Unlock the full potential of your mobile device with our recommended list!
Latest Posts on Blog
-
![img]()
Editor's Advice With the thrilling adventure of Remnant 2 capturing the hearts of role-playing game enthusiasts, the inclusion of Relic Fragments offers a fresh dimension of character customization. These fragments, small yet packed with potential, are the key to fine-tuning the abilities of the nameless survivor and opening new avenues for gameplay strategies. Relic Fragments serve as consumable items that players can leverage to enhance their characters with unique buffs and bonuses. Let's dive into how you can locate these treasures and utilize them to gain the upper hand in the remnants of a broken world.
Unearthing Relic Fragments in the World of Remnant 2
Unlike static collectibles, Relic Fragments are dispersed through the game's dynamically generated landscape, ensuring each player's experience is unique. Venturing into the dungeons and lands filled with challenges, players can discover these prized items in various ways. One dependable method is seeking out the merchant Dwell within the safe haven of Ward 13, who trades in Relic Fragments for 15 pieces of Relic Dust. The type you receive is randomized, adding an element of surprise to your acquisitions. Additionally, you can find these fragments as drops from vanquishing Elite foes and looting hidden chests scattered throughout the game, further incentivizing exploration and combat.
Strategic Application of Relic Fragments
Each relic within the game is designed with three slots for fragments, and by strategically equipping these pieces, players can activate additional effects, enhancing the powers of their relics. This degree of customization is at the core of Remnant 2's gameplay, as it enables players to sculpt abilities to suit their playstyle or prep for forthcoming challenges.
Access the Character Menu
Go to the Relic slot located on the lower-left side of the display
Select the Relic and enter the Inspection view
Choose one of the three fragment slots, then select from the list provided
These fragments are not bound by any constraints, save for the rule that identical fragments cannot be equipped together, allowing for broad personalization options.
Enhancing the Power of Your Relics
Relic Fragments come in various stages of potency, ranking from Cracked to the highly coveted Mythic tier. To ascend a fragment to a loftier status, players need to obtain a matching fragment; once a pair is complete, the pieces will merge, elevating them to their new tier automatically. This process not only intensifies the fragments' effects but also plays a pivotal role in evolving the player's overall combat power.
Finding the Right Fragment for Your Build
Just as each player's journey is unique in Remnant 2, so too are the fragments they'll encounter—each possessing its color-coded symbol determining its impact on the game. Here's an overview of the types:
Red Fragments: Unleash Your Fury
Perfect for those who prioritize offense, red fragments amplify your character's damage-dealing capabilities, ensuring that your attacks pack a punch worthy of the fiercest adversaries.
Blue Fragments: Fortify Your Defenses
If survivability is your concern, blue fragments are your go-to. Enhancing your resilience, these fragments bolster your armor, health, and fortitude against the harsh elements and enemies you'll encounter.
Yellow Fragments: Supportive Prowess
Strategic and supportive players will find value in yellow fragments. These augment the supporting aspects of gameplay like ammo conservation, casting speed, and stability, facilitating peak performance throughout your journey in Remnant 2.
Embrace the challenge of Remnant 2 with wisdom and strategy as you assemble Relic Fragments that reflect your combat style. Remember, the key to mastering this post-apocalyptic world lies in adapting to your environment and adversaries, a feat made easier with the right fragments in tow. Forge your path, combine your fragments, and become the ultimate force in the wastelands. Emilia Westwood -
![img]()
Amazing News! Transitioning a beloved action series into a different gameplay style can be a daunting endeavor. Still, the Yakuza series, known for its hard-hitting, street-brawling action, proved that significant changes sometimes lead to fan disappointment. With the release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the franchise took a bold leap from real-time combat into the realm of turn-based JRPGs. This pivot raised eyebrows but also showcased the developers' belief in their ability to deliver compelling gameplay regardless of genre.
Chief producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio asserted with confidence that shifting the series to a JRPG format with Yakuza: Like a Dragon was a calculated move. The studio's expertise in weaving intricate narratives facilitated the transition, ensuring that the heart of the Yakuza experience remained intact. Players found that despite the combat overhaul, the series' storytelling, character depth, and rich world-building still shone brightly.
The developers also recognized that variety is key to keeping the series fresh. By alternating between new protagonists and experimenting with different settings and periods, they've managed to keep a year-on-year release schedule engaging. 2023 was a testament to this, featuring two new titles: Like a Dragon: Ishin! and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Both entries diversified the gameplay experiences, with the latter reintroducing real-time combat alongside innovative spy-themed mechanics.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is set to continue the turn-based tradition set by its predecessor, promising to deepen the JRPG elements adored by fans. With protagonist Ichiban Kasuga's quirks defining the combat perspective, the game isn't just another JRPG but a Yakuza JRPG, blending the genre with the distinctive flavor of the series. This unique integration keeps excitement levels high for the long-running franchise.
