The Steam Deck’s battery life isn’t one of its best qualities. While this weakness is outweighed by the pleasures of playing PC games in bed or on the bus, most such games will drain the Deck quickly, requiring a degree of foresight if you want to entertain yourself on a long trip away from mains power. At the same time, different games will drain at different speeds, with some allowing Valve’s handheld to last hours longer than others.

Ultimately, I think the only truly accurate way to measure and judge the Steam Deck’s battery life is to test a bunch of different games to see how long it lasts with each. So I have! Here you’ll find a list of games with how long they took to empty the Deck’s battery from full. I’ll be coming back and adding more to the list as I test them, so you can see for yourself what uptimes to expect from your favourites.

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Also, Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville [Update: The Overwatch and Hearthstone loot bonuses are now live at the prior links beyond the...

The post Amazon Prime Gaming has eight free games in April, including Elder Scrolls Oblivion appeared first on Destructoid.

Riot Games has today got in on the April Fools’ Day act with the announcement of a new Widejoy gameplay mode, which is something of an inside joke that Valorant fans are likely to find amusing.

For anybody not up to speed, the meme occurred during Valorant’s Episode 3 after a Killjoy player card image was mistakenly added to the game in a stretched resolution by the development team. It soon became a bit of a gag to don the player card, and it was quickly named Widejoy for its appearance. Technically, it was a glitch that needed fixing, but the community saw the funny side and it has become etched into Valorant legend.

Unfortunately, it was later fixed in a subsequent patch, which actually saw petitions start to bring it back. That never led to anything, but Riot is apparently well aware of the meme and is today making light of the fact in its advertisement of the definitely not serious Widejoy mode.

As you’ll see in the trailer, the game mode plays out as a standard game of Valorant, except for the fact that Widejoy is playable in all her stretched-resolution glory!

She’s back. Did you miss her? pic.twitter.com/WoswpIjwdc

— VALORANT (@PlayVALORANT) April 1, 2022

In other more serious recent Valorant news, you can check out our article wrapping up everything there is to know about the game’s upcoming Agent codenamed Bounty Hunter.

To get Darkrai in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, you first need to download the Member Card via the Mystery Gift feature.

You must do this before Saturday, 30th April since catching Darkrai is a limited-time event. If you don't download the Member Card before this date, you'll never be able to add Darkrai to your Pokédex!

Due to this, we recommend downloading the Member Card even if you don't currently meet all of the requirements to catch Darkrai.

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Sites of Grace locations are a warm refuge in Elden Ring, and they're everywhere in the Lands Between.

Appearing as a ray of light above a mound of soil, a Lost Grace that is touched transforms into a Site of Grace.

These act as checkpoints where you can respawn upon death, level up, upgrade flasks with Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears, mix Wondrous Physick, memorise spells and other options.

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Creating a Samurai build in Elden Ring is proving to be one of the most popular ways to pay, offering an offensive playstyle with a range of katanas.

Whether you start with the Samurai as a class, or decide to respec your character into it, note that Elden Ring's open-ended nature encourages experimentation, so don't be afraid to be selective with what you take from this page.

Either way - we explain some of the best Samurai build weapons, Samurai build armor and Samurai build stats that we've found particularly useful.

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Attribute Scaling in Elden Ring can help you make powerful builds.

Whilst confusing at first, understanding attribute scaling can help you to further improve your weapons and equipment.

This page explains how Attribute Scaling in Elden Ring works - and how you can manipulate it to your advantage.

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Around 90 employees cut for ‘global transformation’ Sony has laid off “upward of 90” members of staff from its North...

The post Sony PlayStation lays off sales and merchandising staff appeared first on Destructoid.

Everybody's Golf will soon be downgraded to Everybody's Golf As Long As They're All In the Same Room, following Sony announcement it'll be ending the PlayStation 4 game's multiplayer support and taking its servers offline from September this year.

More specifically, the Everybody's Golf servers will go permanently offline from 30th September 2022, meaning all online multiplayer modes and other online features - including the likes of leaderboards and certain trophies - will cease to be available from that point on.

Gematsu has compiled a full list of online features getting the chop as of October, so do have a peruse and plan accordingly:

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Everybody's Golf will soon be downgraded to Everybody's Golf As Long As They're All In the Same Room, following Sony announcement it'll be ending the PlayStation 4 game's multiplayer support and taking its servers offline from September this year.

More specifically, the Everybody's Golf servers will go permanently offline from 30th September 2022, meaning all online multiplayer modes and other online features - including the likes of leaderboards and certain trophies - will cease to be available from that point on.

