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WWW.IGN.COMSonic X Shadow Generations Is On Sale for Black Friday It's My Game of the YearSonic x Shadow Generations - Amazon UK, 27.99For $30, youre getting Sonic Generations remastered, paired with the ultimate Shadow experience in Shadow Generations. Its an incredible package and a contender for game of the year in my opinion. Whether you're a Sonic fan or not, this is a must-play experience and a bargain at this price.IGNs Jada Griffen reviewed the game, awarding it a 9: Sonic X Shadow Generations takes an already excellent game and spring jumps it to new heights at a blistering pace by doubling up the campaign length with creative level design, fantastic bosses, plenty of collectibles, and an appreciable graphical upgrade.Robert's Favorite Games Played in 2024 (So Far)Everything I've loved playing this year, which also includes some games I revisited, and even some oldies I played for the first time. See AllWhile the brand-new Shadow content isn't necessarily long on its own, it adds a nice change of pace to the collection of all-time great Sonic stages Generations already contained, and theres an exciting new story thats filled in as you explore the overworld for collectibles, activities, and challenges.This bulked-up remaster soars far and above previous enhanced versions we've gotten in the Sonic franchise, and hopefully will be the gold standard Sega holds itself to when it decides to bring back other Sonic games from the past.More Switch Black Friday DealsSwitchMetal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1SwitchBalatro Special EditionSwitchUnicorn OverlordSwitchShin Megami Tensei V: VengeanceSuper Monkey Ball Banana RumbleSwitchThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of WisdomWhen Is Black Friday 2024?The actual date ofBlack Friday in 2024 falls on November 29, but the holiday deals season starts a lot earlier than that. Plenty of retailers have already been dropping deals online. More and more deals will roll out leading up to the event, which culminates in massive discounts on Black Friday. Retailers will not reveal their biggest Black Friday deals until the big day, but most general deals will be available well in advance, such as the impressive Sonic deal.Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.0 Comments 0 Shares 2 ViewsPlease log in to like, share and comment!
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WWW.IGN.COMThe Best Buy Black Friday Sale Is Now Live, Here Are the Best Deals of 2024Best Buy has officially kicked off its Black Friday Sale. Black Friday itself lands on November 29, but Best Buy and other retailers have released a good portion of their best deals earlier. You don't have to wait around to jump on the best prices I've found on gaming consoles, video games, PCs and laptops, TVs and more.One significant advantage that Best Buy has over online-only retailers like Amazon is that you have the option of buying online and picking it up in store. Chances are there's a retail location within driving distance of your home. Not only do you avoid the hassle of shipping, especially during the busy holiday season, but returning your order is also much easier.Black Friday Nintendo Switch DealsThese are the deals we gamers have been waiting for. Best Buy is offering an extra $75 off the already tempting Nintendo Switch Holiday Bundles. The Switch OLED bundle is marked down to $275 and the Switch bundle is down to $225. The Holiday Bundles include a digital download voucher for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and a 12 month Switch online membership. Sufficed to say, this is easily the best deal that Nintendo has offered for their Switch consoles ever since launch.Nintendo Switch OLED Model: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe BundleNintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe BundleNintendo Switch Pro ControllerNintendo Switch Joy-Cons (Pair)8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller for SwitchBlack Friday PlayStation DealsSony's Black Friday PlayStation deals all went live on Friday, November 21. Best Buy is one of Sony's major authorized resellers and the massive price drops I've seen on PS5 Slim console bundles, DualSense controllers, PS VR2 headset, and video games are all available on their site.Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Console Fortnite Cobalt Star Console BundleSony PlayStation 5 Slim Digital NBA 2K25 Console BundleSony PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Fortnite Cobalt Star ConsoleSony PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain BundlePS5 DualSense Chroma ControllersPS5 DualSense Controllers Starting at $54.99Black Friday PS5 & Xbox Series X Video GamesBest Buy just unloaded a bunch of PS5 and Xbox Series X games for sale. The best deals are on the exceedingly adorable Astro Bot for $49.99, the gorgeous Stellar Blade for $49.99 and Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth for $39.99. If you're a sports gamer, pick up the latest NBA 2K25 game for $29.99, which is discounted by over 50% off. Also, both the standard edition of Elden Ring and the Shadow of the Erdtree edition that includes the DLC are on sale.PS5Astro BotPS5Stellar BladePS5Gran Turismo 7PS5, XboxElden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree EditionPS5, XboxElden RingPS5Final Fantasy VII RebirthPS5, XboxNBA 2K25PS5, XboxTekken 8PS5, XboxCyberpunk 2077 Ultimate EditionPS5Final Fantasy XVIPS5, XboxVisions of ManaPS5, XboxStar Wars: Jedi SurvivorPS5, Xbox, SwitchBalatroPS5, Xbox, SwitchSea of StarsPS5Octopath Traveler IIPS5, Xbox, SwitchDisney Dreamlight Valley Cozy EditionPS5, XboxLies of PPS5, Xbox, SwitchPrince of Persia: The Lost CrownPS5, XboxAvatar: Frontiers of PandoraPS5, XboxAssassin's Creed MiragePS5, XboxThe Crew MotorfestBlack Friday Nintendo Switch Video GamesUp to now we haven't seen many deals on Switch games at all for Black Friday, but the floodgates have opened. Pick up some classic games at great prices, like the outstanding The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the 10/10 "Masterpiece" Super Mario Odyssey, the cat-tastic Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, the idyllic Animal Crossing: New Horizons and my kids' favorite, Kirby and the Forgotten Land.SwitchThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomSwitchSuper Mario OdysseySwitchPikmin 4Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's FuryAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsSwitchKirby and the Forgotten LandSwitchSuper Mario Maker 2SwitchNintendo Switch SportsFinal Fantasy I-VI Collection Anniversary EditionPS5, Xbox, SwitchBalatroPS5, SwitchMetal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1PS5, Xbox, SwitchPrince of Persia: The Lost CrownPS5, Xbox, SwitchDisney Dreamlight Valley Cozy EditionPS5, Xbox, SwitchSea of StarsSwitchMario + Rabbids Sparks of HopePS5, Xbox, SwitchRabbids: Party of LegendsBest Buy isn't the only retailer with games already on sale. For more deals on video games sorted by individual platform, check out our best Black Friday deal guides for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X.Black Friday PC Gaming DealsThere are some deals here that are worth getting well ahead of Black Friday. The Meta Quest 3S was already the best value in PCVR gaming, but Best Buy just made the deal even sweeter by throwing in a $75 gift card. They've also dropped the price of all of the most popular Windows gaming handhelds, including the Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally, and our top-ranked gaming handheld, the Asus ROG Ally X.Asus ROG Ally X AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme 1TB Gaming HandheldLenovo Legion Go AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme 512GB Gaming HandheldLenovo Legion Go AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme 1TB Gaming Handheld$449.99 for My Best Buy Plus MembersAsus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme 512GB Gaming HandheldAsus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 512GB Gaming HandheldSteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless HeadsetPS5, Xbox, SwitchAlienware AW720H Dual Mode Wireless Gaming HeadsetBlack Friday Xbox DealsAlthough there are a few Xbox console deals sprinkled here and there, I don't think I've seen floor pricing yet for Black Friday. However, there are some really great deals on Xbox controllers (including the limited edition Ghost and Sky Cipher editions), a fantastic SteelSeries gaming headset that's marked down to 50% off, and an officially licensed 1TB Xbox Expansion Card that's priced under $100 for the first time ever.WD Black C50 1TB Storage Expansion Card for Xbox0 Comments 0 Shares 2 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMThe Best Black Friday Gaming Laptop Deals of 2024Upgrading your gaming laptop can be an expensive proposition. With a gaming PC, you have save money by going the DIY route or you can just upgrade specific components instead of replacing the entire desktop. Also, since the monitor is not a part of the system, you can keep using it for future builds. You can't afford such luxuries with a laptop. You'd essentially have to buy an entirely new system every time. Fortunately, laptop prices have dropped tremendously over the years, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't save even more.Fortunately, Black Friday is fast approaching and there is no better time to invest in a gaming laptop. We are still a few weeks out from November 29, but some retailers like Best Buy and Dell have already released their first set of early Black Friday sales, including some great deals on gaming laptops. As more stores reveal their Black Friday plans and hopefully push out discounts in advance, we'll be sure to update this article.Best Buy Gaming Laptop DealsBest Buy has some great deals going on as part of its Black Friday Sale and that extends to gaming laptops as well. Some of our favorites are the Acer Nitro V 15" laptop boasts an RTX 4050 GPU for a budget price of $699.99, the Alienware m16 RTX 4070 gaming laptop for $1,299.99 (currently cheaper than buying from Alienware direct), and the Acer Predator Helios with a massive 18" display, powerful i9-14900HX CPU, and RTX 4080 GPU for $1,999.99.Lenovo LOQ 15" AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopAlienware m16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 7 155H RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAcer Nitro V 15" AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS RTX 4050 Gaming LaptopAsus TUF A16 16" AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS Radeon RX7700S Gaming LaptopMSI Katana 15" AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopHP OMEN 16" Intel Core i7-13620H RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopLenovo Legion 7i 16" Intel Core i7-14700HX RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopAcer Predator Helios Neo 16" Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAcer Predator Helios 18" Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4080 Gaming LaptopAcer Predator Helios 18 QHD+ Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4090 Gaming LaptopASUS ROG Strix 18" QHD Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4080 Gaming LaptopHP OMEN 14" 3K OLED Intel Core Ultra 7 155H RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopASUS TUF 15" Intel Core i7-13620H RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAcer Predator Helios Neo 16 Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopMSI Crosshair 16" Intel Core i7-14650HX RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopMSI Vector 16" Intel Core i9-13980HX RTX 4080 Gaming LaptopGigabyte G6 KF 16" Intel Core i7-13620H RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopMSI THIN 15" Intel Core i5-13420H RTX 4050 Gaming LaptopMSI Cyborg 14" Intel Core i7-13620H RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopAlienware Gaming Laptop DealsThe Alienware Black Friday Sale is already well underway with some hefty discounts on Alienware m-series and x-series gaming laptops. The m-series is Alienware's best-selling gaming laptop; it boasts excellent build quality and powerful gaming components for a very reasonable price. The Alienware x-series is a more recent model that boasts a slimmer and lighter redesign. It's the thinnest Alienware laptop ever and compares to other ultra-thin laptops like the Razer Blade.Alienware m16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 9 185H RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopAlienware m16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 9 185H RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAlienware m18 R2 18" Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAlienware m18 R2 18" Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4090 Gaming LaptopAlienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 7 RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopAlienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 7 RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAlienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 9 185H RTX 4090 Gaming LaptopDell G16 16" QHD+ Intel Core i9-13900HX RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopDell G16 16" i9 RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopHP Gaming Laptop DealsHP has kicked off its Black Friday Sale with some great deals on their Omen and Omen Transcend gaming laptops. The Omen is HP's most popular gaming laptop and is generally more attractively priced than Alienware or Lenovo Legion. The Omen Transcend is a new 2024 lighter and thinner version of the Omen and features better materials like a premium aluminum chassis instead of plastic. The Transcend also has the option to upgrade the display to OLED. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants a slim and easily portable laptop while still being able to play games.Note: Some configurations below will require you to manually select the upgrades on the product page.HP Omen 16" Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopHP Omen 16" Intel Core i7-14700HX RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopSelect RTX 4080 OptionHP Omen 16" Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4080 Gaming LaptopSelect RTX 4060 and OLED Display OptionsHP Omen Transcend 16" OLED Intel Core i7-14700HX RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopSelect RTX 4070 and OLED Display OptionsHP Omen Transcend 16" OLED Intel Core i7-14700HX RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopLenovo Legion Slim 16" RTX 4070 LaptopLenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 9 16" 2560x1600 (QHD+) AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS RTX 4070 Gaming Laptop with 16GB RAM, 1TB SSDLenovo hasn't kicked off any official Black Friday Sale just yet. However they do have one good laptop deal worth mentioning. You can get a Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 9 16" Ryzen Edition RTX 4070 gaming laptop for $1,121.99 shipped. The Legion Slim model is thinner than your typical gaming laptop, and yet is still equipped with a GPU that has the same high-wattage TGP as the full-sized Legion Pro. It weighs in at only 4.63lbs and measures 0.78" at its thinnest point. RTX 4070 mobile GPU performs on par with the RTX 3080 and you'll want this kind of power to run games comfortably on the laptop's beefed up 2560x1600 QHD+ display.Walmart and Amazon Laptop Deals Aren't Available YetWalmart and Amazon haven't yet included any good gaming laptop deals in their Early Black Friday Sales. Rest assured these two retailers traditionally have some of the discounts on Black Friday, so stay tuned. We'll update this section once thee deals go live sometime next week.Not All Laptop GPUs Are the SameThere are two important tidbits that deserve mention concerning graphics cards found in laptops. First, mobile GPU variants are not as powerful as their desktop counterparts. For example, a mobile RTX 4060 doesn't perform as well as a desktop RTX 4060. The mobile versions are generally about one to two tiers lower in performance. Using the same example, the mobile RTX 4060 performs more similarly to a desktop RTX 4050.Second, not all laptops feature the same performance out of the same GPU. Two laptops equipped with the same RTX 4060 GPU, for example, might perform very different in gaming. In order to roughly tell how good a GPU will be, you can look at the TGP rating. That's basically the amount of power supplied to the GPU. A higher TGP rating means more power will be delivered, equating to stronger performance, however the wattage consumption and heat generated will be higher. Here are the maximum TGP rates for the RTX 40 series graphics cards:Mobile RTX 4050: 115WMobile RTX 4060: 115WMobile RTX 4070: 115WMobile RTX 4080: 150WMobile RTX 4090: 150WShould You Buy Now or Wait for Black Friday?At this point, Black Friday is only a few weeks away and in most cases it's better to wait. There are some deals here that are probably as low as they will go, even on Black Friday. However, it's very likely that the same deals you see now will also be available on November 29, even if they go out of stock. Also, several retailers, including Lenovo, Walmart, and Amazon, haven't released their deals just yet. It might be a good idea to wait and see what they'll bring to the table.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 28 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMAmazon Slashes the Price on the New Apple iPad Pro Tablet with OLED and M4 Chip for Black FridayAmazon has just dropped prices across the board on various Apple iPad models for Black Friday, including the best deal we've ever seen on the new 2024 Apple iPad Pro. Right now the 11" model costs $849 (normally $999) and the 13" model costs $1099 (normally $1299). The new iPad Pro boasts a couple of significant upgrades over its predecessor, including a powerful M4 chip and, for the first time ever, a tandem OLED display.Black Friday iPad Pro DealsiPad Pro (M4) 11" 256GBiPad Pro (M4) 13" 256GBIn our 2024 iPad Pro 11" M4 review, Jacqueline Thomas wrote, "For creative professionals, the 2024 iPad Pro is the most powerful tablet on the market and is going to shine if your work revolves around a touchscreen. For the rest of us, though, the iPad Pro is simply the most beautiful display you'll find in a tablet, with hardware that's powerful enough to be a top-end device for years to come."The 2024 iPad Pro is the best tablet on the market, iOS or otherwise, thanks to the new M4 processor which is both powerful and power efficient. Compared to the previous generation iPad M2, it performs about 20% better. However, the biggest update of the iPad Pro is not the M4 chip, but instead the tandem OLED panel which hadn't previously been seen on an Apple product. Tandem OLED is better than traditional OLED in two ways: (1) it's far brighter and (2) it's less prone to burn-in. If you're wondering why this technology hasn't found its way into TVs, the answer is simply because it's not cost effective at larger sizes. The iPad can get away with it because the 11" screen is much smaller, but that's also a major reason why the iPad Pro is priced considerably higher than the other iPads in Apple's 2024 lineup.More Apple iPad Deals for Black FridayiPad 10th Gen 10.9" 64GBiPad Pro (M4) 11" 256GBiPad Pro (M4) 13" 256GBiPad Mini 6th Gen (A15 Bionic) 8.3" 64GBiPad Mini (A17 Pro) 8.3" 256GBiPad Air (M2) 11" 128GBAmazon iPad Air (M2) 13" 128GBIf you're looking for other Apple devices, check out our Apple Black Friday hub with deals on AirPods, Watches, and more.Should You Wait Until Black Friday?Black Friday is the best opportunity to score some great deals on electronics, and Apple products are no exception. You might be wondering just how low these prices can go. Although we have no direct feedback from Apple themselves, we have years of our own historical price trends to back up our predictions. At this point, Black Friday is close enough that there's certainly no harm waiting. We might see as much as a $50 or even $100 price drop on the more expensive models like the iPad Air or iPad Pro. The iPad and iPad Mini might drop another $20 at most if retailers are feeling generous. If Amazon isn't your preferred vendor (or if it runs out of stock), I expect these deals to be available at Best Buy and Walmart as well. The Apple Store will also host its own Black Friday Sale, although these deals usually aren't nearly as good.Looking for more iPad resources?If you're not sure which iPad is best for you, we have an iPad guide which details which iPad is ideal for which use case. If you intend want to get an iPad for schoolwork, we have an iPad guide for students as well. If you're looking for options outside of iOS, check out the best Android tablets of 2024.