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Aliens: Dark Descent - A Chilling Journey into Ridley Scott's Alien Universe
In space, no one can hear you scream. Embark on a harrowing adventure through Ridley Scott's frightening Alien universe in Aliens: Dark Descent. This real-time squad-based tactical action game puts you in command of a team of elite Colonial Marines tasked with halting a terrifying Alien outbreak on Moon Lethe. You'll lead your squad in pulse-pounding combat against a horrifying horde of Xenomorphs, rogue operatives, and nightmarish new creatures.
As you explore the treacherous landscapes, Aliens: Dark Descent challenges you to recruit and level up your Marines to ensure survival against all odds. Delve into the heart of darkness, deploy your team strategically, and guide your team to safety. But beware, as a marine's death is permanent and unforgiving.
Release date & platforms
Aliens Dark Descent arrives on June 20, 2023, and will launch on:
* PC
* PlayStation 4
* PS5
* Xbox One
* Xbox Series X/S
As one of the most beloved franchises in film history, we'll outline what is known about Aliens: Dark Descent.
Aliens: Dark Descent Plot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W_fIqBj3gc
In Aliens: Dark Descent, experience the spine-chilling authenticity of an Alien narrative as it unfolds through a cinematic campaign rife with sinister secrets, iconic Xenomorphs, and never-before-seen threats.
This original Alien story propels you into the year 2198, two decades after the events of Alien 3. Your goal: to quell a menacing Alien outbreak and repair your crippled USS Otago spacecraft. Assemble a squad of Colonial Marines and embark on a high-stakes mission at the remote Tantalus Base on the mysterious moon of Lethe.
You scour the wreckage of a spacecraft in search of an offline relay to reestablish communications. As commander, the clock is ticking as the mission's fate rests on
your shoulders. Spearhead your squad through the chaos, fight for survival, and fix the Otago. Can you stop the outbreak before it's too late?
Aliens: Dark Descent Gameplay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUvMwrHIxwo
Unlike other Aliens franchise games, Aliens: Dark Descent is neither an FPS nor a horror game. You face off in a single-player real-time strategy (RTS) game from a top-down perspective, similar to XCOM. As the squad commander, this overhead view gives you extra vision to decide where to deploy forces and tactically direct their efforts.
In a departure from playing as a single Colonial Marine, you command an entire squad simultaneously, reminiscent of Lt. Gorman's role in Aliens. Picture yourself issuing orders from the safety of the APC, then watching as your marines execute actions based on their equipment, attributes, and positioning.
"I want you to lay down a suppressing fire with the incinerators and fall back by squads to the APC, over." - Lieutenant Gorman
Throughout the game, you must adapt your squad's tactics from mission to mission. Plus, manage their health, resources, and sanity to avoid the devastating consequences of permanent marine losses and mental breakdowns. This unique blend of strategic gameplay ensures that each mission remains engaging and challenging, keeping you on your toes as you navigate the iconic Alien universe.
1) Unique squad
You'll lead a squad of five colonial marines in battle against their foes. Command your soldiers in real-time combat against iconic Xenomorphs, including Facehuggers and Alien Queens.
Recruit your perfect team from five distinct starting character classes, each boasting unique:
● Skills
● Weapons
● Armor
● Abilities
Your foes will adapt to your tactics while hunting you. Develop your base to research new tech, customize your squad, and level them up to ensure success.
2) Permadeath
The gameplay is heightened by its permadeath system, instilling a sense of genuine horror and thrill as you navigate the treacherous environments infested with deadly Xenomorphs. Any squad member killed is lost forever, making managing your marines' health and resources vital. This unforgiving mechanic ensures that every decision raises the stakes and amplifies the tension.
As you command your squad, you must assess your strategy and determine whether an evacuation mid-mission could save your team from total annihilation. Dark Descent blends the franchise's signature horror with intense, strategic gameplay.
3) Stress meter mechanics
Aliens: Dark Descent introduces a sanity system that ingeniously captures the fear and tension inherent to the Alien franchise. As your marines confront the horrors of the Xenomorphs, stress levels rise, wreaking havoc on combat performance by causing:
* Panic
* Missed shots
* Irrational behavior
* Mission sabotage
This stress meter mechanic pays homage to the movies, where fear could break down even the most well-trained marines. To maintain control of your team, you'll need to carefully manage their stress levels with a variety of measures, such as:
* Health kits
* Upgrading and customizing your arsenal between missions
* Welding doors shut to create sanctuaries
* Reprimanding your squad
But be warned - resources in Dark Descent are scarce, and every action has consequences. Using tools to weld doors might leave you short on supplies later, health kits spent on stress reduction won't be available for healing, and reprimands are only a temporary fix.
As the game progresses, your marines' stress levels will inevitably climb again, challenging you to think strategically and adapt on the fly to keep your squad intact and focused on the mission at hand.
4) Persistent world
Aliens: Dark Descent immerses you in a dynamic, persistent world where every decision echoes throughout the game. Changes to the environment, like deploying motion trackers or welding doors shut, have lasting effects. Exercise caution: a welded door might stop Xenomorphs, but it could also block your escape later.
Exploration is crucial to discover shortcuts, gather more resources, and deploy motion trackers to monitor alien movements. Tactical creativity is critical, whether using an electrical saw to breach locked doors or sealing passageways for strategic retreats.
Venturing deeper into the facility presents risks and rewards. Spending resources and increasing stress levels may jeopardize your squad and alert the hive, but it could also uncover valuable resources. Move cautiously, keeping an eye on your squad's status and motion tracker updates.
Motion trackers play a vital role, with two types at your disposal:
* The iconic Alien tracker integrated into your UI
* A deployable version placed strategically on the map
These trackers offer invaluable situational awareness but beware—Xenomorphs will eventually locate and destroy deployable trackers, leaving you to face the fear of the unknown lurking around every corner.
5) Challenging missions and adaptive AI
Brace yourself for challenging, longer levels as Tindalos Interactive's adaptive AI pushes back against your playstyle, bypasses traps, infiltrates encampments, and even kidnaps soldiers. With mission durations ranging from 20 minutes to an hour, you're in for a thrilling and immersive experience.
Throughout the game, you'll confront iconic Xenomorph creatures, such as:
* Facehuggers: swift, agile parasites that latch onto their victims
* Warriors: fast and deadly, these Xenomorphs relentlessly pursue their prey
* Praetorians: heavily armored and powerful, they act as guards for the Alien Queen
* Alien Queens: the monstrous, intelligent leaders of the hive
In addition to these fearsome foes, you'll also encounter rogue human commandos from the insatiable Weyland-Yutani Corporation and a brand-new threat unique to this Alien storyline.
Survival is paramount—create safe zones, set up motion trackers, and brace for soldiers losing their sanity as you advance toward the game's climactic conclusion. Real-time combat can slow down to allow strategic planning and ambushes. Remember: death is permanent, and your enemies will adapt as they hunt you down.
Steel your nerves and drop into the gripping journey of Aliens: Dark Descent, a single-player, squad-based action game that plunges you headfirst into the eerie depths of the renowned Alien franchise. Prepare to adapt, strategize, and make life-or-death decisions as you forge your path to victory or defeat.
Experience this gripping journey and discover your next favorite game with Acer's Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, including EA Play. Enjoy one month free with any new Acer, Predator, or ConceptD PC purchase, and explore an ever-expanding library of games that cater to your tastes and keep you on the edge of your seat.
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Why You Should Update to Windows 11
It's definitely time to upgrade to Windows 11. Since its October 2021 debut, Microsoft has been fine-tuning its operating system (OS) with new features and improvements. If you're still clinging to Windows 10, here's a reality check: Microsoft has halted adding any new OS features.
Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025—a rapidly approaching deadline. The release of version 22H2 marks the final act for Windows 10, leaving only bug fixes and security updates in its wake.
Should you upgrade to the newest Windows OS? Before diving in, remember Microsoft no longer sells new Windows 10 licenses. If you're considering a new computer or upgrade, Windows 11 is the new go-to choice.
