SteelSeries, has announced the launch of its newest additions to the Apex line of keyboards. The Apex Pro Mini and Apex Pro Mini Wireless keyboards!

These little beasts are smaller, faster, and highly adjustable. The Apex Pro Mini and Apex Pro Mini Wireless give credence to “Mini is Mighty.”

The 60% form factor is the mini part. For the Pro you have OmniPoint 2.0 with an 11x faster response time, 10x faster actuation. It supposedly is also 2x more durable than standard mechanical switches.

In addition to the compact form factor, come improvements on the fastest switches in the world.  The OmniPoint 2.0 operates between 0.2mm and 3.8mm. This gives users faster response and actuation times, along with even more adjustment potential than ever before. When adjusted to 0.2mm, the 0.54 ms response time offers the fastest keystrokes in the world.

Additionally, the introduction of OmniPoint 2.0 offers Dual Action keypresses allowing programming two actions with a single key. This makes executing combos, or walking and running, or pulling out a grenade and throwing it, one keypress.
 
With SteelSeries’ innovative modifier key, full keyboard functionality is maintained in a smaller mini form factor – making the Apex Pro Mini keyboards the perfect size to fit within a backpack for on-the-go, esports tournaments, LAN parties, and those headed to their first dorm room or already enrolled in college.

Apex Pro Mini Wireless

Combining OmniPoint 2.0, the world’s fastest key switches, with a new smaller 60% form factor, the Apex Pro Mini Wireless allows gamers to take a high-performance keyboard with them on the go. Quantum 2.0 Wireless ensures lag-free gaming and working while offering dual connectivity. Users can switch between 2.4Ghz Gaming Grade Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity wherever they go. Rated at 100M keystrokes, the OmniPoint 2.0 switches need the right keycaps to match. Adding double shot PBT keycaps makes for the perfect pairing. This delivers unrivaled durability so they last from the first press to the last. 

On May 23, FaZe Karrigan became the first pro gamer to win a CS:GO major using a wireless keyboard (Apex Pro Mini Wireless).

Apex Pro Mini

Utilizing the new OmniPoint 2.0 switches, the Apex Pro Mini allows users to adjust between 0.2mm and 3.8mm, switching between weightless actuation and deep deliberate presses. The 60% design allows for more desk space, ensuring that big mouse swings go uninterrupted while offering better ergonomics when working and playing. Double shot PBT keycaps ensure the keycaps last as long as the switches, while side printed key functions allow users full keyboard functionality in a small package.

Pricing an Availability

These beauties will be landing in NZ in August for:

• Apex Pro Mini Wireless – $599 NZD
• Apex Pro Mini – $469 NZD

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Krut: The Mythic Wings is coming in 2 months to consoles and PC!

The new side-scrolling hack-and-slash platformer is based on Southeast Asian lore. A great Krut warrior named Vera seeks the ancient land of his ancestors. His heart burns with a searing flame, which can only be extinguished through liberating his people from the evil Zulla’s tyranny. Endowed with the legendary Silver Wings, the young soldier sets off in search of elemental magic. This will restore the Wings’ true power. Charge through the vibrant landscapes of the infamous Himmaphan Island, including lush forests, castle ruins, burning cities, and more.

Defeat the fantastic beasts prowling each region, with an array of quick-attack combos. Use the power of flight, for the advantage in both the land and sky. Exchange spirit orb pieces to enhance Vera’s Attack, Defense, Wing Power, and other abilities. Skillfully time critical hits and precise stuns to subdue the six great guardians. Then collect corresponding elemental spirits, and overcome the corrupt power of the island.
“Krut: The Mythic Wings is lovingly based on the story told in the beautifully animated Thai film Krut: The Himmaphan Warriors,” said Ben Lee, co-founder of Blowfish Studios. “The team has worked passionately to showcase not only a classic hero’s tale, but also to proudly represent the historic customs of their local region. Coupled with classic speedrun-friendly platforming, Krut makes a culturally significant and nostalgic package.

The century-long battle will be rekindled on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC and Mac via Steam, on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.

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The creepy but interesting looking Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is releasing on consoles and PC next year.

It is a follow up to the smaller Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM which is available on Steam. In fact you can play it on Steam for free until Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM for free until June 2nd.

But what if you have a console and don’t have access to Steam? I hear you ask. Well 7PM will come bundled in Third Eye Open so you won’t miss a second of paper theater action.

Ting, a young Chinese-Malaysian girl, unknowingly breaches the spirit world. Everywhere she goes, the apparition of a child named Xiu follows, visible only to her.

Despite her efforts to keep Xiu a secret, other children notice, quickly earning Ting notoriety as a “weird” kid.

Follow Ting through pre-school and primary school as she navigates the perils of home life and the mysterious spirit world.

Third Eye Open’s narrative unfolds across multiple years at locations from Ting’s troubled home, creepy campgrounds, to nightmares. The game has you chatting with friends and family through a timed dialogue system simulating heated arguments and hard questions. You’ll Interact with the world through a collection of minigames. These range from assembling a barbecue platter during a camping trip to hiding from malevolent phantoms.

