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Civilization VII Showcased at Gamescom; Release Scheduled for February 2025

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The highly anticipated Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is set to launch worldwide on February 11, 2025. This latest instalment in the acclaimed strategy game franchise promises to bring a whole new experience; reimagining the genre with its innovative features and captivating gameplay. The latest installation into the franchise was showed off at the recently held Gamescom.

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Developed by Firaxis Games, Civilization VII introduces a fresh perspective on historical strategy games. Players will embark on a journey through the Ages of human history; each offering unique civilizations, resources, and gameplay systems. The ability to shape your empire’s path by selecting different civilizations and leaders adds a layer of customization and strategic depth.

The game features a beautifully rendered world that comes alive with diverse cultural styles. You’ll witness your empire’s growth, interact with other historical leaders, and engage in diplomatic negotiations and warfare.

Civilization VII also offers a robust multiplayer experience, allowing you to compete against friends online and prove your strategic prowess. Whether you prefer epic campaigns spanning multiple Ages or focused single-Age battles, the multiplayer mode caters to various playstyles.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII - Official Gameplay Showcase

The game is designed to be accessible to both new and returning players. A revamped tutorial system eases newcomers into the experience, while veteran players will appreciate the numerous gameplay improvements.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII will be available in multiple editions, including the Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Founders Edition. Each edition offers different content and perks, such as early access, additional DLC packs, and exclusive in-game items.

Key Features:

  • Distinct Ages of History: Experience unique gameplay and civilizations in each Age.
  • Evolving Empires: Shape your empire’s path by selecting different civilizations and leaders.
  • Visionary Leaders: Choose from a diverse roster of historical leaders with unique abilities.
  • Immersive World: Explore a beautifully detailed world and interact with other leaders.
  • Multiplayer Competition: Compete against friends online in epic campaigns or single-Age battles.
  • Accessibility: A revamped tutorial and gameplay improvements make the game accessible to all.

Civilization VII promises to be a captivating and engaging strategy game that will keep players entertained for hours on end. With its innovative features and stunning visuals, it is sure to be a hit among fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Pricing & Availability

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII will be available starting on February 11, 2025. It’s set for release on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, and Mac and Linux via Steam. It’s currently up for pre-order until 11 February 2025.

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The Standard Edition is priced at $59.99 (RM248.80), the Deluxe Edition at $89.99 (RM373.20), and the Founders Edition at $119.99 (RM497.60).

The Deluxe and Founder’s Edition will come with early access that kicks off on February 6, 2025 – 5 days before the official release. Both the Deluxe and Founder’s Editions will also give you access to the Crossroads of the World Collection; a post launch add-on that gives you access to 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more. They also come with the Deluxe Pack which comes with 2 leader personas, 4 profile customizations and 1 alternate scout skin. In addition to this, pre-orders will also come with the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack, a content pack that unlocks the Leader Tecumseh and the Shawnee Civilization. This also includes pre-orders of the standard edition.

Additional goodies can be unlocked through linking your 2K account to the game when you install it. More information is coming closer to the launch.

Gaming, Lifestyle, News

Nice Xbox Series S, does it Come in Black? It Only Comes in Carbon Black, and 1TB Storage.

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Microsoft launched their latest Xbox devices in 2020 almost alongside Sony’s PlayStation 5. Like the PlayStation 5 series too, there are two types of Xbox that you can get, one packs a physical disc reader while the other does not. They cleverly named them the Series X and Series S, the Series X is the thicker tower that packs a disc reader, while the Series S is the ‘slim’ version of the Xbox without a disc reader.

Obviously, the prices are different too. The Series X, packing a disc reader, larger internal real estate, and probably more efficient cooling, is the more expensive one. The Series S is the budget option of the two and only comes with 500GB of space. No matter, you still get all the power of the latest Xbox in a more compact and affordable body. You just need to buy games digitally and pick and choose what to install in your Xbox. You can even upgrade your 500GB SSD to 1TB SSD if you really want, but it might take some know how to do and you now have an extra 500GB SSD that you might not have a use for. The Xbox Series S also only comes in one colour option, white; boring.

