halls and The Queen Mary has a reputation as a paranormal hotspot.”
In each location during the quest, participants will learn the legends and lore while participating in interactive experiments that seek to document evidence of any activity. Each investigation is meticulously documented by video and audio recording devices to create a cohesive record of the experiences encountered, with participants provided access to a digital copy upon its completion.
Knight elaborates, “The Queen Mary boasts a rich and illustrious history, serving as the preferred mode of transatlantic travel for celebrities, royals, and notable politicians from 1936 to 1967. During World War II, from 1939 to 1946, she underwent retrofitting to aid in the war effort and donned a camouflage paint scheme, earning her the affectionate moniker ‘The Grey Ghost.’ It only feels fitting that we pay homage to this storied past by dubbing our paranormal investigation experience ‘The Grey Ghost Project.'”
Experience firsthand what the paranormal might be wanting to share with the living. Voyage to the other side with “The Grey Ghost Project” on select nights Friday – Sunday. Tickets are $125 per person. Space is reserved and extremely limited. Attendance is not recommended for those 12 years of age and under. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with a valid ticket. Must be 18 years of age for any investigation after 10pm.
Razer has long been a dominant force in the gaming peripheral space, and their foray into streaming microphones continues to impress. The Seiren V3 Chroma is the latest iteration of their pro-grade USB microphone line, bringing a compelling mix of sound quality, customization, and that signature Razer flair.
The Seiren V3 Chroma’s design continues the sleek and minimalist aesthetic found on previous Seiren mics. Its cylindrical body, available exclusively in classic black, looks sharp on any desk setup. A noticeable upgrade is the integrated RGB lighting strip that wraps around the base of the mic. It’s a subtle touch, but adds a dynamic element, especially when you use Razer Synapse to synchronize it with your other Chroma-enabled devices. The Seiren V3 Chroma comes with both a sturdy desktop base and an optional shock absorber to help mitigate unwanted vibrations. Notably, it abandons the screw-on mount in favor of a standard-sized mic arm fitting, making setup extra convenient.
Razer replaced the physical knobs found on earlier Seiren models with a multi-function tap-to-mute sensor on the top of the mic. It’s responsive, highly visible, and makes quick muting actions a breeze. The front of the mic houses a volume wheel, which doubles as the microphone gain adjustment when combined with Razer Synapse software. This streamlining might initially be a touch jarring for users accustomed to a separate gain knob but proves to be a practical change for everyday use.
The most crucial aspect of any microphone is its sound quality, and the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma does not disappoint. The supercardioid pattern effectively focuses on your voice while minimizing unwanted background noise. This focus creates a clean, isolated vocal track perfect for streaming, podcasts, or even professional recordings. The 24-bit/96kHz sample rate delivers a detailed, nuanced sound that adds depth and presence to your voice. There’s a slight boost in the highs for extra clarity, but it never becomes harsh or sibilant. You’ll find your vocals clear and articulate with a broadcast-ready quality without extensive post-processing.
The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma really shines when you pair it with the Razer Synapse software. Synapse unlocks a suite of powerful tuning options that let you tailor your sound with precision. Inside, you’ll find an onboard audio mixer for adjusting the balance between game audio, chat applications, and your microphone input – a lifesaver for streamers. There’s also a 10-band equalizer to shape your vocals, and essential filters like a high-pass filter (for cutting out low-end rumble), noise gate, compressor, and limiter to keep your voice crisp and consistent. Naturally, Synapse lets you customize the RGB lighting, with various patterns, effects, or the ability to react to in-game events or stream alerts. If you’re a beginner, Synapse also includes several handy presets optimized for different use cases, so you can achieve a great sound baseline fast.
The Seiren V3 Chroma incorporates a couple of additional features that are tailor-made to elevate your live streams. You can connect your stream alerts and make the mic’s RGB lights react, adding a visual flair to your broadcast. A digital gain limiter prevents your audio from clipping and distorting during those excited, high-volume moments.
Should You Buy It?
