استریم

برچسب: Games

  • 3 of the best reality-warping horror games and where to get them

    3 of the best reality-warping horror games and where to get them


    What makes a horror game truly frightening? Jumpscares or chase scenes can be unsettling, but for me, the scariest horror games are those that encourage a creeping sense of dread and make you question the world you’re interacting with. 

    If you’ve been hunting for some new skin-crawling titles to add to your library, I’ve got you covered with this list. One of the games is a cult-classic that I believe every horror enthusiast should have in their collection, while the other two are underrated gems that deserve more of a spotlight. 

    The Escapist recaps

    • Flesh, Blood, & Concrete is an atmospheric, unsettling trawl through a seemingly occupied apartment building, filled with trinkets and chunks of meat.
    • Ib is a cult-classic horror that starts in an art gallery and ends up in an alternate world, packed with fiendish monsters and enemies.
    • Soul Void is a mysterious horror-adventure made in a Game Boy-esque style, with heavy themes of death, inner grief, and a reluctance to move on. 
    • All three games are must-plays for fans of horror games that rely on slow-burning fear, unsettling imagery, and rich narratives to frighten their players.

    Flesh, Blood, & Concrete

    A dark, eerie building facade with red-lit windows is shown. The text reads "flesh, blood, & concrete"
    This game is dark and atmospheric. Image credit: waxwing0

    Flesh, Blood, & Concrete is just as weird as it sounds – and I’m so glad I found this game while mindlessly scrolling through the horror tab on Itch.io, as it’s utterly engrossing. 

    Made by waxwing0, this RPGMaker experience is short but impactful. It’s a story-driven horror that begins with a car accident, and the mechanics are best summarized as exploration with a small sprinkle of puzzles on top. 

    After the main character falls asleep at the wheel and drives her car through the courtyard of a block of apartments, she’s invited inside the apartment block by a mysterious but friendly girl who wants her to take shelter from the vicious snowstorm outside. The story unravels from there, getting increasingly surreal with every new room uncovered.

    While there are some gross-out moments – particularly for folk who are upset by mold or rot – it’s not a jumpscare-heavy game. The world design is spectacularly eerie, and the music adds to the ambience perfectly, but the real horror is baked into the story instead of the visuals.

    Flesh, Blood, & Concrete somehow manages to be creepy, beautiful, and melancholic all at the same time. It ended up bringing a tear to my eye, and I wish I could’ve spent longer learning more about the characters.

    You can play this horror game for free on Itch.io – before downloading, it’s worth noting that it features heavy themes along with a fair amount of gore. 

    Ib

    A character stands in a dimly lit red room with cryptic decor. A dialogue box reads, "Hmm? Shouldn't we move forward? I don't think there's anything left for us here..."
    While Ib does have jumpscares, it relies on its tense atmosphere for frights. Image credit: Playism

    Calling Ib an underground horror game at this point is a bit of a stretch – it’s a cult-classic, after all, with a dedicated community – but I’ll take any excuse to write about this incredible title. It came out in 2012, then got a remake in 2022.

    As a long-time RPGMaker game fan, I can say with confidence that this is one of the best examples of an RPGMaker horror game. It’s gorgeous yet creepy, with an intriguing storyline and plenty of unsettling enemies to dodge as you explore.

    Ib follows the story of a young girl by the same name as she visits an art gallery with her parents. Before the family can settle into their day trip, something changes drastically within the gallery, and Ib ends up alone, forced to explore a dark, ever-changing world within the paintings that line the walls of the gallery.

    Exploration is a key part of Ib, with a plethora of dungeons and winding pathways to navigate. The world gets increasingly more surreal and twisted, with plenty of elaborate puzzles to unravel as the story unfolds.

    Something that I love about this game is that there are multiple endings to uncover. It’s rewarding to play through multiple times and see how your choices affect the story, which is often the case for story-led horror.

