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I summoned a chimpanzee god in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and it was still only the fourth weirdest thing in the game
6:00 pm | February 18, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off
Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release date: February 21, 2025

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a game that I’m stunned even exists. In the AAA gaming space, it’s so rare to see a franchise just let loose with a genuinely absurd premise. Yet with action-adventure game Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio pulls it off with such unabashed confidence that you really just have to respect it.

And still upon reflection, it’s a premise that manages to make perfect sense for protagonist Goro Majima. For the most unhinged of the series’ legendary yakuza - a guy who’s previously had success running a cabaret club and a construction company - taking up the mantle of a pirate captain and sailing the high seas in search of lost treasure is something he’d probably do in a heartbeat. With or without the amnesia he’s struck with at the start of this game.

It’s a concept that elevates Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii from any old spinoff to a truly memorable adventure and one that absolutely stands out confidently against the backdrop of the long-running series. It’s still a Like a Dragon title through and through - with an abundance of minigames, side quests, and a massive open hub to explore - but the backdrop of piracy and treasure hunting makes Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii one of a kind.

Setting the stage

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

(Image credit: Sega)

Six months on from the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, we find Majima washed up on the beach of a remote island off the coast of Hawaii. Near death and with little in the way of memories to his name, he’s mercifully saved by a child named Luke, who lives on the island with his dad and older sister.

Over the course of the first chapter, Majima repays Luke’s kindness by helping the island deal with a rather major pirate problem. And we’re talking pirates in the strictest sense: galleons outfitted with powerful cannons and menacing sails, staffed by salty treasure-hungry sea dogs. It turns out the whole thing is quite the racket in the waters surrounding Hawaii (in the Like a Dragon universe at least).

After a stint doing errands on the island, it’s not too long before Majima gets a pirate ship - the Goromaru - and a ragtag crew of his own. And so properly begins an adventure that successfully weds a Treasure Island-esque narrative with Like a Dragon’s political and faction-based intrigue. While it’s not as big on throwing you wild curveballs as the mainline series, it’s a tale that’s nonetheless entertaining and thrilling from start to finish, with an absolutely phenomenal finale to boot.

White whale, holy grail

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

(Image credit: Sega)

Gameplay and exploration in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is split into two distinct segments, those being land and sea. When you’re ashore, it’s perhaps unsurprisingly like most other Like a Dragon titles; Majima gets to fully explore the city of Honolulu (returning from Infinite Wealth) and engage in all kinds of minigames, side stories, and combat.

As in prior entries, clueless goons are more than keen to make a beeline for Majima should they spot him out and about, which is where his two distinct combat styles come into play. I’ve covered them extensively in my previews beforehand, but what you need to know is that the Mad Dog and Sea Dog styles offer incredibly unique ways to engage your foes.

Mad Dog is closer to the Majima you expect. Wielding his iconic knife, he employs rapid attacks, a powerful gap closer, throws, and more. It’s ideal for whittling down a single target or a small squad of baddies. Sea Dog is the more interesting of the two, as Majima dons his pirate garb, wields two cutlasses, and has access to a flintlock pistol and a hook. It’s much better suited to the larger-scale fights you’ll have during story missions and deck battles.

Best bit

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

(Image credit: Sega)

It’s hard to single out any one aspect of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii as its absolute best bit, but the sheer variety of content on offer is undoubtedly a swashbuckler’s dream. Even better, you can take it all at your own pace. Want to tick off some substories or chill with some minigames? Or do you want to take things up a notch by sinking some lily-livered sailors in the Pirates’ Coliseum? Outside of major story beats, it’s all available to you at any time.

Overall, Majima feels exceptionally powerful here, to the point where the Normal difficulty setting was honestly quite a breeze. Throw in some hilariously strong Heat Actions, Mad Dog’s Doppelganger mode, and Sea Dog’s Dark Instruments (both available via the chargeable Madness Gauge) and we have what is certainly among the most overpowered move sets in series history.

But by Davy Jones is Majima such a joy to play as. Whether it’s blasting away entire scores of lads with a charged flintlock shot or wreaking havoc with a giant ethereal chimpanzee (no, really), combat rarely feels like a drag. Enemies aren’t necessarily pushovers though, with some types wielding spears or shields to counter specific abilities.

However, as powerful as Majima feels, you’ll still need to play smart. That’s especially so when you chase after Honolulu’s bounty targets - a piece of side content that provides plenty of cash with which you can use to invest in upgrades for Majima and his ship.

Those spear guys can poke you out of the air, for example, while shielded foes will need to be robbed of their protection with the hook before significant damage can be dealt. And that’s before we’ve even gotten to kickboxers, gunners, tigers, bears, and enemies that drop a grenade on defeat. Believe it or not, they’re actually worse than the tigers and bears.

Waterworld

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

(Image credit: Sega)

Majima’s as much a terror out at sea, if not more so. Captaining the Goromaru is the other half of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen from the series yet. Well, perhaps besides the vehicle combat of Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise, but that’s obviously even more of a spinoff than this game is.

There’s a ton to do out on the high seas, with exploring the vast waters surrounding Hawaii and other notable locales forming a good chunk of the playthrough. You can engage in ship battles, explore uncharted islands for lost treasure, and even undertake a massive side story that has Majima and crew taking down the Devil Flags - a notorious pirate armada.

One thing to note is that content with the Goromaru is noticeably harder than anything else in the game. Enemy ships can pack a punch, especially those of higher ranks. So, you’ll need to do some groundwork in order to make your ship as powerful as possible. That’ll come in the form of scouting new crew members you can find dotted around Honolulu, as well as upgrading the ship’s durability and firepower.

Your shipmates will also level up when they’re staffed on the ship, and certain members can provide unique First Mate or Squad Leader buffs if they’ve been assigned to those positions. Such buffs include increasing damage you deal to an enemy ship’s stern, or increasing the number of times you can shoot out a smokescreen to obscure enemy vision while you resuscitate downed crewmates or put out hazards like fires or poison mist.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

(Image credit: Sega)

You’ll also be able to take your crew into the Madlantis Pirates’ Coliseum, a substantial bit of side content where you’ll engage in ship battles of escalating difficulty. Defeating the enemy ship will then transition you to a deck battle, where your entire crew faces off against the enemy’s on their own ship. It’s a genuine thrill to see so many characters clash against each other in combat like this, and while it can get quite messy and nonsensical, it’s still great chaotic fun.

Manning the Goromaru is a part of the game that I found to be the most engrossing. Ticking off content and participating in minigames to unlock new crew members always feels fulfilling, and definitely incentivizes you to try out activities like Dragon Kart, Crazy Delivery, and the usual smattering of side activities to unlock even more goodies.

There are a few stubborn barnacles to deal with out on the ocean, though. Engagements with enemy ships can get quite lengthy later on in the game, which does add to overall sea travel time. And while the Goromaru can boost and make use of air currents to sail swiftly, the simple act of traveling from A to B can still take a good chunk of time. Especially when you’re constantly running into other fleets.

The sea is also the only place in the game where you’ll experience notable performance drops (at least I did on the PS5 review version I tested), especially when inclement weather such as rain storms get involved. It’s nothing horrible or unplayable, but definitely worth noting if you’re playing on console.

Should I play Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii?

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

(Image credit: Sega)

Play it if...

You want a compact Like a Dragon adventure
Similar to Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name before it, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii’s run time is shorter than the length of its name, making for a much more digestible experience.

You love pirates
It really is as simple as that. If you’re pining for a swashbuckling adventure the likes of which we seldom see in video games, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will scratch that itch and then some.

Don't play it if...

You’re not caught up on the series
While the game is generally friendlier to newcomers than others, it does still mention and feature characters and events from prior entries, and spoils major story beats from Infinite Wealth, so play at your own risk if you’re still making your way through the wider series.

Accessibility

The accessibility options in Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii are something of a treasure trove, too, with plenty on offer to accommodate gamers of all stripes.

Some highlights include options for automatic quick time events, stick control swapping, reducing the motion of waves out at sea, thorough subtitle options (including backgrounds and character names), and three distinct color vision assistance settings (deuteranopia, protanopia, and tritanopia). Full button configuration is also supported.

How I reviewed Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

My full playthrough of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii took 25 hours to finish on PS5, playing on an LG CX OLED TV with the DualSense Wireless Controller.

While I finished the main story, the Goro Pirates side story, and tackled the majority of available side content, this was by no means a completionist run. If you’re going for 100% - that’s fully completing all side content including the exhaustive challenge list - expect to sink in anywhere between 30-40 hours.

First reviewed February 2025

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is a carefully constructed coming-of-age story from the legends behind Life is Strange
1:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

Early on in narrative adventure game Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1, you find yourself in the maximalist milieu of its protagonist’s cluttered bedroom, circa 1995. After fiddling with the pin art board and pilfering through a collection of shiny VHS tapes, my eye was drawn to the off-brand Tamagotchi on Swann’s desk.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam
Release date: February 18, 2024

As I admired the familiar chunky design, marked delicately by little scratches, the screen came to life, and new options appeared on screen: Play, Feed, Eat. Like an archaeologist, I marveled at the unnecessary meticulousness of this moment — there was no need for Lost Records to include a fully-playable pocket pet, yet here I was, cleaning up its poop like any good teenager would.

This level of detail is redolent of developer Don't Nod's first two Life is Strange games, which solidified the studio’s reputation as new wave masterminds of segmented narrative. There have been many Don't Nod and even some Life is Strange games in the time since, but the key creatives behind that initial diptych have yet to deliver a successor, until now.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a new IP that explores the uncanny, messy nature of humanity from a stylized and period-specific perspective. So far, it’s an adventure dripping in tactile nostalgia and pithy mystery that evolves the ethos of the games that came before it. Evoking Life is Strange’s episodic approach, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is split into two parts, with the second tape coming in April 2025.

In Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1, four friends who vowed never to speak after an undisclosed incident are summoned back to their hometown when an ominous package arrives in the mail. You play as Swann, an anxious forty-something who must face the events of the troupe’s ‘lost summer’, rekindling their dormant relationships to understand why the parcel arrived after all this time and what could be inside.

To do this, you’ll rummage through gorgeously curated midwestern dioramas, jumping between 1995 and 2022 to pick apart set pieces and choose lines of dialogue, with the story molding around your version of events. The decisions you make in the past and present weave together as the story unfolds, ensuring each choice feels loaded regardless of what you’re doing. In Velvet Cove, appearances are deceiving, and the liberating break the friends have since put behind them obscures an otherworldly backbone waiting to be unearthed.

Swann’s teenage self is also equipped with a trusty camcorder that you’ll use to film the events of the summer as they unfold, a unique mechanic that helps to distinguish Lost Records from its peers. As you explore, you can pull out your trusty device on a whim to capture precious moments and create idiosyncratic memoirs. You’ll often be prompted to film certain scenes, too, with that footage showing up during cutscenes, cleverly immersing you in the 90s fantasy.

Be kind, rewind

Characters enter the woods in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage.

(Image credit: Don't Nod)

The basis of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is rewarding exploration. If you search hard enough in your reckless friend's garage, you might find the crude placement of perfume samples meant to hide the scent of weed. Or, if you wander deeper through an abandoned park, you might stumble upon some choice graffiti that illuminates the small-town mentality and class dissonance present in Velvet Cove. Not every nook and cranny hid something shocking, and oftentimes, the small clues served to illuminate the complexity of the townsfolk, blurring the lines between what I thought it meant to be a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ character.

Looking for such hints is helped by the overarching mystery of Swann’s amnesia, which weaves the spirit of investigation into the main plot. As such, combing through each room or open space feels natural and less game-like, with my attention drawn to Swann’s actions instead. Whether I’d scoured a room or not, I never felt as though I was missing something, with Don't Nod consistently giving me enough information to push forward.

