Review: Dave The Diver
Developer – MINTROCKET Publisher – MINTROCKET Platforms – PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Developer Ahoy there, landlubbers and deep-sea adventurers! Prepare to don your snazzy flippers and join me on a whimsical underwater expedition with our delightful hero, Dave The Diver! We’re diving headfirst into a sea of laughter and excitement as we explore the vibrant depths of this undersea escapade. So, hold on tight and brace yourself for a whale-of-a-good time! “Dave The Diver” is an immersive underwater adventure game where players assume the role of Dave, an intrepid diver exploring uncharted waters to uncover ancient secrets and save lost artifacts. The game offers a blend of adventure and business simulation, featuring deep-sea expeditions and culinary commerce. Engage in captivating quests, catch and prepare various fish to fund your endeavors, and experience dynamic gameplay with stunning visuals combining 2D and 3D elements. In the game, players will take on the persona of Dave, a diver armed with a harpoon, engaging in intense combat and capture encounters with colossal deep-sea creatures. The gameplay also includes capturing diverse creatures within the mysterious Blue Hole. One of the game’s standout features is its captivating dual gameplay modes: ‘Blue Hole exploration’ and ‘Sushi restaurant operation.’ By day, dive into the mysterious Blue Hole twice over, uncovering its secrets and hidden wonders. As night falls, take on the role of a savvy entrepreneur, operating a sushi restaurant using the ingredients sourced from your daytime catches. The funds generated here are pivotal, enabling you to Upgrade and Forge equipment, empowering you to venture into deeper, uncharted territories. ‘Dave The Diver’ doesn’t just offer thrilling action and exploration, it blends genres seamlessly. Adventure, RPG, and tycoon elements harmonize to create a rich and multifaceted gameplay experience. The game’s dynamic mechanics provide a sense of progression and risk reminiscent of rogue-like games, where the items you’ve amassed become crucial, adding an extra layer of excitement to your dives. The storyline, spearheaded by the enigmatic former arms dealer Cobra, introduces a money-making scheme that collides with the preservation of the Sea People and the Earth itself. Dave’s journey from sushi restaurateur to deep-sea savior is both heartwarming and adrenaline-pumping. As you delve into the depths, battling fierce creatures and uncovering the legacy of the Sea People, the stakes become higher, the challenges more intense, and the narrative more enthralling. In summary, ‘Dave The Diver’ offers an enthralling blend of adventure, strategy, and humor, all wrapped in a tale of bravery and discovery. With its unique Combat and Capture gameplay, charming characters, and innovative dual-mode progression, this game provides a fresh and exhilarating gaming experience that will keep you hooked from the very first harpoon throw.
Could Sega Be Hinting At A Remaster For Sonic Heroes?
For many Sonic the Hedgehog fans, 2023 has already lined up to be a very fulfilling timeframe for the Sega mascot. In the mainline installment alone, Sonic Frontiers is to feature three major updates through the year’s duration – all for free too. Not to mention other plans ahead with The Murder Of Sonic the Hedgehog earlier this year and the upcoming Sonic Superstars slated for this fall. Even more, Sonic Symphony World Tour is returning with dates scheduled for the U.K. & Los Angeles next month as well. Perhaps even an update on the upcoming Knuckles TV show is imminent. The series already kicked off filming earlier this year with live-action director Jeff Fowler who shot the initial pilot then too. Sonic Prime season 2 on Netflix also aired last month. This week, Sega & Sonic Team uploaded a new ‘Fast Friends Forever’ trailer which appears to hint at the next plan for Sonic the Hedgehog. Nearing the end of the trailer, it is discovered footage of Sonic Heroes was in the video. From eagle-eyes fan @DTBROS__YT on X, it is pieced together that the creatives previously teased other Sonic Heroes footage in TailsTube as well. While it could simply be a coincidence, other fans beg to differ. From another user on X, @chaoscxsmo, it is considered to be intentional. Previously, it was caught that Sonic Team also uploaded a similar video closing the trailer with footage of Sonic Frontiers; prior to the official announcement for the game. So when could thisbe announced? Well, if it is happening, Gamescom is very likely with Sega’s attendance already confirmed. As for other tangible impressions on a nearing remaster to be announced, Sega did express that revisiting legacy releases is being considered internally. president & chief operations officer Yukio Sugino explained that the idea is being tossed around – specifically towards Sonic the Hedgehog when asked. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you hope Sonic Heroes gets remastered at all?