Looking forward, it's clear that the Yakuza series has embraced its experimental edge, blending its revered narrative-driven approach with ambitious, genre-hopping gameplay. Fans can rest easy knowing that whether the game presents fists flying in real-time or strategic turn-based brawls, the soul of Yakuza remains – a testament to the creative confidence of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. The future indeed looks promising as the franchise continues to defy expectations and redefine its identity with each new release. Ethan Montgomery -
![img]()
Amazing News! Instagram's latest announcement is set to stir the pot in the ever-evolving world of social media content creation and sharing. The platform is now enabling users to download publicly posted Reels, a feature available to everyone after a successful initial roll-out in the United States. This new development is poised to influence how content is circulated across platforms and offers fresh opportunities for content creators and consumers alike.
As you navigate Instagram, you might notice a new addition to the Reels section. A "Download" option is now accessible in the share menu, and it is turned on by default. Public content creators have the power to toggle this feature off, but it introduces a new layer of shareability. For those who thrive on creating engaging content, this could be a game-changer. It extends the reach of their creative efforts beyond their immediate follower base, potentially connecting with audiences on other platforms such as TikTok.
This feature comes with its complications, though. There are concerns about content being repurposed by less scrupulous users seeking to gain easy likes and shares, especially as the downloaded Reels will conspicuously carry the Instagram logo and creator's handle. Despite TikTok's attempts to curb the reach of such content, the proliferation of shared clips seems inevitable. For original creators who are looking to safeguard their content, the ability to disable downloads offers some protection against the misuse of their work.
The ability to download Reels may not revolutionize the Instagram experience, but it's certainly an enhancement reflective of the platform's commitment to user engagement. By allowing creators to spread their content further and giving audiences the means to collect and share their favorite clips, Instagram is nurturing a more interactive and interconnected community.
In conclusion, Instagram's new downloadable Reels feature is a double-edged sword, offering the potential for greater content distribution while also presenting challenges around content ownership and originality. It's an evolution in the social media landscape that underscores the importance of creativity and sharing, and it's likely to shape how we engage with these digital spaces in times to come. As Instagram continues to innovate, it will be interesting to see how this feature impacts the wider ecosystem of online content sharing. Emilia Westwood
Latest Reviews
-
![My Singing Monsters Logo]()
My Singing Monsters My Singing Monsters is an application created by Big Blue Bubble. My Singing Monsters was first published on September 8, 2023. The app is accessible... -
![Apex Legends™ Logo]()
Apex Legends™ Apex Legends™ is an app developed by Respawn Entertainment. Apex Legends™ was first published on . The app is accessible on Steam, Ps.Conquer with cha... -
![The Backrooms 1998 Logo]()
The Backrooms 1998 The Backrooms 1998 is an application developed by Steelkrill Studio. The Backrooms 1998 was first published on . The Backrooms 1998 is available for S... -
![Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Extraction Logo]()
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Extraction Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Extraction is an app created by . Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Extraction was first published on . Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Ex...