This sense of immersion is helped by the stellar voice acting delivered by the Lost Records cast. There’s distinct naivete and softness as the younger versions of their characters chat, which rubs against the awkwardness as they reconnect as their older selves. Lines are delivered with patience and intent, and I relished watching their tones shift as the summer played out, as they became a closer, more flirty group. This shift is also accompanied by an atmospheric soundtrack that blends its original score with a smattering of licensed cult tracks (including Cocteau Twins) to great effect.

The main characters in Lost Records: Bloom and Rage pose for a photo.

(Image credit: Don't Nod)

Despite how magical and freeing Lost Records can feel, Don't Nod doesn’t shy away from the harsher elements of humanity either, and handles them with care. As a teen girl, Swann doesn’t fit the ‘skinny’ mold, an issue that comes up cruelly for them throughout Lost Records. While visceral performances summoned plenty of emotion from me, I found the quieter teenage disaffection of Swann and their group to be equally as moving. This is particularly true for the case of Swann’s friend Nora, whose brash aesthetic and attitude act as a mask for insecurities about their troubled home life.

Of the leading group, the firecracker Kat is perhaps the most intriguing, with much of the story centering around their homelife, their polar opposite sister Dylan, and her disaffected but strangely magnetic boyfriend Corey, who appears to bully and accost the girls. Kat’s struggles seem simple, as punk beliefs wrestle with traditional family values. It would be easy to settle on Kat’s situation as one-dimensional family trouble, but Lost Records subverts these expectations considerably and did well to reframe my experiences with its cast of murky heroes and villains.

What’s in the box?

An adult character in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage.

(Image credit: Don't Nod)

Perhaps my favorite aspect of Lost Records, though, is the variety of choices you can make and how they ratchet up your emotions. Unlike the team’s previous work on Life is Strange, here, the story-shifting decisions don’t appear with an intimidating on-screen chyron.

It’s fair to assume that the repercussions of my actions won’t be fully revealed until Tape 2. However, there were still plenty of instances where I saw my actions immediately play out. For example, in the opening moments, Swann talks to their mum on the phone and reminisces about their old cat: from here on out in the past, from feeding them to cuddles, that is your pet’s name. No matter how big or small the selection felt, a fine-tuned balance of player influence alongside the main linear story made me feel necessary to the plot despite it being moored in a confident overarching narrative.

Best bit

The player films a desk in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage.

(Image credit: Don't Nod)

You won't find any collectibles throughout Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1. Instead, Swann can pull out their trusty handycam at any point to film seemingly random pieces of set dressing to create nostalgic video memories, complete with a snowy 90s filter. Public graffiti, bird species, and dilapidated playground equipment are dotted around Velvet Cove, waiting to be transformed from small town bric-a-brac into a stylized retro memoir. What’s most impressive, though, is that the tidbits of tape you’ve filmed go on to play in cutscenes, giving your playthrough a unique and dreamy feel.

Lost Records isn't always hazy sunsets, though, with some scenes twisting towards horror. In one particular instance, Swann fell through a window into an abandoned house, the exit guarded by a mystical padlock. Wandering through the dark, with only my camcorder light to guide me, I felt pangs of genuine fear while puzzle-solving. Much of Lost Records revolves around dialogue, and these surprising deviations into thrilling puzzles and spooky tricks kept me on my toes as I moved through the story, which is persistently tinged with menacing magical realism.

A stand-out feature was the intricately modeled characters and carefully curated visual identity in both the past and present. Despite jumping twenty-seven years, Velvet Cove feels trapped in the past, with its water tower adorned with gaudy wooden antlers and the plaid-wearing regulars in the local bar. Rusty chain link fences, cracked cement, and abandoned spaces create a strong feeling that the town has been left behind, a sensation which contrasts against the liberated aesthetic of the girl group who are keen to leave it behind.

Across my playtime I encountered a smattering of technical bugs, such as chugging when scenes would load and, in one instance, a crash. These issues were minor in the grand scheme of the game, and I’m hopeful they will be resolved before the launch. Thankfully, a forgiving checkpoint system meant I never lost that much progress when I did run into problems.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 might only be the first half of the story, yet even as I rolled credits, tears streaming down my cheeks, I felt satisfied and deeply curious about the chaos its cliffhanger ending had wrought. I’m keen to dig in and unlock the missing pieces of Swann and Co.'s past, one aberrated camcorder clip at a time.

Should I play Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1?

Inspecting a toy on Lost Records: Bloom & Rage.

(Image credit: Don't Nod)

Play it if…

If you love cinema…
Gameplay in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is interspersed with gorgeously shot cutscenes that feel ripped from a coming-of-age film yet to exist.

You like games grounded in reality…
Similar to Don't Nod's previous work, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 doesn’t shy away from the crueler parts of humanity, exploring complex topics like fatphobia and misogyny.

Don’t play it if…

You want to play something fast-paced…
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is first and foremost about taking your time and enjoying the environments and vibes curated throughout its slow-moving story. While there are undoubtedly moments of urgency, much of Tape 1 involves gently combing through the Velvet Cove and getting to know its inhabitants.

Accessibility

When you boot up Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1, you can choose the interface text size (small, medium, and large) and toggle on and off subtitles. From this screen, you can also select the size of the subtitles (small, medium, large.) Due to the heavy themes in Lost Records: Bloom and Rage, you’ll also have the choice to turn on trigger warnings.

These warnings include topics such as drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. On this screen, you can also tweak audio dynamic range, choosing between a narrow (little difference between loud and quiet moments, suitable for low-quality sound systems or noisy playspaces), Medium (moderate difference between loud and quiet moments, ideal for most speakers), and Wide (sizable difference between loud and quiet moments, ideal for high-quality sound systems or quiet playspaces)

From the pause menu, under controls, you can toggle on and off vibrations and how the camcorder behaves in the game. There are also options to reduce motion sickness, such as a toggling off head bob, camcorder motion controls, and shifting the camcorder feel between regular, light, very light, and none. You can additionally invert cameras and movements and remap the entire keyboard from this menu.

Where visual effects are concerned, You can toggle on and off motion blur, camera smoothing, and camera shake. From the interface menu, you can also toggle on and off a speaker cue that provides a visual cue for who is talking as well as toggle the persistent reticle in first and third person.

How I reviewed Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1

A nice view in List Records: Bloom & Rage.

(Image credit: Don't Nod)

I completed Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1’s story in around nine and a half hours on my PC. In that time, I searched through each environment and completed most mini montages Swann could film throughout, as well as tested photo mode.

I used an AOC 27-inch QHD VA 144Hz monitor, a Logitech MX Master 3S mouse, and a Logitech G915 TKL keyboard. For sound, I used my external Creative Pebble V2 speakers and Audio Technica ATH-MX50X headphones plugged into a Scarlett 2i2 interface. My GPU is an RTX 3080, and my CPU is an AMD Ryzen 9 3950X.

First reviewed February 2025

I tested the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink for a month, and it’s easily the best value PS5 SSD right now
4:00 pm | February 16, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming Gaming Accessories | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Lexar NM790 with Heatsink: One-minute review

The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is one of the best SSDs for PS5 in its price range. Its 4TB variant in particular is significantly cheaper than the competition, especially when it goes on sale. It also scores well in the internal PS5 benchmark, even beating pricey licensed alternatives like the WD Black SN850P and Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5.

If your number one priority is getting a high-capacity option with solid performance at the lowest possible cost, then the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is the clear winner. That said, there are some significant drawbacks that arise with that reduced price tag. The most important is that this is a dynamic random access memory (DRAM)-less model that uses host memory buffer (HMB) technology, something that you would expect from budget PC SSDs rather than ones made with consoles in mind.

The PS5 does not support HMB and Sony even recommends against fitting HMB drives. This is because it leads to somewhat uneven performance, which is noticeable when you’re copying particularly large files. It can also cause issues in games, though these are far from a complete dealbreaker as the vast majority of titles that I tested ran flawlessly, even the likes of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

There was some stuttering in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, however, namely in a handful of cinematic moments where scenery changed quickly. Assassin's Creed Valhalla also had the odd hitch, though nothing that rendered either title unplayable or even really spoiled the experience.

The heatsink grooves of the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink.

(Image credit: Future)

Lexar NM790 with Heatsink: Price and availability

  • 1TB is $94.99 / £74.99
  • 2TB is $159.99 / £129.99
  • 4TB is $269.99 / £233

Unlike the seriously overpriced Lexar Play 2280, the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink comfortably undercuts the competition at its going rates. It's available at Amazon, where the 1TB model will set you back $94.99 / £74.99 - $30 / £25 less than the WD Black SN850X.

The price of the 2TB varies depending on its stock level but is most often found at $159.99 / £129.99 which is a very fair price for what you’re getting. The best value option, however, is the 4TB version which comes in at $269.99 / £233 and has been on sale for as little as $234.95 / £229.49 in the past twelve months.

This drive seems extremely popular, however, so prices do fluctuate week to week. The 4TB model, for example, is currently only available for the absurdly high asking price of $338.92 through a third-party Amazon seller in the US - so avoid purchasing one unless you can find it for around the above figures.

Lexar NM790 with Heatsink: Specs

Lexar Play 2280: Design and features

  • Looks and feels premium
  • Sold with and without a heatsink
  • HMB model, so lacks DRAM

The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink has a plain overall design. It comes with a chunky black heatsink fitted out of the box, with some small grooves to give it some texture on the top. Despite its large size, it fits absolutely perfectly in a PS5 or PS5 Slim. Even though this is a more budget-oriented product, nothing about its look or feel seems particularly cheap either.

It comes well-packaged in a compact cardboard box and small plastic tray, which is easy to open and should provide a good level of protection on the move. On the box, you will find instructions on how to access more production information, in addition to warranty or return details, via the Lexar website.

The most notable feature of this drive is the fact it is an HMB model. As I explained above, this means that the drive does not have any DRAM - a small bit of separate memory used to store mapping information. This, in essence, tells your system where to find specific data quickly, improving performance and longevity. With HMB, the host device is meant to be responsible for this function.

This is not the case with the PS5 though, which does not support HMB drives. Sony states that such drives “may experience slower-than-expected performance because the PS5 console does not support HMB”. Even so, HMD models are generally significantly cheaper than those with DRAM and will still function when fitted to a PS5 - so make for solid budget picks.

The rear of the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink.

(Image credit: Future)

Lexar NM790 with Heatsink: Performance

  • Impressive PS5 benchmark score
  • Performs well copying games
  • But very occasionally stutters while playing

The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink delivers admirable performance on the whole, but it's far from consistent.

To give one example, copying a 67.25GB installation of Dishonored 2 to drive from the internal storage took just 22 seconds - while a smaller 59.22GB installation of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine was fully playable in 26 seconds, four seconds more. This wouldn't be noticeable in general use but does demonstrate some of the spottier moments associated with HMB drives on PS5.

The largest file I tested, 101.9GB of Far Cry 6, took just 44 seconds to copy to the SSD, while the 80.7GB Remnant 2 took 34 seconds - all good results. Smaller games also copied smoothly and quickly, with a 24.22GB copy of Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens and 12.93GB installation of Lollipop Chainsaw RePop accomplished in 13 seconds and 6 seconds respectively. A relatively tiny file like the 2.72GB Slime Rancher 2 was then copied in only 2 seconds.

Similarly, good figures were observed copying from the drive back to the internal storage, with Far Cry 6 taking 6 minutes 51 seconds and Remnant 2 5 minutes and 24 seconds. Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens took just 1 minute and 42 seconds, which is broadly in line with the times for similarly sized games on the more expensive WD Black SN850P. Just bear in mind that these figures are mainly due to the PS5’s internal write speed more than the SSD itself.

