Carborend is an Indie game in development by an Italian based team lead by Marco Bellante. Essentially it is a visual novel that is set in the future. Earth is about to experience its 6^th ice Age and its biggest energy crisis. And as we know humanity never makes great decisions during a crisis. Conflict and chaos will be faced.

Indie games don’t often get the respect they deserve. Truth be told this is the last bastion of hope for true creativity. With next to no resources these developers give some wonderful experiences. Carborend is a true validation of time, dedication and desire.

Characters

There are 4 colorful character that run this story driven game. Evy is the rebel teenager with a passion for ancient religions. She brings sultry feel to the games. Carl is our other protagonist with some inner demons to battle and brings some technical experience. Henry is our most learned and distinguished character and brings in that refined knowledge along. Lastly, we have Maddalena, who has those killer naughty and nice vibes. She is very much the epitome of the modern-day career driven woman.

There are lots of relationships to navigate as your quest progress. For example, you fully date Henry in the full game.

The Art and Sound

The game is beautifully illustrated by Martina Bolognini and brings in that graphic novel feel to the game. The game feel like having a novel come to life. However, unlike a novel you have the power to determine the ending. In fact, you can do this many times as it has multiple endings. Yes, that is right, decisions made in this game determine the outcome. So, every play will be different. This makes a very repayable game. For me this is a big one, too often and more so with the high-end AAA games, we get top notch graphics, but the game is short and essentially cannot be played again as the story would be the same.

I think a more eerie soundtrack with help with the aura of the games and more animated scenes especially the actions ones. But again, on a super tight budget may not be practical. Another hopeful is availability on other platforms such PS and Xbox. As these are generally more accessible to us.

The text also felt a little fast, and maybe the speed works for some but not me, a control for text speed should fix this, as it will address everyone’s requirement.

YouTube Interview

We also had the pleasure of sitting down with the team and having a fun unedited discussion over Carborend and all things gaming. Check out the full video here:

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

Download Now

If you are looking for a less thumb intensive game but something that ropes you in from a story point, then Carborend is definitely a pick me up. A demo is available to test and get a feel for the game. We have supplied the link at the end of this article.

Free Demo Download Link Here

https://marco-bellante.itch.io/carborend

In the realm of gaming, players are constantly seeking ways to enhance their gaming experience, whether it's through improving their skills, customizing their setups, or gaining a competitive edge. One device that has garnered attention in this pursuit is the Cronus Zen. This article aims to explore the pros and cons of the Cronus Zen device, as well as the ethical considerations surrounding its use in gaming.

Pros:

Cross-Platform Compatibility:

One of the primary advantages of the Cronus Zen is its ability to provide cross-platform compatibility. This means that players can use their preferred controller (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo) on different gaming platforms such as PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, breaking down barriers between different gaming ecosystems.

Controller Customization:

The Cronus Zen offers extensive customization options for controllers, allowing players to adjust sensitivity, remap buttons, and even use macros to streamline complex actions. This level of customization can significantly enhance gameplay, especially in competitive scenarios where precise control is crucial.

Scripting Capabilities:

The device also enables scripting capabilities, which allow players to automate certain actions or combos in games. This can be particularly advantageous in fast-paced games where executing complex sequences manually may be challenging, giving players a competitive edge while maintaining consistency in their performance.

Accessibility:

For gamers with disabilities or physical limitations, the Cronus Zen can serve as an accessibility tool, enabling them to adapt controllers to better suit their needs. This inclusivity aspect is significant in promoting equal opportunities for all gamers to enjoy their favorite titles.

Cons:

Potential for Unfair Advantage:

One of the most contentious aspects of the Cronus Zen is its potential to provide an unfair advantage in multiplayer games, particularly in competitive environments. The device's scripting capabilities can be exploited to automate actions that would otherwise require manual input, giving users an edge over opponents who do not have access to such tools.

Impact on Game Balance:

The use of the Cronus Zen can disrupt the intended balance of certain games, especially those with strict control schemes or anti-cheat measures. Players utilizing macros or modified controllers may gain an unfair advantage, negatively impacting the overall experience for other players and potentially diminishing the integrity of the game.

Legitimacy Concerns:

The widespread use of devices like the Cronus Zen has raised concerns about the legitimacy of gaming achievements and competitions. In esports tournaments, where fair play is paramount, the use of unauthorized peripherals or software modifications may lead to disqualification or tarnish the reputation of players and teams.

Manufacturer Restrictions:

Some gaming hardware manufacturers have taken steps to restrict or prevent the use of third-party devices like the Cronus Zen, citing concerns about potential exploitation and unfair advantages. This has led to compatibility issues and ongoing efforts by manufacturers to mitigate the impact of such devices on their platforms.

Ethical Stance:

The ethical considerations surrounding the use of the Cronus Zen device in gaming are multifaceted and often subjective. On one hand, proponents argue that it enhances accessibility for gamers with disabilities, promotes customization, and empowers players to tailor their gaming experience to their preferences. However, critics raise concerns about the device's potential to disrupt game balance, undermine fair play, and compromise the integrity of competitive gaming.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1z1UFnLumf/?igsh=MTVuOWN5ZnlyamoyeQ==

 

From an ethical standpoint, it is essential to balance the benefits of accessibility and customization with the principles of fair play and respect for the integrity of gaming experiences. While individuals have the right to customize their gaming setups to suit their needs and preferences, it is imperative to consider the impact of such modifications on the overall gaming community and ecosystem.