    You can check out the 2022 version of Ib on Steam and the Nintendo Store. The official Nintendo store page for the game notes that Ib is supported on Nintendo Switch 2. 

    Soul Void (Redux) 

    Pixel art of a mysterious, eerie figure with glowing eyes and tendrils on a dark background. Speech bubble reads, "I REQUIRE AN OFFERING..."
    Soul Void’s artwork is truly impressive. Image credit: Kadabura

    The first thing that I noticed about Soul Void is how utterly impressive its artwork is. Thankfully, it’s also got a stellar story and gameplay loop to match its quality aesthetic.

    Created by Kadabura on Itch.io, Soul Void is a Game Boy-esque horror adventure that’ll take you through a variety of bewildering, hellish landscapes, packed with lost souls who need your help to move on to the next life. You wake up in another world, seemingly by mistake, and you’ll need to find your way home. 

    The story is left deliberately mysterious in places – to me, the main location in the game seemed like a representation of purgatory, but others may interpret it differently – yet it still manages to feel incredibly rich.

    I dipped into this game thinking I’d check it out for 20 minutes, then move on to the next title on my list, but ended up becoming utterly engrossed for the next couple of hours. 

    With themes of loss, inner turmoil, and life beyond death, this is a horror adventure that’ll make you think – but it’ll also make you squirm with gnarly creature designs and gory landscapes, too. It is worth noting that Soul Void touches on some heavy themes. 

    You can check out Soul Void on Itch.io – while it is available to play in-browser for free, I’d strongly encourage you to support the creator with a paid download, as this is a truly mesmerizing game. 

    Ask The Escapist

    Did Ib get a remake?

    Yes, the version of Ib on Steam is the 2022 version of the 2012 release. It features updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements. 

    Do these games feature jumpscares?

    There aren’t any notable jumpscares that I found in Flesh, Blood, & Concrete or Soul Void. Ib has a few smaller scares, but I wouldn’t describe it as a jumpscare-forward game.

    Can any of these games be played in-browser?

    Both Soul Void and Flesh, Blood, & Concrete can be played in-browser. I’d highly encourage you to download the games and support the developers via their Itch.io pages, though – these games are incredible pieces of work.

    References

    1. https://waxwing0.itch.io/
    2. https://itch.io/
    3. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/ib-switch/
    The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy



    Source link

  • Rematch shows soccer games don’t have to just be EA FC

    Rematch shows soccer games don’t have to just be EA FC


    If you ask football fans what they are accustomed to in the annual rhythm of video game releases, one of their first answers will likely be EA FC, which is released every autumn. For many years, this genre has been split between EA’s domination and the now-fading Pro Evolution Soccer; however, 2025 could be remembered as the year that changed that. 

    That’s all because of Rematch, which is a new arcade-style game developed by Sloclap and envisions bringing something unique to the gaming world. Launched in June, this football game was stripped down, making it fast-paced, pick-up-and-play-fun. Instead, the game focuses on fluidity, flair, and feel. 

    The Escapist recaps

    • Rematch was released in June 2025 and is available on PC and consoles. 
    • For the genre, the game developed by Sloclap brings an arcade twist to it. 
    • It has dropped all official licenses to prioritise its fluid gameplay, creative freedom, and, of course, its retro charm.
    • Updates for Rematch are already thought to be in development, with gameplay balancing and the addition of more modes. 
    • Rematch has become a part of a growing shift away from the current hyper-realism in soccer video games. 

    Why Rematch matters now 

    As Rematch could be seen as just another throwback title, it can become easy to dismiss it. It is fun for a weekend, and then there is a lack of staying power. The current soccer video game market is dominated by EA FC, so its timing couldn’t have been better. The simplicity of Rematch isn’t considered a limitation; it has become a positive, deliberate design choice. 

    Sloclap does double-down on a distinctive, stylized approach. From its exaggerated animation to its energetic match flow. You can see that every design choice embraces flair.  Although shots are considered unpredictable, they remain satisfying, and the pace is full speed in the best way possible. 