Rendered in a living “paper theatre” style inspired by the paper puppetry – the shadow plays – of Southeast Asia, Third Eye Open haunts and charms in equal measure. The beautiful, childlike aesthetic belies a darker story of a family falling apart, Ting’s role in its salvation, and the haunted house at the heart of it all.

For added authenticity, all in-game sounds were recorded on location in Malaysia, in places such as the Taman neighborhood, local Ko Pi Tiam (coffee shops), and the Pasar Malam (night markets).

Third Eye Open will be available on PlayStation 4|5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC early next year.

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The new strategy survival lane defense game Riftbound is out now.

developed by Barrel Smash Studios, summons spirits and magic spells to defend its realm on Steam for Windows PC today, with a 10% launch discount for the first week. 

Mastering magic is no small task. Especially when a wicked Necromancer returns from an otherworldly prison to threaten all who stand in his way. Guided by the wise Great Oak, a young spellcaster must rise to the occasion. You will learn to harness their innate magical aptitude to fight back against the Necromancer’s skeletal legions and banish the evil forces from the realm.   

Amass an army of evolving elemental creatures to stand against enemy forces in strategic, real-time showdowns. Discover an arsenal of over 40 spells, elemental evolutions, and combat combos. Use them to battle creatures like Skeletal Berserkers, shambling Executioners, and rattling Bone Launchers. Then face off against bosses like a scythe-wielding Reaper.

Master the five schools of magic governing Aether, Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. Then use the elements to inflict status effects and turn the tide of battle. Freeze foes, stun skeletons, inspire troops, and more. Command the battlefield with your chosen defenders and manage strategy-changing upgrades to increase offensive and defensive capabilities, set Aether traps, and protect the magic seals from waves of encroaching enemies. 

Riftbound was developed with a wide range of accessibility options. These include an innovative dyslexia text feature allowing wizards to change between fonts, letters, characters, and line spacing to improve readability. 

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A new fantasy lane defense game looks ready to be your next obsession. Riftbound has been developed by Barrel Smash Studios and it looks inrguing to say the least.

This new war of good versus evil releases on PC via Steam beginning Thursday, 12 May 2022. 

Peace reigns in the enchanted realm until the nefarious Necromancer, doomed to spend eternity in the Dark Rift, breaks free of his otherworldly prison and threatens to spread his malicious influence across the land. Only a young spellcaster, with the counsel of the Great Oak and help of powerful elementals, can restore harmony and banish the magical menace once and for all.

Face waves of heinous foes in real-time combat

Strategically attack the ranks of Skeletons, Spearblasters, Berserkers, and other deadly adversaries to save the day. Lead a heroic army to confront wicked bosses such as the Giant Troll before meeting with the Necromancer himself. Learn each elemental’s characteristics and evolve these mythical beings into their ultimate forms from one of the five schools of magic. 

Choose from more than 40 spells, evolutions, and combos to get your destruction on. Take out the Necromancer’s villainous army by burning them, zapping them, freezing them, and of course exploding the enemy legion. Evolve elementals in battle to raise defense levels and boost attacking tactics. Stun, block, and push enemy lines while taking the control of lanes to ultimately seal the Dark Rift prison. 

You will be able to unlock spells, evolutions, and upgrades to bolster strategy and tactics. Then you can explore the best defense against the incoming undead army. Meet new allies throughout more than 50 levels and multiple difficulties while venturing across the Deep Woods, Snowcap Mountains, and Blighted Forest.

Riftbound’s legendary quest was developed with a wide range of accessibility options, offering an innovative dyslexia text feature allowing wizards to change between fonts, letters, characters, and line spacing to improve readability.

“We’ve developed an epic adventure full of magic and intrigue, with fable-like creatures in a high-fantasy setting,” said James Thomas. James is the co-Founder and Lead Programmer, Barrel Smash Studios. “We hope players will have as much fun immersing themselves in the Riftbound world as we did while creating it!”

Riftbound lands on Steam for Windows PC on Thursday, 12 May 2022.

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Fellow Traveller and Silverstring Media have released Glitchhikers: The Spaces Between today.

You can pick this upgraded Glitchhiking experience on PC or Switch.

The original Glitchhikers released in 2014 and seemed to replicate the experience of late night driving. It did this by trying to have deep conversations to pass the time so your ass doesn’t fall asleep. I am looking at you road from Auckland to Taupo after going to a concert but not wanting to pay for Aucks accommodation.

The launch trailer gives more of a glance into the world of Glitchhikers. It also shows the thought-provoking journey it tries to take players on. The trailer also demonstrates that this time, your long late night journey isn’t confined to a car.

From queer-led studio Silverstring Media, Glitchhikers: The Spaces Between is a rework of their critically acclaimed experimental 2014 release, Glitchhikers: First Drive on itch.io.