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 27 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMDragon Quest III HD-2D Remake ReviewIn a year already chock-full of excellent remakes like Persona 3 Reload and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, its impressive that I can still call Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake one of the best Ive ever played. Thats not because it sets out to redefine the 1988 NES original like Square Enix did with Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth, but because of how it strikes a nearly perfect balance between faithfully sticking to the bones of Dragon Quest III while adding modern quality-of-life improvements and a beautiful new coat of paint that make it more fun than ever to explore and battle across its surprisingly dense overworld. Dragon Quest III is a true godfather of the RPG genre, and this immensely satisfying retelling so clearly spells out why its one of gamings essential works. HD-2D Remake is fundamentally the same adventure Dragon Quest III has always been, and its hard not to marvel at how well its original blueprint still holds up in 2024. This is as classic as JRPGs get the genre boiled down to its absolute essentials of rock-solid turn-based combat, atmospheric caves and dungeons filled with monsters and treasure, and a straightforward story about good versus evil that asks you to fill in a lot of the gaps with your imagination. It evokes nostalgia for a bygone era of video games in the best ways while proving it still has the stuff to hang with the fancy, modern RPGs.PlayDespite the unabashedly old-school design, it does manage to feel new thanks to its overhauled graphics, and Dragon Quest and the HD-2D style pioneered by Octopath Traveler are an absolute perfect combination. The enemy design is amazing, with highly-detailed sprites and animations that are a joy to look at. The late Akira Toriyamas signature style is wonderfully realized here, and battles feel more dynamic with each enemys lively animations for attacking and defending. Towns are delightful to explore, with stunning castles, houses, and shops that are breathtaking to look at from the outside and adorable to poke around on the inside thanks to sharp attention to detail. The dungeons all look great, too, especially with the moody lighting emitting from your heros lantern. Finally, the overworld feels grand to march across, and its all backed up with an orchestral soundtrack that fits Dragon Quests lighthearted, adventurous mood to a tee.HD-2D Remake doesnt just look gorgeous, as it has great battle and class systems to match. Apart from the Hero, whose class and spot in your party is locked in from the start, the composition of the other three spots is completely up to you, including their classes, names, and appearances. I outfitted my party with a Thief, a Priest, and my personal favorite: the all-new Monster Wrangler, who became stronger as I found and recruited friendly monsters across the world, which further incentivized exploration. Its a ton of fun constructing your band of heroes, and Im honestly considering a full replay where I try something entirely different given how many classes I didnt take advantage of. There are also opportunities to reclass later in the story while retaining all the abilities your characters have learned thus far, adding even more important decisions to consider.HD-2D Remake doesnt just look good, it has great battles to match.Its just a shame that the personalities of your party members are all silent, blank slates as a result of that mechanical flexibility. Thats the same as it was in the original, but it makes for an RPG journey thats much more about character builds, combat, and exploration rather than relationships, camaraderie, and story. Its completely understandable that Square Enix would stick with the old style in this instance, as it did with almost everything else, but its hard not to miss the wonderful personalities of my party in Dragon Quest XI or the Party Chat feature seen in most modern entries of the series by comparison. But as someone who vastly prefers a barebones story compared to an overbearing one, I still thoroughly enjoyed Dragon Quest IIIs focus on engaging directly with its RPG systems.To that end, the battles themselves are fast-paced, fun, and occasionally quite difficult. Make no mistake this is still very much a hardcore NES-era RPG, and you need to use a balanced mix of strong attacks, healing spells, and buffing/debuffing abilities to beat some of Dragon Quest IIIs toughest bosses. There are some real nail-biting moments, especially later on in the campaign, and I loved using unorthodox strategies to barely squeak by fights I probably wasnt ready for yet. Random encounters in both the overworld and dungeons are a constant factor, but theyre always enjoyable and drop essential experience points and gold, which youll need as much of as you can get to reach the end credits. But if nervewracking turn-based battles arent your thing, theres no need to worry. Im incredibly impressed by how flexible HD-2D Remake is as a whole. Apart from three difficulty options you can switch between at any time (Including the Dracky Quest option, where your characters essentially cant die), there are a ton of ways to tailor the adventure to your specific playstyle. In combat, you can speed up battle animations to get through encounters faster or watch them at normal speed to really enjoy the detailed enemy animations. Youre also given complete control over how your party behaves: In classic Dragon Quest fashion, you can give individual orders to all four party members, or choose strategies for them to execute on their own, like focusing on healing, conserving magic, or going all-out against a tough foe. Its honestly relaxing to set the whole party to autobattle when grinding for experience points before taking control back for yourself ahead of an important boss fight. Options like these ensure the great combat remains fresh across the roughly 30-hour adventure, even with multiple sessions of grinding. Thats partially because the Dragon Quest series is pretty good at making grinding for experience points entertaining, and this remake is no exception. If youre a fan of the series, you know that Metal Slimes are the key to leveling up fast: Enemies with low spawn rates that drop way more experience points than the average bad guy. Discovering areas of the map where Metal Slimes are more likely to appear is exciting, and the rush of adrenaline that kicks in when you see one show up in a random encounter never gets old like pulling a rare card from a Pokmon booster pack.Logan's Favorite RemakesI just reviewed Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, and it's one of the best remakes I've ever played. Here are some of my favorites, unranked.See AllPlus, apart from the occasional level grind session, Dragon Quest IIIs pacing is impeccable. Youre always being ushered from one new location to the next, constantly exploring new towns and dungeons while encountering fresh foes from the huge set of over 150 enemy types. It rarely retraces any of its steps except for one specific recurring boss I wont spoil that admittedly rears its ugly head a few too many times.This remake also goes to great lengths to ensure youll never get lost or stuck. The Zoom spell lets you escape a tough situation to rest at an inn pretty much whenever you want, while objective markers clearly label what you need to do next to progress through the occasionally unclear and outdated main quests. However, if you want the classic Dragon Quest III experience, you can turn these quest markers off and discover everything for yourself by exploring and talking to townsfolk. Its a great system that makes this aged RPG more approachable and playable than ever, while also preserving that original style for those who want it. Its an ideal way to revisit a beloved adventure, and I love the pace at which this vast world slowly reveals its secrets to you piece by piece.I love the pace this vast world slowly reveals its secrets to you.While I was generally a big fan of Dragon Quest IIIs old-school nature mixed with the HD-2D Remakes modern improvements, there are a couple of places it could have gone a few extra steps. Inventory management is clunky, as each of your four party members only has access to their individual item bags in combat, meaning I spent a ton of time in menus transferring items from the partys overall inventory to their individual pockets. Managing equipment comes with similar annoyances, where its just a bit harder than it should be to see how equipping something will impact each characters stats. I eventually got into a rhythm of how to fiddle with these outdated menus, but its one place I wish had gotten more updating. (There are also just a few enemy designs that havent aged especially well, and probably would have been better left in the past.)0 Comments 0 Shares 1 Views
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WWW.IGN.COM20 Great Tech Gifts to Give This YearGiving gifts to tech enthusiasts can be a real pain. How can you make sure you're giving someone who enthusiastically buys all the gadgets they can afford something they don't already have, or that would make their life just a little easier? To help out, the IGN staff is pitching in: We asked everyone for some of their favorite techy items that would make great gifts this holiday season and firmly stand behind these picks, from more high-end pieces of gear down to super-practical everyday things.Backbone One Controller for iPhoneBackbone One Controller for iPhoneSee it at AmazonPerfect for someone who recently got addicted to Balatro on their phone, or otherwise plays tons of games on their mobile device instead of a console or another handheld, the Backbone One is one of our favorite phone controllers. It was one of the first expandable controllers for phones and remains one of the best to ever do it. It's compatible with iOS and Android devices.Apple Gift CardGive the gift of a digital or physical gift card to shop the Apple Store, apple.com, the Apple Store app, Apple TV+, App Store, Apple Music, iTunes, and Apple Arcade.See it at AppleFujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer Pikachu BundlePikachu Instax Printer Bundle. (Image: amazon.com via Fujifilm)Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer Pikachu BundleSee it at AmazonThis Fujifilm printer spits out Instax photos straight from your phone's camera roll via Bluetooth, which is ideal if someone is into the vibe of instant cameras but isn't great about remembering to bring theirs when they go out. This Pikachu bundle that prints mini film is very cute, but if that sells out, there are plenty of other sizes (I'm especially partial to the wide film).Hori Nintendo Switch Split PadHori Nintendo Switch Split PadSee it at AmazonGive the gift of ending the Switch scourge that is stick drift by investing in a Hori Split Pad. It's great for those with bigger hands or simply want something with more real estate to grab onto when playing Switch as a handheld. (You can also find the Hori Split Pad Pro on our list of the best gifts under $50).RayCue 128K SE Docking StationRayCue 128K SE Docking StationSee it at AmazonThis RayCue docking station is both extremely practical with 13 different ports and far nicer to look at than your typical USB/HDMI/etc. hub. The screen is actually functional and can display preset visualizations, the time, or a slideshow of photos that you've uploaded.Shokz OpenRun ProShokz OpenRun ProSee it at AmazonFor the runners and cyclists in your life who are constantly on the hunt for the best workout headphones, the Shokz OpenRun Pro are the ones that will put their search to an end. They might look goofy but their functionality is legit: Even though these are open-ear headphones, Shokz' bone-conduction technology means that it still delivers clear audio while letting you stay aware of your surroundings.Analogue Pocket Console Analogue Pocket Console See it at AmazonIf someone on your list is adamant that handhelds peaked with the Game Boy Color and who can blame them? then the Analogue Pocket Console is a no-brainer. It's compatible with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges (though it can handle more niche handhelds of the era with an adapter), and as a fun little bonus, it's also a tiny synthesizer to make chiptune dreams come true.Twelve South HoverBar Duo for iPadTwelve South HoverBar Duo for iPadSee it at AmazonTrifold iPad cases don't hold a candle to this stand. This Twelve South stand might seem like overkill at first brush, but IGN staff swears this is game-changing for iPad havers.Kobo Libra Color eReader Kobo Libra Color eReader See it at AmazonThe Kobo Libra is as close as you can get to the experience of marking up an actual book outside of the Kindle Scribe (which is double the price). Philips Hue String LightsPhilips Hue String LightsSee it at PhilipsDon't let anyone tell you otherwise: String lights are great any time of the year, not just the holidays, and if someone on your list is already a Philips Hue user, these are a great fun addition to that suite.Asus ROG Ally XAsus ROG Ally XSee it at Best BuyFor those who have been on the hunt for a new handheld, the ROG Ally X is your best bet. It's our top pick for portable gaming PC, and for good reason. In IGN's 9/10 review, Jacqueline Thomas said that "compared to other handheld gaming PCs out there, the Asus ROG Ally is the best positioned to play the latest AAA games at high settings," and praised the longevity of its battery life.JBL Go 4 Portable SpeakerJBL Go 4 Portable SpeakerSee it at AmazonPortable speakers are a great little investment, and JBL's Go 4 is extra-portable (and comes in fun colorways) while still maintaining robust sound quality. Meta Quest 3SMeta Quest 3SSee it at AmazonThere's never been a better time to give the gift of mixed reality now that the Meta Quest 3S has released a cost-effective headset. In our 9/10 review, Gabriel Moss wrote "the Meta Quest 3S is the perfect entry-level VR headset, finally bridging the price gap between the relatively shiny new Meta Quest 3 and the now four-year-old Meta Quest 2."iFixIt Essential Electronics ToolkitiFixIt Essential Electronics ToolkitSee it at Best BuyA truly essential gift for any tech tinkerer that includes 16 4mm screwdriver bits, angled tweezers, and other specialized tools. As an upgrade, throw in an electric screwdriver, especially if they're obsessed with keyboard modding.Apple Airpods ProApple Airpods ProSee it at AmazonAirpods are insanely popular for good reasons, including active noise cancellation plus other adaptive audio hearthrough modes. Convert a holdout today by gifting them a pair of the Pros, which we still think still stand as the best model of Airpods to-date (and will definitely go on sale for Black Friday).Apple MagSafe ChargerApple MagSafe ChargerSee it at AmazonWireless charging is a beautiful convenience to add to a friend or family member's life. Just be sure they have an iPhone 12 or newer for this MagSafe charger to work.Genki Global Dock & ChargerGenki Global Dock & ChargerSee it at AmazonThis Genki dock doesn't seem like much, but that would be like judging an incredible book by its lackluster cover. It's super useful for owners of gaming handhelds like the Switch Lite, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck who would like it very much if they could play those games on a TV or monitor.Anker Prime Power Bank (9,600mAh Battery)Anker Prime Power Bank (9,600mAh Battery)See it at Amazon"Thanks for the power bank........." is how an uninitated giftee might react. Everyone else in the know about how reliable and good these Anker plug-in/portable chargers are for pretty much any device that needs power will be delighted.USB Type-C Flash Drive 512GBUSB Type-C Flash Drive 512GBSee it at AmazonUSB drives are certainly not glamorous gifts, but man, if they aren't extremely handy to have around when you desperately need one. This Samsung 512GB one is especially great and compatible with loads of devices since it's USB-C. It's time to upgrade from the old 8GB USB thumb drive you got as a random freebie 10 years ago.Insta360 X4 CameraInsta360 X4 CameraSee it at AmazonOne of the best consumer portable cameras on the market right now. The Insta360 X4 can take 8K video in 360 and has helpful settings to stabilize movement and reframe shots that came out a little off-kilter.Clicks Keyboard for Apple iPhone 16 Pro MaxClicks - Keyboard for Apple iPhone 16 Pro MaxSee it at Best BuyFor the nostalgia hounds in your life who wish that the tactile clickity-clack of Blackberry keyboards never gave way to touch screens. The Clicks case adds a bit more length to iPhones, but that also saves a good amount of precious screen real estate from the Apple keyboard.Hottest Tech Deals Right NowIf you are seeking even more inspiration and want to find a good deal on gift ideas, be sure to check out the Black Friday deals we have spotted so far. It's only going to continue ramping up as we approach Nov 29th. Here are some highights so far to narrow down your search:Slim ModelPlayStation PS5 Digital Edition NBA 2K25 BundlePS5, XboxElden RingPS5PlayStation VR 2 - Horizon: Call of the Mountain BundlePS5DualSense Controller (Standard Color Variants)PS5DualSense Controller (Special Color Variants)PS5/XboxMetaphor: ReFantazioSlim ModelPlayStation PS5 Disc Edition Fortnite Cobalt Star BundleFor more shopping tips, see our holiday gift guides for the gamers and geeks in your life:Leanne Butkovic (she/they) is an Editorial Project Manager at IGN, where they've also written about movies, TV, and games. They have nearly a decade of experience in digital media.0 Comments 0 Shares 1 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMHere Are the Best Black Friday Gaming PC Deals So Far (2024 Edition)Without a doubt, Black Friday is one of the best times of year to upgrade your gaming PC. Although the actual event lands on November 29, retailers have been stretching out Black Friday sales earlier. We are now about a week away from the main event and most retailers have released several excellent deals that you could potentially jump on now if you don't want to wait. The gaming PC deals from Dell, Best Buy, HP, and Lenovo are already at the best prices of the year and well worth picking up.Alienware Black Friday DealsIf you're in the market for a prebuilt gaming PC, Alienware is one of best gaming brands we'd recommend. The Dell Black Friday Sale has already started ahead of November 29 with some outstanding deals on Alienware Aurora R16 gaming desktops. Consistent build quality, available inventory, frequent sales, and solid customer service are the main reasons why Dell is at the top of our buying list for gaming PCs.Alienware Aurora R16 i9-14900KF RTX 4090 Gaming PCAlienware Aurora R16 i9-13900F RTX 4080 Super Gaming PCAlienware Aurora R16 i9-14900KF RTX 4080 Super Gaming PCAlienware Aurora R16 i7-14700F RTX 4070 Gaming PCAlienware Aurora R16 i7-14700F RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCAlienware Aurora R16 i9 RTX 4070 Ti Super Gaming PCBest Buy Black Friday DealsBest Buy has just released its third and final round of early Best Buy Black Friday deals, and a bunch of excellent gaming PCs are included in the mix. If you're on a budget, the iBuyPower Scale RTX 4060 gaming PC for $699.99 is a solid deal and a great candidate for 1080p gaming. For something more powerful, consider the CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme gaming PC with an outstanding AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU and RTX 4070 Super GPU. The RTX 4070 Super is the best GPU for most people and is perfect for 1440p gaming.CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D RTX 4070 Super Gaming PCHP OMEN 35L AMD Ryzen 7 8700G RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCiBuyPower Scale Intel Core i5-14400F RTX 4060 Gaming PCCyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme Intel Core i5-14400F RTX 4060 Gaming PCiBuyPower Scale AMD Ryzen 7 8700F RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCMSI Codex Z2 AMD Ryzen 5 8400F RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCCyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme Intel Core i7-14700F RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCHP OMEN 25L Intel Core i7-14700F RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCiBuyPower Y60 AMD Ryzen 7 7700X RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCASUS ROG Intel Core i7-14700F RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCCyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme Intel Core i7-14700KF RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCiBuyPower Y40 Intel Core i7-14700F RTX 4070 Gaming PCMSI Aegis Z2 AMD Ryzen 7 7700 RTX 4070 Super Gaming PCiBuyPower Y40 Intel Core i7-14700KF RTX 4070 Super Gaming PCASUS ROG Intel Core i7-14700KF RTX 4070 SUPER Gaming PCAcer Nitro 60 AMD Ryzen 9 7900 RTX 4070 Super Gaming PCMSI Aegis R2 Intel Core i7-14700F RTX 4070 Ti Super Gaming PCCyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme Intel Core i9-14900KF RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Gaming PCiBuyPower Y60 AMD Ryzen 9 7900X RTX 4070 Ti Super Gaming PCCyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme AMD Ryzen 9 9900X RTX 4080 Super Gaming PCHP OMEN 35L AMD Ryzen 7 8700G RTX 4080 Super Gaming PCHP Black Friday DealsHP has kicked off its Black Friday Sale with deals on a few of their gaming PCs. Save up to $1,000 off HP's flagship Omen 45L gaming PC, which is equipped with your choice of an RTX 4090 or 4080 Super GPU and 240mm-360mm AIO liquid cooling. For those of you on a budget, the HP Victus gaming PC with RTX 4060 GPU is down to $779.99.HP Omen 45L Intel Core i9-13900K RTX 4090 Gaming PCHP Omen 45L Intel Core i7-14700K RTX 4080 Super Gaming PCHP Victus 15L Intel Core i5-1440F RTX 4060 Gaming PCHP Omen 35L Intel Core i7-14700F RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCLenovo Black Friday DealsUpdate: Prices have gone up a bit on 11/19. If you've already decided you want a Lenovo gaming PC, I would strongly recommend waiting until these prices drop again. They certainly will before or on Black Friday.Lenovo is offering some great Black Friday deals on budget and mid-range gaming PCs. Get a Legion Tower 5 equipped with an RTX 4060 or Radeon RX 7600 for about $800, or my recommendation is to step up to the RTX 4070 Super model for only $1380. The RTX 4070 Super is one of the best graphics cards for most people; it's not exorbitantly priced, and it's powerful enough to run games at up to 4K resolution (although 1440p is its sweet spot).Lenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 8 AMD Ryzen 7 7700 RTX 4070 Super Gaming PCLenovo Legion Tower 5i Gen 8 Intel Core i7-14700F RTX 4070 Ti Super Gaming PC with 32GB RAM, 1TB SSDLenovo LOQ Intel Core i5-1440F RTX 4060 Gaming PCLenovo Legion Tower 5 Gen 8 AMD Ryzen 5 7600 Radeon RX 7600 Gaming PCCyberPowerPC Radeon RX 7900 GRE Gaming PCWalmart's best Black Friday gaming PC dealCyberPowerPC AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Radeon RX 7900 GRE Gaming PC with 32GB RAM, 2TB SSDAs part of its first round of Black Friday deals, Walmart is offering this CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme gaming PC for only $1,199 after a $370 instant discount. This PC features an AMD Ryzen 7 7700 CPU, Radeon RX 7900 GRE GPU, 32GB of DDR5 memory, and a 2TB M.2 SSD. The Radeon RX 7900 GRE is a relatively recent (March 2024) release. It's roughly 10-15% faster than the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU and is more comparable to the new RTX 4070 Super. This rig is ideal for gaming at up to 1440p resolution at high framerates, although it can also run most games in 4K.Amazon Black Friday Deals... Are AbsentAmazon's Black Friday Sale hasn't officially begun. In fact, it only just recently announced that their deals will begin in earnest on November 21. As such, it hasn't yet pushed any seriously convincing Black Friday deals aside from its Fire TV sticks. As soon as we find any gaming PC deals worth mentioning, we'll update this article.DIY PC Builders: The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Is Back in StockNew ReleaseAMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor$479.00 at AmazonIf you're in the process of building out a new gaming PC and you're looking for the best gaming processor, this is it. Right now, the recently released AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 desktop processor is back in stock at Amazon at its retail price of $479 shipped. This is the official launch price with zero markup, and it's not bundled with anything you don't want or need.The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best gaming processor currently on the market and a much better option than the new Intel Core Ultra 9 285K. If you're waiting for a discount on this processor for Black Friday, though, don't hold your breath. There is the slimmest of slim chances that anyone will drop the price of this hot commodity before 2025.In our AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D review, Jackie Thomas wrote that "the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is extremely powerful in games, which makes it easier to recommend than other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. Especially if youre building a rig with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D is going to be the best way to get the most performance out of whichever GPU you pair it with. When Is Black Friday 2024?The actual date of Black Friday in 2024 falls on November 29 this year, but the deals season began a lot sooner than that. Leading up to the big event, retailers have begun to open deals online. (This usually starts in the last week of October, just before Halloween.) Each week leading up to the event will slowly roll out more deals, which ultimately leads to massive discounts on Black Friday. Retailers will not reveal their biggest Black Friday deals until the big day, but most general deals will be available well in advance.