In the End:

Ultimately, the ethical stance on the use of the Cronus Zen device in gaming may vary depending on individual perspectives, regulatory frameworks, and community standards. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for players, developers, and regulators to engage in constructive dialogue and establish guidelines that promote inclusivity, fair play, and the preservation of gaming integrity.

https://nerdgasm.co.za/digital-games-versus-hard-copies/

Choosing a headset for gaming is never easy, as we often have to live with our choices for a considerable period. Enter the Logitech G435. A very superior headset at a very reasonable price. Honestly, this doesn't come as a shock, as I have been using a few of the brand's products for quite some time now. most often is their entry-level wired mouse. I actually use this for work and found it very functional and responsive. So when Logitech hand me their headset I was stoked, to say the least.

The set is very light, which when compared to my Beats, by Dre Wireless Studio, felt like wearing almost nothing. While this Beats is a clever mix of style and quality, the G435 is more functional and extremely light. Sure they were made for entirely different purposes but for someone who spends hours either with my console or music when working it made me wonder if I should swap out to the less load-bearing set. I didn't because the Logitech didn't deliver on the softer notes and deeper bass. But that is okay. That is not what is intended for. I then brought in the entry-level PS4 wired headset. This was bought for my eldest daughter who spends way too much time online in Minecraft. Needless to say the G435 beats it in every way.

 

Connect

Connecting the headset comes in two ways, there is a USB adapter or by way of Bluetooth. With our limited availability of USB slots, we went Blue ( da ba dee da ba doo ). Sadly Sony decided this was not an official headset and rejected the connection. I suppose with it being new, a soon-to-be-live update will fix that. This meant us trying out the lightspeed. The connection was as easy as pushing it to my only available USB slot on my PS4 and selecting headphones. But alas, I had sound but no connection. This has me panicking until I changed the output to Dolby. After that, it was crystal clear. Unfortunately, I don't own a PS5 to test against. But between my phone for music, PC for movies it worked well. But for me, the real test was with the old faithful Playstation 4.

Sound

The sound was crisp and clear with the background noise filtered out. This allowed me to hear my friend on Gran Turismo yell at me ever so clear. Well, that what he got for trying to cut me off anyway. This was due to the dual beamforming mic that allows all the sound to be captured. The top feature has a small drawback which results in some ambient sound being collected. This isn't a big issue, most noticeable during those awkward load screens.

Charging is easy as pie, as the set comes with the ever-friendly USB-C / USB cable and can feed most power supplies. The set is very ergonomically designed, with comfort being a big focus. Whether resting on my huge head or my little girl it always fitted snug. The muffs feel really good against the ear. I didn't have that hot ear effect. The muffs are very breathable and in my longest session that lasted 4 hours, I didn't feel all sticky. Speaking of time, the G435 can last up to 18 hours but I have yet to fully test this. Sadly the device did not connect to our Xbox One. I am still trying to find a workaround for this.

Bottom line, this is a great headset, with some lovely colour options and good value for money. It ticks all the right boxes except ones with x's before it. If they can get them on the two big boys' official list this will be a hot seller.

https://nerdgasm.co.za/top-5-gift-ideas-for-the-holidays/

"It's on like [RTA] Donkey Kong!"

Seeding...or our way of calling it Qualifying, is done and RTA continue where they left off… on top, but with serious competition following behind and it's coming from all circles.

RTA-Donkey27 laid down the gauntlet with a 28.108 but with Pool 1 only separated by 0.6 seconds, the gladiators are closing in and the teams are coming in hot - We talking Kalahari Boyz (KBR), Pace Motorsports and the Crazy8s for a few mentions, even the old dogs like Lorenzo and Nasseer returned and our resident GTSSA dive-bomber, Armani, still hasn't… Disappointed but not surprised.

 

Not only is the top pack in a warzone, the midpack is a battleship, a battle so deep that the number of people in the midpack battle is enough to fill up a Call of Duty Warzone lobby... but the Battle Royale is so hot that the Champs of the female division want a piece of the action also, seems like some men might have a bit of tears to shed in the end.

 

 

Round 1 will be set at the sunny views of the Kamitsue Village in Hita City, Japan as we flood the twisty, technical track of Autopolis where 15 drivers will be greeted with exactly 19 corners - 2 hairpins, hectic elevation changes and enough fast sweeping corners that make the average VW Polo driver feel fast but slow, let's not even get into the pitlane entry, that's a sin on it's own. With tyre degradation and abrasiveness set at 6, we might just look at a comfortable 1-stop strategy (don't be a Fluffy and forget to change tyres, drivers.)

 

Today, Round 1 will commence and even though the tender for footage and commentary hasn't been secured, the race can be watched through a few of our resident YouTubers (links will be down below)

GODSPEED Racers!