    There may not be any microtransactions or an Ultimate Team for fans to get excited about, but it’s just plainly about football, and that’s what fans love about it the most. 

    The nostalgia factor 

    A goalie in blue dives dramatically to catch a soccer ball, while teammates and opponents play in a vibrant, underwater-themed arena.
    Rematch delivers arcade-style football with vibrant visuals. Image сredit: Steam

    Fans love having a bit of nostalgia, and that, alongside its gameplay, is what makes it so compelling. Many players grew up with the likes of Pro Evo and Sensible Soccer, and will have a sense of similarity by just the way the game is. For its polish, it will be modern, but it feels as if it belongs to an era where fun came first, and realism came second. 

    Some may not like the fact that the big-name teams aren’t included, but for most, it ends up becoming a strength. Forget choosing between PSG and Manchester United, you’re choosing based on formation, kit colours, or even just pure vibes. 

    Rematch is designed for players to pick up and just have some fun, whereas EA FC relies on deep menus and team ratings, which can feel a little overwhelming. 

    This is the big question of whether a game like Rematch can remain and even thrive in the same category as EA FC. There is not really a simple answer to this; it is more complicated than it should be. It’s safe to say that EA FC will dominate commercially, but currently, there is a bigger audience for alternative soccer video games. 

    Especially games that offer excitement over the grind-heavy realism. 

    In 2025, EA FC has promised fans new features and an even further enhanced Career Mode. For this, it will draw attention for sure, but not every player is looking to spend 30 hours tweaking their tactics. Some will just want to have a fun kickabout. 

    Head-on, Rematch doesn’t compete with EA FC, but what it does offer is a completely different flavour entirely. 

    What is next for Rematch?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxpFiokmI2c

    If you’re a fan of Rematch, then don’t worry, it is not just a one-off experiment. Slocap has confirmed that plans are in place for regular post-launch updates, improved AI, and an enhanced multiplayer mode. The lack of an annual cycle does seem to work in Rematch’s favour, allowing for a more flexible and focused development path. 

    Without any worries about licensing deals, Rematch has the pure flexibility to become whatever it wants to be; it will be purely shaped by its players, rather than any corporate partnerships. 

    An alternative worth trying

    For many years now, soccer video games have only meant one thing, and that is EA FC. Even now, after it’s been rebranded from FIFA, the majority of the game does feel the same. Rematch, however, proves that there is a space for a different kind of soccer game, one that is more playful and focused on having fun. 

    Rematch doesn’t have to be a direct competition to EA FC, with its realism or plain star power. It values simplicity, quick enjoyment, and just pure arcade fun. 

    Ask The Escapist 

    When did Rematch launch?

    Rematch launched in June 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. 

    When is the next EA FC coming out, and what new features does it have?

    EA FC 26, if following previous years, is expected to come out in late September 2025, and will come with even better realistic crowd animations, updates to the Career Mode, and even cross-play improvements. 

    Will there be updates to Rematch?

    Yes. Sloclap has announced that the game will receive regular updates like additional modes, gameplay tweaks, and the possibility of customization tools, too.

    The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy



    Source link

  • Catan expansion compatability – Board & Card Games Stack Exchange

    Catan expansion compatability – Board & Card Games Stack Exchange


    Stack Exchange Network

    Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

    Visit Stack Exchange



    Source link

  • Ludology 344 Indie Games Night Market

    Ludology 344 Indie Games Night Market


    Welcome!

    Welcome to Ludology, an analytical discussion of the hows and whys of the world of board games. Rather than news and reviews, Ludology explores a variety of topics about games from a wider lens, as well as discuss game history, game design and game players.

    We post a new Ludology episode every other week. In these episodes, hosts Erica Bouyouris and Sen-Foong Lim deep-dive into a single topic within game design, often with a well-regarded guest from the game industry. We generally focus on tabletop game design (mainly board games and RPGs), but we often pull in experts from all forms of games, from video games to escape rooms to slot machines.

