Android Blog AppsApk

Category: Gaming

Nintendo Switch Exclusives- All Information Here

The Nintendo Switch has racked up plenty of excellent games since its launch a little over two years ago.

The Japanese video game corporation has decisively begun catering to the interests of western enthusiasts by supplying more third-party licenses, and most importantly, fresh additions to everyone’s favorite Nintendo franchises.

We’ve put together a list of the best Nintendo Switch exclusives – games that cannot run on any other console or PC. You’re not a real fan without these:

#1 Luigi’s Mansion 3

On a system that is home to the Mario and the Zelda franchise, this Luigi spinoff game shines and shows off the strengths of having a family gaming system.

This third part is built on the foundation of Luigi Mansion: Dark Moon released on the Nintendo 3DS back in 2013. It features a funny and over-the-top story, just like the prequel.

It’s a masterpiece featuring ghost-vacuuming pastimes and the appearance of the fantastic Professor Elvin Gadd.

For his third airing, Luigi explores a hotel to save his friends trapped in paintings and climbs up remarkably-themed scary levels to catch demons along the way.

It is difficult to get bored playing, with modes like ScreamPark and ScareScraper, which add aggressive and collaborative angles to the gameplay, respectively.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is the ideal first “horror” game for children and an experience that every Switch player should enjoy.

#2 Astral Chain

Combining manga-inspired visuals, PlatinumGames’ swift and unabating game design. The battle experience curated by none other than Nier: Automata’s head game creator, you get Astral Chain.

The Nintendo Switch exclusive is one part action/hack-and-slash, one part examination simulator, and one part open-world adventure. The chief focus remains on inter-dimensional assault that advances to end all of humankind.

This critically acclaimed game received raving reviews from gamers all across the board and has become a staple in every hack-and-slash game lovers’ library.

Astral Chain doesn’t highlight a regular combat method, as you’re joined in action by a chained “Legion” who can make added attacks while you are also involved in a personal battle.

These Legions also help to solve puzzles in a gorgeous-looking world and offer a delicate twist on the PlatinumGames’ typical gameplay experience.

#3 Yoshi’s Crafted World

One of the cutest looking games on the Switch, Yoshi’s Crafted World, is a skillfully crafted sidescroller set in a refreshed version of Yoshi’s Island. The aesthetic is unique – the game looks as if it is constructed out of cardboard and paper, giving Yoshi’s latest experience a bizarre sense of appeal.

It adheres to the same set of techniques used in most Yoshi sidescrollers, though the added depth in the game mechanics allows you to use the items in your environment, and toss eggs off into the distance, both in front and behind the player.

Along with long platforming levels, there is a mixture of new concept levels, including a being put inside a giant Yoshi mech.

The best part – Yoshi’s Crafted World can be enjoyed in a co-op mode using the joy-cons, making it an excellent experience for a parent-and-child team.

Yoshi’s Crafted World can be picked up by anyone who hasn’t played a sidescroller – let alone a Yoshi game. The fantastic story won’t leave too many threads untied, and has turned countless first-time players into long-time fans.

It’s delightfully done and makes for a different, excellent entry in Nintendo’s ever-growing pantheon of material-based platformers.

#4 Golf Story

Yes, you’ll be playing golf, yet, the experience is not dull by any means. The game comes out as a full-fledged story-focused RPG that fans of Camelot’s old-school Mario sports games will relish.

Golf Story will take you across numerous complex environments that offer much more diversity than you’d get in a regular golf game. Apart from playing on standard courses, you’ll have the chance to finish special golf hurdles as you’re exploring the world.

There’s even disc golf for those up for a new challenge, and one can perform several different moves that are only tangentially related to golf. The game is also unconditionally gorgeous, with its pixel-art style implementing the 16-bit aesthetic flawlessly.

The game is an odd mixture of mechanics that works surprisingly well. Players travel eight unique environments, golfing through the world’s (and the players!) problems.

#5 Tetris 99

The concept of the initially comes off as bizarre; however, it’s also enthralling. It’s Tetris’ take on free-to-play battle royale style games.

99 players are pitted against each other in online matches and battle it out for a shot at being the last one standing.

The basic idea of the game rings true to the original – it is the classic Tetris puzzle, which must be solved by putting together the same pieces in the original.

However, in this game, progressing through the puzzle also “strikes” other online players by sending extra lines to their boards.

This striking mechanism is mostly automatic, and the player gets to decide if they want to attack arbitrary players or those on the verge tapping out.

Players can also set up attacks to go after the most aggressive players, upping the stakes and making for a quick, competitive match. Fun!

Exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, the game is a fresh take on the tried-and-tested puzzler, even if the game’s concept overall feels a bit underwhelming.

Playing live against 98 other players is chaotic and can get super challenging.

Signing up on Nintendo Switch Online will enable anyone to play this game for free. The well-paced and beautifully designed, and might be your next favorite.

#6 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem continues to be one of the most underappreciated series of games on Nintendo systems.

Fire Emblem: Awakening led strategy-role-playing games into a new, stylish era, and more titles following the same formula have released over the course of the past few years.

Players weren’t exactly waiting for an overdue game when Fire Emblem: Three Houses launched on Switch. However, the quality and the style of execution blew away both critics and players alike.

This game does not have a mission-to-mission approach like the other Fire Emblem games. Three Houses boasts a great storyline, where you can battle villains, teach undergraduates in the game’s central monastery, or work on developing relationships.

It’s much to take in and play through, and Three Houses somehow manage to stick the landing, even though it offers some significant changes to the classic combat mode, including the replacement of the weapon triangle.

The game may stand out a highlight in the series for years to come.

#7 Pokemon sword and shield

An ideal diversion released just after the launch of the Nintendo Switch Lite, Pokémon Sword and Shield is the most attractive and featureful Pokémon game ever made.

The story is apt and draws parallels to the anime much more than previous generations of games.

It is Playable both in handheld and docked modes on the Nintendo Switch. Also, it works best when you’re out. Since you can trade Pokemon and play with other players just like you could on the classic Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, DS, and the 3DS.

With better, more streamlined mechanics that allows more players to collaborate, Sword and Shield aren’t as tricky as some of the previous games in the franchise.

Nonetheless, the games still carry the qualities and details that hardcore Pokemon fans love.

Pokémon Sword and Shield succeeds in bringing some new ideas to the table; however, some elements are bland and feel like an underwhelming refresh of decade-old designs.

On the whole, Pokémon Sword and Shield are excellent additions to the HD generation of Pokémon games.

January 20, 2020
Best Social Multiplayer Games To Play At A Party During The Holidays

If you have ever been to a party where you have been bored, join the club! Games are a great way to keep people engaged in a party – especially during the holidays. You really want to relieve stress from work or school, then this is the right place for you. Most of us own a smartphone in today’s world, making it easier to entertain ourselves. Here is a list of Social Multiplayer Games handpicked for you. You will be able to play these at any party. Most of these games will require an Android phone but you can also try your luck searching for the iOS version.

Escape Team

If you have ever played the escape room in real life and have been fascinated with it, then this game is for you. The main aim of the game is to solve escape room-style puzzles. Ensure that you have a pen and paper handy so that you can note down all the clues. You will also be able to download and print the missions from the Escape Team website and then find out the corresponding puzzle in the app and solve it. A minimum of 2 players are required to start the game. It can be played by up to 4 players. The game is available on the Play Store for free. However, it will require about $5 to unlock all the missions once you are in the game.

Social Multiplayer Games – Escape Team

The Jackbox Party Pack

This is one of the most innovative multiplayer game that is available on the App Store. Though you will have to shell out close to $25 on this one, it is worth the price. The main aim of the game is to get people talking and laughing in a party. The game can be played by 1 – 100 players. There are many versions available on the Play Store. The only difference between the versions is the games that are included in each version. That is why it is a good idea to check the description before buying the version. The best part of this game is that you will not need any special controllers. The smartphones, tablets, or laptops will work as your controllers.

Selfie Games

If you are after a session of laughter, then you must try this game. The app “Selfie Games” is available on the Play Store for no charge. However, one person (the host) will need to make an In-App Purchase ($7) in order to create a game. Do note that you will need a Chromecast / Fire TV / Computer / Smart TV to play. The game needs a minimum of 3 players and can accommodate up to 10 players. All player will need to download the app and connect with the host. Random selfies are taken, and everyone will need to come up with a fake caption for each of the selfies. More the number of times your caption gets chosen, the more the points you make. The aim is to ensure that you have a catchy caption with a silly selfie!

Psych

Psych

This game will test how good you are at bluffing with answers. Do you have what it takes to bluff? Psych is a game where all the players will have to come up with a fake answer to a question that pops up in the app. The same question is then presented to all other participants with 4 options which consist of one real answer, one fake answer, and two other wrong answers. You will get points if participants pick your fake answer. Though the app is free to download on Google Play Store, there are loads of In-App Purchases available. All players will need a good internet connection to play this game comfortably.

Triple Agent!

