Carzy Zarx’s PC Gaming Emporium - Catch Up on All the Latest PC Gaming Related News

[JEMC]

Ugh, it's Monday. I guess I have to make the news, right? Oh, great! It turns out that there's a lot of them... >.>

SALES & "SALES"/DEALS

Steam's Top 10

1. MONSTER HUNTER: WORLD
2. PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS
3. Graveyard Keeper
4. Rise of the Tomb Raider
5. Grand Theft Auto V
6. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
7. Phantom Doctrine
8. Hunt Showdown
9. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
10. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

 

Let's start checking the deals with GOG and its two new deals:

• The daily deal is Day of the Tentacle Remastered, 80% off: https://www.gog.com/game/day_of_the_tentacle_remastered
• The weekly sale, that has no name to it, feratures games like Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak, Turok or System Shock at up to 85% off: https://www.gog.com/promo/20180820_weekly_sale

 

At Steam, the daily deal is Train Simulator 2018, 77% off: https://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/Train_Simulator/

 

And at Fanatical:

• The Star Deal is Middle-earth: Shadow of War, 75% off for the next 48 hours: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/middle-earth-shadow-of-war
• A quick reminder, the Summer Sale ends today, so you better check it out before it's too late: https://www.fanatical.com/en/ending-soon

 

SOFTWARE

Valve launches streaming website Steam.tv, promptly un-launches it (Updated)
https://www.pcgamer.com/valve-launches-streaming-website-steamtv/
Earlier today, a tweet from Pavel Djundik pointed us to the domain Steam.tv, but at that time it was a blank site which simply read "Welcome to Steam.tv." A glance at the certificate showed it to be a legitimate Valve website, which was curious, but not quite enough to report. While we've suspected that Valve has Twitch dreams in its eyes, all we could do was speculate.
Update: A Valve rep has confirmed that Steam.tv is real, it's in testing, and you weren't supposed to see it. "We are working on updating Steam Broadcasting for the Main Event of The International, Dota 2’s annual tournament," the rep said. "What people saw was a test feed that was inadvertently made public."

 

Robot Cache early access signups are now open
https://www.pcgamer.com/robot-cache-early-access-signups-are-now-open/
Robot Cache, the blockchain-based digital distribution platform that will enable its users to resell their games and mine cryptocurrency that can be used to purchase new ones, announced today that it will go into an early access period in October. Signups to take part are now open, and anyone who registers prior to the early access kickoff will be added to the Robot Cache Founders' Club, which provides special offers and unique rewards including a Founders' Club profile badge.

 

Final Fantasy XV may get Vulkan support
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/final-fantasy-xv-may-get-vulkan-support/
Now here is something really interesting. According to its Steam database, Final Fantasy XV may get support for the Vulkan API in a future patch. Square Enix has not announced anything yet, though it did tweet NVIDIA’s upcoming pre-Gamescom “Be For The Game” event.

 

Battlefield 5 may support real-time ray tracing via NVIDIA’s RTX technology
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/battlefield-5-may-support-real-time-ray-tracing-via-nvidia-rtx-technology/
So far, we know that Metro Exodus will be among the first new titles that will support real-time ray tracing. And while there are hints that Final Fantasy XV may also support it via Vulkan, PCGamesHardware has discovered a clear indication of Battlefield 5 supporting real-time ray tracing.
PCGamesHardware used this console command in the alpha version of Battlefield 5: “Render.DrawScreenInfo 1”. This command displays at the top an overview of all the necessary technical details when running Battlefield 5 and at the end of it, we can clearly see the reference to “Raytrace.”

 

MODS/EMULATORS

SSX and Resistance 3 are now playable on PC with RPCS3
https://www.pcgamer.com/ssx-and-resistance-3-are-now-playable-on-pc-with-rcps3/
We've covered the progress of PS3 emulator RPCS3 a bunch of times on PCG, from running a long-lost Yakuza spin-off to the likes of Red Dead Redemption. Now, the team has updated the world on its progress during July (as spotted on r/pcgaming). A bunch of PS3 oldies now work via RPCS3, including 2012's SSX, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time, Resistance 3, Sonic Unleashed (oh no) and MotorStorm: Apocalypse.

 

New Quake 2 screenshots showcase improved high quality 3D weapon models
https://www.dsogaming.com/screenshot-news/new-quake-2-screenshots-showcase-improved-high-quality-3d-weapon-models/
Modder ‘Turic’ has released some new screenshots from his Quake 2 Weapons Remodel mod for id Software’s classic shooter. These new screenshots showcase some tweaked/improved models for the rail gun, the shotgun and the rocker launcher.
In case you weren’t aware of, Turic aims to remake all the Quake 2 weapons models. The new high quality models feature better textures, more polygons and better animations. After this project is complete, Turic may also remake the enemy models. And that is something that I’m personally really looking forward to.