You can pick the game up on heaps of PC store fronts like Steam, Humble, GOG.COM, Epic, and itch.io.

Available across all platforms at a 10% discount until April 6!

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At State of Play Tango Gameworks revealed their new trailer for Ghostwire: Tokyo.

It gives an exciting preview of the mystical action and fascinating world players can look forward to!

Ghostwire: Tokyo is an action-adventure game that challenges players to master the powerful arts of Ethereal Weaving. They will do this while working to defeat the menacing Hannya and his followers, the Visitors, who have invaded Tokyo. These supernatural entities roam the stunning world of Ghostwire, creating a stunning atmosphere that is a love letter to Tokyo, its curiosities, and secrets.

Players who digitally pre-order the Deluxe Edition of Ghostwire: Tokyo from the PlayStation Store will gain early access to the game on March 22, 2022. They will also receive access to the Streetwear Outfit Pack, Shinobi Outfit, and Kunai Weapon.

Ghostwire: Tokyo will be available worldwide for PS5 and PC on March 25, 2022. 

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 Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands has a new trailer ahead of launch.

Developed by Swedish studio Toppluva, Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands is a quirky new open-world skiing & snowboarding game. The perspective angle makes it unique as you get to explore snowy slopes filled with numerous challenges.

The same developer released the mobile game Grand Mountain Adventure. Hence this longer title.

I’m not sure about you but I am pretty eager to get my hands on this.

The digital version of the game will be released on March 10^th on the Nintendo eShop and PC (Steam). The retail Switch version will be available from March 31^st in Australia and New Zealand.

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The sixth release in the FINAL FANTASY pixel remaster series, FINAL FANTASY VI is out now.

You can nab this JRPG classic on Steam and mobile platforms. Fans can embark on an enhanced journey in the timeless classic RPG with completely new graphics and audio as a 2D pixel remaster.

Regarded as one of the most beloved games in the FINAL FANTASY series, FINAL FANTASY VI features a robust roster of playable characters, each with their own stories, goals and destinies. Players will be able to customize their party members’ abilities, magic spells and summons with the acclaimed magicite system.

For the first time, FINAL FANTASY VI pixel remaster will also introduce the beloved opera scene in reimagined majesty, including new vocals and animation. Fans can now enjoy the iconic scene with vocals in Japanese, English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Korean.

In addition, players can look forward to many improvements and updates for FINAL FANTASY VI, including:

• Universally updated 2D pixel graphics, including the iconic FINAL FANTASY pixel character designs created by Kazuko Shibuya. Kazuko was both the original artist and is a current collaborator.
• A beautifully rearranged soundtrack in a faithful FINAL FANTASY style, overseen by the original composer Nobuo Uematsu.
• Improved gameplay, including modernized UI, auto-battle options and more!
• Supplemental extras like the bestiary, illustration gallery and music player.

Those who purchase FINAL FANTASY VI on Steam on or before March 9 will receive early purchase bonuses. These include four wallpapers, five music tracks, and a 20% discount. The wallpapers, the instrumental music tracks, and the timelapse special tracks (which transition from the iconic original versions to the new arrangements) included as early purchase bonuses are also available via the bundle on Steam. The music tracks include:

• The Decisive Battle (Timelapse Remix)
• Terra’s Theme (Timelapse Remix)
• Searching for Friends (Timelapse Remix)
• Locke’s Theme (Timelapse Remix)
• Aria di Mezzo Carattere (Instrumental)

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Tango Gameworks and Bethesda revealed that their upcoming action-adventure game Ghostwire: Tokyo will launch on PlayStation 5  and PC on March 25, 2022

Ghostwire: Tokyo is an action-adventure game that challenges players to master the mystical arts of Ethereal Weaving while working to defeat the menacing Hannya and his followers, the Visitors, who have invaded Tokyo. These supernatural entities roam the stunning world of Ghostwire, creating a scintillating atmosphere that is a love letter to Tokyo, its curiosities, and secrets.

Ghostwire: Tokyo will transport players to an intriguing world filled with characters from Japanese legends, folklore, and tales. These stories have inspired many of the unusual creatures you will encounter, giving Ghostwire a true-to-Tokyo flavour. Crafted by the inventive minds at Tango Gameworks, players will traverse Tokyo’s ultra-modern cityscape, discover iconic landmarks, and uncover secrets hidden throughout it.

Players who venture off the beaten path will also find charming characters in need of assistance, countless spirits in need of rescuing, and unexpected purry friends who can exchange rare finds for generous rewards. Optional stories in Ghostwire are not the usual side content fare, but rather lovable tales that further flesh out the game’s world and vision.

PS5 players who pre-order the Deluxe Edition of Ghostwire: Tokyo will gain early access to the game on March 22, 2022. They will also receive access to the Streetwear Outfit Pack, Shinobi Outfit, and Kunai Weapon. 

Ghostwire: Tokyo will be available worldwide for PS5 and PC on March 25, 2022. 

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