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 29 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMThis Is the Best Anker Power Bank for Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally X, and It's 50% Off for Black FridayAs part of the Amazon Black Friday Sale, you can pick up the Anker PowerCore 737 24,000mAh 140W Power Bank at the best price I've ever seen. Right now theprice is down to $79.99 after a nearly 50% off discount. This is one of the best Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally X chargers you can get. I've actually owned this power bank for over a year now for ROG Ally and my kids' Switches; it has been on multiple flights and road trips and is still lasting strong.Anker 737 24,000mAh 140W Power Bank for $79.99Anker 737 PowerCore 24K 24,000mAh Power Bank with 140W USB Type-C Power DeliveryThe Anker 737 is a hefty power bank, measuring 4.6"x2.2"x2" and weighing in at 1.4lbs. This is something you'd put in your travel bag or backpack instead of your pocket. It has two USB Type-C ports and one USB Type-A port. The USB Type-C ports support a maximum of 140W of power delivery. That means a single port could deliver 140W, or both ports will deliver a combination of 140W depending on which devices are plugged in (for example, 70W + 70W or 100W + 40W).In terms of gaming handhelds, the Steam Deck supports up to 38W of charging, the Asus ROG Ally up to 65W, the Asus ROG Ally X up to 100W, and the Nintendo Switch up to 18W. That means the Anker Prime can easily charge all three gaming handhelds even the ROG Ally X at their maximum rate; you'll even be able to play and charge simultaneously.A 20,000mAh battery equates to a 74Whr capacity. An 80% power efficiency rating (which is about standard for power banks) gives you about 59Whr of available charge. That means this power bank will charge a Steam Deck (40Whr) or Asus ROG Ally (40Whr) from empty to completely full 1.5 times, an Asus ROG Ally X (80Whr) 0.75 times, and a Nintendo Switch (16Whr) about 3.7 times. You can see here why we think a 20,000mAh capacity should be the bare minimum for more power hungry gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally (and especially the Ally X).The Anker 737 is TSA-approvedTSA states that power banks must be under 100Whr in capacity for carry-on (check-in is not allowed under any circumstances). This Anker Prime is safely under that at 74Whr. You might get checked simply because the Anker 737 is a hefty-looking power bank, but you shouldn't have any problems getting it cleared. I've gone through plenty of airport checkpoints and have only been checked once at Tokyo NRT and cleared without a problem.Alternative Deal: Anker Prime 20,000mAh Power BankAnker Prime 20,000mAh 200W Power BankClip the 40% Off CouponAmazon is also offering the Anker Prime 20,000mAh USB Power Bank for only $77.99 after you clip the 40% off coupon on the product page. This is the best price we've seen for 2024 (the previous lowest price was $89.99 on Amazon Prime Day). The Anker Prime is the successor to the Anker 737 with a couple of noticeable upgrades like a higher power delivery output (200W vs 140W) and a higher charging rate through USB Type-A (65W vs 18W).The Asus ROG Ally X Is the Best Windows Gaming HandheldNew ReleaseAsus ROG Ally X 7" 1TB Gaming HandheldThe Asus ROG Ally X was just released this past summer and has claimed the title as best Windows-based gaming handheld. It improves on the original ROG Ally in several ways, the biggest upgrades being a much bigger 80Whr battery with nearly the runtime, more RAM, a beefier cooling system, double the storage capacity on the base model, and better controls. It's not inexpensive starting at $799.99, but it's definitely an incredible piece of hardware.Should You Buy Now or Wait for Black Friday?Black Friday is only about a week away and in most cases it's better to wait to buy tech accessories. However, it's very unlikely that these two specific deals will get any better. Both the Anker 737 and the Anker Prime are already at their lowest historical prices, so we don't expect any further discounts to happen this year. However, if you're looking for a slimmer, smaller capacity power bank for travel, then you should definitely wait for more deals to drop on Black Friday.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 28 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMLet These Marvel Gift Ideas Be Your Secret Superpower for Holiday ShoppingLet's face it: Marvel fans can be a little difficult to buy for, (because what they love is so wide and varied). But, a benefit of this is the variety of gifts you can choose from. From video games to action figures, collectible toys, Blu-rays, books and more, there are plenty of unique gifts to consider for the Marvel fan in your life.With Black Friday and the holidays fast approaching, there's no better time to start planning out your shopping list right now. Let's get down to business.TL;DR - Our Favorite Marvel Gifts in 2024Ultimate X-MenSee it at AmazonLEGO Marvel Captain Americas ShieldSee itGuardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol.1 LPSee itBaby Groot Planter Flower PotSee it at AmazonAgatha All Along T-ShirtSee it at AmazonLEGO Marvel Rocket & Baby Groot MinifigureMore Marvel MerchSee it at IGN StoreDaredevil Born Again (Graphic Novel)See itDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 4K UHDSee it at AmazonLEGO Marvel Venom Mech Armor vs. Miles MoralesSee it at TargetX-Men 97 Character Logo Crew Neck Long Sleeve Adult SweatshirtSee it at TargetDeadpool CookbookSee it at AmazonMarvel's Video Games: Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for PS5 and MoreOne of the best gifts for a Marvel fan is a Marvel video game. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for PS5 is still a top choice if the person you're shopping for has yet to play it and still doesn't own it(if so, what a shame). It's IGN's top Spider-Man game, as we state "Marvels Spider-Man 2 is a triumph; Insomniac just keeps getting better and better at making Spider-Man games." Marvel's Spider-Man 2 - PlayStation 5If the Marvel fan you're buying for has a PS5, ask about their collection and fill in the gaps with something they might have missed (Guardians of the Galaxy is also criminally underrated). Plus, keep an eye out for Black Friday deals on PS5 games very soon.Every PS5 Black Friday Deal Confirmed So FarConsider These Amazing Marvel Comics or BooksIt would be criminal to not include some comics in a Marvel gift guide, so I've included as many as I can. Picking out one of these iconic comic volumes is a classic choice for comic lovers or fans of the MCU in general. You can also take a gander at our top 27 Batman comics and top 25 Spider-Man comics for further inspo, and pick out one of the five main comics released in the new Ultimate Universe.Ultimate X-MenUltimate X-MenTheres an almost body horror aspect to being a mutant in the Ultimate Universe, and it makes for a fascinating read, as well as a great option for X-fans who maybe arent feeling the new direction of the regular X-Men line.See it at AmazonDaredevil Born Again (Graphic Novel)Daredevil Born Again (Graphic Novel)See itCooking with DeadpoolDeadpool CookbookSee it at AmazonGift Kindle Unlimited Subscription (Read 1000s of Marvel Comics)Or, alternatively, how about gifting a year of Kindle Unlimited instead? Not only does it include thousands of books and magazines for users to read, but it's also a massive host to some of the very best comic books ever made by Marvel and DC.Gift a Kindle Unlimited MembershipSee it at AmazonLEGO Marvel SetsA highlighted deal from LEGO Black Friday deals:LEGO Marvel Hulkbuster 76210LEGO sets are absolutely one of the safest possible gifts you could get for any kind of Marvel, Star Wars, or general pop culture fan. Right now one of my favorite sets is the Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Ship, currently selling for $150 on sites like Amazon and Walmart. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but it's absolutely stunning and would definitely be appreciated by any fan of Marvel and the Avengers. But, if you want to go for something a bit cheaper, you can always go for one of the Spider-Man LEGO figure sets for $20, or possibly even the LEGO Infinity Gauntlet sets instead for $64. For more, check out the best Marvel LEGO sets.LEGO Marvel Rocket & Baby Groot MinifigureLEGO Marvel Captain Americas ShieldSee itLEGO Marvel Venom Mech Armor vs. Miles MoralesSee it at TargetVinylsTop Pick: Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 LP Marvel films and games, especially the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, feature some excellent classic tunes, so why not gift the Marvel fan in your life a record that'll remind them of their favorite Marvel movie or game? This is definitely the coolest gift you could buy someone, especially if they're already rocking a record player.Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol.1 LPSee itMarvel Funko Pop Vinyl Collectible FiguresThere are more than enough Marvel Pop Vinyls to check out right now. I've included some of my favorites from the newest entries, but make sure you have a proper explore and check out all the Marvel Funko Pop options on Amazon.Funko Pop! Marvel Spider-Man: No Way Home - 3 Pack$53.99 at AmazonMarvel Movie Blu-rays and 4K UHDYes, I do know these are all on Disney+! But, remember streaming quality is nothing compared to watching from a physical disc. So, if you've got a Marvel fan who's also rocking a 4K UHD player (PS5 and Xbox Series X also work), then you should definitely consider a Marvel Blu-ray or 4K UHD film. There's also a lot to look forward to from Marvel Studios; the biggest news is surely Robert Downey, Jr. returning to the MCU as one of the most anticipated Marvel villainsDoctor Doom!Top PicksSpider-Man: Spider-Verse 2-Movie Collection (Blu-ray + Digital)Deadpool & Wolverine (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital)See it at AmazonOr, give the gift of Disney+Disney+ Gift Subscription CardsSee itLatest Marvel NewsMarvel's 2025 Disney+ Roadmap Revealed: Spider-Man Animated Show, Daredevil: Born Again, and More.Marvel Zombies will be a new animated series that "reimagines the Marvel Universe as a new generation of heroes battle against an ever-spreading zombie scourge."All upcoming Marvel movies news as the MCU's Phase 5 continues.Robert Anderson also contributed to this guide. Rob is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.Lindsey (she/her) is IGN's Director of Audience Development and Commerce. She's been at IGN since 2021 and has a background in SEO, especially in the gaming, entertainment, and tech media spaces. Find her on Twitter at @LindseySalzer.0 Comments 0 Shares 29 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMPlayStation Officially Announces Black Friday PS5 Deals for 2024Sony has officially announced its lineup of PlayStation Black Friday deals, featuring discounts on PS5 hardware, PlayStation VR2, games, and accessories including the Fortnite Cobalt Star Bundle at participating retailers and PS Direct. The announcement means we have officially confirmed this year's Black Friday deals for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. While the PlayStation Black Friday deals officially begin on November 22, heres everything confirmed so far, along with details on a potential PS5 console bundle discount, new offers on games like Star Wars Outlaws (down to $49.99), DualSense 30th Anniversary Edition for $79.99, and more.PS5 Black Friday Deals Starting Nov. 24Save up to 40% on PS5 games, consoles, and accessories for Black Friday. Credit: PlayStationStarting November 22, and ending on December 2 (Cyber Monday) retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart will offer discounts on PS5 hardware, PlayStation VR2, games, and accessories, including the Fortnite Cobalt Star Bundle, which will launch alongside the new Black Friday promotions. A recently deleted PS5 ad hinted that the console bundle might be priced as low as $379.99, but this has not been officially confirmed by Sony following the ad's removal from YouTube. There is also currently no word on whether the PS5 Pro will also see a discount or a bundle deal.DualSense controllers will be discounted by up to 25%, which could bring their price down to at least $56.25 following the recent price increase ($74.99). Pricing may vary by retailer, so stay tuned for more details when the deals go live on Friday. Moreover, PlayStation VR 2 will be up to 40% off, a collosal discount, potentially bringing it down to ~$330-$360 depending on whether it's the Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle ($599.99) or just the standard VR headset ($549.99).Every PS5 Black Friday Deal Confirmed So FarPlayStation Plus Black Friday DealSave up to 30% on PS Plus during Black Friday 2024. Credit: PlayStationPlayStation Plus memberships are getting a big Black Friday discount. New members can save 30% on a 12-month subscription, while current PlayStation Plus Essential members can upgrade and save 25% on PlayStation Plus Extra or 30% on Premium/Deluxe.Sony has also recently confirmed its PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup for November 2024, and it includes the return of Rockstars GTA 5 in an exciting month for subscribers. Heavy hitters Dying Light 2: Stay Human and Like a Dragon: Ishin also joined the subscription service from November 19 onwards.Premium/Deluxe members also gain access to the Sony Pictures Catalog, featuring up to 100 movies available to stream on demand. During the Black Friday promotion, additional discounts on recent movie releases will also be available to all PS5 and PS4 players.PS5 Black Friday Deals Already LiveElden RingMetaphor: ReFantazioStar Wars OutlawsAlan Wake 2 Deluxe EditionPersona 3 ReloadUnicorn OverlordShin Megami Tensei VMost PS5 deals will go live from November 22, but there are already a some sneaky select deals that you might want to consider before the official deals kick in. For starters, Star Wars Outlaws is already on sale for Black Friday, $20 off its original list price, and down to just $49.99 for at least the next few weeks. The deal also features Amazon's exclusive limited edition content pack, which includes Rogue Infiltrator cosmetics for Kay and Nix. It's likely the best deal we're getting on the game before Christmas, so snap it up if you've been waiting for a sale, or want to gift it to someone over the holidays.Available NowDualSense Wireless Controller 30th Anniversary Limited EditionLimited stock.$79.99 at VerizonMore Early Black Friday PS5 Game: DealsWhen Is Black Friday 2024?We hope you've prepared your wallets, because it's Black Friday season. During the biggest sales event of the year, keep an eye out for price drops on the games you've been waiting to add to your library. The same can be said for TVs, gaming PCs, Apple products, and more. Whatever you're in the market for, right now is probably one of the best times to make your biggest purchases.The actual date of Black Friday in 2024 falls on November 29 this year, but the deals season began a lot sooner than that. In other Black Friday news, Nintendo has also recently announced its sale plans for Black Friday, with discounts on Tears of the Kingdom, Joy-Con controllers, and more confirmed to be on sale in the coming days. Xbox has also confirmed its deal lineup, with plenty of offers already live.Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.0 Comments 0 Shares 32 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMThe Stylish Anker Zolo 10,000mAh Power Bank Is Under $10 for Black FridayAmazon is currently offering the Anker Zolo 10,000mAh 30W USB Power Bank for $9.59 after you apply coupon code "ANKER1688". This is an incredible deal that will sell out extremely quickly. The black and white colors are already gone, so there's only blue and pink left. The Zolo power bank is compact, can completely recharge a Switch console more than once, and has a couple of unique nifty features, like a built-in USB cable and a discrete digital displa. Plus, it's decked out in a rare pastel blue color scheme.Anker Zolo 10,000mAh USB Power Bank for $9.59Will sell out quickly!Anker Zolo 10,000mAh 30W USB Power BankThere are two reasons why this power bank is a great battery backup for your Nintendo Switch console: capacity and charging rate. A 10,000mAh (37Whr) power bank can charge a Nintendo Switch OLED from completely empty to full about 1.9 times. Provided you fully charge your Switch from the get-go, that nearly triples your total playtime. At the same time, a 10,000mAh power bank still maintains a pretty small footprint; for example, this particular model is about the size of an iPhone and weighs under 8oz. The Anker Zolo power bank also boasts a 30W charging output over USB Type-C. The Nintendo Switch console accepts a maximum charging rate of 18W. That means this power bank will be able to charge your Switch at the same rate as the official Nintendo charger.The Zolo has a built-in USB cable, however it's not retractable. Instead, you plug it into itself so that it forms a secure loop that's strong enough to be used like a lanyard (within reason). There's also a separate USB Type-C port that be used for either input or output. Finally, there's a simple digital display that shows you the remaining battery charge as a percentage.TSA-ApprovedNote that the TSA requires all power banks to be brought in carry-on bags; power banks are not allowed in check-in regardless of capacity. The Anker power bank's 10,000mAh capacity is well below TSA's 27,000mAh carry-on limit, so it can be brought onto planes. It's also low-profile enough that no one will take notice in the first place. If a TSA official actually does take the initiative to test the wattage on your power bank, you're well in the clear.For more options, check out our picks for the best power banks of 2024. If you're looking for more Nintendo Switch accessories that might be on sales check out the best Nintendo Switch deals today.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 30 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMScott Pilgrim Takes Off Season 2 Is Officially Dead After Netflix Declines to Pick Up Another Year of the AnimeScott Pilgrim Takes Off won't be getting a second season, creator Bryan Lee O'Malley has confirmed, ending any hope that it might return to pick up the last plot hooks left dangling at the end of its finale.O'Malley took to X/Twitter to confirm the news, writing to fans, "It's been one year since Scott Pilgrim Takes Off came out. It was an honor to work with all of the cast & staff around the world. It was like conducting a symphony orchestra every day. From the moment [BenDavid Grabinski] sparked the idea, the project felt like a one of a kind miracle."He continued, "Anyway, we were recently informed that the show will NOT return. As you know, we only intended one season, and called in a lot of favors to make it happen, so making more would have been nearly impossible. Still, I know some of you have been holding out hope."O'Malley went on to apologize to fans of the characters Matthew Patel and Gideon Graves, who he says will "suffer the most."Asked about a possible physical release, O'Malley said "we'll see" after Netflix's period of exclusively ends. As for what the apparent tease for Season 2 was ultimately all about, he said simply, "This is a happily ever after."O'Malley has been vocal about Scott Pilgrim Takes Off only being meant for one season. In an interview shortly after its release, he said, "Its self-contained for now. We loved what we did. We put it all in there. We dont have any ideas lying on the floor. We pretty much put them all in. I never say never, but right now, it seems like it would take about 50 different miracles simultaneously for another season to happen. So well see."PlayDespite his pessimism, fans continued to hold out hope that Netflix greenlight a second season, but that hope ended with today's post. Netflix's decision not to move forward with Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Season 2 appears to close the book on Scott Pilgrim, which began as an indie comic series in the 2000s before becoming a cult favorite movie directed by Edgar Wright. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off was positioned as an animated remake of the original story but quickly went in some very different directions.We wrote in our review, "The sooner you watch Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, the less time youll spend worrying about spoilers, and the sooner youll get to enjoy a breathtaking reimagining of Bryan Lee OMalleys graphic novels. Even with the core cast of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World along for the ride, its no mere exercise in nostalgia, but a fresh coat of paint on a versatile coming-of-age story, whose vibrant animation and expanded scope bring new dimensions to the garage rockers, video-store clerks, ninja-couriers, and evil exes who inhabit 'Toronto, Canada Not Too Long Ago.'"Kat Bailey is IGN's News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.0 Comments 0 Shares 32 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMFinal Fantasy 14 Announced for Mobile With Tencent Studio Spearheading DevelopmentFinal Fantasy XIV is the latest online multiplayer game to head to mobile, joining Diablo and Monster Hunter among others. It is being developed by Tencent subsidiary LightSpeed Studios, which is responsible for PUBG Mobile and recently added Dragon's Dogma director Hideaki Itsuno to its ranks as part of its newly-established Japan Studio.The official release calls it an "exciting extension of the beloved franchise" and says it will capture the "immersive experience of the original title in a fresh, mobile-friendly format." It's unconfirmed whether the new mobile title will include cross-progression or any of the expansions, but LightSpeed Studios does plan to retain lifestyle content including fishing, Triple Triad, and chocobo racing.PlayIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250In a statement as part of the release, Final Fantasy XIV Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida called the new release a "sister to Final Fantasy XIV." It has been 11 years since FFXIV 2.0: A Realm Reborn launched, and this new mobile game will be a sister to FFXIV, aiming to recreate the grandeur of the original's story and combat mechanics on mobile devices, Yoshida said. Non-combat features, such as Disciples of the Land and Hand, will also be faithfully implemented and we look forward to growing alongside the passionate FFXIV community."Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn was first released in 2013 and has experienced huge success since, releasing multiple acclaimed expansions, including Dawntrail earlier this year. It has been lauded for its respectful handling of Final Fantasy history, its storytelling, and its numerous features.The release claims that the mobile version will allow players to "immerse themselves in the meticulously crafted visual experience that defines Eorzea on mobile." It will include "intricate weather and time-of-day systems" and "over 600 weather patterns across various landscapes." The development teams have sought to optimize player character and equipment designs for the original game. IGN has asked for clarification on whether it will only feature the original A Realm Reborn content to start.Final Fantasy XIV Mobile does not yet have a release date, but a demo will be available for play tests in China, with a global launch following soon after.Kat Bailey is IGN's News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.0 Comments 0 Shares 32 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMSamsung Black Friday Appliance Sale Starts Now: Up to $1,700 Off Bespoke Fridges and RangesBlack Friday is one of the best times of year to upgrade your kitchen appliances, and the Samsung brand is no exception. Samsung has just kicked off its Black Friday Sale with some huge discounts on their 2024 lineup of Bespoke appliances, including up to $1700 off refrigerators and up to $1300 off gas, electric, and induction ranges.These deals become much better if you're eligible for a Samsung education (EDU), business (EPP), military, government, or first responders account (verification is done through ID.me). You would saving upwards of $1,400 on top of the existing Black Friday discounts. Definitely check to see if you can qualify.Samsung Refrigerator DealsBespoke 3-Door French Door Refrigerator 24 cu. ft. with AutoFill Water PitcherBespoke 3-Door French Door Refrigerator 24 cu. ft. with Beverage CenterBespoke 3-Door French Door Refrigerator 24 cu. ft. with Family Hub PanelBespoke 3-Door French Door Refrigerator 30 cu. ft. with Family Hub PanelBespoke 4-Door French Door Refrigerator 23 cu. ft. with AutoFill Water PitcherBespoke Counter Depth 4-Door Flex Refrigerator 23 cu. ft. with Beverage ZoneBespoke 4-Door French Door Refrigerator 23 cu. ft. with Beverage CenterBespoke 4-Door French Door Refrigerator (29 cu. ft.) with Beverage CenterBespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator 29 cu. ft. with Beverage CenterSamsung Kitchen Range DealsGasBespoke 6.0 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Gas Range with Air Fry & Precision KnobsGas6.0 cu. ft. Smart Freestanding Gas Range with Non-Preheat Air Fry and Convection+GasBespoke 6.0 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Gas Range with Smart Oven Camera & Illuminated Precision KnobsGasBespoke Smart Slide-In Gas Range 6.0 cu. ft. with Flex Duo & Illuminated Precision KnobsGasBespoke Smart Slide-In Dual Fuel Range 6.3 cu. ft. with Flex Duo & Illuminated Precision KnobsInductionBespoke 6.3 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Induction Range with Anti-Scratch Glass CooktopInductionBespoke 6.3 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Induction Range with Ambient Edge Lighting & Air Sous VideInductionBespoke 6.3 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Induction Range with AI Home & Smart Oven CameraElectric6.3 cu. ft. Smart Freestanding Electric Range with Air Fry and GriddleElectricBespoke 6.3 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Electric Range with Air FryElectricBespoke 6.3 cu. ft. Smart Slide-In Electric Range with Smart Oven Camera & Illuminated Precision KnobsElectricBespoke Smart Slide-In Electric Range 6.3 cu. ft. with Flex Duo & Illuminated Precision KnobsThese 2024 Appliances Are More Techy Than ThinkYou might be wondering what kitchen appliances have to do with tech. Well, these certainly arent your grandma's fridges and ovens. The new 2024 refrigerators come equipped with plenty of savvy features like a separate concealed "Beverage Center" that holds drinks, an auto-refilling water pitcher, and an ice dispenser or a massive 22" or 32" Family Hub smart display that lets you see inside your refrigerator, manage your familys calendars, stream music, and more.The new 2024 ovens are just as fancy. They come in your choice of gas, induction, or electric but they have several features that helps you consolidate several appliances into one, like a built-in air fry or sous vide mode. To conserve electricity, some models are equipped with an oven camera so you can see how your dishes are roasting or baking without ever opening the door. Like the Bespoke fridges mentioned above, you can also have a smart LCD display built into your range so you can look up recipes or play videos without ever grabbing your phone. Are these features necessary? Absolutely not, but as a tech-head, I find it all very cool.When Is Black Friday 2024?The actual date of Black Friday in 2024 falls on November 29, but the holiday deals season starts a lot earlier than that. Plenty of retailers have already been dropping deals online. (This usually starts in the last week of October, just before Halloween.) More and more deals will roll out leading up to the event, which culminates in massive discounts on Black Friday. Retailers will not reveal their biggest deals until the big day, but many deals will be available well in advance.