Gaming Archives - Page 2 of 12

Check out our latest virtual photography.

Awe at every turn (Skyrim Special Edition wallpapers)

October 18, 2021 by Max

All screenshots were captured in 4K on an Xbox Series X. This is the vanilla version of Skyrim Special Edition with no mods. To download a screenshot as a wallpaper, click the image in the gallery below and open it in a new tab. From here you can save the wallpaper locally to your computer or phone.

Virtual photography has a way of shining a light on the intricacies of games. And what game better than Skyrim Special Edition to go on a hunt for shots. Since upgrading to the Series X, it’s been one of my favorite games to eye up in a new way (especially with its performance boosts).

Xbox Series X|S performance boosts are a clean slate for gaming

November 8, 2021October 9, 2021 by Max

The authenticity and fidelity of Red Dead Redemption 2 blew me away on the PS4. I had never experienced anything quite like it. Interwoven systems, emergent gameplay, idyllic landscapes – it felt like next-generation gaming had come a little early. But going back to it now, after buying an Xbox Series X, puts into perspective something that was sorely lacking at times on the PS4 and Xbox One – performance.

Microsoft’s newest console has been an utter treat in this department. Games new and old are performant and look incredible. This standard was touched on with the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, but not nearly to the extent that the Xbox Series X|S have cleaned up performance.

Not all games have gotten the next-gen treatment. But by and large I’ve never had as great of a time diving into a back catalog as I have with my Xbox Series X. New titles have only upped the ante of performance and visuals.

Half the fun of Halo Infinite has been community driven

October 7, 2021 by Max

A lot of people have been comparing Halo Infinite to Halo 3, and in a lot of ways I agree. Its array of equipment and sandbox at large make it something of a virtual playground. I can’t help but feel it’s just right in its dance between modern and old.

Halo Infinite is simply fun, and a lot of it seems to be coming from the community. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been wrapped up in the excitement for a Halo game. And the cheers for Infinite are palpable. Old fans, new fans – it seems like most were blindsided by the most recent beta in the best way possible.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is undeniably authentic (screenshots)

October 13, 2021October 6, 2021 by Max

Where Skyrim brings fantastical mood, Red Dead Redemption 2 delivers a true to life, organic open world. Nearly two years since release, RDR2’s lived in setting is still yet to be matched.

And much like Bethesda’s pension for creating immersive worlds, it’s unlikely Rockstar will be topped for a long time. I beat the story for RDR2 over a year ago, but it’s still a game I come back to time and time again for its rich systems and authentic natural setting. As someone who loves hiking, Red Dead Redemption 2 is about as good as it gets.

Halo Infinite is neither too old or too modern

October 4, 2021 by Max

A problem that I ran into with 343’s Halo releases was the issue of identity crisis. Too much modernization and borrowing from other titles while stripping away the feel of past Halo’s.

Halo Infinite marks an important turning point for 343, and for the most part, they’ve nailed Halo’s return to form if the latest round of beta’s are any indication. I’ve found Infinite to feel fresh while retaining a lot of the identity that made Bungie-era Halo games so great.

Moody Skyrim (Skyrim Special Edition screenshots)

October 3, 2021 by Max

There’s no denying the atmosphere and immersion that Skyrim is capable of. And what better way to experience the otherworldliness than on a moody, rainy night. This is when I find the tranquil music of Skyrim is especially hard hitting.

Always cozy, never dull (Skyrim Special Edition screenshots)

October 2, 2021 by Max

The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim Special Edition ethereal god rays

Even after all these years, Skyrim never fails to disappoint in its pension for landscape views, atmosphere, and need to be played. The screenshots below were taken just outside of Whiterun and Dragonsreach. Although you’ll find a cozy atmosphere in many places of Skyrim, these zones are particularly inviting.

Sun up serene (Microsoft Flight Sim screenshots)

October 2, 2021 by Max

Microsoft Flight Simulator clouds over nyc

Game: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Platform: Xbox Series X|S and PC (coming soon to Xbox Cloud Gaming)

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 offers so many opportunities for great shots. After finding out how to access drone mode (hint: navigate to “Showcase” in the camera options), I’ve been having a blast seeking out scenes.

Microsoft vs. Sony: strategy over specs

October 2, 2021September 30, 2021 by Max

I often forget the endless frustration of going against the grain of consumer technology. Mobile phones, laptops, gaming consoles – it wasn’t until relatively recently that most kinds of tech have made sizable gains in usability and features that most of us take for granted.

These days, improvement seems to come as iteration for those products which are most important in our lives.

And it would seem as though console gaming, thanks to the release of the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, has all but gotten to a place of “pretty dang good”. Microsoft and Sony, instead of pulling ahead purely on specs, seem to have arrived at a fork in the road of strategy.

Each, thanks to decades of trial and error, has doubled down on vision and made their respective platforms a place to settle in.

Forza basics: does FH4 have Tesla cars?

August 25, 2021 by Max

mountain look off in winter forza horizon 4

Play as you please and do what you want – one of the best aspects of Forza Horizon 4 is the ability to jump in and get going almost immediately. I’m one that would have enjoyed a more handcrafted approach to some of the game’s aspects, but it’s undeniably excellent evoking freedom.

Read our review of Forza Horizon 4

Variety also cues an experience that is never too bogged down by feeling samey. Unfortunately, there are some exclusions in the car roster that may leave some fans wanting more.

If you’re wondering whether the game has Tesla vehicles, this isn’t the game to enjoy one of Elon Musk’s pillars of output.

Forza Horizon 4 does not feature any Tesla cars and most likely never will with the looming release of Forza Horizon 5. Content production for the game has come to a standstill.