  • XBOX SRS S FAMILY
    Source: Microsoft
  • XBOX SRS S BEAUTY
    Source: Microsoft

While it did not make that much sense buying the Series S before, it might make a whole lot more sense today, after Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase. They just announced the Xbox Series S Carbon Black edition, which will be available alongside the old one in white. While it now looks way cooler in its black guise, it is not just a cosmetic upgrade that we are getting with the new Xbox. You now get the option to buy the budget Xbox in Carbon Black with a 1TB SSD inside the console out-of-the-box too. Of course, it comes with a bump in price too over the regular Xbox Series S, a US$ 50 price bump to be exact to make it now worth US$ 349.99 (MYR 1,617*) for one.

This good news does come with a caveat though. The US$ 349.99 Xbox Series S Carbon Black edition will not be available immediately. It is only available later in the year in September 2023 in global markets. The pre-order has already started for the Carbon Black edition in available markets. Malaysia does not technically support the Xbox officially yet, but we do have the Xbox Game Pass which will also be supported on NVIDIA’s GeForce Now streaming service. More on the Xbox Series S Carbon Black can be found on their website.

*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.62 as of 12/06/2023 on xe.com

Gaming, Lifestyle, News

The Xbox is Going Greener with Some Clever Carbon Awareness in its Next Update

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Microsoft’s Xbox is not technically officially supported in Malaysia. That also means that it is not technically officially on sale in the region. That does not mean that the Microsoft made console cannot be found in Malaysia. You still can get your hands on one from retailers across the nation. Because it is not officially supported here, you do have to register yourself as an Xbox user from Singapore.

If you do have an Xbox at home, you might be pleased to know that the next update for your gaming console might save you some money from your electricity bill in the coming months. The update is really meant to be Microsoft’s big effort in reducing carbon footprints and emissions across their hardware and even software. It is in-line with their goal of achieving carbon negativity, water positive, and zero-waste company by 2030.

They say that the next update makes the Xbox a little more carbon aware. That means that your console will now only push updates and software updates at optimized times in the day. Optimized as in it only runs at a time when the Xbox can use the least amount of non-renewable energy, or when renewable energy becomes more abundant, whatever that means.

How it does that is quite clever, to be fair. When plugged in and connected to the internet, the Xbox will have access to the regional carbon intensity data. Whether the data includes Malaysia or not has not been revealed. With that data though, the Xbox will schedule its various downloads and updates at specific times where carbon emissions are lowest. Instead of a programmed schedule for your updates (2.00 a.m. – 6.00 a.m. by default), your console only wakes up at specific times where your local energy grid is at its most carbon efficient state and turns back off again after those specified times.

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Source: Xbox

The update will also bring a more energy efficient mode to the Xbox when it is not in use. They dub it the energy saving mode. Instead of the Xbox going to sleep, it goes to Shutdown automatically. They say that other than slower booth times, it will not affect performances, gameplay, or its automatic updates. It just sort of turns off the Xbox until you switch it on, or when it wants to update. They say that Shutdown power mode will reduce the console’s power consumption by over 20 folds compared to the regular Sleep option. Reduced power consumption not only means lower carbon emissions, it also means you pay less for your electricity. Sleep is still an optional power mode for your console, you just need to dig deeper into the settings to make it an available power option by default.

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Source: Xbox

You still get a lot of control over your Xbox though. If you want your console to just power up and get into your games immediately, you can adjust its ‘Active Hours’. It allows you to still have your console to go into Sleep mode immediately, but only at selected times. Outside of those selected ‘Active Hours’ your Xbox goes into Shutdown mode automatically to draw less than 1W of power.

