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Escape From Tarkov: Streets of Tarkov Map Guide

Od: RJ Go

One of the additions to the hardcore First Person Shooter (FPS) extraction shooter provides some interesting shooting combat and traversal.

Streets of Tarkov map

The Streets of Tarkov map was introduced in the update 0.13.5 of August 2023 and featured a large, partially ruined city map that introduced the first non-player-used vehicle in the form of an armored personnel carrier (APC) that can ferry players from one side of the map to another in relative safety. 

This map challenges the players about their gameplay tactics and their close-quarter combat (CQC) skills as map knowledge for this map is less useful (except for spawn point locations) due to the number of possible entry and exit points for both players and their enemies.

Map Design and Description

Streets of Tarkov map design

First off, this map is noticeably dividable into six (6) major zones within its borders, which are the following:

  • The Concordia/Construction Site zone is located on the southwest side of the bottom portion of the map.
  • The Old Factory/Rodina Cinema zone is located on the southeast side of the bottom portion of the map, adjacent to the zone mentioned above.
  • Pinewood Hotel/City Center zone, located on the central southeast side of the map, just below Klimov Street, is one of the major roads intersecting the whole map.
  • Klimov Shopping Mall zone, located on the right upper southeast side of the map, is near both Klimov Street and Primorsky Avenue, where the main road intersection is located.
  • Cardinal Apartments/City Expo zone, located on the left upper southwest side of the map, is adjacent to both the Klimov Shopping Mall zone and the Post Office/Residential zone.
  • Post Office/Residential zone, located on the central southwest side of the map, wherein the location of the old SCAV/APC spawn point was located.

As previously mentioned, two main roads cross the map: Klimov Street (running horizontally) and Primorsky Avenue (running vertically).

The southern part of the map has more side roads than the northern part. These roads connect the city center to smaller and private roads within each zone.

In addition to the surface-level routes, several subterranean and basement levels connect different zones, allowing players to traverse them. Various buildings, though limited, can also be entered and used as hiding spots or sniping positions.

Map Spawn Points

Streets of Tarkov map spawn points

Initially, the Streets of Tarkov map had 27 spawn points, with some located inside buildings or underground basements, mostly around the outskirts of the city.

After several patches and redesigns, the map now has 39 spawn points, more evenly distributed across the six major zones. Previously, areas like the Klimov Shopping Mall and Cardinal Apartments/City Expo zones had fewer spawn points, creating challenges for players.

Understanding where to spawn and how to safely exit your spawn point are crucial strategies for surviving longer on this map.

Map Features

Streets of Tarkov map features

Just like any other map in the game, the Streets of Tarkov map hosts several features like loot locations and bosses. Aside from those major features, there are some other features that a player should know about when playing through this particular map.

Mounted Stationary Weapons

There are two types of stationary mounted weapons that any player can use: AGS-30 30x29mm automatic grenade launchers, which are highly effective when used correctly, and NSV “Utyos” 12.7×108 heavy machine guns, which can easily mow down enemies.

These weapons are primarily found in The Concordia/Construction Site zone, particularly in and around the LexOs car dealership, which serves as a stronghold for the map’s boss, Kaban.

Be aware that several areas of the map, especially around Kaban’s base, are filled with claymores. Additionally, Border Snipers ensure that no player can leave the map without using the extraction points.

BTR-82A Patrol

This map features an APC taxi service using a BTR-82A equipped with a 30mm 2A42 Autocannon, capable of quickly dispatching enemies. Players can use the service to safely travel anywhere on the map.

The BTR-82A can transport up to 4 players at a time, with costs varying based on faction, Scav karma, Charisma level, and distance.

The APC becomes hostile only if attacked first or when another player purchases the “Covering Fire” service, or if the player is a traitorous Scav. The “Covering Fire” service provides temporary protection, making the BTR-82A hostile to enemies until the player is dropped off, at which point it returns to neutral.

BTR-82A Patrol Stop Locations

Streets of Tarkov map | BTR-82A Patrol Stop Locations

Currently, the BTR taxi service offers six (6) pick-up/drop-off locations (the yellow spots with red text in the image above) within the map, which are the following:

  • City Center
  • Collapsed Crane
  • Old Scav Checkpoint
  • Pinewood Hotel
  • Rodina Cinema
  • Tram

The BTR-82A will stop for two minutes for each stop and will honk twice ten seconds before leaving the stop.

BTR-82A Item Extraction

Finally, the BTR taxi service also offers an item extraction service that can be accessed through the BTR-82A’s trunk. The trunk size depends on the player’s Scav karma, and the items extracted from this service will arrive at the player’s mail after an hour in-game time.

Map Bosses

The map features two bosses: Kaban and Kollontay.

Kaban is located at the LexOs car dealership in The Concordia/Construction Site zone. He wields weapons like the Kalashnikov PKM and PKP 7.62x54R machine guns or the RPK-16 5.45×39 light machine gun, depending on where he spawns. He is protected by bodyguards Gus and Basmach, along with 2 to 3 snipers and four heavily armed guards.

Kollontay is a roaming boss who can appear at either Klimov Shopping Mall or the Ministry of the Interior Academy. He carries a PR-Taran Police Baton, a Kalashnikov AKMN 7.62×39 assault rifle, and a Lebedev PL-15 9×19 pistol, aside from other weapons. His guards are equipped with submachine guns, shotguns, and both frag and flash grenades. Approach both bosses with caution.

Extraction Points

There are 17 extraction points that a player can use to exit the map once their objective has been completed (i.e. loot hunting or quest cleared, etc.) or if they simply just want to leave the map altogether.

Do take note that some specific extraction locations have certain requirements to be used, just like in any map in the game.

Streets of Tarkov Extraction Points

Basement Descent

Faction: Scav

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: None

Streets of Tarkov  Cardinal Apartment Complex Parking

 Cardinal Apartment Complex Parking

Faction: Scav

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: None

Streets of Tarkov | Collapsed Crane

 Collapsed Crane

Faction: PMC

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: None

Streets of Tarkov | Courtyard

Courtyard

Faction: PMC

Always Available: No

Single Use: No

Requirements: Green flare to open

Notes: None

Streets of Tarkov  | Crash Site

Crash Site

Faction: PMC

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: None

Streets of Tarkov  | Damaged House

Damaged House

Faction: PMC

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: None

Streets of Tarkov  | Catacombs

Entrance to Catacombs

Faction: Scav

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: None

Streets of Tarkov  | Expo Checkpoint

Expo Checkpoint

Faction: PMC

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: None

Streets of Tarkov  | Klimov Shopping Mall Exfil

Klimov Shopping Mall Exfil

Faction: Scav

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: First floor, eastern entrance.

Streets of Tarkov | Klimov Street

Klimov Street

Faction: PMC

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: Shoot a green flare inside the flare area; the flare must reach a certain height to open. Only one person needs to shoot the flare from a group.

Notes: Notification will appear when inside the signal flare area.

Streets of Tarkov | Kamchatskaya Arch

Near Kamchatskaya Arch

Faction: Scav

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: Inside the courtyard of the museum building. 

Streets of Tarkov | Pinewood Basement (Co-Op)

Pinewood Basement (Co-Op)

Faction: All

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: Scav + PMC

Notes: Accessible via the northeastern staircase of Pinewood Hotel.