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 31 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMAussies: Is It Worth Buying a Steam Deck in 2024?2024 has seen a string of unlikely events. Eternally in-fighting Britpop band Oasis reformed and set its sights on a world tour, human-sized Cheeto Donald Trump secured a second term in the White House, and Valve announced that it was finally releasing the Steam Deck into the Australian market, delighting Aussie gamers and likely putting the noses of grey importers firmly out of joint. As of earlier this week those Aussie Steam Decks have started shipping out directly from Valves local warehouse complete with an Aussie power supply and sold at a price point that substantially undercuts the inflated charges of every grey importer we checked at the time of writing. So, if you were planning on getting a Steam Deck then buying one directly from Steam is a no-brainer, but two and a half years after the systems original launch do you want to buy one at all?Lets rewind a little. When the original LCD Steam Deck launched in February, 2022, IGNs reviewer Seth G. Macy said:Steam Deck (LCD) ReviewPlayWhen the Steam Deck is living up to its promises, it's absolutely incredible. Playing GTA 5, God of War, and other modern games on the go is an absolute joy, and the hardware and controls feel good to hold even though its a big chubby boy of a handheld. It seriously impressed me with how nice some demanding modern games look on its 7-inch screen. But those dizzying highs are all too often snapped away by insurmountable compatibility issues with SteamOS, and installing Windows to get around those comes with its own set of problems. Ive lost count of how often Ive been left frustrated and annoyed to have to troubleshoot issues when trying to play a game for the first time. Battery life is another major buzzkill if youre not careful with each games settings you can blow through a full charge faster than a train ride from Boston to Manhattan. Sure, itll last a lot longer if all you want is to play low-power indies, but in that case the Switch is a smoother experience for less money. So while I can certainly recommend the Steam Deck with some major caveats, including a noisy fan and comparably long loading times, Im definitely not as head-over-heels in love with it as I hoped Id be when I first opened the box. Seth G. Macy, February 26, 2022Score: 7Read the full Steam Deck (LCD) review hereIts worth pointing out that a lot has changed in the couple of years since. Valve has rolled out hundreds of system updates to the Deck, improving everything from software compatibility to increasing battery life and even minimising the whine of the internal fan, no hardware mods required. In late 2023 it also introduced a second SKU, the Steam Deck OLED, which introduced a slightly larger and eminently more vibrant screen, as well as a slightly beefier battery among other tweaks to the hardware. Heres what IGNs reviewer Bo Moore said at the time of the Steam Deck OLEDs North American launch:Steam Deck (OLED) ReviewPlayThe Steam Deck OLED is a clear, across-the-board improvement on what was already a fantastic gaming handheld. Steam Deck has matured greatly since it launched, and though there will always be some holes in its catalog that dont work out of the box, the fact that you can easily play 2023 games like Diablo 4, Baldurs Gate 3, and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty on the go with few compromises make it a fantastic way to clear your backlog when youre away from your main PC. The OLED model brings hardware tweaks beyond the absolutely gorgeous screen. The real star of the show is the improved battery life, which puts the Steam Deck significantly more clearly in the portable category than simply a handheld device that youll need to keep plugged in most of the time. Add in a slew of small but altogether significant improvements, combined with twice as much storage at the same price, and the Steam Deck OLED is a fantastic device thats an obvious choice for anyone looking to get into handheld PC gaming. Heck, if youre constantly running down the battery on your current Steam Deck, it might even be a big enough deal to consider upgrading. Bo Moore, September 12, 2023.Score: 9Read the full Steam Deck (OLED) review hereThe Steam Deck is launching in Australia with three different SKUs: the 256GB LCD model for $649, the 512GB OLED model for $899, and the 1TB OLED model for $1049. The 512GB OLED model would appear to be the sweet spot, since it boasts both the better screen and larger battery capacity, and should 512GB of SSD storage prove to be too restrictive in this era of ever-growing game installation sizes its worth noting that all three Steam Decks can be expanded with increasingly affordable microSD cards. You can also open up your Steam Deck and swap out the SSD if youre tech savvy enough, although Valve doesnt recommend it and doing so may void your warranty even within the comfy embrace of Australias considerable consumer protection laws.The OLED models provide a number of other advantages over the base LCD model too theyre around 50g lighter which translates to a surprisingly more comfortable system to hold, the back paddle buttons feel a little firmer, and the speakers sound a little clearer at higher volumes. But beyond these tweaks (and there are a number of others), the OLED screen is just a substantial step up from LCD, and one worth paying the additional $250 for.PlayWhat About the Competition?A lengthy delay to the Steam Decks local launch has given a headstart to the likes of ASUS and Lenovo to make a play for the commute-based gaming time of Australians. However, despite the fact that the ASUS Rog Ally and Legion Go may promise higher resolution displays and terror-inducing terraflop counts, most of them are hamstrung by their reliance on Windows for their operating system. And to speak plainly, Windows might be okay powering your desktop PC or Xbox, but its presently pretty unwieldy to work with on a gaming handheld. Updates to make its UI better optimised for handheld gaming are supposedly on the way, but at the moment these devices are just too painful to use compared with the more console-like experience of SteamOS on the Deck.SteamOSs UI is snappy and easy to navigate, and to be honest so many of its initial rough edges have been smoothed out by this point that its very difficult to find fault with it. Since receiving a review unit from Valve a couple of weeks ago, the Steam Deck has quickly become a terrific tool for trawling back through my gaming pile of shame. Games that Ive pushed to the side in recent years in favour of making time on the couch for hardware-pushing AAA titles have finally grabbed my attention either in short bursts on the couch while Im waiting for a pot to boil or in lengthier sessions on train rides, and Ive finally been able to make time for the likes of Dave the Diver, Dead Cells, as well as more recent releases like Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. Steam Deck OLED PhotosAt the same time, Ive also been chipping away at Rockstars recently released Red Dead Redemption PC port, which runs brilliantly on the Deck with visuals that are substantially sharper than those found in the comparatively smudgey Switch version. Surprisingly, despite the fact that only around 10 per cent of games on the Steam store are deemed either playable or verified on the Deck, Im yet to find many games that I want to play that dont work officially verified or not. Even both Silent Hill 2 and Horizon Forbidden West, which are currently listed on Steam as being unsupported, seem to run fairly smoothly on the Steam Deck with a little bit of tweaking to the settings, for example. That said, there are some obvious limitations to the hardware. The screen resolution is only 1280x800, which is certainly sharp enough for the Steam Decks seven-inch screen, and it also means the systems GPU doesnt have to push as many pixels as your desktop PC or gaming console. However, some more graphics intensive games struggle to hit even that relatively low resolution, with the likes of Hogwarts Legacy a little soft in their presentation. Even so, while you cant go into the Steam Deck expecting it to handle absolutely everything you can throw at it, but if youre anything like me you might be surprised at just how capable this sexy lapwarming slab can be in most cases.PlayThere is of course the question of a potential Steam Deck 2. Valve has indicated that its working on a handheld successor, but in an interview with Reviews.org last month, designer Lawrence Yang said that his team wants to wait for a generational leap in compute without sacrificing battery life before we ship the real second generation of Steam Deck. Just how long this generational leap will take to arrive is anyones guess, but youd have to assume that the shiny new Steam Deck you pickup in November 2024 is unlikely to be superseded any time within the next couple of years at least. (Or indeed, dull new Steam Deck if you spring for the top of the line 1TB OLED model with the matte finish on its display.) So is the Steam Deck still worth it as of November, 2024? I would argue yes. Though it may lack the power to run some of this years beefiest titles like Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 at a playable framerate, it still supports a staggering number of games enough to fill up thousands of train rides or trips to the toilet and, should you opt for an OLED model, it runs them with enough battery life that youll rarely feel the need to be tethered to a USB power cord. Australians should rightly feel aggrieved that weve had to wait this long to buy a Steam Deck without resorting to eBay sellers or relying on American friends to ship one over to us, but theres an upside here two and a half years of system updates and one hardware refresh means that those of us who waited will be getting our first hands on with the Steam Deck in its most optimal form. Tristan Ogilvie is a senior video editor at IGN's Sydney office. He's increasingly afraid of social media, but on the rare occasion he does tweet you can find him here.0 Comments 0 Shares 6 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMS.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Global Release Times ConfirmedS.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl developer GSC Game World has confirmed the global release times for its hotly anticipated post-apocalyptic shooter.In a tweet, GSC said the November 20 release date for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl kicks off at 8am PT / 11am ET, and is consistent across both PC and Xbox Series X and S. It also launches straight into Xbox Game Pass as part of Wave 2 of November 2024s lineup.S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl global release times. Image credit: GSC Game World.GSC has also confirmed S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2s final PC system requirements. The game provides four graphics presets: low; medium; high; and epic, as well as a target resolution and FPS for each. The high graphics preset is what GSC calls 'recommended,' and provides 60fps gameplay at 1440p. For that high graphics preset youll need a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti / RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT GPU and 32GB of RAM. Low and medium require 16GB of RAM and less powerful GPUs. All graphics presets, however, require 160GB of SSD storage, which is a significant footprint worth bearing in mind if youre planning on playing.Meanwhile, GSC confirmed S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 features upscaling options for DLSS and FSR. Specifically, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 launches with DLSS 3 and Reflex, which means GeForce RTX 40 Series gamers can activate DLSS 3 with Frame Generation and Super Resolution from day-one, accelerating performance.S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl global release times:November 20, 2024Seattle: 8am PSTNew York: 11am ESTSo Paulo: 1pm BRTLondon: 4pm GMTPrague: 5pm CETKyiv: 6pm EETNovember 21, 2024Beijing: 12am CSTTokyo: 1am JSTSydney: 3am AEDTAuckland: 5am NZDTS.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has suffered a number of understandable delays, most recently in July when the game was due out in September. Ukrainian studio GSC said at the time that the extra two months would give the developers the chance to fix unexpected anomalies, aka bugs.GSC has also been vocal about the challenges the studio has faced getting S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 up to scratch after a mixed reaction to its debut public showing last year. At gamescom 2023, GSC addressed what some had called a downgrade sparked by S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2s then latest gameplay trailer. At the time, GSC told IGN it was still targeting a visual quality and level of polish suggested by S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2s eye-catching 2021 trailer despite the horrendous conditions suffered by the staff amid the war with Russia.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.0 Comments 0 Shares 6 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMThe Best Black Friday Gaming Monitor Deals Where to Buy and What to Expect This YearBlack Friday 2024 lands on November 29 and, like every year, I expect plenty of amazing deals on the best gaming monitors, from high-end monitors with OLED panels, 240Hz refresh rate, and 4K resolution to perfectly capable 1080p 144Hz gaming monitors that could run you under $100. Whether you're intending to use the monitor for your gaming PC or PlayStation 5 console, there's definitely be something for everyone.As we get closer to Black Friday, more gaming monitor deals are going live.I've written out a shortlist of the best deals currently available and - if you prefer to wait - which retailers you should keep track of on Black Friday proper, including Samsung, LG, Alienware, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.34" Samsung Odyssey G5 Gaming Monitor for $22934" Samsung Odyssey G5 3440x1440 Curved 165Hz Gaming MonitorWalmart just kicked off one of the best deals we've seen for a PC monitor for 2024. As part of the Walmart Early Black Friday Sale, you have the opportunity to pick up a 34" Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor for just $229 shipped after a massive $320 (60% off) instant discount. This is a great price for a very capable gaming monitor with a sharp native resolution, immersive curved design, and a high refresh rate.49" Samsung Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor49" Samsung Odyssey G95C 5120x1440 Curved 240Hz Gaming MonitorExtra $50 instant discount applied in cartIf you're looking for a super ultra-wide monitor at a great price, look no further than the 49" Odyssey G9. Samsung direct has it for $749.99 when you add it to your shopping cart (there's an extra $50 discount that's auto-applied). The G95C model is equipped with a VA panel - not OLED or Mini-LED. The VA panel boasts a fast 1ms GtG response time, up to 240Hz refresh rate, and 1000nits of peak HDR brightness. The monitor has both DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 ports for maximum compatibility with gaming PCs or PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles. Besides the much lower price point, some other advantages the G95C has over the OLED variant is that it's much brighter and you never have to worry about burn-in issues down the road. A 2 year warranty is included.32" Alienware 4K OLED Gaming Monitor32" Alienware AW3225QF 4K QD-OLED Gaming MonitorDell just dropped the price of its best gaming monitor. Right now you can pick up the Alienware AW3225QF 32" 4K QD OLED gaming monitor for only $899.99 shipped. This is the lowest price we've seen for Alienware's only 4K OLED gaming monitor and you don't need to deal with promotional gift cards since this is a straight up instant discount. If you're looking for the best 4K gaming monitor, this should definitely be on your short list. This is the monitor I personally use.More Alienware Black Friday Gaming Monitor DealsAlienware (and Dell) has actually kicked off its Early Black Friday Sale that includes deals on several of its gaming monitors. Dell and Alienware gaming monitors generally receive favorable reviews for their build quality, featureset, and warranty. For example, Dell offers a 3 year warranty and burn-in protection for their OLED monitors, which is uncommon. They're also priced competitively because they go on sale throughout the year (although Black Friday is still the best time to buy).Update: Sign up for the Dell newsletter for a 10% one-time coupon code.32" Alienware AW3225QF 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor34" Alienware AW3423DW 34" QD-OLED Gaming Monitor27" Alienware AW2725DF 27" QHD 360Hz QD OLEDL Gaming Monitor27" Alienware AW2724HF 1080p 360Hz Gaming Monitor25" Alienware AW2523HF 1080p 360Hz IPS Gaming Monitor27" Dell G2724D QHD 144Hz IPS Gaming MonitorThe Best Retailers for Gaming Monitor DealsSamsungSamsung already has a few Black Friday deals available above, but they will most likely discount their entire lineup of Odyssey gaming monitors on Black Friday. These manufacturer discounts will also be available at third-party retailers like Amazon or Best Buy; however, Samsung often offers extra incentives for cutting out the middleman and buying direct. In the past, this has included a bonus Samsung or Best Buy gift card or a freebie item like a solid state drive or even a second monitor. Samsung provides free shipping or pickup at your local Best Buy.If you're lucky enough to be eligible for a Samsung education, business, military, government, or first responders account, you'll be able to take advantage of massive savings that generally can't be matched anywhere else.LGLike Samsung, LG will offer manufacturer discounts on its UltraGear gaming monitors. To incentivize buyers to buy from from their own storefront, LG usually provides complimentary services like white glove delivery or free wall mounting. In past sales, LG has given out freebies like a soundbar, portable speakers, or a pair of earbuds. LG always offers a 10% off coupon code by signing up for its newsletter, and it usually comes with few restrictions. LG also has its own partner store program for eligible employers and students.AmazonAmazon is the one-stop shop for all of your Black Friday needs and that extends to monitor purchases as well. Not only will you find deals on Samsung, LG, and Alienware monitors, you'll also find a great selection of deals from other well-known brands like Asus, Acer, MSI, and Gigabyte. Even if the manufacturers have Black Friday sale prices that extend to all retailers, there's a good chance Amazon will go ahead and reduce the price even further. If you find a deal elsewhere that you're ready to jump on, you should go back to Amazon and make sure the price there isn't lower. Amazon has an excellent 30-day return policy, especially if you buy a product that's sold and shipped from Amazon directly, and since it's an authorized reseller, you're getting the same warranty coverage as buying direct from the manufacturer.Amazon Prime members can sign up for the Prime Visa Card and get 5% cash back on all of their Amazon purchases. That's essentially getting an additional 5% discount on every deal you score on Amazon. This is a Chase-issued Visa credit card that can also be used elsewhere. It comes with some other cardmember benefits like no foreign transaction fees, 2% cashback at gas stations, 3% cashback on Chase Travel, and more. Even better, this card has no annual fee, so you don't have to pay any more money other than the cost of your Prime membership.Best BuyLike Amazon, Best Buy will have Black Friday deals on a wide selection of gaming monitor brands. It will also offer its own extra discounts on top of the standard Black Friday MAP discounts for select monitors. One significant advantage that Best Buy has over online-only retailers like Amazon is that you have the option of buying your gaming monitor online and picking it up in store. Chances are there's a retail location within driving distance of your home. Not only do you avoid the hassle of shipping, especially during the busy holiday season, but it's easy to return the monitor if you're dissatisfied.WalmartWalmart often has the absolute best deals of all of Black Friday, and sometimes that extends to gaming monitors. Case in point, the best gaming monitor deal right now is only available at Walmart. One potential problem is that the best Walmart deals expire very quickly. The best way to prepare for that is by signing up for a Walmart+ membership. In addition to the standard perks like free shipping with no minimum and easy returns from your home, you'll also get early access to the Black Friday deals. Walmart+ membership normally costs $98, but for Black Friday it's 50% off.CostcoCostco doesn't carry a large selection of monitors, but whatever is on sale for Black Friday is usually competitive with everywhere else. Like Best Buy, Costco has retail locations so you can opt to shop online or in-store (although in-store pickup isn't an option). Costco also has the best return policy; you have up to 90 days to return electronics with no questions asked. You do need to have a paid Costco membership to buy anything there, but if you're a regular shopper, the access is more than worth the cost.When Is Black Friday 2024?The actual date of Black Friday in 2024 falls on November 29 this year, but the deals season will begin a lot sooner than that. Leading up to the big event, retailers will begin to open deals online. This usually starts in the last week of October, just before Halloween. Each week leading up to the event will slowly roll out more deals, which ultimately leads to massive discounts on Black Friday. Retailers will not reveal their biggest Black Friday deals until the big day, but most general deals will be available well in advance.