New Apps
Popular on Blog
- Editor's Advice With the thrilling adventure of Remnant 2 capturing the hearts of role-playing game enthusiasts, the inclusion of Relic Fragments offers a fresh dimension of character customization. These fragments, small yet packed with potential, are the key to fine-tuning the abilities of the nameless survivor and opening new avenues for gameplay strategies. Relic Fragments serve as consumable items that players can leverage to enhance their characters with unique buffs and bonuses. Let's dive into how you can locate these treasures and utilize them to gain the upper hand in the remnants of a broken world. Unearthing Relic Fragments in the World of Remnant 2 Unlike static collectibles, Relic Fragments are dispersed through the game's dynamically generated landscape, ensuring each player's experience is unique. Venturing into the dungeons and lands filled with challenges, players can discover these prized items in various ways. One dependable method is seeking out the merchant Dwell within the safe haven of Ward 13, who trades in Relic Fragments for 15 pieces of Relic Dust. The type you receive is randomized, adding an element of surprise to your acquisitions. Additionally, you can find these fragments as drops from vanquishing Elite foes and looting hidden chests scattered throughout the game, further incentivizing exploration and combat. Strategic Application of Relic Fragments Each relic within the game is designed with three slots for fragments, and by strategically equipping these pieces, players can activate additional effects, enhancing the powers of their relics. This degree of customization is at the core of Remnant 2's gameplay, as it enables players to sculpt abilities to suit their playstyle or prep for forthcoming challenges. Access the Character Menu Go to the Relic slot located on the lower-left side of the display Select the Relic and enter the Inspection view Choose one of the three fragment slots, then select from the list provided These fragments are not bound by any constraints, save for the rule that identical fragments cannot be equipped together, allowing for broad personalization options. Enhancing the Power of Your Relics Relic Fragments come in various stages of potency, ranking from Cracked to the highly coveted Mythic tier. To ascend a fragment to a loftier status, players need to obtain a matching fragment; once a pair is complete, the pieces will merge, elevating them to their new tier automatically. This process not only intensifies the fragments' effects but also plays a pivotal role in evolving the player's overall combat power. Finding the Right Fragment for Your Build Just as each player's journey is unique in Remnant 2, so too are the fragments they'll encounter—each possessing its color-coded symbol determining its impact on the game. Here's an overview of the types: Red Fragments: Unleash Your Fury Perfect for those who prioritize offense, red fragments amplify your character's damage-dealing capabilities, ensuring that your attacks pack a punch worthy of the fiercest adversaries. Blue Fragments: Fortify Your Defenses If survivability is your concern, blue fragments are your go-to. Enhancing your resilience, these fragments bolster your armor, health, and fortitude against the harsh elements and enemies you'll encounter. Yellow Fragments: Supportive Prowess Strategic and supportive players will find value in yellow fragments. These augment the supporting aspects of gameplay like ammo conservation, casting speed, and stability, facilitating peak performance throughout your journey in Remnant 2. Embrace the challenge of Remnant 2 with wisdom and strategy as you assemble Relic Fragments that reflect your combat style. Remember, the key to mastering this post-apocalyptic world lies in adapting to your environment and adversaries, a feat made easier with the right fragments in tow. Forge your path, combine your fragments, and become the ultimate force in the wastelands. Emilia Westwood
- Amazing News! Transitioning a beloved action series into a different gameplay style can be a daunting endeavor. Still, the Yakuza series, known for its hard-hitting, street-brawling action, proved that significant changes sometimes lead to fan disappointment. With the release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the franchise took a bold leap from real-time combat into the realm of turn-based JRPGs. This pivot raised eyebrows but also showcased the developers' belief in their ability to deliver compelling gameplay regardless of genre. Chief producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio asserted with confidence that shifting the series to a JRPG format with Yakuza: Like a Dragon was a calculated move. The studio's expertise in weaving intricate narratives facilitated the transition, ensuring that the heart of the Yakuza experience remained intact. Players found that despite the combat overhaul, the series' storytelling, character depth, and rich world-building still shone brightly. The developers also recognized that variety is key to keeping the series fresh. By alternating between new protagonists and experimenting with different settings and periods, they've managed to keep a year-on-year release schedule engaging. 2023 was a testament to this, featuring two new titles: Like a Dragon: Ishin! and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Both entries diversified the gameplay experiences, with the latter reintroducing real-time combat alongside innovative spy-themed mechanics. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is set to continue the turn-based tradition set by its predecessor, promising to deepen the JRPG elements adored by fans. With protagonist Ichiban Kasuga's quirks defining the combat perspective, the game isn't just another JRPG but a Yakuza JRPG, blending the genre with the distinctive flavor of the series. This unique integration keeps excitement levels high for the long-running franchise. Looking forward, it's clear that the Yakuza series has embraced its experimental edge, blending its revered narrative-driven approach with ambitious, genre-hopping gameplay. Fans can rest easy knowing that whether the game presents fists flying in real-time or strategic turn-based brawls, the soul of Yakuza remains – a testament to the creative confidence of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. The future indeed looks promising as the franchise continues to defy expectations and redefine its identity with each new release. Ethan Montgomery