Streets of Tarkov |  Primorsky Ave Taxi V-Ex

 Primorsky Ave Taxi V-Ex

Faction: PMC

Always Available: No

Single Use: Yes

Requirements: 5000 rubbles per player, up to 4 players

Notes: Fee depends on Scav karma; border snipers beyond the vehicle.

Streets of Tarkov | Sewer Manhole

Sewer Manhole

Faction: Scav

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: None

Streets of Tarkov | Sewer River

Sewer River

Faction: PMC

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: None

Streets of Tarkov | Stylobate Building Elevator

Stylobate Building Elevator

Faction: PMC

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: 3rd floor, behind the bar of the Beluga restaurant.

Streets of Tarkov |  Ventilation Shaft

 Ventilation Shaft

Faction: Scav

Always Available: Yes

Single Use: No

Requirements: None

Notes: None

The post Escape From Tarkov: Streets of Tarkov Map Guide appeared first on All About Games.

[SCP 1471] “MalO Calloway” Identity Unveiled

Od: RJ Go

“Avoid downloading this from the App Store or else get MalO’ed.”

Secure. Contain. Protect. – That is the motto of the secretive organization called the SCP Foundation lives by. The SCP stands for “Special Containment Procedure” wherein it captures and studies various beings related to the paranormal, supernatural, and anomalies within their numerous hidden and restricted sites across the globe. 

The organization named the beings it encountered as “SCP” followed by a designation number. Since its inception, the Foundation has contained numerous SCPs, such as SCP-1471. Called “MalO ver.1.0.0” in the Apple App Store for its iOS devices with the app description “Never settle for these awkward feelings of being alone ever again,” this SCP tends to target its victims who have used the app on their devices for too long until suddenly the user simply disappears from existence.

What Is SCP-1471?

SCP-1471 was officially classified as a “Euclid” anomaly and named “MalO ver.1.0.0” after its app name from the App Store when it first mysteriously appeared online without prior notice.

It has been targeting app users who have shown cases of loneliness whether due to failures in the user’s relationships (i.e. romantic and social), ones who are just simply bored or curious, have viewed or downloaded it wrongfully, or those who are avoiding the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) trend once gossip of the anomaly’s mysterious app gained notoriety through word of mouth and online.

The being that it spawns for hunting and making its target “disappear” from existence is classified as SCP-1471-A, nicknamed “Capone” in other sources, which at first faintly appeared in a few select photos sent by the app and eventually became fully visible to the user until their final moments before making the user mysteriously disappear from reality altogether.

Description and Explanation

SCP-1471 is described as a free app in the Apple App Store, being sized at 9.8 MB in total. It hooks its victims with its catchy catchphrase (see mentioned above), while promising to be ad-free while ensuring its users will not feel lonely or even isolated as the app will send automated, human-like messages and responses.

The malicious app has no listed developer and somehow managed to bypass security checks before being uploaded and listed in the App Store seemingly overnight. The app also can mysteriously avoid being deleted/uninstalled by the user or via an automated app manager.

Once installed, affected devices are classified as SCP-1471-#, and will not show any icons or shortcuts on the infected device’s app drawer and home screen. At first, the app will send text messages every 3 to 6 hours within 24 hours after its installation, with images related to the locations that the user has commonly frequented containing SCP-1471-A, faintly visible in most of those photos.

Capone will either appear in the foreground or background of the images throughout the app’s lifetime activity and after 48 hours from the app being installed, the images sent will be on the locations recently visited by the user. After 72 hours, the images sent would show Capone within the near vicinity of the user until its final moments.

Meanwhile, SCP-1471-A (Capone) is described as an androgynous humanoid cryptid that can stand on its hind-like yet humanized legs, with its body covered in thick black fur that is animal-like, long black hair and a wolf-like skull with sharp fangs and teeth for its face, with white, pupil-less marble-like eyes. Weirdly enough, many people who became fans of Capone have tended to recreate the SCP as a sexualized female furry in many artworks and in other forms of media such as games, ditching its original androgynous look.

Containment Procedures for SCP-096

Standard containment procedures for SCP-1471 start with confiscating all SCP-1471-#, wherein all infected devices will be analyzed for potential leads in tracking other possible infected devices. Once all infected devices are accounted for and confiscated, all batteries will be removed and will be placed in Storage Unit-91 at Research Site-45.

Meanwhile, all online application stores for mobile devices are heavily monitored to avoid the selling of infected devices containing SCP-1471. A self-uploading will be used to target suspected infected devices to be disabled and seized by undercover SCP field agents.

Conclusion

SCP-1471 shows how vulnerable the human psyche can be when faced with loneliness and isolation from its fellow humankind. It is also one of the few SCPs that directly involves itself with human technology – the smartphone, and other similar devices that can download the malicious anomaly disguised as a harmless, trend-chasing app.

The public should be more vigilant when it comes to dealing with such applications and files they can find on the internet to avoid being victimized by this particular SCP.

The post [SCP 1471] “MalO Calloway” Identity Unveiled appeared first on All About Games.

[SCP 096] “The Shy Guy” Secrets Unwrapped

Od: RJ Go

“Never look at this being’s face if you want to live.”

Secure. Contain. Protect. – That is the motto of the secretive organization called the SCP Foundation lives by. The SCP stands for “Special Containment Procedure” wherein it captures and studies various beings related to the paranormal, supernatural, and anomalies within their numerous hidden and restricted sites across the globe. 

SCP

Source

The organization named the beings it encountered as “SCP” followed by a designation number. Since its inception, the Foundation has contained numerous SCPs, one of which is SCP-096, codenamed “Shy Guy” inside the organization. But don’t take his name for granted, as it could be the end of you.

What Is SCP-096?

SCP-096

Source

SCP-096, officially classified as a “Euclid” anomaly and codenamed “Shy Guy” by many working inside the Foundation, is a being under the Foundation’s captivity. The being is known for being docile when left alone, but once someone sees its face, it will start wailing creepily, almost human-like, and then enter into a raged frenzy.

In that state, the being will do anything to murder and tear apart the one who saw its face. It will leave no traces of its victims once it is done. It was only contained when a lone survivor of a containment team, avoided eye contact with Shy Guy and told the organization not to look at its face.

Description and Explanation

SCP-096, a.k.a.. Shy Guy is a humanoid-like being with an approximate height of 2.38 meters. Its body is noticeably thin, almost skeletal in appearance. After observation, it was deduced that the being suffered from mild malnutrition.

Both of its arms are out of proportion compared to its body, approximated at 1.5 meters each, allowing Shy Guy to reach anything it wants with ease. It has no noticeable body hair and its skin color is greyish-white, devoid of pigmentation. Its eyes have no pigmentation, resulting in a bleach-white color with no visible pupils, confusing researchers if the being is blind. Its jaw can open wide unnaturally, up to four times that of a normal human.

As mentioned earlier, Shy Guy is usually docile and stationary, spending most of the day pacing by the eastern wall of its cell. That changes if someone views its face directly or through a recording or photograph, becoming extremely distressed. Afterward, it will cover its face, then scream, cry, and babble incoherently for a few minutes. Suddenly, it will enter into a raging frenzy state, running towards the individual who saw its face, being designated as SCP-096-1.

