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Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 Headset Review: Outstanding Performance and Price

The Turtle Beach® Stealth™ 700 Gen 3 isn’t just another gaming headset; it’s a multi-platform audio command center designed to elevate your gaming experience across Xbox®, PlayStation®, PC, Steam Deck™, and even your mobile devices. This third-generation headset is brimming with features, but does it truly deliver? Let’s dive in and find out.

Versatility is the name of the game with the Stealth 700 Gen 3. Thanks to Turtle Beach’s innovative CrossPlay wireless system with dual USB transmitters, connecting to your gaming platform of choice is effortless. But the flexibility doesn’t stop there; simultaneous Bluetooth® connectivity lets you seamlessly take calls or listen to music without ever leaving your game. And here’s a detail that sets it apart: Turtle Beach provides separate volume control for Bluetooth audio, allowing you to perfectly balance your game audio and your tunes.

When it comes to in-game audio, the Stealth 700 Gen 3 truly shines. The 60mm Eclipse™ Dual Drivers create an immersive soundscape, placing you right in the heart of the action. In games like Hell Let Loose, I was able to pinpoint the direction of enemy footsteps with incredible accuracy, and the environmental details were crisp and clear. While the bass response might not satisfy those seeking earth-shattering explosions, Turtle Beach has clearly prioritized audio clarity and detail, making it ideal for competitive gamers who rely on precise audio cues. The Superhuman Hearing® mode further enhances this by amplifying subtle sounds like enemy reloads, giving you a distinct advantage in tactical shooters.

But a headset is more than just its sound. Comfort is paramount, especially during those marathon gaming sessions. The Stealth 700 Gen 3 delivers with its plush memory foam ear cushions and glasses-friendly technology, ensuring a comfortable fit for most users. However, it’s worth noting that gamers with larger heads might find the fit a bit snug.

Durability is another area where the Stealth 700 Gen 3 impresses. The steel-reinforced headband and metal yokes give it a robust feel, promising to withstand the rigors of daily use and the occasional rage quit. This focus on solid construction is reassuring, especially compared to some flimsier competitors.

Clear communication is crucial in any multiplayer game, and the Stealth 700 Gen 3 doesn’t disappoint. The completely redesigned unidirectional, flip-to-mute microphone with A.I. noise reduction ensures your voice comes through loud and clear, free from distracting background noise. The microphone quality rivals that of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7, a headset renowned for its exceptional voice clarity. And with excellent mic monitoring, you can hear yourself clearly, avoiding that “talking into a void” feeling.

Battery life is another area where the Stealth 700 Gen 3 truly excels. Boasting a best-in-class 80 hours, you can game for days on a single charge. But even if you do find yourself running low, the quick-charge function is a lifesaver. Just 15 minutes of charging can provide several hours of use, so you can get back in the game in no time. I was able to get several days of use out of the headset without needing to recharge it, and those quick top-ups were incredibly convenient.

For those who like to personalize their audio experience, the Stealth 700 Gen 3 offers a wealth of customization options. The Swarm™ II Desktop & Mobile App provides access to advanced 10-band EQ settings, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your liking. But it goes even further with a remappable wheel and mode button on the headset itself, which can be assigned to specific functions based on your gaming style. Want instant access to volume control, game/chat balance, or even specific EQ presets? The Stealth 700 Gen 3 puts the power in your hands.

In conclusion, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 is a versatile and feature-rich headset that offers exceptional value for multi-platform gamers. While bass enthusiasts might find it lacking in low-end rumble, its emphasis on audio clarity, long battery life, comfortable design (for most), and extensive customization options make it a compelling choice for gamers seeking a premium wireless experience. All of these features in a $199.99 package – it’s a good time to be a gamer.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Pros:

  • Versatile cross-platform compatibility
  • Immersive audio with Superhuman Hearing® mode, emphasizing clarity and detail
  • Long-lasting battery life with quick-charge function
  • Clear communication with noise-canceling microphone and excellent mic monitoring
  • Extensive customization options with Swarm™ II app and remappable controls

Cons:

  • Fit might be snug for those with larger heads
  • Swarm™ II app can be overwhelming for beginners

War Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Documentary

Titled War Game: The Making of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, this feature-length documentary offers an in-depth look at the emotional journey of GSC Game World, a Ukrainian video game developer with nearly 500 employees, as they navigate the challenges of developing the highly anticipated sequel to their 2007 first-person survival shooter, S.T.A.L.K.E.R., amidst the outbreak of the full-fledged war in Ukraine. What started as an ambitious project evolved into a deeply personal and historical endeavor, forged in the most unimaginable circumstances.

