I never have been a fan of the OG FFVII. It was the most disappointing experience I've ever had with a video game. I literally beat the game twice because I couldn't accept the fact that it was a Square RPG that i didn't enjoy. I thought "I had to have missed something..." It was worse the second time around. Up until that point, Final Fantasy was my favorite RPG franchise and Squaresoft could do no wrong. I found FFVII to be incredibly mid. It was not a bad game but the gaming press presented it as this all time great RPG and it wasn't. It may be the wrong impression, but to me it felt like FFVII was a lot of people's first RPG. That would be the only thing that explained some of the praise it received. Phantasy Star killed off a party member in two entries, PS2 in 1989 and PS4 in 1993, by the time FFVII launched in 1997. Other disc based RPGs had FMVs and voice acting which FFVII lacked. Even it's graphically style, polygonal characters on prerendered backgrounds, had been done better by RE1 the year prior.

Having played both FFVI and FFVIII in the last few(-ish) years and knowing the beginning of FFVII, I think I have my expectations calibrated appropriately for my next attempt. I was annoyed by some design decisions of FFVIII, and FFVI was a huge disappointment considering its reputation, mostly due to its barebones writing and terrible final hours (depressing aesthetic, poor navigation of the world). I already strongly suspected I'm in for a less refined experience than e.g. FFX, which is one of my all-time favourite games, or even FFXII, which is great in its own right but loses some of the magic found in many other games in the series.

At this point, I suspect either FFIX or FFX is where it gets really good, which is sad, considering how quick the fall from there is (or slow, considering the slow release pace of new titles after FFXII). It's sad because it seems like the series has a peak of one or two games despite people praising all three PS1 games, FFX, and even FFVI, and it sounds like FFIV and FFV are supposed to be quite solid. After FFVI, I have little faith in FFIV or FFV being top-tier games, since writing probably doesn't get that much better the further you go back in time. Regardless, I'm interest to eventually explore the older games of the series too, but my expectations have definitely changed from what they used to be.

Does any of you have (recent) experience with Razer mice?

My current mouse has started to miss clicks and I'm honestly tired of replacing them every couple of years or so. I'm at a point where I don't knwo if it's worth spending more and get a mouse with optical switches to see if they really last longer or just say f*ck it and go with the cheapest mouse I can find that's comfortable knowing that it won't last long.

The reason for the Razer question is that I've found a Razer DeathAdder V3 for a bit less than 60€, which could be the mouse to get if I go that route.

Also, no more Logitech mice for me. They're very comfortable, but I'm done with them and their POS switches.

I personally don't buy Razer mice cause their software will give your pc a stroke but my friend has had issues with his Razer mice as well with double clicking issues. If you really want it to last a long time, I'd go optical. It's stupid though cause my logitech mice in the past used to last through hell and back but buying them only in the last few years did they have double clicking problem. Luckily with mine, it happened within the warranty period so it technically lasted 4 years.

Personally speaking, I went with Turtle Beach Burst Air II for $50 that I got on sale for $80 off instead of spending $250 for logitech with optical switches. I am not using turtle beach software either, just using the preconfigured settings that came with the mouse.

All brands have been hit or miss for me in terms of reliability, Razer no better or worse. The DeathAdder line is still my favorite mouse for its form factor (the thumb buttons feel so undersized or oddly placed to me with most brands). My current mouse is the entry level wired version (I've had worse luck with wireless mice in terms of both signal integrity and reliability, plus I hate having another thing to charge) that I bought for $25. Been going three years strong now with no issues or complaints. If and when it does start breaking I'll probably just buy another. The software is annoying though so you may wanna look into what you can skip there. 

On the mechanical switches I found that my Deathadder would start double left clicking every 2 years almost to the day but I always went back because I've never been able to find anything close to it's comfort I'm currently using a v2 hyperspeed which is still mechanical and this has lasted a long time 4 years now although I don't hammer it like I used to since I'm mostly controller.

The newer optical switches should last a lot longer and the price is quite good so I'd likely just buy a v3 when anything happens to this.

Intel’s Ryzen X3D competitor reportedly coming to mobile with Razor Lake

https://videocardz.com/newz/intels-ryzen-x3d-competitor-reportedly-coming-to-mobile-with-razor-lake

Noctua has no plans for RGB, screens or white coolers, engineering resources go elsewhere

https://videocardz.com/newz/noctua-has-no-plans-for-rgb-screens-or-white-coolers-engineering-resources-go-elsewhere

HYDRA adds unlocked VRAM and Power Limit controls for GeForce RTX 50 series

https://videocardz.com/newz/hydra-adds-unlocked-vram-and-power-limit-controls-for-geforce-rtx-50-series