Rushing toward SCP-096-1’s location, Shy Guy’s speeds vary from 35 km/h to ███ km/h, depending on its distance from its target. SCP-096 becomes an unstoppable moving force, as nothing can impede it and will destroy everything in its path. Regardless of SCP-096-1’s position, the initiative ability of Shy Guy to locate its target will render hiding from its frenzied state useless until SCP-096-1 is ultimately killed.

All cases involving SCP-06 show that no trace of SCP-096-1 remains at a 100% rate. Afterward, SCP-096 will sit for several minutes before calming down and returning to its docile state. It will then attempt to return to its natural habitat, [DATA REDACTED].

The risk of a mass chain reaction with SCP-096 is very high, alongside the potential breach of Foundation secrecy, and significant civilian casualties. That retrieves Shy Guy an Alpha priority within the Foundation’s containment procedures. Dr. ███ has petitioned for SCP-096’s immediate termination (see Interview 096-1). The termination order has been approved and will be executed by Dr. ███ on [DATA REDACTED]. See Incident-096-1-A for more information about the termination.

Containment Procedures for SCP-096

SCO 096 Container

source

Standard containment procedures for SCP-096 are for the being to be contained in a reinforced containment cell, measuring 5 m x 5 m x 5 m in a cube shape. Its containment cell will be airtight and made of steel, wherein weekly mandatory checks are established to check for cracks or damages. The cell will have pre-installed pressure sensors and laser detectors, while the inside will be virtually empty.

Any photos, videos, and recordings of SCP-096 and its likeness must be eliminated, and only having access approval from Dr. ███ and O5-█ can a personnel view such media of Shy Guy.

Conclusion

SCP-096 remains a huge mystery for the SCP Foundation as they’re still unaware of Shy Guy’s origins and how to eliminate the anomaly, as it is invulnerable to the most up-to-date human-made weapons in our time. Perhaps the only way to truly get rid of this particular SCP is via the otherworldly abilities of other SCP beings within the Foundation’s captivity.

For now, SCP-096 should be kept away and hidden from humanity until the secretive foundation has found a way to truly eliminate it. 

The post [SCP 096] “The Shy Guy” Secrets Unwrapped appeared first on All About Games.

Tyler “Ninja” Blevins Net Worth and Gaming Gear

Od: RJ Go

Richard Tyler Blevins also known as “Ninja” to most of his followers and the gaming world, is a well-known Twitch and Mixer streamer, internet personality, and YouTuber. 

 

The 30-year-old streamer was born in the City of Detroit, Michigan, and raised in the Chicago Suburbs. His parents were of Welsh Descent and his father Chuck Blevins is the one who introduced Ninja to games.  

 

Ninja started streaming games like Halo 3 and entering into small-scale professional competitions while he was studying at the Wisconsin Silverlake college. 

 

Since those early days, Tyler “Ninja” Blevins has come a long way and his channel on Twitch is the most followed channel on the platform as of October 2021. He has a total of 17 million followers on Twitch which is an achievement in and of itself. 

 

That’s not all though as his YouTube subscribers far exceed those on Twitch as he has a total of 24 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. 

 

So, without further ado, Let’s take a look at what the Tyler “Ninja” Blevins net worth is and how it came to be, in the article below. 

Ninja Net Worth

Tyler “Ninja” Blevins has been participating in pro gaming competitions and streaming his gameplay on Twitch since 2011. 

 

His success in pro competitions hasn’t always been guaranteed, thus he’s won some and he’s lost some. What has been guaranteed though is that his wealth has kept increasing during this time. But what exactly is Tyler “Ninja” Blevins’ net worth? 

 

Well, as of October 2021 his net worth is $40 Million. The bulk of his earnings or income has come through streaming his games on Twitch and the Microsoft-owned Mixer. 

 

The lowest subscription on his Twitch is the $5 tier for a month, from which he reportedly earns $500,000 to $1 Million per month. 

 

Add to that his brand endorsements, sponsored streams, sponsored videos on his YouTube channel, and direct ads by YouTube themselves. With all that, it should come as no surprise to anyone that his net worth is what it is today. 

 

Ninja started out streaming battle royale games like H1Z1 and PUBG (Players Unknown Battlegrounds), but the game that’s brought him most success and is his definitive “main” game is Fortnite. 

 

For the past few years, he has been streaming Fortnite exclusively on his Twitch channel, and seeing how good he is at the game and the success he’s earned from it, we’d say that was a pretty inspired move. 

 

Ninja

Credits: Michael Muller

Ninja's Career Highlights and Achievements

After graduating from Grayslake Central Highschool, Ninja started pursuing a career as a professional gamer and streamer. He started out playing Halo 3 professionally in 2009. 

 

After witnessing his amazing gameplay Ninja was invited to be a part of various gaming organizations including Renegades, Cloud9, and Team Liquid. 

 

During his time with them, he quickly transitioned into battle royale games like H1Z1 and PUBG. As recently as 2017 he joined Luminosity Gaming and won the PUBG Gamescom invitational squads’ classification in August 2017. 

 

However, things changed for him for the better when later that year a new battle royale game Fortnite came out and he started streaming it exclusively on his Twitch channel. His meteoric rise to success coincided with the game’s success and he was ranked as one of the top players of the game. 

 

Blevins even set the Twitch record for the largest concurrent audience for an individual stream when he played Fortnite with world-famous rappers Drake, Travis Scott, and footballer JuJu Smith-Schuster in March 2018. Due to this event, his followers on Twitch grew from 500,000 to 2 million. 

 

Just one month after, he broke the Twitch viewing record again, this time his own, due to his online mega-event Ninja Vegas 2018. Furthermore, Ninja also partnered with RedBull Esports in the same year. 

 

His success in 2018 doesn’t end there either because in September he became the first Esports player to grace the cover of ESPN The Magazine. 

 

However, in a shock move on August 1, 2019, Ninja, who had the most followed active Twitch channel at the time, moved to the newly started streaming platform Mixer. 

 

Sadly, Mixer’s success paled in comparison to Twitch and the streaming platform had to shut down soon after its inception. 

 

Although Ninja was paid a handsome sum of money by Mixer for his troubles, to this day Ninja hasn’t been able to regain all of his Twitch followers on his YouTube channel that he had back in the day. 

 
  • 5th-8th - Valorant - $10.00 (2021): Community Gaming Premier Series #1
  • 7th - Fortnite - $5,000.00 (2021): Streamer Bowl II ft. Fornite - Playoffs: Week 4
  • 3rd - Fornite - $5938.56 (2020): GlitchCon 2020 Super Team Showdown
  • 1st - Call of Duty: Warzone - $6,666.66 (2020): Warzone Wednesday Week 3

Ninja's PC specs and Gaming Gears

This is the section most of you gaming enthusiasts were looking forward to. We will now discuss the PC specifications and Gaming Gear of Ninja in detail to figure out the secret for his success in games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.

 

PC Specifications

Ninja is considered to be one of the top streamers today and is something of a modern-day icon in the gaming world. 

 

With this overwhelming success has come tons of wealth and it’s only natural that he spends some of this wealth on his overall gaming and streaming setup. 

 

If we had to sum it up, then the total worth of his entire gaming gear would be close to $14000 – $15000.

