Civilization is one of the most iconic and beloved video game franchises ever. The turn-based strategy game, which challenges players to build and manage a civilization from the ground up, has entertained and engaged players for over 30 years. Now, fans of the series are excited as Firaxis Games, the studio behind the franchise has announced that a new mainline Civilization game is in development.
The announcement was made during a live stream event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Civilization series. While details about the new game were sparse, the mere fact that it is in development will surely be music to the ears of Civilization fans worldwide. With updated graphics, new civilizations, and improved gameplay mechanics, the new game promises to be just as engaging and addictive as its predecessors.
Firaxis Games is no stranger to the Civilization series. The studio has been responsible for developing the franchise since the release of Civilization III in 2001. Since then, the studio has released several entries in the series, including Civilization IV, Civilization V, and Civilization VI. Each entry has added new mechanics, improved graphics, and expanded gameplay options, making the series even more enjoyable for players.
The new mainline Civilization game promises to build upon the success of the previous entries while introducing new gameplay mechanics and features. Fans can expect the same addictive turn-based strategy gameplay that they know and love, but with new and exciting twists that will keep them engaged for hours on end.
One particular thing is that the new game will feature a wide range of civilizations for players to choose from. In past entries, players have been able to play as civilizations worldwide, from ancient Greece to modern-day America. Each civilization has unique strengths and weaknesses, making each playthrough a unique experience.
In addition to new civilizations, the game will likely feature updated graphics and improved gameplay mechanics. Firaxis has always been committed to making the Civilization series accessible to newcomers and franchise veterans, so players can expect a game that is easy to learn but difficult to master.
While there is no official release date for the new mainline Civilization game, fans can rest assured that Firaxis Games is challenging at work, creating the best possible experience for them. In the meantime, fans can look forward to updates and announcements from Firaxis as they work to bring the next instalment of the Civilization series to life.
Nowadays, we find better storylines in games than in movies, and they’re so compelling that we often lose track of time. Gaming has recently gained a lot of traction in India, which raised huge demand for gaming keyboards, gaming mice, gaming headsets, etc.
Your gaming gear is one of the most important aspects of gaming, as it can make or break your experience. So before going ahead with random accessories, think twice because the gear is the only thing which brings solace to your gaming experience.
Gaming Keyboard
Old-school gamers will always prefer a keyboard and mouse combo over a controller as it brings more versatility to the table. Today, we have keyboards specifically designed for gaming but choosing one would be a tricky code to crack.
When looking for a gaming keyboard, one should look for one with great built quality, layout, size, backlighting, cost and, of course, typing experience in case you want to get some work done. Let’s take a look at the top 3 gaming keyboards in India.
The gaming industry has grown up so rapidly, and when you’re into multiplayer games, having proper gaming headphones is a must-have accessory. The headsets help you focus on the game and prevent others from loud, unwanted sounds like gunfire.
In my opinion, HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset is one of the best gaming headsets in the current market. They’re lightweight, extremely comfortable to wear, sound incredible and have a swivel-to-mute microphone. What else do you need?
Gaming Chair
A true gamer must know the time gamers spend in one sitting, and everyone knows what happens afterwards. Yes, back pain and several other health issues. Well, to remain in the gaming community, one must get an adjustable gaming chair that offers good lumbar support to help prevent pain in the lower back. If the chair supports all the way up from the head and neck to the lower back, that’s a heavenly ride.
Now that you have purchased a gaming keyboard, headset and chair then, why are you keeping yourself away from buying the gaming mouse? Just go and get it because, without it, you are not going far away in the game.
Logitech G402 is the all-time best-selling gaming mouse. It features Fusion Engine High-Speed Tracking technology which helps you achieve a tracking speed of 500IPS. It has an ergonomic design and is comfortable for extended hours of gaming.
Blue Light Glasses
When you play for long hours, it’s obvious your eyes are going to get tired, and we don’t realise it until we start dealing with regular headaches and screen fatigue. Getting blue light-blocking glasses would be a recommended accessory, even though they have not been scientifically proven to relieve eye strain. They’re made to block blue-light wavelengths from your screen, which makes them a must-buy for every gamer or perhaps for everyone who spends a long time in front of the screen.