Triple Agent! is an extremely fun party game that revolves around espionage. Each player is given a secret identity, such as a VIRUS double agent or a Service agent. Only the VIRUS agents know the identity of the members in each team. The goal of the game is for the Service agents to find and remove the VIRUS agents while the latter tries to confuse the Service agents. The game can be played on a single phone and it can accommodate about 5 to 7 players. The paid version allows for 9 players along with several more features.

Who Can’t Draw

Need to find out who is the worst artist of the party group? – This game is a must-try then! The app is available in Google Play Store for free. The Android game is very simple where the first person gets a word and has to depict the word using a picture. The phone is then passed on to the other participants and they draw what they think the previous person drew. You have 15 seconds. When the phone reaches the last person, they have to find out the word which was shown to the first person. The more the number of people, the more the chance that the last person will not find the word. It is interesting to see how the interpretation of the word changes when the phone travels from one person to another.

Out of the Loop

This is a great option if you don’t want to play something strenuous. It is specifically designed to be played on one phone. With nine players, the phone is passed around the group. You will first need to choose a category and pass the phone around so that everyone can take a look at the word, that is, everyone except the one who is out of the loop. Once this is done, players can ask each other questions and try to judge by the answer who was not in the loop. Once the round is over, everyone can vote on who they think was out of loop.

Quick Mentions

While the above-mentioned games are sure to bring fun and cheers to your social event, there are so many more fun games out there. Some honourable mentions include Spaceteam, Ticket to Ride, and Chwazi Finger CHOOSER.

January 16, 2020
Pokémon GO working on cross-platform AR-multiplayer Buddy Adventure

Niantic recently unveiled their new multiplayer feature, called Buddy Adventure. This is geared to make an entry to Pokémon GO sometime soon. The feature will give the users a shared augmented reality experience. Players can now interact with their friend’s Pokémon through the AR camera. The friends would also be able to look in at what is happening in real-time as you pet and play with their Pokémon. Cross-platform support is expected to arrive as well. If this happens, both iOS and Android users would be able to make full use of the Buddy Adventure mode.

Pokémon GO

Buddy Adventure

The gaming industry has always been highly competitive. This is true, especially since new updates are always expected. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Niantic has been working on a multiplayer AR experience. Pokémon GO is the perfect game to choose to use this latest tech. Pokémon GO is not the first game for Buddy Adventure mode to be tested. Before this, Niantic tested several test cases such as Codename: Neon and Codename: Tonehenge to explore AR and its possibilities in gaming. According to the company, the results of these tests are what led to the development now impending release of the Buddy Adventure feature. While there has been no word on the release of this feature by Niantic, sources mention that we should likely see it in the next few months.

In the press conference where Niantic talked about Pokémon GO and the upcoming multiplayer AR experience. Niantic also talked about its Niantic Wayfarer program. This tool is for high-level players. Using this, they would be able to submit new photos, titles, locations, and further information about the same in the company’s AR games. The company has also mentioned that they are currently working the lack of occlusion. This refers to the movement of the AR subjects to move behind real-world objects. This gives the players a more realistic and immersive experience. Besides all this, the company has also been working on occlusion technology. We come to know of this with the announcement that this tech will now feature on the Niantic Real World Platform in the future.

Pokémon GO Buddy Adventure

Multiplayer Modes

Niantic is working quite dedicatedly to add new multiplayer modes to Pokémon GO. A few months back, we came to know that the mode GO Battle League is an upcoming feature that will pair users with their opponents. This will, in no way, depend on their location. The mode is expected to offer the players better one-on-one battles across the globe. Looking at all this, you can be certain that Niantic is completely devoted to increasing interaction between the players. This is nice considering the future of gaming.

When the developers talked about the Buddy Adventure mode, they made sure to mention that we will receive it sometime in 2020. Now that have entered the new year, players are eager to know exactly when we will be able to experience it. Besides playing together, the mode has other features as well. It is a great way to forge a closer friendship with your buddy.

January 16, 2020
Ghost Of Tsushima Gets Free Dynamic Playstation 4 Theme, Available Through January 2020

Sucker Punch recently threw out some news. This revolved around the fact that Ghost of Tsushima received a new free dynamic theme for PlayStation 4. It has been designed from the latest trailer of the game. All you need is a code which you will then have to redeem. Make sure that the code you grab is the correct one, since PlayStation codes are region-specific. Once you get the correct code, feed it to your PS4. The news came early last year December with Sucker Punch posted a tweet mentioning the news. The Ghost of Tsushima dynamic theme basically features a figure standing in a forest as leaves fall from the trees. It is fantastic and we cannot wait to try it out soon enough!