 

Quake2xp final 2018 version is available for download, adds lots of modern graphical features
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/quake2xp-final-2018-version-is-available-for-download-adds-lots-of-modern-graphical-features/
In case you weren’t aware of, QuakeIIxp is a multi-platform (windows, linux and freeBSD (experemental)) graphics port of Quake II with a completely updated rendering engine that takes full advantage of the latest graphics cards to get the perfect picture, preserving the original style of the game.
This basically means that Quake2xp features a lot of modern-day graphical effects that can improve the visuals of Quake 2. Some of them are real time per-pixel lighting and shadowing (like DooM3) with hi quality parallax mapping (relief mapping technology) with self-shadowing, oren-Nayar Diffuse with GGX Specular BRDF, Phong, Lambert and Sub-Surface Scattering lighting models, postrocessing effects like Bloom, Depth of Field, Radial Blur, Thermal Vision, Film Grain, Gamma/Brightness/Contrast/Saturation/Vibration, Motion Blur, SSAO, Scanline and mediam cinematic filters, as well as reflection (screen space local reflection) and refraction surfaces.

>>This mod is available from ModDB.

 

SA_DirectX 2.0 mod makes Grand Theft Auto San Andreas look almost as good as modern-day video games
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/sa_directx-2-0-mod-makes-grand-theft-auto-san-andreas-look-almost-as-good-as-modern-day-video-games/
Modder ‘Makarus’ has released the final version of his graphical overhaul mod for Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, SA_DirectX 2.0. While the modder did not reveal the changes he has made to the change, he did release some screenshots that showcase the new and improved visuals achieved with this mod.
From what we have gathered, SA_DirectX 2.0 has some new shaders that Makarus has implemented via the ENBSeries mod for GTA San Andreas. The result is incredible and almost makes the game look as good as modern-day titles (of course we’re not talking about the current-gen triple-A games, but something you could find in an indie/lowered-budget title).

>>The mod is available from Nexus Mods.

 

New high resolution 4K textures released for Fallout 4
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/new-high-resolution-4k-textures-released-for-fallout-4/
Modder ‘Valius’ has released a new version of his High Resolution Texture Pack for Fallout 4. This pack comes in both 2K and 4K versions and as its title suggests, it features higher quality and better textures (that look similar to their original versions) for a number of objects.

>>This mod is also available from Nexus Mods.

 

Priority Earth Overhaul is a must-have mod for Mass Effect 3, improves final mission in every way
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/priority-earth-overhaul-is-a-must-have-mod-for-mass-effect-3-improves-final-mission-in-every-way/
Modder ‘Araron’ and a team of dedicated modders have released the first part of their amazing Priority Earth Overhaul mod for Mass Effect 3. Priority Earth Overhaul attempts to improve ME3’s final mission in every way possible, by restoring cut content, adding new scenes and dialogues, enhancing the gameplay, improving textures and more.
Priority Earth Overhaul’s development is divided into 3 thematically organized parts. Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3. Stage 1 stands as a foundation for future phases and focuses on addressing the biggest issues. Stage 2 will focus on expanding Earth hub to show all of your war assets and allies, updating the level design and vastly improving immersion. Stage 3 will focus on the bleeding edge of modding like new missions and gameplay elements.

>>Check it out at Nexus Mods.

 

At the end of the Earth total conversion mod for Crysis updated with new effects, weapons & more
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/at-the-end-of-the-earth-total-conversion-mod-for-crysis-updated-with-new-effects-weapons-more/
NervenHölle-Team has released a new version of its total conversion mod for the first Crysis game, At the end of the Earth. This new version is 2.39GB in size and comes with new materials, models, weapons and scripts, as well as various optimizations and fixed spawn phys-props.
In case you weren’t aware of, a small modification based on the CryEngine 2 and you can run it without having installed the first Crysis game. This total conversion mod features new tech engine from Crysis Warhead, as well as new shaders and models.

>>Get the mod from MoDB.

 

Portal: After Hours mod Episode 1 launched on Steam Workshop (Update)
https://www.pcgamer.com/portal-after-hours-mod-to-launch-first-episode-next-month/
After writing about the 20-map, 30-puzzle-boasting Destroyed Aperture earlier this month, I've had a hankering for Portal 2 mods. After a wee fumble around ModDB, the latest to catch my eye is Portal: After Hours—a " one man passion project" that plans to launch its first episode on August 15, 2018.
Designed to recapture the story-lite "simplicity" of the original Portal, After Hours aims to give players "much harder puzzles that cater to long-term Portal fans first," so says creator ABNTGeneric.
Update: ABNTGeneric's Portal: After Hours mod has now launched its first episode to the Portal 2 Steam Workshop.

 

GAMING NEWS

Modder Kaldaien: 25% of CPU usage in Monster Hunter World is for switching active threads, has over 100 threads
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/modder-kaldaien-25-of-cpu-usage-in-monster-hunter-world-is-for-switching-active-threads-has-over-100-threads/
As we’ve already stated, Monster Hunter World is one of the few games that can stress even high-end CPUs. And while Capcom tried to explain the reasons why the game can be CPU-bound, modder Kaldaien has discovered that 25% of the overall CPU activity in this game is for switching active threads.
As the modder noted, 25% of all CPU activity in Monster Hunter World is the kernel stopping one thread so that another one can run. Moreover, the game currently has over 100 threads and as he stated, the overhead from such a thing is enormous.

