Author - Jerry Paxton

Creative Unveils the Creative Zen Air SXFI & Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI

Creative Technology today proudly unveils its latest True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds and headphones, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI, designed to transport users into the immersive world of Super X-Fi. With a simple tap, users can expand their soundstage and be engulfed in every detail of their preferred content across platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, all powered by the built-in SXFI technology. Boasting additional features such as Adaptive Hybrid ANC and Ambient mode, Bluetooth 5.3, low-latency of up to ~100ms, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI are poised to redefine how users engage with their favorite content.

Renowned for its ability to recreate the expansive soundstage of a high-end multi-speaker surround system, Super X-Fi now shines in the latest Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI, enriching users’ listening experience with spatial audio. With Super X-Fi activated, users can transcend the boundaries of traditional stereo sound, immersing themselves in a three-dimensional audio world teeming with heightened realism and depth. Whether it’s the thunderous roar of a cinematic explosion, the subtle rustle of leaves in a forest, or the precise positioning of footsteps in a game, Super X-Fi delivers unparalleled spatial accuracy and depth, allowing users to truly feel like they’re part of the action.

Coupled with the SXFI APP, available on iOS and Android phones, the full potential of Super X-Fi can be further unlocked by personalizing Super X-Fi to users’ exact head and ear shape for an even more precise rendition.

Beyond the Super X-Fi integration, the Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI are loaded with a bunch of nifty features to cater to today’s diverse users. With Hybrid ANC, Adaptive ANC, and Ambient mode, users can seamlessly switch between the three modes, adapting to different environments and choosing to immerse themselves in music or stay aware of their surroundings. Moreover, the low-latency mode ensures audio stays perfectly synced up, whether users are gaming or watching movies. And with Multipoint connectivity, users can easily switch between two Bluetooth devices without missing a beat.

Zooming in on their primary features, the Creative Zen Air SXFI boasts custom-tuned 10 mm Neodymium drivers, ensuring crystal-clear highs and well-balanced mids for an exceptional audio playback experience. With a total playtime of up to 39 hours (with ANC OFF), along with IPX5 water resistance and wireless charging capabilities, it’s perfect for those on the move.

Latest Creative Zen Air SXFI and Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI allows users to easily unlock the immersive realm of Super X-Fi with every play.

On the other hand, the Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI features custom-tuned 40 mm Neodymium drivers, delivering precise highs and deep lows for an elevated audio experience. With an impressive total playtime of up to 70 hours (with ANC OFF), users can enjoy extended listening sessions without any interruptions. Its foldable headband design adds to its portability, and support for analog line-in offers versatile connectivity options. Additionally, the built-in mics with ENC (Environment Noise Cancellation) ensure clearer communication during calls and voice commands, enhancing the overall user experience.

Pricing and Availability

Creative Zen Air SXFI is priced at $79.99 and is available for pre-order at Creative.com.

Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI is priced at $99.99 and is available for pre-order at Creative.com.

For more information, visit creative.com/sxfi

Seablip Early Access Launch Trailer

Solo developer Jardar Solli announced today that open world pirate RPG Seablip is now available in Early Access on Steam for PC and Mac for $14.99 / £12.79 / €14.79. Start exploring, building, looting, fishing and more today in this anticipated 8-bit pirate adventure! Slated for full launch in 2025, Seablip also boasts a swashbuckling soundtrack by acclaimed musician and composer Christian Balvig, now available here.

Drawing inspiration from titles such as Faster Than Light and Sid Meier’s Pirates!, Seablip offers the freedom to explore, build and even fish as you sail the high seas and defeat enemies! Upgrade your ship with extra cannons and inventory space, hire a new crew to aid you in your adventures and gather resources from a range of sources – chopping trees, mining minerals and watering crops as you make use of the tools at your disposal. Engage in a plethora of minigames and activities as you progress, building bases and making use of your trusty fishing rod. Find gold from treasure or earn it by selling your wares, or even take bounties found around the world and enhance your pirate reputation as you get paid.

Following successful funding of the game through Kickstarter and a well received demo released during the Steam Next Fest, solo developer Jardar Solli looks to release Seablip into early access this year, while he perfects the many mechanics present in the title and adds new features to what is already a highly ambitious RPG.

Embark on your pirate adventure and discover an ominous mystery in Seablip, out now in Early Access!