Created in partnership with Xbox and directed by Andrew Stephan (Power On: The Story of Xbox), this is one of the most heart-wrenching “making-of” films ever made. It tells the true stories of real people faced with the realities of war on their doorstep.

The documentary tackles many themes from capturing the essence of Chornobyl and Ukraine, cultural independence, and game development in a collapsing world to personal and collective resilience & overcoming loss.

During this process, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 becomes more than just a game — rather a lens through which a new reality is viewed. The developers grapple with their dual roles as creators and survivors, turning their game into a powerful symbol of resistance. When the foundations of existence are shaken, art becomes profoundly important.

“This film isn’t just about the hardest game development of all time. It’s about resilience and the unyielding human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. It’s about the importance of creation in a time of destruction…a defiant act of making something meaningful in the face of adversity”, – says Andrew Stephan, Film Director.

“Speaking personally, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is the biggest and the most complex video game in my life. It was ambitious from the very beginning, but turned out to be an ultimate challenge by itself. It’s extremely important and extremely personal, and it’s a game made in the most stressful circumstances possible. That includes the pandemic, relocation, cyberattacks and, above all of that – war tearing our Homeland apart.
I wish the war never happened. I wish all of this never happened. But it did. And we’re grateful for the opportunity to share all of this with the world, because the world should know. This is us. This is our story”, – says Mariia Grygorovych, Creative Director on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.

Despite the heroism of the nation, the war in Ukraine continues. GSC Game World has been supporting our home country in all the ways we can. For those willing to do the same, we recommend following a link to the official charity fund of Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine himself – https://u24.gov.ua/

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead New Survivor Story Dev Diary

Saber Interactive and developer Stormind Games are excited to share the newest developer diary video for A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead, the single-player horror game inspired by Paramount Pictures’ critically-acclaimed franchise. The new video shines a light on the game’s protagonist, Alex Taylor, and some of the obstacles that challenge her survival, including asthma, pregnancy, and her sometimes complicated relationships with other characters who play an integral role in the game’s story. Watch the trailer below to learn more about the compelling adventure that awaits when A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead launches on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on Oct. 17, 2024.

About A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead

Capturing the frantic terror, unnerving atmosphere and gripping human drama that made the franchise famous, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is designed for fans of the films, horror games, and story-driven adventures alike. With nothing more than your wits and the simple tools you can scavenge, you’ll have to overcome the many treacherous challenges and obstacles that lie ahead, all while trying to survive the ever-present dangers that lurk all around you.

Experience the harrowing journey of Alex, a young college student suffering from asthma and struggling to survive the end of the world alongside her boyfriend, Martin. But the nightmarish creatures stalking the land aren’t the only threat she’ll have to contend with as she travels through the ruins of civilization in search of a safe haven for herself and her family.

Potion Tycoon Official Launch Trailer

The cauldron bubbles, the shelves are stocked, and the wait is finally over! Daedalic Entertainment and Snowhound Games are thrilled to announce the official release of Potion Tycoon today! After months of perfecting our magical concoctions in Early Access (we may have conjured up more than 20 new features and updates), the game has reached its 1.0 version. Now, potion enthusiasts can dive into their bewitching shops and embark on their ultimate alchemy journey.

But wait—don’t just take our word for it! Feast your eyes on the Out Now trailer and witness the magic firsthand:

Features Brewed to Perfection – Now with Extra Sparkle!