- Amazing News! Instagram's latest announcement is set to stir the pot in the ever-evolving world of social media content creation and sharing. The platform is now enabling users to download publicly posted Reels, a feature available to everyone after a successful initial roll-out in the United States. This new development is poised to influence how content is circulated across platforms and offers fresh opportunities for content creators and consumers alike. As you navigate Instagram, you might notice a new addition to the Reels section. A "Download" option is now accessible in the share menu, and it is turned on by default. Public content creators have the power to toggle this feature off, but it introduces a new layer of shareability. For those who thrive on creating engaging content, this could be a game-changer. It extends the reach of their creative efforts beyond their immediate follower base, potentially connecting with audiences on other platforms such as TikTok. This feature comes with its complications, though. There are concerns about content being repurposed by less scrupulous users seeking to gain easy likes and shares, especially as the downloaded Reels will conspicuously carry the Instagram logo and creator's handle. Despite TikTok's attempts to curb the reach of such content, the proliferation of shared clips seems inevitable. For original creators who are looking to safeguard their content, the ability to disable downloads offers some protection against the misuse of their work. The ability to download Reels may not revolutionize the Instagram experience, but it's certainly an enhancement reflective of the platform's commitment to user engagement. By allowing creators to spread their content further and giving audiences the means to collect and share their favorite clips, Instagram is nurturing a more interactive and interconnected community. In conclusion, Instagram's new downloadable Reels feature is a double-edged sword, offering the potential for greater content distribution while also presenting challenges around content ownership and originality. It's an evolution in the social media landscape that underscores the importance of creativity and sharing, and it's likely to shape how we engage with these digital spaces in times to come. As Instagram continues to innovate, it will be interesting to see how this feature impacts the wider ecosystem of online content sharing. Emilia Westwood
-
![img]()
Editor's Advice With the thrilling adventure of Remnant 2 capturing the hearts of role-playing game enthusiasts, the inclusion of Relic Fragments offers a fresh dimension of character customization. These fragments, small yet packed with potential, are the key to fine-tuning the abilities of the nameless survivor and opening new avenues for gameplay strategies. Relic Fragments serve as consumable items that players can leverage to enhance their characters with unique buffs and bonuses. Let's dive into how you can locate these treasures and utilize them to gain the upper hand in the remnants of a broken world.
Unearthing Relic Fragments in the World of Remnant 2
Unlike static collectibles, Relic Fragments are dispersed through the game's dynamically generated landscape, ensuring each player's experience is unique. Venturing into the dungeons and lands filled with challenges, players can discover these prized items in various ways. One dependable method is seeking out the merchant Dwell within the safe haven of Ward 13, who trades in Relic Fragments for 15 pieces of Relic Dust. The type you receive is randomized, adding an element of surprise to your acquisitions. Additionally, you can find these fragments as drops from vanquishing Elite foes and looting hidden chests scattered throughout the game, further incentivizing exploration and combat.
Strategic Application of Relic Fragments
Each relic within the game is designed with three slots for fragments, and by strategically equipping these pieces, players can activate additional effects, enhancing the powers of their relics. This degree of customization is at the core of Remnant 2's gameplay, as it enables players to sculpt abilities to suit their playstyle or prep for forthcoming challenges.
Access the Character Menu
Go to the Relic slot located on the lower-left side of the display
Select the Relic and enter the Inspection view
Choose one of the three fragment slots, then select from the list provided
These fragments are not bound by any constraints, save for the rule that identical fragments cannot be equipped together, allowing for broad personalization options.
Enhancing the Power of Your Relics
Relic Fragments come in various stages of potency, ranking from Cracked to the highly coveted Mythic tier. To ascend a fragment to a loftier status, players need to obtain a matching fragment; once a pair is complete, the pieces will merge, elevating them to their new tier automatically. This process not only intensifies the fragments' effects but also plays a pivotal role in evolving the player's overall combat power.
Finding the Right Fragment for Your Build
Just as each player's journey is unique in Remnant 2, so too are the fragments they'll encounter—each possessing its color-coded symbol determining its impact on the game. Here's an overview of the types:
Red Fragments: Unleash Your Fury
Perfect for those who prioritize offense, red fragments amplify your character's damage-dealing capabilities, ensuring that your attacks pack a punch worthy of the fiercest adversaries.
Blue Fragments: Fortify Your Defenses
If survivability is your concern, blue fragments are your go-to. Enhancing your resilience, these fragments bolster your armor, health, and fortitude against the harsh elements and enemies you'll encounter.
Yellow Fragments: Supportive Prowess
Strategic and supportive players will find value in yellow fragments. These augment the supporting aspects of gameplay like ammo conservation, casting speed, and stability, facilitating peak performance throughout your journey in Remnant 2.
Embrace the challenge of Remnant 2 with wisdom and strategy as you assemble Relic Fragments that reflect your combat style. Remember, the key to mastering this post-apocalyptic world lies in adapting to your environment and adversaries, a feat made easier with the right fragments in tow. Forge your path, combine your fragments, and become the ultimate force in the wastelands. Emilia Westwood -
![img]()
Amazing News! Transitioning a beloved action series into a different gameplay style can be a daunting endeavor. Still, the Yakuza series, known for its hard-hitting, street-brawling action, proved that significant changes sometimes lead to fan disappointment. With the release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the franchise took a bold leap from real-time combat into the realm of turn-based JRPGs. This pivot raised eyebrows but also showcased the developers' belief in their ability to deliver compelling gameplay regardless of genre.