Enotria: The Last Song Gameplay Showcase

Jyamma Games formally invites players to a never-ending performance of nefarious nature in Enotria: The Last Song with the news that pre-orders for PC and PlayStation 5 are now live, with Xbox Series X|S following soon. In this action-packed RPG, you are the only entity not bound by a prewritten fate. Utilize the unique system of masks to assume various roles with special abilities, confront formidable foes, and challenge the Authors of your world’s script.

Ahead of the June Steam Next Fest, an 8-hour demo will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC starting on May 22nd. In addition to the news of the demo, Enotria: The Last Song will now be released on September 19, 2024, on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Step into a world where your actions reshape the narrative. In Enotria: The Last Song, adopt the masks of defeated enemies to harness their strengths, navigate through a gorgeously menacing Italian-inspired landscape, and utilize the Ardore to dynamically shift the world around you. This game offers unparalleled flexibility in gameplay, allowing you to tailor your character and strategy in real-time, providing a fresh, challenging experience for even the most seasoned Soulslike gamers.

The Enotria: The Last Song demo experience starts in Quinta, the City of Actors. As the Mask of Change, players will face the Authors, formidable foes that created the Canovaccio, a twisted eternal play that keeps the world in an unnatural stasis. Weave your parries together as you fluidly swap between three customizable loadouts on the fly to take down the most challenging of enemies.

The demo will have 4 distinct weapon classes, each with a variety of unique weapons and 6 unique masks to discover that bring with them devastating new playstyles and distinctive passive abilities. Augment different playstyles by choosing from over 20 spells and 30 perks to make your Mask of Change build your own.

Starting today, those eager to end Canovaccio beyond the demo can pre-order either the Standard or Deluxe Edition of Enotria: The Last Song on Epic Games Store and PlayStation 5 with Xbox Series X|S pre-orders opening up soon. Depending on which edition players pre-order, they will be granted 72 hours of early access, in-game upgrade materials, cosmetic weapon skins, and much more.

INDIE Live Expo Teaser Trailer

INDIE Live Expo, Japan’s premiere online digital showcase series connecting indie game fans all over the world, gives gamers a glimpse of upcoming world premieres with a new teaser trailer for the upcoming May 25th showcase broadcasted in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean on YouTube, X, and Twitch at 1:00 AM PST / 5:00 PM JST.

2024’s blossoming batch of springtime indies take their turn in the spotlight. Witness world premieres and content updates across 100+ hand-picked titles within a variety of segments. Enjoy bite-sized “INDIE Waves” featuring multiple rapid-fire updates, extended looks at exclusive reveals during the “INDIE Live Premiere” presentation, and many more.

Catch the latest announcements from long-awaited titles such as Hotel Barcelona, the time-looping horror action game co-developed by Suda51 (Grasshopper Manufacture Inc., No More Heroes Series) and Swery65 (While Owl Inc., Deadly Premonition Series). Among INDIE Live Expo’s 100+ updates, tune in for news related to existing indie fan-favorites, including:

  • C.A.R.D.S. RPG: The Misty Battlefield, the new roguelike deckbuilder by ACQUIRE Corp.
  • PIGGY ONE SUPER SPARK, the hyperkinetic action platformer by Hanabushi and hako life
  • Boyhood’s End, the puzzle-filled story adventure by Why So Serious, Inc.
  • Omega Crafter, the automation-focused open-world crafting survival adventure by Preferred Networks
  • Witch and Lilies, the romantic JRPG dungeon-crawler by Stromatosoft Inc
  • Blade Chimera, the pixel art metroidvania by Team LadyBug (DRAINUS)
  • Kemono Teatime, the cozy tea shop simulator by Studio Lalala

Visit the Malaysian indie scene as INDIE Live Expo travels to Southeast Asia during this year’s “Indie Studios Around the World” segment. Emcee favorites make their return as INDIE Live Expo’s hosts. Take the ride alongside Kaori “Kaotan” Horiuchi, (AKIHABARA Backstage Pass), veteran Japanese indie game YouTuber and presenter J-mon, and bilingual gaming influencer HighTensionGaijin.

“We received hundreds of exciting submissions, and have so much more to share during this year’s showcase,” said Ryuta Konuma, Founder and CEO, Ryu’s Office. “The indie scene has many local flavors, and we’re excited to show off games from around the planet while taking the world on a deep dive into the Malaysian indie scene.”