    On weeks where there is no flagship Ludology episode, we will alternate between two smaller mini-sodes. Erica and Sen are happy to announce that Sarah Shipp of Shippboard Games and Stephanie Campbell of TTRPGKids will be joining us for the next year, providing additional content between our longer episodes.

    Sarah’s segment, Thinking Beyond Mechanisms, is a monthly feature that dives deeper into the other aspects of games beyond the dice and cards we’re all familiar with.

    Stephanie’s segment, TTRPGKids, explores how parents and teachers can use role playing games with children in the home and in the classroom.

    We hope you enjoy the additional content!

    Our History

    We aim for most Ludology episodes to be timeless, so you are welcome to explore our entire catalog. Most of it should age quite well. The podcast was started in 2011 by Geoff Engelstein and Ryan Sturm, with Mike Fitzgerald taking over for Ryan in 2015. Gil and Scott joined the show in 2017 when Mike stepped aside, and Emma joined in 2019 when Geoff ended his tenure as host. Emma left in 2021, and Erica and Sen joined us. Since then, Scott stepped down in 2022 and Gil will be hanging up his mic in 2023, leaving Erica and Sen to carry on this amazing legacy.

    Erica and Sen are working to bring new voices to Ludology and have some great things to announce as gaming expands to include even more people!

    Contact Us 

    Have your own thoughts about our topics? We encourage you to visit us at our guild on Boardgamegeek to get involved in a continuing discussion.

    You can also email us at hello@ludology.net.

    Ludology is part of The Dice Tower Network, the premier board game media network.

    If you have questions that you’d like answered on Ludology, let us know by filling out this Google Form; you can also leave an audio question that we can use on the show, if you wish! 

    Burning Questions for Ludology

    Burning Question

    Support the Show

    Ludology is made possible through the support and donations of listeners like you.

    We currently have 3 “First Listen” series that will go out to Patrons well in advance of the audio being released to the wider audience.

    • The Memories that Made Us (monthly) – memories about gaming experiences that helped shape the people that bring modern games to life
    • Tales from the Designer Toolbox (monthly) – tips and tricks from industry pros learned from both success and failure
    • Ludology Live – recordings from conventions around the world

    Patrons will also get extra consideration for any giveaways that we might have!

    Become a Ludology Patron

    Become a patron

    You can also make a one-time or monthly donation here. The link will take you to Erica’s account. People who donate in this way will not have access to the Patreon page – sorry!





    Source link

  • How to Measure Luck vs Skill in Games?


    Anyone who has played a wide variety of games knows that some games are almost purely skill (i.e. Chess, Go), while others are 100% luck (i.e. Candyland, War). However, most games are in between.

    I would find it helpful as a game buyer if there were an objective measure indicating how much luck is involved in a game, to include as one of several criteria when deciding which kinds of games I’d like to buy and spend time learning. I personally prefer games where luck/probability plays a role, yet deliberate practice increases skill over time (i.e. Bridge). But obviously other people will have different preferences.

    I’ve observed many debates about the amount of luck and skill in certain games and I sometimes use information gleaned form these informal debates to help me decide whether to purchase a game. Very few of these debates cite objective measures to indicate how much luck or skill is involved.

    Note that in a BGG luck/skill thread I started, one person did cite an attempt to objectively measure whether skill exists in the game Fluxx.

    So what measures exist and how useful are they? Or is there some persuasive mathematics to suggest that useful measures (of how much luck is in a game) are not possible?



    Source link

  • Summer Games Done Quick 2025 helps raise over $2.4 million for charity

    Summer Games Done Quick 2025 helps raise over $2.4 million for charity


    SGDQ 2025 has raised an eye-watering $2.4 million dollars for charity, as speedrunners from various videogame disciplines have once again successfully come together to do some good. The in-person event continues to grow every year, with plenty of runs still worth checking out now that it’s over. This time, we saw indie hits such as Blue Prince and Balatro join the likes of Sekiro and Monster Hunter Wilds, offering up a little bit of everything.