Chief producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio asserted with confidence that shifting the series to a JRPG format with Yakuza: Like a Dragon was a calculated move. The studio's expertise in weaving intricate narratives facilitated the transition, ensuring that the heart of the Yakuza experience remained intact. Players found that despite the combat overhaul, the series' storytelling, character depth, and rich world-building still shone brightly.
The developers also recognized that variety is key to keeping the series fresh. By alternating between new protagonists and experimenting with different settings and periods, they've managed to keep a year-on-year release schedule engaging. 2023 was a testament to this, featuring two new titles: Like a Dragon: Ishin! and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Both entries diversified the gameplay experiences, with the latter reintroducing real-time combat alongside innovative spy-themed mechanics.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is set to continue the turn-based tradition set by its predecessor, promising to deepen the JRPG elements adored by fans. With protagonist Ichiban Kasuga's quirks defining the combat perspective, the game isn't just another JRPG but a Yakuza JRPG, blending the genre with the distinctive flavor of the series. This unique integration keeps excitement levels high for the long-running franchise.
Looking forward, it's clear that the Yakuza series has embraced its experimental edge, blending its revered narrative-driven approach with ambitious, genre-hopping gameplay. Fans can rest easy knowing that whether the game presents fists flying in real-time or strategic turn-based brawls, the soul of Yakuza remains – a testament to the creative confidence of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. The future indeed looks promising as the franchise continues to defy expectations and redefine its identity with each new release. Ethan Montgomery -
![img]()
Amazing News! Instagram's latest announcement is set to stir the pot in the ever-evolving world of social media content creation and sharing. The platform is now enabling users to download publicly posted Reels, a feature available to everyone after a successful initial roll-out in the United States. This new development is poised to influence how content is circulated across platforms and offers fresh opportunities for content creators and consumers alike.
As you navigate Instagram, you might notice a new addition to the Reels section. A "Download" option is now accessible in the share menu, and it is turned on by default. Public content creators have the power to toggle this feature off, but it introduces a new layer of shareability. For those who thrive on creating engaging content, this could be a game-changer. It extends the reach of their creative efforts beyond their immediate follower base, potentially connecting with audiences on other platforms such as TikTok.
This feature comes with its complications, though. There are concerns about content being repurposed by less scrupulous users seeking to gain easy likes and shares, especially as the downloaded Reels will conspicuously carry the Instagram logo and creator's handle. Despite TikTok's attempts to curb the reach of such content, the proliferation of shared clips seems inevitable. For original creators who are looking to safeguard their content, the ability to disable downloads offers some protection against the misuse of their work.
The ability to download Reels may not revolutionize the Instagram experience, but it's certainly an enhancement reflective of the platform's commitment to user engagement. By allowing creators to spread their content further and giving audiences the means to collect and share their favorite clips, Instagram is nurturing a more interactive and interconnected community.
In conclusion, Instagram's new downloadable Reels feature is a double-edged sword, offering the potential for greater content distribution while also presenting challenges around content ownership and originality. It's an evolution in the social media landscape that underscores the importance of creativity and sharing, and it's likely to shape how we engage with these digital spaces in times to come. As Instagram continues to innovate, it will be interesting to see how this feature impacts the wider ecosystem of online content sharing. Emilia Westwood -
![img]()
Amazing News! Modern Warfare 3 debuts an innovative feature, Armory Unlock. This enables players to acquire weapons, attachments, and more in a more streamlined manner. This new system allows players to unlock game components earlier.
While Infinity Ward tried to streamline the process with Modern Warfare 2, the system fell short of expectations. Players found the process of unlocking certain components, like the FTAC Recon, too complex. This involved leveling up the M14 to 14 or an equivalent requirement for a shotgun to get an AR attachment. The process was seen as "mind-boggling" by many in the gaming community.
Fan feedback revealed the dissatisfaction of players who were compelled to use weapons that didn't align with their preferences. It remains uncertain whether the platform system will be eradicated in MW3. However, Sledgehammer Games unveiled a clever expedient solution with the Armory Unlock feature.
Here's a comprehensive look at what Armory Unlock challenges entail:
Armory Unlock is essentially a challenge system in Modern Warfare 3. It lets players gain early access to weapons, equipment, perks, killstreaks, and attachments.
