YOU will want to like Anthem. On loading it up and playing the volcanic, bombastic, intro you'll be looking forward to diving in and seeing more. But then you'll find little niggles. You'll be confused about how combos and auras work, you'll wonder why you can't see what the cool new item you just picked up is, and you'll be perplexed why you have HOURS of ponderous grinding to do to be allowed to unlock the next stage in the story when the apocalypse is on your doorstep. Then you'll want to forgive it that grinding because flying around the world feels so good, and you may even want to forgive the brainless waves of dull enemies because combining your abilities and detonating a crowd of them with one aerial slam-kick is so satisfying. Let's say you do look past those issues and now want to make your Javelin -- the Iron Man style fighting suit at the heart of the game -- look cool and unique? Well, sorry -- there's only one alternate set of parts at the moment, so you're stuck to … [Read more...] about Anthem review – a game that’s hard to love, no matter how much you want to
Gaming
The PlayStation Vita started what Nintendo’s Switch perfected
PlayStation‘s Japanese store recently marked the PS Vita as scheduled for discontinuation (soon), as we all suspected it would. Now seems like the perfect time to remember what it contributed to the transformation of gaming hardware — namely, the co-mingling of handheld and stationary game consoles, a.k.a. Nintendo’s runaway success, the Switch. The Vita’s impending demise comes as a surprise to absolutely no one, considering we’ve been hearing for over a year that the Vita was winding down. These things happen. Consoles have lifespans just like anything else, and you can’t fault a company for not wanting to make a console no one is really buying anymore. Here be gadgets Not here exactly, but on our new hardware site Plugged. Here But before we kiss the Vita off as just another of gaming‘s evolutionary cul-de-sacs, let’s acknowledge just how it influenced what came after it. Most obviously, it’s part of the reason gamers … [Read more...] about The PlayStation Vita started what Nintendo’s Switch perfected
Logitech resurrects its classic MX518 gaming mouse
About the only changes to the outside are "updated" materials with a new finish. Inside, it's a different story -- you'll now find the 16,000DPI Hero sensor from Logitech's flagship mice as well as a 32-bit ARM processor that promises a 1ms report rate. Onboard memory, meanwhile, lets you save customized eight-button layouts to the device so you can switch PCs without losing your control bindings.The G MX518 is available for pre-order at a $60 price, making it a reasonable option whether or not you're nostalgic for '00s-era gaming. About the only complaint is that it's still wired. That makes sense given its roots and the possible effects of going wireless (a battery could weigh it down and ruin the feel), but it's something worth considering when you can get a frugal but cord-free gaming mouse for similar money. … [Read more...] about Logitech resurrects its classic MX518 gaming mouse
How to use two-factor authentication on popular PC gaming platforms
Welcome to TNW Basics, a collection of tips, tricks, guides, and advice on how to get the most out of your gadgets, apps, and other stuff. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an easy-to-implement method of protection for online accounts. If you’ve never used it before for one reason or another, when it’s enabled, you must produce evidence to verify your identity before you can log in. Usually this means a platform requires you to enter a code sent to you through other means. Have you visited TNW's hype-free blockchain and cryptocurrency news site yet? It’s called Hard Fork. TAKE ME THERE This can be especially important for something like a gaming platform or store. Given what they’re used for, these usually have a credit card or other payment methods associated with them, meaning someone who gets into your Steam or Origin account might be able to access your money. Turning on 2FA in as many places as possible can help avoid that. Since games are … [Read more...] about How to use two-factor authentication on popular PC gaming platforms
Overwatch League is back with a bang – but can it keep it up for 2019?
IT'S no secret that Overwatch League needs and wants to grow its audience. It has already made it onto TVs across the globe as well as being streamed directly to the PCs and phones of millions of fans online. Franchises have been sold for millions of pounds, while sponsorship is coming in from huge brands like Toyota, Coca-Cola and T-Mobile. Those franchises have been snapped up by owners of other major sports teams -- and Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers mascot, showing up to lead their sister team the Philadelphia Fusion out for their opening game demonstrates how seriously they're taking it. But money has to follow money, and the more cash that is staked on the league the more demand there is for a return on that investment. That means there need to be more fans, and those fans need to watch for longer and be more engaged. That's where the problem comes in. Tactics for all sports go in cycles, and right now Overwatch League is in a funk. TACTICAL CHANGE It's gone from a high-octane … [Read more...] about Overwatch League is back with a bang – but can it keep it up for 2019?