The drive also scored impressively well on the PS5’s internal benchmark, clocking in at 6,526MB/s. That’s significantly higher than the WD Black SN850P, just above the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5, and close to the numbers achieved by the seriously pricey Samsung 990 Pro - excellent on the whole.

That said, things aren’t entirely perfect when you dive into games stored on the drive. The vast majority of titles that I tested were completely fine, but there were two exceptions. Exploring the world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, I noticed the occasional framerate hitch which was entirely absent when playing on internal storage. Likewise, moments with lots of rapid changes in scenery in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (like the bombastic final boss fight) suffered from a few stutters - almost as though the drive was unable to load in assets quickly enough.

In the grand scheme of things, these are very minor problems and in my book are worth the cost savings represented by the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink - but it does mean that if you want a completely flawless experience across the board, you should look elsewhere.

The Lexar logo on the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink?

Buy it if...

You want a cheap high-capacity drive
If you want a decent 4TB PS5 SSD for the lowest possible price, then the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is a solid contender. It’s not perfect, but it’s hard to complain much when it costs such a relatively low amount.

You want a model with a quality built-in heatsink
I did not experience any noticeable thermal throttling throughout my testing of the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink, no matter what kind of intensive load I threw at it suggesting that its chunky heatsink is very effective.

Don't buy it if...

You want flawless performance
You won’t run into problems in most games, but some particularly demanding titles can push this HMB drive to its limits. If you want truly flawless performance, spend more for a model with DRAM.

Also consider...

If you want to weigh up the Lexar Play 2280 against some other options, here are two great alternatives.

Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5
This officially licensed drive from Seagate is a great alternative if you’re shopping for a 1TB or 2TB model. It performs much more consistently, with no noticeable negative effects on your games.

For more information, check out our full Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5 review

Samsung 990 Pro
The Samsung 990 Pro is the cream of the crop, a premium SSD with an effective heatsink that boasts blisteringly high speeds. It's a fantastic performer and much more consistent than the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink but doesn’t come cheap.

For more information, check out our full Samsung 990 Pro review

The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink upside down on a desk.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink

  • Tested for over a month
  • Tried with a wide range of games
  • Compared to other SSD models

I tested the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink for over a month, using it as my primary PS5 SSD at home. During that time I played a wide variety of games, including plenty of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Doom Eternal, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and much more.

Throughout the testing period, I was careful to assess the performance of the drive in each game, in addition to a variety of copy tests, and compared my experience with hands-on testing of other models like the WD Black SN850P, Lexar Play 2280, Samsung 990 Pro, and Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD for PS5.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

I like the look of the Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed gaming earbuds, but I think they suffer from a case of style over substance
5:00 pm | February 15, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed: two-minute review

The Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed are wireless gaming earbuds made for playing on the go thanks to their slender form and useful mobile-related features.

They certainly make a good first impression, with the elegant appearance of both the case and the earbuds themselves standing out. The AirPod-like stalks help on that front too, with the added benefit of making them easy to handle.

The Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed buds are also very well-made, on par with the best gaming earbuds around. The hinge of the case is strong, as is the magnetic pull to keep the buds inside. This can make getting them out a little difficult, but it’s a compromise I’m okay with.

The Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed can be configured and customized using the Razer Audio mobile app. This has some useful features, including plenty of touch control assignments, but I didn’t find it to be the most stable app in my experience, with connectivity issues and failed firmware updates proving a real thorn in its side.

As wireless gaming earbuds go, the audio quality of the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed is quite good. Sound is admirably rendered across the frequency spectrum, although the highs lack the pristine clarity found in high-end consumer-grade earphones. It’s also a shame that the ANC isn’t all that powerful either. However, the THX profile does help to create a greater sense of space with its surround sound effect, while the bass enhancement bolsters the low end without introducing too much distortion. The microphone quality is also good, if not the best in class.

The battery life of the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed isn’t great, lasting a couple of days according to my tests. Charging the case takes just over two hours, which again isn’t anything to boast about. However, the case charges the earbuds themselves quite quickly, meaning you won’t have to wait long to top them up.

With its competent sound and highly engineered design, the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed buds are a solid pair of wireless gaming earbuds. But while the sound is good, it’s not enough to make the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed stand with the very best gaming earbuds on this front. At this price, you would also expect greater comfort levels, better software, and fewer glitches. Better value earbuds are out there, such as the SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds and the Sony Inzone Buds.

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed earbuds on table with pink and plant in background

(Image credit: Future)

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed review: price and availability

  • $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$369.95
  • Available now in black and white
  • More expensive than the best gaming earbuds

The Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed earbuds cost $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$369.95 and are available now in two colorways: black and white. They come with Razer’s HyperSpeed Wireless USB dongle, as well as a charging cable and three different sizes of silicone tips.

At this price, the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed buds are some of the most expensive gaming earbuds around. They’re even the same price as the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, our pick as the best wireless gaming headset. With its over-ear design, it’s hardly as portable as the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed, but we found it to have great battery life, high levels of comfort, and superb sound.

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, the best gaming earbuds right now in our view, are less expensive than the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed, yet they have terrific build quality and sound. We also found the companion app to be flexible and full of useful features.

Then there are the Sony Inzone Buds, which are about the same price as the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed, but offer superb sound and noise cancellation. Naturally, they're compatible with the best gaming console around right now – the PS5 – but they also work great with PC and mobile devices.

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed review: specs

Close-up of case for Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed in hand with pink and plant in background

(Image credit: Future)

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed review: design and features

  • Great build quality
  • Comfort slightly compromised
  • Razer Audio app issues

The Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed ooze style. The matt black finish of the case is silky smooth and the engineering of the lid is impressive, opening with ease and closing with a satisfying click. The hinge is also weighted just right, with enough force to keep it securely shut.

In contrast to the case, the earbuds themselves are shiny. They feel equally as well-made, though, and ape the familiar design of Apple’s AirPods, with their long stalks protruding downwards from the drivers. In use, these stalks make the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed easy to put in and take out, while the drivers curve inwards, which also helps to secure them in your ear.

However, it can be quite awkward to remove the earbuds from the case, as the lack of divots on either the earbuds themselves or within the case makes it difficult to get a hold of them. And thanks to the strong magnetic slots, turning the case upside down won’t cause the earbuds to drop out with ease. This is a small price to pay for the added security, though.

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed and accessories on table with pink and plant in background

(Image credit: Future)

Three sets of silicone tips with varying sizes are included to ensure you’ll get the fit right for you. However, regardless of which tip size I tried, I did experience minor aching after extended sessions, as the plastic body of the drivers exerted too much pressure on the inside of my ear canal. For shorter sessions, though, they were perfectly acceptable.

The Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed can be customized using the Razer Audio mobile app. However, I had multiple issues with the headset failing to connect to the app on my Android device (a Google Pixel 7a). It also failed on numerous occasions to install a firmware update.

Once connected, though, you’ll find Razer Audio offers a range of useful tweaks, including various equalizer presets. The default is THX mode, which isn’t explained in the app, but this is Razer’s spatial audio engine. There’s also a custom profile that lets you boost or reduce multiple points across the entire frequency band as you see fit – a feature lacking in many other companion apps. However, it’s a shame that for PC users the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed buds don’t integrate with Synapse, Razer’s main peripheral software.

Top of case for Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed in hand with pink and plant in background

(Image credit: Future)

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed review: Performance

  • Decent sound
  • Weak ANC
  • Some connectivity issues

The Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed earbuds perform admirably for a pair of wireless gaming earbuds. The bass response is strong and there is enough clarity across all frequencies, although overall fidelity isn’t the best, with mild distortion occasionally rearing its ugly head.

The default THX EQ profile suffices for most scenarios, offering a balanced sound. THX is designed to impart a greater sense of positional accuracy, and I did find this to be the case, as audio pans subtly yet effectively to sonically map to your in-game environment.

The bass enhancement profile is also useful in elevating the low end without becoming muddy or overblown. However, I found that the enhanced clarity profile reduced the bass too much, and did little to actually improve fidelity as far as I could tell.

The Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed buds also have ANC, although I didn’t find this blocked out external sounds all that well, even on the highest setting. There’s also an ambient mode to allow outside noises to come through, which is more effective, letting you hear yourself and other noises in the room clearly.

The microphone on the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed is also good, offering sufficient vocal clarity, but it’s not equal to the mics equipped on the best wireless gaming headsets. However, for a set of earbuds, it provides reasonable quality.

Razer Audio can also be used to customize the touch controls, with a generous number of actions available to configure, including a two-second hold, double tap, double tap and hold, and triple tap and hold. These can be assigned to a myriad of playback and call controls, as well as other functions such as ANC toggling. What’s more, each bud can have different assignments for the same action, providing even more flexibility.

Hand holding Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed earbud on table with pink and plant in background

(Image credit: Future)

The various touch gestures are reasonably responsive and consistent, although the single press does require a firm hold rather than a mere tap, which makes it less convenient to use in a hurry. Also, the double tap and hold action took a while to perform its assigned functions during my tests.

The various wireless connectivity modes work well for the most part. Using the HyperSpeed Wireless Dongle on PC and console is easy, as it’s simply a case of plug and play, requiring no further setup. When using the dongle, I found there was an improvement in sound quality, with enhanced clarity and better low-end response, as well as a decrease in lag compared to Bluetooth.

However, one downside of using the HyperSpeed Wireless method is that you can’t use Razer Audio when connected, as it only works via Bluetooth. This is a major inconvenience for those who like to tweak their settings frequently or on the fly.

Setting up Bluetooth was smooth for the most part, however, there were occasions when the earbuds failed to connect to my Android phone. I also experienced a bizarre issue where the volume reduced considerably when switching back to my mobile from a PC that was connected via the HyperSpeed dongle.

This issue was resolved easily by restarting the Bluetooth connection to my phone, and, hopefully, it’s a glitch that can easily be solved via a firmware update. I had no such problems when connecting to a Nintendo Switch, though, so it’s possible the fault lies with my mobile device.

The battery life of the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed isn’t impressive, as they just about lasted a couple of days, during which time I switched between Bluetooth and HyperSpeed modes. Charging the case took over two hours, which is an average performance. The case itself, though, does charge the earbuds themselves quite quickly, and it managed to recharge the earbuds from half to full in about half an hour.

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed earbuds and case on table with pink and plant in background

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed?

Buy it if...

You want numerous features
The ANC might not be anything to boast about, but the various EQ profiles and the customization options for the touch controls are welcome.

You want great build quality
In line with many of Razer’s products, the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed are built to a very high standard, with both the case and the buds themselves feeling premium and durable.

Don't buy it if...

You want the absolute best sound
Despite doing an admirable job, the sound quality of the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed just can’t compete with larger headsets or earphones designed specifically for audio playback.

You want the best companion app / software
The Razer Audio app is useful when it works, but I found it wasn’t the most stable in my experience, and the fact it doesn’t work when connected via the HyperSpeed dongle is irksome.

Also consider...

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds
As the best gaming earbuds around, you can’t really do much better than the Arctis GameBuds. With stellar sound and top-end features such as ANC and IP55 water resistance, they’re hard to beat. And to top it all off, they’re cheaper than the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed.

Read our full SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds review

Sony Inzone Buds
As one of the best PS5 headsets, the Sony Inzone Buds have excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, and battery life. We did find some issues with Bluetooth connectivity and the bass response wasn’t the best, but they’re still a compelling package nonetheless. They’re also the same price as the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed.