Upon reaching level 25, players activate the Armory Unlock system. Players can then focus on unlocking an item that hasn't been unlocked thus far and then begin progressing towards unlocking it. Progress is earned through the completion of daily and bonus challenges.
Bonus challenges provide repetitive tasks that unlock upon the completion of all daily challenges. These Challenges are infinitely repeatable. Victory in a multiplayer match earns progress in Bonus Challenges, and Contracts Completion aids progress in Zombies mode. CharlieIntel's feature spotlight on this exciting new aspect was enthusiastically received.
Many developers were positive about this new system. One Modern Warfare 3 player commented, saying it could serve as an excellent alternative for players uninterested in level grinding. Additionally, the system was described as "really cool" and effective in expediting the unlocking of attachment processes. As such, the community breathed a collective sigh of relief that they might no longer need to level up other weapons.
The full effects of these changes will be appreciated as Modern Warfare 3’s multiplayer servers roll out soon. Ethan Montgomery -
![img]()
Amazing News! OpenAI's AI-driven language model, ChatGPT, has now reached the notable landmark of garnering 100 million active users weekly, as per the revelation by company CEO Sam Altman in San Fransisco at its maiden developer conference. The service, which commenced less than a year ago, witnessed impressive growth, reaching a hundred million users monthly merely two months after its launch, marking a record in terms of rapidly expanding user base.
Further surprising statistics released by Altman highlighted that the platform's user count includes more than two million developers and an astonishing majority of Fortune 500 companies, approximately over 92%.
The event was not just an opportunity to celebrate these significant achievements but also a platform to introduce future developments. Prominently, OpenAI introduced GPT-4 Turbo, a more advanced yet cost-effective variant of its prominent AI-based text generation model, GPT-4.
Announcements also encompassed the introduction of GPTs, simplifying the way for any interested individual to construct their own versions of the conversational AI system. As part of a value-add, OpenAI will soon empower users to showcase their own system variants on a commercial platform called "GPT Store". This platform aims to provide an incentivized opportunity for creators to possibly generate income from their contributions.
OpenAI’s text-to-image model, DALL-E 3, previously integrated with ChatGPT and Bing Chat, will now be accessible via an application program interface (API). The company aims to facilitate developers to incorporate what they refer to as "agent-like experiences" within their apps through a new API, fittingly called the Assistants API. This feature would enable developers to construct a smart assistant capable of leveraging external knowledge and calling upon OpenAI's generative AI models and tools to complete tasks.
Another notable addition is a text-to-speech API featuring six preset voices and two generative AI model alternatives in its offering, further accentuating OpenAI's objective of aiding the seamless integration of AI into apps. Emilia Westwood -
![img]()
Best For You Welcome to the captivating world of non-violent PC games – where creativity reigns supreme, puzzles challenge your gray cells, and exploration takes you on a journey filled with awe and wonder. Here, there's no room for violence and aggression; it's all about immersing yourself in entertaining, engaging experiences. Let's dive deeper and explore ten of the best non-violent PC games that are perfect for players of all ages.
1. Stardew Valley
Top on our list is Stardew Valley, a beloved farming simulation game. In this tranquil game, you inherit a dilapidated farm and work to transform it into a thriving haven. Complete your farm tasks, mine for resources, fish, participate in village festivals, mingle with townsfolk, and much more. Stardew Valley’s inclusive social system, engaging gameplay, and enchanting pixel-art graphics make it a wholesome, relaxing choice.
2. Portal 2
Next, we have Portal 2, a brilliant puzzle game that combines physics, adventure, and a dollop of humor. As the player, you find yourself in a mysterious research facility and use a portal gun to solve a series of mind-boggling puzzles. With its engaging narrative, smartly crafted puzzles, and impressive voice acting, Portal 2 offers an incredible non-violent gaming experience.
3. Minecraft
Entering the realm of sandbox games, Minecraft presents endless opportunities to explore, build, and create. Whether it's constructing impressive structures from simple homes to grand castles, venturing into the unknown, or unleashing your artistic prowess, Minecraft is an open-ended game where limits only exist in your imagination. Its creative mode is a true testament to non-violent gaming.
4. Slime Rancher
Featuring an adorable pastel-colored world, Slime Rancher is a charming life simulation game. You're a space-bound rancher, and your job is to cultivate and take care of cute creatures known as slimes. Explore the vibrant world, collect different species, and grow crops to feed your slimes. With its easy-to-understand mechanics, delightful visuals, and calming gameplay, Slime Rancher provides a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
5. What Remains of Edith Finch
Moving on to narrative exploration, What Remains of Edith Finch uncovers a series of heart-touching stories. As the last surviving Finch, you explore your ancestral home, delving into your family's history and discovering their stories through unique interactive experiences. Its incredible narrative, gorgeous art style, and emotional depth turn it into a profoundly beautiful game that transcends conventional gaming boundaries.
6. Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest is a mesmerizing platform-adventure game with an emotive, captivating storyline. You control Ori, a white guardian spirit, navigating through intricate levels filled with hostile creatures and challenging puzzles. The game is lauded for its stunning hand-painted artwork, orchestral soundtrack, and the profound emotional journey it takes the player on, all without a hint of violence.
7. Journey
Journey is a visually striking game that takes you on an emotional voyage. With no text or dialogue, you traverse through deserts, ancient ruins, and snowy mountainscapes toward a distant mountain. The game's innovative multiplayer aspect offers a meaningful connection with anonymous players. Journey offers a serene, poignant, and meditative gaming experience like none other, proving that non-violence can make a significant impact.
8. The Witness
For puzzle enthusiasts, The Witness is a visually stunning open-world game teeming with intricate conundrums. You awaken on a mysterious island dotted with hundreds of puzzles, and as you solve them, you unfold the island's secrets. The grandeur of game design and intellectual stimulation provided by the puzzles make The Witness a top pick for a non-violent, challenging gaming experience.
9. The Sims 4
The Sims 4 is a widely admired life simulation game where players control virtual characters, guiding them through their daily activities. From building dream homes, pursuing careers, forming relationships, and ruling social lives, this game flawlessly captures the essence of life. Its light-hearted ambiance, intriguing gameplay, and non-violent nature make it a perfect pick for gamers looking for a tranquil escape.
10. Kerbal Space Program
Last but not least, Kerbal Space Program provides an engaging and educational simulation experience. You enter a quaintly humorous space program responsible for creating and managing your spacecraft and conducting space missions while adhering to real-life orbital physics. It's an entertaining, violence-free game that cleverly incorporates educational elements.
In a nutshell, these are ten of the best non-violent PC games available, each offering an enriching and entertaining experience. Whether you're looking for a relaxing retreat, a brain-challenging puzzle, or a chance to let your creative juices flow, these games have got you covered. So, get your PC humming and step into a world devoid of violence and brimming with exciting adventures! Ethan Montgomery -
![img]()
Editor's Advice As a dedicated gamer, you might appreciate the expansive universes of Fallout or the adrenaline-pumping action of Halo. But sometimes, time is of the essence, and you might be looking for a more succinct experience. That’s when the beauty of compact games comes into play. Xbox Game Pass, with its extensive library, has a plethora of compact, immersive gaming pursuits that can be completed in under 5 hours. These games provide an equally enthralling experience, making them perfect for those days when you have limited time but still crave a fulfilling gaming experience. Let's dive into some of the best options available for you on the platform.
Brief Adventures Featuring Innovative Gameplay
Among the games that promise unique gaming experiences in a short span is Cocoon by Geometric. This creative puzzle game transports you into a realm of geometric beauty as an insect traveling through different worlds. The game offers well-paced puzzles and encourages exploration at your own pace, making it a perfect blend of challenge and leisure.
Another stunning adventure is Somerville, a creation from the minds behind Limbo and Inside. It is an atmospheric adventure game where you are challenged to survive an alien invasion. The emphasis on environmental storytelling makes this game a gripping, emotional journey.
Unconventional Gaming Experiences
When you're in the mood for something a bit different, Unpacking presents a unique gaming experience. This indie game revolves around the character's life over two decades, with each level representing a different period. The game requires you to unpack the character's belongings and place them in the available space, offering a surprisingly engaging and relaxing gameplay.
Another standout is A Short Hike. This game offers a tranquil experience as you guide Claire, a bird, through a beautiful park. The game encourages exploration and absorption of the surrounding world, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful, introspective gaming session.
Story-Driven Gaming Experiences
For those who appreciate games that lay emphasis on storytelling, Sea of Solitude presents a deep and emotional tale about loneliness and depression. As you navigate Kay through a sunken city and face echoes of people from her real life, the game offers a poignant exploration of mental health.
Then there's Firewatch, a game that represents the best of walking simulators. As a lookout stationed in a watchtower in a National Forest, you navigate through tension and mature themes, making it a captivating single playthrough game.
A Dash of Nostalgia
If you're craving a dose of nostalgia, Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengeance of the Slayer offers a fun homage to the '90s. This first-person shooter game follows Zane's mission to defeat the evil Psyko Syndikate, offering punchy, entertaining gameplay.
