This past weekend at PAX I played a lot of great games and one of those was Big Boy Boxing. It’s an action packed slapstick boxing game inspired by the classic NES game Punch Out! The art style is bright and colorful, the characters are vibrant and funny, and the game is fast, smooth, punishing but most of all it is FUN! The moment I picked up the controller I knew I was in for a challenge. I unfortunately found out how rusty I am at arcade type fighting games but that didn’t hamper my enjoyment.
In the demo you could select between a whole cast of unique bosses to fight and I chose to go up against Coach Skank. I could not help but laugh as the bell rang and Coach immediately hit me in the face with a wide hook. Skank was a character that swung to the side creating a miss direction and then came forward in a diagonal motion. I pulled back on the stick to lean out of reach and used the triggers to dodge left or right.
Coach Skank missed and backed up to the center with his wide grin and wicked sports shades teasing me. I realized that mashing the X button was landing harmless body shots and pushing forward on the stick I began doing some damage to the head.
After a few blows I stunned him and he turned around hilariously exposing his plumber’s crack. I pressed Y and unleashed a charged uppercut depleting his health only for him to pop back up with a second health bar. Coach Skank beat me a few times before I finally bested him but I enjoyed every attempt. I moved on to face other boxers each with their own unique attacks quickly trying to adjust and protect my three measly hearts.
Soupmasters definitely have a hit on their hands with this simple yet addicting game which also felt very fluid. Fans were lining up to play the demo on the show floor and reluctant to pass the controller. The hand drawn pixel art and retro soundtrack kept me at the booth much longer than I intended. The team is a small one based in Spain and it is always great to see a Latin crew trying to leave a mark on the Steam charts. Make sure you Wishlist this game as it releases later this year!
At Pax East, one game that had a lot of potential was definitely Fera: The Sundered Tribes. In this captivating RPG adventure, players step into the shoes of a lone hunter who rises to leadership after slaying one of the invasive behemoths plaguing their homeland. Charged with reclaiming the magic-ravaged land, players embark on a journey filled with danger, discovery, and destiny.
Fera: The Sundered Tribes offers a unique blend of monster hunting action RPG that feels similar to Monster Hunter and Dauntless, village building, and tribe management set in a fantastical post-apocalyptic world. Armed with a mystical tether hook and agile glider wings, players lead their tribe in battling gigantic beasts that threaten to corrupt their homeland. With dynamic aerial combat, players can surprise enemies with aerial maneuvers, critical attacks, and even sever limbs to bring down these formidable foes.
In addition to the combat keeping me engaged we were told you will be able to hunt with others online. I had a great time traversing the giant land scape which was honestly impressive in scale. I would like to see more combat elements and were told variations might be introduced into the game during its development
Fera: The Sundered Tribes seems to offer an immersive gaming experience with its blend of action-packed combat, strategic village building, all while monster huntinig. With the option for 4-player co-op, players can team up with friends to tackle the challenges of this magical and perilous world. Be sure to Wishlist Fera today and stay tuned for more details as this promising adventure unfolds.
This years PAX East definitely seemed more indie focused which let us dive into some really cool games, one that really stuck out to me this Action RPG titled Robots at Midnight. The game has a souls-like intense combat and narrative driven story that grabs you right from the start. It takes place in a Cassette Futurist world that was originally built as a luxury destination now overrun with monsters.
The design of the game reminded me of a mix between Breath of the Wild and Psyconauts. The art style was pleasing, easy on the eyes, and a great mix of dark, foreboding, and colorful retro futuristic details sprinkled about.
Anyone that has played a Fromsoft game will recognize the familiar mechanics. You jump, roll, dodge, block, and parry your way around the planet of Yob searching for answers and trying to uncover the corruption that has taken hold of the machines.
Zoe the protagonist can be upgraded by finding or crafting different weapons and armor that suits your playstyle. Like most RPG’s each item has its own buffs and trade offs. Robots at Midnight pays homage to Fromsoft with campfires to rest at and save progress as well as cute vending machines you can use to purchase healing items, crafting materials, weapons, and armor.