Spider-Man is my favorite superhero character from all of Marvel and DC lore. Peter Parker represents all of us in some way by trying to strike a balance between his normal and superhero life. When the Spider-Man game by Insomniac had initially released on PS4, I was skeptical of it being a cash grab. The past superhero-related games had left a sour taste in my mouth, with the exception of the Batman: Arkham series. However, I was taken by surprise at how wonderful the game was. It perfectly blends the story and spectacle staple to a Spider-Man story, creating an immersive experience for the player.
The PC Experience
I was definitely confused when the announcement of the game for the PC platform was made. I was convinced that players will not have a good experience with the game on PC as it felt like a perfect fit for the PlayStation controller. I am glad to say that I was completely wrong! Spider-Man’s swing is definitely one of the finest movements ever seen in any gameplay and controlling it via a keyboard and mouse felt smoother to me than on the PlayStation. Marvel’s Spider-Man was undoubtedly a visually pleasing game on the PS4 that was then given a bump in performance with PS5. However, on the PC platform, with the right specifications, one can squeeze out everything the game has to offer at the performance level.
I played this game on an Intel i9 12th Gen system sporting the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti coupled with 32GB RAM. There was never a question of whether the game would play well on this system, but about how well it will perform! I was surprised to see that it consistently provided 4K gameplay without any lags and dropping the resolution down to 1080P made it smooth like butter. With the correct specifications, there is no doubt that Marvel’s Spider-Man will perform excellently on PC.
Story
Marvel’s Spider-Man does not waste any time in showing the character’s origin story as it has been told and retold many a time in pop culture. While the game has been out for years, I won’t be diving into spoilers as everyone deserves to experience this gameplay and the story afresh. The Spider-Man we see in this game is an already-established friendly neighborhood hero who is trying to balance his life. He works as an apprentice to Dr. Otto Octavius and the dynamics of their relationship are also explored. Spider-Man’s classic characters like Mary Jane and Aunt May are also present here. There is also a heartwarming Stan Lee cameo that makes you go ‘aww’. To simplify the plot, it is Spider-Man’s ultimate battle against the sinister six. Sony was keen to introduce the Sinister Six back with Andrew Garfield’s Amazing Spider-Man series but did not get to do so due to the lukewarm response to the franchise’s second installment. However, with Insomniac’s game, Sony finally brought Sinister Six from comic book pages to the screen. Another element of the game that feels like a well-fleshed-out character itself is New York City. There is a lot to do in downtown Manhattan in this game and completing the side quests gets you different gadgets and suits. And how can one forget the suits? The suits here are beautiful and something a Spider-Man fan can only dream to see in live-action. The fight sequences could feel repetitive after a point but they lead to a cinematic conclusion that keeps you hooked till the end. Ultimately, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is a treat for all Marvel and gaming fans in general! Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is priced at Rs 3,999 on major retail platforms.
Rating – ★★★★
Verdict
Friendly neighborhood Spider-Man swings his way to your PC! The game is as fun on the PC platform as it was on PlayStation. With its indulgent visuals and story, Marvel’s Spider-Man should be on your list of games to play. This is surely one of the best Spider-Man adventures ever portrayed in pop culture which even casual fans will enjoy!
Fortnite’s parent company Epic Games Inc. is no stranger to controversies. It was not long ago when the company had made headlines when it slapped a lawsuit against Apple for anti-competitive behavior. Now, the company is going head to head against Google stating that the company paid off developers a hefty amount to prevent them from developing alternate app stores on the Android platform. Check out all the details about this new development below:
Epic Games sues Google
The charges root in Google’s Project Hug which was later renamed to ‘Apps and Games Velocity Program.’ To the unversed, Google has been alleged of spending millions of dollars to keep some Android developers on the Play Store. Epic Games filed a complaint last year, and the motion states that some of the agreements made by Google were intended to stop developers from launching competing app stores. By this, Epic Games has suggested that Google has violated the United States’ primary antitrust law known as the Sherman Act, which is a big allegation to slap on a company.