    Summer Games Done Quick 2025 has officially raised $2,436,614 for Doctors Without Borders, a charity dedicated to supporting victims of disasters and armed conflict. To raise money, speedrunners ran through some of their favorite games live, while anyone watching could donate to support them and put their money towards specific goals. Some of the best PC games of all time made an appearance, alongside some I don’t think anybody expected.

    One of my favorite runs was for Blue Prince, where ‘RadRingtail’ managed to put us all to shame by beating it in a measly two minutes. That wasn’t all, though, as two runners also faced off in a Blue Prince bingo run, where they had to complete a random selection of objectives in order to win.

    YouTube Thumbnail

    Runner ‘cloiss’ also managed to beat Balatro in just under an hour, absolutely annihilating the game’s RNG at a pace I’m frankly jealous of. Then there’s AEW Fight Forever, where the audience perfectly understood the assignment by bringing a boatload of energy and signs to the run. Whether you’re a professional wrestling fan or not, this one is definitely worth a look.

    If you’d rather watch a speedrun with lightning-fast skills, the Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice showcase is for you. ‘Mitchriz’ beats all bosses and minibosses without using any glitches, and it’s one you’ll sweat simply just watching. There are plenty other runs worth your time, however, so I’d recommend going to the Games Done Quick YouTube channel and checking out the backlog.

    Don’t forget you can also check out the best free Steam games available today, alongside the biggest upcoming PC games you need to watch out for.

    You can follow us on Google News for daily PC games news, reviews, and guides. We’ve also got a vibrant community Discord server, where you can chat about this story with members of the team and fellow readers.



    Source link

  • Three free games to grab quick off Steam in Slitherine’s 25th anniversary giveaway

    Three free games to grab quick off Steam in Slitherine’s 25th anniversary giveaway


    Image of Paul McNally

    |

    Published: Jul 11, 2025 06:59 am

    Long-established strategy game giant Slitherine is having a celebration of 25 years producing mind-taxing games, and alongside a Steam sale of its catalog, you can also grab three games totally free that are worth adding to your backlog if you like some more cerebral gameplay.

    Let’s take a quick look at the giveaway so you can judge for yourself whether you want them or not. The giveaway seems to last until 17th July, but it is worth snapping them up sooner rather than later in case things change.

    Battlestar Galactica: Deadlock

    First up is sci-fi licence Battlestar Galactica: Deadlock which gives you command of the fleet in the first Cylon War. if you grew up watching Apollo and Stabuck blasting Cylon’s from the sky, this will be right up your alley.

    DLC for the game is also currently at half price so if you quickly decide you like the game and will be putting a lot of time into it, you can snap them all up too to enhance your experience.

    Fantasy General II

    2019’s wargaming classic, which still retails at around the $50 mark, is also up for grabs if you are quick. Lead powerful heroes and mighty armies into battle in this critically acclaimed turn-based strategy milestone. Level up and train your units and guide them through a gripping story campaign to decide the fate of a world on the brink of destruction.

    Even after all this time, it still has a Very POsitive rating on Steam, so it has clearly stood the test of time. Again, all the DLC is priced at 5-% off at the moment.

    Field of Glory II: Medieval

    The final game of the giveaway trio is Field of Glory 2: Medieval from 2021 – a turn-based tactical game set in the High Middle Ages from 1040 AD to 1270 AD. Developed by legendary designer Richard Bodley Scott, it brings the best from the tabletop world into the best digital framework.

    With 50% off all DLC and another current Very Positive rating on Steam, why would you not pick it up while you can?

    How to claim free games on Steam

    To claim all three games, head to Steam and look for the Slitherine 25th Anniversary banner, or search for them individually. From there, you can simply add them to your library at no cost.