Overwatch 2 Update Features Invasion Mode & New Hero Illari, Out Now
After an entertaining free-to-play launch for Overwatch 2, developer Blizzard Entertainment went straight to work on the new Invasion mode for the new game. And whilst the team rolled out content seasons periodically, everything leads up to the new update this week as the story thickens. Elsewhere recently, we saw this with Overwatch: Genesis – a short, three- part animated series that expands the core of the story centered around Overwatch. Additionally, Blizzard Entertainment has pressed on what is coming for the game too. In that, whilst Invasion is primed to launch, it is rethinking its approach for the PvEvP experience underway for Overwatch 2. Ultimately, its to meet the same level of quality the multiplayer is at. Even more is the transition to Steam as Overwatch 2 will pioneer Blizzard titles hitting the platform this week too. On Thursday, Overwatch officially launches its new Invasion mode along that is the new Hero, Illari. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “With the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Toronto, and Gothenburg under siege, it will be up to you to save the world. Dive into Invasion Story Missions featuring many of your favorite Overwatch 2 heroes and all-new challenging enemies. Will you be able to stop the forces of the Null Sector?” Blizzard Entertainment pens for the new update description. “The enigma, John Cena has broken into community livestreams, asking all of us to answer the call and prepare to fight the invasion in Overwatch 2. […] On August 10, answer our enigma, John Cena’s call with the Overwatch 2 Ultimate Invasion Bundle featuring permanent access to the Invasion Story Missions, the Invasion Premium Battle Pass featuring over 80 tiers of cosmetics, including an all-new Mythic skin for Ana, 20 Battle Pass Tier Skips, 2,000 Overwatch Coins, and two exclusive Legendary Null Sector themed skins for Cassidy and Kiriko.” What has you most excited for Overwatch 2’s new Invasion mode? Overwatch 2 is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Source: Blizzard Entertainment
Quake II is now available on Xbox Series XlS, PC & Game Pass
It was rumored that an enhanced version of Quake II was going to be revealed during Quakecon 2023 which takes place August 10-13. The rumors became true. Quake II is now available on Xbox Series XlS, PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Game Pass, Xbox Game Pass and Steam. If you aren’t a subscriber to Game Pass the game will cost $9.99 USD. This came sooner than we thought as the expectation was an announcement and release would be August 11. This Quake II is not deemed to be a Remaster, but instead they say its “an enhanced and complete version” of the original game from over 25 years ago. Developed by id Software in 1997, Quake II is a critically acclaimed first-person shooter and sequel to Quake that deviates from the original by introducing an entirely new science fiction narrative and setting. Mankind is at war with the Strogg, a hostile alien race planning an invasion of Earth. To prevent the invasion, humanity launched a preemptive strike on the Strogg homeworld…it failed, but you survived. Outnumbered and outgunned, fight your way through fortified military installations and shut down the enemy’s war machine. Only then will the fate of humanity be known. Quake II also supports online multiplayer, co- op cross-play and it’s listed as a 4K Ultra HD title. All of the original mission packs are included with the release of Quake II as well. Will you play Quake II again? Source: TrueAchievements
Ghostrunner 2 Beta Signups are now open
505 Games and One More Level announced that fans will see the next drop of major news for Ghostrunner 2 on August 21st before Gamescom. While we wait for that to come, you can register their interest in joining the closed beta and catch up on the events of Ghostrunner ahead of Ghostrunner 2’s release later this year. Fans interested in participating in the Ghostrunner 2 closed beta and providing feedback can sign up here. Please note that slots are very limited so sign up as soon as they can. Ghostrunner 2 is releasing on Xbox Series XlS, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.