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: what's new and noteworthy
Windows 11 might not seem like a radical departure from Windows 10. Some are minor tweaks, like a new-look Start menu and Taskbar. Others are defining you
can run Android apps on Windows 11. Let's dive into the ten most notable Windows 11 changes:
1) Revamped visual design
Windows 11 ushers in a sleek, modern interface reminiscent of Android or Mac experiences. The OS uses Microsoft's Fluent Design language to boast a clean design with rounded corners and larger, vibrant icons. The intuitive interface is designed with touchscreens in mind and seamlessly adapts when you connect or disconnect displays. Plus, Windows apps now feature a gorgeous Dark Mode.
2) Refined Start Menu and Taskbar
The most striking visual change is the new Windows 11 Start button and task icons, now centered on the screen by default (though you can revert to the Windows 10 layout if preferred). The Start Menu is simplified with a search bar at the top, followed by two customizable sections:
* Pinned: Displays your pinned apps.
* Recommended: Highlights recently opened files and installed apps.
In the Taskbar, the search box is reduced to an icon. Cortana functions are removed, making way for Microsoft Teams, which has full Windows 11 integration. You can remove the icon if you don't use Teams though.
3) Enhanced virtual desktops
Windows 11 builds upon the virtual desktops introduced in Windows 10 so you can stay organized and maximize your productivity. You can easily toggle between multiple customizable desktops for:
* Personal
* Work
* Gaming
* Content creation
4) New window management tools
Snap Layouts helps you work better and improve productivity by sharing many app windows on a single screen. When working on specific tasks, you can get the most from your favorite apps. With many layout sizes to choose from, multitasking is a snap. You can also use the Taskbar's new Task View button to organize and switch between different Desktops.
5) Widgets: Your content, curated by you
Windows 11 introduces an innovative widgets feature, allowing you to quickly access auto-updating widgets and news stories from the left-hand side of your screen. This offers a convenient way to stay updated on what matters most without opening dedicated apps.
Top widgets include:
* Outlook Calendar
* Weather
* Traffic
* Sports
* To-Do app
* OneDrive Photos
* Stocks
You can customize your news feed by topics and sources. Easily find the apps you want and the shows you watch in the new Microsoft Store.
6) Seamless Android and Linux app integration
With Windows 11, you can run Linux, Android, and Windows apps side by side, making it the most open platform for creators.
Windows Subsystem for Android™️ (WSA) enables you to run Android applications from the Amazon Appstore with multitasking and full Taskbar integration. However, you're limited to the Amazon Appstore's selection of around 800,000 apps versus Google Play Store's 3.5 million offerings.
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows you to run Linux applications natively without needing a separate virtual machine. So you can run the free Photoshop-like software Gimp on Windows 11.
7) Improved security
Windows 11 takes security up a notch compared to Windows 10, making it a top choice for hybrid work. Here's a breakdown of its cutting-edge security features:
* Device encryption: Keep your data safe by encrypting it. Unauthorized users can't access your data without the proper decryption key.
* Secure Boot via UEFI (United Extensible Firmware Interface): Only authorized, digitally-signed firmware and operating systems can load during start-up. Say goodbye to unauthorized or malicious software taking over your PC.
* Virtualization-based security (VBS): VBS adds an extra layer of protection by isolating essential system components from the rest of the OS, shielding you from vulnerabilities and attacks.
* Phishing Protection: Microsoft Defender keeps you safe by warning you if you enter your work or school password on a malicious site in any Chromium browser, as detected by Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. It then advises you to change your password.
According to Microsoft, these security enhancements can slash malware infection by up to 60%, making Windows 11 a safer bet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iss30fbMbkE
8) Enhanced performance
Windows 11 optimizes memory management and prioritizes CPU power for foreground apps, resulting in a snappier experience than Windows 10. Better memory management means Windows 11 PCs can wake up from sleep mode quicker. Additionally, Windows 11 is still in the early years of its product lifestyle. In the future, Microsoft may release new features and updates that significantly boost the performance of Windows 11.
9) Enhanced collaboration and remote work
Windows 11 offers advanced Microsoft Teams collaboration tools to boost your remote work experience:
* Adaptive Background Noise Suppression: Bid farewell to distracting noises during video calls, as this feature intelligently minimizes background disturbances.
* AI-Powered Eye Contact: AI-driven technology automatically adjusts where your eyes are looking to ensure you always are making eye contact with the camera.
* Dynamic Framing: No matter if you stand up or move around, automatic framing ensures you remain centered and in focus during video calls.
* Refined Background Blur: A subtler background blur offers a more natural and less intrusive effect than traditional video conferencing blurs.
Microsoft Teams also allows free voice, chats and video calls regardless of the device your colleagues are using.
10) Gaming experience, leveled up
For gamers, Windows 11 emerges as the definitive choice bringing Xbox Series X's technology to the PC with:
* Auto HDR: This feature upgrades SDR games to HDR visuals, enhancing the color depth and contrast for a more immersive experience.
* DirectStorage: A technology that reduces game load times to under a second by directly loading games into video memory, bypassing the CPU. It also boosts graphics performance by speeding up data transfer between storage devices and the GPU.
* Windowed game optimizations: Windows 11 uses a new presentation model for lower frame latency and variable refresh rate (VRR).
With performance bugs resolved, gamers are flocking to upgrade to Windows 11.
Why you should switch to Windows 11
Windows 11 is Microsoft's vision for the future of PC operating systems. In general, it's simpler, more streamlined, and more secure than Windows 10.
While Windows 10 still has a 70% market share, all new PCs now ship with Windows 11, and any options to buy a Windows 10 PC instead have largely vanished. If your PC has the right hardware, upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10 is free.
So, perhaps this is the most compelling reason to make the switch. The main potential roadblock is often fear of change. With Stardock, you can customize Windows 11 to use a Windows 10 start menu and taskbar.
How to install Windows 11
If you're eager to jump into Windows 11, you can upgrade for free if your computer meets the tech requirements. Here's how:
1) Check if your computer meets Windows 11 system requirements
Not all Windows 10 machines can run Windows 11, as Microsoft has stringent hardware requirements, including:
* Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support
* Secure Boot enabled in the BIOS
To check if your device meets the criteria, run Microsoft's PC Microsoft Health Check app. The hardware requirements page offers workarounds for updating or changing your PC settings to meet the requirements.
2) Check for a Windows 11 update
In Windows 10:
* Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
* Click the Check for updates button.
* If Windows 11 appears, you can install it as an update.
3) Download Windows 11 with the Installation Assistant
If Windows 11 isn't showing up as an update, try the Windows 11 Installation Assistant:
* Visit Microsoft's Download Windows 11 page.
* Under the Windows 11 Installation Assistant heading, click the Download Now button.
* Run the downloaded.Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file by double-clicking it.
* Click the Accept and Install button to agree to the licensing terms, and your Windows 10 PC will be upgraded to Windows 11.
* Restart your PC when prompted; remember that your computer may restart several times during installation.
In a nutshell, making the jump to Windows 11 has its perks. With a sleeker design, beefed-up multitasking, robust security, and performance boosts, it's a no-brainer for gamers and remote workers.
By embracing Windows 11, you stay ahead of the ever-evolving digital landscape. Compatibility varies, but the upgrade is free if your Windows 10 device checks all the boxes. So, why not take advantage of these advantages and upgrade to Windows 11? Upgrade your tech experience, and join the future of operating systems.
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Acer @COMPUTEX 2023
Come visit Acer at the COMPUTEX computer expo, running Tuesday May 30 until June 2, in Taipei, Taiwan. “Together we create” is the message welcoming a long awaited return to normal at COMPUTEX this year, so don’t miss out. At COMPUTEX 2023, not only can you discover the latest from Acer and Predator, you can also experience our e-mobility products and explore the entire Acerpure line. This year, in addition to the Acer COMPUTEX Showcase at the Nangang Exhibition Center, we will also have a Downtown Showcase. The Downtown Showcase will have many activities, exclusive gifts (while supplies last), and eco-friendly workshops for you to explore, so come join us and see what's in store!
Innovation awaits at COMPUTEX 2023, and Acer has a truly buzzworthy lineup of new eco-friendly tech and gaming from Acer and Predator for you to check out. Come visit us at Booth No. M0820, 4F, in Hall1 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from May 30 - June 01 09.30 - 17.30. If you want a preview of what we have on show this year, read on for some select highlights of the newest Acer products!
Swift Edge 16
Gain an edge with the new Acer Swift Edge 16, featuring a seamlessly thin and light design, with hardware that’s equipped for today’s AI demands and beyond. The Swift Edge 16 unites performance and portability, and exudes confidence as it flaunts an eye-catching design frame and color display capabilities that are sure to make heads turn.