The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is an exceptional USB microphone aimed squarely at streamers and content creators. Its broadcast-quality sound, user-friendly controls, customization options, and dash of RGB flair make it a compelling choice. At a price point of around $129.99, it falls into the higher end of USB microphones. However, it fully justifies its price by delivering excellent features and performance. If you’re seeking a plug-and-play option, the Seiren V3 Chroma might overwhelm at first; its full potential is best realized with Razer Synapse.
Overall, the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is an impressive package that will elevate your streaming and content creation. If you’re looking for a microphone that looks polished, sounds fantastic, and offers the customization serious streamers crave, it’s tough to beat.
11 bit studios is excited to announce Creatures of Ava, the latest title from the 11 bit publishing division. Co-developed by Spanish studios Inverge and Chibig, Creatures of Ava is an action-adventure game where players tame creatures to save their world from a life-consuming infection. Creatures of Ava will be released in 2024, initially available on Xbox Series X|S and Windows 11 PC, and also with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC Game Pass.
Creatures of Ava is a unique creature saver game that invites you to explore a world teeming with wild beings. These once peaceful creatures now succumb to an unknown infection, compelling them to behave aggressively. Once healed, they form a unique bond that allows you to use their skills for traversing the planet and solving environmental challenges. With non-aggressive combat mechanics designed for healing rather than defeating, and indigenous Flute melodies that you play to tame creatures, the game further emphasizes the creature saver nature of the experience.
Your hero is Vic, a 22-year-old adventurer navigating an immersive expedition alongside researcher, Tabitha. Together, you confront the recurring infection—referred to as “the withering” by the local population known as the Naam—threatening Ava’s inhabitants. The gameplay encourages curiosity-driven exploration of its distinct ecosystems, such as the colorful Nari jungle or mysterious Mâruba swamp, creating an interconnected world.
The game’s narrative, co-created by renowned writer Rhianna Pratchett, is a journey of wonder, mystery, and discovery. Once you understand the true meaning of the infection, you’ll be challenged to step out of the human-centric point of view and learn about the real toll it takes to preserve the primal beauty at the very roots of Ava.
Creatures of Ava will be coming to Xbox Series X|S and Windows 11 PC in 2024. The game will be available on PC Games Pass and Xbox Game Pass for console upon its release.
THQ Nordic, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and YUKE’S Co., Ltd. today added Blackpool Combat Club’s Claudio Castagnoli to the playable AEW: Fight Forever talent roster. The second installment in Fight Forever’s Season 3, the Giant Swing in the Ring DLC also includes 30 re-skin options, a gold attire option, and an alternate entrance music track. AEW: Fight Forever players on PS4™, PS5™, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo® Switch and PC can download The Giant Swing in the Ring ($6.99) NOW!
Giant Swing in the Ring ($6.99) can be purchased as a stand-alone DLC, as part of Season Pass 3 ($16.99) or as part of the AEW: Fight Forever – Light the Fuse special edition ($99.99).
The complete AEW: Fight Forever Season Pass 3 pass includes:
3 new wrestlers
New day and evening beach ring
33 new move-sets
42 new skin and attire options
11 new music tracks
AEW: Fight Forever is available for PS4™, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo® Switch at an SRP of € 59.99 / $ 59.99 / £ 49.99.
Hairdresser Simulator is available now on PC (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1330560/Hairdresser_Simulator/) for $19.99, with a 10% discount for purchases made within the first two weeks of release. Owners of the House Flipper or House Flipper 2 can also receive a reduced price, thanks to the bundle offer.
The development of the game is an ongoing process. Currently, the developers are working hard to open the curly world of hair to console players as soon as possible. The exact game release date for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles is not set yet, but the developers aim to make it available to all players in the second quarter of 2024.
The creators of the game are preparing a surprise for those who are interested in expanding their hairstyling kingdom with barbering accents. In the second quarter of 2024, an additional content pack called Beards and Mustaches DLC will be added to the game, completely free of charge. This pack will enable players to explore the art of styling beards and mustaches in response to the growing interest in barbering trends. More information about the additional content can be found in the description below. You can also follow the Beards and Mustaches DLC on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2782930/Hairdresser_Simulator__Beards_and_Mustaches_DLC/) to not miss any news.
