All the comforts of home

Do you play games on the go? We’re not talking about mobile games there, but full-on PC fare, by way of a laptop or even your Steam Deck. And if you play while you’re on the move, at a friend’s house, on vacation, or wherever else, you might not want to haul a full sized keyboard and gaming mouse setup along with you.

Fortunately, Razer has a solution for just such situations, with the Joro and Basilisk Mobile. Just launched from the hardware and peripheral company, both options are compact and ready to roll with you, wherever you might be headed.

The Joro

The Razer Joro keyboard is ultra-lite at just 374 grams in weight and 16.5mm thick. But even though it’s small, it’s still mighty. The unit features a low angle for comfort no matter what you’re doing, ABS keycaps for greater durability, and something called Razer Snap Tap.

Razer says that the Joro’s Snap Tap will give users “faster input activation between two selected keys”, with the system actually prioritizing the latest input, but without releasing the previous key. Interesting indeed. The Joro also features shortcuts and “fully programmable keys” to let players remap, configure Razer Hypershift, and set up macros via Razer Synapse 4.

The Joro supports both Windows and Apple devices, and features multi-device pairing via Bluetooth 5.0, so you can link it to three pieces of equipment. It also serves up a fantastic 1800 hours of battery life, so you can expect to be gaming (or working, we guess) for a good long time. The Joro is available now, and is priced in at $139.99 USD via Razer’s online shop.

The Basilisk Mobile

Every keyboard needs a good mouse to go along with it, and for that Razer has the Basilisk Mobile. Much in the same way as the Joro is molded for mobility, the Basilisk Mobile takes its namesake mouse and re-crafts it for maximum portability.

To that end, the Basilisk Mobile weighs in at 76 grams, and features a much more compact design than its desktop-bound brother. But even though it’s designed to fit in a pocket or a laptop sleeve, Razer says that the Basilisk Mobile should still support “extended hours of use, whether for work or play”.

While it’s not quite as impressive as the Joro, the Basilisk Mobile features battery life of up to 105 hours, and tri-mode connectivity that includes Razer HyperSpeed Wireless. Via that, the company says that fans should expect “ultra-low latency and uninterrupted, lag-free gaming sessions while on the go”.

That’s not all either, as the Basilisk Mobile also includes 10 customizable controls, the Razer Focus X 18k optical sensor, a 90 million click lifecycle, and four way tilt scroll with both Free-Spin and Tactical Cycling scrolling modes. If that’s not enough, the little guy also packs in AI Prompt Master. New from Razer, AI Prompt Master seeks to enhance “gameplay with smart tools, including efficient in-game search”. Players who combine AI Prompt Master with Razer’s Synapse 4 will be in for even more, as they can “unlock powerful shortcuts”, and “customize game strategies for a competitive edge” according to the company.

The Basilisk Mobile is priced in at $89.99 USD, and is exclusive to Razer. It doesn’t look to be available just yet, but there’s a “notify me” option on the company’s shop, so you’ll get a head’s up when it’s in stock.

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A new age

Is Apple’s renewed focus on gaming going to upset the status quo? It’s hard to say right now, though the mobile landscape certainly hasn’t made much of a dent in the past. Still though, it’s eyebrow-raising to see companies like Capcom releasing Resident Evil titles for iPhone that have relative parity with consoles. Now you can raise that brow just a little further too, thanks to Sega.

The gaming giant has revealed that a new 3D Sonic the Hedgehog platformer has been in development, and it’s set to arrive exclusively for Apple Arcade. While it represents the latest in a line of releases for Sega, that’s included the likes of Samba de Amigo and Sonic Racing, it’s also pretty easily a marquee release. Sonic games are still Sonic games after all, and it’s been a little while since fans have been treated to something like Sonic Dream Team.

Take a look:

In this all-new Sonic adventure, the evil Dr. Eggman has discovered The Reverie – an ancient device with the power to manifest dreams in the real world. Navigate twisted dreamscapes, rescue your friends, and put a stop to Dr. Eggman’s nightmarish dreams of world domination! 

Sega press release

Fans will be able to pick from six different characters in Sonic Dream Team, including Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy Rose, Cream, and Rouge. That alone makes the new game notable since it’s one of the biggest assortment of playable characters ever in a Sonic title.

Each will play differently too, showcasing varied methods of traversal through Dream Team’s stages that’ll result in “unique exploration opportunities”. Just don’t expect those stages to be familiar. Sega says that Dream Team will feature all-new landscapes, spread out across its four worlds and 12 levels, and the company specifically notes that “We’re not in Green Hill anymore!”

Ready for Sonic to crash the Apple party? Sonic Dream Team will be available for play via Apple Arcade, for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, on December 5th.

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Into the void

Helming a void ship and setting sail into uncharted regions of space very soon is Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader. From Owlcat Games, Rogue Trader is set in Games Workshop’s sci-fi fantasy universe, and will be looking to bring a little cRPG magic to the license for the first time.

