Welcome to TAG Roundup!
Ever wonder what you missed in the world of gaming last week? No worries – we’ve got you covered!
We read a ton of video game articles each week and wanted to share some of our favorites with the Average Gamer community. We’ll feature everything from previews to reviews and everything in between.
The articles we share will be from a combination of well-known sources (like IGN) and more niche blogs that you may not have heard of. In the previous TAG Roundup post, we talked about Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Streets of Rage 4 and more!
At the top of the hour, we’ve got a ton of new details about the Xbox Series X. Microsoft shared more news about specs as well as next-gen gameplay!
Xbox Series X Details from Microsoft – Tech Radar
On May 7, Microsoft graced the gaming world with more Xbox Series X details. While we still don’t have an exact release date on the next-gen console, we received plenty of information about the upcoming platform.
You can check out the full specs here, but these are the key things:
- CPU: 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.8GHz (3.6GHz with SMT) 7nm
- GPU: 12 TFLOPs, 52 CUs at 1.825GHz, Custom RDNA 2
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6
- Storage: 1TB custom NVMe SSD
- Optical drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray
- Ports: HDMI 2.1 output, 3x USB 3.2, networking port, expanded storage slot, power input
- 120 fps support
- Potential 8K resolutions
- Ray-tracing technology
- Variable Rate Shading for more stable frame rates
- Compatible with Xbox One accessories
- Smart Delivery
The graphics look pretty incredible and Microsoft said they’ll be releasing new Xbox Series X details every month. One of the big reveals was the Smart Delivery which enables you to always have access to the best version of a purchased game no matter the hardware that you’re on.
This is a pretty big deal for gamers, especially given the recent trend of remastering games. Smart delivery will let you carry any Xbox One titles over to the new system. Microsoft said this will at least be the case for any Xbox Games Studios titles.
It looks like the new box will be able to compete with present-day gaming PCs, but we’ll need more Xbox Series X details before being able to draw comparisons to next year’s computer hardware.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA12_O7Li3I
Amazon Crucible on the Way – The Verge
This isn’t the first time that Amazon has ventured into the gaming industry – The Grand Tour Game has been out for over a year and has received some pretty good reviews.
Amazon Game Studios’ upcoming title brings us into the world of third-person shooters. Crucible is a free-to-play FPS, hero-based game that offers three unique modes.
The trailer features king of the hill, battle royale and PvE elements and will be available starting May 20th.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmculE9KWGI
New VR Walking Dead Game – Comic Book
Virtual Reality hasn’t exactly taken off, but games like The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners are primed to help boost the adoption of VR systems.
The game pairs high-quality graphics with the zombies and decision-making we’ve grown accustomed to in Walking Dead games. In Saints & Sinners, you roam around New Orleans scavenging for weapons, food, tools, and clues.
It’s available now on both PlayStation VR after it launched earlier this year on Steam.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2X2T8SFBpY&feature=emb_title
Free Games for You – Mic
Many of us have a game library that’s way too big, but that never stopped anyone from picking up more free games! Steam has at least half a dozen awesome games that you can pick up right now without spending a dime.
I know a few people who are really into Brawlhalla and I could see myself getting into Neverwinter as well. There’s even a garden simulator in case you want to take a break from Animal Crossing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g89QdEjXy8
Golfing from Home – Golf Digest
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a legit golfing video game. Last week, a Twitter account was spotted which shared a short preview of the upcoming PGA Tour 2k21 game.
I’m a Mario Golf man myself, but the trailer got me pretty hyped. The details of the game are light, but I’ll keep my eye out for any additional details.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In2H-EHjqX0
Helping the World in Sims 4 – Polygon
The newest expansion pack for Sims 4 lets you make a simulated world that brings out a healthier Earth. You can combine alternative energy with a career path in civil design to make the world a better place.
There’s also an extra area called Evergreen Harbour that encourages clean living. The Eco Lifestyle expansion launches on PC and console on June 5th and you’ll find some previews in the trailer video!
https://youtu.be/Q2ce9VSNsjE
VR Wizardry – Geeky Gadgets
The Wizards – Dark Times brings virtual reality spell-casting to your favorite VR headsets:
A mysterious dark plague has fallen on the realm of Meliora, twisting its inhabitants into beings of hatred and madness. Forbidden powers and rogue wizards are involved, leaving only you to face the apocalypse head-on. Dare to journey through the Forsaken Wood, wade through the poisonous swamps of Meliora, descend into the ruinous Necropolis, and more – with no magical barriers to stop you in place!
The game will launch on June 4th and be available on Steam.
https://youtu.be/cd8wqYF4lfQ
Cyberpunk Rivals and Riots – VG247
Do you remember that Black Mirror episode where everyone works for a giant corporation where they basically watch ads and pedals bikes all day? Well, it seems like this is the inspiration for Neon Giant’s The Ascent.
The workers rise up against the mega-corporation and it’s your job to find out why The Ascent group shutdown. It features destructible environments, character upgrades, and online co-op.
The Ascent will launch this year and is optimized for the Xbox Series X.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcsBxA9Q2M0
Overwatch IRL – Dexerto
Overwatch 2 is on the way and the series’ fans continue to impress with ridiculous creations. Hacksmith Industries took it upon themselves to build things like Zarya’s particle cannon and Mei’s ice cannon!
Their inventions are both scientifically awesome and surprisingly close to the in-game weapons. Check out the full video for some of their designs.
https://youtu.be/mrn_FvlD45o
Sci-fi FPS RTS – Gamespot
Disintegration looks like Red Dead Redemption meets Destiny meets Star Wars meets Borderlands. You’ll command on-the-ground troops in the campaign mode and find a “frenetic PvP multiplayer” online.
The developer co-created Halo so I expect to see refined gunplay and unique vehicles. You can get into this robot revolution starting on June 16.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBiaKXVD0eM
Tabletop Gaming on Console – Geeky Gadgets
If you like board games and you like turn-based strategy, you’ll probably be really into Wartile. It just launched on console and features a unique cooldown system that governs your actions.
Experience a living, breathing tabletop video game that invites the player into a miniature universe full of small adventures set in beautifully handcrafted diorama battle boards inspired by Norse mythology to honor the Vikings!
https://youtu.be/nL6VX34EySI
That’s All For Now
There were plenty of other highlights from last week but these ones really stood out. Be sure to check in next time to read about video game current events.Â
For more regular updates, feel free to follow our Flipboard, where we have a news feed of all the latest and greatest gaming news!
What were some of the most interesting things you read last week? Leave us a message in the comments so we can check it out!
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