 

Let’s first take a look at the specifications of his gaming PC.

 
Core i9-13900K

Processor – Intel Core i9 3900K

ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090

Graphics Card – ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

Motherboard – ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

G.SKILL Trident Z5 32GB 7200MHz CL34

RAM – G.SKILL Trident Z5 32GB 7200MHz CL34

Ninja's Gaming Gears

We now move on to the meat of the matter, the Tyler “Ninja” Blevins gaming gear. Let’s take a look at what gear this popular streamer uses to excel in every game he plays and amaze millions of his followers.

Logitech G Pro Wireless

Mouse – Logitech G Pro Wireless

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO

Headphone –Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO

Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN

Monitor – Asus ROG Swift PG27AQN

 
Higround Basecamp 65

Keyboard – Higround Basecamp 65

Final Thoughts

Tyler “Ninja” Blevins is definitely still one of the top streamers in the world today and if he continues in this vein then the Ninja net worth is set to increase even more.

More recently he’s shifted his focus from Fortnite to Apex Legends and Valorant and we hope he can attain the same amount of success he’s earned playing Fortnite.

However, that doesn’t change the fact that Ninja will go down as one of the best players and streamers of Fortnite in the game’s short history.

The post Tyler “Ninja” Blevins Net Worth and Gaming Gear appeared first on All About Games.

Shroud’s Net Worth and Gaming Gears

Od: RJ Go

Shroud, whose real name is Michael Grzesiek in real life, is a well-known streamer and a former Counter-Strike: Global Offensive professional player. The 30-year old Canadian was born in Toronto but is known to be of Polish descent. Shroud net worth and gaming gears are considered to be interesting topics among gamers, especially those who are devoted followers of Mixer and Twitch. Shroud began exclusively streaming on Mixer in October 2019, which puzzled some of his fans because it was just the second most followed channel on Twitch during that time.

Shroud net worth and Shroud gaming gears have substantially improved through the years, and his fans and followers are witnesses to this gamer’s rising success. Shroud usually plays a variety of games on his streams but he actually leans on games with first-person shooters and battle royale games. His most played games include Escape From Tarkov, Apex Legends, CS:GO and PUBG. Shroud has also allotted a lot of interesting streaming hours into World of Warcraft, GTA V and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

Shroud Making A Name For Himself

Shroud started to make a name for himself when he became part of the CS:GO team of Cloud9 in 2014. One of his major contributions to the team was helping them win ESL Pro League season 4 against SK Gaming, bagging $200,000 for him and his teammates. Shroud left CS:Go and Cloud9 in 2018.

What is Shroud's Net Worth?

Gamers, both young and old, are quite curious about Shroud’s ever growing net worth. The young Canadian has been actively gaming and streaming since 2014 and it would be not surprising if Shroud already has millions under his belt. To be more exact, Shroud’s net worth is around $8-12 million. Majority of Shroud’s net worth or income comes from his streaming career on Mixer and Twitch, plus additional revenues from sponsored streams, ads, subscribers and ads. Sponsorship deals and YouTube revenue also contribute to Shrouds ever growing net worth.

Shroud's Monthly Earnings

The majority of Shroud’s income comes from streaming. If we’re going to give a conservative estimate, Shroud’s monthly income from Twitch would have to be around $80,000 from subscriptions alone – this could be higher depending on the revenue and sponsorships, depending also on the percentage sharing with the company.

During his time on the rival platform, Mixer, his following is relatively smaller than the massive followership he has established on Twitch. However, his earnings are still expected to match that of Twitch or even greater, considering that he may have been given a lucrative contract that made him transfer to Mixer.  But Mixer ceased operations shortly and he came back to Twitch.

Now that we’re done with Shroud’s net worth and road to streaming fame, let’s move on to Shroud’s gaming gears. Amateurs and veteran gamers alike are quite curious on what gaming gears Shroud is using and might even be enticed to purchase them to experience professional gaming feels.

Although using the same set-up and gaming gears that Shroud is using won’t guarantee that you can play as good as him, it’s pretty fun to emulate his gaming set-up just for the heck of it. Let’s start with:

Shroud PC Specs

As expected, Shroud gaming setup has a high spec streaming setup that costs around $6,000-$7,000 in total. Shroud’s gaming PC has an Intel Core i9-13900K processor and his graphics card is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Add to that a 32GB XPG Lancer with 6000MHz and a ASUS ROG Maximus Z970 Hero for his motherboard. All of these brands and specs make up for a beast gaming PC that’s packed in his build from MainGear . 

Below are the highlights of the aforementioned gears:

Nvidia RTX 4090

NVIDIA  RTX 4090

Core i9-13900K

Intel Core i9-13900K

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

XPG Lancer 32GB 6000MHz

XPG Lancer 32GB 6000MHz

Shroud's Full Setup

MainGear M1 Shroud Edition

Full Specifications:

Nvidia 4080
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
Core i9-13900K|
Lancer 32GB 6000MHz

Shroud Gaming Gear

After getting an overview of Shroud’s streaming set-up, which is quite impressive by the way, let’s move on to Shroud’s gaming gear. Shroud is using ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM for his monitor, a mechanical keyboard from Logitech G Pro X Mechanical GX Red Shroud Edition and a wireless gaming mouse, the Logitech G303 Shroud Edition.

For his headset, Shroud uses Logitech G Pro X 2 and supplements it with the Shure SM7B microphone to record his voice during streaming. Take note that he doesn’t actually use the microphone of Logitech G Pro X 2. For the webcam, Shroud uses the Sony Alpha A6000 with Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN.

For his office chair, you may be surprised that Shroud is not using any kind of gaming chair. This popular gamer is actually using an office chair Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody. Yes, you read that right – Shroud is using an officer chair instead of DX Racers or noblechairs.

Below are the highlights of Shroud gaming gear:

Shroud Monitor

ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM

ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM

Shroud Keyboard

Logitech G Pro X Mechanical GX Red Shroud Edition

Logitech G Pro X Mechanical GX Red Shroud Edition

Shroud Mouse

Logitech G303 Shroud Edition

Logitech G303 Shroud Edition

Shroud Headset

Logitech G Pro X 2 Shroud Edition

Logitech G Pro X 2

Check our review of the best PS4 headphones

Shroud Webcam

Sony Alpha A6000 with Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Lens

Sony Alpha A6000

Shroud Gaming Chair

Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody

Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody

So that concludes our article featuring Shroud’s net worth and Shroud gaming gears. We’re pretty sure that Shroud is quite an inspiration to gamers, both young and old. With the right gaming gear, attitude, hard work and skills, it’s not that impossible to reach the same kind of success and popularity that Shroud has established in the world of game streaming. 

Bonus - Shroud Game Settings

Shroud Apex Settings

Apex Legends Shroud Settings

Shroud Apex Mouse Settings

shroud apex mouse settings

Shroud PUBG Settings

Shroud pubg settings

Shroud PUBG Mouse Settings

shroud pubg settings mouse

Shroud CSGO Settings

shroud csgo settings

CL_BLOB: cl_bob_lower_amt 5; cl_bobamt_lat 0.1; cl_bobamt_vert 0.1; cl_bobcycle 0.98; 

CROSSHAIR: cl_crosshaircolor 3; cl_fixedcrosshairgap -3; cl_crosshairstyle 1; hud_showtargetid 1;

VIEW MODEL: viewmodel_fov 68; viewmodel_offset_x 2.5; viewmodel_offset_y 1; viewmodel_offset_z -1.5; viewmodel_presetpos 3; cl_viewmodel_shift_left_amt 0; cl_viewmodel_shift_right_amt 0; viewmodel_recoil 0; cl_righthand 1;

Shroud CSGO Mouse Settings

Shroud CSGO mouse settings

The post Shroud’s Net Worth and Gaming Gears appeared first on All About Games.