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 5 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMLenovo Slashes $170 Off the Legion Go 1TB Gaming Handheld for Black FridayLenovo is teasing Black Friday with this excellent deal on one of the best gaming handhelds on the market: The Lenovo Legion Go 1TB gaming handheld is going for only $579.99 right now. This is one of the best gaming handhelds on the market, especially if you prefer a Windows-based operating system. It's more similar to the Asus ROG Ally than the Steam Deck, but with a bigger and sharper display, detachable controllers, and a larger battery.Lenovo Legion Go 1TB Gaming HandheldLenovo Legion Go 1TBThe Lenovo Legion Go is a Windows-based gaming handheld that's powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU with Radeon graphics and 16GB RAM, which is the same configuration as the one found in the $700 Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme. However, it boasts a a bigger and sharper 8.8" 2560x1600 144Hz IPS touchscreen display and detachable controllers like the Nintendo Switch. Since the Legion Go operates off Windows 11, it works with most PC game clients, including Steam, Origin, Ubisoft, Epic Games, Genshin Impact, Battle.net, and more.In Jacqueline Thomas' Lenovo Legion Go review, she wrote that "it is easily the best handheld gaming PC on the market right now as measured by screen size, horsepower, and USB-C port placement, but there are some caveats. It's absolutely massive, and the 1600p display is more than even this powerhouse chip can handle. That means you're going to have to spend some time tinkering with and specifically lowering quality settings to get your games running properly. Even then the battery life isnt great, and naturally youre paying a premium over the Steam Deck OLED for the bigger display, a full Windows 11 license, and extra oomph. But if you love the idea of the Switch, where you can remove the controllers, prop the screen up on a beefy kickstand, and sit back and enjoy? This is the one for you."If you end up getting a Legion Go, we'd definitely recommend picking up a portable power bank for extended travels and a Micro SD card if you think you'll be running out of space even with the 1TB of storage. Check out our Asus ROG Ally review and Steam Deck review if you're still undecided on which system to get. We've compared the Steam Deck to the ROG Ally and although the Legion Go isn't mentioned, the article gives you a good idea of the major differences between a Steam-based and Windows-based gaming handheld.PlayWhen Is Black Friday 2024?The actual date of Black Friday in 2024 falls on November 29, but the holiday deals season starts a lot earlier than that. Plenty of retailers have already been dropping deals online. More and more deals will roll out leading up to the event, which culminates in massive discounts on Black Friday. Retailers will not reveal their biggest deals until the big day, but many deals will be available well in advance.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 5 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMSave 27% Off the LEGO Star Wars UCS Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder for Black FridayAhead of Black Friday, Amazon has discounted the LEGO Star Wars Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder 75341 to $175, a savings of nearly 30% off. This is only the second this time that the Landspeeder has been priced below the 10 cent per brick mark. You won't have many more opportunities to get it on sale because the set is going to retire soon.LEGO Star Wars Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder 75341LEGO Star Wars Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder 75341Luke's Landspeeder is a UCS, or Ultimate Collector Series, kit. It consists of 1,890 pieces and the resulting build is impressively large at 20" long, 12" wide, and 4" high. According to LEGO, "the LEGO Ultimate Collector Series represents the very best in collectible LEGO sets. Featuring hard to find, exclusive, and impressively-large LEGO sets, made especially with adult collectors in mind."This is a faithful recreation of Luke's X-34 Landspeeder from the original Star Wars: A New Hope movie. There are plenty of cool little details here, like the exposed engine turbine with the guts exposed, the two seater cockpit with driving stick and detailed dashboard, a large specially molded windscreen, and more. Two minifigures - Luke Skywalker with his lightsaber and electrobinoculars and C-3PO - are included.This is a really enjoyable build with a lot of different color coded interior components to make the build more user friendly, although it's still recommended for builders ages 18 and up. It's also a refreshing change from the largely monotone grey builds we're used to seeing in the vast majority of UCS models (not a fault of LEGO and more a product of the Star Wars universe). UCS price drops don't last very long, so expect this deal to end promptly at midnight, if not sooner!More Black Friday Deals on LEGO Sets for AdultsLEGO Icons Atari 2600 10306LEGO Star Wars Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder 75341LEGO Marvel Hulkbuster 76210LEGO Marvel Captain Americas Shield 76262LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Collectors' Edition 76405Should You Buy Now or Wait for Black Friday?At this point, Black Friday is only a few weeks away and in most cases it's better to wait. However, pricier LEGO sets are an exception. Often times you'll see a specific set go on sale before Black Friday and then go out of stock quickly, never to be seen again. If LEGO Star Wars sets aren't your preferred theme, here are a list of other LEGO sets we hope to go on sale.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 5 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMReport: Sony in Talks to Buy Kadokawa, Owner of Elden Ring and Dark Souls Developer FromSoftwareSony is reportedly in talks to buy Kadokawa, whose subsidiary FromSoftware is behind smash hit Elden Ring, the Dark Souls and Armored Core games, and PlayStation exclusive Bloodborne.Reuters reports that Sony is looking to add to its entertainment portfolio. Kadokawas business extends into areas that fit into Sonys broader entertainment offering, which includes anime, manga, TV, and film. Kadokawa is a prolific publisher of anime, and Sony already owns anime streamers Crunchyroll and Funimation. As well as FromSoftware, Kadokawa owns Danganronpa developer Spike Chunsoft, Octopath Traveler developer Acquire, and RPG Maker and Pixel Game Maker developer Gotcha Gotcha Games.Talks between Sony and Kadokawa are reportedly ongoing. If the talks are successful, Reuters said, a deal could be signed in the coming weeks.Sony and Kadokawa declined to comment when asked by Reuters.Every IGN FromSoftware Game ReviewIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250Kadokawa is the majority owner of FromSoftware, with around 70% of the company. Sony already owns around 14% of FromSoftware, with Tencent owning around 16%. FromSoftware has yet to announce its next game to follow this years Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree.For Sony, its gaming business has already suffered significant layoffs this year and the closure of multiple studios, including Concord developer Firewalk. In February, it announced a round of layoffs affecting 900 staff, or about 8% of its global PlayStation workforce. The layoffs impacted a number of PlayStation studios, including Insomniac, Naughty Dog, Guerrilla, and Firesprite, but PlayStation's London studio was hit hardest with a notice of closure. Since then, Sony-owned Bungie has also suffered devastating cuts as Destiny 2 struggles to find commercial success.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.0 Comments 0 Shares 5 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMWalmarts Early Black Friday Deals Are Now LiveWalmart is rolling out its Black Friday deals in two waves this year. The online portion of the first wave is live now. The in-store portion of this first wave will begin November 15. While Walmart is advertising this as a major sale with discounts up to 70% off, I half expected warmed-over deals on off-brand items. I'm actually surprised by how good some of the deals are this far out from actual Black Friday. You can find some great prices on big-ticket brand-name items, like AirPods, Xbox Series X, and more. Heres whats on sale now at Walmart.Most Popular Walmart Early Black Friday DealsSamsung 34 Odyssey Gaming Monitor - $229 (was $550)CyberPowerPC Gamer Superme Desktop - $1199 (was $1570)Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) - $94 (was $165)Samsung 55" UHD 4K Smart TV - $298 (was $348)GTRacing 55 Large RGB Gaming Desk - $60 (was $200)If you want a TL;DR of the most popular deals in the sale so far, look no further. According to our records, these are the bestselling items on sale now.TV Deals55 SAMSUNG DU6900 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV75 TCL S4 (75S41BR) 4K UHD HDR LED Smart TV with Roku TV55" LG B3 4K UHD OLED Web OS Smart TV65" SAMSUNG Q60DB QLED 4K Smart TVSAMSUNG 65 Class DU6900 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV85 SAMSUNG DU7200B Crystal UHD 4K Smart TVAnyone in the market for a Black Friday TV deal can save $100+ off a a variety of models. The giant 75" TCL S4 is on sale for $378, while a more modestly priced 50" Hisense set is just $138. Youll likely find similar discounts on higher quality TVs closer to Black Friday, but if you need a TV now, these are decent deals.Walmart+ Early Black Friday DealWalmart+ 12-Month MembershipArguably the best deal in this first wave of Walmarts Black Friday sale is a hefty 50% price cut on a 12-month Walmart+ membership. The membership normally costs $98, but right now you can get it for $49. In addition to early access to both waves of Black Friday deals, a Walmart+ membership gets you quite a few other benefits. You get free shipping from the website with no minimum order amount, and free delivery on $35+ orders from stores (groceries and whatever else your local Walmart sells). It also includes a subscription to Paramount+, discounts at Burger King, savings on fuel at select stations, and more. This is a great deal that will likely pay for itself pretty soon if you shop at Walmart regularly.Tech DealsApple AirPods (3rd Generation)Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 42mmBeats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear HeadphonesApple AirTagSAMSUNG 34" Odyssey G55T WQHD 165Hz 1ms(MPRT) HDR Curved Gaming Monitor HP Victus 15.6 inch Gaming Laptop$499.00 at WalmartBeats Solo 3 wireless headphones are nearly half price. Thats a good deal, but its worth noting that theyre the 2019 model and you can get the newer Solo 4 headset on sale for $129.99 at Best Buy right now. Id be surprised if the 4s didnt drop even lower closer to Black Friday.Gaming DealsSAMSUNG 34" Odyssey G55T WQHD 165Hz 1ms(MPRT) HDR Curved Gaming Monitor PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless HeadsetMicrosoft Xbox Series X 1TBSony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller - Sterling SilverPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Switch)Black Friday typically has a massive deluge of gaming deals. That's not the case yet in this early sale, but you can still score some decent deals on games for Xbox or PS5. Nintendo already released the Switch Black Friday bundles, and we expect Walmart will be a great place to find discounted Switch games. If you're a PC gamer, that Samsung Odyssey monitor is also a killer deal.LEGO DealsLEGO Marvel Spider-Man Advent Calendar 2024LEGO Disney Advent Calendar 2024LEGO Friends Advent Calendar 2024LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill ZoneLEGO Icons Atari 2600LEGO Minecraft The Sword OutpostLEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide Race Car We've all noticed LEGO sets getting more expensive, though apparently that's due to "more pieces" and "complicated builds." Either way, Black Friday is always a great time to find LEGO sets on sale, and Walmart is not disappointing in that department. Some of our favorite Marvel and Disney-themed sets are included in the discounts.Other DealsGTRACING Gaming Chair Office ChairGourmia 8-Quart Digital Window Air Fryer$35.00 at WalmartKeurig K-Express Essentials Matte Black Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee MakerNestl Bed Sheet Sets, 1800 Series Deep Pocket 4 Piece Bedding (Queen)Anchor Hocking 30 Piece Glass Food Storage Containers & Glass Baking Dishes Set$20.00 at WalmartIntex 10" Queen Standard Dura-Beam Airbed Mattress with Built in Pump$20.00 at WalmartIf air fryers are your thing, its hard to beat this Gourmia model on sale for $35. It doesnt have an MSRP or model number listed, which makes me think its one of those only available during Black Friday items, which means you cant find reviews for it. Youll have to take a flyer on this fryer you want to pick it up.The rest of the sale is still great to browse if you want to get a head start on your holiday shopping. The deals might not always be from brands you recognize, but they might be. That said, if you want bigger discounts on more popular items, youll probably want to wait for the second wave of the sale.When Is the Second Wave of Walmarts Black Friday 2024 Sale?The next wave of Walmarts Black Friday 2024 sale will begin on Monday, November 25. Like the first wave, it will be available early for Walmart+ members (starting at noon ET). Non-members will be able to start shopping the sale at 5pm ET that same day. And if you want to shop in-store for this wave, youll have to wait for Black Friday itself, which lands on November 29 this year. Maybe then we'll see even bigger deals on items like PS5 consoles and more.After that, a final wave of deals will kick off online on December 1. Thats Walmarts Cyber Monday 2024 sale. In years past, this sale has offered very similar deals to the Black Friday sale. And its online only, so theres no in-store component to the Cyber Monday sale.Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Bluesky and Threads.0 Comments 0 Shares 4 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMStreet Trash ReviewStreet Trash is available on digitial beginning Tuesday, November 19.It's admirable how much thought and energy Fried Barry director Ryan Kruger put into smartening up one of the more notorious examples of splatter cinema for his sophomore feature. But in updating the melting skid-row residents and rainbow-colored gloop of 1987s Street Trash, hes miscalibrated his tone. This kinder, sillier, gentler "spiritual sequel" is heavy with story, characters, and meaning all things that generally impede the cheap thrill of watching fleshy things go pop. It lures us in with the lurid reputation of the original (its opening sequence sets the yuck bar high) and then sits us down for a well-meaning cartoon broadside about social strife.To underscore his points, Kruger moves Street Trash from Reagan-era New York City to his adopted hometown of Cape Town, South Africa as it might exist in the year 2050. Why he takes this leap to the future escapes me; surely, the racial and economic divides of the country are potent enough to set the story in the present day, when governments and societies blatantly dehumanize unhoused people through hostile architecture and other comically evil practices. For a splatter comedy that takes the added measure to be about something, Kruger leaves a lot of low-hanging fruit on the vine. Instead, he dwells on two prominent concerns: a simplistic take on militarized policing (essentially a rehash of Mitchell and Webb's "Are we the baddies?" sketch) and African lithium mining (one of the continents most conspicuous economic and political footballs). But it's difficult to appreciate the finer points of Kruger's message because dick jokes and bucketloads of arterial spray usually precede them.The new Street Trash centers around Ronald, a graying thief and heavy drug user who dwells among a small community on the streets of Cape Town. His associates include Chef, a Kubrickian nebbish with a knack for perverting fairy tales, and 2-Bit, who wanders around muttering at a scene-stealing sex-positive puppet that only he can see. When Ronald isn't scoring from his sophisticated drug pusher, he develops a burgeoning father/daughter relationship with young Alex, who loads the film with a tragic backstory full of persuasive waterworks. As Alex, Donna Cormack-Thomson injects Street Trashs gleeful filth with a sense of humanity and heart, which makes you wonder what her character is even doing in a schlockfest like this in the first place.Ronald and Alex's story takes a turn when they unearth a conspiracy led by Cape Town's unscrupulous mayor to wipe out the city's unhoused population with a gas codenamed V, which like the corrosive toxin disguised as cheap booze in the first Street Trash turns people into abstract heaps of candy-colored tubes and limbs. A whacked-out revolution follows, with Ronald and his found family leading the charge. As it happens, little of this anti-capitalist carnage sticks to the ribs as much as some of the heinous stuff director J. Michael Muro put into the original. Kruger's approach is too self-aware and too sweet.Street Trash (2024) GalleryIts still capable of a few gnarly thrills, though the repetitiveness of the flesh-melting sequences tested even my high tolerance for practical-effects gore. They're technically impressive people rip off their faces in anguish as gigantic pustules explode in a rain of pastel gunk and hardly boring, but theyre all working from the same oozing, bubbling template. By the fourth time someone explodes after taking in a snootful of V, you might respond by checking your watch.Muros Street Trash is an unfiltered complaint about city crime that ignores its root causes, presented without an iota of modern-day caution think Death Wish by way of Troma. That's why the film endures: It allows viewers to wallow in the muck of depravity and also leaves us with the responsibility of feeling bad about it. It's vicious and uncomplicated. So it makes sense how Kruger went about rehashing the movie, power-washing all its cruelty, sexual assault, and other various forms of unironic sleaze to issue an unambiguous condemnation of the ever-widening class divide that plagues all wealthy nations. Predictably but understandably, Kruger counters Muro's heartlessness with kindness, his message unmissable: Melt the rich.By the fourth time someone explodes after taking in a snootful of V, you might respond by checking your watch.But the film is too calibrated and polished to match the ugly, visceral experience Kruger wants to capture. Even his compositions more expansive and less claustrophobic than Muros make things feel less grimy. Kruger's softer approach to the material deflates his desire to make a new subversive entry in the splatter genre, its earnest humanity taking the guilt out of a guilty pleasure. It throws in two Wilhelm screams within a minute of each other, features a profane garbage puppet, and nails the details of Muro's gore effects right down to its viscosity and hue clearly, Kruger is here to have messy fun. But he's missing the crucial element that makes underground splatter movies so unforgettable: a willingness to forego sense for the simplicity of slaughter.0 Comments 0 Shares 4 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMSilent Hill 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Among Several Games With PS5 Pro IssuesSony's $700 PlayStation 5 Pro gives games such as God of War: Ragnarok and Baldur's Gate 3 a big performance boost but it's also enduring teething problems, with players reporting issues in the likes of Silent Hill 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.The recently released remake of beloved survival horror game Silent Hill 2 perhaps has the most complaints, with Eurogamer having spotted a number of fans flagging that both developer Bloober Team and publisher Konami have yet to comment on graphical issues headlined by a shimmering or flickering effect."I immediately knew something was off without even seeing gameplay previously or even playing the game before this," said Unlocky-Soil-2456 on Reddit. "Thats how bad this is. I cant even bring myself to play it in this state because its so distracting."Every Game Enhanced for PS5 Pro So FarIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250Several other games are affected by this similar shimmering issue too. "I love my PS5 Pro for the most part, most games look wonderful, but there seems to be an issue with some games," said Chaystic on ResetEra. "There's this weird shimmering, aliasing, whatever you wanna call it. One big example is Black Ops 6, I thought my Pro was faulty or something, but it turns out I'm not the only one who noticed it. I've seen several social media posts who reported the same."Fellow PS5 Pro owners in the comments pointed it out in Spider-Man 2, Stellar Blade, and Alan Wake 2 as well, while Digital Foundry discovered what it called "severe image quality problems" in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. "There are severe image quality concerns when elements like foliage interact with ray tracing," it said. "The end result is a strobing image quality downgrade that makes this Pro patch difficult to recommend."The PS5 Pro arrived November 7 as Sony's now standard mid-generation upgrade. More than 50 games received PS5 Pro specific patches upon its launch but, as this list includes Alan Wake 2 and Black Ops 6 among others receiving complaints, it's worth proceeding with caution.In our 7/10 review of the PS5 Pro, IGN said: "The PlayStation 5 Pro is an impressive console with noticeable boosts in performance and graphics for games that take advantage of its powerful hardware. But for $700, youll need to think twice about whether or not the upgrade is worth the price tag."Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.0 Comments 0 Shares 8 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMU.S. Senator Writes to Valve Boss Gabe Newell Demanding Crackdown on 'Hateful Accounts and Rhetoric' on SteamA U.S. senator has written an open letter to Valve boss Gabe Newell asking for more stringent moderation of Steam.Mark Warner, the United States senator from Virginia, demanded Valve crack down on what he called hateful accounts and rhetoric proliferating on Steam. IGN has asked Valve for comment.Warner alleged that Steam is home to tens of thousands of groups that share and amplify antisemitic, Nazi, sexuality or gender-based hate, and white supremacist content, and called on Valve to bring its content moderation standards in line with industry standards and crack down on the rampant proliferation of hate-based content.Valve boss Gabe Newell. Photo by Olly Curtis/Future Publishing via Getty Images.Warners letter follows a report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) that identified over one million unique user accounts and nearly 100,000 user-created groups that glorified antisemitic, Nazi, white supremacist, gender and sexuality-based hatred, and other extremist ideologies on Valves Steam platform.The ADL found Steam hosts almost 900,000 users with extremist or antisemitic profile pictures, 40,000 groups with names that included hateful words, and rampant use of text-based images, particularly of swastikas, resulting in over one million unique hate-images.My concern is elevated by the fact that Steam is the largest single online gaming digital distribution and social networking platform in the world with over 100 million unique user accounts and a userbase similar in scale to that of the traditional social media and social network platforms, Warner said.Steam is financially successful, with a dominant position in its sector, and makes Valve billions of dollars in annual revenue. Until now, Steam has largely not received its due attention as a de facto major social network where its users engage in many of the same activities expected of a social media platform.We have seen on other social networking platforms that lax enforcement of the letter of user conduct agreements, when coupled with a seeming reluctance by those companies to embrace the spirit (namely providing users with a safe, welcoming place to socialize) of those same agreements, leads to toxic social environments that elevate harassment and abuse. You should want your users (and prospective users) to not have to wonder if they or their children will be harassed, intimidated, ridiculed or otherwise face abuse.This isnt the first time Warner has taken on video game tech companies over their alleged failings. He also pressed Discord to take action against hosting violent predatory groups that coerce minors into self-harm and suicide. Indeed, Warner said Valve was warned about this very problem two years ago when it received a Senate letter identifying nearly identical activity on your platform, and yet two years later it appears that Valve has chosen to continue a hands off-type approach to content moderation that favors allowing some users to engage in sustained bouts of disturbing and violent rhetoric rather than ensure that all of its users can find a welcoming and safe environment across your platform.Warners letter asks Valve to answer a series of questions on Steam no later than December 13, 2024. The questions directly ask about Valves current practices used to enforce its terms of service, its definition of terms, and the number of allegations it received about potential conduct violations and the findings of each complaint.It remains to be seen whether Valve responds to Warners letter, which is the third sent by Congress to the company in the last three years. Warners letter threatens Valve with more intense scrutiny from the federal government if it fails to take meaningful action against hate content, but as The Verge points out, First Amendment protections prevent the government from punishing companies for hosting legal albeit hateful speech.Photo by Olly Curtis/Future Publishing via Getty Images,Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.0 Comments 0 Shares 8 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMDune: Prophecy Series Premiere Review The Hidden HandThe following review contains spoilers for the first episode of Dune Prophecy, The Hidden Hand.The tasks assigned to The Hidden Hand seem insurmountable. The premiere of Dune: Prophecy is asked to set up an enormous cast of characters and the relationships between and the conflicts amongst those characters, all the while introducing audiences to an era of the Dune universe never before depicted on screen one that is, in many specific ways, very different from the interplanetary Imperium of Denis Villeneuves Dune and Dune: Part II . And speaking of Villeneuve, The Hidden Hand also has to recreate the vibes of his Dune movies on a much smaller budget. So, honestly, its pretty remarkable how much the episode is able to accomplish in its hour-and-change runtime, while also disappointing that it isnt a complete success.The Hidden Hand is much better at adding to the lore of the Dune universe than it is at telling a story. Im not a big fan of voiceover, but hearing the tale of the Butlerian Jihad and the role the Atreides and Harkonnens played in it is just the right kind of lore dump that will get fans of the Dune universe looking to dive deeper sitting up in their seats (though Im still salty they called it the wars against the thinking machines). Its interesting to see the universe so recently unshackled from the binds of the thinking machines, with people so easily slipping back into trusting them. But when the premiere delves into the nitty gritty of the Emperors political woes with House Richese, it never piques any interest. Its a storyline that feels more in line with the Star Wars prequels and their Trade Federations than the sprawling sci-fi epic weve come to love, and stalls the momentum of the episode.Thats not to say that every element of its present-day thread drags, though. Theres a lot to chew on with the Sisterhood and the war within itself over how to proceed into the future, and the omen of Tiran-Arafael and the reckoning that Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) represents. Getting Emily Watson and Olivia Williams for the roles of Valya and Tula Harkonnen doesnt hurt things either, as they consistently elevate the sometimes dry writing. Jessica Barden and Emma Canning arent often able to do the same, coming off as stiff and awkward as the younger Valya and Tula, but it seems more a symptom of the clunky dialogue. There are enough carrots on the stick between Tiran-Arafael, the backstories of the Harkonnen sisters, and the lineage of Sister Lila to keep The Hidden Hand from being bogged down in the mundane. But it certainly feels uneven.There is an imbalance in the premieres presentation as well. With the budget of a premium-cable series and not a major-studio blockbuster, Dune: Prophecy tries its best to fit the molds set by Dune and Dune: Part II, but more often that not it feels like imitation. The Hidden Hand has its ups and downs, with its CGI often cracking under the pressure of comparison to its big-screen counterparts, while costumes and sets feel like, well, costumes and sets, rather than helping to build a cohesive, convincing, and immersive fictional worlds. Every once in a while theres a moment of greatness Kashas nightmare sequence and the horrifying burning of the young Master Richese come to mind but the premiere never fully succeeds at blending itself into the universe of Dune.Dune: Prophecy Series Premiere Gallery0 Comments 0 Shares 8 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMKevin Smith Reveals Hes Working on Dogma 2, Wants Ben Affleck and Matt Damon to ReturnDirector Kevin Smith has confirmed that hes currently working on a sequel to his 1999 film Dogma, and he expects Ben Affleck and Matt Damon would return for the project. Smith made the announcement at Vulture Festival, which was subsequently reported by Vulture. Some people will be like, Dont f--king touch it. Youll ruin it. And Im here to tell you: I will, said Smith, revealing that hes f--king tickled and that he had found a way in for the film, which will apparently be more of a companion piece than a conventional sequel.Fans should be able to bank on seeing the stars of the 1999 original, Affleck and Damon, in this upcoming new installment, with Smith joking the pair still owes him for his help behind the scenes on Good Will Hunting. I have been able to hold that over both their heads for 25 f--king years, which is why they keep showing up in all the movies. Expect a cameo from them more than a f--king cameo. The only way we get a Dogma sequel made is if theyre there. So count on those guys being there.Dogma, which also starred Alan Rickman, George Carlin, Chris Rock, Salma Hayek, Linda Fiorentino, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes, and Alanis Morrisette, is a dark comedy about two banished angels seeking to exploit a church loophole that will get them back into Heaven. It was the subject of moderate controversy at the time from some religious groups, but the good-natured satire was otherwise a critical and commercial success.However, up until recently, Dogma has been the subject of a complicated rights issue, which is why its never been available on any streaming service and is out-of-print on physical media. The rights to Dogma were previously personally owned by convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein and his now-estranged brother, Bob. Theatrical and home video distribution had then been licensed to Lionsgate and Columbia TriStar/Sony respectively, but those deals predated streaming and had long since expired. However, Dogmas rights were finally sold off this year to an unnamed company, freeing up Smith to work on the movie again without sharing any subsequent profits with Harvey Weinstein. Smiths plans for the original include another long-awaited home release, a 25th anniversary-adjacent return to cinemas, and a tour.For what it's worth, Matt Damon has actually reprised his role as the angel Loki once already in a small cameo within 2019's Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (which was a sequel to 2001's Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back). Smith's latest film, The 4:30 Movie, was released in September this year.PlayLuke is a Senior Editor on the IGN reviews team. You can chat to him on Twitter @MrLukeReilly.0 Comments 0 Shares 9 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMDaily Deals: Keychron Mechanical Keyboards, Samsung S90C 4K OLED TV, Balatro Special Edition, and MoreThe weekend is officially here, and we've rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for Sunday, November 10, below:65" Samsung S90C 4K OLED Smart TV for $999.9965" Samsung S90C 4K OLED Smart TVThe Samsung S90C is a 2023 model (superseded by the S90D for 2024) and was considered one of the best OLED TVs on the market last year, superior to even the LG C3. The S90C uses Samsung's proprietary quantum dot (QD) OLED panel. QD OLED panels are brighter than traditional OLED panels without losing the color accuracy, range, and wide-viewing angles that OLEDs are known for. Compared to a traditional LED LCD TV, an OLED TV offers superior image quality, near-infinite blacks, near-infinite contrast ratio, and near-instantaneous response times.Save Up to 60% Off Keychron Mechanical KeyboardsUp to 60% off Keychron Mechanical KeyboardsUse code 'KEYCHRONFIVE' for an extra $5 off. See it at WootWoot has quite a few different Keychron Mechanical Keyboard models on sale this weekend, which are perfect if you're looking for a new keyboard. You can even save an extra $5 off the models on sale by using the code KEYCHRONFIVE! Be sure to get your order in while you can, as this coupon will end on Tuesday, November 19. Mario & Luigi: Brothership for $49.99Mario & Luigi: BrothershipMario & Luigi: Brothership is the first Mario & Luigi title on Nintendo Switch, acting as the first new entry in the series in over nine years. Developed by Acquire, this is the first 3D entry in the series, with plenty of new mechanics to discover. Join Mario and Luigi on this adventure to reconnect the world of Concordia and set sail to many islands on Shipshape Island!Save on ROG Ally at Best Buy$449.99 for My Best Buy Plus MembersAsus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme 512GB Gaming HandheldThis weekend at Best Buy, you can save on the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme model, where it's priced at $499.99. This handheld device is perfect for exploring your Steam library on the go, with PC Game Pass support also easily accessible. If you're a My Best Buy Plus member, you can save an additional $50 off this deal, scoring the ROG Ally for $449.99. Lies of P for $39.99Lies of P - PlayStation 5Amazon has Lies of P discounted to $39.99 this weekend, making now a perfect time to pick up on of 2023's most popular games. In our 8/10 review, we said "Lies of P might not branch out particularly far from its soulslike inspiration, but like a marionette controlled by a skilled puppet master, it plays the part extremely well in a wonderfully dark fantasy world."Metroid Dread for $39.99Metroid Dread - Nintendo SwitchMetroid Dread was the grand return of 2D Metroid on Nintendo Switch, with developer MercurySteam teaming up with Nintendo EPD to craft the long-awaited next chapter in Samus Aran's story. Challenging puzzles, fun boss fights, and wide exploration combine to create one of the best games on Nintendo Switch. Don't miss your chance to pick it up at a discount this weekend. AMD Ryzen CPU SaleAMD Ryzen CPU SaleSee it at AmazonCPUs can be quite expensive, especially if you're looking to build with the latest on the market. Amazon has a select group of Ryzen 5, 7, and 9 processors on sale this weekend, with up to 60% off. Both 5000 and 7000 series models are available, so now is a great time to score a CPU upgrade.Save on This M2 MacBook AirApple - MacBook Air 13-inch Apple M2 - 16GB Memory - 256GB SSDAs part of Best Buy's early Black Friday sales, you can save $250 off this M2 MacBook Air. With 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, this is a very solid option for those looking to either upgrade their current Mac or enter the ecosystem for the first time. This model includes features like TouchID for login, a display capable of up to 500 nits of brightness, and Apple Intelligence support.Persona 5 Royal (PC) for $19.99Persona 5 Royal: Standard Edition (PC)Persona 5 Royal is by far one of the most beloved games of the last ten years. With a vibrant cast of characters and impressive narrative, there are well over 100 hours of gameplay here to discover. The turn-based combat system the Persona series is known for feels better than ever, with new mechanics to customize your gameplay the way you like it. Balatro Special Edition On SaleBalatro Special EditionAmazon has Balatro Special Edition for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S on sale for just $19.99 this weekend. As one of the biggest games of the year, there's never been a better time to jump in and experience this deck-building roguelike.Outer Wilds: Archeologist Edition for $19.99Outer Wilds: Archeologist Edition - PlayStation 5If you've never wandered the solar system of Outer Wilds, an experience like no other awaits. As a new recruit of Outer Wilds Ventures, you will seek the answers that await within these hand-crafted planets and moons. This package includes both Outer Wilds and Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye, the game's expansion.0 Comments 0 Shares 8 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMAU Deals: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Gamers in 2024Can you believe it? The 2024 holiday season is now upon us, and that means it's time to start your annual gift shopping for your friends and family members. If you're looking for the best gift ideas for any breed of gamer in your life, look no further. I've scoured those stores for the most popular gifts this season.Better yet, weve not just focused on the veterans. Collected below are some entry point purchases for anybody looking to get into this amazing hobby for the first time. Or, alternatively, anybody looking to make a platform switch to broaden their gaming horizons.Table of ContentsCurrent Game DealsGreat Console DealsMulti-platformGaming Inspired LEGOCurrent Gaming DealsNeed a cheap game or the best price on the hottest new title? We've got you covered for all of the major gaming platforms.Switch Game GiftsFC 25EA Sports FC 25 delivers a few bright spots, like the fun and refreshing Rush mode, but stagnating gameplay and incremental improvements leave it feeling like EA continues to play it too safe. Worth it at this price, though.What's hotOld gold stocking fillersOr gift a Nintendo eShop Card.Xbox Game GiftsStalker 2Two hours wasn't enough time for me to see all the branching stories, admire all the beautiful graphics, and discover all the secrets within the world of STALKER 2. But it is enough to be left impressed.What's hotStarfield (-67%) - A$39.70Starfield Constellation Ed. (-60%) - A$198Dragon Age: The Veilguard (-32%) - A$75Assassin's Creed Mirage (-65%) - A$28.89CoD: BLOPS 6 (-20%) - A$88Old gold stocking fillersOr just invest in an Xbox Card.PlayStation Game GiftsSpace Marine 2Space Marine 2 is a terrific third-person shooter with a compelling story, loads of weapons that are a blast to use, and a healthy variety of enemies to use them on. 8/10, great.What's hotOlder gold stocking fillersGTA Trilogy [Updated](-59%) - A$40.95GTA V (-53%) - A$28FF XVI (-25%) - A$64Marvels Spider-Man 2 (-21%) - A$99Avatar: Frontiers (-60%) - A$47Hogwarts Legacy (-55%) - A$49Prince Of Persia: TLC (-53%) - A$28Sonic Origins Plus (-40%) - A$36GT7 [PS4](-27%) - A$79.95Or purchase a PS Store Card.Back to topGreat Console DealsNewcomers to gaming ought to know about its constant platform vs. platform war. Obviously, you should be such tribalism. Pick a few different consoles. Enjoy 'em all.Switch Console PricesHow much to Switch it up?Switch Zelda: $629 $539 | Switch Original: $499 $429 | Switch OLED Black: $539 $459 | Switch OLED White: $539 $469 | Switch Lite: $329 $299 | Switch Lite Hyrule: $339 $309See itSwitch litter pick: Personally, I'd go with the Switch OLED Neon. Unlike the cheapest option (the Switch Lite) the OLED connects to your TV and the gaming experience looks so much better than the original Switch console.PC Hardware PricesSlay your pile of shame.Official launch in NovSteam Deck 256GB LCD: $649 | Steam Deck 512GB OLED: $899 | Steam Deck 1TB OLED: $1,049See it at SteamSteam Deck litter pick: Honestly, it depends on your preferences. Get an older LCD Deck with more storage (an imperative when some AAAs weigh in over 150GB+) or a sexier-looking OLED Deck with smaller space.Xbox Console PricesHow many bucks for a 'Box?Series S Black: $549 $513 | Series S White:$499 $449 | Series X: $799 $729 | Series S Starter: N/ASee itXbox litter pick: Once again, it's a question of what you value. The Xbox Series X is a beast with generous storage. It's less beefy and cheaper variant, the Series S, can still be paired with a Game Pass subscription for a ton of (less than cutting edge) entertainment. What you'll pay to 'Station.PS5 Pro $1,199 | PS5 Slim Disc:$799 $759 | PS5 Slim Digital:$679 | PS VR2: $879 | PS VR2 + Horizon: $959 | PS Portal: $329See itPS5 litter pick: Yes, the PS5 Pro is the big, high end of 4K-to-8K-delivering beast right now. That said, I find better value in the PS5 Slim. Even more so if you get the disc version that keeps your options open to cheaper "bargain bin" physical games.Back to topGaming Inspired LEGOOutfit your gaming cave (or somebody else's) with these plastic fantastic conversation pieces...built from several hundred pieces.Game DioramasGreat Deku Tree 2-in-1 #770922025 pieces. Two configurations. 4 minifigs (BotW link, BotW Zelda, OOT adult Link, and OOT child Link). Oh, plus Navi, a Skulltula, and a bunch of Koroks to hide around.A$449.95 at LEGOSuper Mario WorldTurn the handle to make the pixelated Yoshi figure run with Mario on his back!Hardware ReplicationsLEGO Super Mario NES SystemA$379.00 at AmazonOld! Atari 2600 #10306Come September 1st, create all the details of this replica console, game cartridges and joystick. Gaming fans will love the 3 mini builds depicting themes from 3 popular games. Theres even a hidden 1980s scene to build for total nostalgia trip.A$383.00 at AmazonActual PlaysetsLEGO Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill Zone LEGO SetA$121.00 at AmazonMinecraft: Ender DragonBuild an IRL monument to your victory over one big old pain in the butt end boss.Sonic: Amys Island40 bucks off a 6-character set? Thats worth every ring.Back to top Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays at ludicrous difficulties on YouTube.0 Comments 0 Shares 7 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMEarly Black Friday Gaming Laptop UK Deals: Save on ASUS, Razer and moreBlack Friday is the gamers equivalent of a critical hit: a rare moment when you can snag high-performance gaming gear without feeling like youve been looted. If your laptop lags behind or struggles to keep up with the latest titles, nows the perfect time to upgrade. This years Black Friday gaming laptop deals bring the heat with discounted rigs from ASUS, Razer, MSI, and Acer. From budget-friendly options to souped-up powerhouses that can double as a personal space heater (thanks, RTX 4080), theres something here to suit every players needs and wallet. Lets dive into the best deals you can score today.Early Black Friday Gaming Laptop UK DealsASUS TUF Gaming FX707VI 17.3" Full HD 144Hz Gaming LaptopRazer Blade 16 (2024) - 16 inch Gaming Laptop - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070MSI Notebook Thin 15 Inch Gaming laptopAcer Predator Helios 16 PH16-72 Gaming Laptop ASUS Tuf F15 FX507ZI4 15.6" Full HD 144z Gaming LaptopASUS TUF Gaming FX707VI 17.3" Full HD 144Hz Gaming LaptopASUS TUF Gaming FX707VI 17.3" Full HD 144Hz Gaming LaptopGamers need a laptop that can take a beating literally. The ASUS TUF FX707VI isn't just powerful; it's battle-tested. Built to withstand drops, vibrations, and the occasional coffee spill (we've all been there), it pairs a durable design with beastly specs. Toss in the RTX 4070 graphics, and you've got a rig ready for any game you throw at it without throwing your wallet into despair.Razer Blade 16 (2024) - 16 inch Gaming Laptop - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070Razer Blade 16 (2024) - 16 inch Gaming Laptop - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070The Razer Blade 16 is like the sports car of gaming laptops: sleek, powerful, and destined to make your friends jealous. With a buttery-smooth 240Hz OLED display, it's ready to tackle everything from FPS marathons to creative projects. Plus, it's as cool as it looks, thanks to a vapor chamber cooling system that keeps overheating at bay. MSI Notebook Thin 15 Inch Gaming laptopMSI Notebook Thin 15 Inch Gaming laptopIf "gaming on a budget" is your battle cry, the MSI Thin 15 is your trusty sidekick. This lightweight laptop packs serious firepower with its RTX 4050 GPU, offering great performance for casual gamers and esports fans. At just 749, it's proof you don't have to drain your savings to crush your opponents.Acer Predator Helios 16 PH16-72 Gaming LaptopAcer Predator Helios 16 PH16-72 Gaming LaptopTrue to its name, the Predator Helios 16 is a beast in the gaming world. With a jaw-dropping 250Hz MiniLED display, this laptop is built for gamers who demand both speed and visuals that pop like a neon light show. Its advanced cooling system keeps things chill while you climb leaderboards or explore open worlds in stunning detail. ASUS Tuf F15 FX507ZI4 15.6" Full HD 144z Gaming Laptop ASUS Tuf F15 FX507ZI4 15.6" Full HD 144z Gaming LaptopThink of the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 as the reliable workhorse of gaming laptops. It's sturdy, powerful, and has features to make your gaming sessions smooth and stress-free. This laptop handles ranked matches and casually exploring a fantasy realm without breaking a sweat (or your budget).0 Comments 0 Shares 8 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMThe Best Early Black Friday Gaming Laptop Deals So Far (2024 Edition)Upgrading your gaming laptop can be an expensive proposition. With a gaming PC, you have save money by going the DIY route or you can just upgrade specific components instead of replacing the entire desktop. Also, since the monitor is not a part of the system, you can keep using it for future builds. You can't afford such luxuries with a laptop. You'd essentially have to buy an entirely new system every time. Fortunately, laptop prices have dropped tremendously over the years, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't save even more.Fortunately, Black Friday is fast approaching and there is no better time to invest in a gaming laptop. We are still a few weeks out from November 29, but some retailers like Best Buy and Dell have already released their first set of early Black Friday, including some great deals on gaming laptops. As more stores reveal their Black Friday plans and hopefully push out their deals in advance, we'll be sure to update this article.Best Buy Gaming Laptop DealsStarting on November 8, Best Buy has been releasing a set number of early Black Friday deals every Friday leading up to Black Friday. This week's refresh includes several gaming laptop models ranging from budget to best. The Acer Nitro V 15" laptop boasts an RTX 4050 GPU for a budget price of $699.99. On the other end of the spectrum, the Acer Predator Helios with a massive 18" display, powerful i9-14900HX CPU, and best-in-class RTX 4090 GPU, is available for $2,399.99. That's the best price we've seen so far for an RTX 4090 gaming laptop for Black Friday.Acer Nitro V 15" AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS RTX 4050 Gaming LaptopAcer Predator Helios 18 QHD+ Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4090 Gaming LaptopASUS ROG Strix 18" QHD Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4080 Gaming LaptopHP OMEN 16" Intel Core i7-13620H RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopHP OMEN Transcend 14" 3K OLED Intel