Read our full Sony Inzone Buds review

How I tested the Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed

  • Tested for over a week
  • Used on numerous devices
  • Extensive gaming experience

I tested the Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed for over a week, during which time I used them when playing games, listening to music, and watching video content.

I tried them with an Android phone – more specifically a Google Pixel 7a – as well as a PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. I used both Bluetooth and the HyperSpeed Wireless Dongle to connect to these devices.

I have been gaming for about 25 years, and have experienced numerous headsets and earbuds during that time. I have also reviewed various gaming headsets and general headphones.

  • Read more about how we test
  • First reviewed December 2024.
I’ve played through all three campaigns in Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered and found them to be full of welcome improvements, and graphical overhauls – but some issues remain
5:00 pm | February 14, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Aspyr has built an impressive resume of classic action-adventure remasters over the last few years. The masters of the remaster have previously given delightful modern refreshes to the first three Tomb Raider games and delivered a seminal update to two excellent Soul Reaver titles, and now the Texas-based studio has returned its attention to the original Lara Croft timeline.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC via Steam and PS5
Available on:
PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release date:
February 14, 2025

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered brings 1999’s The Last Revelation, 2000’s Chronicles, and 2003’s The Angel of Darkness to PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch and PC with a treasure trove of visual enhancements. Cleaning these Core Design developed titles up after twenty-five years and getting them to look this fresh is nothing short of wizardry at this point.

The Last Revelation, for example, charts Lara’s adventures in Egypt as she works to overcome an ancient curse that she accidentally set in motion, and the level of polish and modern graphical flourishes impress throughout. A new lighting engine sees shafts of sunlight penetrating forgotten temples and provides atmospheric warmth and illumination from fire pits and torches.

Character models have increased levels of detail while retaining the charm and personality of the original releases and the various Egyptian tombs benefit from dramatic rejuvenation that begs you to explore them. Simple flat textures have been replaced with detailed geometrically interesting assets in some spots, creating a sense that these environments could actually exist and aren’t just flat painted boxes anymore.

A screenshot from Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered showing Lara Croft in mid-air firing her guns

(Image credit: Aspyr)

A graphical revelation

Once again making use of the original source code as the framework for these remasters, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered enables players to instantly swap between the shiny newness and the classic visuals with the push of a button. The Last Revelation and Chronicles, which both debuted on the original PlayStation, see the biggest leap in overall fidelity, and while The Angel of Darkness still receives a noticeable improvement over its PlayStation 2 origin, its revamp isn’t as impactful.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered isn’t pixel-perfect in its execution, however. Chronicles, which acts as an anthology of sorts for previously untold Croft escapades, suffers from some occasional clipping at the edges and corners of buildings. It’s a minor gripe for sure but one that does pop up throughout Tomb Raider V and does prove distracting whenever it appears.

Likewise, all the original cutscenes are preserved and reused here without any visual enhancements or improvements, but the low-res FMV (full motion video) sequences of yesteryear are brief and have a charm of their own.

Image 1 of 2

A screenshot from Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered showing the classic visual option

(Image credit: Aspyr)
Image 2 of 2

A screenshot from Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered showing the modern visual option

(Image credit: Aspyr)

Bothersome buttons

Mirroring the remasters of Tomb Raider I-III, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered introduces a new modern control scheme for each game aimed to provide an accessible experience for new players unfamiliar with the original games and their classic tank controls. It’s unsurprising then, if not a little disappointing that, just like Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, this latest collection fails to introduce a reliable, modern control scheme.

Before delving into what does and doesn’t work with the modern scheme though, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate the tank controls. Tank controls, the slightly clumpy yet functional feel when you get used to them, and inputs from the original releases, undoubtedly remain my favorite way to experience these games. Classic Tomb Raider always required precise traversal and, while not the most natural method of controlling a character, tank controls allowed just that.

Despite the precision of the original tank controls, players would still occasionally make accidental slip-ups, causing our pony-tailed heroine to plummet to her demise. Aspyr has introduced a couple of new moves for Lara that, while certainly not exciting on paper, do remove some of those frustrating pratfalls of old.

For starters a new slide-to-run animation, a previously cut action from the original games, allows Lara to keep her momentum after disembarking a sloped surface. There are also two new animations for hanging on ledges as well, with the extra actions designed to prevent an untimely death regardless of whether Lara is facing toward or away from a drop.

The aforementioned new animations are available in both tank and modern control schemes, with a brand new ‘turn around in place’ action that is exclusive to the modern scheme and spins Lara a neat 180 degrees on the spot.

A screenshot from Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered showing Lara Croft in a temple interior

(Image credit: Aspyr)

Entering a new area and flicking between the remastered graphics and the original visuals and appreciating the astonishing work and artistry of the team at Asypr. Far from a simple resolution bump, every decaying tomb, claustrophobic cave, or industrial cityscape has clearly received a lot of love in its modernization.

The new additions are good in theory, even if their implementation into Lara’s ever-increasing moveset leaves a lot to be desired. The turn-around-in-place move, for instance, requires the finger dexterity of a double-jointed gymnast to perform, with the default input requiring two opposing face buttons to be pressed simultaneously. I found myself adopting a claw grip like one might use when playing a fighting game, whenever the situation required a tight turnaround.

It's here that the cracks in the modern control scheme start to show. The default control layout doesn’t mesh well with in-game directions. At the start of The Last Revelation, when an adolescent Lara is navigating a Cambodian temple with mentor Werner Von Croy, Von Croy will often dole out instructions as part of the tutorial level. After diving into a pool, the puffed-up archaeologist suggests we “use ‘Action’ to climb out of the water”, except, with modern controls, Lara does nothing but bobs up and down staring at the edge of the pool. Through much trial and error, I discovered that an entirely different button makes Lara climb out of pools, and even worse, grab ledges mid-fall.

The Action button debacle isn’t an isolated instance either with several context-sensitive inputs not aligning with their in-game instructions. While the modern control scheme does have some perks including fluid horizontal movement, it requires some extensive tinkering and remapping of the controls within the options to make it remotely usable.

Another aspect that could use refinement is the weapon system, although the new on-screen ammo counter is a blessing. Switching between the weapons in Lara’s arsenal requires players to pause the game and scroll through the available armaments. There is a new shortcut system in place, requiring players to hold the touchpad and press one of the face/shoulder buttons to bring up individual weapons but it feels unnecessary and clumsy. A weapon wheel would have been a much simpler refinement and worked well for similarly revamped games such as Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy: The Definitive Edition.

A screenshot from Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered's photo mode

(Image credit: Aspyr)

Lights, camera, action

One modern addition I absolutely adore is the returning and expanded photo mode. Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered builds on the already brilliant photo mode of Tomb Raider I-III Remastered by letting players toy around with Lara’s stances, facial expressions, costumes, and weapons and even moving her freely around the scene.

Aspyr has gone beyond the standard photo mode in Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered and incorporated a new flyby camera mode, and let me tell you, it’s incredible. The flyby camera mode allows players to position up to twenty different cameras around any scene in The Last Revelation and Chronicles, tweak various settings like field of view and roll, and then press play to witness a cinematic flyby of their custom scene.

Flyby mode is so simple and so powerful. I was creating dynamic, professional-looking animations immediately. The possibilities are literally endless and if you love Tomb Raider, you’ll definitely get a kick out of exploring each level using flyby mode.

Unfortunately, the feature currently appears to be absent from The Angel of Darkness. The sixth mainline Tomb Raider game, where Lara goes all Jason Bourne around Europe in a supernatural murder mystery, is a notoriously sullen affair so it makes sense that The Angel of Darkness doesn’t currently support the brilliantly fun flyby mode just yet. It’s a shame as The Angel of Darkness looks fantastic here and exploring Paris or Prague with the new Flyby camera would make an entertaining distraction from all of the brooding.

The flyby camera is a mind-blowing toolkit for fans of the series and a feature I hope Aspyr retrofits into Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, and that every 3D game incorporates and iterates on it from here on out.

Should I play Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered?

Play it if...

You love a thrilling caper
Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered sees Lara searching for relics, evading traps, and solving implausibly engineered puzzles on three globetrotting adventures. Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered delivers hours of exciting, pulpy fun in a beautifully presented package for the price of a cinema ticket and a large popcorn.

You have a playful, creative side
As photo modes go, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered’s is one of the best around. Creating unique custom shots by harnessing a suite of selectable stances, facial expressions, outfits and the ability to move Lara around in any scene is great fun and the new flyby mode takes that creativity to a whole new level.

Don't play it if...

You have limited patience
Tomb Raider as a series is synonymous with challenging brainteasers, but even for a veteran of the series, the controls can feel like a constant puzzle to understand themselves and the modern control scheme compounds the issue further.

Accessibility

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered provides only a few, basic accessibility options for players. Subtitles are enabled by default in all three games and are clear to read with a subtle grey background to them. Controller settings can be tweaked with optional vibrations and adjustable stick sensitivity.

All three titles do a poor job of introducing players to controls with no onscreen button prompts or tutorials. Voice lines and subtitles will occasionally guide players on what to do but the instructions often don’t correlate with the default control schemes, making certain sections impassible without much trial and error.

Quality-of-life improvements such as the inclusion of boss health bars, ammo counters, and cutscene skippers are all welcome additions.

A screenshot from Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered showing Lara Croft sneaking past lasers

(Image credit: Aspyr)

How I reviewed Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered

I played through the campaigns of all three titles while regularly switching between modern and tank controls, testing Lara’s newly added animations in each. I spent a couple of hours fiddling around in photo mode throughout my playthrough, taking time to experiment with various poses and outfits and producing fun flyby shots.

I played Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered on my gaming PC which runs a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti on a Dell U2415 Monitor. I used my EasySMX D05 controller and my Sony Gold Wireless Headset. I also tested the collection on PS5 on a 4K Sony Bravia TV, with my DualSense wireless controller and my PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset for the most part, and occasionally through the built-in TV speakers.

Prior to playing Tomb Raider IV-VI Remaster, I also chose to revisit the original games on the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2, enabling me to appreciate the differences in controls, visuals and playability to the new remaster.

First reviewed February 2025

I’ve used the Acer Predator X32QFS for months and it’s a brilliant 4K gaming monitor for PC and PS5 Pro that does everything else well too
9:00 pm | February 13, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Acer Predator X32QFS review: Two-minute review

The Acer Predator X32QFS (or X32QFSbmiiphuzx to give it its full jargon name) is a superb do-it-all gaming monitor. Its fabulous 4K IPS mini-LED panel is a joy to use no matter what game or task is on screen, and it always displays colors crisply, brightly, and with punch.

A big factor to address right from the off is that this gaming monitor is unavailable in the US - which is a huge shame. For those that can potentially buy it, however, priced at £899.99 / AU$1,099 it’s a premium monitor. However, its position as more affordable than other premium screens such as the Alienware AW3225QF and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 means it will be tempting for those looking to save up and splash out for a monitor that can do everything well.

An understated gaming monitor in its design, there are no overt ‘gamer’ flourishes adorning the monitor apart from its curved, silver stand. Otherwise, it’s a monitor that will melt into any home office or productivity setup - despite being a gaming beast under the hood.

The juice under said hood is based around the excellent mini-LED IPS 4K panel that sports 1,152 local-dimming zones, as well as gaming specs that include a 150Hz refresh rate, a 0.5ms response time, and HDMI 2.1 capability. It goes further though, channeling that do-it-all characteristic elsewhere in its feature set as it also offers 99% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits.

On top of that, the screen has enough ports to keep you well covered and sets itself up beautifully for being the center point of a multi-gaming machine setup. I’ve had my RTX 3090-powered gaming PC and PS5 plugged into it for a couple of months now and it’s a dream for both.