Finally, Battletoads offers a quirky, genre-swapping experience. It can be a side-scrolling beat 'em up one moment and an old-school NES project the next. Although it's a little chaotic, it's also oddly entertaining and definitely worth a try.
These short games on Xbox Game Pass offer an immersive gaming experience in a compact format, perfect for time-strapped gamers. So, whether you're a fan of innovative gameplay, unconventional experiences, story-driven pursuits, or nostalgic trips, there's something for everyone. Ethan Montgomery -
![img]()
Best For You The world of Fortnite is buzzing with anticipation and excitement. Rumors are swirling about the return of the original Fortnite map, Athena Island, in the upcoming season. This has led to increased speculation about what other elements from Chapter 1 might make a comeback. The biggest hint yet? A recent post on the official Fortnite Competitive Twitter account, teasing the return of two beloved vehicles - the ATK and the Shopping Cart.
These iconic vehicles were some of the first to be introduced in Fortnite. The ATK, or All-Terrain Kart, and the Shopping Cart were often featured in viral Fortnite videos, making them fan favorites. The Fortnite Competitive Twitter account has been stoking the fires of fan excitement by asking players if they prefer the ATK or the Shopping Cart. This suggests that not only will the original map be returning, but these fan-favorite vehicles may be coming back too.
Apart from the map and the vehicles, players are also speculating about the possible return of classic default skins. Leaked information suggests that the current default skins might be featured in the Battle Royale playlist image, usually reserved for Battle Pass skins. This has led to further speculation that the classic default skins might be re-enabled, adding to the nostalgia of the upcoming season.
However, the return to Chapter 1 might not be all positive. Rumors suggest that players might lose certain quality-of-life improvements that were added after Chapter 1. This includes the ability to mantle, sprint, and hurdle, as well as recently added features like grind rails and vines. Despite potential setbacks, the return of the ATK and Shopping Cart vehicles could provide an exciting and nostalgic way for players to traverse the map.
As the end of Chapter 4 Season 4 approaches, the Fortnite community is eagerly awaiting official updates from Epic Games. The return of the original map and vehicles will surely draw in not only current fans but also those who have fond memories of the earlier seasons. Despite potential changes, the nostalgia and excitement surrounding the upcoming season are undeniable. The return of the ATK and Shopping Cart could be just the beginning of a thrilling trip down memory lane for Fortnite fans. Ethan Montgomery -
![img]()
Best For You As the proliferation of AI-based apps continues to escalate, Google Play has announced a policy update aimed at curbing the negative impact of such apps by introducing certain changes in its app development and publishing process. The move, set to be enforced starting early next year, is targeted at AI apps that generate potentially offensive content, a problem that has seen a significant surge in recent times. The new policy will necessitate developers to incorporate a feature in their apps that allows users to promptly report or flag any offensive AI-generated content.
The policy change can be largely attributed to some disturbing instances wherein users manipulated apps to create inappropriate or misleading content. A glaring example of this was when the app Lensa was tricked into creating not-safe-for-work imagery. Another app, Remini, which uses AI to enhance headshots, was also criticized for inappropriately altering women's bodies. Even tech giants like Microsoft and Meta had to face the heat when their AI tools were exploited to bypass safeguards and generate offensive imagery.
The consequences of such misuse can be far-reaching and gravely serious. There have been incidents where pedophiles took advantage of open-source AI tools to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on a massive scale. With the imminent elections, there are concerns about the rise of deepfakes – fake images created by AI, intending to mislead voters. Google, therefore, emphasizes that all AI content generator apps must adhere to its existing developer policies, which explicitly ban restricted content including CSAM and those that facilitate deceitful behavior.
Google isn't just stopping at the policy level; it's also introducing changes in app permissions. Under the revised policy, apps will be allowed access to photos and videos only if they're directly related to their functionality. In addition, Google Play will conduct an additional review for apps requesting broad photo and video permissions. Moreover, the frequent, intrusive full-screen notifications used by many apps to promote paid subscriptions or offers will be limited to high-priority needs only.
This move by Google to regulate AI apps and chatbots is a leap in the right direction to ensure a safer and more user-friendly experience. Although Apple has typically been the pioneer when it comes to implementing new rules to control app behavior, it has yet to formalize a policy regarding AI or chatbots. Nonetheless, these changes by Google are a testament to the tech giant's commitment to safeguard its users from potential misuse of technology. The policy updates are being rolled out today, giving developers until early 2024 to implement the necessary changes to their apps. Emilia Westwood