Core Ultra 9-185H RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAcer Predator Helios Neo 16 Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopASUS TUF 15" Intel Core i7-13620H RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 16" Intel Core i7-13620H RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 16" QHD+ OLED Intel Core Ultra 9 185H RTX 4090 Gaming LaptopMSI Crosshair 16" Intel Core i7-14650HX RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAlienware Gaming Laptop DealsThe Alienware Early Black Friday Sale is already live and active, and there are plenty of discounts on both the m-series and x-series gaming laptops. The m-series is Alienware's best selling gaming laptop. However, the Alienware x-series is a more recent model that boasts a slimmer and lighter redesign. It's the thinnest Alienware laptop ever and compares in build quality and performance to other high-end ultra-thin laptops like the Razer Blade. Alienware deals generally update every Thursday at 8am CST so expect more deals to trickle in ahead of Black Friday.Alienware m16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 7 RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopAlienware m16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 9 RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAlienware m18 R2 18" i7 RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAlienware m18 R2 18" i9 RTX 4090 Gaming LaptopAlienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 7 RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopAlienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 7 RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAlienware x16 R2 16" Intel Core Ultra 9 RTX 4080 Gaming LaptopDell G15 15" AMD Ryzen 7 RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopDell G16 16" i9 RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAlienware x14 R2 14" i7 RTX 4050 Gaming LaptopLenovo Legion Slim 16" RTX 4070 Laptop for $1121.99Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 9 16" 2560x1600 (QHD+) AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS RTX 4070 Gaming Laptop with 16GB RAM, 1TB SSDLenovo does have one very good laptop deal worth mentioning. You can get a Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 9 16" Ryzen Edition RTX 4070 gaming laptop for only $1121.99 shipped. The Legion Slim model is thinner than your typical gaming laptop, and yet is still equipped with a GPU that has the same high-wattage TGP as the full-sized Legion Pro. It weighs in at only 4.63 pounds and measures 0.78" at its thinnest point. RTX 4070 mobile GPU performs on par with the RTX 3080 and you'll want this kind of power to run games comfortably on the laptop's beefed up 2560x1600 QHD+ display.Not All Laptop GPUs Are the SameThere are two important tidbits that deserve mention concerning graphics cards found in laptops. First, mobile GPU variants are not as powerful as their desktop counterparts. For example, a mobile RTX 4060 doesn't perform as well as a desktop RTX 4060. The mobile versions are generally about one to two tiers lower in performance. Using the same example, the mobile RTX 4060 performs more similarly to a desktop RTX 4050.Second, not all laptops feature the same performance out of the same GPU. Two laptops equipped with the same RTX 4060 GPU, for example, might perform very different in gaming. In order to roughly tell how good a GPU will be, you can look at the TGP rating. That's basically the amount of power supplied to the GPU. A higher TGP rating means more power will be delivered, equating to stronger performance, however the wattage consumption and heat generated will be higher. Here are the maximum TGP rates for the RTX 40 series graphics cards:Mobile RTX 4050: 115WMobile RTX 4060: 115WMobile RTX 4070: 115WMobile RTX 4080: 150WMobile RTX 4090: 150WShould You Buy Now or Wait for Black Friday?At this point, Black Friday is only a few weeks away and in most cases it's better to wait. There are some deals here that are probably as low as they will go, even on Black Friday. However, it's very likely that the same deals you see now will also be available on November 29, even if they go out of stock.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 8 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMThe New AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Is the Best Gaming CPU, and It's Finally Back in Stock at AmazonIf you're in the process of building out a new gaming PC and you're looking for the best gaming processor, this is it. Right now, the recently released AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 desktop processor is back in stock at Amazon at its retail price of $479 shipped. This is the official launch price with zero markup, and it's not bundled with anything you don't want or need.The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the best gaming processor currently on the market and a much better option than the new Intel Core Ultra 9 285K. If you're waiting for a discount on this processor for Black Friday, though, don't hold your breath. It's very unlikely the price will drop before the end of the year.Back in Stock: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Desktop ProcessorNew ReleaseAMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D AM5 Desktop Processor$479.00 at AmazonIn our AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D review, Jackie Thomas wrote that "The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is extremely powerful in games, which makes it easier to recommend than other recent processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or Ryzen 9 9900X. Especially if youre building a rig with a powerful graphics card, the 9800X3D is going to be the best way to get the most performance out of whichever GPU you pair it with. AMD's X3D series processors are optimized for gaming. In that respect, they bench better than even the most expensive of AMD's standard lineup of CPUs thanks to AMD's 3D V-Cache technology. Although perfectly capable of handing multitasking, rendering, and creation, the limited number of cores means they aren't the ideal processors for those tasks. At its retail price of $479, the 9800X3D $110 cheaper than the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K ($589) and $170 cheaper than the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, even though it outperforms both of them in gaming. Unless you're a staunch Intel fan, or you're still on AM4 and don't want to upgrade all of your components, the 9800X3D is the obvious choice for your next gaming rig.Black Friday Deal: RTX 4070 for $499PNY GeForce RTX 4070 GPUIf you're looking for a good graphics card that pairs well with the 9800X3D, there's one that happens to be on sale for Black Friday. As part of its Black Friday Sale, Walmart has the PNY GeForce RTX 4070 video card for just $499, making it the least expensive RTX 4070 we've seen. The 4070 is an excellent card for gaming at up to 1440p at high framerates, although it's certainly good enough to run many games in 4K as well. In our GeForce RTX 4070 Founder's Edition review, Jacqueline Thomas wrote that "The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 is the first RTX 40-series graphics card that actually delivers solid value for most people. It doesnt blow away the competition, but at this price it doesnt really need to."When Is Black Friday 2024?The actual date of Black Friday in 2024 falls on November 29, but the holiday deals season starts a lot earlier than that. Plenty of retailers have already been dropping deals online. (This usually starts in the last week of October, just before Halloween.) More and more deals will roll out leading up to the event, which culminates in massive discounts on Black Friday. Retailers will not reveal their biggest Bdeals until the big day, but many deals will be available well in advance.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 9 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMThe Complete Calvin and Hobbes Box Set Drops to Just $83 Ahead of Black FridayBlack Friday is still a few weeks away, but Amazon just couldn't wait to drop this deal early. Right now, you can pick up The Complete Calvin and Hobbes Hardcover Box Set for only $83.33 shipped after you clip a $41.66 off coupon on the product page. This is the lowest price of the year and easily beats out the deal we saw during Amazon Prime Day (it was on sale for $100 back then). This box set would make for a wonderful gift idea for both adults and kids alike.The Complete Calvin and Hobbes Hardcover Box SetThe Complete Calvin and Hobbes Hardcover Box SetClip the $41.66 off coupon on the product pageThis set consists of three full-color hardcover volumes (1,440 total pages) contained in a sturdy slipcase. The collection includes every Calvin and Hobbes cartoon that ever appeared in syndication, from its initial publication in 1985 to Bill Watterson's retirement in 1995. This is as much an incredible gift to the millennial who has fond memories of reading Calvin and Hobbes in the Sunday morning newspaper to a Gen Alpha kid who hasn't been introduced to the series yet.At its current price, the hardcover set is actually less expensive than the paperback set. I doubt the price will drop any lower for Black Friday. In fact, it's more likely that the deal won't come back once it expires. If you've always wanted to add this timeless classic to your collection, or you want to introduce this delightful series to someone who's never had the privilege of experiencing it, I'd definitely recommend jumping on this deal before it's too late.Looking for More Book Deals?Amazon is currently offering a Buy Two, Get One Free deal on select books. That does include The Calvin and Hobbes paperback edition, although sadly the hardcover edition isn't eligible. Amazon is definitely one of the best places to buy books online, but it's certainly not the only option. Target, for example, is hosting a very similar B2G1 Free sale on books and, depending on where you're located, you can even have it delivered or pick it up the same day.When Is Black Friday 2024?The actual date of Black Friday in 2024 falls on November 29, but the holiday deals season starts a lot earlier than that. Plenty of retailers have already been dropping deals online. (This usually starts in the last week of October, just before Halloween.) More and more deals will roll out leading up to the event, which culminates in massive discounts on Black Friday. Retailers will not reveal their biggest Bdeals until the big day, but many deals will be available well in advance.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 7 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMDaily Deals: 65" Samsung S90C 4K OLED TV, ROG Ally, Metroid Dread, and MoreThe weekend is officially here, and we've rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for Sunday, November 10, below:65" Samsung S90C 4K OLED Smart TV for $999.9965" Samsung S90C 4K OLED Smart TVThe Samsung S90C is a 2023 model (superseded by the S90D for 2024) and was considered one of the best OLED TVs on the market last year, superior to even the LG C3. The S90C uses Samsung's proprietary quantum dot (QD) OLED panel. QD OLED panels are brighter than traditional OLED panels without losing the color accuracy, range, and wide-viewing angles that OLEDs are known for. Compared to a traditional LED LCD TV, an OLED TV offers superior image quality, near-infinite blacks, near-infinite contrast ratio, and near-instantaneous response times.Mario & Luigi: Brothership for $49.99Mario & Luigi: BrothershipMario & Luigi: Brothership is the first Mario & Luigi title on Nintendo Switch, acting as the first new entry in the series in over nine years. Developed by Acquire, this is the first 3D entry in the series, with plenty of new mechanics to discover. Join Mario and Luigi on this adventure to reconnect the world of Concordia and set sail to many islands on Shipshape Island!Save on ROG Ally at Best Buy$449.99 for My Best Buy Plus MembersAsus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme 512GB Gaming HandheldThis weekend at Best Buy, you can save on the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme model, where it's priced at $499.99. This handheld device is perfect for exploring your Steam library on the go, with PC Game Pass support also easily accessible. If you're a My Best Buy Plus member, you can save an additional $50 off this deal, scoring the ROG Ally for $449.99. Monster Hunter Stories Collection for $36.99Monster Hunter Stories Collection - Nintendo SwitchThe recently released Monster Hunter Stories Collection includes both Monster Hunter Stories and Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. This marks the first time that players can experience the first game with the Japan-exclusive Title Updates, in addition to full voice acting. Jump into the world of Monster Hunter in a new light with this collection!Metroid Dread for $39.99Metroid Dread - Nintendo SwitchMetroid Dread was the grand return of 2D Metroid on Nintendo Switch, with developer MercurySteam teaming up with Nintendo EPD to craft the long-awaited next chapter in Samus Aran's story. Challenging puzzles, fun boss fights, and wide exploration combine to create one of the best games on Nintendo Switch. Don't miss your chance to pick it up at a discount this weekend. Save on This M2 MacBook AirApple - MacBook Air 13-inch Apple M2 - 16GB Memory - 256GB SSDAs part of Best Buy's early Black Friday sales, you can save $250 off this M2 MacBook Air. With 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, this is a very solid option for those looking to either upgrade their current Mac or enter the ecosystem for the first time. This model includes features like TouchID for login, a display capable of up to 500 nits of brightness, and Apple Intelligence support.Persona 5 Royal (PC) for $19.99Persona 5 Royal: Standard Edition (PC)Persona 5 Royal is by far one of the most beloved games of the last ten years. With a vibrant cast of characters and impressive narrative, there are well over 100 hours of gameplay here to discover. The turn-based combat system the Persona series is known for feels better than ever, with new mechanics to customize your gameplay the way you like it.0 Comments 0 Shares 6 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMNever-Before-Seen Half-Life 2: Episode 3 Gameplay Footage and Ice Gun Revealed in New DocumentaryHalf-Life: Episode 3 remains one of the great what-ifs in gaming history. Originally set to follow on from Episode 1 and 2, its cancellation instead left the series dangling on a cliffhanger it never directly resolved. Now, on the occasion of Half-Life 2's 20th anniversary, Valve has opened up about its development in a brand-new documentary that shows never-before-seen work-in-progress footage, a brand-new Ice Gun, and a raft of new concept art. You can see the gameplay segment from the documentary in the video below.PlayIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250Among the details shown in the video, Episode 3 would have been set in the Arctic, and it would have focused on Alyx as a companion character. Aside from the Ice Gun, the footage shows a blob-like enemy that could split into multiple parts. According to the documentary, the team had complete a "collection of playable levels in no particular order" and expected to be able to release the game within a year or two.In addition to the new gameplay footage, writer Marc Laidlaw, founder Gabe Newell, and others also talk frankly about why it was never released, ultimately chalking it up to a lack of compelling new ideas and other reasons. At one point Laidlaw jokes, "Are we allowed to cry in this documentary?"We could have shipped it. It wouldn't have been that hardThe reason for Episode 3's cancellation has been the subject of much discussion over the years, not the least because Episode 2 ended on a grim cliffhanger. In an interview with IGN shortly before Alyx's release, Valve level designer Dario Casali described it partly as an issue of scope screep. Laidlaw would later reveal the plot in a story called "Epistle 3," featuring "Gertie Freemont" and "Alex Vaunt" plays on Gordon Freeman and Alyx Vance.Half-Life 2: Episode 3 would have been set in the Arctic and featured an Ice Gun. Image source: Half-Life 2 Documentary.It's possible to detect a lot of regret over the decision not to go through Episode 3. At one point Laidlaw jokes, "Are we allowed to cry in this documentary?" Others talk about how Episode 3 probably could have been released in hindsight. Newell says, "We could have shipped it. It wouldn't have been that hard. My personal failure was being stumped. I couldn't figure out why Episode 3 was pushing anything forward."Valve finally released Half-Life Alyx in 2020, sending the story spinning off in a new direction, but many fans remain wistful about Half-Life: Episode 3 (not to mention the long lost Half-Life 3). Now, 20 years after its release, Valve is celebrating Half-Life 2 amid unconfirmed rumors that a new game is in the works. In the meantime, it's worth watching the entire documentary, which delves deep into Half-Life 2's fraught development.Image source: Half-Life 2 Documentary / ValveKat Bailey is IGN's News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.0 Comments 0 Shares 11 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMBest TV for Gaming 2024Lots of competition has led to a glut of outstanding televisions for gaming in basically every price tier. Thanks to HDMI 2.1 support pushing 4K at up to 120Hz, gaming on a TV is probably cheaper and more enjoyable than using a gaming monitor. So whether you enjoy your PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or pushing the limits further with a PS5 Pro or dedicated gaming PC, getting a good 65-inch television that supports high-end performance is really just a matter of choosing how much you want to spend. That said, there are some features you want to look for as a baseline: namely, support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). The good news is, these can be found on basically any TV worth its salt these days. That means were looking for TVs that are going to offer even more, like our top pick, the LG G4. TL;DR These are the Best Gaming TVs:Our top pickLG 65" G4 OLED EvoSony 65" A95L QD-OLEDSony 65" Bravia 7 Mini-LED QLEDHisense 65" U8N Mini-LED ULEDBest ValueTCL 65" QM7 QLEDGreat brightness and excellent contrast are a must for HDR gaming, the likes of which youll want for games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake II. Along with that great contrast, though, you also want a television that has low input lag, support for 120Hz or even 144Hz, and dimming zones that respond fast enough to not interrupt scenes with slowly transitioning highlights. Competitive gamers who enjoy Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 or Apex Legends will want the ability to pull shadows up so that enemies cant hide in dark spots but theyll also want highlights that dont blow away the ability to see a target set against bright objects. That means televisions that have dedicated gaming modes like the LG G4 OLED, the TCL QM7, or the Sony Bravia 7 should all be considered because they are designed to support all types of gaming. Additional contributions by Kevin Lee and Danielle Abraham.LG G4 Photos1. LG 65" G4 OLED EvoBest Gaming TV Our top pickLG 65" G4 OLED EvoEnjoy excellent color accuracy, contrast, and pixel response times, while features like a 4K/144Hz refresh rate, VRR and ALLM are ideal for gaming.Product SpecificationsScreen Size65"Resolution4KPanel TypeOLEDHDR CompatibilityDolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, HGiGRefresh Rate144HzAdaptive SyncG-Sync (Nvidia Certified), FreeSync Premium, VRRInputs4 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x USB, EthernetPROSExcellent picture qualityLimiteless contrastOutstanding gaming supportCONSWobbly standLGs Gallery Series televisions have always represented the best LG has to offer and that remains the case with the G4. Its not only the best OLED Ive tested, but it also represents the best overall package (specifications, price, and performance) of any television in 2024. The LG G4 is as close to perfect as a TV can be in 2024 and is an example of what OLED can do at its best, combining infinite contrast, excellent color reproduction, and fantastic brightness in one elegant, super-slim display. There was a fear that the development of Samsungs QD-OLED technology would leave WOLED TVs like LGs in the dust, but LG successfully pushed its technology in response and its brightness and color accuracy now rival what Samsung has produced, while packaging it in a more approachable television that gives you more control over how you want your content to look. While other OLED brands have over-simplified the user interface, LG believes in its users and gives them plenty of control over color, saturation, and contrast. Thanks to its boosted brightness, the G4 can excel in pretty much any environment. With outstanding color, infinite contrast, great HDR support, and outstanding gaming performance, its the best TV on the market in 2024 for gaming and quite honestly anything else. 2. Sony 65" A95L QD-OLEDBest High-End OLED TV for GamingSony 65" A95L QD-OLEDIf money is no object, the Sony A95L is the best there is.Product SpecificationsScreen Size65"Resolution4KPanel TypeOLEDHDR CompatibilityDolby Vision, HDR10, HLGRefresh Rate144HzAdaptive SyncG-Sync CompatibleInputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x USB, EthernetPROSExcellent picture qualityLimitless contrastCONSEye-watering price tagSpeaking of QD-OLED, Samsung didnt keep that technology to itself, licensing it to Sony to produce the A95L. Outside of an updated processor, not a lot has changed between Sonys most recent OLED model compared to the A95K I reviewed a few years ago, since the panel itself hasnt needed updating since it debuted. And what a panel it is. While LGs G4 is overall the best television for gaming given its price to performance ratio, if price doesnt matter to you and you only care about the best possible picture quality across the most use cases, then Sonys QD-OLED televisions are the best there is. Samsungs implementation of its QD-OLED is good, but the company does a poor job with giving users any control over how the picture looks and the result is an over-saturated, overly contrasty picture that can look too strong. That, and Samsung has not entered into an agreement with Dolby to support Dolby Vision, meaning HDR support is seriously weaker than the competition. Sony dials that back down to reality and gives full HDR support, allowing it to take advantage of that excellent QD-OLED panel. Sony also has the best processing in the industry and is better able to deal with noise, artifacts, and pixelation that comes as the result of streaming. Even the best streaming signals have problems and Sonys tech cant be beaten for smoothing that out and providing a picture with better tonality and cleaner sharpness. With best-in-class color accuracy, incredible brightness, and unlimited contrast, Sonys A95L is unbeatable, if you can get past the high asking price. If your budget has no limit, then Sony is the way to go.Sony Bravia 7 Photos3. Sony 65" Bravia 7 Mini-LED QLEDBest High-End LED TV for GamingSony 65" Bravia 7 Mini-LED QLEDWhile the Bravia 7 wont outperform OLED and isnt as bright as some competitors, its color accuracy and picture quality make for a premium experience at a fair price.Product SpecificationsScreen Size65"Resolution4KPanel TypeMini-LED QLEDHDR CompatibilityDolby Vision, HDR10, HLGRefresh Rate120HzAdaptive SyncG-Sync CompatibleInputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x USB, EthernetPROSGreat color and contrastFantastic processingCONSTakes up a 4K 120Hz port with eARCIf you like the sound of excellent processing but arent a fan of OLED, then Sonys Bravia 7 is the answer. It offers very good brightness, excellent color (which is consistent across the panel), great HDR support, and top-tier processing to create the best overall LED television experience on the market. A benefit of Sonys most recent televisions, the Bravia 8 included, is the pairing of Sony Remote Play built-in. The Bravia 7 allows