Its ultra-thin and light magnesium alloy chassis measures a mere 12.95 mm (0.51 inches), weighs only 1.23 kg (2.71 lbs), and is finished off with a sleek olivine black coating. The Swift Edge 16 showcases a stunning 16-inch 3.2K OLED display with an upgraded refresh rate of 120 Hz and support for 100% DCI-P3 color gamut to provide true-to-life colors and images. The Windows 11 laptop also boasts compatibility with up to Wi-Fi 7[1], Microsoft Pluton, and a range of smart features so users can stay connected to fast wireless connections and keep private data secured.
Predator Triton 16
Silver hued, agile, and limitless, the Predator Triton 16 with DLSS 3 is a slim gaming laptop forged with a purpose: to handle all your multitasking woes, dish out extreme performance, and empower your creativity at every turn. The latest addition to Acer’s power-packed gaming line, Predator Triton 16 for gaming and work is equipped with the latest 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, and up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, along with an abundance of features that would excite any type of gamer.
Cooling perfected so you can push performance to the max! To ensure the vital components are kept cool throughout gaming sessions, the laptop’s advanced thermal solutions combine dual 5th Gen AeroBlade™ 3D fans, Vortex Flow optimization, and liquid metal thermal grease on the CPU, all housed within a thin metal chassis design.
Acer Connect Vero W6m Eco-Friendly Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router
Acer’s latest addition to the growing Vero line of eco-conscious products, Acer Connect Vero W6m, features 30% PCR plastic casing and a dedicated Eco mode, combining high performance and energy efficiency. With peak speeds of up to 7.8 Gbps and tri-band AXE7800 capability, you can count on Acer Connect Vero W6m to provide swift and secure connections with vast network coverage in homes and offices.
Designed with the environment in mind, Acer’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions is reflected in every aspect of the device, from its chassis to energy-efficient features. It also utilizes 100% recyclable paper in its packaging. The Wi-Fi 6E router also prioritizes data protection and security as it is the first router to pass EU EN 303 645 (RED) Cyber Security Standards.
SpatialLabs™ Stereoscopic 3D Solutions
Expanding support for SpatialLabs™ developers, Acer unveils a suite of tools enabling stereoscopic 3D experiences. These developer tools provide more avenues to develop glasses-free, stereoscopic 3D experiences on Acer SpatialLabs Pro devices. With its new Unity plug-in support, developers from various industries and practices can utilize SpatialLabs Pro devices when creating stereo 3D content and applications.
Acer’s OpenXR runtime for SpatialLabs has been certified, enabling developers to use OpenXR protocols when building stereo 3D content and applications on SpatialLabs’ commercial displays. The Acer SteamVR Bridge helps unlock the potential of stereo 3D for VR application developers to deliver enhanced immersive experiences when using SpatialLabs Pro devices.
Impactful Products
Upgrade your commute with the Acer ebii, an Ai assisted urban e-bike, then convert kinetic energy into reusable electricity while you work with Acer eKinekt BD3. Take a deep breath and relax, knowing that you protect your air with Acerpure home appliances. Come to COMPUTEX 2023 to see how these and many more Acer products are making a difference at home and out and about.
Visit us today
In addition to these exciting new releases from Acer, don’t miss the COMPUTEX Keynote by Acer Chairman and CEO Jason Chen: June 1, 9am in Room 701, 7H, Hall 2, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Take this opportunity to be one of the first people to discover new additions to the Acer Vero eco-friendly range, as well as Acer Swift OLED Laptops, and, of course, the latest gaming laptops from Predator. See you at COMPUTEX 2023!
How to get there: Map
Events not to miss:
1. Media Event
May 30, 18:00-20:00
Acer Downtown Showcase.
Xiangti Avenue Plaza (Shin Kong Mitsukoshi - Taipei Xinyi Place)
2. COMPUTEX Keynote Jason Chen|Acer Chairman & CEO
June 1 09:00
Room 701, 7H, Hall 2,
Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center
Where and when:
COMPUTEX Showcase
Booth No. M0820, 4F, Hall 1
Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center
May 30 - June 02, 09:30 am - 17:30 pm
Downtown Showcase (open to the public)
Xiangti Avenue Plaza (Shin Kong Mitsukoshi - Taipei Xinyi Place)
May 30, 13:00 - 21:30 pm
May 31- June 04, 11:00 am - 21:30 pm
COMPUTEX Showcase
MRT
* Take BR line and get off at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall Center Station (BR24)
* Take BL line and get off at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall Center Station (BL23)
Railway
* Please get off the train at Nangang Station (terminal station), then take the MRT BL line to Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall Station (BL23)
Downtown Showcase
MRT
* Take the Bannan line to "Taipei City Hall" station and use Exits 3.
* Take the Tamsui-Xinyi line of the MRT to "Taipei 101 / Taipei World Trade Center", use Exit 4.
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Story Of Seasons: A Wonderful Life
Are you longing for a wonderful life? Do you dream of leaving the city behind, becoming a farmer, tilling the soil, raising crops and livestock, and eventually raising a family? Do you hope to own a pitchfork? Well, property prices in rural Japan are very reasonable these days, but if you’re not quite ready to make the move, then perhaps try the upcoming release from Marvelous Inc., Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life. This role-playing, farming simulation game will let you create the best memories of friendship, family, and farm, all from the comfort of your own home, without getting your hands dirty.
Background
First, make a note in your diary for June 27th, 2023, for this is the Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life release date. Next, let us clear up any confusion surrounding the name of this game franchise. Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a remake of Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life, originally released in 2004 on GameCube. The original A Wonderful Life is considered a classic of the farm sim genre, and is still many Harvest Moon fans’ favorite game from the series. Still confused? Read on to discover more about the history and development of the game.
Harvest Moon, widely considered the pioneer of the farming simulator genre, was first produced by Yasuhiro Wada and developed by Victor Interactive Software (now Marvelous Inc.). Upon its first release in 1996, games in the series were called Harvest Moon until 2014 when Marvelous Inc. decided to rename and localize the series via their US subsidiary XSEED Games, releasing Story of Seasons in 2015. Subsequent releases followed the Story of Seasons moniker. Headquartered in Tokyo, the Japanese anime and game producer Marvelous Inc. is famous for No More Heroes, Senran Kagura, and of course, Story of Seasons.
Story and gameplay
The many incarnations of Story of Seasons from the Harvest Moon years until today all follow a similar storyline. The basic outline is that you are a young man or woman tasked with taking over a deserted farm with nothing but an empty field, a cow, and a faithful dog to assist you. From these humble beginnings, the player must cultivate and harvest crops, raise livestock, fish, mine, and forage to earn money to invest into growing the farm. Alongside these tasks to bring home the bacon, the player also has to make friends in the town, find a partner, and raise a family. In many Story of Seasons games, the player can participate in festivals. Social festivals include Christmas, and competitions such as livestock festivals where prizes can be won to increase the value of livestock.
Over the years, different Story of Seasons releases have stood out to players around the world. In Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town (first released in 2003-4, remade in 3D in 2020-21) the social aspects in the game are emphasized: there are many pals to be made in the town, and the player even has a bevy of six bachelorettes to court. Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town, released in 2021, features adventures that take the player off the beaten track. By finding Earth Sprites, you can explore new, mysterious places, including islands in the sky, the inside of a volcano, and gardens with unchanging seasons.
What’s new in Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life
This year, the player will be schooled in the ways of farming by the protagonist’s father’s friend. If you have played this series before, A Wonderful Life will be a trip down memory lane, as you revisit the community of Forgotten Valley, with updated character designs and visuals. The quaint farming features of the previous games have also been modernized, but not industrialized, adding to the joy of raising animals, and growing crops. The developer XSEED also promises all new events in the valley, as well as the chance to befriend the rural townsfolk, and assist your fellow neighbors with various tasks.
Furthermore, the character choices in this game are in line with modern times. If you wish to identify as a farmer, a farmerette or a non-binary farmer, Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life lets you be you. With the three gender choices above, all eligible marriage candidates are available for romance no matter your gender. Marvelous Inc. has truly modernized identity and romance choices in the sim farming community for 2023. Dropping all of the restrictions on marriage present in previous Wonderful Life editions, players now have a total of eight different characters to potentially marry and procreate with.