Our dedicated community of potion masters have helped shape Potion Tycoon during Early Access, and now, the 1.0 release is bubbling over with new features and mystical enhancements. Here’s what makes Potion Tycoon really stand-out from other Potion businesses:

  • Customize Your Very Own Magical Shop:
    ​With the spellbinding “Custom Shop” update, you can now sprinkle your creative magic all over your potion business. Add a dash of personal flair to those parts of your shop that were once as untouchable as a dragon’s hoard! Customize the look of your shop, create a unique brand, and even give your crew their own magical makeover. Plus, we’ve included tons of quality-of-life improvements, making your potion empire smoother than a freshly brewed elixir.
  • New Recipe Creation – Your Cauldron, Your Rules!
    ​Ever dream of brewing a potion that’s equal parts genius and chaos? Now you can! Our new recipe system lets you get wild with your creations and concoct all-new potions to suit your customers’ wildest dreams—or at least their wallets. Let your imagination run free as you brew up new ideas, then watch the profits (and potions) roll in!
  • Enchanting Art Style to Match the Magic:
    ​Prepare to be charmed! Potion Tycoon comes with a fantastical art style that’s perfect for the whimsical world of potions. From cute-as-a-pixie characters to a dreamy atmosphere that would make any wizard proud, everything has been designed to pull you deeper into your magical potion shop.

A Magical Journey: What’s Been Added Since Early Access?

In addition to the mystical new features, the 1.0 release brings together all the spellbinding content introduced during Early Access. Here’s a little recap of the magic we’ve stirred up along the way:

  • Dynamic Events & Random Occurrences:
    ​From pesky skeleton invasions to potion-selling frenzies, you’ll face it all! Plus, faction-specific events and a fully-fledged Carnival bring more chaos, fun, and profit opportunities than ever before.
  • New Starting Areas & Expanded Construction:
    ​Whether you prefer the mysterious Floodlands or the treacherous Mountains, start your potion-making journey in new locations. With expanded building options, your shop can grow to legendary proportions—bigger than a wizard’s tower!
  • Day-Night Cycle:
    ​As the sun sets and the moon rises, so too does your shop transform! Watch as customers change their behavior (and sometimes their mood) depending on the time of day. It’s a living, breathing world—no magic required.
  • Late-Game Content to Keep You on Your Toes:
    ​Unlock new, top-tier research, rare artifacts, and VIP requests that will push your skills to their magical limits. Only the wisest potion masters will succeed!

The Time Has Come – Your Potion-Making Legacy Awaits!

With all these bewitching features and improvements, there’s never been a better time to jump into the world of Potion Tycoon! Whether you’re an old alchemist or a newly minted novice, your potion shop is waiting for you to take the reins and work your magic.

FOAMSTARS Goes Free-to-Play on PS4 and PS5

FOAMSTARS™, the vibrant, online 4v4 foam party shooter from SQUARE ENIX®, is now free-to-play on PlayStation®5 (PS5®) and PlayStation®4 (PS4®). Those with or without a PlayStation®Plus subscription can now play the game for no entry charge. Players who downloaded FOAMSTARS before the free-to-play transition can continue playing with no disturbances.

Alongside the update, SQUARE ENIX launched DIAMOND JAM, the eighth season for FOAMSTARS, running now until November 7*.

In DIAMOND JAM, new elements will be added to enhance the gameplay further, including “Diamond Chips”, which are tokens earned through playing the game, and “Diamond Trade”, allowing players to trade these chips for various items such as skins, slideboards, emotes, and more. To celebrate the start of the new season, there will be a special login bonus that allows players to obtain Diamond Chips.

Five maps will also be added to SMASH THE STAR, including Shoreline Shoppin’ Spree, Rubber Duck’s Spa-larious Oasis, Fusion Coaster Kingdom, Sing Swing Circus from RUBBER DUCK PARTY, and Dancefloor Dreamland from EXTREME PARTY’s Pitchside Homerun Party. In addition, those in the PRIVATE PARTY mode can experience four extra maps from HAPPY BATH SURVIVAL.

Additionally, players can participate in new WAVE boss battles during SQUAD MISSIONS as well as limited-time seasonal events including RANKED PARTY, where players compete to climb the ladder of one of the seven ranked glories with teams or solo and EXTREME PARTY, which features multiple events, all with special rules!

DIAMOND JAM Season Pass players will receive a foam gun skin for The Baristador, as well as slide board skins and a Ramzey character skin for free. Players can obtain XP by completing battles, missions and Weekly Challenges to advance through the season tiers and earn various rewards such as additional skins and items. Players who purchase a Premium Season Pass, which is available for $5.99, will unlock even more rewards as all rewards up to each player’s current tier will be unlocked immediately.