you to treat your TV like a giant Playstation Portal, wirelessly connecting with your Playstation so you arent blocked from your console if the TV its connected to is in use. That makes the Bravia 7 a great second television either for the bedroom or office while your main television is tied up in the living room. Thanks to mini LED technology, the Bravia 7 attains very good contrast and brightness that is as close as you can come to OLED before jumping up a price tier and Sony did a great job this year of keeping its high-end LED approachable in price, which is in contrast to Samsungs strategy. That means that Sony-level picture quality and processing are more easily attainable to more people and it gives brands like TCL and Hisense more competition to keep pushing the envelope (which they have done). Sonys Bravia 7 does an excellent job of being a television that gets a lot right and doesnt overly charge for it, which feels like a shift for the company. As I noted in my review, the color accuracy it is capable of hitting and its consistency across the entire panel is hard to beat, and while it doesnt get quite as bright as some of its competitors, its got enough juice to overcome reasonably well-lit rooms and does so without sacrificing picture quality. As a result, the Sony Bravia 7 is the companys most compelling mini LED television in years and the best high-end model on the market. Hisense U8N Photos4. Hisense 65" U8N Mini-LED ULEDBest Mid-Range Gaming TVHisense 65" U8N Mini-LED ULEDCombining great brightness, good color accuracy, tons of ports, and a slick new design, the Hisense U8N not only displays content well, it looks good doing it.Product SpecificationsScreen Size65"Resolution4KPanel TypeMini-LED ULEDHDR CompatibilityDolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLGRefresh Rate144HzAdaptive SyncG-Sync Compatible, FreeSync, VRRInputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x USB, EthernetPROSFantastic brightnessGreat HDR supportFantastic for gamingCONSWeak off-angle viewingHisense has really come into its own in the last couple of years and the U8 represents the cumulative knowledge it has learned over that time. Hisense was the first mini LED maker to push brightness to new heights and the U8N is easily the brightest television I tested this year with the ability to push out 2,000 nits of brightness. Everything else about the U8N comes in just slightly under what Sony has been able to achieve. Color accuracy, contrast, off-angle viewing, and overall performance of the operating system are just slightly under the heights reached by the Sony Bravia 7, but the tradeoff is more brightness and a lower asking price. But compare it to the Samsung QN90D, a television that costs nearly twice as much as the U8N, and youll find that it gets brighter, has more customization options, and provides wider HDR format support. The Hisense U8N isnt going to win in a blow-for-blow fight against Sony and Samsung, but it still exists as a very compelling option for game rooms or brightly-lit living rooms, especially given its lower asking price. It sports fantastic gaming performance, great color accuracy, and spectacular brightness along with a redesigned frame that looks less like a discount TV and more like the high-end options it competes against.TCL QM7 Photos5. TCL 65" QM7 QLEDBest Entry-Level TV for GamingBest ValueTCL 65" QM7 QLEDTCLs QM7 is the best deal in gaming televisions and gets just about everything right. From excellent color rendition to top-end gaming performance, its a lot of television for quite a low price. Product SpecificationsScreen Size65"Resolution4KPanel TypeQLEDHDR CompatibilityDolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLGRefresh Rate144HzAdaptive SyncG-Sync Compatible, FreeSync, VRRInputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x USB, EthernetPROSGreat brightnessGreat gaming and HDR supportBetter-than-average sound qualityIncredible valueCONSWeak off-angle viewingTCLs QM7 is the king of value. As I found in my review, it offers outstanding color accuracy, good contrast, good brightness, and has a processor that is fast enough to make browsing the operating system feel quick and snappy. At $600 for a 65-inch set, you probably arent expecting a lot, so the QM7 kind of sneaks up on you with how much it does right. It offers a solid 1,500 nits of peak brightness, separated its pair of 4K 144Hz ports from its eARC port (so you can actually use all three simultaneously), comes packed with one of the better gaming menus, and comes with support for all the most-used HDR formats. It even sounds pretty darn good out of the box thanks to an Onkyo 2.1 sound system which includes a subwoofer built-into the rear of the panel. The achilles heel of the QM7 is off-axis viewing, though. While contrast loss isnt huge, bright objects set against dark backgrounds will exhibit a rather large halo effect and that is most visible when watching this TV from the side. The QM7 does a lot right, avoiding the expected norms of conceding some performance in order to arrive at that lower asking price and instead providing a television that just does everything pretty darn well. How to Choose a TV for GamingThere are several key features that make for a great gaming TV, according to our TV buying guide. The first one to pay attention to is the refresh rate. If you want the smoothest possible gameplay, you should be seeking out TVs with higher refresh rates. All of our picks offer 4K/120Hz, which perfectly match up with the specs of both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and some TVs hit 144Hz when PC gaming. However, with 8K TVs making their way onto the scene 8K/60Hz also offers some solid gameplay. Next up, variable refresh rate is essential for staying immersed in the best PS5 and Xbox games. VRR helps to eliminate screen tearing by adjusting the refresh rate to match the frame rate coming out of your gaming system. Before VRR and high refresh rates, game consoles would force you to play with a 30 or 60fps cap in order to match the TV's 60Hz refresh rate otherwise you'd encounter screen tearing. With VRR, however, the system is free to push out as many frames as possible, confident that the TV will vary its refresh rate to match. In other words, VRR lets you play with an uncapped frame rate while still preventing screen tearing.HDMI 2.1 connectivity may be the most crucial specification to seek out when purchasing a gaming TV. If youre looking to game at 120Hz in 4K, which both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S offer, you'll need this port. An HDMI 2.0 port will only offer 4K at speeds of 60Hz. Gaming TV FAQWhat kind of TV do I need for PS5?Most modern TVs will work with the PS5, but to take full advantage of all the console has on offer (including being one of the best Blu-Ray players), you may want to spend a little extra for better specs and more features. The PS5 can output a 120Hz refresh rate in 4K through HDMI 2.1, while some games also support VRR and ALLM, ensuring smoother and more enjoyable gameplay. The best TVs for PS5 will offer those specs. What are the disadvantages of gaming TVs? Gaming TVs are great for consoles, providing speedy refresh rates, VRR, and game modes to ensure an enjoyable playing experience, but that doesn't mean they're not also great for watching movies or streaming TV shows. These days, the best TVs come with gaming features, whether they're marketed as gaming TVs or not, so you can rest assured that if a TV is good for gaming, it's good for everything else too.Is a gaming monitor or TV better?Choosing a display to game on depends on personal preference and how you want to play. The best gaming monitors have an edge when it comes to responsiveness, sporting even higher refresh rates than the best TVs, as well as lower input lag and other advanced display features. Of course, monitors are often smaller in size, more adjustable, and live on a gaming desk. TVs are meant for couch gaming and tend to pull ahead in image quality and HDR performance. We discuss gaming monitors vs TVs here. When is the best time to buy a TV? TVs go on sale throughout the year. But some key times are Black Friday, before the Super Bowl, and Prime Day. Outside of that, many manufacturers churn out new TV models in the spring, so you can score deals on older offerings. Check out the best time to buy a TV guide for more info. Where to Get the Best TVs for Gaming in the UKLG 65" Class C1 Series Smart OLED 4K TVBest High-End Gaming TV for Next-Gen Consoles879.00 at Currys PC WorldHisense 55U8HSee it at CurrysSony A95K QD-OLED1,099.00 at AmazonSamsung QN65QN900BFXZA349.00 at AmazonSony BRAVIA XR | XR-55X90L1,599.00 at AmazonSamsung 75 Inch QN85B Neo QLED 4K Smart TVSee itJaron Schneider is an award-winning commercial filmmaker, an internationally-published consumer technology journalist, and long-time digital imaging expert across the fields of both video production and traditional photography. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of PetaPixel.0 Comments 0 Shares 14 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMThe Best Buy Early Black Friday 3-Day Sale, Round 2 Starts Today: The Deals You Shouldn't MissBest Buy just kicked off its second round of Early Black Friday deals. This time around, the best deals are limited to gaming PCs and laptops, TVs, and some gaming peripherals. The final round of Early Black Friday deals should go live on Friday, November 22. One significant advantage that Best Buy has over online-only retailers like Amazon is that you have the option of buying online and picking it up in store. Chances are there's a retail location within driving distance of your home. Not only do you avoid the hassle of shipping, especially during the busy holiday season, but it's easy to return the monitor if you're dissatisfied.Black Friday TV DealsThe 65" Samsung OLED TV is definitely the best TV deal currently available, but it has at this price for a few days now. The best new deal is the 48" LG B4 OLED TV for just $599.99. This deal was previously only available to My Best Buy Plus members, but not anymore. This would make a great gaming monitor thanks to its HDMI 2.1 inputs with up to 120Hz refresh rate. Rtings mentions that in Game Optimizer mode, the image quality is comparable to the much more expensive LG C4.65" Samsung S90C 4K OLED Smart TV48" LG B4 4K OLED Smart TV75" Insignia F50 4K Fire TV75" Samsung DU6950 4K Smart TV85" Hisense QD7 4K 144Hz QLED Smart TV85" Hisense QD6 4K QLED Google TV85" TCL Q5 4K QLED Fire TVBlack Friday Gaming PC DealsBest Buy completely refreshed its selection of early Black Friday gaming PC deals. If you're on a budget, the iBuyPower Scale RTX 4060 gaming PC for $699.99 is a tremendous deal and a great candidate for 1080p gaming. Another gaming PC deserving of mention is the CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme, which features the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU (predecessor to the new 9800X3D) and a powerful RTX 4070 Super GPU. This rig can handle 1440p and 4K gaming.iBuyPower Scale Intel Core i5-14400F RTX 4060 Gaming PCiBuyPower Y40 Intel Core i7-14700F RTX 4070 Gaming PCCyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D RTX 4070 Super Gaming PCASUS ROG Intel Core i7-14700KF RTX 4070 SUPER Gaming PCASUS ROG Intel Core i7-14700F RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCHP OMEN 35L AMD Ryzen 7 8700G RTX 4060 Ti Gaming PCFor more early Black Friday deals on gaming laptops and PCs, check out both the Dell Early Black Friday Sale and the HP Early Black Friday Sale. These computers are made-to-order and usually take longer to ship out, but the consistency in build quality and customer service makes them worth it.Black Friday Gaming Laptop DealsBest Buy has also refreshed its early Black Friday gaming laptop deals. The Acer Nitro V 15" laptop boasts an RTX 4050 GPU for a budget price of $699.99. On the other end of the spectrum, the Acer Predator Helios with a massive 18" display, powerful i9-14900HX CPU, and best-in-class RTX 4090 GPU, is available for $2,399.99. That's the best price we've seen so far for an RTX 4090 gaming laptop for Black Friday.Acer Nitro V 15" AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS RTX 4050 Gaming LaptopAcer Predator Helios 18 QHD+ Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4090 Gaming LaptopASUS ROG Strix 18" QHD Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4080 Gaming LaptopHP OMEN 16" Intel Core i7-13620H RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopHP OMEN Transcend 14" 3K OLED Intel Core Ultra 9-185H RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopAcer Predator Helios Neo 16 Intel Core i9-14900HX RTX 4060 Gaming LaptopASUS TUF 15" Intel Core i7-13620H RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 16" Intel Core i7-13620H RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 16" QHD+ OLED Intel Core Ultra 9 185H RTX 4090 Gaming LaptopMSI Crosshair 16" Intel Core i7-14650HX RTX 4070 Gaming LaptopBlack Friday Gaming Hardware DealsIf you're a My Best Buy Plus member, you get exclusive savings on the Asus ROG Ally Ryzen Z1 Extreme edition gaming handheld. It's currently on sale for $499.99 for everyone, but My Best Buy Plus members get an additional $50 on top, making it $449.99. This extra discount may be unlocked for non-members starting November 29. In our Asus ROG Ally review, Robert Anderson wrote that "the ROG Ally has the potential to be a serious contender against the Steam Deck. While it's not perfect, there's a lot to love about this powerful new handheld."$449.99 for My Best Buy Plus MembersAsus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme 512GB Gaming HandheldPS5, PCLogitech G923 Racing Wheel and PedalsLogitech G923 Racing Wheel and PedalsBackbone One Mobile Gaming Controller (Lightning)Black Friday Sony Headphone DealsThe Sony headphone and earbud deals have started early for Black Friday. These are manufacturer discounts, so the discounted pricing should be available at other retailers if you prefer them, like Amazon, Walmart, or Target. The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the best deal here. It's current price of $199.99 is $30 cheaper than last week. Although we haven't reviewed this specific headphone, we have reviewed its XM5 successor. In our Sony WH1000XM5 review. Kevin Lee wrote that it's "hands down the best sounding and most impressive noise-cancelling headphones." Although the XM5 is also on sale, it's actually higher than last week ($299.99), so I would recommend waiting for another price drop.Should You Buy Now or Wait for Black Friday?At this point, Black Friday is only a few weeks away and in most cases it's better to wait. There are some deals here that are probably as low as they will go, even on Black Friday. However, it's very likely that the same deals you see now will also be available on November 29, even if they go out of stock.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.0 Comments 0 Shares 21 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMHalf-Life 2 20th Anniversary Update Includes Developer Commentary, Imrpoved Graphics, and a 2-Hour DocumentaryValve is honoring the 20th anniversary of Half-Life 2 with a celebration that includes a brand-new two-hour documentary, a developer commentary update, and more.The studio updated fans on the festivities on its website today, revealing a gift basket full of goodies for fans new and old. While its not quite the Half-Life 3 announcement fans have waited two decades for, its still more than enough to help with the wait.Half-Life 2 20th Anniversary celebration includes a Documentary and a Major Game UpdateTopping the list of announcements is a two-hour making-of video from the Secret Tape team behind the Half-Life 1 documentary. Valve says die-hard fans can start watching the Half-Life 2 documentary today for a behind-the-scenes look at how the studio handled running out of money, getting hacked, building its PC storefront Steam, and more. Its an in-depth peek behind the curtain at a pivotal moment in gaming history, but the festivities dont stop there.Half-Life 2 owners can also now enjoy a new update that adds everything from additional content to ironed out wrinkles. This includes access to the original Episode One and Episode Two expansions, which have been bundled into to the base experience at no additional cost. Valve adds that it reassembled the original Half-Life 2 team to provide commentary tracks for the entire game.Steam Workshop support and Steam game recording are just two more bonuses that have been added to help celebrate Half-Life 2s 20th anniversary, with even more included in the form of general touch-ups and fixes. Some of the updates changes include rebalanced lighting, cleaner horizons, new graphics settings for things like blood and fire effects, and an overhaul for aim-assist.Half-Life's Biggest MomentsIGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250Every map in Half-Life 2 has been looked over by Valve level designers to fix longstanding bugs, restore content and features lost to time, and improve the quality of a few things like lightmap resolution and fog, the studio explains.If youre interested in Half-Life 2 and want to check out the 20th anniversary update, youre in luck; Valve has made the game free to own until November 18. That means you get the entire sequel experience, including its two expansions, at no cost whatsoever as long as you click that download button in the next few days.Half-Life 2 has long been hailed as one of Valves best projects and one of the most important video games ever made. In our original review, we called it a amazing and gave it a 9.7/10. Fans have combed over every detail of the first-person sequel since its release on November 16, 2004, and once the 20th anniversary update is live, there will be even more to uncover. While its true that Half-Life 3 still hasnt been confirmed to be in the works, the goodies revealed today should help with the wait until a sequel is actually, really revealed. Theres also the VR-exclusive Half-Life: Alyx, which we gave a 10/10.For more on the world of Half-Life, you can read about Nvidias upcoming Half-Life 2 RTX remaster. The company released a trailer for the project just yesterday to help celebrate the 20th anniversary, revealing how its team is creating something that stays true to the original vision while giving it a fresh coat of paint.Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.0 Comments 0 Shares 18 Views
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WWW.IGN.COMThe Best Harry Potter Gifts I'd Recommend for Any Potter FanaticHarry Potter is one of those sprawling franchises that has fans in just about every age group. There are the adults who have core memories of the series as well as youngsters who are just now discovering the books and movies for the first time. I myself have been a Harry Potter fan since I was first able to read full novels. I remember waiting in line at my local Barnes & Noble for each new book in the series and devouring every word as soon as I got my hands on it.Now that Harry Potter has infiltrated almost every medium, there are enough gifts for Harry Potter fans out there to fill the depths of Gringotts. If you're looking for the perfect Potter thing to buy your loved one, I've gone ahead and narrowed it down for you with some of my top picks from over the years. Gifts for Fans of the BooksOur Top PickHarry Potter Illustrated EditionsThe first five illustrated editions are the perfect collector's item for fans of the books.See it at AmazonFor fans of the Harry Potter books specifically, there are a surprising number of options available. The items we'd most recommend are the illustrated editions. These are beautiful works of art illustrated by Jim Kay that bring the magic of the story to life. Only the first five books have gotten this treatment, but they are a wonderful gift to give that I have actually even purchased for myself. Outside of that, there is the standard boxed set as well as various extended works that make great gifts we've featured below.Harry Potter Paperback Box SetSee it at AmazonThe Harry Potter Wizarding AlmanacSee it at AmazonHogwarts Library Box SetSee it at AmazonHarry Potter: A Pop-Up Guide to HogwartsSee it at Amazon Gifts for Fans of the MoviesOur Top PickHarry Potter: 8-Film CollectionIncludes both 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray movies.See it at AmazonFor fans of the Harry Potter movies specifically, the top gift I'd recommend is this 4K UHD and Blu-ray film collection. It includes all eight of the original movies in both glorious 4K and Blu-ray and comes packaged in one set. Although you can currently watch all of the films on Max, it's always good to have physical copies on hand. Separately, the three-film collection of the Fantastic Beasts movies is a worthy addition. We have more suggestions below that are great for any fan of the films, including a replica of the Elder Wand.Fantastic Beasts 3-Film CollectionSee it at AmazonThe Elder WandSee it at AmazonHarry Potter: Film Vault Boxed SetSee it at AmazonHarry Potter 1000 Piece Jigsaw PuzzleSee it at AmazonGifts for LEGO FansOur Top PickHarry Potter Hogwarts Castle and GroundsIncludes 2,660 pieces that allows you to build your own Hogwarts.See it at AmazonHarry Potter and LEGO have been fitting together in perfect harmony for quite some time. There are a ton of different Harry Potter LEGO sets you can choose from, but my top recommendation would be the Hogwarts Castle and Grounds set. We actually had the chance to build this set ourselves and loved it. It's also surprisingly affordable compared to some of the other sets of this size. For more great options, we've gathered more of our top picks for all ages below.Room of Requirement Building SetSee it at AmazonTalking Sorting HatSee it at AmazonHarry Potter Hedwig at 4 Privet DriveSee it at AmazonHogwarts Castle OwlerySee it at AmazonHogwarts Chamber of SecretsSee it at AmazonGifts for GamersOur Top PickHogwarts LegacyAlso available for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.See it at Best BuyThere have been more Harry Potter games than most people even realize, but if you're looking for the absolute best option in 2024, Hogwarts Legacy is the way to go. This game actually takes place long before Harry was even born, but is still set in Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and the castle grounds. I personally found it's worth playing just for the ability to roam freely around the castle, and IGN actually gave it a glowing review when it first came out thanks to it's expansive world. Outside of this game, we recommend the LEGO Harry Potter video games that were remastered for modern consoles. There's also a slew of Harry Potter board games that are fun for the whole family.LEGO Harry Potter CollectionSee it at AmazonWizard Chess SetSee it at AmazonHarry Potter Talisman Board GameSee it at AmazonHarry Potter Trivial PursuitSee it at AmazonGifts for the HomeOur Top PickHarry Potter Marauder's Map BlanketA super soft blanket we solemnly swear is actually really good.See it at AmazonIf you're looking for a good Harry Potter gift for someone that seems to already own everything Potter-themed, home decor items are a great way to go. My top pick is an item that I've actually purchased for my brother already. This Marauder's Map throw blanket is super soft and doesn't have to be displayed anywhere but it's there when you want to bundle up and be warm. We've also included some additional home decor gifts below that are fairly innocuous, like the small Golden Snitch lamp and a mug.Harry Potter Levitating Golden Snitch LightSee it at AmazonHedwig SquishmallowSee it at AmazonHarry Potter Hogwarts Fabric House BannerSee it at AmazonHarry Potter Envelope MugSee it at AmazonJacob Kienlen is a Senior SEO Strategist and Writer for IGN. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he has considered the Northwest his home for his entire life. With a bachelor's degree in communication and over 7 years of professional writing experience, his expertise is spread across a variety of different topics -- from TV series to indie games and popular book series.0 Comments 0 Shares 12 Views
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