Streamer Peacock Faces Record Viewings From Twisted Metal Release
When digesting transmedia for video games, it is understood that the main demographic for said series/films is the players of the original content. But, it does come to surprise everyone when records are shattered for new projects that release later. Such as the success of Netflix’s The Witcher. Both on the streaming service alongside the growing player base via Steam during the debut of season 1 at the time. As for direct pull of an entire platform, streamer Paramount+ faced this came the release of the Halo Television Series last March. And amid the mix reception among its viewers, it was the biggest release in history for the service then. And similarly, the same is also in stone for Peacock now. Recently, the new Twisted Metal show from PlayStation Productions shattered expectations for Peacock. From Deadline, it is reported that the new series generated over 400 million minutes viewed in the weekend of its release in late July. Although the total number of viewers that tuned in for Twisted Metal was not issued, it is considered the streamer’s ‘most-binged’ premiere to date. The show sits alongside exclusive releases Bel Air, Based on a True Story, The Best Man: Final Chapters, and Poker Face. Other metrics offered by NBCUniversal reveals that viewers who watched Twisted Metal either sat in sessions of three episodes or to swallow the entire ten-episode season in one sitting. Much of the success can be pitted on the nostalgia of the video game series and stacked cast for the show. In that, portrayals from Will Arnett, Neve Campbell, Stephanie Beatriz, and Thomas Haden Church certainly got viewers attention too. Later this month, Sony Pictures is also preparing to release Gran Turismo in theaters. Recently, it was revealed that PlayStation Pictures film faced a delay pushing its initial arrival two weeks later. You can read the full report by heading here. Did you catch Twisted Metal on Peacock yet? Source: Deadline
Review: E-Win Flash XL Gaming Chair
In the ever-expanding universe of gaming chair options, one that I’m at least somewhat familiar with, it feels rare to find a company that has been around for more than a few years. It came as a surprise to me then, when I was asked to review the E-Win Flash XL Gaming Chair, to learn that E-Win has actually been designing seats since 2001. Back then they were in the luxury car and office chair business, but the pivot to gaming chairs in 2015 at least seems sensible. There are multiple variants for each style of chair E-Win produces, ranging from a standard all-black look to designs featuring a pink bunny or Captain America branding. Needless to say, it’s likely you’ll find a look that you like if you’re in the market. The chair I reviewed was mostly black with electric blue highlights peppering the Stain Resistant 2.0 PU Leather. The construction of the chair is undeniably durable. This is a piece of furniture that will last you years, as indicated by the 2-year warranty that comes standard with your purchase. There are even ways to extend that warranty for up to another three years for free, simply by doing some social posting. The frame itself actually has a 10-year warranty, but I feel you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who has had the same chair for ten years. All that said, once I put the chair together, which was simple to do and took less than an hour, I felt I could forcefully toss it down the stairs and not have it sustain any damage. While I would like to try that at some point, for science of course, I felt it more prudent to start putting it to work. It turns out that after two months of regular use, that initial feeling of durability has remained. I’m used to seeing chairs, even some higher quality ones, lose their form after even just a few weeks. I’m pleased to report that this is not the case with the E-Win Flash XL. It looks and feels like it just came out of the box. I could certainly see this as a drawback for some – I know the broken-in feel has a certain appeal. If that’s more your cup of tea, you likely wouldn’t reach that point for some time in this chair. Another gripe I have had with gaming chairs specifically in the past is how hot they would seem to get, even after sitting for only an hour or so. In my experience, that has not been a problem for the Flash XL. When working from home, I’m able to sit for hours at a time and stay nice and cool, something that has shot up my priority list in the last few years thanks to being in my home office more than ever. It should be noted, as indicated by its name, the Flash XL is a bit larger than your average gaming chair. In fact, it’s recommended for those up to seven feet tall and comfortably performs for those up to 550 pounds. To accommodate those of all shapes and sizes, the chair has a wider seat and a five-star base, which never once flinched under the strain, even when I had my wife and kids pile on to test. For those of you who prefer to lounge in your chair, E-Win also has you covered there, as the seat reclines back 155 degrees. While it’s not a feature I take advantage of too much, it certainly had me relaxed while putting it through its paces. One of the bigger drawbacks, if you can call it that, is what you’ll find with just about any premium gaming chair in existence – the price. As of publishing time, the E-Win Flash XL Gaming Chair is selling for $519, marked down from its standard price of $599. Now, it can be argued that something you use on such a regular basis is worth the price of admission, but it definitely puts this quality chair out of reach for a fair amount of potential customers. Overall, the E-Win Flash XL Gaming Chair is undeniably a premium product. Its sturdy construction, numerous design options, and level of comfort elevate it above many of its peers – at a cost. If you have the means though, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not considering adding an E-Win to your office.