After you have found your partner, get to work on raising the child and guide them into adulthood. A new feature for 2023 is raising the child while growing old as the protagonist. The choices you make in the game will affect the character of your offspring: will they stay on the farm, or head off to find greener pastures? Other exciting additions to Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life include new varieties of crops to grow, many more recipes to cook, enhanced festivals, and the chance to take pictures of your Wonderful Life family using the new camera feature.
There is so much to explore in this charming Wonderful Life, with something for everyone, from cute animals to fun seasonal events, and rural romance. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the franchise, or a first-time player, don’t miss out on the hottest farm simulator of the summer!
We hope that you have enjoyed this article and wonder, is the farm sim life calling out to you? Do you want to find out more about the fantasy world of the role-playing genre? If so, take a minute to read our discussion, here. Also, be sure to check out Xbox Game Pass for access to all of your favorite games. If you want to have a crack at farming in Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life, then remember, the release date is June 27th.
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A Beginner's Guide to Computer Language: C/C++
Despite being two of the oldest programming languages, C and C++ are still used in system programming, embedded systems, and real-time apps due to their high performance and low-level control. This article will provide a simple introduction to these two programming languages, along with some basic codes and information on where to learn more.
What is the C programming language?
Developed in the early 1970s by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs, C began its journey by helping to develop the Unix operating system. Today, the C language is a general-purpose and low-level programming language that offers users fine-grained control over hardware and memory, making it popular for system-level programming. A key feature of the C language is that it is structured and modular. This allows users to divide larger programs into smaller, more manageable pieces. It provides users with several basic data types, such as integers, floats, and characters, and also allows users to define their own data types by using structures and unions.
Programs written in C are converted into machine code (i.e., compiled) by a compiler before being executed. Although this makes for fast and efficient programs, it also means that separate versions of C programs must be precompiled for each platform or operating system before being distributed to users. The C programming language profoundly affected the field of computing and influenced many other languages, including C++, Java, Python, and Ruby. With simplicity, power, and portability, C remains popular for developing operating systems (OS), device drivers, and more.
What is the C++ programming language?
C++ is a general-purpose programming language developed as an extension to the C language in the early 1980s by Bjarne Stroustrup at Bell Labs. Unlike C, C++ is an object-driven language, meaning it combines higher-level features of an object-oriented programming language with the low-level control and efficiency of C. C++ can be used with various programming styles, whether as an object-oriented programming language or with a procedural, generic, or functional approach, meaning it is versatile and usable for a range of applications. Like C, it also provides several basic data types, including integers, floats, and characters, and allows users to define custom data types by using classes.
Just like C, C++ is a compiled language, meaning programs must be translated to machine code by a compiler before being executed. And again, just like C, this makes C++ programs fast and efficient but means they must be precompiled for specific platforms and operating systems.
Thanks to its speed, flexibility, and power, C++ is one of the world’s most popular programming languages and is used to develop operating systems, device drivers, video games, scientific simulations, financial applications, and more. Another benefit of C++ is its compatibility with other programming languages. C++ can be made to work with Python, Java, and Ruby by using language bindings or wrappers provided by certain libraries and frameworks.
C vs C++
What is the difference between C++ and C? The following are some of the key differences between these two languages:
* Object-oriented programming: C++ integrates object-oriented programming features, while C follows a procedural approach.
* Memory management: C++ offers a more sophisticated approach to memory management, including constructors and destructors that are automatically called when objects are created or destroyed. C relies on manual memory management with functions like malloc() and free().
* Containers: The C++ Standard Library includes a richer set of container classes than C, including vectors, lists, sets, maps, and more.
* Exception handling: The C++ Standard Library includes support for exceptions, whereas the C Standard Library does not.
* I/O Streams: The C++ Standard Library includes I/O stream classes to handle input and output, while the C Standard Library uses a simple file-based I/O approach.
* Performance: Generally, C is faster than C++ because it lacks some of the overhead from features like virtual functions and exception handling.
* Compatibility: C can be used in C++ programs, but the opposite is not always true, because C++ adds additional features and syntax that are not in C.
What is C++ used for?
C++ can create almost any kind of program. Here are some applications that commonly use the C++ programming language:
* Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and Linux are all programmed in C++.
* Browsers: The rendering engines of various web browsers are programmed in C++ primarily because of the high speed of C++.
* Libraries: Tensorflow, one of the most widely used machine learning libraries, uses C++ as its backend primarily because of the high performance of C++.
* Graphics: All graphics applications require fast rendering, just like web browsers do. Programs that perform computer vision processes and high-end digital image processing all use C++ as their backend. Popular games that are heavy on graphics also use C++ as their primary language.
* Banking applications: Banking applications, which process millions of transactions each day, require high-performance programming languages.
* Cloud/distributed systems: Large organizations rely on C++ for in-house and cloud storage systems. C++ connects well with hardware and is compatible with a lot of machines.
* Databases: MySQL, MongoDB, Redis, Oracle, and several other databases have components written in C++. The high performance and low-level memory management control offered by C++ make it ideal for databases.
* Embedded systems: Medical machines, smartwatches, and IoT devices use C++ because it is close to the hardware level.
* Compilers: The compilers of various programming languages use C and C++ because they are low-level languages. (C++ has both low-level and high-level functionality.)
Examples of C++ syntax and code
The following are some examples of C++ syntax:
* #include <iostream>: This is the preprocessor directive to include a header file (in this case the iostream header file).
* int main(): This marks the first function where the program execution begins.
* { }: These are common to almost all programming languages and indicate the beginning and end of a function or a method.
* //comment: The text or information after the (//) command is not a part of the execution program. It is used before a comment the programmer writes to explain the code.
The following is an example of C++ code. This code prints a name as output:
#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
// Generic comment: This code prompts the user to enter a name as input and then outputs the entered name.
int main()
{
string name;
cout << "Enter the name: ";
cin >> name;
cout << "Entered name is: " <<
name;
return 0;
}
C++ Environment Setup
To start coding a program in C++ language on your computer, you will need to have the following:
* Text editor: Examples of a few text editors are Windows Notepad++, VS Code, Linux Vim, and Atom. Files created with the text editor are called source files, and for C++, they are typically given the extension .cpp
* C++ compiler: The code written in the text editor (source code) is not machine-readable and needs to be compiled into a final executable program (machine code). The most frequently used and free available compiler is the GNU C/C++ compiler. If you use VS Code, you do not need to download a compiler separately. Visual Studio comes with Microsoft's Visual C++ compiler.
Where can you learn C++?
If you are interested in learning C or C++, check out the following few online coding courses to get started:
edX: C Programming: Getting Started
This free course teaches the principles of C programming. Students just getting started with C will learn how to write their first programs, make simple computations, print results to the screen, store values in variables, and repeat instructions using loops. Beginners, even those without any programming experience, will be able to immediately start coding in C with the help of simple coding tools that can be accessed through the web browser.
Coursera: Coding for Everyone: C and C++ Specialization
This free course teaches students how to Code in both C and in C++. Students will gain a deep understanding of computer programming by learning to code, debug, and solve complex problems.
Udemy: Beginning C++ Programming—From Beginner to Beyond
This is one of the best paid courses for learning C++, object-oriented programming, and various other skills needed for gaming, system, and application development. Created by Tim Buchalka’s Learn Programming Academy and Frank J. Mitropoulos, the course is well-structured and teaches modern C++ features, such as lambda, threading, and templates. This course is worth the investment at $24.99, but beginners should start with one of the others, first, to get a head start before diving into this one.
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Lies of P: A Soulslike Game Inspired by the Tales of Pinocchio
A new action role-playing game called Lies of P, inspired by the tale of Pinocchio and resembling souls like games such as Bloodborne, is due to be released in August 2023. The game puts a dark twist on the classic fairy tale and features a unique system that takes advantage of the character’s lies. Who would have thought that a game would be made that is based on the story of Pinocchio? Read on to learn all about this intriguing new title.
Lies of P
Lies of P tells the story of Pinocchio as never seen before. You play as the iconic marionette in search of your maker Geppetto in a fictional French city inspired by the historic Belle Époque era—a time of abundant affluence in France. The once flourishing city, Krat, has long since fallen. In bygone years, the denizens of Krat had invented mechanoids, thinking they could be used as a replacement for human labor, but at some point, the mechanoids had rebelled against their makers and turned the city into what is now a gritty and violent hellscape.