Combat is challenging and really satisfying, thunking robots with Zoe’s wooden makeshift weapon and parrying enemies feels extremely rewarding as they stay stunned for a few seconds allowing you to rack up some damage. Timing rolls to get out of danger and managing your stamina will be a breeze for some Elden Ring lovers but everyone else might get their palms a little sweaty.
In the short demo at PAX we tested our reflexes against smaller robots scattered around the desolate planet, including few dressed like baseball players swinging spiked bats and an elite enemy that resembled a PG-13 “Big Daddy” from Bioshock. It gives you a bit of a nostalgic feeling as if the Devs know upon seeing him we would remember the hours spent exploring the underwater city of Rapture. The final boss of the demo was a bunny-like “Big Daddy” that used a red hot sword to spit fire at Zoe in between crushing blows.
I was never a big souls-like fan personally until I played the recent Star Wars Jedi games and I have been hooked since. Robots at Midnight will find fans in people who love the genre and can appeal to a younger audience as well. I am excited at the prospect of exploring Yob as Zoe later this year when the game fully releases on Steam and Xbox.
During PAX East 2024 one game stood out from the rest, offering a blend of familiarity and uniqueness that piqued my interest. Legends of Starkadia combines the charm of Mario RPG with an explosion of vibrant 3D visuals, creating an experience that feels both fresh and nostalgic. The game’spremise, which follows a bored Earthling teen unexpectedly transported to the far-flung Starkadian Empire, sets the stage for an epic interdimensional battle between good and evil.
I had the opportunity to join forces with two other characters in the demo through the game’s immersive world. Along the way, we encountered enemies that require strategic tactics to gain the upper hand. Sneaking up on foes for extra damage added an exciting layer that took me back to older turned based games, especially as we navigated towards intense boss fights.
The strategic turn-based combat system in Legends of Starkadia offers a compelling gameplay experience, with engaging elements that keep players on their toes. With plans to introduce 12 quirky characters, each boasting their own unique attributes and skills, the game promises a diverse roster of heroes to assemble and master. Additionally, the sprawling universe of Starkadia is looking to have over 9 planets waiting to be discovered.
Legends of Starkadia impressed me not only with its stunning visuals but also with its polished gameplay mechanics and that’s with only a few months of the game being in development. While a demo is set to release in the Summer, the full game is still on the horizon, promising even more excitement and adventure. Be sure to add Legends of Starkadia to your Steam Wishlist and stay tuned for further updates, as this colorful adventure is one to watch.
The JBL Quantum 910P Headset for Playstation and and PC has a bunch of premium features you’re going to want to check out! Checkout our video review and let us know what you think!
Razer never ceases to amaze me with some of the innovated products and this one is no exception, the Leviathan V2 Pro is a pretty groundbreaking desktop soundbar that breaks some limitations of traditional audio solutions. This PC soundbar-subwoofer combo redefines immersive gaming experiences with some features we’ll get into below!
The Leviathan V2 Pro boasts a unique enough design being an all black metallic finish, adorned with the iconic Razer logo and THX certification. The integrated infrared head-tracking camera and LED indicators enhance its futuristic appeal, while the programmable RGB LED light bar adds to the already expanded volume of RGB options you get from Razer products.
The controls of the Leviathan V2 Pro are laid out simple on top of the soundbar which not may have in the way this does. Positioned atop the soundbar, four circular buttons and a large volume dial offer seamless navigation between EQ and 3D audio modes, audio sources, and lighting patterns. Meanwhile, the back panel houses essential ports for power, connectivity, and audio input, ensuring versatility in setup.
Accompanying the soundbar is a wired subwoofer, providing deep, resonant bass to complement the immersive sound experience. The subwoofer seamlessly integrates into any desktop setup, enhancing audio performance without compromising aesthetics. I was pleasantly surprised at the deep base that the subwoofer provided and you can actual do more customization from the PC.