Owlcat is well known for that of course, as the developer has previously worked on the excellent Pathfinder series of fantasy RPGs. Not that Rogue Trader will quite play the same as those titles, being that this new game will be a strictly turn-based adventure.

Today brings a new trailer along with that release date, introducing a new member of the crew called Marazhai. A member of the Drukhari race, Marazhai should present an… interesting addition, being that Drukhari feed on “pain and anguish”.

Normally, bringing a xenos onboard an Imperial vessel would be a no-no, but a Rogue Trader’s ship doesn’t have the same operating restrictions as most, and the title carries a certain carte blanche. Basically, just get the job done and complete the mission, no matter the means.

Of course, as the one blessed with the Warrant of Trade, the Rogue Trader is the captain of their own vessel, and their word is law. It is up to you where the ship goes, who of the panoply of potential companions is let aboard, and how you interact with your crew. Perhaps you lead as a suave pirate captain, letting your sweet words do the work for you. Or shall you crusade in His glory, crushing all before you and leading with an iron fish and unshakeable will? Or perhaps you’ll find a new calling. A path of promises, darkness, and the service of a new lord…

Owlcat Games press release

As mentioned, Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader’s launch is coming up quick. Fans can expect to see the turn-based title arrive for the PC, Mac, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5 on December 7th, 2023. Both digital standard and collector’s editions are savable now for pre-order right from Owlcat’s site, and either will get you access to the beta, which is currently ongoing.

One note though, as Owlcat has revised the launch a tad, with online co-op play hitting on day one for the PC version, but coming some time thereafter for all others. There’s no date yet for those, so hang in there for word.

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To boldly go

It’s pretty great to see Star Trek games start flowing again in general, and as they go this one looks especially cool. A strategy game on what looks to be a massive scale, Star Trek Infinite put players in command of one of the major galactic factions of The Next Generation’s era.

With the game’s action set just before the iconic TV show began, fans can serve as fleetmaster for the United Federation of Planets, Romulan Star Empire, Cardassian Union, or Klingon Empire. Though as you’ll see in the trailer below, the other 3 powers aren’t the only threats to your borders.

Star Trek: Infinite puts players in command of one of four major powers in the galaxy, each with individualized traits, stories, quests, and more to make their play feel distinct. With stunning visuals, difficult choices, and unique gameplay, this game allows players to experience a beloved franchise in a new way as they navigate contact with other empires and worlds.

Paradox Interactive press release

The Borg? In a pre-TNG era? Their presence is no doubt going to be one of the more interesting elements, not to mention challenging hurdles, presented in Star Trek Infinite. But keep in mind that, according to Paradox’ Fredrik Wester (the publisher’s CEO), creating something “faithful” to the property was quite important here.

So maybe don’t freak out about a breach in canon just yet.

“It is an honor to bring one of entertainment’s most iconic properties to life for our players and Star Trek’s multigenerational fanbase,” said Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive. “We know how much this franchise means to fans all over the world, and we are working closely with Nimble Giant and Paramount Consumer Products to create a faithful and fulfilling game that lives up to their expectations.”

Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive

StaR Treek Infinite is set to land on the PC and Mac this fall.

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Play ball

Fewer things are more exciting to a baseball fan than the words ‘play ball’, and that’s just what will be echoing across the US very soon. With Spring Training about to begin in earnest, the sport is ready to return once again for a fresh season here in 2023.

And along with the on-field action will come a new assortment of video games. Maybe the deepest and definitely the most strategic of those, is Out of the Park Baseball ’24.

Com2uS’ seasonal sim is about to land on PC and Mac platforms, with an eye on its own World Series title.

OOTP 24 shoots a bullet past first base with new crowd models and overhauled 3D animations for fielding, pitching, running, and batting. The lead runner advances to second thanks to powerful mid-game analytics, swing predictions, and the new action replay. With improved AI and challenging new choices in franchise mode, the bases are loaded. And the whole squad rounds home with the mega-popular Perfect Team mode’s biggest improvements ever.

Com2uS press release

According to Richard Grisham, Director of Business Development at Com2uS, the 2024 edition of Out of the Park Baseball is a “sweeping” upgrade over the previous installment. The game now reportedly feature a system where no “two seasons, deals, or disputes” work out the same.

Ready to manage a champ? Out of the Park Baseball ’24 lands on the PC and Mac this March the 24th.

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Happy Halloween

If you’re a Resident Evil fan, it’s a very Happy Halloween indeed, with a whole mess of new stuff landing for Village. The latest game in the long-running survival horror series now has a new mode, as well as a brand new story mission. And that’s in addition to a decent selection of other DLC hitting for RE:Verse and The Mercenaries.

But before we get to any of that, there’s Village’s new additions to discuss. The main event by a long shot, Village adds in classic third-person mode today, plus brings the final story expansion to bear with The Winters’ Expansion.

The Winters’ Expansion provides more points of view for Resident Evil Village players, beginning with the much requested “Third Person Mode.” This new option enables players to experience the acclaimed main campaign, which was originally presented from a first-person perspective, from a whole new angle. See protagonist Ethan Winters in action with never-before-seen animations, as he struggles to survive the terrors that await him on his journey to rescue his kidnapped daughter, Rose.