Ghost Of Tsushima

After the release of Infamous First Light in 2014, this is the first launch by Sucker Punch Productions. The previous game was unveiled at the October 2017 at Paris Games Week. Soon after, it was followed by gameplay at E3 2018. Looking at this, we see that it has been about a year and a half until the Game Awards 2019 where Ghost of Tsushima came out.

Ghost of Tsushima

So, what is this all about the Ghost of Tsushima? This game is set during the Mongolian invasion of Japan in 1274 CE. During this time, over a thousand Mongol soldiers landed in the Tsushima island and completely gained control of the island soon after. Players take the role of a Samurai warrior named Jin. He is forced to adapt to the new conditions and play his role as a Ghost to survive and fight against the Mongols.

The trailer focused on the lone samurai story where Jin Sakai is the last samurai left standing. The trailer has some elements that remind us of Sekiro, a popular game released last year. They have managed to get the atmosphere, design, and aesthetics quite right for this time period. Jin will have to work on his battle techniques as he would definitely need more than his traditional samurai methods.

Ghost Of Tsushima for PS4

The release

This game is not yet out. It is expected to release sometime in the summer of 2020 for PlayStation 4. The latest trailer for the game is from The Game Awards 2019. While there have been no particular PlayStation 5 developments mentioned, it could no doubt be mentioned closer to the release date. Many have been under the impression that Sony might play this close to the chest, holding the release of the Ghost of Tsushima back for a while. The idea behind this would have been to introduce it as an early PS5 launch title. However, the State of Play broadcast earlier this week said that we will see the game on PS4 as well.

Sony is working quite hard to release new titles in the upcoming year. In addition to the Ghost of Tsushima, they are also working to release The Last of Us Part II sometime in May. Of course, we are all also looking forward to the launch of PlayStation 5.

January 15, 2020
Does Stadia Support Cross-Platform Play?

Before we get into Stadia’s features and whether it supports cross-platform play, let us first talk about Stadia itself. Google recently launched its cloud service that lets users play big-budget games. The key point here is that players will not need any downloads, consoles, gaming PCs, and discs. The reason behind this is that Stadia has been designed in a unique manner. It allows its users to purchase the games they want on servers in the cloud. While it sounds a bit dodgy, it is highly reliable.

One thing you may want to keep in mind is that it will not work as well as a proper gaming PC or console, but it gives you great gaming experience with hardly any hardware investment. With a decent internet connection, a good Wi-Fi router, a nice headphone, and a choice between the Pixel phone, Chromecast Ultra dongle, or the Chrome web browser are all you require to get started. Since Google’s cloud gaming service has only just started, the service is not nearly as effective as one might hope. We hope the new year will bring some great changes.

Google Stadia

Google’s video game streaming service launched quite recently. With 2019 coming to an end, the gaming service has 22 games to its credit. With not many games supporting cross-play, players might not find it easy to play games competitively online.

What is cross-platform play?

So, what is cross-platform play? The term refers to the fact that those playing on different devices would be able to play multiplayer games with each other. A good example is when PlayStation 4 users can get down for a match against a player on Nintendo Switch. Most console games today only let players play against those using the same console. With cross-platform play, it will expand a whole new area for the players.

So, does Stadia Support Cross-Platform Play?

Long story short, yes, Stadia does support cross-platform play. However, the main thing to note here is that Google has not mentioned which devices or services will be compatible. It is not yet known if devices like PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch will be supported by Stadia for cross-platform play. However, we can be sure that it will support cross-play between Stadia-capable devices, such as Android Pixel phones, Chromebooks, and Chromecast.

Destiny 2

Cross-platform support is not available on every game. For instance, Destiny 2 only offers cross-save. Destiny 2 is considered by many to be Stadia’s flagship game. It is offered with Stadia Pro subscription. Players trying to socialize in the game are struggling to do so due to cross-play issues.

Players hope that sometime in the near future cross-play will become the norm, opening more avenues for the players and allowing for a better gaming experience. It looks like Google is working with developers to make sure that this feature is made available many games as possible. Stadia Games and Entertainment is Google’s new gaming studio. The head of this department, Jade Raymond, mentioned that they would be focusing on executing cross-play in first-party titles.

January 14, 2020
Next Nubia Red Magic to have 144Hz screen

Nubia is a gaming brand that is currently working on its latest device. The team is focusing on it quite dedicatedly with the CEO posting a similar message on Weibo. He shared a screenshot which confirmed that the company is working on a smartphone that will support 144Hz max refresh rate, in addition to 90 Hz and 120 Hz. The CEO also referred to the phone as “Red Magic 5G phone”. The name confirms that their next release would be a 5G phone. However, that is not so surprising since many manufacturers are working on similar models to keep up with the trend.