Gaming on PC is a wondrous sight - especially if you have a beefy enough machine to enjoy the 4K resolution - and games from Control to Frostpunk 2 draw you in on the X32QFS, treating you to enormous and immersive pictures and experiences.

The Acer Predator X32QFS also proves itself a worthy contender as a dedicated monitor for PS5 or monitor for Xbox Series X and was a brilliant companion to my PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro during testing. The HDMI 2.1 capable screen means you can tap into the best of Sony’s games on its newest, most powerful console while using it as an everyday PS5-presenter for games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and Botany Manor has been a treat for the eyes.

However, it’s not just gaming that it excels in. Everyday work tasks from spreadsheets to writing documents are a joy and feature no text fringing or other frailties; while image work on the screen is also a pleasure with punchy, accurate colors and lovely contrasts. It’s even great for watching TV, films, or catching up on sports highlights.

Drawbacks are few, but one in particular is quite a shame: the monitor is not available in the US. This is a UK-focused release from Acer which is disappointing, if not only because the monitor exudes such a high level of quality. There’s also no remote or control hub which would be a nice touch for a monitor of this price, and some of the settings can be a bit of a drag to re-input all the time.

Away from those gripes, the fact that the Acer Predator X32QFS can do everything so well means it’s an easy screen to recommend for multi-purpose use, with gaming at the center of it. I think it goes a very long way to justify the price tag, and if you’re a UK gamer looking for a high-quality 4K 32-inch screen that’s in between premium OLEDs and affordable panels, then this is it.

The logo of the Acer Predator X32QFS gaming monitor.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Acer Predator X32QFS review: Price and availability

  • List price: £899.99 in the UK
  • No US availability
  • UK-specific variant of the X32

The elephant in the room with the Acer Predator X32QFS is that it has no availability in the US. In something of a classic Acer style, this screen appears to be a sub-variant of a model, the X32, in this case. For full clarity, this means that you may come across different monitors also labeled as an ‘X32’ in your region. However, models with this particular variant's full name, the Acer Predator X32QFSbmiiphuzx, are the one exactly like my review unit. In practice, the result of this means that this version of the X32 is not available to US folks, though another variant may be.

Where it is available in the UK (for £899.99 at Overclockers), the price does pitch the X32QFS as something of a premium screen. In terms of other 4K 32-inch screens, it comes in at nearly twice the price of one our favourites in the Gigabyte M32UC, but it’s worth noting it comes in cheaper than super-premium OLED gaming monitors such as the Alienware AW3225QF, Samsung Odyssey G8, and LG 32GS95UE-B.

I think the X32QFS goes a long way to justify its price tag, and it being in between the likes of the M32UC and those OLED monitors means it’s pitched quite well price-wise. Positioned as offering something more than the affordable models, but a cheaper alternative to OLEDs - without any of the concerns that OLED brings - is a solid spot to inhabit. The performance of the monitor only serves to reinforce this price positioning and value proposition too.

A picture of the Acer Predator X32QFS's ports and control button on the rear of the monitor.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Acer Predator X32QFS review: Specs

A picture of the Acer Predator X32QFS's rear while mounted on a monitor arm.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Acer Predator X32QFS review: Design and features

  • Super 32-inch IPS Mini-LED screen
  • 4K; 150hz refresh; 1ms response
  • Plenty of ports for multi-device setups

Keeping it simple, the Acer Predator X32QFS is a 32-inch 4K Mini-LED monitor with a very plain design. The aesthetic is very subtle and understated, and there are no ‘gamer vibes’ present, especially when mounted on a monitor arm which I have it set up with. Some of the typical angular aesthetic that gaming monitors have can come from the stand, so removing that has, in effect, toned down the style of the screen. If you fancy using that, however, its curved steel look is still attractive.

Looking a bit more closely, the top and the sides have narrow bezels, while the bottom one, housing the ‘Predator’ badge is slightly wider. Inside the chassis is an IPS Mini-LED panel with 1,152 locally dimming zones that offer deep blacks and vibrant, lush colors.

The Acer Predator X32QFS’s gaming specs are robust and certainly great for those looking for a crisp and smooth 4K experience. Rated for 150Hz, the refresh rate will cover those looking to get 4K at 144Hz on PC, and, naturally, means that a PS5’s or Xbox Series X’s maximum of 120hz is well catered for too. The 0.5ms response time also keeps things speedy for those looking to play online or competitively.

Elsewhere, specs-wise, there’s AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, 99% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3 color space ratings, VESA DisplayHDR 1000 rating, 1,000 nits of peak brightness, and a color depth of 1.07 billion.

In terms of what’s lacking, there’s no remote control or separate hub for settings which is a shame, and perhaps not quite befitting of a screen that costs nearly a thousand pounds in the UK.

The monitor’s port selection is plenty good enough too. Sporting two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, a single USB-C (that can provide 65w of power delivery), an audio jack port, and two USB-A ports (with the accompanying USB upstream port) there’s enough for multi-device setups as well as the incorporation of a sound bar and USB devices too thanks to its upstream connection of the latter kind. The addition of a KVM switch in the screen is welcome too.

A picture of the Acer Predator X32QFS's ports on the rear of the monitor.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Acer Predator X32QFS review: Performance

  • Fantastic gaming images and performance
  • Particularly perfect for PC, PS5, and PS5 Pro
  • Wonderful specs and HDR presentation

Simply put, the X32QFS has performed brilliantly for me in every single way I have used and tested it. From games on PC as well as PS5 and PS5 Pro, to everyday work use, the monitor is just dreamy.

In terms of gaming, I enjoyed the screen most when using it with the PS5 Slim I have set up in my home office, and the PS5 Pro which I reviewed with the monitor at the end of last year. The X32QFS is HDMI 2.1 capable, so using a current-gen console with it can really unleash a machine’s abilities. This was the case with the likes of Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 Pro, with the game’s Balanced mode providing a supreme experience on the X32QFS.

Elsewhere, Alan Wake 2 was a sheer joy to behold, while the likes of Sony first-party games like The Last of Us Part 1, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart, shine incredibly brightly on the X32QFS. PlayStation 4 games also look the part on the X32QFS so those still rocking Sony’s last-gen console can have great confidence in this screen presenting their games beautifully too - they were for me on both PS5 and PS5 Pro.

For PC gaming (via DisplayPort) the screen is a joy once more. Offering an excellent amount of screen real estate for games - without ever being too overwhelming - like Frostpunk 2 and Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War 3 - the amount of the barren snowy land of the former, and the bleak battlefield of the latter that you can take in all at once, and in great detail, is exquisite. Games like Control are also a delight on the monitor on PC, with the atmospheric Federal Bureau of Control building a joy to immerse myself in.

The experience I’ve had gaming on the X32QFS goes some way to cement my belief that a 4K 32-inch monitor is the sweet spot for PC and console setups; especially for those gaming PCs that are beefy enough to play nice with the resolution.

A picture of the Acer Predator X32QFS running Control

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

For day-to-day work, the screen is bright, punchy, and crystal clear no matter if I’m deep in research and writing, swimming the spreadsheet waters, or even putting together custom images and doing light graphic work. The 32-inch screen is big enough for me to split it in two manually with windows too, without feeling cramped.

The brightness is a great quality in the screen in particular, with there being plenty of it, and thus enough to find the right amount for you, along with its HDR capability too. The baked-in settings are useful too, though I found the best settings for me were the ones making the most of the monitor’s brightness and HDR, and have had both on, with max brightness enabled and HDR color space selected for almost all of my use after testing the modes.

Backing all of this up further is the color accuracy. Offering 99% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3, the monitor will have you covered if you’re using it for graphic work as well as gaming, serving up a treat for the eyes no matter its deployment.

While the Gigabyte M32UC comes in cheaper still and performs very well, and the likes of the Samsung Odyssey G8 can offer a bit more for pure gaming given the OLED panel and superb feature setup, the X32QFS is a tremendous alternative for a cheaper price, even more so if you’re afraid of OLED burn-in too. On that note, my testing didn’t throw up any other, albeit mainly-OLED-type concerns such as text fringing (where text can appear to have a shadow or blurry color around it).

In practical day-to-day use, some of the settings wouldn’t be ‘remembered’ by the monitor and would revert every time I booted up my PC. This is a small gripe but one I noticed happening relatively frequently despite tinkering in the settings. Also speaking practically, I’ve been able to hook up my PC, the PS5, a soundbar output, and utilize the USB ports on the monitor with no issue, as well as mount it on my Secretlab monitor arm and deploy a BenQ monitor bar on its top too.

It’s this ‘great at everything’ characteristic that makes the Acer Predator X32QFS an easy recommendation to make. It can turn its hand to anything and do a terrific job, and I’m looking forward to relying on its excellence for PC and PS5 gaming, as well as the demands of work going forward.

A picture of the Acer Predator X32QFS gaming monitor next to an LG productivity screen and a Volcanic Red PS5 Slim

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

Should you buy the Acer Predator X32QFS?

Buy it if...

You’re a UK gamer looking for a 4K 120Hz gaming monitor
While it is not widely available on a global scale, it’s an excellent monitor for shoppers in the UK who can pick it up from the likes of Overclockers. Its specs and feature set, and quality mini-LED panel, mean that its price offers decent value for a high-end screen on that side of the Atlantic.

You’re looking for a super 4K screen for a multi-device setup and as an all-rounder
The range of ports the Acer Predator X32QFS has makes it a great screen for multi-device setups on a practical level but its outright quality means that playing on both PC and PS5 is a dream. It’s also a good fit for entertainment and daily office use making it a veritable jack of all trades.

You want a Mini-LED screen for high-fidelity gaming, entertainment, and productivity
The panel on this monitor is a joy to behold and a great advert for Mini-LED gaming screens. If you’ve been eyeing up this screen tech for your PC or console then I can confirm it’s a great match and makes for excellent gaming experiences as well as watching entertainment and doing work.

You’ve got a gaming PC that can make the most of 4K
If you have a PC that can crank out 4K gaming then, naturally, this 4K screen is a great match for you - throw in the rest of its qualities and you have an excellent companion to a 4K-capable gaming PC.

Don't buy it if...

You’re in the US
This is sadly more of a ‘can’t’ than a ‘don’t’, but US shoppers need to look elsewhere, perhaps to the ‘main’ X32, as this particular model isn’t available stateside.

You need even greater, faster specs
While the X32QFS has decent specs for 4K gaming, if you need something that can do any resolution faster in terms of Hz and frame rates, then you’ll need to look elsewhere.

You haven’t got a 4K-capable gaming PC
While not a total deal breaker given how enjoyable the monitor is to use as a PS5 screen, if you want to pair this with a gaming PC, but haven’t got a 4K capable machine, then you won’t get the best or make the most out of the X32QFS.

Acer Predator X32QFS review: Also consider

If you’re still not convinced about the Acer Predator X32QFS, or it’s not available in your region, then check out these alternative monitors.

Gigabyte M32UC
This remains one of our overall top picks for any console gamer or PC player and comes in much cheaper than the X32QFS too. It’s also got a curved screen for extra immersion and sports a great feature set that makes for excellent performance from colors to refresh rate, and from picture quality to response time.

For more information, check out our full Gigabyte M32UC review

Samsung Odyssey OLED G8
Perhaps the best 32-inch gaming screen money can buy right now, the Odyssey OLED G8 barely puts a foot wrong - in any department. If you can stretch your budget, then this is the screen to go for, bagging you that sweet OLED performance and picture quality as well as a top-tier feature set, specs, and screen protection suite.

