Vishal Kamal has been covering video games for 7 years, writing about everything from hardware deals and new releases to esports and the business
side of the industry. He runs TheBadGamer, focused on gaming news worth your time.
Valve's $1,000 Steam Machine was put through its paces with 25 diverse games, from AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring to indies such as Mouse: P.I. for Hire and Vampire Crawlers. The device showed promising performance, especially with less demanding titles, but its high price raises questions about its value. Highlights included seamless play on Overwatch and The Last of Us Part II Remastered, though some games like Control Ultimate Edition and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart struggled with default settings.
Grand Theft Auto 6 preloading is set to commence ahead of its launch, with distinct details for digital and physical copies outlined. Players can expect a seamless start with preloading, though physical copy owners face a wait. Learn when and how to prepare for the gaming event of the year.
Persona 4 Revival's leaked demo showcases a stunning, fluid title screen and stylish UI design, continuing the Persona franchise's revered tradition of exceptional user interface innovation. This approach not only enhances gameplay but also deepens immersion, a hallmark of the series since Persona 5's monochromatic elegance. With its television-themed menus and dynamic transitions, Revival promises to revitalize the classic feel of Persona 4 while embracing modern sophistication.
Game Pass subscribers enjoy a brief but sweet surprise with a few free games over this weekend, highlighted by Teddy Bears' Picnic, an unconventional adventure where you play as a teddy bear. These titles are available for all Game Pass members without extra cost. Dive into something new before they rotate out.
Faces of Death, the reimagined slasher of the 1978 classic, is now streaming on Shudder. Directed by Daniel Goldhaber and co-written with Isa Mazzei, this film offers a sharp, modern take on the genre, exploring the darker side of social media and our fascination with horror. With its well-developed protagonist and antagonist, Faces of Death delivers both thrills and thought-provoking commentary.
Cape Fear's seventh episode, 'Mongrel', marks a pivotal shift towards unapologetic, operatic melodrama, embracing its identity with reckless abandon. As the series hurtles toward its conclusion, Javier Bardem's Max Cady sheds pretenses, intensifying his pursuit of the Bowden family. With its campy, over-the-top thriller elements, Cape Fear distinguishes itself in a crowded streaming landscape.
A former Bioware writer has revealed that EA consistently favored the Mass Effect series over Dragon Age, impacting development priorities. This preference allegedly led to resource allocation discrepancies between the two franchises. The revelation sheds light on the inner workings of Bioware under EA's oversight.
Steam Machine users can now see game compatibility ratings, including Verified, Playable, or Unsupported, directly on Steam store pages. This feature, similar to the Steam Deck's, was enabled silently overnight. Games like Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced are already Verified, while Dota 2 settles for Playable due to minor issues.
Star Wars: Ashes of the Empire has been officially announced, promising a new adventure set after the pivotal Battle of Endor. This upcoming title ventures into a less explored era of the Star Wars universe, raising anticipation among fans. Details on gameplay and release windows are forthcoming.
Discover the surprisingly affordable yet potent combo in Magic: The Gathering's Marvel Super Heroes set, leveraging Mister Fantastic and The Locust God for infinite creatures and card draw. This $8 Izzet combo can overwhelm opponents by turn six. Mister Fantastic's draw ability pairs perfectly with The Locust God's flying insect tokens.