Red Barrels, the indie development studio, has today launched a thrilling survival horror cooperative multiplayer take on its critically-acclaimed and terrifying Outlast franchise… The Outlast Trials is now available for digital download on PC, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox® Series X|S and Xbox One®.
The Outlast Trials “V1” release today is the culmination of invaluable player feedback received since its Early Access launch on PC in May 2023, with over 1.6 million copies sold worldwide. From fresh content and significant enhancements, new Trials and character customization options, weekly challenges, controller support, and cross-play between PC, PlayStation and Xbox gamers, Red Barrels has continually evolved what was already a terrifying survival horror experience.
Shure, the brand behind the world’s best wireless audio, today introduced its newest line of wireless clip-on microphones, the MoveMic Microphone System. MoveMic delivers reliable, true broadcast-quality audio in an ultra-lightweight design, ideal for content creators, videographers, and mobile journalists. It is the smallest, best-sounding, dual-channel direct-to-phone wireless lavalier solution available, developed with a custom acoustic design and proprietary wireless software to ensure professional audio quality while on the go.
Shure’s discreet and durable MoveMic series connects directly to phones in both single—MoveMic One—and dual channel—MoveMic Two—configurations for use with our MOTIV and MOTIV Video apps on iOS and Android. For those seeking universal compatibility, the standalone MoveMic Receiver and bundled MoveMic Two Receiver Kit seamlessly integrate with devices like cameras, computers, and third-party smartphone apps. MoveMic’s patented lavalier design and patent-pending wireless technology make it a reliable and flexible solution regardless of whether users are going direct-to-phone or connecting to the MoveMic Receiver.
“On-the-go interviews have become the primary way journalists, content creators, and TikTokers gather the thoughts, opinions, and experiences of people around the world,” said Eduardo Valdes, Associate Vice President of Global Marketing and Product Management, at Shure. “The rise in this style of content has created an ideal opportunity to introduce an incredibly discreet, extraordinary-sounding wireless lavalier microphone system like MoveMic. We’ve applied our expertise as the leaders in professional wireless tools for performance, broadcast, and recording to create this super portable device. Creators will love that they can simultaneously send two channels of audio directly to their phone while keeping mics covert on camera.”
COMPACT, POCKET-FRIENDLY DESIGN – EASILY CONCEALED AND READY FOR ANYTHING
Nobody wants a big, bulky microphone distracting from their next shot. MoveMic was purposely designed to be almost invisible, weighing only 8.2g per microphone and measuring a demure 46mm x 22mm, with only a fraction of the microphone visible while worn for an unprecedented level of concealment and portability. With an IPX4 rating, MoveMic was engineered for real-world use and is capable of withstanding spills, splashes, and the demands of recording outdoors.
24 HOURS OF RECORDING PER CHARGE
Each MoveMic wireless clip-on microphone features up to eight hours of battery life. Users can achieve two additional eight-hour charges within the charging case, giving creators an entire day of recording for every full charge. USB-C connectivity makes MoveMic universally chargeable with any USB-C capable charging platform.
EFFORTLESS, BROADCAST-QUALITY AUDIO – DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE
The proprietary Shure wireless software and custom acoustic design built into MoveMic makes it easy to capture high-fidelity, broadcast-quality voice recordings with minimal background noise, ideal for hectic, on-the-go recording situations up to 100 feet from the receiver source. The result of endless hours of development by Shure engineers is performance, reliability, and sound quality you can count
on that is only available in MoveMic products.
QUICK SETUP – ONCE PAIRED, ALWAYS READY
After pairing MoveMic One and Two with a user’s preferred device, the microphones will automatically reconnect to the last-paired device when removed from the charging case and powered on. By eliminating setup time between shots, creators, journalists, and videographers can be ready to record in an instant.
FULL APP CONTROL
Designed to be paired with the free MOTIV Audio and Video apps, creators leveraging MoveMic One and Two can configure audio settings like gain, limiter, compression, noise reduction, and EQ. Additionally, users can record and livestream content to Facebook directly from the MOTIV Video mobile app, with YouTube livestream integration coming in spring 2024.