As Pinocchio, you wind your way through the streets of the ruined city, crafting weapons from various materials you discover along the way and interacting with the remaining few who are managing to survive there.
“Inspired by the familiar story of Pinocchio, Lies of P is an action souls-like game set in a dark Belle Époque world. Guide Pinocchio on his unrelenting journey to become human,” reads the game’s Steam page. “Play as Pinocchio, a puppet mechanoid, and fight through everything in your path to find this mystery person,” the Steam page continues. “But don’t expect any help along the way and don’t make the mistake of trusting anyone.”
Although based on a well-known tale and featuring several familiar Pinocchio characters, such as Geppetto, Pinnochio’s creator and father figure, and Gemini Cricket, Pinocchio’s guiding conscience, Lies of P promises intriguing twists through a dark reimagining of the story.
Lies of P is being developed by Round 8 Studio, which previously created the MMORPG Blessed Unleashed. Lies of P will be the developer’s first single-player title. Round 8 Studio is a subsidiary of Neowiz, a video game publisher in South Korea.
Lies of P gameplay and mechanics
Lies of P features profound narrative choices and deeply customizable character progression to round out its RPG features. Here are a few of the features you can expect:
Lying quests
In the popular tale, Pinocchio dreams of becoming human and is a compulsive liar. To achieve his dream, he is told he must first change his lying nature and demonstrate genuine honesty. By contrast, Lies of P features a mechanic where Pinocchio will accumulate Humanity points by lying; these points will affect Pinocchio’s journey and how his story ends. When not in combat, Pinocchio can speak with faceless citizens locked behind their doors and windows. The NPCs question Pinocchio and send him on quests depending on his answers. During conversations, Pinocchio only has a few seconds to pick his answer, and one (or both?) of his choices is seemingly a lie. As of yet, how his conversation choices manifest is still unclear, but the game’s Steam page states these lying quests “play out depending on how you lie” and factor into which of the multiple endings you experience.
The main effect on gameplay is that the more lies Pinocchio tells, the more human he becomes, with all the advantages and disadvantages being human entails.
Legion arms
Pinocchio appears humanoid in the game, but he is a doll, and his body can be modified for different gameplay effects. A swappable extremity called a legion arm exists in the place of Pinocchio’s left arm. This can be used to equip Pinocchio with various weapons, including a grappling hook, a flamethrower, and even an electricity weapon. The legion arms system should help players dial in their strategies and play styles beyond what would be possible with standard equipment.
Pinocchio defaults to wearing the Iron Fist, a hardened extremity capable of strong punches, but at least nine augmentations offer a bevy of additional abilities. For example, the Puppet String is a Hookshot-like gadget that Pinocchio can fire toward enemies to reel them in or vice versa. Once upgraded, the Puppet String possesses an ability called Falling Chase, which is a potent acrobatic attack that launches Pinocchio into the air before he comes crashing down. Other legion arms include:
* The Fulminis, which unleashes a charge of electricity.
* The Flamberge, which spews a violent cone of flame from its barrel.
* The Falcon Eyes, a hand cannon that deals heavy damage.
Heavy weapons have extensive wind-up animations that leave Pinocchio vulnerable to quick strikes but feel incredible when they contact an enemy. Light, thin-bladed weapons unleash a flurry of strikes and can be combined with legion arms to inflict copious damage. Dodging and parrying are essential to survival, with the latter opening up opponents to visceral strikes with precise timing.
Overall gameplay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9skA157_1s
Pinocchio can equip two weapons at a time that alter things like attack speed and skills. The official Twitter boasts of 30 different weapons and 100 different “combinations,” and not all of these differences will be mechanical.
Further customization can be found in the P-Organ, where players spend Quartz (an upgrade material) to upgrade abilities and activate various skills. Pinocchio can also be customized for noncombat actions, such as breaking down a door. Accessing the customization menus pauses the game, so players can take as much time as necessary when customizing Pinocchio.
Most aspects of gameplay in Lies of P, such as dodging, parrying, and countering enemies, are similar to what you would expect of a souls-like title. However, player and enemy movement in general reflect the mechanical nature of the world—enemies approach with almost doll-like attacks, making it difficult to predict their movements.
Lies of P graphics and design
Lies of P has been built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 4. Although the aesthetics seem to take inspiration from Dark Souls, the game’s steampunk setting in the fallen city of Krat is reminiscent of the plague-ridden Dunwall of Dishonored.
Enemies are almost all mechanical, so they blend into the environment and wait for you to get close before making their move. Lies of P has many different types of enemies, so as soon as you get comfortable with one enemy type, a new one will suddenly appear and force you to adapt.
Souls-like titles tend to be extremely challenging, and a distinctive aspect of this genre is that games typically lack settings for adjusting the overall difficulty level. This often turns players away from progressing and discovering new aspects of the game. With Lies of P, Round 8 Studio appears not to be concerned about how hard the game is. The game looks to be very difficult and one that puts players’ skills to the test during each and every encounter within the gothic world.
Lies of P release date
Lies of P is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in August 2023. Lies of P will be on Xbox Game Pass as a Day One launch title. Be sure to check out this and other fantasy RPGs and see why Acer is an official sponsor of Game Pass.
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Intel 13th Gen Raptor Lake: Your Guide to the Next-Gen Processors
The newest 13th Gen Intel® Core™ Raptor Lake processors power Acer's latest Nitro laptops. Launched on October 20, 2022, these processors eclipse their predecessors, delivering exceptional speed, power, and efficiency. Its hybrid architecture allows gamers and creators to unlock unparalleled performance and productivity.
Raptor Lake promises a 40% boost in performance scaling through:
* More cores to add processing power
* DDR5 memory support
* Revamped architecture
* PCIe 5.0 SSD support
* Verified 6.0 GHz peak boost clock
Acer's Nitro laptops take full advantage of Raptor Lake's capabilities to boost your gaming to the next level. Discover how Raptor Lake is raising the bar in high-performance computing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CA1FLZAE18
What is Raptor Lake?
Raptor Lake is Intel's codename for its 13th-gen Core™ processor family. They're easily identifiable by generation number 13 in their CPU name: Intel® Core™ i9-13900K processor.
An evolution of Alder Lake, Raptor Lake shares the same node and hybrid architecture but with several key enhancements:
* Higher core counts: With up to 24 cores, a higher E-Core count boosts multitasking capabilities. Intel® Thread Director improves your productivity by distributing workloads to the optimal cores.
* Faster clock speeds: The Intel® Core™ i9-13900K boasts a 5.8GHz clock speed on the P-cores, earning the title of "world's fastest gaming CPU."
* Boosted cache: Up to 36 MB L3 cache enables faster data access.
* Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 6E: Gaming-Grade wireless Wi-Fi minimizes lag and optimizes system performance with nearly 3x faster connectivity.
When compared to Alder Lake, Raptor Lake's hybrid architecture delivers substantial speed improvements:
* 15% faster in single-threaded performance
* 41% improvement in multi-threaded performance
Delving into Raptor Lake's hybrid architecture:
Designed with a hybrid architecture, Raptor Lake blends two different processing cores on a single die:
* Performance-Cores (P-cores): Handle computationally intensive single-threaded tasks demanded by many game engines. A high single-threaded performance delivers smoother gameplay with less lag and fewer frame drops. Raptor Lake has up to 8 P-cores designed for raw speed while maintaining efficiency.
* Efficient-Cores (E-cores): Boost multi-threaded performance, maximizing CPU efficiency for seamless background task management. Raptor Lake features up to 16 E-cores to enhance multitasking capabilities.
Hybrid architecture processors smartly adapt to the way you work and play. Less demanding tasks run on E-cores, while P-cores focus on high-performance tasks. When gaming, Raptor Lake offloads background tasks to E-cores, leaving P-cores free to deliver smooth gameplay. When multitasking, E-cores work in tandem with P-cores to speed up core-hungry tasks like video rendering while efficiently managing background tasks.