Designed for PC’s it plugs in through a wired connection via USB-C, also has Bluetooth 5.0 support for wireless audio streaming from compatible devices as well. The Razer Synapse application provides extensive customization options, including EQ settings, RGB lighting controls, and THX Spatial Audio modes, tailored to individual preferences. I’ve found all Razer apps to have a good way to bring all Razer products together to custom things even in groups like Razer Keyboards and other products.
While all of this sounds great the biggest feature here is the head-tracking simulated surround sound, enabled by the user-facing infrared camera. This technology dynamically adjusts audio output based on head position, creating an immersive gaming environment with precise directional audio cues.
Incorporating Audioscenic’s advanced technology, the soundbar provides an unmatched spatial audio experience, surpassing traditional headphone-based 3D technologies. With Amphi AI Beamforming technology, it delivers spatial surround sound I hadn’t heard before, allowing people to perceive distant sounds with exceptional accuracy while also reproducing close-range sounds like whispers for a truly immersive listening experience. This is actually something we got to experience first hand with the company it shows the power when it all comes together in a strong package like the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro
During gameplay scenes it delivered really good performance, accurately reproducing sound fields with remarkable depth and clarity. Whether in Virtual Headset or Virtual Speakers mode, the soundbar immerses users in rich, detailed audio landscapes, enhancing gaming experiences and cinematic enjoyment. One thing to keep note of is that you can easily change the sound profiles to a more THX 3D surround or even back to Stereo or mono. Depending on the position of the soundbar with multiple monitors it could be jarring to have 3D audio coming at you from one side if you’re face another with more than one monitor.
While the Leviathan V2 Pro offers unparalleled immersion and audio fidelity, its compatibility limitations and premium price point may deter some users. At $399 it’s no slouch in price here and wish I was able to connect it with more than just my PC. However, for enthusiasts seeking pinpoint accuracy in gaming and immersive audio experiences without the need for headphones, the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro is a standout choice. It sets a new standard for desktop audio solutions, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design and uncompromising performance.
Whether gaming, streaming, or enjoying multimedia content, this premium soundbar delivers an unparalleled audio experience that transcends expectations. I’ve been having a blast throwing alot at the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro and check in for our video review and our total immersive entertainment.
Saramonic, a global name in professional audio has released its latest iteration in wireless mics the Blink500 B2+ wireless microphone system. With its versatile 4-in-1 design featuring USB-C, Lightning, 3.5mm TRS, and 3.5mm TRRS connectors, the Blink500 B2+ ensures compatibility with a wide range of shooting devices and giving great options for seamless creativity in content creation. This upgrade from the Blink500 B2 Might be their best version yet.
The Blink500 B2+ introduces dual-device connectivity, a game-changer for live streamers and broadcasters. This feature allows simultaneous streaming across multiple platforms with just one receiver, offering maximum flexibility and convenience. Whether streaming on two platforms or capturing backup recordings, the Blink500 B2+ ensures users can adapt to any recording scenario effortlessly.
One of the standout features I found was the battery life, it stated it provides 20 hours of continuous recording on its own and got around that and was pretty impressed with the charging case adding around 40 more hours. This definitely cut the time I even thought of charging, making the wireless mic system ideal for extended recording sessions and travel without interruptions.
The Blink500 B2+ compared to other wireless mics seems to fit right into the category of great audio quality with its 2-level noise reduction function and selectable output modes. Whether recording in Mono, Stereo, or Safety Track mode, you can expect a clean audio experience free from unwanted noises when the setup is correct. This was one of the only parts I felt needed some adjustments and didn’t have the best indication of how to get there without simply tampering with the settings. It does have an advanced 2.4GHz wireless system which gives you pretty good long range for recording, while real-time and external playback monitoring features elevate the process, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments and ensuring everything is captured.