For more information, check out our full Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 review

How I tested the Acer Predator X32QFS

  • Tested over the course of multiple months
  • Used almost daily for work and gaming
  • Tested with an RTX 3090-powered PC, PS5 Slim, and PS5 Pro

The menu of the Acer Predator X32QFS gaming monitor.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

I’ve had the pleasure of using the Acer Predator X32QFS monitor for a few months now, using it almost every day for work, and several times a week for gaming. I’ve used it all day for work, from writing to managing spreadsheets and making work calls and communications, testing the screen in both light and dark modes constantly.

I have my RTX 3090-powered gaming PC connected to the monitor, a Yamaha SR-C20A soundbar for sound output when playing my connected PS5 Slim console, and I have made use of the USB ports on the monitor too to great effect. I tested the monitor on its own stand initially, but largely when connected to my Secretlab Magnus Pro gaming desk with the Secretlab monitor arm.

I’ve played a variety of PC games and PS5 games to test the screen out. On PC, I played Frostpunk 2, Control, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3, and A Total War Saga: Troy; while on PS5 and PS5 Pro, I tested Alan Wake 2, Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part 1, and Part 2 Remastered, and Horizon Forbidden West and Zero Dawn Remastered, as well as PS4 games such as Doom (2016) and Infamous Second Son.

I also tested the PS5 Pro extensively with the monitor when reviewing Sony’s latest console, and found it to provide excellent performance, opening up the extra modes in some of Sony’s first-party games, wonderfully, and presenting them beautifully.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024 - February 2025

Avowed is a captivating journey through a dreamlike fantasy world that I simply can’t get enough of
5:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

As a lover of Obsidian Entertainment’s catalog of incredible role-playing games (RPGs), I think Avowed is absolutely another feather in the developer’s cap. Taking place in the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed offers plenty for series fans to chew on lore-wise, while being a rich and inviting gameplay experience for newcomers.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Xbox Series X, PC
Available on: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Release date: February 18, 2025 (February 13 for early access)

You’d be forgiven for thinking Avowed is a Skyrim-esque experience with its first-person perspective, flexible build variety, and a focus on real-time combat. But that’s really where the similarities end; Avowed is very much its own beast. And while it might not hold a candle to the breathtaking immersion offered by an Elder Scrolls game, it handily trumps them in regards to both combat and the overall quality of the writing. Witty, engaging, and dripping with tidbits of lore at every turn, it’s certainly up to the usual Obsidian standard.

It is, however, fair to say that Avowed won’t be for everyone. Omissions like the complete absence of a day/night cycle and the inability to pickpocket do hamper some avenues of role play. And even though the game has a satisfying compact 25-30 hour runtime, the occasional filler quest can slow pacing to a crawl.

These complaints aside, Avowed is still definitely worth checking out if you’ve got a fantasy RPG itch to scratch, and it’s a fantastic start for Xbox Game Studios’ 2025 output.

Voice in my head

Avowed

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The player character in Avowed might just have the most unenviable set of tasks I’ve ever seen in a fantasy RPG. As the envoy of the Aedyran Empire, you’re sent off to the untamed, largely lawless frontier of the Living Lands. It’s a seriously dangerous place that folks nonetheless try their luck on in order to build a new life for themselves.

Unfortunately, the locals aren’t best pleased by the presence of the empire, and most NPCs treat you with the appropriate amount of suspicion. The empire also isn’t doing itself any favors, as it attempts to bring order to the Living Lands through authoritative measures.

As the envoy, you’re thrust into the center of proceedings. Officially, you’re here to investigate and quell the Dreamscourge, a spore-like plague that can turn people and creatures into uncontrollable, murderous lunatics. However, as the game progresses, you do get the feeling that this is just a front for the empire’s true intentions of control and dominance.

Best bit

A screenshot of a character speaking to the player in Avowed.

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

While truly getting stuck into some thrilling combat scenarios was certainly a highlight, by far my favorite aspect of Avowed is its excellent writing and characters. I loved exhausting every dialogue option where I could, just to see what kinds of lore tidbits I could unravel or simply hear what a particularly entertaining character like Marius or Yatzli had to say.

You’re also a godlike, a person born with unique powers and a connection to the Adra, a crystal-like substance that has a consciousness all its own. This entity makes itself known as a veritable voice in your head, and much of the intrigue in Avowed comes from you deciding just how much you can trust it - especially as it seems to regard the Dreamscourge as a boon rather than a plague to be eradicated.

It’s an involving setup that leaves plenty of room for you to make your own choices. And while not every decision you make from quest to quest is directly consequential, there’s enough for you to decide how to conduct yourself and shape the future of the Living Lands. Do you represent the empire with unwavering loyalty, or grow sympathetic to the land’s resistance factions? It’s all presented through Obsidian’s expert penchant for writing, and I found myself eager to keep playing throughout as a result.

And my axe

Avowed

(Image credit: Microsoft)

So how does character building work in Avowed? Well, there are three distinct skill trees you can invest points into upon leveling up, covering the fantasy RPG trifecta of fighter, ranger, and wizard. Each has myriad perks to help make your character stronger, with new perks opening up as you reach level thresholds.

What I will say is that sticking to one particular archetype (say, exclusively two-handed weapons) isn’t the best idea. Avowed can be a surprisingly difficult game, and given that you can swap between two distinct weapon loadouts at the press of a button, you’re strongly encouraged to mix up your build.

I opted to go for a mix of everything, with a sword and shield as my primary set, and a pistol paired with a grimoire of spells as my secondary loadout. With this I was able to cover practically all bases; strong offense and defense for up-close encounters, as well as two ranged options for crowd control and keeping a distance. What’s great is you’re not locked into any specific archetypes, with point respeccing costing only a small amount of gold.

While you can of course hard-focus your character down a specific skill tree if you’re wedded to a certain weapon type or armor class, I personally loved being able to adapt on the fly, especially as battles typically come against large mobs of enemies. Enemy packs do tend to show signs of organization, too, with pesky ranged units peppering you from a distance while chunkier shield-bearers getting up in your grille. Being able to respond with the same - hopping from a flaming sword to explosive crowd control spells - is where I got the most from Avowed’s combat.

And to be frank, you’ll need all the skills you can get. At launch, the combat AI of the companions you acquire in the game leaves a lot to be desired. It was all too often that I’d witness a close-range tank like Kai (the first companion you’ll meet close to the start of the game) either fail to close the gap to enemies or simply not bother to attack. It was a rare occurrence that companions left an encounter without being incapacitated first. Your party members can’t die, thankfully, but it would be nice to see improvements to their combat behavior in future patches.

With a little help from my friends

Avowed

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Your party members aren’t much use in combat, then, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love them. Each of Avowed’s primary companions brings a unique, fleshed-out personality, and there’s plenty of banter to enjoy between them a la Dragon Age or indeed Baldur’s Gate 3.

Kai is the first one you’ll join up with, and contrary to his gentle giant appearance and mannerisms, he’s actually pretty loose-lipped which can hilariously cause more problems than it solves. Yatzli, meanwhile, is an absolute delight. Genuinely funny and perhaps ever so slightly unhinged, she became a staple in my party of three (that’s yourself and up to two companions) simply because I couldn’t get enough of her dialogue.

Your companions do have their own skill trees for you to invest in, which include passive perks and active skills they can perform on command which does lend them a bit of usefulness in combat. Typically, these skills are good for crowd control, such as Kai’s ability to stun enemies, or Marius’s trap-laying skills that can hold enemies in place for a good chunk of time.

A land worth living in

A gorgeous vista in Avowed overlooking a dockside town.

(Image credit: Microsoft / Obsidian Entertainment)

In Avowed, the setting of the Living Lands is genuinely breathtaking. More ‘open zone’ than ‘open world’ (like The Outer Worlds, you’ve got a lot of individual areas to explore separated by loading screens). However, each is richly dense with meaningful side quests, opportunities for exploration, and no shortage of jaw-dropping vistas to gawp at.

You have the bustling city of Paradis, itself replete with enterable buildings and winding side paths. It’s a labyrinthine city in nature and it’ll take some time for you to get your bearings there, but that’s partly why I love it; I simply didn’t know what to expect around every corner.

Emerald Stair was another highlight for me, an area absolutely dripping with a morose atmosphere - its deathly quiet farmlands and surrounding forests genuinely left me feeling unsettled. It has an almost dreamlike quality to it, making exploration in itself feel plenty rich and rewarding.

The maps of Avowed are quite large and there’s plenty to explore in each. You’ll be encouraged to, as well, as you’ll want to find valuable resources to craft and improve your gear to keep up with enemies that increase in strength as you progress. Avowed doesn’t employ cheap level scaling, thankfully, and it’s quite easy to wander into areas filled with powerful enemies you’re just not ready to take on. Exploration overall, then, can be as dangerous as it is rewarding.

Over on the performance front, Avowed does occasionally buckle under the weight of its busy, richly detailed areas. I ran into frequent frame rate hitches on PC, but the game was more stable on Xbox Series X. On console, I felt that the 30fps (frames per second) Quality mode was a little too choppy to be enjoyable, but the 60fps Performance mode was much smoother - even if the overall impact on lighting and image quality was quite noticeable.

Should I play Avowed?

A lizard-like creature in Avowed.

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Play it if…

You want a well-written fantasy RPG
Avowed’s world-building and character writing are equally phenomenal, and up to the usual Obsidian standard. You might get a bit lost in the lore if you’re unfamiliar with Pillars of Eternity, but the game’s own narrative is plenty easy to follow along with.

You treasure build variety and challenging gameplay
From gleaming greatswords to face-rearranging spells, Avowed offers a rich power fantasy that you genuinely have to earn given the often high difficulty of enemy encounters.

Don’t play it if…

You were hoping for a larger open world
Skyrim, this is not. The lack of a day/night cycle and some of the more immersive role-playing aspects of Bethesda RPGs aren’t present in Avowed.

Accessibility

Avowed has a good amount to offer in the accessibility department to accommodate players of all kinds. On the camera front, you can adjust the head bob and camera shake strength (or turn them off entirely) if you’re prone to motion sickness. For the user interface, you can adjust text size and there are plenty of subtitle options, from displaying a speaker’s name to adjusting subtitle background opacity. There unfortunately doesn’t appear to be any colorblind options available at launch, however.

There are also five difficulty settings: Story Time, Easy, Normal, Hard, and Path of the Damned. So there’s plenty here to tailor a difficulty experience that’s right for you and, they can be changed at any time.

How I reviewed Avowed

My time with Avowed lasted roughly 25 hours across both PC and Xbox Series X Digital Edition. I was able to carry my save between platforms thanks to the Microsoft account functionality.

Playtime included a full playthrough of the main campaign, as well as a generous helping of side quests and exploration to improve my character’s gear. I predominantly played with an Xbox Wireless Controller on Xbox Series X, and the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro on PC. On console, I played on an LG CX OLED TV.

First reviewed February 2025

I haven’t always liked Razer’s gaming headsets, but the Barracuda X Chroma finally offers good value for money
5:00 pm | February 9, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

Razer Barracuda X Chroma: two-minute review

The Razer Barracuda X Chroma is a wireless gaming headset that sits towards the budget end of the brand’s lineup, offering plenty of features in a more affordable package.

It adopts a rather conservative design, with its gaming stylings confined to the RGB lighting on the sides of each driver. The matte finish and elegant form help make this a smart-looking headset.

The fit and comfort levels are up there with the best wireless gaming headsets around. Even glasses wearers should find there’s enough clearance and cushioning to accommodate the arms of their frames comfortably.

The headband is wonderfully plush too, and the relative lightness of the overall headset means it remains comfortable over long sessions. The earpads aren’t the most cushioned, however, which did result in the insides of the drivers making contact with my ears, but not enough to cause an issue like other gaming headsets.

