Find out more about the game and the studio at the 1047 Games website.

Just before its console launch, Splitgate experienced severe overload on its servers. This caused the game to go down temporarily, which helped to fuel the media coverage. In the weeks after the outage the studio, 1047 Games, made some changes that greatly improved server stability and load capacity.

Gameplay

For those who’ve not yet had a chance to experience this game, it has a lot of elements familiar to others in the shooter genre. Much of the game is similar to the look and feel of Halo, with alien-looking landscapes and characters. The one game mechanic that sets it apart from similar games is the ability to open portals. The portal feature allows for players to view and jump to different parts of a map. I found this piece of gameplay to be an awesome and refreshing aspect.

It took me a little while to get used to portals and how to effectively use them, but they offer a strategic and tactical advantage. Not only can you hop to and from locations but you can also peer through and shoot opponents in a different part of the map. Be careful, though, because this is a double-edged sword and it’s just as easy to fall victim to bullets flying from seemingly nowhere.

Weapons

One aspect of this game that I truly appreciate is the fact that there are no weapon load-outs to chose from in matches. Every player starts with the same weapons, and in some maps, there are weapons to pick up. This effectively helps to levels the playing field and helps limit a player’s advantage to their skill. Even the available options for weapon swaps are limited to a small handful of choices.

Look and Feel of the Game

Given that there were server issues plaguing this game early on, I expected that gameplay would be affected as a result. Every time I play this game, however, it is consistently smooth and reliable. I’ve experienced no choppy frames or lag in matches. I find this to be rare in this type of online game as a whole.

In terms of graphics or visuals, the game is fairly basic but looks good. There is a somewhat simple element to the level environments. It’s hard to say this without making it sound like a negative feature. There’s not a ton of fancy detail, but maps and landscapes are simple and work well for the game.

Overall I would recommend this game to any fans of the genre, or those who may not play FPS games much. Splitgate is very fun to play and offers a level playing field; it’s no fun to get worked in a game because the opponents have fully stacked loadouts. The best part is that it’s a free-to-play game that operates smoothly every time. Check it out on Steam, PS5, or Xbox Series S/X.

The post Splitgate – The New Kid on the Free-to-Play Block first appeared on The Gaming Column.

Fortunately, most modern devices (made within the last two or three years) are capable of running cloud gaming. Use this link to see which devices meet the requirements to run Xbox Cloud Gaming. Aside from the device running the game, you will need a Bluetooth controller. In this article, I will cover which controllers are a good fit.

Xbox Controllers

The Xbox controller seems like a natural progression, as the gaming service is provided by Xbox, but not all of these controllers will work. Microsoft makes controllers with and without Bluetooth, so make sure you have the right device before trying to connect to a mobile device.

Here’s how to know if your controller runs Bluetooth, and can be connected to a mobile device. The plastic section surrounding the Xbox button, between the left and right bumper, will be one of two ways; Part of the controller body or part of the bumper and trigger section.

If the controller is equipped with Bluetooth, the plastic surrounding the Xbox button is molded in the same material as the entire controller body (Pictured below).

Controllers without Bluetooth have a shiny plastic section that is part of the bumper and trigger body section (Pictured below)

Accessory clips can be purchased for Xbox controllers, to hold your phone while you play. OtterBox sells these clips for $30. This is the configuration that I use for cloud gaming because I like the familiar feel of an Xbox controller and the position of the phone is perfect.

8BitDo Controller

If you’re looking for a small form factor handset, the 8BitDo controller may be a good fit. It is roughly the size and shape of the old Super Nintendo controller. I like this device because it is very portable; good for gaming just about anywhere. It’s easy to tuck into a side pocket of a backpack and not take up much space. The small size can somewhat take away from gameplay, especially if you are more accustomed to playing on a larger (Xbox) controller. Just be aware that it takes some getting used to.

This controller has an internal battery that charges using a USB-C interface. Each charge will last for at least 10 hours of gameplay. I average about 12 hours of gameplay per charge. It can be purchased with or without a phone clip, but I would recommend getting the clip. At a price of $44.99, including the phone clip, this is a good affordable handset.