A variety of INDIE Live Expo Winter 2024 sponsorship opportunities are available for companies of all sizes, including video featuring. For more information, please visit the informational and submission page here. Content creators of all sizes are invited to simulcast INDIE Live Expo here.

The INDIE Live Expo Official Discord Channel welcomes developers and consumers alike as a gathering place to discuss latest indie news. With direct access to developers, indie game fans can lend their voices to the creation and refinement of upcoming indies.

For more information and detailed reports on previous broadcasts, the impact of participating in INDIE Live Expo, INDIE Live Expo Awards, and information on how to promote games for creators, developers, and publishers alike, please consider subscribing to the INDIE Live Expo Letter.

Morbid: The Lords of Ire Official Launch Trailer

Maximum Entertainment and developer Still Running are thrilled to launch nightmarish action-adventure Morbid: The Lords of Ire to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S! Face off against hordes of hideous creatures with furious hack and slash combat, testing your mental and physical resolve in a hellscape that threatens your very sanity. Loot and scavenge unique weapons, imbue them with runes to alter their abilities, grant blessings to garner unique perks and take on the grotesque Lords and their minions. Physical versions of Morbid: The Lords of Ire are also available now forPlayStation 5 & Nintendo Switch at all good retailers including Signature Edition Games.

Developed by Still Running, a small independent team consisting of only 14 staff, The Lords of Ire is sequel to the studio’s smash hit Morbid: The Seven Acolytes – the critically acclaimed isometric souls-like that originally launched in 2020.

Morbid: The Lords of Ire invites players to risk madness venturing through a revolting hell from an all-new 3D perspective.

Building on the sanity system from Morbid: The Seven Acolytes, your choices will send you down a path of Enlightenment or Insanity.
To reach Enlightenment will grant incredible resilience to your Stamina, while fortifying the Impact of your attacks to stop enemies in their tracks and usher in a mighty Critical Blow. You also accumulate more experience while Enlightened. Descend into the depths of madness and Insanity will fill you with an unrelenting power, dealing more health damage than ever before. But be warned, you’ll also take more damage as you frenzy against the hideous creatures in the lands of Ire.

Morbid: The Lords of Ire is a continuation and reinvention of the critically acclaimed isometric Souls-like ARPG Morbid: The Seven Acolytes from all-new 3D perspective.

The heroic Striver returns once more to do battle with horrific creatures in a dark and twisted world of pain and suffering. Slaughter hideous creatures using a range of vicious weapons and attacks, from finishers to guard breaks and the powerful Spectre Blaster, eviscerating everything in your path.

Battle your way through the five levels across the lands of Ire – horrific realms populated by five unique factions, from wintry mountains to rotten cities and beyond. Reaching enlightenment or succumbing to insanity can grant incredible power, but at great personal risk, dynamically changing how you perceive the world and its many threats…

Razer Firefly V2 Pro Gaming Mouse Pad Review

Razer, a brand synonymous with cutting-edge gaming peripherals, has once again pushed the boundaries of innovation with the Firefly V2 Pro. This isn’t just a mouse mat; it’s a canvas of customizable RGB brilliance designed to elevate your gaming experience. However, as with any product, it comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

From the moment you unbox the Firefly V2 Pro, its premium build quality is evident. The micro-textured surface provides a perfect balance of speed and control, allowing your mouse to glide effortlessly while maintaining pinpoint accuracy. Whether you’re engaging in fast-paced shooters or meticulously navigating complex strategy games, the Firefly V2 Pro consistently delivers a smooth and responsive tracking experience.

But the true magic lies in its RGB lighting. With 19 customizable zones, the Firefly V2 Pro transforms your desk into a mesmerizing light show. Razer’s Chroma software offers an extensive array of effects, from subtle breathing patterns to vibrant reactive animations that sync with your gameplay. The lighting is remarkably bright and evenly distributed, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall gaming experience.

Razer has also thoughtfully included a passthrough USB port, allowing you to conveniently connect your mouse or other peripherals. This is a welcome addition, especially for those with limited desk space. The non-slip base ensures that the Firefly V2 Pro stays firmly in place even during intense gaming sessions, eliminating any distractions caused by accidental movement.