The CEO of Nubia, Ni Fei, disclosed that the new flagship device will feature three cameras on the rear. The phone will run on Snapdragon 865 chipset and the SoC will be paired with a Snapdragon X55 modem. Different sources mention that this Nubia Red Magic phone could possibly come with a different version featuring Qualcomm’s latest chipset. However, this would be paired with a different modem. The idea behind this is that the other variant is aimed at lower price markets and for markets are not 5G-ready yet.

Nubia Red Magic

Nubia Red Magic

We only recently got a look into the latest and upcoming Nubia Red Magic gaming phone. The phone is will support 5G and come with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. According to an official Weibo post by the CEO, it looks like there are several screen refresh rates, starting from 60Hz to 90Hz, 120Hz, and up to a maximum of 144Hz. While other gaming phones have had higher refresh rates before, it is not so common with commercial phones. The 2018 Razer Phone 2, a gaming model, boasted a 120Hz refresh rate. On the commercial side, Google Pixel 4 featured a 90Hz screen refresh rate.

In 2019 H2, we saw flagship devices featuring 90Hz displays. However, these did not stay popular for long since ASUS then released its ROG Phone II with a 120Hz OLED panel. Nubia is here to shatter all this with its 144Hz screen. The company is currently testing out the same. The best part about this is the fact that it is expected to be priced very affordably. The very fact that the best gaming phone in the market with top features is selling for a very reasonable rate is enough to attract anyone, gamer or not.

Nubia Red Magic 5G

144Hz Screen Refresh Rate

Recently, OnePlus talked about introducing 120Hz screens in its future devices. This announcement was again made on Weibo. Strangely, it was made the very same day Nubia mentioned that its Red Magic phone will feature 144Hz. This essentially means that the display will refresh 144 times per second. It is not very much and in fact, is counted to be typical for gamer-focused desktop computer displays. However, it cannot be detected by humans on small screens like this. Since response time is a major factor in gaming, Nubia is likely to attract a lot of gamers. Of course, the addition of 5G is just icing in the cake.

January 14, 2020
The Best Nintendo Switch Exclusives

The Nintendo Switch has been a great success, all thanks to the number of features that it comes with. While most players discuss the merits of Xbox One and PlayStation 4 and the exclusives that they offer, Nintendo Switch has tons of them too. It is true that Nintendo Switch games generally are priced higher, but it is well worth it since they are of higher quality with a lower number of issues.

The Nintendo Switch was launched about two years ago. When it was first released, it didn’t have a lot to its name. However, in the past two short years, the console features tons of games featuring even third-party titles to pacify western players. Of course, how can they miss out Nintendo franchises?! In this post, we will look at some of the best Nintendo Switch exclusives. For more, check out our article on The Best NES Games Of All Time.

1. Super Mario Maker 2

Super Mario Maker 2 is a worthy upgrade of the Super Mario Maker. The game, of course, is set around the building and levels. Players would be able to play other players’ creations which is quite fun, to be honest. While it is not available on Nintendo 3DS like its predecessor, this version has a longer single-player campaign. It has also been designed better with more features to keep the players engaged, such as the custom clear conditions and slopes. The Story Mode has more than 100 stages, making certain that players are in for a long treat. The drag-and-drop system introduced here is easy to use, both with a controller or using a touchscreen.

Super Mario Maker 2

2. Pokémon Sword And Shield

Pokémon Sword and Shield was released soon after the launch of the Nintendo Switch Lite. It is believed to be one of the most detailed and excellently designed Pokémon games till now. It can be plated in docked modes or in handheld. Users can trade and play with each other. While it is highly detailed, it is not as tough as the previous games, making certain that players stay entertained but still are able to have fun. The story was also different from the older games, making it more exciting for the players.

3. Super Mario Odyssey

This list would be incomplete without a mention of this iconic game, Super Mario Odyssey. With more level designs, boss fights, and non-linear gameplay, the developers have certainly revamped the game. New Donk City and other levels are now spacious and attractive than ever before. The design does it best to keep the players captivated throughout. A new character seen here is Cappy. Cappy can easily turn Mario into almost any object or enemy, move through narrow areas, and even make way through lava pits. In addition to the gameplay, the engaging audio and the cheerful graphics make it a must-play game.