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Earlier this week it was announced that the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been delayed into next year. This was not exactly a surprise, but a shame, nonetheless. But, to soften this blow slightly, Nintendo also shared a new, very small, snippet from the game.

By snippet, I really do mean snippet. It was a "blink and you will miss it" situation. However, after playing it coy throughout Breath of the Wild 2's most recent trailer, this delay announcement did finally reveal the front of Link, and more of his corrupted arm (with said corruption looking like it is also starting to make its way across Link's chest).

It also showed the Master Sword looking a tad worse for wear. In fact, it looked downright ruined.

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Earlier this week it was announced that the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been delayed into next year. This was not exactly a surprise, but a shame, nonetheless. But, to soften this blow slightly, Nintendo also shared a new, very small, snippet from the game.

By snippet, I really do mean snippet. It was a "blink and you will miss it" situation. However, after playing it coy throughout Breath of the Wild 2's most recent trailer, this delay announcement did finally reveal the front of Link, and more of his corrupted arm (with said corruption looking like it is also starting to make its way across Link's chest).

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Latest (01.04.22): PS5 stock was available at Amazon US this week. Last week in the UK, PS5 stock was briefly available at Amazon UK for Prime members only. PS5 stock was also available in the UK at Game and Currys last week. Both retailers were selling bundles that include the PS5 standard disc console.

Keep your eyes on the retailer list below for the latest stock updates on PlayStation 5.

While PS5 restocks seem to be happening more frequently nowadays, the console is still selling out in a matter of minutes. We're hoping the PS5 stock shortage improves this year but there's no guarantees. This is due to the ongoing chip shortage and demand issues.

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Latest (01.04.22): PS5 stock was available at Amazon US this week. Last week in the UK, PS5 stock was briefly available at Amazon UK for Prime members only. PS5 stock was also available in the UK at Game and Currys last week. Both retailers were selling bundles that include the PS5 standard disc console.

Keep your eyes on the retailer list below for the latest stock updates on PlayStation 5.

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Latest (01.04.22): In the UK, Xbox stock is in stock at Amazon and still available at Game and Very. The Xbox Series X was available at Amazon and Microsoft for most of last week. Things are definitely looking up in terms of Xbox Series X stock availability in the UK, and we hope this situation is here to stay. We'll let you know as soon as Xbox consoles become available at other retailers too.

The Xbox series X is a little more difficult to get hold of in the US. We've recently spotted it in stock at Walmart. We're hoping for Xbox Series X restocks at Amazon, Target, GameStop, Best Buy and the Microsoft Store soon. Keep your eyes on the retailer list below for the latest stock updates on Xbox Series X and deals info for the Series S.

Xbox Series X stock has been floating around for a bit longer lately, especially at Game. Could this spell the end of the Xbox Series X stock shortage? Well, that remains to be seen. While Xbox stock is sticking around for longer in the UK, it's still selling out in under 10 minutes in the US. Right now the best thing we can hope for is for regular, larger restocks from multiple retailers each week to help meet demands.

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Latest (01.04.22): In the UK, Xbox stock is in stock at Amazon and still available at Game and Very. The Xbox Series X was available at Amazon and Microsoft for most of last week. Things are definitely looking up in terms of Xbox Series X stock availability in the UK, and we hope this situation is here to stay. We'll let you know as soon as Xbox consoles become available at other retailers too.

The Xbox series X is a little more difficult to get hold of in the US. We've recently spotted it in stock at Walmart. We're hoping for Xbox Series X restocks at Amazon, Target, GameStop, Best Buy and the Microsoft Store soon. Keep your eyes on the retailer list below for the latest stock updates on Xbox Series X and deals info for the Series S.

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Our April Fool's Day tradition around here is Game Infarcer – a parody magazine featuring fake games, pretend news,  and even a non-existent editor-in-chief. This year's edition went online today, including a wonderful illustration of Resident Evil IX by artist Zander Cannon. But if you've been reading Game Informer for a while, you know that this isn't the first time Zander has created the cover for Game Infarcer. In fact, this is the 16th consecutive year we've collaborated with him on this project. 

To celebrate such a long history, I got together with Zander, my colleague Ben Reeves, and former GI editor Jeff Cork to take a stroll down memory lane. The four of us worked together on the majority of these covers, so we traded stories about all 16 of them. In this retrospective, we share our recollections on all things Game Infarcer, from the origin of the core cover concepts to the technical details of creating the illustrations. 