A mix of cores with different capabilities allows the processor to allocate resources optimally, balancing performance and power consumption. This capability is critical for software that requires high levels of parallel processing, including:
* Video rendering
* Scientific simulations
* Machine learning
Intel® 13th Gen Raptor Lake lineup
The lineup comprises 22 models, powering a broad spectrum of devices, from desktops to laptops, including:
* Core™ i9: The highest-performance processors for power users require top-of-the-line gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering performance.
* Core™ i7: Offering the second-highest level of performance, Core™ i7 processors cater to those seeking a powerful yet balanced computing experience.
* Core™ i5: These processors deliver a solid performance, ideal for everyday computing tasks, light gaming, and content consumption. Suitable for those seeking reliable performance at an accessible price point.
* Core™i3: Intel's entry-level processor gives performance for everyday gaming, multitasking, and productivity. Due to their conservative battery use and low heat generation, they're perfect for entry-level laptops.
Intel® 13th Gen Raptor Lake mobile lineup
Intel's Core™ mobile family splits into four primary categories, each catering to specific performance needs and device types:
* HX-Series: Engineered to deliver the ultimate performance with up to 24 CPU cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores), 5.6GHz max turbo, and up to 128GB DDR5 RAM. Desktop replacements for high-end gaming laptops and demanding users. Intel claims it's the "world's fastest mobile processor."
* H-Series: Tailored for thin and light devices, these processors balance power and portability. Up to 14 CPU cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with a 5.4GHz max turbo for robust gaming performance.
* P-Series: Designed for performance-oriented thin and light laptops, they top out at up to 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with a max turbo of 5.2GHz and both DDR4 and DDR5 support. They run at 28W to conserve battery life.
* U-Series: Optimized for ultralight laptops and devices, they provide efficient performance, ideal for everyday computing tasks. The top U-series chip has 10 cores (2 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and a max turbo frequency of 5.2GHz.
Benchmark test Raptor Lake vs Alder Lake
On PassMark's CPU Benchmarks—where bigger numbers equal superior performance—the performance leap between Alder Lake (12th Gen) and Raptor Lake (13th Gen) chips is unmistakable:
* 60,036 Intel Core i9-13900K (13th Gen) vs 41,595 Intel Core i9-12900K (12th Gen)
* 23,014 Intel Core i7-1370P (13th Gen) vs 17,679 Intel Core i7-1270P (12th Gen)
* 15,236 Intel Core i3-13100F (13th Gen) vs 14,300 Intel Core i3-12100F (13th Gen)
Raptor Lake's improved PCIe support
PCIe support allows processors to communicate rapidly with other components, including:
* Graphics cards
* Network adapters
* Storage devices
Raptor Lake processors support PCIe 4.0 and 5.0, offering up to 16 lanes of PCIe 5.0 bandwidth. The result is:
* Faster data transfer speeds
* Better compatibility
* Improved system responsiveness
Raptor Lake supports next-generation DDR5 RAM
Your computer's RAM is crucial to its performance. Insufficient or slow RAM can cause programs to lag and hinder productivity. While DDR4 RAM has been the standard for the past decade, the next-generation DDR5 offers significant advantages:
* Higher base speed: DDR5 offers faster data transfer rates, enhancing overall performance. Raptor Lake's DDR5 memory support climbs to 5600 MT/s with one DIMM per channel (1DPC), a leap from Alder Lake's 4800 MT/s.
* Enhanced power efficiency: DDR5 consumes less power for the same performance level, extending battery life in laptops and reducing energy costs in desktop systems.
* Larger Memory Capacity: DDR4's maximum DIMM capacity allows up to 64 GB, whereas DDR5 expands this limit to a staggering 512 GB.
Raptor Lake ensures compatibility and smooth upgrades by supporting DDR4 and DDR5 memory. You can unlock memory support to overclock your memory and fine-tune your RAM's performance. This flexibility makes Raptor Lake an ideal choice to future-proof your computer.
Acer Nitro 16
Experience unparalleled gaming with the Acer Nitro 16 that runs on Raptor Lake. It's a powerful gaming laptop with a large 16-inch display, cutting-edge technology, and captivating gaming sessions. Immerse yourself in seamless gaming with outstanding performance and zero lag. Features include:
* Performance boost: 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor with a hybrid architecture
* Enhanced display: 16-inch WUXGA or WQXGA with a 165 Hz refresh rate, supporting NVIDIA Advanced Optimus
* NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 40 Series: Ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture for both gaming and content creation
* NVIDIA DLSS 3: Fourth-gen Tensor Cores and Optical Flow Accelerator on GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs for high-quality frames
* High-speed memory: GEN 4 M.2 PCIe SSDs and up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM
* Ray Tracing: Realistic light behavior simulation with the Ada architecture
* NVIDIA Max-Q Technologies: AI-powered technologies for peak efficiency, thin and quiet design, and impressive battery life
* Advanced cooling: Dual-fan, dual-intake, quad-exhaust, and liquid metal on the CPU for optimal temperature management
* Superfast Internet: Killer™ Ethernet E26001 and Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i for prioritized online gameplay
* Versatile ports: HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt™ 4, USB 3.2 Gen1 and 2, and a MicroSD™ Card Reader
* Customizable keyboard: 4-zone RGB keyboard with a dedicated NitroSense Key for fan speeds, lighting control, and more
* Immersive audio: Dual 2W speakers with DTS:X® Ultra for a competitive edge and an engaging experience
Intel's 13th-gen Raptor Lake processors are raising the bar for computing performance. Sporting a hybrid architecture that intelligently combines Performance and Efficient cores, these chips excel in gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
Raptor Lake offers diverse options, catering to high-end power users and those seeking dependable performance on a budget. With enhanced PCIe support and next-gen DDR5 memory capabilities, Raptor Lake is paving the way for the future of high-performance computing.
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A Preview of Hollow Knight: Silk Song
Introduction
The gaming world has been teeming with excitement over the imminent release of Hollow Knight: Silksong in the last few months. Though news about the game was scarce for a period of time during the game’s development, the countdown toward Silksong’s release has officially begun, much to everyone’s relief!
If you missed it, the first Hollow Knight made quite the splash when it first came out. Released in 2017 by the 3-person development team Team Cherry based in Adelaide, Australia, it ended up winning the 2017 Best Platformer award from PC Gamer on account of its excellent gameplay.
Critics lavished praise on its complex and incredibly well-thought-out universe, its unique combination of dystopian scenery with Pixar-esque design, and the beautifully melancholic score from composer Christopher Larkin. Writer Wes Fenlon remarked on the “massive and labyrinth” world of Hallownest, the universe in which the game is situated, and commented that the game was “always better thought-out than [he] expected.” From a tiny 3-person team, Hollow Knight was a mighty accomplishment indeed.
The new game is expected to combine all the adventurous gameplay and impeccable world design of its predecessor while also adding in its own unique touches. According to Team Cherry, the game will feature “shocking quests,” “lethal acrobatic action,” and “Silk Soul mode,” a gameplay experience that is activated once the main game is completed, amplifying the replay possibilities!
Release date and latest news
For a while, fans were grappling with a lot of ambiguity regarding Hollow Knight: Silksong’s release date. Though a trailer for the new game was released in February 2019, news and hype regarding the game slowed down in the following months, leading gamers to be concerned about the development of the game.
Both Xbox and Team Cherry had previously confirmed that the game would launch before June 2023. The game’s appearance at an Xbox & Bethesda Showcase in 2022 particularly served to clear up any doubts, as Xbox openly stated that every game on display at the showcase would be released within the following twelve months. Unfortunately, on May 2023, an official tweet by Matthew Griffin, the head of PR and marketing for the game, confirmed that the game will release after the 1st half of 2023.
"Hey gang, just a quick update about Silksong.
We had planned to release in the 1st half of 2023, but development is still continuing. We're excited by how the game is shaping up, and it's gotten quite big, so we want to take the time to make the game as good as we can.
Expect more details from us once we get closer to release."
— Matthew Griffin (@griffinmatta) May 10, 2023
The game will be available on all major consoles, including PS4, PS5, and PC, and it will also be available from day one with Xbox Pass. Luckily, with the purchase of a Windows 11 PC from Acer, you can also enjoy one month free of Xbox Pass with its over 100 high-quality games.
Plot of Hollow Knight: Silksong
Interestingly enough, Silksong originally began as a side project of the original game. As the developers continued working on it, however, they quickly realized that the scope of the project was much larger than they had anticipated, so Team Cherry decided to develop it as a separate game. Given the extensive lore of the first game, it’s no surprise that the developers felt they needed to create a sequel for all their ideas to flourish and take shape.