4. Luigi’s Mansion 3

Luigi’s Mansion 3 has an engaging storyline with the classic ghost-vacuuming gameplay. It also features Professor Elvin Gadd. Luigi goes to a hotel in the game to rescue his friends who are trapped in the paintings. If you don’t want to play alone, you can always try the ScreamPark and ScareScraper modes. It is one of the classic horror games that you just cannot miss. With regards to graphics, it is very beautifully designed with attention to detail and rich visuals.

Nintendo Switch Exclusives- Luigi’s Mansion 3

5. Kirby Star Allies

This is a kid-friendly game where Kirby floats through the air while copying enemies’ abilities. Although the 2D structure remains the same, Kirby’s abilities have improved. Where Kirby was once only able to steal power, now he would also be able to recruit enemies to add to his team. He would also be able to combine powers to hold fort better and launch more powerful attacks. If the game gets too tough for you, you can play it with your friends as well. This is a great game to play on a gaming console.

6. Snipperclips: Cut it out, together!

The game basically puts two players together to complete paper puzzles. How they do this together is what is ingenious. Players would have to literally cut segments out of their bodies using scissors. Although it is based heavily on trial-and-error gameplay, it is a big part of the entertainment factor. The users don’t seem to mind it either. If you are playing with friends, you can use the Party mode where up to 4 friends can be added.

7. The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

This game is a 3D remade of Game Boy, a 1993 hit. The game is set on Koholint Island and features much of the traditional elements that we are used to. Players can even win a Yoshi doll by playing the trade quest claw game. Although it is a remake, the graphics have improved in leaps and bounds. The game also has nice characters with a stable storyline. With the remake, Inventory management has become better than ever. Now, users can equip more than two items simultaneously.

The Legend Of Zelda Link’s Awakening

8. Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler is a turn-based role-playing game. This has a unique combat system that involves eight travellers who get into eight thrilling adventures. Since it features turn-based combat, it is already different than most others in the market. With plenty of stories, engaging characters, and a flawless storyline, you can be sure that you will stay entertained.

9. Tetris 99

How can we come to the end of this list without talking about Tetris 99? While it doesn’t fit into the concept of traditional video games, no one can deny its gameplay is captivating. Basically, the game pits 99 players against each other. The game is online and the last person to be standing is the winner. The twist here is that besides completing your board, players can also attack others by sending additional lines of tiles to their boards.

10. Golf Story

While there is a little bit of Golf in the game, as the name suggests, but it has a more in-depth game to it. It is a story-focused RPG that old-school players are likely to fall in love with. With the game set across different environments, a variety of activities, and of course, golf, you are likely to keep engaged.

This list of the best Nintendo Switch Exclusives should be a great trip down the memory lane.

January 13, 2020
The Best Gaming Console You Can Own Right Now

Gaming consoles are now commonplace across households due to their scaling popularity. What started off as simple 8-bit gaming systems with 2D graphics in the 80s have now evolved to virtual worlds, cinematic experiences with multiple sensory features and cutting-edge hardware. Some latest models even come with virtual reality headsets & capabilities with Blu-Ray visuals to offer an unperturbed experience.

As the gaming industry evolved, so have the needs and demands of gamers. From casual gamers to high-tech serious gaming enthusiasts and specialists, the types of gaming consoles to have developed variably. Options are endless across large 4K machines, Ultra HDTVs, portable gaming, VR and much more.

Choosing what’s useful and ideal for you is important to thoroughly enjoy your gaming experience. This is why we have put together a list of 3 best gaming consoles that offer varying features and capabilities. This will help you decide on the stack that suits your needs.

Xbox One S

This Microsoft console stands its ground despite the newer Xbox One X, making it one of the best consoles available today. If you are looking for an affordable device that offers AAA gaming, multimedia services and even allows you to watch movies and shows, you need not look beyond the Xbox One S. You can even enjoy some 4K Blue Ray Ultra-HD visuals with this versatile machine.

The hardware is a welcome sleeker and smaller version compared to the earlier editions of Xbox from Microsoft. It is the second version of the 8th-gen console that offers Bluetooth connectivity and syncs with Windows 10 without the need to use a wireless adaptor.

The exclusive franchisees it offers include the uber-famous “Halo” and “Gears of War”. While it isn’t the best gaming console in terms of what it offers in its gaming library, it certainly does pack in a good fight.

When we talk of drawbacks, the Xbox One S certainly has a couple. While the console can stream videos in 4K, it cannot render games in 4K. Further, Microsoft has stated that beefier games are likely to be rolled out for the One X which will also work on the One S. It’s uncertain as to how this console will be able to support future titles that are tailor-made for the One X.