Characters in “Parasyte: The Maxim” (Humans and Parasites)

Od: RJ Go

Body horror? Check. Gratuitous amounts of gore and violence? Check. Psychological horror? Check. Fans of Junji Ito’s work will love this series about aliens taking over human hosts.

Imagine a parasitic alien race that suddenly descended to Earth one day without warning. That is the sudden reality that Shinichi Izumi has to face when a Parasite miserably fails to take over his mind and becomes part of his right hand instead.

Unable to relocate and find a new host, the Parasite now named Migi by Shinichi, is forced to rely on and co-exist with him. But thanks to Migi’s infection on his right hand, he can use the Parasite’s abilities to get them out of sticky and often deadly situations.

Now that Migi failed to take over a host’s brain, fellow Parasites see Migi as a threat and the unlikely duo must face other Parasites and infected hosts for their lives. Shinichi must now balance his regular life and the parasitic life of his alien partner for them to survive their new reality.

The Notable Humans

Shinichi Izumi

Our main protagonist and one of the few infected hosts resisted being taken over by his Parasite, Migi and now co-exists with the alien in a rocky way. Using Migi’s abilities, Shinichi wants to protect his fellow humans like a superhero, while keeping his infection a secret to avoid being killed or becoming a lab specimen.

The Parasite - Shinichi Izumi

Over time, he becomes highly efficient at dealing with Parasites, thanks to the mutation of his cells due to Migi’s infection, giving him heightened abilities and senses against Parasites. He goes to South Korea and helps Jun-Kyung and his Team Grey to get rid of Parasites.

Satomi Murano 

Satomi is Shinichi’s love interest, being romantically attracted to him despite being best friends thanks to the latter’s kind and sensitive nature. However, their relationship is almost broken when Shinichi becomes cold and distant when infected with Migi, trying to keep Satomi out of harm’s way from the Parasites.

Satomi Murano  - The Parasite

And despite knowing the truth behind Shinichi’s infection with the Parasite, her feelings and support towards him didn’t wane, becoming stronger, saying that his humanity remained even after being infected.

Mamoru Uda

Another human host wherein the Parasite failed to take over his brain, Mamoru is a gentle, friendly person who becomes nervous under pressure and highly emotional, whether fighting other Parasites or facing complicated things in his daily life. His parasite is attached to his mouth and lower jaw, unofficially being nicknamed Joe by the fans (due to the word Joe sounding like Jaw in Japanese, referencing the “Jaws” movie).

Mamoru Uda The Parasite

Despite his peaceful and easygoing nature, since he’s just like Shinichi, he often finds himself in deadly fights against fellow hosts with hostile Parasites. And just like in Migi’s case, the other aliens consider Joe to be a threat as well, putting Mamoru at a disadvantage since he isn’t like Shinichi with heightened senses and abilities.

Takeshi Hirokawa

Acting as the second major antagonist in the latter part of the story, Takeshi is the ringleader of a Parasite conspiracy group who later becomes the Mayor of East Fukuyama City. Using his position and power, he funds both resources and his political understanding so that his conspiracy of the Parasites taking over humanity can be realized.

The Parasite - Takeshi Hirokawa

Due to his hatred of humanity, he wants the Parasites to become successful in their conquering, dubbing them “Mincemeat Murderers” and wants to streamline the process of mass murdering humanity by using them and their abilities.

The Notable Parasites

Reiko Tamura

An intelligent Parasite driven by scientific inclinations to learn more about her kind, she originally infects a female human named Ryouko Tamiya, one of Shinichi’s teachers in his high school. Wanting more about her race, she intentionally gets pregnant with a human baby after assuming herself as Reiko Tamura in the latter half of the series, joining Takeshi in his plans and his conspiracy group.

Reiko Tamura - The Parasite

However, she had a change of heart after giving birth to her baby and developing maternal instincts for it. That change resulted in other Parasites in Takeshi’s group targeting her when she doubted their plans. Now considered an enemy, Reiko kills most of them in Takeshi’s group after escaping, believing that Parasites can peacefully co-exist with humanity.

Gotou

Hosting five parasites in his body (Miki being his main Parasite and four others), Gotou is considered the strongest Parasite that invaded Earth. With the aid of Miki, Gotou can freely control the other four Parasites in his body, transforming most of his body mass into Parasite tissue. That makes him the strongest and most violent of all the aliens, despite being the most intelligent host.

Gotou - The Parasite

He hunts humans merely for sport and is initially Takeshi’s right-hand man and easily overpowers Shinichi and Migi in their first encounter. Despite being a cold-blooded killer, he has somewhat of a code of honor as he wants to exact vengeance against Shinichi for killing Miki’s kind earlier in the series.

The post Characters in “Parasyte: The Maxim” (Humans and Parasites) appeared first on All About Games.

Revolutionizing Technology and Gaming: The Evolution of Revo Technologies in Murray, Utah

Od: RJ Go

Introduction


Nestled in the heart of Murray, Utah, Revo Technologies is a company driven by innovation and a zeal for progress. This tech firm goes beyond simply selling gadgets; they are revolutionizing the way people interact with technology by implementing state-of-the-art solutions to address contemporary issues.

Revo Technologies In Murray Utah

Revo Technologies Murray Utah

In the vibrant city of Murray, Utah, Revo Technologies is gaining recognition in the tech industry for its innovative solutions and forward-thinking approach. Known for its commitment to quality and steadfast determination to push technological boundaries, Revo Technologies emerges as a leader in innovation, influencing local and national tech landscapes.

Revo Technologies History

Founded in the early 2020s, Revo Technologies began as a small startup with ambitious goals. Emerging with a vision to introduce cutting-edge innovations, the company was established by a passionate team of entrepreneurs committed to solving complex problems through advanced technological solutions. Based in Murray, Utah, Revo Technologies aims to redefine technological standards with its innovative approach.

A Glimpse into Revo Technologies

Revo Technologies was created to transform the tech landscape, consistently providing high-quality services and products for various industries. Their offerings range from software development to IT consulting, designed to meet the dynamic needs of modern businesses in the digital age.

The Founding of Revo Technologies

Early Beginnings

In 2010, a group of tech enthusiasts founded Revo Technologies with the goal of developing groundbreaking solutions that redefine the interaction between people, businesses, and technology. Starting in Murray, Utah, with a small yet dedicated team, they set out with a bold vision for the future.

Vision and Mission

Revo Technologies aims to lead in technological innovation by providing solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and user satisfaction. Their mission emphasizes quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement, establishing Revo Technologies as a standout in the tech sector.

Innovative Products and Solutions

Cutting-Edge Software

Revo Technologies is renowned for its advanced software solutions tailored to industries such as healthcare, education, finance, and entertainment. Their dedicated software development team uses state-of-the-art technologies to create secure, efficient, and user-friendly applications.