However, the Firefly V2 Pro is not without its drawbacks. The most glaring issue is its price. At $99.99, it’s one of the more expensive mouse mats on the market. While the build quality and RGB lighting are undeniably impressive, the price tag may be prohibitive for budget-conscious gamers. Additionally, some users have reported that the micro-textured surface can be prone to wear and tear over time, particularly for those who use their mouse with high sensitivity settings. Another potential issue is the software dependency. While Razer’s Chroma software is generally well-designed and easy to use, some users may prefer a mouse mat that doesn’t require software installation for basic functionality. Additionally, the software can occasionally be buggy, requiring updates and troubleshooting.

Despite these minor flaws, the Razer Firefly V2 Pro remains an exceptional mouse mat. Its combination of precision tracking, customizable RGB lighting, and premium build quality makes it a worthy investment for serious gamers who demand the best. However, the high price and potential for wear and tear may deter some buyers.

Overall, the Razer Firefly V2 Pro is a dazzling testament to Razer’s commitment to innovation. It’s a mouse mat that not only enhances your gaming performance but also adds a touch of visual flair to your setup. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy contender for the best RGB mouse mat on the market.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

E-WIN Flash XL Size Upgraded Series Ergonomic Computer Gaming Office Chair Review

In the realm of gaming chairs, the E-WIN Flash XL stands as a colossal contender, catering specifically to gamers of larger proportions. Having spent considerable time perched upon this behemoth, I can confidently assert that it offers a unique blend of comfort, support, and durability that sets it apart from the competition.

First impressions are dominated by the sheer size of this chair. The Flash XL series gaming chair is not for the faint of heart or those with limited space. It boasts a wider seat and taller backrest than most gaming chairs, making it a welcome respite for those who often feel cramped in standard-sized models. The chair is also remarkably sturdy, with a 550 lbs weight capacity, ensuring it can handle even the most enthusiastic gamers.

The chair’s construction is equally impressive. The frame is made of solid steel, and the upholstery is a plush yet durable PU leather. The stitching is meticulous, and the overall build quality exudes a sense of longevity. The chair comes with two pillows – a headrest and a lumbar support – both of which are generously padded and contribute to overall comfort.

However, the Flash XL’s true strength lies in its adjustability. The 4D armrests can be moved in virtually any direction, allowing for a perfect fit for any arm length or position. The backrest reclines up to 155 degrees, and the seat can be adjusted for height and tilt. The lumbar support is also adjustable, providing customized back support for hours of comfortable gaming.

In terms of comfort, the Flash XL delivers on its promises. The high-density foam padding provides ample cushioning, and the breathable PU leather prevents overheating during long gaming sessions. The neck pillow, while a welcome addition, sits a bit low for my preference, but this is a minor quibble in an otherwise comfortable experience. It’s one of the best gaming chairs I have ever used in terms of comfort.

The chair’s aesthetic is understated yet stylish. The all-black design is sleek and modern, with subtle accents of color on the stitching and logo. The chair would not look out of place in a home office or a professional gaming setup.

The assembly process is straightforward, with clear instructions and all necessary tools included. The chair comes in a large box, and some users have reported minor shipping damage, but E-WIN’s customer service is responsive and quick to resolve any issues.

In terms of value, the Flash XL is a worthwhile investment for gamers who prioritize comfort and durability. The chair is priced higher than some standard-sized models, but the superior build quality and features justify the cost.

In conclusion, the E-WIN Flash XL is a gaming chair that lives up to its name. It is big, bold, and built to last. If you’re a larger gamer who struggles to find a comfortable chair, the Flash XL is worth serious consideration. It may just be the throne you’ve been waiting for.

Pros:

  • Spacious and supportive for larger gamers
  • Sturdy construction and high weight capacity
  • Highly adjustable for personalized comfort
  • Comfortable padding and breathable materials
  • Understated yet stylish design

Cons:

  • Neck pillow may sit too low for some users
  • Some users have reported minor shipping damage
  • Higher price point than some standard-sized models

Overall, the E-WIN Flash XL is a top-tier gaming chair that caters to the needs of larger gamers. Its combination of comfort, durability, and adjustability makes it a worthwhile investment for those who spend long hours gaming or working. The E-WIN Flash XL is available now at E-WIN’s official website.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

RIPOUT Rips Out of Steam Early Access on May 28

3D Realms and Pet Project Games are thrilled to announce that RIPOUT, the co-op sci-fi horror FPS, will exit Steam Early Access for PC on May 28, 2024! Traverse (not-so) abandoned spaceships filled with terrifyingly deadly monstrosities. Take down these mutant horrors alone or with a squad of up to three, tearing through enemies as you search for Sanctuary, the last bastion of humanity.