Nintendo Switch

Ideal for a family of casual gamers who prefer portability and easy gaming, the Nintendo Switch is certainly a favorite among scores of avid gamers. Nintendo, a Japanese company has been a pioneer in the gaming industry with its releases over the years.

Taking its innovative drive further with the Switch, Nintendo has created a hybrid console that can be used as a home gaming device with a docking station that connects to a TV and can double up as a portable device with a handy tablet-like feel.

It is also a beautiful amalgamation of an online gaming console as well as an at-home social gaming experience. You can enjoy online games on the console, and simply slip it out to hand over to a family member for an independent gaming experience. This is something even some of the biggest gaming and entertainment manufacturers and consoles have ignored and has worked tremendously in the favor of the Nintendo Switch.

For those who enjoy some of the big hits of Nintendo namely ‘Splatoon-2’ and ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath in the Wild’, there’s more in store from Nintendo’s first-party franchisee. There is a buzz that many of the brand’s franchisee games Super Mario, Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart among others will be launched on the Switch platform in the near future.

However, when we look at the array of online games this console offers, that’s where it is a bit of a let-down. The hardware of the Nintendo Switch does not support triple-A games presently, and there is also a lot of buzzes it is facing in terms of being backward compatible with older games.

The PlayStation 4 Pro

Sony has been one of the biggest names in the gaming ecosystem from its first PlayStation back in the 90s. The current version does not fail to impress. With an upgraded GPU that brings on the table 4K capability, improved performance and PlayStation VR, Sony’s own VR headset, this console is certainly one of the best in the market.

The DualShock 4 does some great double duty as a gamepad and a PC controller. This console also does well on the 4K HDR capabilities and improved hardware features. But where it really outshines all other gaming consoles is its brilliant gaming library.

It definitely has one of the most coveted line up of games that range from triple-A games, indie games, imported games and some PS exclusive hits such as ‘Bloodborne’ and ‘The Last of Us’. Although this console’s price is higher than the Xbox series, those who enjoy these exclusive games swear by the PS as the best console in the market today.

Despite its tremendous fan-following, the PS4 Pro does have its share of drawbacks. Surprisingly, despite being the inventor of Blu-Ray medium, Sony has not stitched in the element of 4K Blu-Ray player in their gaming console. Perhaps this was done to cut costs from the already inflated price or the PS4 Pro.

There is also a question on the poor backward compatibility of PlayStation 4 Pro as it does not support even the PS3 games. The only way to continue enjoying legacy media is through the PS Now device that offers games to be rented or played through a monthly subscription.

Conclusion

While each gaming console comes with its set of advantages and drawbacks, you need to choose one that suits your usage and needs. For a more easy, portable and casual gaming experience, it is the Nintendo Switch that emerges as the clear choice.

Between the Xbox One S and the PS Pro 4, it would essentially boil down to which gaming library impresses users more. All in all, these three are certainly the consoles that are ruling the roost in the current gaming scenario.

January 9, 2020
Google Stadia Games: Borderlands 3 and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 are now available

Google is steadily working on increasing the number of games available on Stadia. Thanks to the buddy pass, you can play with your friends and family more games than ever before. In August of last year, it came out that Borderlands 3 will now be made available on Google Stadia. Today, you can now enjoy RPG Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 along with Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint. The latter is a tactical shooter game with interesting features certain to keep you hooked.

With Stream Connect, players would be able to view the same things as the other players or teammates. This happens in split-screen with Google’s servers doing the work instead of you needing your own setup. Users would be able to view up to three teammates’ perspectives simultaneously. This comes in pretty useful as you co-ordinate and on the next moves so that you can all march towards victory.

Google Stadia Games: Borderlands 3

Google has been trying quite hard to add more games to Stadia. Unfortunately, its game library still has a conspicuous lack of original content. However, the collection seems to be improving with Google promising more games by the end of the year. Although the service was launched only a few weeks back, there are already a few games added to the platform.

Google Stadia Games

Google has managed to increase the number of games available for Stadia just before the release. So far, Stadia has 22 games available. The company assures the users that before the year is complete, there would a lot more additions here. The latest additions include Borderlands 3, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, and Ghost Recon Breakpoint. These games are priced along the same range.

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2

The Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 has been created with colourful and engaging moments. Enjoy the game as you time travel and protect historic moments. You will gain more power by understanding new techniques, playing online with friends, and defeating rivals. This would gain you a lot more power as a Time Patroller. Unravel stories centring your favourite Dragon Ball characters. Looking at Borderlands 3, it is currently being offered at a discount with Stadia Pro. This offer is expected to last only for a short while. The game is available in Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Super Deluxe Edition. Enjoy the game by joining your fellow hunters in this action-packed game. Once set up, users can play this game across all the supported devices.