For more information, including events, updates and more, please visit the FOAMSTARS blog and social channels.

*DIAMOND JAM will run from October 3, 2024, 6pm PDT until November 7, 2024, 5pm PST.

FOAMSTARS is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.
An internet connection is required to play FOAMSTARS.

SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream Launch Trailer

Today, Bandai Namco released SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream’s launch trailer, which showcases the title’s story to commemorate its release.

Embark on a journey through time and cyberspace in SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream, where worlds collide and heroes and villains unite. Join forces with characters from across the SWORD ART ONLINE universe in epic 20-player raids to battle against powerful enemies. Select your hero, rally with your team and push forward to victory.

Players will experience key features including:

  • Online Multiplayer: Play with up to 20 players to join quests, tackle boss raids, or explore freely in a unique co-op experience
  • Iconic Characters: Play as any of the 21 iconic heroes and villains from across the franchise’s history
  • Distinct Classes: Choose from six classes, including Fighter, Tank, Rogue, Ranger, Mage or Support, each bringing unique roles and advantages to the battlefield
  • Character Enhancement: Collect and upgrade a wide array of weapons and accessories to strengthen your team
  • Complete Customization: Personalize each character’s appearance with cosmetics and decorations
  • Single-Player Story Mode: Enjoy a brand new original story crafted exclusively for the game

SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream is a multiplayer-focused adventure based on the popular SWORD ART ONLINE series that is now available for purchase on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch™, and PC via STEAM®. For more information, visit https://www.bandainamcoent.com/games/sword-art-online-fractured-daydream.

The Indie Horror Showcase 2024 Lineup Teaser

After more than doubling the submissions from the 2023 showcase, indie horror publisher DreadXP is thrilled to announce the lineup for their upcoming Indie Horror Showcase. Partnering with The Media Indie Exchange (The MIX), the showcase will air on Thursday, October 24th at 10 am PDT. The 2024 Indie Horror Showcase will be hosted by John Wolfe, an established content creator in the horror genre known for his video essays, horror movie commentary, ghost debunking, Goosebumps retrospectives, and horror game playthroughs. This year’s broadcast will feature over 60 brand-new bone-chilling trailers, including announcements, premieres, demo releases, new info, and… surprises to keep you on your toes.

Here’s a small glimpse at some of the studios presenting at The Indie Horror Showcase:

Nightdive Studios (The Thing: Remastered), Wayforward (Clock Tower: Rewind), Misfit Village & Nordcurrent Labs (Go Home Annie), POLLARD STUDIO LLC & Wired Productions (KARMA: The Dark World), Torture Star Video (Sniper Killer) ,à la mode games & Akupara Games (Sorry We’re Closed), David Wehle (We Harvest Shadows), and more!

While the DreadXP team won’t be presenting any new announcements of their own for the showcase this year, watch your back and don’t close your eyes… they still have plenty of exciting news to share this month.

The Indie Horror Showcase will be live-streamed on Thursday, October 24, 2023, at 10 am PDT / 1 pm EDT and will be streamed by The MIX (YouTube, Twitch.tv) and DreadXP’s YouTube and Steam publisher page, with co-streamers to follow.

Diplomacy is Not An Option Out Now

Door 407 is thrilled today to launch the hit RTS game Diplomacy is Not An Option into 1.0 after over two years in early access! The 1.0 launch brings with it a full campaign featuring dozens of missions, multiple factions, meaningful decisions and over 100 hours of story content. Diplomacy is Not an Option is available now on Steam, the Epic Games Store, GOG and Humble for $29.99/£24.99/€28.99, with an additional 35% off discount on all stores until October 18. Watch the all-new launch trailer and ready your soldiers for the battle of a lifetime!

Set in a medieval fantasy realm, Diplomacy is Not an Option is a base-building survival RTS with an active pause, where your choices decide the destiny of the world. Players step into the well-worn shoes of the minor Lord, forced to fight…like, all the time! And always outnumbered! With over 25,000 enemies ready to attack your castle, you’ll need to build your walls, raise loyal armies, and battle on an entirely new scale. If you hope to survive, you’ll have to master engineering, your economy, and even magic.