As you sweep the forbidding hallways of derelict starships, you’ll encounter genetically altered beings that can attach smaller mutants to their bodies. Luckily, you can harness the power of your enemies with the Pet Gun, using their own biotech to tear through the most formidable defenses!

Equip multiple weapons and abilities as you embark on a dangerous journey through space unraveling the fate of humanity. Will you find Sanctuary in time – or will you perish alongside the rest of Earth’s inhabitants?

RIPOUT’s 1.0 release includes new levels and the brand-new Kill Zone objective type, as well as a variety of balancing and quality-of-life updates.

New 1.0 Features

  • Eight new levels for players to explore
  • New Objective Type – Kill Zone: A new objective where players must eliminate a specific number of enemies at a certain section of the level
  • Improved balancing for enemy health and damage based on player count and sector progress
  • Quality-of-life updates, including sensitivity settings for keyboard and controller, the ability to toggle ADS, and more
  • Cloud saves

For more on RIPOUT, visit the official RIPOUT website, follow the game on Twitter, and join the official Discord community.

Devolver Digital Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Devolver Digital, the disruptive publishing powerhouse behind some of the world’s finest indie games, is celebrating 15 years of kicking ass and breaking hearts with the mother of all Steam publisher sales. From May 16 – May 23, players young and old can take advantage of obscenely generous discounts on Devolver Digital games, even the ones they promised their concerned parents that they would never buy. (Steam link: http://steam.devolverdigital.com/)

This year’s unprecedented Devolver 15th Anniversary Steam Publisher Sale features a frankly ridiculous number of games from our eclectic roster including the critically acclaimed Cult of the Lamb (40% off), award-winning creepy roguelike deck-builder Inscryption (50% off), philosophical puzzler The Talos Principle II (40% off), and recently released solo-developed hits Children of the Sun and Pepper Grinder (20% off).

Thrifty players can also pile their baskets high with historically low discounts on classic Devolver games such as GRIS and APE OUT (80% off), Return to Monkey Island and Wizard With a Gun (50% off), SLUDGE LIFE 2 (40% off) and Disc Room (75% off). Wizard With a Gun will also be free to try on Steam throughout the course of the promotion.

To enhance the 15th birthday celebrations even further, a series of back-slapping blogs will pepper Devolver’s official website, taking a trip down memory lane to cover hot-button topics such as the team’s favorite t-shirts, soundtracks, trailers, websites and event spaces from over the years. Each new entry will appear on devolverdigital.com daily throughout the sale.

Devolver’s 15th Anniversary Steam Publisher Sale is just our little way of saying thanks to all the fans out there for wishlisting our games in anticipation of Devolver’s 15th Anniversary Steam Publisher Sale.

Immortals of Aveum Out on Play List for EA Play

Immortals of Aveum, the single-player, first-person magic shooter from Ascendant Studios, in partnership with EA Originals, is now on the Play List for all EA Play* members. Get ready to experience the story of JJak as he joins an elite order of battlemages to save a world on the edge of abyss. Master three forces of magic and unleash spells with deadly skill in a game that defies FPS conventions.

Powered by the groundbreaking Unreal Engine 5.1 technology, Immortals of Aveum puts players in a visceral and cinematic fantasy universe that combines modern characters and a story-driven campaign with intense magic-based action, world exploration and puzzle-solving. The game tells the story of Jak (played by actor Darren Barnet) who discovers that he is a magically-imbued ‘Unforeseen’ and finds himself reluctantly caught in the middle of the raging Everwar. Members will be thrust into action-packed gameplay, testing their skills in fast, fluid combat that is easy to learn and satisfying to master.

Immortals of Aveum is just the latest addition to the Play List’s huge library of games, which also includes EA titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order™EA SPORTS™ NHL® 24EA SPORTS™ PGA TOUR™Madden NFL 24 and more. EA Play members also save 10% on their purchases of EA digital content, and score monthly rewards for several fan-favorite games.

To learn more about EA Play, check out X and Instagram, or visit: www.eaplay.com