Set 16 years after the events of the main story, “Shadows of Rose” continues the Winters family saga. Now grown-up, Rose Winters delves into a realm of consciousness in search of a cure for her unwanted powers. Rose must face her fears in this warped and twisted world of nightmares, wielding her strange abilities to elude and overcome the monsters and other threats that seek to pull her into the darkness.

Capcom press release

Along with the above, the Gold Edition of Village also includes The Mercenaries Additional Orders. While the all-action mode is a bit of an acquired taste, AO does bring some pretty cool stuff to the table. That being playable avatars of Chris Redfield, Lord Karl Heisenberg, and yes, Countess Alcina Dimitrescu.

ReeeeeeeeVerse

Want more “Evil”? Sure you do, and Capcom is there for you with the arrival of Resident Evil Re:Verse. A long time coming, RE:Verse is an online multiplayer title available to owners of Village and the game’s Gold Edition.

The game plays out with 4 to 6 players in a match, and stars an all-star cast of RE alum. Though there are enemies to blast in the mode, you can also become one of them. When your character is taken out, they’ll mutate into a bioweapon, and siege the (still) living.

Capcom says that the first offering for RE:Verse won’t be all you can expect either. There’s plenty more coming to the mode post-launch. And speaking of, there’s even more Resident Evil today as well.

Capcom is also launching for the Switch, which is a Cloud version, and a has a new Mac edition. So no matter where you play, you can dig into the Village.

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Delay of cosmic apocalypse

Well, this is a thing isn’t it. We just last week told you about Lovecraft’s Untold Stories 2, and how it was to be arriving just next month. And here we are just days later with word that… well it isn’t.

1C Entertainment and LLC Blini Games have revealed that the game will take a bit longer to get to market than they’d thought. How much longer? That we don’t know, as 1C is saying it’ll release at “a later date” in 2022.

If you played the original game, then you know how much of a bummer this is. That title was a fresh, way more action-oriented take on Lovecraft than usual. It was a twin-stick shooter at its core, and plenty of fun.

The now-upcoming sequel carries over those same play mechanics, but gives the game a more comic-book-y coat of paint. That’s not all though, as part 2 will add to the options that players will have, with brand new crafting.

So again, it’s a bit of a drag that this isn’t hitting as it was originally announced. But stay tuned, because we hope to have word on that new release date sooner than later.

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This is madness!

You might remember Lovecraft’s Untold Stories from a few years back. The horror game was a roguelite, and served up a semi-retro take on the cosmic terror of HP Lovecraft. It didn’t look exactly like it could have come out on the SNES in 1992, but it was close. If you played it, and you’re thirsty for more, then your time has almost arrived.

Lovecraft’s Untold Stories 2 is coming up fast at this point, and looks to continue the tale of insanity. Well, it does with one really big difference in that it has a completely new look.

Gone are the pixels of part one, and in their place is a revamped, kinda hand drawn, comic book visage. That’s combined with some other new elements, like crafting (all kinds of things).

Take a look at the game in action below.

Lovecraft’s Untold Stories 2 continues the narrative of the cult classic first game, but this time players will continue the fight against the unknown with new elements like crafting – using blueprints and resources to create consumables and even new equipment. Reunite with old acquaintances and meet new characters, explore new procedurally generated locations, defend yourself against dozens of different enemies and face off against epic bosses. But beware… Lovecraft’s Untold Stories 2 is more challenging than ever before, and the tough nightmarish creatures opposing you will not give up easily!

1C Entertainment press release

Lovecraft’s Untold Stories 2 lands on the PC, Windows as well as Linux, and Mac on May 17th, 2022.

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The final frontier

Trigon: Space Story places players in the captain’s seat of a fully customizable starship where they must manage everything from the weapons systems and engines to the day-to-day tasks of the crew. There’s a procedurally generated universe with nine sectors to explore, each containing 10+ individual systems. With dangerous space anomalies, roving gangs of space pirates, and a complex web of intergalactic politics to navigate, players will need to strategize each approach with myriad factors to consider. Outfit each ship with more than 70 different weapons and play from the perspectives of four highly unique species, each with their own quirks and advantages. A procedurally generated roguelike universe provides a new adventure in every run and will force players to truly learn the meaning of “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome”.

Gameforge press release

Trigon: Space Story is out now for the PC (both Linux and Windows) and Mac.

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Make ’em pay

The alien-infested planet of Medusa-42 acquires an unexpected savior when James Hawkins, a regular teen with no prior military experience, makes a crash landing on the once peaceful mining colony. Equipped with his father’s revolutionary battle mech prototype and an advanced A.I. companion, Blackwind, hope is not lost. Together they must fight their way through Raknos forces, find Hawkins’ father, and save what’s left of the planet.

Blowfish Studios

Blackwind is available from today for the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Switch, Mac, and PC.

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