The basic plot of Silksong begins as Hornet realizes she has been kidnapped and taken to a kingdom called Pharloom. Hornet must ascend from the very bottom of this kingdom, haunted by “silk and song” (hence the title of the game) towards the top to reach a shiny citadel and learn the motive behind her capture.
Of course, this plot structure is also just a backdrop for the various side adventures along the way. The sequel even allows you to record side quests in a journal, which may imply that Silksong will put more focus on such twists and turns away from the main story.
Gameplay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSfuFlhsxZY
Hollow Knight is often described as being a metroidvania game. The word metroidvania, a portmanteau of Metroid (1986) and Castelvania (1986), the two games that are said to best encapsulate the genre, describes a type of video game based mainly on exploration.
A subgenre of the action-adventure video game genre, players move through a map to unlock new items and abilities. As players collect new things, the universe of the game continuously expands to allow for new exploration. Because there is always something new to be found, metroidvania games are typically highly replayable, which is certainly the case for Hollow Knight!
It is said that Silksong will retain the metroidvania structure of its predecessor, along with its light RPG elements. However, we also know that there will be a couple of differences in the new game.
One of those differences is the playable character within the game. You may remember that, in the original game, Hornet often got in the way of the Knight, the protagonist, before becoming his ally halfway through. In Silksong, the protagonist and therefore perspective of the player switches entirely to Hornet.
This switch in perspective definitely will impact player experience in some key ways. For one, Hornet is a lot more nimble compared to the Knight, able to leap and flip over enemies with ease. Additionally, healing will also work differently for the new protagonist.
In contrast to the Knight, who could only refill his health gradually, Hornet can refill three health nodes at once. That may make you feel invincible at first, but with over 150 brand-new enemies in the new game, we can expect that the game will test Hornet’s regenerative capacities.
Besides these differences, the sequel also offers various new features, including the ability to use materials gathered from fallen enemies to make weapons, traps, and tools. Plus, on top of the 150 new enemies within Silksong, there will also be new bosses to conquer along the way.
Conclusion
All in all, it’s undeniable that when Silksong is finally released, it will cause a major ripple effect within the gaming community. Gamers have high expectations for the game, and with its June 2023 release date around the corner, we're all looking forward to seeing how Team Cherry will top their last effort to deliver a game even more enjoyable and replayable than their first one!
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Chromebook vs. Laptop for College: Which Is the Best Option?
As a college student, your computer is your lifeline. You'll work on it for 5 to 10 hours daily during school. You'll use it to write papers, take notes, and stay organized. At home, you'll stream movies and music and perhaps play games. You might wonder what kind of computer is required for your coursework. Should you get a Windows laptop or a Chromebook?
In this article, we'll delve into the differences and explore the pros and cons of each to help you determine the best student laptop for your academic needs.
What is a Chromebook?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXaHt9pZCa8
A Chromebook is a low-cost alternative to traditional laptops developed by Google. Unlike most laptops, Chromebooks don't run Microsoft Windows. Instead, they run on Chrome OS, similar to the Google Chrome web browser, which means you can do all the things you usually do online:
* Read websites
* Use Google Docs, Sheets & Slides, or Microsoft Office
* Check email
* Watch videos
* Stream games
* Edit Photos
Chromebooks use web-based computing, and virtually all the applications and data are stored in the cloud (part of the internet). Using cloud computing means you can do many of the same tasks as a Windows laptop while using fewer resources and less powerful hardware. Cloud computing reduces the device's cost and weight, but they have less functionality than a traditional laptop.
Chromebooks are:
* Simple to use
* Good battery life
* Boot up in seconds
* An increasingly large app
They have built-in virus protection and automatic software updates to keep your Chromebook safe and secure.
What's the difference between Chromebooks and laptops?
Chromebooks and laptops may look identical. However, Chromebooks sport a unique operating system - ChromeOS, rather than Microsoft Windows. Both devices possess a keyboard, camera, built-in screen, and trackpad, and many Chromebooks also embrace the clamshell or 2-in-1 form factor with touchscreens, mirroring traditional laptops.
Digging deeper, though, the internal differences between the two become apparent. Laptops tend to have the upper hand in power with capable chips from Intel or AMD and superior integrated or discrete graphics powering them. Traditional laptops running on Windows 11 require more powerful hardware and faster memory. As a result, they are generally more expensive.
Conversely, Chromebooks usually contain lower-performing chips and graphics, with only a few high-end models using Intel® Core™ processors. Chrome OS is streamlined, doesn't require high-end hardware, and keeps Chromebooks affordable.
In terms of storage, Windows laptops offer a minimum of 256GB compared to Chromebooks' modest 32GB. This difference arises from Chrome OS's focus on cloud-based storage and its reduced reliance on local storage space for apps and files compared to Windows.
Chromebooks vs. Laptops for College Students
As a college student, the tech you choose can make or break your academic experience. Windows 11 is more robust than ChromeOS. So, Windows laptops are fully functional and can tackle virtually any app your courses throw at you, while Chromebooks champion simplicity and wallet-friendliness.
Chromebooks running on ChromeOS tap into the cloud's data storage and app management, offering a lean yet effective approach.
Before committing to either camp, scour your college website for laptop requirements to ensure compatibility with course-specific software. It's not uncommon for IT departments to dish out tailored hardware suggestions, so Google: Your college name + degree + laptop requirements
Windows laptops are more powerful and can store applications and data on the hard drive or the cloud. Some software runs better or will only run on Windows. If you are enrolled in courses that demand large software downloads or files — think MBA programs —Windows-based laptops have the upper hand as they're built to handle the heavy lifting.
But don't dismiss Chromebooks just yet. Their claim to fame lies in their simplicity, efficiency, quick performance, and extended battery life. Equipped with convenient features such as:
* Automated updates
* Malware defense
* Secure login capabilities
Chromebooks have carved out their niche in the K-12 student market with over 60% share in 2018.
College Windows laptop specifications (2023)
Here's a list of system requirements for top college laptops:
* Intel® Core™ i7 or higher, or AMD Ryzen™ 7 or higher.
* 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) or higher.
* Minimum 8GB of RAM (16GB RAM preferred).
* Fast "wake to sleep" setting when you are not using the laptop to boost battery life, and
* Quick "wake from sleep" to maximize productivity when using the computer.
* Windows 11.
* Fast internet connection.
These extra items are handy at home or in your dorm:
* Plug-in ergonomic mouse and keyboard to avoid discomfort.
* A laptop stand to enhance good posture.
* Plug-in second monitor for increased productivity.
Acer Aspire 5 Laptop: the college budget champ
In the market for a budget-friendly college laptop that won't exceed $700? Look no further than the Acer Aspire 5. This laptop features a full HD IPS screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, giving it a premium feel at an affordable price.
The Aspire 5 doesn't skimp on performance, thanks to its powerful components, which make it faster than other laptops in this price range. It boasts an impressive all-day battery life to keep you going.
Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 punches above its weight, delivering power and performance for budget-conscious college students.
Acer Aspire 5 Laptop Specs
* Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-1165G7
* Screen: 14" 1920×1080
* Memory: 16 GB
* Storage: 512 GB SSD
* Weight: 3.20 lb
* Battery life: 10 hours
* OS: Windows 11 Home
* Price: $649.99
Acer Swift 5: the college ultrabook
Acer's Swift 5 is an ultrabook designed for portability and high performance. Its slim, sleek design is encased in an aerospace-grade aluminum chassis, weighing only 2.65 lbs and boasting a slim profile of only 14.95 mm.
The laptop has a 14-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10 touchscreen display featuring a 90% screen-to-body ratio that offers a great visual experience. With an impressive 17-hour battery life, you can stay productive throughout the day.
The Acer Swift 5 is an excellent choice for busy students requiring a high-performance device to meet lifestyle demands.
Swift 5 Specs:
* Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-1260P
* Screen: 14" WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10 Touchscreen
* Memory: 16 GB, LPDDR5
* Storage: 1TB SSD
* Weight: 2.65 lb
* Battery life: 17 hours
* OS: Windows 11 Home
* Price: $1,499.99
Chromebook specifications (2023)
While Chromebooks do not need the same features as a standard laptop, choosing a Chromebook that has a minimum of these points will make studying easier:
* Intel® Core™ i3 or higher.