The comedy of Borderlands is like a high-recoil submachine gun. Hit and miss. In poorer moments, it falls into the trap of the sketch show, flogging a perfectly fine jokehorse to the point of putrefaction. In richer moments, it flips your expectations with a huge scene-changing gag that solicits a hearty giggle. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is more mix for the bag. It's a loots-be-shoot with a moreish loop urging you onward, boasting characterful art design and thick-lined scenery goading you to pause for yet another snap in photo mode. For Borderlikers, the gun compulsion and farty japes will be enough. It exists as a handsome world to roam through with pals, half-listening to dialogue while Paula chews toast and Jeremy complains about work. As that, Tinalands is fine. It is also 100% not for me.

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A group of US senators has expressed concern at the possibility of a windfall payout for controversial Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick, as part of Microsoft's proposed acquisition of his company.

Four politicians, including former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, signed a letter to the Federal Trade Commission alerting it to the issue, The Wall St Journal has reported.

The FTC is currently examining the details of Microsoft's proposed $68bn deal to buy Activision Blizzard, which is expected to be finalised next year.

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A group of US senators has expressed concern at the possibility of a windfall payout for controversial Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick, as part of Microsoft's proposed acquisition of his company.

Four politicians, including former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, signed a letter to the Federal Trade Commission alerting it to the issue, The Wall St Journal has reported.

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April Fool's Day mostly exists to demonstrate that marketing people are not funny, but I do like when developers follow through and actually make daft jokes reality. Case in point: renovate 'em up House Flipper has added two apartments from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. for you to fix up. You can refresh the 90s vibes of Rachel & Monica's flat, and make Chandler & Joey's flat at least somewhat resemble a place fit for human habitation. I approve of this April Foolishness.

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Players have already translated the runic language in Tunic.

Throughout the game, instructions from characters, signposts, and the in-game manual are written in a made-up runic language. Players aren't required to translate it; instead it adds an air of mystery to the foxy adventure and forces players to analyse visual clues instead.

However, some eager players have begun diligently translating the runes, including Reddit user oposdeo.

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Players have already translated the runic language in Tunic.

Throughout the game, instructions from characters, signposts, and the in-game manual are written in a made-up runic language. Players aren't required to translate it; instead it adds an air of mystery to the foxy adventure and forces players to analyse visual clues instead.

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Cities: VR, the virtual reality adaptation of developer Colossal Order's acclaimed city builder Cities: Skylines, is coming to Meta Quest 2 on 28th April.

Cities: VR is the work of Fast Travel Games, and the developer stresses its new edition isn't a direct port of Skylines - "VR does not allow for the size and scale of the PC version", it notes - instead choosing to emphasise "more intimate experiences set in smaller areas".

Even so, it retains Skylines' core strategic city planning, giving players the tools to construct their metropolis piece by piece - from roads to neighbourhoods to districts - while juggling its economy, emergency services, and education and entertainment needs along the week.

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Cities: VR, the virtual reality adaptation of developer Colossal Order's acclaimed city builder Cities: Skylines, is coming to Meta Quest 2 on 28th April.

Cities: VR is the work of Fast Travel Games, and the developer stresses its new edition isn't a direct port of Skylines - "VR does not allow for the size and scale of the PC version", it notes - instead choosing to emphasise "more intimate experiences set in smaller areas".

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A new report has shed light behind the scenes of State of Decay 3, the upcoming open world zombie game from the Undead Labs.

Details published by Kotaku include allegations of sexism and mismanagement at the Microsoft-owned studio, and paint a picture of a game project which is still struggling to get off the ground years after its official reveal.

State of Decay 3 began pre-production in late 2018, though developers at Undead Labs were reportedly poorly-managed and the project took several team re-organisations to get off the ground. Staff have claimed the game's public announcement in 2020 was too early, and at that point Undead Labs "didn't even know what it was".

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A new report has shed light behind the scenes of State of Decay 3, the upcoming open world zombie game from the Undead Labs.

Details published by Kotaku include allegations of sexism and mismanagement at the Microsoft-owned studio, and paint a picture of a game project which is still struggling to get off the ground years after its official reveal.

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Today Square Enix showcased the trailer and announced the release date of the upcoming Final Fantasy XIV update 6.1 “Newfound Adventure.”

The update will launch for PS5, PS4, and PC on April 12.

The trailer brings back a look at familiar heroes and you can consider it slightly spoilery as these pre-update trailers always are. So you should watch it at your own peril.