Razer Kishi

The Razer Kishi is a controller style that wraps around the smartphone, similar to the Joycons on a Nintendo Switch. This design makes for a more solid gaming device style, somewhat like a PSP (Playstation Portable). The design of the Kishi allows the controller to plug into the phone’s charging port, eliminating the need for an internal battery or wireless connectivity. As a plug-and-play device, there is almost no latency like what might be seen with Bluetooth devices.

This is one device that I have yet to test because overall device size, with a phone, is rather bulky for the way that I play. Based on the reviews of a few friends, however, this is a very good option for cloud gaming.

Everything Else

There are several controllers on the market that are similar to the three listed above. These aftermarket devices could save some money, but it’s hard to say which of these are actually worth the purchase. I’m all for saving money, but do your research before spending anything. There’s nothing worse than throwing money away on a devie that won’t work for your style of play.

Below are a few options available on Amazon.

The post Find the Right Controller for Cloud Gaming first appeared on The Gaming Column.

I recently purchased a Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 for gaming on the Xbox Series X, and could not be happier with this device. This headset has several great features in design and performance that make it the perfect gaming headset. With Turtle Beach, I expect to get great sound, but there is so much more to this gaming headset.

With a price tag of $149.99 the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 headset is in the mid to upper price range devices. I have to say that it is worth the money for several reasons. Among these are sound quality, wireless connectivity, and the overall feel of the device.

Massive Audio

The audio range is incredible with super crisp highs, which is just about piecing, and heavy lows that are more felt than heard. Not only does this headset have outstanding audio range but the clarity is precise as well. I have noticed that in-game sounds are spatially accurate; the location of footsteps or breaking glass can be easily pinpointed. This is truly a game-changer, even if you’re currently using a 7.1 channel surround home theater setup. The layer of added gaming immersion can not be overstated.

Wireless Connectivity

When it comes to Xbox and wireless connectivity it is not as simple as connecting any Bluetooth headset. The system requires a specific device type, with low latency, so the available options can be somewhat limited. The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 for Xbox is a fantastic solution and connects with the same push-button method as connecting a controller to the console. Powering on the headset will power on the console, again, in the same way as a controller.

This headset will also wirelessly connect to smartphones or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The beautiful part of this functionality is that both the connected Xbox and smartphone can operate at the same time. I like listening to Spotify using my phone while playing games. Even phone calls won’t interrupt gaming.

The Feel of the Headset

I found that this accessory is rather bulky, which is somewhat expected when it comes to headsets in this class. Although it has a larger size, it doesn’t feel too big when it’s on your head. Much of this is due to the fact that the weight is well distributed. The frame has a top arm that is firm, but not too tight, and easily adjusts to fit most heads.

The earpad cushions are made of memory foam, and soft synthetic leather, which is very comfortable. The design is intended to be accomodating to glasses. I wear glasses and find that it takes a little adjustment once the headset is on to get situated. Once in place, the cushions feel very natural on the ears and can be worn comfortably for hours.

Battery Life

Turtle Beach states that this headset has a battery life of up to 20 hours. I have found that the battery will last a solid 14 to 15 hours of gameplay. Keep in mind that I do keep the volume fairly high. I have yet to marathon through 14 hours of continuous gameplay under this headset, so my results are spread across two or three days between charges. Overall I have been satisfied with the battery life.

Conclusion

The Stealth 700 Gen 2 by Turtle Beach is an overall win. With amazing sound, flawless wireless connectivity, and a comfortable yet functional design, this device is well worth the money. I would recommend this as the headset for any gamer. It is simple to connect to the Xbox, PC, or smartphone and will change your game in no time.

Buy it now on Amazon

The post Turtle Beach Stealth 700 – Game-Changing Audio first appeared on The Gaming Column.

What games are available?