In addition to some useful on-board functionality courtesy of the buttons on the left driver, you can make further tweaks using Synapse, Razer’s peripheral software. These include altering EQ profiles via numerous draggable points across the frequency spectrum, as well as advanced customization options for the lighting via the Razer Chroma add-on. However, it’s inconvenient that this latter feature opens in a separate app window, rather than being contained within Synapse.

You’ll also get access to the Surround Sound 7.1 feature with your purchase of the Barracuda X Chroma, but this also requires a separate app, rather than being a Synapse module.

The Barracuda X Chroma offers a balanced and clear sound. The various preset sound profiles can be hit and miss, with music mode being the best in my opinion, as it rounds out the bass nicely. Oddly enough, while the Surround Sound 7.1 capability does impart a subtle sense of directionality, the overriding impression I got from it was an increased fullness and punchiness – but at the expense of adding an unwanted airiness to the higher frequencies.

The various connectivity modes on the Barracuda X Chroma work well, with Bluetooth and the HyperSpeed dongle functioning as intended. Using the SmartSwitch button to hot-swap between the two modes is quick and easy too, although there were some occasions when it wasn’t quite so sharp.

The battery life is also good, with the 70-hour claim appearing to hold water during my tests, as it didn’t even deplete halfway after several days of varied use. Charging it from about half to full took just under two and a half hours, which is a middling performance.

All things considered, however, the Barracuda X Chroma represents better value than some of Razer’s more expensive gaming headsets, such as the Kraken V4, offering much the same features and performance but for less. I also found it more comfortable than the Kraken.

If you’re after a headset with superior sound, though, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is a better choice, and if you want to stick to the budget end of the market – and don’t mind missing out on wireless connectivity – you can’t do much better than the Epos H3.

Close-up of ear pad on Razer Barracuda X Chroma on table resting on plinth

(Image credit: Future)

Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: price and availability

  • $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$229.95
  • Available now in black and white
  • Well-priced and good value

The Razer Barracuda X Chroma costs $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$229.95 and is available now in two colorways: black and white. With a purchase of the headset, you’ll also get access to the Surround Sound 7.1 app, which is usually a paid-for addition.

At this price, it sits well within the gaming headset market. It’s cheaper than the Razer Kraken V4, and yet it performs just as well according to my tests, with similar sound quality – yet the Barracuda X Chroma has better comfort levels. It also has a claimed battery life of up to 70 hours, whereas the Kraken can only manage 50 hours. However, the Kraken does feature a retractable mic, whereas the mic on the Barracuda X Chroma is only removable.

If you’re after a headset with better sound quality, then the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, the best PC gaming headset around in our view, may be a better option. It also has some useful features, such as ANC. However, it’s considerably more expensive than the Barracuda X Chroma. If you want something a lot cheaper but still worthy, the Epos H3 is the best gaming headset in this regard, although you’ll have to make do with a wired connection.

Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: specs

Close-up of drivers on Razer Barracuda X Chroma  on table resting on plinth with plant and pink in background

(Image credit: Future)

Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: design and features

  • Restrained looks
  • Comfortable
  • Volume wheel a little prone to misscrolls

The Barracuda X Chroma looks smart and rather understated for a gaming headset, with the RGB lighting on the sides of each driver being the only indicator in this regard. The smooth, matt finish adds a dash of elegance too. The whole headset is quite wide, but I wouldn’t describe it as bulky.

It’s also one of the most comfortable gaming headsets I’ve tried. The light weight means it’s hardly felt on the head, and the fit is snug but not too tight. The earcup padding isn’t the most plush, however, and I did feel the inside of the drivers making slight contact with my ears, but thankfully the pressure wasn’t great enough to cause aches, as I’ve experienced with other headsets. I also prefer their oval shape over circular designs, as they fit my ears completely without protruding behind me too much.

However, it has the same design flaw that I noted with the Kraken V4: namely that the volume wheel on the left driver has a tendency to spin unintentionally when leaning back in a chair or sofa, such is the ease with which it scrolls. It’s a small gripe, but one that may become irritating for those who like to lounge away when gaming.

The headband is more cushioned than the earcups, and I hardly felt it across my head. The headband adjustments are also easy to make while remaining secure. In fact, the entire headset is engineered to the high standards typical of Razer’s peripherals.

Razer Barracuda X Chroma with mic, USB cable and dongle on table resting on plinth with plant and pink in background

(Image credit: Future)

The mic on the Barracuda X Chroma is detachable, but since it employs a gooseneck design, it can be moved in and out of position with ease. It also feels durable, and the cloth tip is reasonably thick, so I don’t have many concerns about it deteriorating quickly.

There are various buttons adorning the left driver, including a power button that can also be used to perform various call and media-related functions, which is quite useful. There’s also a mic mute button and a SmartSwitch button, which quickly switches between Bluetooth and HyperSpeed Wireless modes, provided both are already connected to your devices.

The Barracuda X Chroma can be tweaked using Synapse, Razer’s peripheral software. Here you’ll find various settings for the sound, including an EQ graph where you can boost and cut numerous frequency bands, allowing for a lot more control than many other headsets offer. You can alter the existing sound profiles, or create a custom one. Synapse itself is well laid out and relatively stable, and I had hardly any issue with it, aside from the occasional slow-down.

As the Barracuda X Chroma name suggests, you can also customize the RGB lighting using the Razer Chroma add-on. This offers plenty of options to sink your teeth into, including audio-responsive effects and synchronization with other compatible peripherals. There’s also a Studio section where you can create layers of effects and segment the light bars with different colors, which is far more detailed than most.

It’s inconvenient, however, that Chroma isn’t integrated within Synapse; instead, it’s a separate app, which can be a hassle when hot-switching between windows.

Close-up of headband adjustment on Razer Barracuda X Chroma, resting on plinth with plant and pink in background

(Image credit: Future)

Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: Performance

  • Good audio quality for gaming
  • Surround sound adds fullness
  • Long battery life

The sound of the Barracuda X Chroma is well-balanced, although the low-end lacks the same level of depth as some of the best headphones out there. As I found with Razer’s other headsets, the best preset profile for most situations is Music, as it offers the best all-round frequency response, whereas the others tend to cut the lows and mids too much.

With your purchase of the Barracuda X Chroma you’ll also get access to the Surround Sound 7.1 feature, which is usually paywalled. Like Chroma, this opens in another app window, adding to the inconvenience. The Surround Sound 7.1 effect is reasonably subtle but does give a better sense of where sound is coming from in-game. It also provides a noticeably fuller sound, with greater presence and low-end, but at the cost of making the upper mids and highs more airy, with a faint drone in these registers. This can be a little off-putting but not egregious enough to ruin the experience entirely.

Both wireless modes work well, with the HyperSpeed dongle – true to its name – offering slightly better response times, although there isn’t much in it. The sound quality appears much the same too.

The SmartSwitch feature also works well enough, moving quickly between devices connected via Bluetooth and HyperSpeed Wireless. It also connects easily to various devices besides PC: it’s as convenient as the best PS5 headsets to use with Sony’s console, while both Bluetooth and HyperSpeed modes work seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch, with a slight improvement in sound quality and lag when using the latter method.

The HyperClear cardioid microphone on the Barracuda X Chroma provides sufficient clarity, but it’s not quite as pristine as that on the Kraken V4, as it introduces more sibilance and muffling. But for gaming, it’s still perfectly usable.

The claimed battery life of the Barracuda X Chroma of up to 70 hours seems to ring true according to my tests. After several days of varied use between Bluetooth and HyperSpeed modes, it only depleted to 54%. Charging the headset took just under two and a half hours from this point, which isn’t spectacular but not terrible.

Hand holding Razer Barracuda X Chroma with plant and pink in background

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Razer Barracuda X Chroma?

Buy it if...

You want features
From the multiple connectivity options to the in-depth software and included Surround Sound 7.1 app, Razer has been rather generous with the extras.

You want comfort
Thanks to the oval drivers, plush headband, and overall lightness of the Barracuda X Chroma, many gamers should find these comfortable to wear – even the bespectacled.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best sound
Although it suffices for gaming, the audio quality isn’t the best for serious music listening, and the various modes can compromise the fidelity even more.

You want the best convenience
It’s not always plug-and-play with the Barracuda X Chroma, and the various apps for the settings can complicate matters.

Razer Barracuda X Chroma review: Also consider

Epos H3
If you’re on a budget, then the Epos H3 is hard to beat, as we think it’s one of the best wired gaming headsets for those looking to save. It offers superb sound, even when listening to music, as well as great comfort levels. It can be found for a mere fraction of its original price too, making it even better value. A wireless version is available in the form of the Epos H3Pro Hybrid, but naturally, this costs more.

Read our full Epos H3 review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is the best PC gaming headset overall in our view, thanks to the brilliant sound, comfort levels, and battery life. It also has ANC, but we didn’t think this was its strongest suit. You’ll also have to pay considerably more for it than the Barracuda X Chroma, but in the areas where it excels, it’s pretty much unbeatable.

Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro review

How I tested the Razer Barracuda X Chroma

  • Tested for several days
  • Used on multiple platforms
  • Extensive gaming and headset experience

I tested the Razer Barracuda X Chroma for several days, during which time I used it while playing gamines, listening to music, watching video content, and attending virtual meetings. I made use of as many of its features and functions as possible, including the Surround Sound 7.1, Chroma, and Synapse apps.

I used the headset on a variety of devices, including PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, and played various titles ranging from Counter-Strike 2 to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I connected to these platforms via Bluetooth and the HyperSpeed Wireless Dongle where I could.

I have been gaming for over 25 years, and during that time I have experienced a number of headsets and headphones, from over-ear to in-ear. I have also reviewed a myriad of gaming headsets, including other offerings from Razer: namely the Kraken V4 and the Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed.

I spent 10 hours with Cold VR and the shooter’s slow-mo action is incredibly fun – but it’s a bit unpolished and buggy
5:00 pm | February 7, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

Developer Allware makes no secret of its inspiration from Superhot with its aptly named VR game Cold VR. Flipping the script with the tagline “Move or Die,” this shooter introduces a reversed time mechanic: time slows down when you move and speeds up when you stand still. While Superhot used its time-bending feature to create strategic, puzzle-like combat, Cold VR pushes for a more fast-paced, aggressive style, demanding quick, on-the-fly adjustments.

Key artwork for the VR game Cold VR

(Image credit: Allware LLC)
Review Info

Platform reviewed: PCVR via Meta Quest 3S
Available on:
Meta Quest, PC (via Steam), PSVR 2
Release date:
February 11, 2025 (PSVR 2 releasing in 2025)

Even the art style takes cues from Superhot by focusing more on simple low-poly visual design with various shades of white, blue, black, and pink. There is a visual switch-up during optional intermission horror-inspired levels called 'backrooms' that feature dark orange and black but we’ll touch on that later.

Neither Hot Or Cold

A screenshot of an enemy approaching the player in the VR game Cold VR

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

The core gameplay loop of Cold VR has players defeating a set amount of enemies until an area is clear. Dodging bullets and attacks is a must as one hit will send players back to the beginning of the level which can stretch pretty long compared to Superhot. So long that players may find themselves frustrated by making it far to have to start all over considering some segments take as long as 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

A diverse arsenal of melee weapons and firearms keeps the gameplay exciting and dynamic. Of course, players can wield those weapons in either hand for a nice variety of combat options. Like Superhot, one strategy involves having something like a sword in one hand and a pistol in another as guns have a finite amount of bullets. Various katanas, claws, straight swords, and even shields join pistols, shotguns, machine guns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles. Playing in a flat open arena firing away at gun-toting enemies in one hand and hacking approaching grunts in another in slow motion can be a euphoric experience at times.