Coming to Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, it is one of the last games to be added to Stadia. Stadia’s Stream Connect is a unique feature which works great for the game since it allows users to monitor the screen of three teammates. This game is available with certain discounts as well.

Wrapping Up

Out of the three games, Borderlands 3 and Ghost Recon Breakpoint are discounted while Xenoverse 2 is popular enough to be offered without discounts or new features. The Deluxe and Super Deluxe Editions of Borderlands 3 comes with both discounts and additional cosmetics while the latter also offers an add-on content season pass.

January 8, 2020
Jurassic World Evolution – A Complete Review

Jurassic World Evolution is another great addition in the world of simulator games brought to you by Frontier Developments. It has become one of the top favorites for all gamers.

If there is anything you know about Frontier Developments, you would see that they are a pro when it comes to theme and roller coaster games. Jurassic World Evolution is nothing but a business simulation game that is developed and published by Frontier Developments. It released in June 2018.

The creation of the game had approximately 100 people in the development team, with a high-end budget of £8 million.

The game is based on the 2015 Jurassic World movie. The development team has examined various dinosaur models that were used in the films over the years.

Within a matter of 7 months from the date of release, the game had sold more than two million copies, making it one of the most successful games ever launched by Frontier.

So, Jurassic World Evolution is a business management game that needs you to build and maintain attractions that are full of lizards and turning out of them a beautiful, thriving enterprise.

It is almost like a homage to the age-old series.

The central theme of the game is mainly based on one question: ‘How exactly would you run a dinosaur theme park?’

Frontier Developments has done an excellent job when it comes to creating something that is closet to a dinosaur park. Whether it is the park itself or the dialogues, it is a superb put-together of everything that relates to dinosaurs.

The in-game menus also contain immense significance and references to the movies itself, making it one buff for the Jurassic Park nerds.

It is compatible with Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Game Play

This simulator game offers you with offers 40 dinosaurs that can be unlocked by completing the various missions. It is not as easy as it sounds.

The difficulty level of the game is standard to high. For unlocking each of the dinosaurs, you will need to collect fossils and extract their genomes. You have to accumulate at 50 percent of a species genome to incubate it and then bring it to life in your game. Thus, into your dinosaur park.

Extracting the genome for every one of the dinosaurs can be somewhat repetitive and slow.

There are new islands with different kinds of bearings for each one. But again, you have to complete critical missions to unlock these islands. There are various drawbacks in each of the islands, like one may be tormented with storms while another has gone bankrupt.

The game needs you to identify these and work towards a safer or profitable island. You can quickly move between islands and keep an eye on the visitor experience often. This way, you can also revamp your older parks with new dinosaurs and other research.

But, the main attraction of the game remains with the dinosaurs. They are also the only means to earn.

For this reason, it is essential to cater to the needs of different kinds of dinosaurs. Like, the type of food they eat and the amount of social exposure that they require.

These are essential aspects the dinosaurs healthy, satisfied, and thus, capable of earning more.

Gameplay Modes

There are a few modes in which you can play the game like career, challenge, and sandbox mode.

Career mode: In the career mode, the player needs to build five-star dinosaur parks across the islands. You are assisted continuously by Dr. Ian Malcom throughout the gameplay.

If you are not a Jurassic Park geek, Dr. Ian Malcolm is a mathematician in both the Jurassic Park novel and movies.

In this mode, the player meets figures representing the development of the park in three branches, which are entertainment, security, and science. They will have contracts for you to be completed to receive rewards and reputation in that field or branch.

Sandbox Mode: You can play in the sandbox mode once you achieve a four-star rated park on the starting island. After this, everything that you have made in the career mode will be transferred to the sandbox mode. But, the players will have unlimited money while also they can set their desired weather and time at the parks.

Challenge Mode: You can play the challenge mode with the ease of setting your level of difficulty but with limited funds.

It is but proven from the above facts that Jurassic World Evolution is a pretty smart and well-crafted simulator game. While it gives you a boost of immense joy of running a dinosaur park, it also keeps you thrilled about the perils that could follow.

Conclusion

We cannot but admit that Jurassic World Evolution is an accessible game, but it can be monotonous and overwhelming for seasoned management game players.

Despite a few misses here and there, this game is gripping. While it also keeps a secure connection with the inspiration, the movies as well as the novel.

Despite the repetitiveness of the game, it is an excellent choice for anyone who has ever wanted to run a disaster-prone dinosaur park.

January 2, 2020