* Minimum 8GB of RAM.
* 256GB solid-state drive (SSD).
* Integrated 720p HD webcam.
* 13.3-inch screen.
* At least 3 ports, including 2 USB Type-C ports, so that you can continue to work while charging the Chromebook.
* 10-hour battery life.
Acer Vero 514: the eco friendly Chromebook
The Acer Vero 514 is a top-performing Chromebook offering features explicitly designed for the modern student. Independently tested for rugged durability using MIL-STD-810H4 standards, this Chromebook is built to withstand the demands of college life. Additionally, its sustainable design incorporates 30% PCR plastics, demonstrating Acer's commitment to environmental sustainability.
The 14" Full HD touchscreen display, Intel® Core™ i3-1215U processor, and Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics provide a seamless and immersive user experience. With 8 GB of memory and a 256 GB solid-state drive, you can easily handle academic work or streaming movies without lag.
It also offers a fast-charging battery that can recharge up to half its 10-hour battery life in just 30 minutes, making it easy to stay mobile throughout the day. Overall, the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 is an ideal companion for college students who require uncompromising productivity and performance.
Acer Vero 514 Specs:
* Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-1215U
* Screen: 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9
* Memory: 8 GB, LPDDR4X
* Storage: 128 GB SSD
* Weight: 3.09 lb
* Battery life: 10 hours
* OS: Chrome OS
* Price: $499.99
Acer Chromebook Spin 714: the Chromebook for business students
You can't go wrong with Acer's Chromebook Spin 714, which offers both speed and versatility. Weighing just over 3 lbs, this dodeca-core Chromebook delivers lightning-fast performance that makes multitasking a breeze.
Great visuals on the 14" WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS touchscreen display, powered by the Intel® Core™ i7-1260P processor combined with Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics. The durable 360° hinge provides four different viewing modes.
With 8 GB of LPDDR4X memory and a 256 GB solid-state drive, you'll have tons of space for your projects, presentations, and coursework. The quick-charging 10-hour battery gives you a four-hour charge in under 30 minutes.
The Chromebook Spin 714's instant wake-up feature ensures you work in less than a second, maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime.
Chromebook Spin 714 Specs:
* Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-1260P
* Screen: 14" WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS Touchscreen display
* Memory: 8 GB, LPDDR4X
* Storage: 256 GB SSD
* Weight: 3.09 lb
* Battery life: 10 hours
* OS: Chrome OS
* Price: $999.99
Which is better?
Before you make the decision between a Chromebook and a laptop, one thing you want to write off your list for your college journey is a tablet. This is because while a tablet seems like a laptop, it doesn't operate on a complete operating system like laptops do. Instead, tablets are more like mobile phones, so they don't cut it for serious study.
The primary deciding factors are:
* The courses you are enrolling in and whether you need to download software for the subjects. Will you need to open and manage large files?
* How often will you need to use a computer – is it just for writing assignments, or will you be making notes for much of the day?
Maybe a solution for you is to have a Chromebook you take to college and a laptop you use at home. By storing your data on the cloud, you can easily access it from either machine!
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Acer Global Press Conference Recap: April 2023
The Acer Global Press Conference took place on April 20th, showcasing some of Acer’s most exciting new products. The theme of this year’s Global Press Conference was clear: creating a sustainable living environment for all. Jason Chen, the CEO, reiterated Acer’s strong interest in finding a balance between tech and nature and its passion for building a more sustainable future. Pushing the boundaries of tech-related creations, Acer’s team of experts constantly works to enhance the integration of our virtual and physical lives. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an integral part of its corporate strategy, Acer is committed to improving lives through medical intelligence, health and fitness, and eco-friendly computing.
E-mobility solutions with AI-powered ebii
In the US, vehicles create around 27 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. These gasses contribute to global warming and threaten the future of our planet. With over half of US everyday car trips falling under three miles, e-bikes could be an emission-free alternative to cars. Along with the inherent health benefits of increased exercise, trading a car for a bike just once per day could decrease a person’s transport emissions by 67%. In short, bikes — particularly e-bikes — could be the future of city travel.
With ebii, Acer’s first AI-driven smart bike, city travel just got more exciting. Intelligent learning from ebii adapts to the rider’s unique pedaling powers and riding conditions, creating a more personalized experience over time.
Packed with smart AI features, riders can easily control the bike’s function through an app that displays real-time data such as riding speed and remaining battery. The built-in collision detection feature alerts riders of oncoming vehicles or objects for maximum safety. Moreover, ebii’s auto-lock system sends notifications if the bike has been moved unexpectedly.
Other features include:
* Fast-charging battery charges to 100% in just 2.5 hours.
* Air Fom flat-free tires remove the worry of returning to a flat tire after a long day in the office.
* Safer night-time riding with front, rear, and sidelights.
* Design features such as a low-stand height of 145 - 185mm make ebii accessible for all.
Eco-friendly solutions with Acer Vero
During the Global Press Conference, Acer announced the addition of multiple eco-friendly devices designed to improve our lives.
1) Acerpure Pro Air Purifier
While we cannot control our external environment, we can improve how we live at home. Air purifiers help relieve the symptoms of asthma while eliminating harmful indoor particles, reducing the risk of airborne illnesses.
Made with 100% recycled materials, the Acerpure Pro Air Purifier is Acer’s first sustainable air purifier. The device provides accessible eco-friendly solutions for all, improving air quality and eliminating 99% of PM 2.5 particles. In alignment with Acer’s vision of a more sustainable future, the air purifier uses 35% PCR in the chassis, reducing Co2 emissions during production by 20%.
2) Eco-friendly Vero Projector
This year’s Global Press Conference was full of surprises, with Acer unveiling its first eco-friendly projector. With 50% energy-saving capabilities and a lifespan of 30,000 hours, the energy-efficient device is suitable for use in classrooms, board rooms, and even museum exhibitions. The projector is equipped with 5,000 ANSI lumen brightness for high-resolution projection. Following Acer’s commitment to environmentally friendly production, the projector is made with 50% PCR plastic in the chassis.
3) Sustainable surfing with Aspire Vero laptops
Acer is committed to reducing its Co2 emissions. As such, Acer has increased its reduction of Co2 emissions from 21% to 30% already this year. With 40% PCR materials on the chassis and 50% on the adapter casing, the Aspire Vero laptop series is a testimony to Acer’s efforts to improve sustainability. And that is not all. Acer’s savvy tech team decreased the amount of printed circuit board materials, resulting in a 52% reduction in PCB surface area.
Unmatched gaming with Acer Predator
Acer Predator Helios is Acer’s cutting-edge series of gaming computers. The SpatialLabs edition is fitted with advanced AeroBlade all-metal fan technology consisting of 89 blades to keep the computer cool during intense gaming sessions. Moreover, the machine-printed liquid metal thermal grease boosts performance while enhancing heat efficiency.
SpatialLabs 3D transforms the gaming experience into vivid, holistic playability without the need for glasses. The stereoscopic 3D display delivers intuitive interaction and allows users to easily switch between 4K 2D and 3D with 2K resolution at 60Hz, offering an unrivaled gaming experience.
Acer has teamed up with long-term partner NVIDIA to bring users the most advanced range of AI-powered GeForce RTX computer technology. With fourth-generation Tensor Cored and an Optical Flow Accelerator on GeForce RTX Series GPUs, NVIDIA laptops are lightning-fast and deliver high-performance and AI-enhanced graphics. NVIDIA pushes Acer laptops into another dimension, enabling exquisite image detail and a durable battery life.
The Predator Orion X is packed with 24 core processors and 2TB M.2 storage for easy offloading of games. It offers a 240mm AIO liquid cooler and two 120mm fans, delivering outstanding cooling performance from a compact 15.4L chassis.
Choose Acer for a sustainable future
This year’s Global Press Conference has confirmed Acer’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly products. Through packaging, materials, and outstanding technology, Acer is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and impact on our planet. With a vision of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Acer has introduced nine strategies, including using renewable energy, choosing sustainable materials, and offering low-carbon products or services.
For gaming or lifestyle, medical or fitness, in choosing Acer products, you are choosing to help the environment.
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