While you can throw guns and swords at enemies, the awkward physics and clunky controls make it an unreliable combat option. Adding to the frustration, players can’t pick up weapons from defeated enemies. This eliminates the kind of cinematic moments seen in Superhot, where you could toss an empty gun at an enemy, watch them shatter into crystal-like fragments, snatch their weapon midair, and seamlessly continue the fight.

A screenshot of an enemy approaching the player in the VR game Cold VR

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

Some platforming portions within gameplay add some diversity to the combat though it doesn’t make good on the promise the opening tutorial brings. Similar to Doom, some battle scenarios beg players to run on jump pads and shoot enemies while in mid-air. Outside of learning core mechanics, players have to use the time mechanic to slow down lasers to pass alongside climbing moving stairs.

The optional backroom levels initially offer a refreshing break from the intense combat, challenging players to navigate a maze armed with nothing but their wits. These eerie corridors are patrolled by black, spiked creatures that kill on contact and the first level effectively builds tension with clever flashlight mechanics. However, the suspense quickly fades as these levels devolve into tedious fetch quests and button hunts. One variation has players searching for three orbs, which can be confusing without a map and frustrating if you're killed mid-search. For completionists, the backroom levels risk dragging down the game’s pacing and adding unnecessary frustration instead of serving as a pallette cleanser.

Shining bright despite bugs

A screenshot of an enemies approaching the player while holding a sword in the VR game Cold VR

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

Combat is also hurt by bugs that can lead to annoying moments. Sometimes levels can start with players pointing in the wrong direction which can lead to instant death. This happened several times in a level that starts with an elevator opening with an enemy already firing in your direction. This happened in other missions that start with enemies directly facing the player as well. Cold VR also has ammo counters on guns but a bug makes it inconsistent when players see them leading to an unnecessary guessing game.

Though Cold VR’s gameplay experience can be fairly inconsistent, its story and presentation shine. Players are a piece of software attempting to fight against a rogue artificial intelligence led by a menacing force. The mysterious protagonist is helped by a human hacker who appears via a large monitor in between levels. These live-action FMV (full-motion video) sequences ride a fine line between providing over-the-top camp and meaningful story beats. By the time Cold VR ends, players will even have a nuanced understanding of the main baddie’s motivations.

Best Bit

A screenshot of the player looking down a sniper rifle in the VR game Cold VR

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

In one mission, players start perched on a rooftop with a sniper rifle, methodically taking out enemies one by one as they cock the hammer back between shots. Once the coast is clear, they leap onto the rooftop, unleashing a barrage of dual-pistol fire in epic slow-motion to finish the remaining foes.

The FMV sequences add to a respectable-looking game that blends solid cyberpunk art direction and great performance. Cold VR's minimalistic art design allows for some pretty neat special effects. This includes fantastic particle effects, lighting, shadows, and even reflections. All of that is done without a hint of slowdown during our playthrough. Adding to the experience is an awesome techno soundtrack that enhances the feel of combat in meaningful ways. If there’s one area where Cold VR overtakes its inspiration, it’s the presentation department through and through.

Cold VR offers a unique twist on the time-manipulation shooter formula, delivering a visually striking and fast-paced experience. With its 3.5-hour campaign, it’s a concise yet challenging ride that demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The reversed time mechanic - where time slows as you move - pushes players into more aggressive combat scenarios. While the gameplay occasionally stumbles with clunky physics, bugs, and some frustrating level design, Cold VR excels in its narrative and presentation.

The straightforward story, bolstered by engaging FMV sequences, adds depth, while its cyberpunk aesthetic and dynamic techno soundtrack elevate the overall immersion. Despite its flaws, Cold VR stands out for its cool mechanics and polished visuals, making it a worthwhile addition for VR enthusiasts seeking a fresh take on the genre. At this price point, it’s an intriguing, albeit imperfect, adventure that’s sure to challenge and entertain.

Should you play Cold VR?

Play it if...

You’re a fan of Superhot
Cold VR
proudly showcases its inspirations while adding some unique twists to make it stand out just enough.

You want a unique presentation within your VR experience
The game offers stunning visuals, immersive audio with dynamic sound effects, a high-intensity soundtrack, and a solid storyline.

Don't play it if...

You expect to do cool things like throw objects or throw enemy weapons
All players can do in Cold VR is shoot and swing a wide range of weapons. Don’t expect to grab enemy weapons or throw objects effectively.

You require a certain level of polish during your playthrough
Occasional bugs can disrupt an otherwise enjoyable experience, becoming especially frustrating when levels stretch to ten minutes and a single death forces players to restart from the very beginning.

Accessibility features

Cold VR offers smooth gameplay regardless of whether you're standing or sitting. Movement is handled with the left controller, while the right controller allows for both snap and smooth turning options. Players can adjust snap turn angles and smooth turn speed with dedicated sliders. Additionally, a vignette slider is available to darken the screen's edges, helping some visually impaired players focus on the center of the image.

A screenshot of hand to hand combat in VR game Cold VR

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

How I reviewed Cold VR

I reviewed Cold VR on a gaming PC using a Steam key provided by the developer, playing wirelessly on a Meta Quest 3s via Steam Link. The single-player campaign took about three hours to complete, but I spent more time with the game to explore it and test it more intensely.

First reviewed February 2025

I’ve spent 15 hours with Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and it’s unapologetic in its 360-era game design, and frustrating and refreshingly no-nonsense in equal measure
5:00 pm | February 5, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

Character action single-player games are something of a dying breed or rather only something a handful of developers excel at, often feeling at odds with contemporary expectations of features or content. That's why the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4 is such welcome news, but it's the surprise shadow drop of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a current-gen remaster of Team Ninja's 2008 Xbox 360 title, that makes you truly realize that they truly don't make them like this anymore.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on:
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date:
January 23, 2025

It's not just here to whet your appetite for the upcoming sequel that's being co-developed by action game extraordinaire PlatinumGames, but goes some way to addressing criticisms over the game's previous remaster in 2021's Ninja Gaiden Master Collection, which was based on the PlayStation 3 Sigma 2 port that purists consider to be inferior.

Arguably, the original 360 game was also unbalanced and a bit broken with an absurd enemy count that would infamously have the frame rate dipping into single digits, so Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is more like the best of both worlds, with Team Ninja doing its best to stay close to the original's vision of gushing, dismembering ultra-violence while still retaining features introduced in Sigma 2. In other words, it's as close to a definitive edition of the game as you can get today.

Old school of hard knocks

A screenshot of the main protagonist defeating an enemy in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

(Image credit: Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo)

There is, however, a difference between a definitive and modernised experience. The most modern thing you can say about Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is however its stunning visuals updated in Unreal Engine 5.

Yet despite the impressive modern lighting and effects, there's something uncanny about how stubbornly old-school everything else remains, from its linear level design to Team Ninja's obsession with cleavage, a reminder that this is the team that gave us the Dead or Alive series. You often hear how a new game is described as being like a PlayStation 2 game, but it really puts things into perspective when playing a brand spanking new-looking game that controls exactly like one from the Xbox 360 era.

Quite honestly, I suspect it may turn players who have been accustomed to the smoother controls of Bayonetta (incidentally also a 360-era game, albeit released a year after Ninja Gaiden 2). There are times Ryu Hayabusa seems annoyingly sluggish just trying to get him to turn to face the correct enemy while dodging also requires holding block while shifting the control stick. Or the way your attacks can get easily interrupted by a relentless mob of enemies with the same nuisance of being out-jabbed in a fighting game.

The worst thing is a camera that you're supposed to be able to freely move with the right stick, only until it doesn't. Sometimes you're being ambushed from all sides but unable to correctly get the camera behind you while there's no option to target enemies, which you take for granted these days.

Best bit

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black relies on intricate combos and no quicktime events but the coolest most powerful attack you can pull off is the Ultimate Technique, which simply requires holding down Y/Triangle and then releasing to unleash a deadly flurry of moves that requires no further input. It's also difficult to pull off mostly because enemies come at you faster than you can charge it up. The best part then is that this can also be executed by jumping in the air and then pressing Y/Triangle just as you land.

Playing Ninja Gaiden 2 Black then requires a bit of mental rewiring. Yet once you push through it, there's plenty to appreciate. Already a hardcore game, it's not actually as overwhelming as its reputation gives off.

The absence of a scoring and ranking system in the normal campaign offsets any performance anxiety, while you'll also automatically regain health outside of combat, with the exception of red damage that affects your maximum health. Then there are the deliciously gory cinematic finishers you can perform on any enemy that's already had one of its limbs lopped off, requiring nothing more than a single input.

There's still depth in the different weapons you can unlock and the different combos you can execute, though once I remembered how to pull off the Izuna Drop that just became my go-to. But there's also something so pure to its action – no quick time button-mashing, no parry or stagger mechanics, no indulgently lengthy cinematics, no bosses with multiple health bars and phases – it actually feels refreshing.

Ninja unlocked

A screenshot of the main protagonist surrounded by enemies in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

(Image credit: Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo)

Like other comparable character action games, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's campaign only takes around 10-12 hours to complete but it's the additional challenges that add to its appeal, and that doesn't necessarily mean only for those who want to finish on the most punishing Path of the Master Ninja difficulty.

Sigma 2's Tag Missions make a welcome return here, which in the absence of the original's online co-op functionality simply allows you to pick two characters and then switch between them on the fly with a button press. Better yet, the mode's roster of female characters you can pick besides Ryu are all unlocked at the start, while completing the story once unlocks all the missions so you can jump ahead to the toughest challenges if you desire.

Players who do care about how well they play are also catered for with Chapter Challenge, which acts like an equivalent of New Game Plus where you can play any mission with all weapons and spells fully upgraded and where you will receive a rank, with UI flashing up to let you know what high-scoring techniques you've just executed.

Nitpickers may bemoan that not every element cut in the Sigma 2 port is restored but if you're an Xbox owner that original is at least still available to you. For everyone else, this is nonetheless the best way to play a classic action game either on Game Pass or at a reasonable price point. As an action game, I don't think it's a cut above Bayonetta, but it's also so uncompromisingly singular that it's in a class of its own. Bring on Ninja Gaiden 4.

Should you play Ninja Gaiden 2 Black?

Play it if...

You like fast-paced action demanding reflexes and combos
Forget stamina bars, this is just about rinsing enemies in as fast and as bloody a fashion as you can.

You don't want to stress about scoring or progression systems
While it offers different playstyles, switching between weapons is flexible and you already have a suite of moves without upgrading. The game is already challenging enough without grading you, which is instead available after completing the story once.

Don't play it if...

You're expecting the remaster to also offer modern gameplay changes
Despite the Unreal 5 glow-up, the game still controls like it did 17 years ago, which will likely cause a level of friction that some players might find too frustrating to get past.

Accessibility features

Although the original game has a reputation for being one of the most difficult games ever made, subsequent releases have provided easier difficulty options. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black adds to this with a 'Hero play style' option that activates the Hero Gauge when your health bar is extremely low. In this state, you'll automatically block or avoid enemy attacks until the gauge runs out or your health is restored.

Elsewhere, you can turn off blood and dismemberment effects, subtitles can be turned on and off, and their size can be adjusted between large, standard, and small with a slider. The game's audio options are English or Japanese, and there are, sadly, no colorblind options.

A screenshot of the main protagonist taking on a monster in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

(Image credit: Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo)

How I reviewed Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

I played Ninja Gaiden 2 Black for 15 hours on my PS5 Pro, completing the game once on the default difficulty setting, as well as spending some time replaying some missions in the ranked Chapter Challenge mode and playing as different characters in some of the Tag Missions.

I played on an LG C2 OLED TV, which allowed me to play the game in 120 frames per second, with the default TV speakers and a DualSense Edge controller.

First reviewed February 2025

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