    The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy



    Source link

  • It’s time to switch to ultrawide gaming for a new outlook on your games, so we check out this 32:9 monster from Innocn

    It’s time to switch to ultrawide gaming for a new outlook on your games, so we check out this 32:9 monster from Innocn


    A new monitor is one of those purchases most people tend to make when their old one either packs in or they finally decide they want a bigger one.

    Over the years, I have had double-monitor and triple-monitor setups. I’ve toyed with portable monitors as a second screen and even projectors. Much of this has been led by my penchant for driving and flight simulations, where extra screen real estate can be beneficial. But the problem is, with working at the same desk as well, it also has to fit right for my writing needs, so that means dangling stuff at weird angles doesn’t always work for me.

    A couple of years ago, when the Samsung G9 came out, I really wanted one but simply couldn’t justify the cost – you can buy a first car for a teenager for that price – trust me, you can. As tech moves forward, though, we see a lot of prices coming down, especially in the TV and monitor spaces. The speed at which new panels are developed is pretty astounding. All this means that tech that was out of the price range of the masses not that long ago is now more than in reach.

    So, in this growing landscape of ultrawide monitors, the INNOCN 49Q1R stands out immediately — and not just because of its size. This is a 49-inch monitor aimed directly at users who want a huge, immersive workspace or gaming setup without the eye-watering price tag of some better-known brands. It’s still not exactly cheap, but compared to rivals like Samsung’s Odyssey G9 series, it’s priced pretty well at a good level. The big question is whether it delivers enough quality and performance to make it a worthwhile investment. The answer, after a couple of months of use for me, is a resounding yes, with a few caveats.

    Design and Build

    Unboxing the 49Q1R – and it is huge when it arrives. It’s not that it is heavy per se, but with the box and secure packing inside, a second pair of hands is useful to get it to its final resting spot. It’s hard not to be impressed, and possibly a little intimidated, by its sheer footprint.

    This is a 32:9 aspect ratio display with a resolution of 5120×1440, essentially two 27-inch 1440p monitors fused together by magic with no bezel gap. The curve (1800R) helps make that size manageable on a desk, though it still demands a fair amount of space — you’ll want a deep desk to get the full benefit without craning your neck. I have it on my Flexispot, and I dispensed with the previous monitor arm I was using and went with the included stand for ease – mainly because I couldn’t find an Allen key. This takes up a bit of desk real estate but is decent and allows height and swivel adjustment, and I had no problems getting it exactly where I wanted it.

    The build quality is solid enough. It’s not flashy — mostly matte plastic with minimal Innocn branding (while I’m on the subject, doesn’t it need an extra vowel – what do I know?) — but nothing feels cheap or flimsy.

    Ports are generous. You’ve got two HDMI 2.1 inputs, one DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C with 90W PD, and several USB-A ports for peripherals. The USB-C charging is a nice touch for laptop users, and it’s good to see full-fat HDMI 2.1 support for console gamers. They, like most monitors, are not the easiest to get to, and with the sense of this thing reaching around the back, it is not as simple as I would love it to be. A little breakout box would be a fabulous addition. I pre-empted future issues by attaching all the cables I might ever need before finishing the setup, but if I ever need to change it, it will be a pain, I know it will.

    As you can see in the image below, the screen is also backlit with some ambient lighting. This doesn’t change with what’s on screen and in practice, somewhat weirdly, even in a dark room, I don’t even notice it is on. I discovered it by accident when I was messing around the back a few weeks into this review. I don’t really understand how they are that dim.

    Image Quality

    This is where things get interesting. The 49Q1R is a low-cost OLED panel, and it delivers the sort of deep contrast you’d expect to pay a lot more for. Blacks are genuinely dark, and there’s decent colour pop out of the box. INNOCN rates it at 95% DCI-P3 coverage, and while we didn’t run lab-grade tests because nobody but the dorks really cares, it looks stunning in games that truly support the 32:9 aspect ratio on offer here.

    The amazing Blade-Runner-esque city builder Distopika, which you haven’t heard of but you need to buy on Steam immediately, is mind-blowingly beautiful spread across all 49 inches of screen.