The carbon awareness update for your Xbox will be available soon. The power saving modes is only available for Xbox Insider members though, oddly enough. Then again, being an Xbox Insider might give you early access to plenty of things too, which could be a big appeal in itself. More information can be found in their news blog.

Gaming, News

Blizzard Announces 2023 Release Date for Diablo IV

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In the midst of chaos and controversy, the Diablo franchise is teasing the next instalment. Blizzard used the XBOX and Bethesda Showcase to announce that Diablo IV will be making its official debut in 2023. Of course, in typical Blizzard style, no specific dates were given.

However, Blizzard didn’t just leave us hanging without a morsel to nibble on. With the release year (hopefully), Blizzard also unveiled the final class featured in Diablo IV – the necromancer. The Necromancer is returning to Sanctuary for the fourth time. The class has been a mainstay in the series since Diablo 2. This time the Necromancer will be joining the Druid, Crusader, Monk and Rogue in their battle against Lilith.

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Source: Blizzard

The developers also gave a little more insight into what we can expect when we return to Sanctuary this round. A completely open world map is one of the most intriguing changes coming to Sanctuary. Unlike the past Diablo games, players will be able to roam the world of Sanctuary unhindered. You’ll be able to travel from the dunes of Kehjistan to the snowy peaks of Mount Arreat to the sombre remains of Tristram without needing to leave an act. While exploring the vast open world with close to 150 dungeons, you’ll come across Strongholds where the forces of Hell have taken root. You will need to clear these Strongholds to be rewarded with riches or set towns free.

Diablo IV | Developer Gameplay Showcase

You will also face even more terrifying hordes of demons and undead as you venture into Diablo IV. Demons Lords and hordes of all sizes are making a return to the franchise in Diablo IV. You will be encountering towering demons and gigantic ones that will definitely strike terror in your hearts. You don’t need to take them down alone anymore though; your friends will be able to join your adventure. Blizzard has revamped the partying system in the game allowing you to form spontaneous parties during your adventure. You’ll be able to collaborate and party with your friends regardless of the platform they are on – PS4, PS5, PC, XBOX One. Character progression also occurs across all platforms. On console, you’ll even be able to have couch co-op.

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In addition, Mephisto’s influence has created areas in Sanctuary where players can attack other players. These areas will see the best players duke it out. Be wary, as you reap victories, you’ll also become a target for everyone. Diablo IV is also bringing back an open skill tree which will allow you even deeper customisation of your character. This comes in addition to the extensive aesthetic customisations that you’ll be able to undertake as you adventure in Diablo IV. This continues further as you progess after you complete the main game. As you max out your level, you’ll unlock the Paragon Board which will allow you to unlock hundreds of optional paths for your characters.

With everything that has been revealed to-date, Diablo IV is shaping out to be a return to form after Diablo III’s shortfalls. We’ll be patiently waiting to see what Sanctuary brings us in 2023.

Accessories, Computers, Gaming, News

Razer Launches the Kaira X Gaming Headphones for Console Gaming

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Console gaming is undoubtedly the most popular form of gaming in the video games industry. To be fair, console gaming has made AAA video games experience a lot more accessible to the masses. At prices below MYR 3,000, you are getting a highly advanced hardware that could play you the most graphically demanding titles at up to 4K and at up to 120fps at that. For a PC to do that, you might want to spend way north MYR 5,000 at this point.

Razer, being the one most recognized gaming peripherals brand in the world cannot call themselves a gaming brand if they do not cover or cater to a large majority of the gaming industry that is the console gaming crowd. Of course, the three-headed snake company makes peripherals specific to the PlayStation and Xbox. You have specific tournament and high-end controllers from Razer. Now, Razer also makes gaming headphones specifically for the latest next-generation gaming consoles.

Welcome to the Razer Kaira X, the essential gaming headphone for both the Xbox and PlayStation platform. As per the naming scheme of the peripherals, the Razer Kaira X is a budget version of the Razer Kaira. That does not mean that it is less featured and less powerful than the Kaira though.