Pricing and Availability:
The MoveMic system and components are available now at Shure.com and select retailers.
Strange Scaffold, the studio behind the 2023 hit El Paso, Elsewhere, is thrilled to announce a five-game deal with indie publisher Frosty Pop. The deal comprises the funding and support of four new original titles from Strange Scaffold and a bespoke mobile version of El Paso, Elsewhere. Their collaboration extends to the upcoming vibrant 2.5D fighting game, Pillow Champ, as well as additional undisclosed projects.
The partnership kicks off with the release date announcement for the upcoming horror fantasy kidnapping simulator Life Eater, which will launch on Steam for PC on April 16 at a price point of $14.99. Inspired by the Saw media franchise and the apocalyptic paranoia of 10 Cloverfield Lane, Life Eater takes place in suburbia, and the player character is a modern-day druid holding down a dead-end job to pay for his true vocation: conducting the annual ritual that keeps the world from ending.
To delay this catastrophic event, he reluctantly kidnaps and sacrifices human beings every year. Acquiring these sacrifices and learning the intimate details of their lives forms an uncomfortable, compelling gameplay loop that both the player and protagonist struggle to contextualize – particularly when our protagonist doesn’t know if the threat he’s attempting to keep at bay is even real. Life Eater is available to wishlist now on Steam.
The partnership also includes the fast-paced covert revenge thriller, I Am Your Beast, a stylish hit-and-run first-person shooter where players turn the tables on the military-industrial complex. Secret agent Alphonse Harding is once again called upon to do “one last job,” and after declining, sets off a one-man guerilla war in the North American wilderness.
“Being recognized as a talent who can secure this kind of support while the video game industry is on fire is an immense honor, and we don’t take it for granted,” says Strange Scaffold’s Xalavier Nelson Jr. “Going forward, Strange Scaffold isn’t seeking arbitrary growth, risking the lives of our collaborators and the quality of our projects in the balance. We’re doing more of what we do best — creating focused, weird, and wonderful games — with a partner that shares our production philosophy and belief in serving our players. It’s a reminder that, in an industry increasingly focused on live services or just shutting things down if they don’t immediately turn a mega-profit, there’s another way of doing things. New paths can and will deliver the experiences our players deserve to play, and we’re both grateful and excited to continue breaking that ground alongside Frosty Pop.”
“The way a lot of people think about making video games is a bit askew,” says Frosty Pop founder and Creative Director Faisal Sethi. “There’s an old-guard-sensibility that believes bigger is better. More is better. Forever is better. I’m not so sure that’s always the case. Strange Scaffold’s development ethos is a reflection of our own, delivering well-designed, highly polished experiences in a precise package. This partnership is a commitment to creating captivating experiences for players in a thoughtful, meaningful, and sustainable way. I’m super excited to see what Xalavier and his team cook up next, and I’m lucky to be able to play a role in this little adventure we call making video games.”
The five-game deal, which is planned to extend into 2025, also includes a pair of unannounced games: an after-hours library horror game and a co-op kaiju horror cooking title. More information on both titles will be available in the months to come.
The Corsair K55 Core RGB Gaming Keyboard is a budget-friendly option for gamers who want a flashy and customizable keyboard without breaking the bank. It features 10-zone RGB lighting, dedicated media controls, macro keys, and a soft and quiet typing experience. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its plastic build, membrane switches, and limited lighting effects. In this review, I will evaluate the design, performance, and features of this keyboard and see how it compares to other gaming keyboards in the market.
Design
The Corsair K55 Core RGB Gaming Keyboard is a full-sized keyboard with 104 keys, plus six extra macro keys on the left side and 10 additional buttons for media and lighting control on the top. The keyboard has a sleek and minimalist design, with a matte black finish and a Corsair logo on the top right corner. The keyboard is made of plastic, which makes it lightweight but also less durable than metal keyboards. The keyboard has a detachable palm rest that attaches to the bottom with two clips. The palm rest is also made of plastic and has a textured surface for comfort. The keyboard has a non-braided and non-detachable cable that connects to the PC via a USB-A port. The cable is about 1.8 meters long and has a rubber coating. The keyboard has four rubber feet on the bottom and two flip-out feet that can adjust the angle of the keyboard. The keyboard does not have any USB passthrough or audio ports.