Advanced Hardware

Revo Technologies excels in hardware development, designing and manufacturing high-performance devices for both consumer and industrial markets. Known for their durability, reliability, and advanced features, these products are a preferred choice for many businesses.

Integrated Systems

Revo Technologies offers integrated systems that combine hardware and software to provide comprehensive solutions. These systems streamline operations, improve communication, and enhance overall productivity, helping businesses achieve their goals more efficiently.

Research and Development

Commitment to Innovation

Revo Technologies prioritizes research and development, investing significantly to stay ahead of technological trends and continuously improve its products. This commitment to innovation ensures Revo Technologies remains a market leader.

Collaborative Projects

Revo Technologies frequently collaborates with other tech firms, academic institutions, and research organizations. These partnerships foster the exchange of insights and expertise, leading to the creation of innovative technologies and driving progress in the tech industry.

Why Revo Technologies Stands Out

Revo Technologies is deeply embedded in the evolving tech landscape, leveraging cutting-edge concepts to deliver solutions that meet client needs. With a team of skilled professionals dedicated to providing superior services and support, Revo Technologies is a trusted and reliable partner. Here are some key benefits they offer:

High-Level Research and Development

Revo Technologies invests heavily in advanced research and development to stay ahead of technological advancements. They work with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and machine learning to provide innovative solutions for their customers, pushing boundaries to make the impossible possible.

Sustainable Tech Solutions

Revo Technologies emphasizes sustainability, developing eco-friendly products and adopting green energy practices. Their commitment to advanced technologies has established a strong presence in the sustainable tech industry.

Innovative Consumer Electronics

Revo Technologies continuously invests in research and development to offer the best possible service to their customers. By leveraging the latest technologies, they provide comprehensive solutions that push the limits of what is possible.

Why Choose Revo Technologies?

Revo Technologies stands out in a crowded tech market for several reasons:

  • Client-Driven Approach: They prioritize understanding clients’ specific needs and developing solutions that deliver tangible results.
  • Commitment to Improvement: Constantly researching new technologies, Revo Technologies ensures clients have access to the latest solutions.
  • Experienced Team: Comprising highly skilled and experienced professionals, the team at Revo Technologies can tackle even the most complex challenges.
  • Transparent Communication: They believe in clear communication, keeping clients informed throughout the entire process to ensure alignment.

Revo Technologies goes beyond providing services; they partner with their clients to foster innovation.

Services Offered by Revo Technologies

  • Software Development: Custom software solutions tailored to meet businesses’ specific needs, ensuring optimal integration and performance.
  • IT Consulting: Strategic planning and expert guidance to help businesses achieve their technological goals.
  • Cybersecurity: Robust security solutions designed to protect businesses’ data and systems.
  • Cloud Services: Comprehensive cloud solutions that enable businesses to leverage the cloud for cost savings, flexibility, and scalability.

Awards and Acknowledgments

Revo Technologies has gained global recognition for its dedication and innovation, receiving numerous awards and honors. These accolades reflect the company’s excellence and commitment to providing timely and innovative services.

Success Stories

Revo Technologies has built a strong reputation through numerous case studies showcasing their transformative solutions. Businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large corporations, have benefited from their expertise and innovative approaches.

Future Prospects and Developments

Emerging Technologies

Revo Technologies plans to advance emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By staying at the forefront of these developments, they aim to consistently deliver innovative solutions to meet market demands.

Expansion Plans

Revo Technologies has ambitious plans for global expansion, including entering new markets and enhancing its presence. This strategy involves forming strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and establishing new offices and facilities.

Continuous Improvement

Committed to ongoing enhancement, Revo Technologies aims to improve all aspects of its operations, from product development to customer service and environmental sustainability. This dedication ensures they maintain a leadership position in the tech industry.

Conclusion

Revo Technologies, based in Murray, Utah, stands as a beacon of innovation and reliability in the tech industry. Founded with a vision to push technological boundaries, the company has thrived through its dedication to quality, customer-centric approach, and relentless pursuit of advancement. With cutting-edge software solutions, robust hardware developments, and integrated systems, Revo Technologies exemplifies excellence. Their commitment to sustainability and proactive stance on emerging technologies like AI and IoT positions them for continued growth and global impact.

FAQs

  1. What makes Revo Technologies unique in the tech industry?
    • Revo Technologies stands out for its commitment to innovation, quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability across software, hardware, and integrated systems.
  2. How does Revo Technologies contribute to environmental sustainability?
    • They adopt eco-friendly practices and develop sustainable tech solutions, aligning their products and operations with environmental responsibility.
  3. What industries does Revo Technologies serve?
    • Revo Technologies caters to various industries, including healthcare, education, finance, and entertainment, providing tailored solutions to meet specific industry needs.
  4. How does Revo Technologies support its clients’ technological needs?
    • Through comprehensive IT consulting, cybersecurity solutions, and robust cloud services, Revo Technologies empowers businesses to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
  5. What are Revo Technologies’ future plans?
    • They plan to expand globally, delve into emerging technologies such as AI and IoT, and continue enhancing their products and services through ongoing innovation and improvement.

The post Revolutionizing Technology and Gaming: The Evolution of Revo Technologies in Murray, Utah appeared first on All About Games.

How Online Casinos Are Using Gamification to Attract New Players

Online casinos have achieved a whole new level of success and elevated both the experience and availability of popular casino games. Casino owners had to shift their businesses to online platforms, but that paid off during the lockdowns due to the global pandemic of coronavirus.

Players have turned their attention to gambling sites, and the habit of playing on them instead in land-based establishments has remained. The statistics showed that their preference elevated the number of active players, revenue, and even the number of online casinos offered to them.

But like with the other things in life, the craze reached its peak, and the gamblers wanted something new. To keep them satisfied, casino operators turned to the successful strategy of gamification.

Popularity of Online Casinos

With the transition of popular games such as poker, slots, blackjack, and roulette from extravagant ballrooms to the palms of our hands, people felt more freedom to try them. It allowed the ease that was requested by the wider audience and made a multi-billion-dollar business. However, it was necessary to devise strategies to attract and keep players at a specific website.

Various legit online casinos in the Philippines utilize different methods to do so. Among the well-known are the offer of bonuses and promotions to the players, as well as marketing strategies that show creatively designed commercials or the employment of famous people in them.

Casino owners never stop looking for ways to attract players and gamification is the latest strategy.

The Success of the Video Game Industry

Video games have always been popular, but with the technological advancements we have witnessed in recent years, they are on a whole new level. People love to play video games, as the habit is established at a young age. And since video games evolve as people mature it is very easy to nurture the habit. A long time ago people rushed to arcades to play the most popular ones around.

Now, they can do so in the comfort of their homes, at any time they want to. And the gameplay and the graphics are more immersive than ever. If the visual experience elevation is understandable due to the technological advancements and excellent hardware, the gameplay improvements are something different. Games now have so many different aspects besides the main storyline.

Side quests, achievements, incredible characters, and their own stories are increasing the appeal of a certain game. More importantly, these things are nothing spectacular and new, they are now the basic requirements that gamers have when they start playing a game. These things are successfully integrated into other industries, gambling included.

What Is Gamification?