The Razer Kaira X is still a powerful headphone with 50mm TriForce drivers delivering high-power audio directly into your ears. The new TriForce drivers are supposed to deliver improved frequency separation delivering crisp highs, clear mids, and deep bass. For in-game chats, there is the boom-mounted Razer HyperClear Cardioid Microphone that has a specific pick-up pattern to exclude unwanted background noise.

  • 18 Kaira Environment F v5
    Source: Razer
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    Source: Razer
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    Source: Razer
  • Kaira X 2021 PS Render 1
    Source: Razer
  • Kaira X 2021 PS Render 2
    Source: Razer
  • Kaira X 2021 PS Render 3
    Source: Razer

At the same time, the Kaira X features on-headset controls for quick adjustments on-the-fly. The Flowknit Memory Foam cushions on the earcups and headband are made for ultimate comfort and should keep you going in long gaming sessions. Instead of the Kaira’s wireless nature, the Kaira X features a 3.5mm connection. That also means that it is compatible not only with the PlayStation and Xbox, but your PC as well.

The Kaira X for Xbox and Kaira X for PlayStation is now available in Malaysia. You can get your hands on one via authorised dealers across the country or from Razer.com. The Kaira X is available in classic black and white, Shock Blue, Pulse Red, and Electric Volt colour options. The new headphones for the next-generation consoles retails at MYR 299.90. More information on the Kaira X can be found on their website.

Gaming, Lifestyle, News

[E3 2021] The Xbox Mini Fridge is Here – The Meme Comes Alive!

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When the current generation of Xbox Series X was leaked in the press years ago, there was a lot of comments on how the boxy design looks. That is naturally always the case with any design renders that comes out of any manufacturers and companies though. Before a product is out in the market or announced, a render leak of what the product would most likely look like might be ‘leaked’ to the press or the public to sometimes create a public hype. It could almost be like a litmus test of whether or not there is genuine interest in the product.

Sometimes it backfires though, and design renders get ridiculed or gets turned into a meme. In the case of the Xbox Series X, the public quickly points out that it looks like a refrigerator of some kind and that quickly turned into a meme. No doubt, there was a lot of excitement about this product coming out of Microsoft. Thanks to the public reaction at the time, it could give the designers of this gaming console a few things to think about.

Welcome to E3 2021 though, where new games get teased and launched. It is also the place where the unexpected can be expected to happen. This year, the unexpected happened on Microsoft’s stage in their ‘one more thing’ segment at the end of their show. They made it.

Microsoft introduced the world to the “world’s most powerful mini fridge” set to hit the stores in the coming months. They call it the Xbox Mini Fridge, which is thoroughly fitting of a name for this little box that holds canned drinks or other things you put in a mini fridge. They also say that it uses Xbox’s clever velocity cooling architecture to keep your drinks cool in the fridge, hence “world’s most powerful mini fridge”. How did this mini fridge meme become a reality though?

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Twitter Marketing ran a #BestOfTweets championship in April for users to vote on which brands ran the best twitter account. It came down to Skittles and Xbox. Xbox was trailing behind when they announced in their twitter account that they would make the Xbox Mini Fridge a reality if they won the campaign. They did, by 1 percent of votes.

Xbox fulfilled that promise in E3 2021 and the product is actually something that you can purchase later in the year, not just a concept. Except, Microsoft did not say that it will be for sale. They pointed out that it will be available in the holiday season (presumably in the United States), but not its price or where it is going to be available. It could be a free gift if you already own an Xbox, or a bundle if you buy the new Xbox in that season.

Whatever it is, it shows that tech giants like Microsoft are listening to the public and are moving with the public. While it is a little bit more marketing gimmick and move, it also shows that Microsoft has some sense of humour after all. You should be reminded also that Microsoft made a fully sized refrigerator in the shape of the Xbox Series X just for Snoop Dogg last year just because they can.