Google, on the other hand, has reportedly stated that it will be opposing the motion. A spokesperson from Google has stated that Epic is adding inaccurate claims to their failing lawsuits and that the company looks forward to setting the record straight in court. The spokesperson stated furthermore that the program Epic Games is fighting against is actually designed to give Android developers incentives and users early access whenever new content is launched. Google states that Android users already have access to alternate app stores thus Epic Games’ allegations have little merit.
The Epic-Google lawsuit has now been long-running. At its core, Epic is alleging that Google illegally forces app developers to use its payment processing system which charges a mandatory commission fee of up to 30%. Epic also sued Apple over a similar issue but ended up losing the first major round in court. The lawsuits certainly put light on anti-trust practices that possibly go around at big tech companies and how they can be tackled. However, Epic seems to be catching failures here with the tech giants coming up with strong opposing arguments about the same.
Minecraft players often take the internet by storm. The exceptional game allows players to build to their imagination with the help of an unlimited supply of blocks and space. Players create mega structures inside the game be it on land, water, or sky. However, this time around a crazy Minecraft player has taken it to the next level. YouTuber/Minecraft player ChrisDaCow has created the ‘entire universe’ inside the game!
Universe in Minecraft
If the internet has proven anything in the past decade it is that dedicated Minecraft players hold the power to create just about anything. Be it depicting the middle heart or creating a working computer that can be used to play Tetris (Game-Ception!) Minecraft players surely do not lack creativity! Now, Minecraft player ChrisDaCow has pushed the envelope on what can be built in the game by building a universe. Check out the video below –
Sure, the astonishing build does not encompass the ‘entire universe’, but surely provides a look at some key elements of outer space. The most noteworthy wonder here is the Sun and the planets in our solar system. The Pillars of Creation can also be seen in the Minecraft universe. The best part about this build for me is the black hole which looks exactly like Nolan’s space adventure film Interstellar. The creator shared that it took around two months of constant work for him to build the universe in the game. However, he is not new to the game with an experience of over 9 years.
Peter Parker can step aside as it’s time for Miles Morales to shine on PC. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is coming to Windows PC and has gotten its first teaser trailer, however, there is no official release date for the same. Check out the teaser for the new Spider-Man game HERE.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
The game is currently available to play on PlayStation 4 and 5, however, the port will now enable Windows users to experience the game in all its web-slinging glory! The 30-second teaser does not justify the experience players will have as they see a teenager Spider-Man learning to become a hero and save his neighborhood. The teaser showcases Miles Morales in his stylish spider suit fighting his way through bad guys and protecting NY city. To the unversed, Miles Morales has an interesting set of powers like bio-electric venom blasts and camouflage. Read below to check out the system requirements to run the Spider-Man: Miles Morales game on PC:
Minimum Requirement
OS: Windows 10 64-bit 1909
Processor: Intel Core i3-4160, 3.6 GHz or AMD equivalent
It was only yesterday when we reported that GTA 6 leaked with over 90 videos surfacing on the internet. Now, the game’s developer Rockstar Games has come forward and confirmed that the GTA 6 footage leaked on the internet was indeed stolen from its network and is legit. This comes as a shocker to the gaming community who has been waiting for the next instalment of the game for nearly a decade. Rockstar Games shared an official statement on Twitter writing that the team is “Extremely Disappointed”. Check out Rockstar Games’ official statement below-
Rockstar Games statement on GTA 6 Leak
Rockstar Games stated, “We recently suffered a network intrusion in which an unauthorised third party illegally accessed and downloaded confidential information from our systems, including early development footage for the next Grand Theft Auto. At this time, we do not anticipate any disruption to our live game services no any long-term effect on the development of our ongoing projects”.
The gaming company expressed its distress over the leak stating, “extremely disappointed to have any details of our next game shared with you all in this way”. However, the company added that the leak does not delay its plan in any way as it will continue working on the game as planned and deliver the game “That truly exceeds your expectations”.