Appropriately, we take a look at the new beginning for the story and new adventures. Speaking of new, we get glimpses at new characters but mostly known and loved faces, including some that you may not expect.

You can check out the trailer below, including the version with Japanese voices if you prefer them.

On the surface, Below the Ocean may look to be another pixel platformer paying homage to the 90s, but beneath that lies a curious twist worth exploring: floatiness.

When thinking of indie platformers, the likes of Super Meat Boy and Celeste comes to mind, and although they look joyful and cute, playing them is an entirely different experience. There is a harsh edge to the pixel precision these games often require, where a single misstep leads to a game over screen. Below the Ocean has a different approach. It sands down the harsh edges and embraces a floaty movement system that, in a palpable way, feels like swimming. If you feel intimidated by pixel platformers this might be the one to get you started.

Floatiness in the movement system is often harshly criticized when it comes to platformers. Little Big Planet, despite all its charm and creativity, never managed to escape that disparaging. label. Understandably, most platformer games these days try to avoid it. However, Below the Ocean developer Ismael Rodriguez built an entire game to support its floaty movement system.

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Nine Sols is an upcoming 2D action platformer developed by Red Candle, the folks behind horror games Devotion and Detention. It's a pretty big leap from their usual fare, but based on a 40 minute demo I got to play this week, it's worked out a treat. There's a hint of Sekiro in there, with katana clashing combat, combined with a mysterious story that has me itching to know more. This is rare for someone like me, who often cares more for the action than the characters. Hey, keep an eye on this one.

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On the surface, Below the Ocean may look to be another pixel platformer paying homage to the 90s, but beneath that lies a curious twist worth exploring: floatiness.

When thinking of indie platformers, the likes of Super Meat Boy and Celeste comes to mind, and although they look joyful and cute, playing them is an entirely different experience. There is a harsh edge to the pixel precision these games often require, where a single misstep leads to a game over screen. Below the Ocean has a different approach. It sands down the harsh edges and embraces a floaty movement system that, in a palpable way, feels like swimming. If you feel intimidated by pixel platformers this might be the one to get you started.

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Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 - the, would you believe it, third game in developer Inti Creates' acclaimed side-scrolling action-platforming series - will be heading to Switch on 28th July.

The original Azure Striker Gunvolt, which launched to a solid reception on 3DS back in 2014, took its retro-infused cue from Capcom's beloved Mega Man series, with Inti Creates having previously worked on Mega Man Zero, ZX, 9, and 10 (Gunvolt was also executive produced by Mega Man's Keiji Inafune). A sequel arrived two years later, and both games can now be played on Switch via the Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack, if you're curious to learn more.

All of which brings us to Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 which, having initially been announced back in 2020, is now almost ready to for its Switch debut. The big change for this new outings is new playable character Kirin, bringing a new play-style as she battles foes using a combination of her speedy sword, throwable talismans, and Arc Chain ability, enabling her to close gaps instantly.

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Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 - the, would you believe it, third game in developer Inti Creates' acclaimed side-scrolling action-platforming series - will be heading to Switch on 28th July.

The original Azure Striker Gunvolt, which launched to a solid reception on 3DS back in 2014, took its retro-infused cue from Capcom's beloved Mega Man series, with Inti Creates having previously worked on Mega Man Zero, ZX, 9, and 10 (Gunvolt was also executive produced by Mega Man's Keiji Inafune). A sequel arrived two years later, and both games can now be played on Switch via the Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack, if you're curious to learn more.

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Full fibre broadband is here. The availability of this much-faster fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband technology has grown significantly across the UK. There's still a long way to go before it's more universally available, but there's growing competition between BT, EE, Sky, Vodafone and more to offer incredible download speeds. These providers are seeking to entice customers to switch to the new service with better offers. If you're lucky enough to be within the coverage area and want to try it for yourself, here are some of the best full fibre broadband deals out there this month.

On this page:

But what's so good about full fibre broadband, I hear you ask? Well, put simply, it can offer much faster speeds than other broadband deals. That's because it delivers the connection through fibre optic cables directly from the exchange and into your home. It's not routed through one of those green boxes on the side of the road and an old copper wire phone line.

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Full fibre broadband is here. The availability of this much-faster fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband technology has grown significantly across the UK. There's still a long way to go before it's more universally available, but there's growing competition between BT, EE, Sky, Vodafone and more to offer incredible download speeds. These providers are seeking to entice customers to switch to the new service with better offers. If you're lucky enough to be within the coverage area and want to try it for yourself, here are some of the best full fibre broadband deals out there this month.

On this page:

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