4k

Need for Speed Unbound: not the worst (Xbox Game Pass)

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There’s nothing better than a racer that nails physics, presentation, and that itch to push further. I’ve mainly gotten that out of the Forza Horizon series in recent years, but have played a ton of Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo in the past. Of course you’ve also got your older series like Test Drive, Burnout, and one off titles that died way too soon like Driveclub. And that’s the kicker – it’s damn sad to see the genre flatten out as time goes on.

So when Need for Speed Unbound recently hit Xbox Game Pass I had to at least try it out. It kind of approaches the aspects I look for in a racing game but never really gets there (at least in the first few hours). But it’s scarce for new arcade racers and you can’t exactly be choosy.

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Forza Motorsport’s career mode looks matured (if a little sterile)

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You’re either someone who lives for shaving off milliseconds on lap times in racer’s like Forza Motorsport, or you’re bored to tears by the thought of playing anything that approaches a simulator. It seems like most people fall into the second category these days, and Microsoft definitely read the room with their recent Xbox Showcase.

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PC gaming basics: can 1080p monitors display 4K?

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The gist of it:

  • 1080p monitors and TVs can’t display a 4K resolution outright
  • Supersampling can be toggled on PC render at 4K resolution, and ultimately provide a much cleaner image on your 1080p display
  • Supersampling will automatically be done on consoles like the Xbox Series X|S and PS5

Considering monitors and TVs last well over 5 years in most cases, it’s likely that you’ll get a new console or upgrade your PC well before your display dies out. What happens when your new PC can display resolutions up to 4K while you’re still playing on a 1080p monitor?

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Awe at every turn (Skyrim Special Edition wallpapers)

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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).

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Always cozy, never dull (Skyrim Special Edition screenshots)

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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.

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Sun up serene (Microsoft Flight Sim screenshots)

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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.

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Forza Horizon 4 review – still incredible in 2021 and beyond

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sunset drive forza horizon 4

In many ways, Forza Horizon 4 has been the culmination of my favorite aspects of the racing genre. I’ve never dove off into the sea of hardcore sims, but at this point in my life I’ve poured over a 1000 hours into a mixture of simcade and arcade racers.

What started with the early era of Gran Turismo on the PS1 soon gave way to various Need for Speed entries, Project Gotham Racing, early Forza games, and a smattering of games in between.

To say the genre clicks with me would be an understatement, and above all, the ability to jump right in and play has always spoken to me. I’d call the Forza Horizon series a sort of open world spiritual successor to the PGR series, but what Playground Games ultimately does better than anyone else is provide the means for immediate driving fun.

Forza Horizon 4 is accessibility done right – an experience that appeals equally to fans of the genre and those completely new.

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PS4 essentials: can the PS4 run at 120 fps?

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how many hz

Each year it seems like there are a set of must have features across gaming. In 2021, that means high refresh rates, 8K support, and a slew of new ways to increase general fluidity.

If you’re someone looking to hop on the 120 fps bandwagon with your PS4, you’ll unfortunately have to wait until you lock down a PS5 or Xbox Series X.

No PS4 models support 120 fps both due to power and required spec of HDMI. It goes without saying that the PS4 also can’t handle 144 fps.

High refresh rates have only just now broken into the console space thanks to the bleeding edge tech found in the Xbox Series X and PS5.

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What does PS4 Pro enhanced mean?

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ps4 pro enhanced

The PS5 has officially arrived and with it the sensibility of many gamers has gone with the wind. But despite what consumerist trends might make us think, the move to next gen hasn’t made the PlayStation 4 obsolete.

And for those with a PS4 Pro, there are enhancements that bring next-gen features to last gen systems. Titles that offer additional features, aptly named PS4 Pro enhanced, bring Sony’s mid-generation refresh console quite close to next-gen systems.

Will you get to the potential for 8k and 120 FPS? No, but there’s plenty of visual eye candy to soak in while the PS5 stock situation resolves itself.

What exactly does “PS4 Pro enhanced” mean?

Simply put, Pro enhanced video games offer better graphics, resolution, performance, or a mixture of all 3. Many games with a Pro patch even allow you to choose between a game that looks better or plays better.

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Do you need a 4K TV for PS5? What to know.

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is 4k necessary

With all of the talk of HDMI 2.1, 120 FPS, and 8K gaming, it’s easy to feel like you’ll be missing out on the best of what the PS5 (and Xbox Series X|S) has to offer with your current TV.

And with the rise and maturation of 4K sets, many are wondering if the jump to UHD is necessary when buying into Sony’s next-gen ecosystem.

The short of it? No, you absolutely do not need a 4K television in order to play the PS5. Yes, newer TVs will take advantage of the consoles feature set (namely higher resolution), but they’re also not needed to play the newest games.

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