Dealing with notorious leakers is something the gaming industry has to do regularly. Major games getting leaked and making headlines is a common occurrence but it doesn’t make it any less stressful for developers. The Last of Us game director Neil Druckmann also showed support for Rockstar Games by sharing a heartfelt tweet. The director definitely knows what he is talking about as it was only two years back when The Last of Us 2’s spoiler-filled story points were leaked. The leaked GTA 6 clips are currently being taken down by Rockstar Games.
If you’re a gamer with even a slight interest in the upcoming big video game titles, you know how big Grand Theft Auto 6 is! The game has been in development for over half a decade with the official confirmation dropping only back in February 2022. Similar to big Marvel or DC movies, or more so, video games are also susceptible to leaks as fans are always looking for a little taste of what they’ll be getting with the upcoming release. With GTA 6 the gaming industry has stirred up headlines with one of, if not the biggest leak ever! With over 90 videos featuring gameplay, character interactions and more, GTA 6 has leaked online.
GTA 6 Leak
A GTS Forums user by the name ‘teapotuberhacker’ recently posted 90 videos claiming they are from a test build of the Grand Theft Auto 6. According to the leaker, the videos are running with GTA 5 and GTA 6 source codes and assets. The leaker claims that these leaks were downloaded straight from the game developer’s (Rockstar) internal slack groups. The leaker had also taken responsibility for the recent Uber Hack where they managed to get full control of admin access, Duo, OneLogin, and more. The hacker also got access to Uber’s source code and shared screenshots to prove the same.
The leak was later confirmed by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreir who confirmed it Rockstar (GTA Developer) that the leaks were indeed real. While the fire started on the GTA Forums, it quickly spread like wildfire to YouTube and Twitter. Where users started to share video clips showcasing conversations, gunplay, robberies and more. One of the leaked videos also shows a female protagonist walking through a strip club. This confirms that the upcoming GTA 6 will indeed feature male and female protagonists. The footage leaked also suggests that it is from an early build dating back to as early as 2017, however, it is a shocking leak, to say the least!
I was a huge fan of the GTA series (before I joined the notorious rat race), as the game allows you to throw off your frustration without causing any real-life trouble. The very first GTA game I ever played was Vice City, which featured the temperamental gangster and criminal mastermind Thomas “Tommy” Vercetti. The controversial gaming series is one of the most popular franchises for gamers due to the nature of the game.
The Gameplay
The basic storyline follows the rise of the protagonist in the criminal world and how he works his way to the top. However, the storyline depends on the time period the game is set in and changes from game to game. The games are split into three distinct parallel universes (2D, 3D, and HD) and are set in fictional caricatures of well-known United States cities like Liberty City – based on New York City, San Andreas – based on San Francisco, and Vice City – based on Miami.
The Acquisitions
The DMA Design Limited released the first game in the cosmos in 1997 and named it – Grand Theft Auto. The game was a huge success, but right after its release, the company was acquired by Gremlin Interactive. After a couple of acquisitions, the company was renamed Rockstar North and became part of the Rockstar Games in 2001. Every game of the GTA series tasted success, but Grand Theft Auto V broke all the records and became the second-best-selling game of all time.
The Universes
The first fictional universe ever introduced by the developing company DMA was 2D-Universe, which features the original Grand Theft Auto, its expansions and its sequel in a 2-dimensional world with a Top-Down Perspective. The 3D-Universe introduced a third-person view of a 3D world, where we can explore the GTA world in a better way. The 3D-Universe of the GTA consists of Grand Theft Auto III and its sequels.
Along with these games, the 3D-Universe also features two non-GTA games, Manhunt and Bully. The last and the latest universe in the GTA series is HD-Universe, which includes six games, an expansion pack for GTA IV, GTA V, and GTA Online. The Liberty City in the HD-Universe appears more detail oriented and extensive than the previous universes. All the universes are separate entities, yet, some characters and their backstories have been cited across universes.