The main attraction of the keyboard is its RGB lighting, which can be customized with the Corsair iCUE software or with the dedicated buttons on the keyboard. The keyboard has 10 lighting zones, each consisting of a group of keys that share the same color. The zones are arranged in a horizontal pattern, with the exception of the macro keys, which have their own zone. The keyboard has 11 preset lighting effects, such as rainbow, wave, pulse, and static, which can be cycled through with the lighting button. The brightness of the lighting can be adjusted with the brightness button, which has four levels. The keyboard also has a Windows lock button that disables the Windows key and other shortcuts to prevent accidental interruptions during gaming.
The keyboard has six dedicated macro keys (G1-G6) on the left side, which can be programmed with the iCUE software or with the macro record button on the keyboard. The macro keys can store up to three profiles, which can be switched with the profile button. The macro keys can be used to execute complex commands, shortcuts, or macros with a single press. The keyboard also has dedicated media controls on the top right, which include volume up, volume down, mute, play/pause, stop, previous track, and next track buttons. The media controls are easy to access and convenient to use.
Performance
The Corsair K55 Core RGB Gaming Keyboard uses membrane switches, which are different from the mechanical switches found on most gaming keyboards. Membrane switches have a rubber dome under each key that registers the keystroke when pressed. Membrane switches are quieter and cheaper than mechanical switches, but they also have some disadvantages, such as lower responsiveness, durability, and feedback. The keyboard has a 1,000Hz polling rate, which means it sends signals to the PC every millisecond. This ensures low latency and smooth gaming performance. The keyboard also has anti-ghosting and full key rollover, which means it can register multiple simultaneous key presses without any errors or missed inputs.
The typing experience on the keyboard is soft and quiet, but also heavy and mushy. The keys have a low actuation force of 55g, but they also have a long travel distance of 4mm and a high pre-travel of 2.5mm. This means that the keys require a lot of force and distance to register, which can cause fatigue and inaccuracy over time. The keys also have a low tactile feedback, which makes it hard to tell when the key has been pressed. The keys have a smooth and flat surface, which can be slippery and prone to fingerprints. The keycaps are made of thin ABS plastic, which can wear out and become shiny with use. The keycaps are also not double-shot or laser-etched, which means the legends can fade over time. The keyboard has a standard layout, with the exception of the macro keys, which can be confusing and interfere with the muscle memory of some users. The keyboard does not have any dedicated gaming keys or modes, which can be a drawback for some gamers.
Features
The Corsair K55 Core RGB Gaming Keyboard has some features that enhance its functionality and customization. The keyboard is compatible with the Corsair iCUE software, which is a powerful and user-friendly program that allows users to adjust the lighting, macros, profiles, and settings of the keyboard. The software also enables users to sync the lighting and settings of other Corsair devices, such as mice, headsets, and fans. The software also has some gaming features, such as game integration, which can change the lighting and settings of the keyboard according to the game being played, and game profiles, which can store different lighting and macro configurations for different games. The software also has some performance features, such as battery monitoring, firmware updates, and diagnostics.
The keyboard also has some features that improve its durability and convenience. The keyboard has some spill resistance, which means it can withstand minor spills and splashes without damaging the internal components. The keyboard also has a detachable palm rest, which can provide some comfort and support for the wrists during long gaming sessions. The keyboard also has a Windows lock button, which can prevent accidental interruptions during gaming.
Conclusion
The Corsair K55 Core RGB Gaming Keyboard is a decent gaming keyboard that offers a lot of value for its low price. It has 10-zone RGB lighting, dedicated media controls, macro keys, and a soft and quiet typing experience. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its plastic build, membrane switches, and limited lighting effects. The keyboard is suitable for casual and budget-conscious gamers who want a flashy and customizable keyboard without breaking the bank. However, it might disappoint some more serious or competitive gamers who prefer a more responsive, durable, and versatile keyboard.