    Having said that, I’ll be honest, the HDR setting didn’t do it for me. It seemed to wash things out, and I much preferred the 49Q1R’s normal settings. Still, HDR support is there, and in practice, it makes a subtle difference in well-lit scenes and games — just don’t expect OLED-style contrast or blooming-free highlights because you won’t get them. Corners have had to be cut somewhere for the price, and this is an example of that, perhaps.

    Productivity and Workflow

    For work, this monitor is a dream. The pixel density is the same as a 27-inch 1440p monitor, so text remains crisp, and you’ve got acres of horizontal space for multiple windows. Whether you’re video editing, coding, or juggling multiple browser tabs, the workflow advantage is immediate. I have Windows tracking analytics, Google Docs, Discord, and Plexamp up and running with plenty of space to spare. Windows 11 is much better equipped for snapping your windows into place where you want them these days, so fiddly resizing is a thing of the past.

    The panel also supports Picture-in-Picture mode, which effectively turns it into two separate displays. This is genuinely useful if you’re working across two machines, like a desktop and a laptop — you can keep both onscreen at once without any external switchers. You might think who does that, but I did and had a Raspberry Pi 5 in one window and my main PC in the other.

    One minor gripe: while the on-screen display is functional, the controls (located underneath the bezel) can be fiddly to use. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s one area where more premium monitors offer a smoother experience. You are restricted to a single button, which takes you into the menu. You will mostly use it for on/off, but if you are messing around with PiP or input modes, it can occasionally frustrate.

    Gaming Performance

    The 49Q1R supports up to 144Hz refresh rate with Adaptive Sync, and gaming on this thing is undeniably immersive. The wide field of view in racing sims and FPS titles feels genuinely next-gen, and you get the smoothness benefits of high refresh, assuming your GPU can handle pushing 5120×1440 at those frame rates.

    Input lag is low, and response times are decent, if not blistering. This isn’t a monitor aimed at esports pros, but for most gamers, me included, it’s plenty fast enough. There is a bit of smearing in dark transitions, but my eyes are so bad these days I barely notice — but nothing that ruins the experience.

    If you’re on a PS5 or Xbox Series X, you’ll want to double-check game support for ultrawide resolutions. Most console titles will fall back to 16:9 and leave black bars on the sides. PC gamers, meanwhile, will get the full benefit in titles that support 32:9, which not all do. When you find something that does it well, though, you will want to show off your new toy, and settings for 32:9 are becoming more readily available out of the box. This is more of a monitor you will be interested if you game on a PC though.

    Verdict

    The INNOCN 49Q1R gets such a lot right it still makes me smile. It offers a massive ultrawide experience with strong contrast, good colour accuracy, and solid gaming credentials — all at a price that undercuts the big names in the space by several hundred of your local dubloons. It’s also on sale at the moment in this iteration. You can pick one up for $799 or £586 directly from the manufacturer.

    It’s not perfect: HDR is limited, occasional smearing is present, and the physical footprint may be a challenge for smaller desks. But for the price, it’s madness. In the arena of new screens, you shouldn’t be afraid of going with a brand you may never have heard of. You are paying a premium for certain name tags, and, if funds are more limited, or you are simply more frugal with your cash but still want a close approximation of what you get from a Samsung, the INNOCN 49Q1R is highly recommended.

    The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy



    Source link

  • Looking for engaging standard deck card games for 2 players [closed]


    I’m looking for 2 player card games that need only a standard deck of 52+3. Something with a bit of strategy and conning would be perfect.

    I enjoy playing Texas Hold’em poker in larger groups but poker scales terribly down to 2 players. I’m looking for something with a similar charm — with complex strategy that involves fooling your opponent.

    Also would like a game that’s easy to bet on. I mostly play socially with acquaintances, so let’s not make the game too convoluted to explain to someone, and let’s allow conversation to flow in a slower paced game.



    Source link