There are well over 250 games, at the time of writing this article, available to play on mobile devices. These are not just small, mobile platform games, but titles like Gears 5 and Halo 5. Visit www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-game-pass/games to see the full list of current games available for cloud play.

With the recent addition of EA Play to Game Pass, as well as the Microsoft acquisition of Bethesda Softworks, the list of Cloud-Enabled games just keeps on growing. One of my personal favorites, in terms of graphical performance on a mobile device, would be Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.

Performance and Gameplay

Visuals are very clear and, although being on a much smaller screen, are comparable to console play. It is important to keep a solid wireless connection when playing. Lag and choppy resolution can result from lower ISP bandwidth. Loading up games can take a few minutes, and a 5 GHz connection on WiFi is just about a requirement to maintain a smooth gameplay.

I did notice more screen lag on games with higher graphical detail. Overall this didn’t take away from the gaming experience much. The occasional choppy screen refresh rates are understandable. Consuming gaming media in this form is still in its early stages. As WiFi and ISP connection speeds increase, so will the performance of cloud gaming.

I would recommend more serious gameplay take place on a console. A slow wireless connection can throw off the timing of jumps or punches in a heated battle. Gaming at this caliber on a portable device is an outstanding push in the right direction.

The Service Overall

As an overall service, Xbox Cloud Gaming has a lot of potential because it allows the ability to play virtually anywhere. Full-quality games can be played without a lot of bulky equipment or games to tag along. Microsoft states that the service offers over one hundred games on the mobile platform, but there are currently nearly double that.

To sum up the experience, there is a good amount of value with the fairly large library of games available. Slow load times and lagging screens are a minor issue, but somewhat forgivable. Cloud gaming on Xbox Game Pass is absolutely a win.

The post Xbox Cloud Gaming: Hype or The Next Evolutionary Step first appeared on The Gaming Column.

Size and Construction

The body form is that of a Super Nintendo controller, with an Xbox similar button layout. The 8BitDo controller has stout construction, responsive buttons, and includes a fairly substantial smartphone clip. The phone clip is well built and is capable of supporting a large phone. That being said, the controller is a little smaller and lighter weight than the average android phone, which tends to make the combination imbalanced and top-heavy. The included phone clip does, however, have two points of articulation, which can help to counter the uneven feel. Positioning my phone over the top of the buttons helped to give the rig a more balanced feel.

Feel of the Controller

The button layout is familiar enough to the OEM Xbox controller that the feel of the controller isn’t hard to use. The size of the accessory does take away from faster gameplay, at least in terms of muscle memory. The bumpers and triggers are small and close together, so it does take time to become comfortable with trigger locations. D-pad and Left stick are reversed, compared to the Xbox controller, making it more similar to a PlayStation layout in that regard, but that doesn’t seem to change the play. The compact design places the button cluster closer to the right thumb, but we didn’t see any adverse effects from this.

This controller has an internal rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, rated for 16 hours of gameplay, and charges with USB-C (cable included). With a fully drained battery, the charge time was seen at just under 2 hours. Button configurations and joystick sensitivity can be adjusted with software downloadable from the 8bitdo web site.

Buy it on Amazon

Available for $44.99 on Amazon (at the time of this article) the 8BitDo SN30 Pro controller is a good product for the price, and a great way to experience Xbox Cloud Gaming.

The post Gaming on the Go: 8BitDo Controller first appeared on The Gaming Column.

The game begins by diving right into learning character functions naturally and without extensive cut scenes. Playing as Cal Kestis, you start by traversing the wreckage of a massive ship, which you are working on as a scrapper. This teaches the basics of maneuvering landscapes, including scaling walls, walking rails, and squeezing through tight spaces.

This form of easing into the gameplay makes for a smooth transition into areas where it’s more challenging to negotiate the topography. There are points in the game where it’s good to have a strong bearing on the button layout, in order to rely on muscle memory rather than having to recall which button does what on the fly.