 

First gameplay trailer released for action RPG, Din’s Legacy
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/first-gameplay-trailer-released-for-action-rpg-dins-legacy/
Soldak Entertainment has released the first gameplay trailer for its upcoming action RPG, Din’s Legacy. Din’s Legacy. Din’s Legacy is described as an action RPG with mutating characters, set in a dynamic, evolving, fantasy world.

 

New Assassin’s Creed Odyssey trailer focuses on naval combat and exploration
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/new-assassins-creed-odyssey-trailer-focuses-on-naval-combat-and-exploration/
Ubisoft has released a new trailer for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey in which developers discuss ship customization, recruitment, and naval combat. In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, players can take a ship and explore the islands of ancient Greece.

 

First proper gameplay footage for World War 3 coming this Monday, August 20th
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/first-proper-gameplay-footage-for-world-war-3-coming-this-monday-august-20th/
The Farm 51 has announced that the first proper gameplay footage for World War 3 will be revealed this Monday, August 20th. The team did not reveal any particular time and we are pretty sure that it won’t be linked to NVIDIA’s upcoming pre-Gamescom 2018 event (in which the green team will reveal its new graphics cards).

>>I guess that means that I'll post it tomorrow.

 

New Shadow of the Tomb Raider trailer focuses on enemies and creatures that players will encounter
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/new-shadow-of-the-tomb-raider-trailer-focuses-on-enemies-and-creatures-that-players-will-encounter/
Square Enix has released a new short gameplay trailer for Shadow of the Tomb Raider that focuses on the enemies and creatures that players will encounter. From the looks of it, alongside the human enemies Lara will also have to confront some animals such as piranhas and tigers.

 

New videos showcase Tank Mechanic Simulator’s incredible physics and real-time terrain deformation
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/new-videos-showcase-tank-mechanic-simulators-incredible-physics-and-real-time-terrain-deformation/
Przemyslaw Zaworski has shared with us some new videos that showcase the incredible physics and real-time terrain deformation effects of Tank Mechanic Simulator. This deformation system is flexible and seamlessly works together with all modern rendering techniques, includes DX11 tessellation and physically based lighting.

 

SCORN, first-person horror game, has been delayed to 2019
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/scorn-first-person-horror-game-has-been-delayed-to-2019/
Ebb Software has announced that its upcoming first-person horror game, SCORN, has been delayed until 2019. SCORN has been in development for a few years and the development team decided to delay it – after receiving enough funds – in order to further polish it.

 

Bloody Spell is a new action RPG that is coming to the PC in 2019
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/bloody-spell-is-a-new-action-rpg-that-is-coming-to-the-pc-in-2019/
Chinese studio Yi Long Games is currently working on a new action RPG, called Bloody Spell, and released a new gameplay teaser trailer for it. While we don’t have enough information about this game, we do know that it will be released initially on the PC and that the team targets a 2019 release date.

 

Adventure & documentary game inspired by real events, KURSK, releases on October 11th, new gameplay trailer
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/adventure-documentary-game-inspired-by-real-events-kursk-releases-on-october-11th-new-gameplay-trailer/
Jujubee has released a new trailer for the game “KURSK”. All content shown in the video trailer is undedited in-game footage. As such, it showcases the actual current state of the game’s quality, which will only continue to be polished by the team responsible for this historic title until its official release.

 

Dying Light: Bad Blood comes to Steam Early Access in September, first beta goes live on August 25th
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/dying-light-bad-blood-comes-to-steam-early-access-in-september-first-beta-goes-live-on-august-25th/
Techland has announced that its new standalone expansion for Dying Light, Dying Light: Bad Blood, will come to Steam Early Access in September. The team has also announced that the first beta will go live on August 25th and will run until August 26th, and its second beta will run through September 1st-2nd.

 

Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition – Update 2.5 adds new features and brings numerous fixes
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-update-2-5-adds-new-features-and-brings-numerous-fixes/
Beamdog has released a brand new update for the Enhanced Edition of Baldur’s Gate. According to the release notes, patch 2.5 allows players to use the Priest of Tempus kit, allows players to skip all major cutscenes, replaces old sword and shield logo and makes it possible to accept Thalantyr’s quest to help Melicamp if you initially decline.

 

Windjammers 2 has been officially announced, coming to the PC in 2019
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/windjammers-2-has-been-officially-announced-coming-to-the-pc-in-2019/
DotEmu has just announced that Windjammers 2 is under development and will be coming to the PC in 2019. In order to celebrate this announcement, the team has also released the game’s debut cinematic trailer that you can find below.

 

Fear The Wolves will now hit Steam Early Access on August 28th
https://www.dsogaming.com/news/fear-the-wolves-will-now-hit-steam-early-access-on-august-28th/
Focus Home Interactive and the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. veterans at Vostok Games announced today that their Battle Royale FPS Fear the Wolves will enter Steam Early Access on August 28th. In order to celebrate this announcement, the publisher has also released a brand new trailer that you can find below.