2D Universe – 4 Games
Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
Grand Theft Auto 2
3D Universe – 6 Games
Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto Advance
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
HD Universe – 7 Games
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City
The Lost and Damned
The Ballad of Gay Tony
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto Online
GTA Controversies
Since the series ‘ first embodiment, GTA and controversies have been anchored in the same package. The action-adventure game is known for its adult nature and violent themes. The first-ever game of the cosmos was banned in Britain, Germany, Brazil and France due to its core. With the arrival of 3D graphics in the GTA-3, the game became more realistic, along with violence, and the controversies hit back to haunt the developers. In GTA-3, players have out-of-the-world options to restore their health, like paying for sexual activities with prostitutes and then killing them to get some of their money back. Not to mention, GameSpy awarded it with the title “Most Offensive Game of the Year”.
The game was banned in several countries due to its portrayal of sexual content, violence against prostitutes and a wide variety of other crimes like killing policemen, military personnel and civilians. Furthermore, when GTA Vice City came into existence, it also came under criticism as it showed a gang war between Haitians and Cubans. The phrase “Kill the Haitian dickheads”, which created the trouble, was altered from the phrase of the game after Haitian-American Grassroots Coalition filed a lawsuit against Rockstar games. When GTA San Andreas was released, it also created a controversy as it featured an interactive sex minigame nicknamed Hot Coffee.
Top 3 GTA Games
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA Online)
The Grand Theft Auto series’s latest and most loved game has everything you could ask for – from a design, storytelling, and technical perspective. GTA V (online) was released in 2013, but even after a decade, it remains trendy and competes with other newly released identical games. Set in a fictional Los Angeles called Los Santos, the game offers three playable protagonists – Trevor Philips, Michael De Santa and Franklin Clinton, each with a different perspective and distinct background.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
When Rockstar Games released GTA San Andreas on PS2 and Xbox, it was a breathtaking moment for every single gamer. The city was based on Los Angeles and other areas, while the story follows the journey of a former gangster Carl “CJ” Johnson, who returns home and pulls back to his infamous gang following his mother’s murder. The game was one of the most stylish and enjoyable games ever released, thanks to the well-created characters, dialogues, and sound design.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Sometimes, I think, maybe, I repeat, maybe, the guys who have developed the GTA franchise over the years have a significant influence of Tony Montana on them. Hope, you have seen Al Pacino’s cult classic movie Scarface; if not, go on and have a shot of it first and then play GTA Vice City. The game was released in 2002 and takes you back in time to 1986. The lead character of Vice City, Tommy Vercetti, looks like a 3D characterization of Tony Montana.
A good gamer understands the necessity of having good headphones. Be it trash-talking, giving commands to your teammates or hearing the footsteps of enemies, gamers need competent and comfortable headphones for their extended gaming sessions. Now, keeping the gaming-centric consumer market, JBL has launched the new JBL Quantum 350 wireless headphones in India.
JBL Quantum 350 wireless launched
Designed for gamers, the JBL Quantum 350 wireless is powered by 40 mm drivers. The company claims it has a battery life of up to 22 hours. A detachable boom microphone is also present here. The 40mm driver can provide a dynamic listening experience which can be tweaked via JBL QuantumENGINE PC software. The software allows users to tune the device to hear specific frequencies better during gaming sessions or have a dynamic experience while listening to music.
The JBL Quantum 350 comes with 2.4G grade lossless wireless, which means gamers can play games with minimal sound lag even from a distance. It also enables easy movement in the gameplay without any audio drop. The company claims that the fast charging capability of the headset can provide one hour of playback time on a 5-minute charge. On top of all the features, it is also Discord-certified and is compatible with TeamSpeak and Skype.
Features
Gaming-grade lossless 2.4G wireless via USB wireless dongle
Detachable boom microphone with voice focus
40mm drivers with immersive JBL QuantumSURROND
Memory foam ear cushions
Discord-certified
JBL QuantumENGINE software for full customization
Price and availability
JBL Quantum 350 Wireless headphones are available via JBL.com, all mainstream online and offline platforms along with HARMAN brand stores. The wireless headphones are currently priced at Rs 8,499. Click HERE to buy from JBL’s official online store.