Rich and Immersive Environments

Two of my favorite elements of this game are the sights and sounds of the immersive environment, both of which are equally rich. Landscapes have great depth and offer a feel more similar to an open world than the fixed path restraint that the game holds. Light plays a big role in the overall look of this game, and EA has it dialed with reflections, light iridescent glow, and even shadows draping every pixel of play.

The sound helps to tie everything together and surrounds the ears like a nice warm blanket. I highly recommend having a good pair of full-range headphones or a decent sound system, as the game supports up to 7.1 channel surround. In this game, audio helps to alert you of enemies and other threats.

The character experience is flexible, in terms of character changes, with unlockable outfits and customizable lightsaber options found by exploring the game. It’s nice to choose the look of the lightsaber and select a color that fits you. Skill points are given throughout the game, and are used to increase the character’s effectiveness in three different areas; Force, Lightsaber, and Survival. The skill tree can be filled in the order that you see fit, but eventually, the entire tree will become full, and Cal is free to live his best life.

The Downsides

If there are negatives to be found in this game, I would have to say that camera angle tracking and sprawling maps are two adverse areas of the game. Camera angles can tend to be off in tight areas, to the point where you can briefly lose sight of the character, making it difficult in a heated battle. The game covers multiple planets, making the maps for each pretty large. There is no function for fast-travel, so walking from A to B tends to be a nuisance. Overall these cons are insignificant and don’t matter enough to affect play.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a great game with tons to offer. This adventure stands on its own and has a lot to offer both Star Wars fans those who don’t care much for the franchise. Available on PlayStation Xbox and PC, it is sure to lend hours of lightsaber-wielding fun no matter how you play.

The post Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order first appeared on The Gaming Column.

Have you ever wanted to get games for free- I mean Triple-A titles? Or just have some money in your Xbox account for credits on your favorite game?

The Xbox rewards program puts this type of power into the hands of the gamer. It’s just up to you to reach out and grab it; literally, anybody can take advantage of this program and get money with very little effort.

To be clear, this is not a paycheck or a means of income, but rewards points can be used for gift cards to be used on the Microsoft Store for your Xbox, and Windows 10. Even gift cards for other companies, like Starbucks or Door Dash.

Getting Started

In order to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity, you need to start by signing up for the program at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/rewards, or by downloading the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox. The sign-up process is very simple, especially if you are logged on to an Xbox account. Once an Xbox account is linked to the rewards program all there is to do is earn points.

Earning Points

Rewards points are accrued in many ways, so it’s good to understand different streams to make this happen. In general, points can be earned by playing games, by visiting the Microsoft Rewards app regularly, and by searching the web using the Bing website/app/browser.

One great companion to the rewards program, which I recommend, is Xbox Game Pass, but I’ll get into that a little later. Purchases made in the Microsoft store can also gain points. Each of these methods can be used by itself, as a stand-alone procedure for accumulating points, but using several methods will naturally help to gain much faster.

Earn in the App

Accessing the Microsoft Rewards app, on the Xbox, is key to keeping in touch with opportunities for points as well as earning points. Every week there is a Rewards Weekly Set. The Weekly Set is displayed in the top-left tile of the main screen of the Microsoft Rewards app.

This set consists of three tasks, to be completed through the week. Each of these tasks earns a total of 100 points. Keep a running streak of these sets and additional milestone point sets can be accrued every ten weeks. For example, 1,000 additional points are earned at 10, weeks and 2,500 points are earned at 20 weeks and every ten weeks after.

The weekly sets are fairly consistent from week to week and include previewing a featured game in the Microsoft Store, and cycling through either earning achievements by playing games, searching on Bing, or by completing Daily Sets on Microsoft.com.

Earn by Playing

Every week there is the opportunity to earn 50 points by earning achievements through playing games. As previously mentioned, some of the weekly sets depend on gaining achievements, so these points can be important. Earlier, I mentioned the Game Pass program, which adds another layer to gaining points. With Game Pass there is an opportunity for points to be earned by playing games available in the service, as well as for earning achievements in those games, or by simply logging onto the mobile app.