ASUS adds another 12V-2×6 safeguard, GPU Tweak III can now automatically shut down your PC

https://videocardz.com/newz/asus-adds-another-12v-2x6-safeguard-gpu-tweak-iii-can-now-automatically-shut-down-your-pc

Leaked OEM specs confirm 8GB RAM Windows 11 PCs are back, but you still need 16GB for AI features

https://www.windowslatest.com/2026/08/18/exclusive-oem-specs-confirm-8gb-ram-windows-11-pcs-are-back-but-you-still-need-16gb-for-ai-features/

The Tuesday gaming news:

SALES/PLAYER COUNTS & DEALS

Steam’s Top 10

(Click here for the Top 100)

Steam has new deals and sales/events:

• Gears of War: Reloaded is going to be 75% off until Sunday: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2523720/Gears_of_War_Reloaded/
• Minecraft Dungeons gets a 50% discount until the 31st of August: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1672970/Minecraft_Dungeons/
• INDIKA will be 65% off until the end of the month: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1373960/INDIKA/
• These are the 6 new sales/events, by launch oder :
  • Ukranian Games Festival 2026 has upcoming titles, demos and games on sale with up to 90% discounts: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/UkrainianGamesFestival2026
  • Zombie Army Franchise Sale puts the games up to 95% off until next Monday: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/ZombieArmyFranchiseSale
  • Publisher Excalibur Games puts its games on sale with, in theory, up to 80% discounts… which is odd because theer are games 85% off. Anyway, it will last until August 31: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32976461/sale/ExcaliburGamesPublisherSale
  • Cube Game Publisher Sale has one upcoming title and puts its titles on sale with up to 87% discounts. You’ll find unexpected games in there, but that’s because they’re the Asian distributor of those titles: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/CubeGamePublisherSale2026
  • Summer of Screams 2026 has a few upcoming releases and games up to 90% off: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/46160322/sale/SummerofScreams2026
  • Games from Spain – Gamescom Showcase is staked with upcoming games, demos and 5 games on sale with discounts that go from 40 to 90%: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/46211728/sale/GamesfromSpain
• And, like every Tuesday, there’s a new range of weeklong deals

Humble Bundle has the new Shantae & Heroic Heroines Bundle, with up to 10 items to get (9 games + 1 coupon) during the next 20 days: https://www.humblebundle.com/games/shantae-heroic-heroines

Fanatical has three new 24h Flash Deals:

• RimWorld is 29% off: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/rimworld
• Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition has a 33% discount: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/warhammer-40000-dawn-of-war-definitive-edition
• Tomb Raider Definitive Survivor Trilogy is 79% off: https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/tomb-raider-definitive-survivor-trilogy

SOFTWARE & DRIVERS

-Empty-

MODS, EMULATORS & FAN PROJECTS

Classic Metal Gear Solid Will Soon Get a Co-Op Mod
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/classic-metal-gear-solid-will-soon-get-a-co-op-mod/
It appears that YouTube’s ‘Felipe’ is currently working on a co-op mod for the first classic Metal Gear Solid game. And although there is no ETA for when it will come out, we have a trailer for it. So, if you are a die-hard MGS fan, you should definitely check it out.
In this trailer, we get to see two players working together in some areas. We also get to see the Ocelot fight, in which both players can inflict damage to him.
This is a cool mod that you might want to use to have some fun with your friends. It will obviously make the game easier, and it’s a cool way to re-experience the classic MGS. However, since it uses a top-down camera, it may be difficult for the second player to control his character.
>> The shorter than 3 minutes video is in the article.

First Look at The Witcher 3: Revenge of Ofir Fan Expansion
https://www.dsogaming.com/mods/first-look-at-the-witcher-3-revenge-of-ofir-fan-expansion/
The modding team behind the Revenge of Ofir fan expansion for The Witcher 3 has released a gameplay video for it. This video gives us our first proper look at it. So, if you are a The Witcher 3 fan, you should definitely check it out.
Revenge of Ofir takes place after the events of Blood and Wine, with Geralt thinking about retirement at Corvo Bianco. It also ties back to the Hearts of Stone expansion.
The story explores the fallout from Geralt killing the Toad Prince in the sewers of Oxenfurt. The prince was actually a human who had been turned into the monster, and he was next in line for the Ofiri throne.
Geralt is then tricked into traveling to war-torn Ofir. There, he gets caught in a fight for power and must deal with the results of choices linked to Gaunter O’Dimm.
Revenge of Ofir will also add new characters, including Radeyah. She is an Ofiri sorceress and former aide to a past ruler. She becomes caught up in the struggle for power. Plus, the expansion will feature a new area and new quests.
Since this is a fan expansion, you should temper your expectations. It will not be as polished as the official expansions or the upcoming Songs of the Past. This is made by fans.
The Witcher 3: Revenge of Ofir fan expansion is targeting a 2027 release. However, we do not have a specific release window yet. So, it could arrive in late 2027, or it may slip into 2028.
>> The article has a 6 minutes video of this fan expansion.