Gamification represents a strategy through which the successful elements and strategies of the video game industry are incorporated into other non-game contexts and businesses to achieve triumph and entertain customers. This is often achieved through the involvement of the game-like elements that help to achieve that feeling of joy when playing video games.

When the connection is established between the non-gaming activity and the video gaming experience, people tap into those feelings that they had when they were kids. It also generates an experience in which the customers feel more involved and elevates the level of their experience.

How Is Gamification Included in Online Casinos?

Now that we have learned the basics, it is time to establish specific examples of how gamification is integrated into online casinos. To establish a connection with video gaming experiences, operators frequently lean on their competitive nature. Gamers and gamblers are both very competitive in general and through a simple placement of leaderboards, operators exploit this trait.

A leaderboard shows who is the best of the best, and they all want to come out on top. It is no longer just about winning money; it is also about recognition and reputation. This is just one of the ways to tap into their need for achievements, missions, and levels. Other means to achieve this are through points, badges, and interactive challenges.

Casino operators define short missions or challenges, and players aim to complete them to gain points. These are later utilized to complete certain achievements, and their completion brings players rewards and recognition. Performing these tasks helps players think of the whole gambling process as a rewarding journey. It increases their feeling of grander achievement.

Conclusion

Online casinos took the attention of gamblers by storm, and with the established and growing player population, casino owners needed to continue their work on the appeal of the gambling experience. One of many strategies included the integration of video game elements and experience, also known as gamification.

Through it, gamblers establish a more immersive experience and a deeper connection to the gambling brand at which they have chosen to play. It is showing incredible results and a natural symbiosis between the two industries, so we can expect more of this in the future.

The post How Online Casinos Are Using Gamification to Attract New Players appeared first on All About Games.

Which online games have the best open worlds?

Open world games have been around since the 1980’s, yet they didn’t really begin to take off until the early 2000’s with the release of Grand Theft Auto III, which set a new standard for open world games, and even video gaming in general. From the freedoms of a giant open sandbox with little limitations, to increased player autonomy, open world games generally receive many hours more play than non open world games as they offer so much more for players.

While storyline is de-emphasised in open world games, players are invited into a whole new world where they can lose themselves in their own exploration of a new place. Open world games aren’t always a hit though as they are difficult to design and often follow the same blueprint of other games. They’re also expensive to create, meaning many open world games are filled with repetitive cookie cutter tasks that can make them boring quickly.

Finding a new game to play can be a challenge when there are so many available, especially when you’re faced with the task of wedding through the not so great games. Whether you’re wondering how to find an online casino?, which mobile games are the best for on the go entertainment?, or you’re after an open world game, it can be time consuming if you don’t use the right resources to find the best games. 

However, fear not as whether you’re a huge fan of open world games or you are looking to try some of the best ones out, below we will take a look at some of the top rated open world games and save you the time in exploring the not so great ones. 

Enshrouded

Released only in January of this year, Enshrouded is a fairly new open world game on the market currently, in which it is also considered a Survival and Action RPG game. This survival base building game offers players the opportunity to develop a space and expand their home while living in a fairy tale type, medieval fantasy aesthetic style of world. Players can gradually expand their voyages across the world as they upgrade the base flame altar.

Players jumping into this game should be aware that, as with most open world games, it is a work in progress and won’t be without its glitches. This can be frustrating, however if you stick with the game then it becomes a real gem that will only keep on getting better as new features are added to the world. 

Palworld

If you’re a fan of the Pokemon franchise then this game will be for you. With stunning graphics, this survival based, monster taming, and explorative game offers players the opportunity to step into a unique world where gameplay is robust and consistent. 

While a lot of content has taken inspiration from other gaming sources, Palworld has expertly brought together this content to create a solid offering that will have players lost in this exciting world for hours on end. Just remember to take frequent breaks as it’s easy to become absorbed in this one. 

Rust

Released in 2018, Rust began as a legacy game and has been through many changes before it reached where it is now. It has long been considered one of the most realistic survival open world games on the market, making it top of the list for the best open world games to try out. 

In the game, players are dumped on an island with ruins of civilization and many other blood thirsty players. The excitement doesn’t end there as players must then spend hours crafting weapons that are strong enough to ensure their survival. Will you build your base first to accommodate your basic needs, only for another player to come and take it from you, or will you invest your time in developing your weapons first, while risking being exposed to the elements and your basic human needs. 

This world is brutal, unforgiving, and has an incredibly high ceiling. As one of the most popular open world multiplayer games out there, it’s not an experience to be missed. 

Grand Theft Auto Online

Returning to a classic, Grand Theft Auto cannot be forgotten as it’s a classic title and one of the most iconic and well known open world games on the globe. With new features constantly being added such as exciting casinos and your very own place to call home, players can spend hours on customization of their own world. 

Best of all, you can choose to play either alongside strangers or friends meaning you won’t be restricted however you choose to play and will have a full social battery by the end of the experience. 

Overall, there are so many open world games out there, however not all of them are worth exploring. Adventuring in an open world game can take many hours and can be trial and error when you’re still finding your way in terms of open world preferences. By exploring the above titles, you’ll be sure to find something that peaks your interest and will have lost hours to the world of the game before you even realize it. 

The post Which online games have the best open worlds? appeared first on All About Games.

Aliens Dark Descent Review

Fans of James Cameron’s Aliens series are up for a treat with the latest game in the franchise, Aliens Dark Descent. Not to be confused with the virtual reality (VR) game title Alien: Descent released in 2018, Dark Descent dabbles in a top-down view (isometric-like view), real-time strategy (RTS) squad-based gameplay wherein the player is given control of a squad of four United States Colonial Marine Corps (USCM) space marines as they progress through the game’s campaign.

Continuing from the story of the original trilogy of Alien films, the game’s story campaign is set in 2198, 19 years after the trilogy film’s events. It follows the USS Otago and its crew as it encounters the deadly Xenomorphs and other hostilities while slowly unveiling the campaign’s dark story and investigating the motives of Weyland-Yutani Corporation’s rogue agents.

Dark Yet Atmospheric Graphics and Decent Character Models

Developer Tindalos Interactive managed to perfectly bring the dark and the atmosphere of suspense with the beautiful graphics used in Aliens Dark Descent using the Unreal Engine. Abandoned space stations with barely lit-up interiors are clean with sharp detail, while stations overran by Xenomorphs and other alien entities are covered with its signature gross, icky material identifiable by fans who watched the films.

However, character models are in the realm of “passable human-like figures” with some minor issues with shadowing and lighting. But overall, the characters look great, especially when the graphic settings are higher (provided you are playing on your PC with capable hardware).

Effects and lighting are bright and impressive in combat, especially in places with dark areas such as the den of a Xenomorph egg farm or a random hallway/room of an abandoned space station. Details such as gunfire blasts, explosions, smoke, gory bits, and even blood have sharp details that can easily add colors to the dark environment.

Aliens’ Horror and Suspense Packaged in Squad-based RTS Gameplay

Fans of games such as XCOM who want to have the same squad-base management and gameplay but in real-time will love Aliens Dark Descent’s take on the said genre. You can still assign actions to each squad member like deploying gun turrets or using special weapons by slowing down the time considerably.