Earn by Searching

Finally, using the Bing platform to search can be a huge booster to your point-earning abilities. Every day there is the chance to earn hundreds of points just by using Bing as your search engine of choice. Using the Microsoft Edge browser, while logged into your Microsoft (Xbox linked) account can give up to 150 points per day. An additional 100 points are given by using the Bing app to search the web with mobile devices. Each of these methods accrues in 5 point increments until the cap is reached. This daily injection of points can really make a big difference in earnings.

Redeeming Points

Once you start to accumulate points, the rewards can be huge and can be utilized in a few ways. Points can be applied directly to Xbox gift cards, memberships, merchandise, gift cards to external companies, or to sweepstakes entries. The Microsoft Rewards app gives a very clear and easy way to see the available options for redeeming points.

If you want to trade points for Microsoft gift cards, effectively turning your points into dollars in your Microsoft account, you can go about it in two ways: making one-time purchases of Microsoft gift cards or setting up an auto redeem for cards. Trading in a one-off situation will cost slightly more points than an auto redeems but can allow for a more customizable purchase at once, as higher or lower value gift cards can be purchased using this method. Setting up an automatic monthly exchange of points for gift cards will cost slightly fewer points, but is only available for $10 per month.

Sign up Today!

In exchange for a small amount of time, and likely doing things you’re doing already, you can earn a good amount of money. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to cash in on the time you already spend playing games or searching the internet; sign up for Microsoft Rewards and start earning now. Visit https://www.xbox.com/en-US/microsoft-rewards to sign up.

The post Free Games on Xbox – Microsoft Rewards Program first appeared on The Gaming Column.

Feel of the Game

The game’s lighting and sound match perfectly with the macabre narrative. These components cause the platform-style gameplay to be elevated to another level. Fantastically dark elements lend themselves seamlessly to this adventure.

Ghoulish enemies lurk, to offer steady streams of panic and dread for the hero, as you push forward to the inevitable outcome. The enemies are bizarrely disproportional and move awkwardly, in a way that catches the player off guard and almost begs a deeper explanation than the game offers – leaving more to the imagination.

Gameplay

The gameplay is fun and challenging, more than a traditional platform-style game. This is partly because of the menacing atmosphere and the need to keep safe from ghouls around every corner. Some areas become very dim, if not altogether dark, and pathways get narrow.

Additional challenges and achievement opportunities add depth to the game and offer reasons to replay chapters – including hidden items and objectives. I found that going through chapters a second time, after I had finished the game, revealed things that I had missed the first go-round.

Drawbacks

As for cons, there are a couple of minor drawbacks that can be a little bit of a nuisance but don’t detract from the game overall. Lengthy load times constantly shifting camera angles were the shortcomings I noticed. There is not much to any given level, in terms of real estate. All “maps” are fairly small and limited, so there isn’t much territory to explore. For this reason, I would expect the load times to be quicker than they are. On the other hand, there is a good deal of graphical detail to each level, including shading and character movement. This can be a major cause of loading delays – making this a forgivable sin. Constant shifts in the camera angle were seen to be a nuisance, as the view is always swaying back and forth. There is good reason for this, as it pertains to the storyline, but it makes moving through levels a challenge.

In summary, this game has a lot to offer the player and is defiantly worth running through at least once. The visual and auditory elements are a great addition to the storyline and add an element of fear to the experience. The cons aren’t great enough to deter from the game as a whole.

The sequel to this game, Little Nightmares II, released on February 11th, 2021. Now is a great time to play the original, and catch up on the story. This one is well worth the play, for fans of the genre as well as anyone just looking for a different gaming experience.

The post Little Nightmares – Creepy Fun for any Gamer first appeared on The Gaming Column.

The day has come, and the Xbox Series X has been distributed to the masses. For those who were lucky enough to pre-order their next-gen system, the box has arrived, and it is a joyous occasion. I, personally, was anxiously waiting, with the cursor on the refresh button as 8:00 am came about on September 22nd, and was luckily able to place my order for an Xbox Series X. The great day has come and gone, and I couldn’t be happier that the wait is over.