KLM_Pace - https://www.youtube.com/c/KLMPace

LNR_Psycho_Pace -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCREpnOf5nZhf2h7YjRwIL-A

Fluffybutt Fast -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnf_MsMAqFYHN5B2W-ct1rA

RizlaTheRoller - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtlfS5gfrgX92SCA_zD0AkQ

TORCHED_ZA - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5K-JHFHNIuy9tc6RIcJIrw

FIFA has been around for decades. Each year we get a new installment and each year it improves significantly, or so I’m told. See, I’m not a huge FIFA guy. The last game I bought was when South Africa hosted the World Cup. So, in order to give YOU the best possible feedback, I enlisted the aid of my closest friends. These guys are mad about football and are also avid FIFA day one buyer.

Needless to say, I was pounded by my peers. Their years of experience certainly gave them the edge. However, with some natural gaming ability and tons of luck, I managed to send one past the keeper! What a rush! With that said, I finally get it. I finally understand the immense skill and joy of playing soccer on screen. I’ll admit, it did genuinely feel like scoring a real goal. For a moment I thought I was still a kid, playing with his friends in the real field! And so, I now believe I have discovered the secret to FIFA’s long-running success.

Graphics

I am sure you already know that the visuals on FIFA are forever improving. Nothing quite compares to seeing Mo Salah’s face after he drives the ball straight past the keeper on the top right, those are just the fine tunes from last year. Personally, I would use the crowd as the benchmark, to see the digital fan reactions really add a sense of realism to the game. To some, this may be a ‘nice to have’ feature or aesthetic but FIFA developers know, every single pixel matters.

The crowd is detailed and the animation has enough variation to help with its… well... Variation. This, in turn, leads me to the celebration. Goal celebration is one of the most fun aspects of the game! After all, putting in goals is what FIFA is all about. So trust me on this, the celebrations are so much more rewarding.

Gameplay

When it comes to gameplay, the dynamics have changed. This is what the real players want! Sure graphics are important, but pretty games with no depth tire easily. This game has continued its journey to ultra-realism. The first touch has become a lot more touch-sensitive. This forces one to achieve greater ball control. The difficulty extends itself to both dribbling and defending.

Passing has become more accuracy orientated, with particular attention to detail using aim and power. Jeremy Clarkson would not approve. More so, as the old ‘one-man show’ of stealing the ball or making a break for it is gone. It’s all about the team now.

You will have to improve your man-marking skills and this tool will be critically important for your counter attacks. This (amongst so many other aspects) is where my game was hurt a lot. I just could not get ball possession back fast enough. I had to rely on my goalkeeper, which is risky, to say the least. Thankfully, the goalies AI has been radically enhanced. That guy saves me more than a few times.

One thing you wouldn’t think you’d enjoy is actually the commentators! Commentators are more natural. They do not seem to repeat generic one-liners. I am sure though after enough time you will start to see repetition, but unless you OCD then it isn’t really a problem. The commentary does make the game more fun and allows for some added ribbing for your friends.

Longevity

I think the answer is evident. FIFA will always have longevity. It has cemented itself as the benchmark in the football gaming world. Available on all formats and fully licensed it is constantly evolving. Having the game still connect online helps keep everything very current. And this applies to stats as well. Your favorite team not doing too well in the Premier League? Well you going to see them drop on FIFA too.

FUT

To the uninitiated (mostly me) FUT is actually FIFA Ultimate Team. This is where you can build a team with players from any of the leagues in the game. You can then either play online or offline and start to win coins. This allows you to buy new players and grow.

Online is, of course, better as there are various modes to paly to start earning coins. Division Rivals is a prime example. You can even qualify to play in major events against professional FIFA players. Essentially it is geared to reward those who put in the effort and continuously try to hone their skills.  For a more in-depth look check out the link below

https://www.ea.com/games/fifa/fifa-19/ultimate-team/beginners-guide-fut

Volta

This is a 5 a side game where you get to play in the streets or localized grounds. It’s a fun addition that adds a new dynamic to the game. It allows for an actioned packed game. The kits are fully customizable which allows players to express their artistic side.

Verdict

FIFA will always be a fan favorite. Much like the real world football, it has a cult following. Sure there are other options out there. However, nothing quite brings the game home, as FIFA does. Like the old EA saying goes… “If it’s in the game. It’s in the game.”

It is easy for returning fans to simply pick up the latest edition. What about newcomers?  It’s not hard at all. I was able to find my feet quite quickly. Sure the game is hard and getting on par with my peers will take some grinding but it has amazing tutorials that help fast track the learning curb. But achieving excellence comes down to experience. There are options to dial down the intensity and difficulty levels but I strongly advise against that. Rough it out. Soon you will find yourself getting those elusive crosses right. And then you will start putting more balls at the back of the net.

The more you succeed the more you crave. If that doesn’t encapsulate the essence of the game, then I suppose not much else will. Like I said earlier, I haven’t bought a copy in ages, but now that I have played it, I have fallen in love with it. I will be button mashing and soon I will be ready… I will return to my friends and I will dominate!!!!

https://nerdgasm.co.za/ea-unveils-new-games-coming-to-origin-ea-access/