In terms of design it sports a sleek, hard plastic build reminiscent of the DJI Mic and even the Ankerworks Mic so it’s definitely familiar there, only issue is it’s bigger than both those other units within the case so that’s something to keep in mind as it does not fit sleek in your pocket. Despite its robust construction, the microphone system remains lightweight and portable, which does make for throwing it in a bag pretty easy.
With a price point of $129, the wireless mic kit offers exceptional value, rivaling higher-priced competitors while delivering comparable audio recording quality and advanced noise cancellation. Backed by Saramonic’s reliability in the space, this microphone system is a must-have for professionals in broadcasting, filming, music, and creating content. The Blink500 B2+ wireless microphone system is nt one I saw coming in this space as they didn’t compromise on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With its wide compatibility, enhanced features, and exceptional performance, it’s a mic that you should get if in the market for one!
Razer announces the launch of the Razer Gamer Room line, a cutting-edge collection of lighting products set to revolutionize gaming setups and content creation spaces. Available starting March 5th, this innovative lineup includes the Razer Aether Lamp Pro, Aether Lamp, Razer Aether Light Bulb, Aether Light Strip, Aether Light Strip Extender, and the Razer Aether Monitor Light Bar Certified by Matter, the open-source standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, these products seamlessly integrate into smart home ecosystems like Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Engineered to provide gamers, streamers, and content creators with dynamic RGB lighting effects, each product offers versatile lighting options to elevate gaming setups and streaming studios. Compatible with other Chroma-enabled peripherals via Razer Synapse, users can synchronize lighting effects across their entire gaming setup for an immersive experience. The Razer Aether Lamp Pro and Aether Lamp provide multi-zone and functional lighting, while the Aether Light Bulb and Aether Light Strip offer flair and versatility. Lastly, the Razer Aether Monitor Light Bar features dual lighting with front-facing and rear-facing LEDs for enhanced desktop setups, catering to both gaming and work needs during nighttime sessions. Pease visit Razer.com for more!
While Super Smash Bros is one of the most popular platform fighters ever and you’re essentially battle other characters to knock them out of the stage to earn points or eliminate their stock, that looks like that wasn’t enough of a fight for one modder. From the creators of the Disney mod for Mortal Kombat 1 they bring a cast of a few fighters (mods) that show Mario, Luigi, Sonic and a few others you might be familiar with in Super Smash Bros.
LVLONE Gaming checked it out and described it as “Mortal Smash Bros” in the video above while they played a few of the characters which looked very detailed! There’s nothing like seeing a What If moment with Mario having all that power and not just being a bad guy but a VERY BAD GUY! Check out the gameplay video and let us know what you think of these mods?
The free-to-play platform fighter Brawlhalla is no stranger to guest crossovers, but the latest addition has fans buzzing with excitement. A group over at LVLONE Gaming has taken matters into their own hands by introducing the beloved characters from Teen Titans into the free-to-play platform fighter. The mods looked to actually have had a few people involved with LVLONE Gaming having made a trailer looking like something coming from the Brawlhalla developers themself! With meticulous attention to detail and a passion for the source material, the modding team has crafted a stunning addition to the Brawlhalla roster that feels right at home in the fast-paced battles of the game.
Brawlhalla X Teen Titans is here to kick butt!
Shoutout to this collab & everyone involved! Check out the Crossover Reveal Trailer in the comments below!⬇️ pic.twitter.com/0WY5fY5vPp
In a trailer that could easily be mistaken for an official Brawlhalla announcement, the Teen Titans mod introduces the full cast with flair and precision. From the iconic heroes from DC universe like Cyborg, Beast Boy, Robin, Starfire, and Raven to the dynamic gameplay footage, every aspect of the mod makes us want to get our hands on it. The download link can be found in the video description, players can dive into the action and experience the Teen Titans like never before. While an official crossover event may still be on the horizon with the close relationship Brawlhalla has with Cartoon Network, for now, fans can revel in the ingenuity of the modding community and enjoy the thrilling battles that await them in this exciting new addition.