Diplomacy is Not an Option has received “Very Positive” Steam user reviews since launching into early access in February 2022, building a dedicated community of players. The game’s 1.0 launch features the complete story campaign, bringing its total content to over 100 hours of gameplay.

LoL Streamer Tyler1 Can Now Coach You In-Game with Backseat AI

Clout Kitchen, a consumer AI startup with operations in Los Angeles and Manila, today announced its $4.45 million seed funding round.

The round was co-led by a16z SPEEDRUN and Peak XV’s Surge – with participation from Taiwan’s AppWorks, Antler, Hustle Fund, Founders Launchpad, Orvel Ventures, and founders & creators like Gabby Dizon (YGG), Kun Gao (Crunchyroll), Voyboy, Jankos and Perkz.

Established in 2024, Clout Kitchen builds creator-powered interactive experiences in gaming and pop culture that unlock new ways for top creators to engage and expand their fan base.

Clout Kitchen is led by serial gaming and creator economy builders.

  • Justin Gorriceta-Banusing (CEO) founded and scaled AcadArena (SEA and LatAm’s leading campus gaming platform) to series A and an exit while in college. In high school, they built CONQuest Festival – the largest creator event in SEA with 80K+ attendees.
  • Marcel Feldkamp (CBO) was a pioneering League of Legends pro/creator who played in the 2013 World Championship. After retiring, he founded the gaming talent agency Prime, which later joined United Talent Agency via Press X.

Clout Kitchen’s first product is Backseat AI, an in-game “buddy” for League of Legends co-built with Tyler “Tyler1” Steinkamp – one of the world’s biggest gaming content creators with over 20 million followers. Backseat AI is Riot-compliant and guides players on best playing the game in real-time – from what characters to pick to which items to buy, all by an AI voice twin of their favorite creator. Since launching early access testing in June, the product has hit over 45,000 waitlist signups.

“Our thesis at Clout Kitchen is to build things that grow the pie and add value for fans, creators, and game developers alike,” said Justin Banusing, CEO, Clout Kitchen. “We grew up in this space, so it’s our way of giving back.”

Pricing starts at US$4.99 monthly for each creator “buddy,” who earns from every subscription. Backseat AI’s buddies roster continues to expand with streamer & cosplayer Emiru and pro player Jankos – with more top creators lined up in the coming months.

“As a creator myself, I know how difficult it is to keep your community and business growing,” said Marcel Feldkamp, CBO, Clout Kitchen. “It’s easy when you’re starting and have all the time in the world – but it gets harder to keep giving the same love to everyone as you scale. We want to solve that problem.”

With this financing round, Clout Kitchen looks to expand Backseat by scaling its team, establishing its US office, and building out its shared internal tech stack for future creator-powered game companion apps and experiences.

“As a gamer and a creator myself, I’m excited to support Justin and Team Clout Kitchen in their journey to unlock new frontiers for our community,” said Jamie Lin, Chairman & Partner, AppWorks,“ Justin and the founding team showcased exceptional hearts, heads and hands from the moment we met them, the very traits we look for in founders.”

“At a16z, we believe in the transformative power of technology and games to reshape how we connect, create, and experience the world. Clout Kitchen embodies this vision wholly, and we are thrilled to support their journey as they pioneer new ways for fans to engage with the creators and games they love,” said Jack Soslow, Investment Partner, A16Z GAMES.

Galactic Civilizations IV Starview Update Trailer

Stardock is pleased to announce the release of Galactic Civilizations® IV v2.9, titled ‘The Starview Update.’ This update focuses on enhancing the player experience with a variety of quality-of-life improvements, visual upgrades, and gameplay refinements based on community feedback.

In this substantial update, players can look forward to a range of key changes designed to streamline gameplay and improve immersion. “We’re committed to continuously refining Galactic Civilizations IV based on player input,” said Brad Wardell, lead designer of the GalCiv series. “With the Starview Update, we’re not only addressing bugs and balance issues but also enhancing the overall experience to make it even more enjoyable for our players.”