There is no surprise to the look of the Xbox itself, as the internet has been flooded with images of the new gaming colossus, but pictures cannot ever replace the feel of opening the box. The packaging, undeniably Microsoft, is marked with the subtle beauty of emblems on the front and imagery of the next rendition of Halo on the back. It feels like Christmas has come early as the multiple seals are removed from the pristine packaging and the box is opened to reveal a console nestled in a poly/foam wrap like a present.

Console Design

The design of the console is fairly simple, with bold accents. The massive cooling fan at the top of the tower is highlighted with green on the inside of each vent hole, almost giving a glowing appearance that pops. There is a small message on the round base of the console, which I enjoyed, reading “Hello from Seattle”; Just one of those details that adds to the personality of the machine. This console feels solid, and has a little weight to it.

System Setup

Setup does take a little time, and can be completed through the console or via the mobile device app (available for Android or IOS). Once setup is complete, the home screen looks the same as on previous hardware (both Xbox One and Xbox One X). The setup walks through an option to pull a configuration from a previous Xbox, so the transition is seamless.

After the system is configured, comes the installation of games. I use an external drive for many of my games, so I was able to launch a few titles fairly quickly. As with it’s the former iterations of the Xbox, the download and installation time of new games will take several hours, so it is good to have a loaded hard drive to pass the time while you wait.

It will take some time before the potential of this new system is tapped into, but the initial outlook is very strong. I have tested the new console with Call of Duty: Warzone and found the graphics to be noticeably more rich and gameplay to be smoother. Load times are all but gone, and I find myself waiting for other players in the pre-round warm up for about a minute before each round.

This is a powerful piece of gaming equipment with a lot of room for growth. Personally, I am happy with this next-gen console and I think that the Xbox Series X (and Series S), will shine once game developers have a chance to catch up to the hardware.

The post Xbox Seriex X: Fresh out the Box first appeared on The Gaming Column.

Enjoyment should not be limited by the piece of hardware on which we chose to consume the media. Gamers can enjoy gaming on an Atari or a Sega Genesis because the reward is in playing. By this, I mean that the software, or the experience, is the important piece that shouldn’t be missed.

Next Gen Consoles

We are at the point where two gaming system giants are releasing their most recent “titans” onto the masses. By doing so they have revealed the next expanse of gaming. Regardless of which hardware format you pledge your allegiance the new dawn of gaming is here.

Personally, I do not subscribe to platform supremacy, but rather to the advancement of gaming as a whole. There is too much content available. The media too precious, to be bickered over by which system can render it the “best” or “fastest”. If the escape and the magic that gaming provides cannot be equally appreciated on all sides of the fence, what is the point?

I would argue that it’s merely splitting hairs to argue the differences between the Xbox Series X, Playstation 5, and PC. Console gaming will never be able to keep up with the hardware flexibility of a PC, but the differences are marginal. For me, the games are where the focus should be, and this goes for any system. Of course, the industry will always push the envelope of what the hardware can do. As a consumer of this fine product, I get to enjoy all of the benefits.

Games – The software makes the difference

There is, however, one exception to the argument of which platform reigns supreme, and that is the software. The games themselves are the grey area where you must choose; unless, of course, you chose to pay for everything out there. When hardware manufacturers own game studios and intellectual properties, it creates a line where the consumer must choose or pony up the dough. This line is becoming more pronounced, with Microsoft buying up studios and IP’s in recent years; one area where Sony has had a distinct advantage.

We are at an enormous point in history, where hardware is close enough to make it a fair fight, regardless of which platform you chose. Console gaming can perform at a similar level to a PC.

I understand that the last statement sounds a little off the rails, but both Xbox and Playstation wield performance that rivals that of moderate gaming PC systems. The games are where the real fun is, so don’t get caught up in the “mine’s better than yours”, but rejoice with your fellow game enthusiasts.

The post Platform Supremacy: Don’t Believe the Hype! first appeared on The Gaming Column.