Rumor: Sony delayed first-party games targeting FY2023 release
Sony’s latest financial report has been released sharing details about the company’s sales performance for the last quarter. In Their FY2023 forecast slide it revealed Sony most likely internally delayed first-party games that were targeting a FY2023 release. The Fiscal Year runs through April 2023 through March 2024 so these games were planned in that time frame. This was pointed out by Ethan Gach on Twitter and shared on r/GamingLeaksAndRumors. The slide said “Impact of changes in the launch dates of a portion of first-party titles”. Sony financials hint at some first-party games getting delayed pic.twitter.com/rst90W8ovq — AmericanTruckSongs9 (@ethangach) August 9, 2023 That would mean there were multiple games delayed coming to PlayStation consoles and some of these delayed projects were not shown publicly yet. Sony hasn’t mentioned anything about delays to the public as of now. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was not impacted with a delay as it’s planned to release on October 20, 2023 for PlayStation 5. Sony and Insomniac Games have come out with a limited edition PS5 Console themed around Spider-Man 2 along with plate covers and a DualSense controller. You can view all of the Spider-Man 2 editions here. What games do you think were impacted with a delay at PlayStation Studios?
Madden NFL 24 – New York Jets Player Ratings
EA Sports has released the Team and Player Ratings in Madden NFL 24 that is releasing on August 15 for Deluxe Edition owners and August 18 for the official launch. We are going to list off the top rated players on the New York Jets starting lineup of the AFC East. In Madden NFL 24, the highest rated player on the New York Jets is Defensive Tackle, Quinnen Williams at an Overall of 93 followed by Cornerback Sauce Gardner at 93. Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers has an overall of 86. New York Jets lineup in Madden NFL 24: Player Name Position Rating Aaron Rodgers QB 86 Sauce Gardner CB 93 Quinnen Williams DT 93 C.J. Mosley MLB 85 Garrett Wilson WR 84 Adrian Amos SS 83 D.J. Reed JR CB 83 John Franklin-Myers LE 83 Breece Hall HB 82 Carl Lawson RE 80 Thomas Morstead P 79 Allen Lazard WR 78 Tyler Conklin TE 78 Corey Davis WR 78 Greg Zuerlein K 76 The New York Jets look to be a competitive team in the AFC East based on some of their top rated players in Madden NFL 24. How well do they match up against their divisional rivals in the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins? You can view the entire New York Jets roster here.
Madden NFL 24 – Miami Dolphins Player Ratings
EA Sports has released the Team and Player Ratings in Madden NFL 24 that is releasing on August 15 for Deluxe Edition owners and August 18 for the official launch. We are going to list off the top rated players on the Miami Dolphins starting lineup of the AFC East. In Madden NFL 24 the highest rated player on the Miami Dolphins is Wide Receiver, Tyreek Hill at an Overall of 98. Following Hill is Cornerback, Jalen Ramsey at an Overall of 97. Dolphins Quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa has an Overall of 83. Miami Dolphins lineup in Madden NFL 24: Player Name Position Rating Tyreek Hill WR 98 Jalen Ramsey CB 97 Jaylen Waddle WR 88 Christian Wilkins RE 86 Jevon Holland FS 84 Xavien Howard CB 84 Jaelan Phillips ROLB 83 Tua Tagovailoa QB 83 Connor Williams C 80 Bradley Chubb LOLB 79 Deshon Elliot SS 79 Tyler Kroft TE 69 Jake Bailey P 75 Jason Sanders K 72 The Miami Dolphins look like a true contender in the AFC East based on some of their top rated players in Madden NFL 24. How well do they match up against the Buffalo Bills or the Philadelphia Eagles? You can view the entire Miami Dolphins roster here.