GAMING NEWS

Halo: Campaign Evolved August 17 Patch Released & Detailed
https://www.dsogaming.com/patches/halo-campaign-evolved-august-17-patch-released-detailed/
Halo Studios has released the August 17 Update for Halo: Campaign Evolved and shared its full patch notes. So, let’s see what this new patch brings to the table.
The August 17 Patch finally adds settings for Chromatic Aberration and Film Grain. PC gamers can now disable those annoying effects without having to mess around with the Engine.ini file.

Phantom Blade Zero Gets 18-Minute Deep Dive Gameplay Video
https://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/phantom-blade-zero-gets-18-minute-deep-dive-gameplay-video/
Sony held a State of Play event for Phantom Blade Zero and presented a new 18-minute gameplay video for it. In this video, game director Soulframe and creative consultant Donnie Yen take us deeper into the story, the Wulin, and the game’s combat systems.

The second part of the Tuesday gaming news:

Resident Evil Requiem's Angela Sant'Albano reportedly joins Tides of Annihilation, replacing Jennifer English as the new voice of its protagonist
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/resident-evil-requiems-angela-santalbano-reportedly-joins-tides-of-annihilation-replacing-jennifer-english-as-the-new-voice-of-its-protagonist/
Last month we got word that Jennifer English, star of Baldur's Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, would be stepping down from her lead role in the upcoming Tides of Annihilation. Now, fans think they've figured out who her replacement is: Angela Sant'Albano, known for playing Grace Ashcroft in Resident Evil Requiem.

Toymaker Mattel launches a new game studio with a focus on Roblox and Fortnite that could signal a growing shift in where studios spend money
https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/toymaker-mattel-launches-a-new-game-studio-with-a-focus-on-roblox-and-fortnite-that-could-signal-a-growing-shift-in-where-studios-spend-money/
Toy company Mattel is getting into the videogame business with the launch of Mattel Game Studios, which it says "will develop, publish, and operate original interactive experiences inspired by Mattel’s portfolio of iconic brands." But the approach it's taking to that task is rather different from what we've seen in the past.
>> The first seven words of the headline were fine. After that, it went downhill, and fast.

Warner Bros. mentions existence of 'second installment of Hogwarts Legacy,' and that's about it
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/warner-bros-mentions-existence-of-second-installment-of-hogwarts-legacy-and-thats-about-it/
First reported by Game Informer, Warner Bros. Discovery provided the slightest of acknowledgements that a sequel to 2023's Hogwarts Legacy is in the works as part of a recent letter to its shareholders.
>> Not much of a surprise, as we all knew it would be happening.

Heads up, Fallout 4 and Skyrim players: New updates are incoming, so it's time to tend to your mods
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fallout/heads-up-fallout-4-and-skyrim-players-new-updates-are-incoming-so-its-time-to-tend-to-your-mods/
Bethesda Game Studios is warning owners of Fallout 4 to either log into a save or manually save their mod load order, because a new patch "focusing on general Creations improvements" is incoming.
(...)
In any event, this will hopefully not cause any major headaches, but it's still good advice. And speaking of The Elder Scrolls, Bethesda also said that it's working on a new Skyrim update, details of which will be revealed later. You might as well take that as a warning to back up your Skyrim saves too: Bethesda's recording on breaking mods in its fantasy RPG series is pretty much in line with its post-nuclear one.

Star Citizen has a disastrously laggy stream with horrendous vibes, which isn't a great look when you're past $1 billion in funding
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/mmo/star-citizen-has-a-disastrously-laggy-stream-with-horrendous-vibes-which-isnt-a-great-look-when-youre-past-usd1-billion-in-funding/
Keeping track of Star Citizen's development is a little like watching the same, tired old guy in the back of a very expensive car, turning the key while the engine stalls, whispering, quietly, like a prayer: "This car will start soon. We promise."
Originally having a planned release date for 2014, the game's been stuck in crowdfunding limbo for over a decade—only releasing in early access back in 2017. You will observe that it is now 2026.
The latest domino to fall is this disastrous live stream, which is still miraculously up on the game's official YouTube channel. It was broadcast at the start of August, but has only breached containment recently, and—oh man, where to start.

And since it's only one, here's the only short format article from today:

Even though turn-based and real time RPGs 'have their loud, vocal advocates,' Fallout developer Tim Cain thinks they both have a place in the genre
https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/even-though-turn-based-and-real-time-rpgs-have-their-loud-vocal-advocates-fallout-developer-tim-cain-thinks-they-both-have-a-place-in-the-genre/
>> Is this obvious reflexion worth an article? For PCGamer yes.