But players shouldn’t be complacent about the time-slowing mechanic as everything in-game is still happening in real-time, as everything inside the game is still in movement (unless the player intentionally pauses the game). Additionally, thanks to the hive system the game’s artificial intelligence (A.I.) uses, the gameplay experience will heavily vary for each run as the enemy smartly adjusts to the player’s actions and reactions in each stage, giving off a rogue-like gameplay that can be unpredictable.

The campaign’s gameplay consists of taking in several missions per day, wherein before being deployed you can customize your squad, upgrade and level up each member and their equipment, and be debriefed about the location you will extract onto. After each mission, you must heal and destress your squad to avoid them performing poorly on the battlefield, or replace a lost member with a new member.

Downsides of a Rogue-like RTS Squad-based Game

Speaking of adding a new member, this is one of the downsides of an XCOM-like game with some rogue-like elements: the permadeath system. That means when you lose a team member, you will lose that member forever (unless you’re willing to do save scumming), including the stats you have invested in that member and the equipment he/she had during their death (unless retrieved within the same mission wherein that member was lost). 

Additionally, after finishing a mission and while recuperating inside the USS Otago, your squad members’ stress levels will be at an all-time high, especially if they’ve lost a team member and will be traumatized. You must manage their stress levels and keep them healthy. If left unchecked, they will perform badly in combat, such as missing their shots, panicking and getting killed, or even worse, muniting against you and your mission.

Lastly, the enemy A.I. can be sometimes unforgiving, especially when it comes to later difficulty levels that may turn off dedicated players of this genre. One moment your squad is mowing down hordes of Xenomorphs without a sweat, and then suddenly your whole team is wiped out after turning inside a corner, forcing you to repeat the level.

Manage Your Space Marines and Survive

Smartly and meticulously planning and staying cool are the keys to enjoying this game. Whether preparing for the next mission or commanding your troops on the battlefield in real-time, the thrill of blasting through waves of Xenomorphs while still clearing your mission objectives and your whole team surviving can be rewarding to many RTS squad-based connoisseurs.

The post Aliens Dark Descent Review appeared first on All About Games.

CryMachina Nintendo Switch Review

Fans of the Hack-and-Slash genre alongside Action and Adventure mixed with some JPRG elements will love this new game by Aquaria and FURYU Corporation, as CryMachina is a sequel to “Crystar,” the duo’s previous title. Published by NIS America, Inc., players will dive into the world of CryMachina and Leben Distel, the game’s main heroine.

Waking up in a robotic body after dying from a strange disease two thousand years ago, she gets embroiled in a civil war of machines, wherein the dominant side is feral and monstrous. In contrast, the remaining side comprises several robots with personality data of their past human selves as humanity became extinct during Leben’s death.

Guided by Enoa, Leben and her newfound allies from the Imitation Garden – the last haven in Eden – now partake on the seemingly impossible journey of reviving the human race from extinction, while discovering how to become a “real human” themselves. At first, Leben is conflicted, blaming the past humanity for her strange death two millennia ago, but eventually joins in their quest once she softens up and trusts them.

Positive Highlights

Many players familiar with the quick-paced and high-intensity combat and gameplay of titles such as Devil May Cry and Bayonetta will immediately feel at home with CryMachina’s combat. Fans of anime and manga will love its cell-shaded and visual novel-styled graphics, visuals, and cutscenes, giving the feel of Honkai Impact 3rd’s style and theme, although much darker and more neon lights in a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk setting.

Gameplay-wise, movements are fluid and responsive as Leben and other characters easily traverse various in-game locations, such as a gigantic space station. The player can freely roam the game’s stages until they encounter their enemies in combat, giving them free range of movement such as jumping, dashing, and evading. 

Sound quality is great, as gunfire, slashes, explosions, and other bombastic and action-packed sound effects are crisp and punchy. When it comes to the background music, it smartly changes depending on the setting, where you are in combat or just viewing a story dialogue. The Japanese voice acting is great too, showing the talents and prowess of the seiyuu (voice actors) behind the characters, providing raw emotion and giving life to their respective roles and characters in the game’s story.

Negative Highlights

Just like any game mixed with JRPG elements here and there, the storytelling aspect of the game and its pacing have taken quite some hits, as it can get convoluted and confusing if you’re not used to this kind of game genre. At first, it may sound simple – human-like robots wishing to become true humans while fighting against destructive machines – but the more you go deeper with CryMachina, the more twists and turns you will encounter.

Another aspect that can be a negative for this kind of game would be the unavoidable repetitiveness, wherein you will be facing the same enemy types (except for some bosses and antagonist characters) repeatedly in the same stage with some variety tossed in between. Play the story, defeat some enemies, meet goal criteria, complete the mission, rinse, and repeat.

And lastly, although the graphics and visuals are great and beautiful to look at, there are some instances that it can be wonky or jarring when it comes to its lighting and shading. Some stages can be super dark, while others are as bright as a sunny day. Also, the character models tend to pop out more than the background and some enemy designs/models in the same cutscene.

Some Other Stuff In CryMachina

When not combat, the game will heavily focus on its story within Imitation Garden, the only haven for people like Leben and her comrades in Eden. This is considered the “downtime” of the game, wherein you as Leben can interact with various characters present within the haven’s premises.

At first, only a few individuals were present in the Garden. But as you progress through the story, you will automatically unlock some characters (especially the other playable characters such as Mikoto) to spice up your next game run as each of the four playable characters have their unique fighting styles and weapons.

Becoming Truly “Human” Again

As Leben and her comrades under Enoa’s guidance fight through the seemingly endless horde of destructive machines, they will slowly and eventually discover their ultimate end goal.

Once former humans two millennia ago before the extinction of humanity, they are now androids with their former human personalities downloaded to their artificial brains, looking for such answers despite seemingly being impossible.

As players guide Leben, they will experience many twists and turns in their journey against the machines as they hack and slash their way toward their ultimate goal: to become “human again.”

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Netflix Expands Cast with Seven New Characters for Season 2 of ONE PIECE Live-Action Series

Od: RJ Go

Netflix’s ambitious venture into the world of “One Piece” continues to build excitement with Season 2 of its live-action adaptation now in full swing. The streaming giant recently unveiled a slew of new cast members set to embody some of the manga/anime’s most beloved characters.

In a series of announcements via their official social media channels, Netflix introduced Clive Russell as Crocus, Werner Coetser as Dorry, and Brendan Murray as Broggy, among others, over the past two days. Today, the lineup expanded further with Callum Kerr stepping into the role of Smoker, Julia Rehwald as Tashigi, Rob Colletti as Wapol, and Ty Keogh as Dalton.

Set against the backdrop of the Arabasta Saga, Season 2 promises to delve into additional manga arcs, including Reverse Mountain and Little Garden, with confirmation of the Drum Island arc’s inclusion. With these recent casting revelations, fans can expect a comprehensive exploration of the Baroque Works saga and beyond.

Netflix’s adaptation, praised for its fidelity to the source material, garnered acclaim upon its debut season, boasting an impressive 85% on Rotten Tomatoes among critics and a stellar 95% Audience Score. Anticipation is high as filming commences this month, aiming for a 2025 premiere.

While details on Season 2 remain under wraps, the success of the first season has set a promising precedent for what lies ahead in this epic adaptation of “One Piece.”

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