May 26, 08:00


PCGamesN Thursday, May 26, 2022 7:21 AM
     More Sony PlayStation exclusives incoming as PC sales target $300m

An investor presentation reveals that Sony PC sales are expected to hit $300 million USD in 2022, as the company announces its plans to bring even more Sony PlayStation exclusives to PC by 2025. Titles including open-world game Horizon Zero Dawn, deity-destroying RPG game God of War, and zombie survival game Days Gone are listed as some of Sony's biggest sellers on PC.

During the investor call, Sony Interactive Entertainment president Jim Ryan said, via VGC, "By expanding to PC and mobile, we have the opportunity to move from a situation of being present in a very narrow segment of the overall gaming software market to being present pretty much everywhere."

Sony's PC sales have been climbing steadily since their decision to bring first-party PlayStation titles to the PC, with net sales rising from $35 million USD in the 2020 fiscal year to $80 million in 2021. The company projects that this growth will continue exponentially, with an estimated $300 million in net PC sales by the end of the 2022 fiscal year.


PCGamesN Thursday, May 26, 2022 7:45 AM
     PS5 Pro specs may feature an AMD Radeon RX 7000 GPU and 8K output

The PlayStation 5 is an undeniably powerful console that can keep pace with many a gaming PC, but a PS5 Pro could push performance even further. In fact, it appears that Sony may be planning a mid-generation refresh in the next two years, complete with a more powerful RDNA 3 AMD Radeon RX 7000 GPU.

During a presentation by TV manufacturer TCL, the company seemingly let slip what appear to be PS5 Pro specs and a potential release date for the mid-generation console refresh (via PPE). The company claims we could see a PlayStation 5 armed with a GPU similar to an AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT pop up sometime in 2023/2024.

TCL also says that the PS5 Pro will feature support for 8K output, something that the existing PlayStation 5 should also be capable of with its HDMI 2.1 feature set. However, Sony is yet to provide support for the resolution via the console's firmware (despite 8K branding appearing on the device's retail packaging).

RELATED LINKS: Zen 4 CPUs - everything we know, RDNA 3 GPUs - everything we know, Best gaming CPU

PCGamesN Thursday, May 26, 2022 6:46 AM
     GTA Online weekly update boosts VIP work and the Vespucci Job

Another Thursday means another GTA Online weekly update is upon us. The official patch notes from Rockstar Games will appear later today, but the crime game's multiplayer update is live and so we have all the important information for you right here, right now.

This week boosts a whole range of activities, most notably doubling the rewards for VIP work, which can be undertaken while acting as a VIP or CEO of an organisation. Players can earn double the usual in-game cash prize and reputation point boost for taking part in these events. Bodyguards and associates will also receive double the normal salary for signing up to help out a VIP/CEO.

The in-game cash and reputation point rewards are also doubled on a new remix of 'the Vespucci Job,' an Italian Job-inspired adversary mode which pits a player in a compact Issi Classic against a team of police interceptors. The doubled rewards this week also apply to truck off, mobile operations, motorcycle club work and contracts, and the missile base, diamond, and bunker adversary modes.

RELATED LINKS: GTA 5 mods, GTA 6, Buy GTA V

PCGamesN Thursday, May 26, 2022 6:43 AM
     Steam Deck mod adds hot swappable accessories to handheld PC

A Steam Deck kickstand is now a thing, as a modder has created an accessory system that arms the handheld gaming PC with various attachments. Better still, its creator plans to make 3D printer files available to the public, something that will enable you to enhance the portable powerhouse's physical functionality.

Designed by Sea_Minerals on Reddit, the Steam Deck accessory clips onto the back of the device using a claw-like mount. Once attached, you can hot-swap a variety of useful attachments, including the previously mentioned kickstand, a wall mount, and a generic puck that supports things like power banks and external SSDs.

The Steam Deck accessory's creator also says it's compatible with Valve's included case, so you don't need to remove the part when storing the portable PC. Naturally, the system's design means it could support new attachments in the future, especially if the handheld hive mind comes up with new and innovative ways to use the mini machine.

RELATED LINKS: Best SSD for gaming, How to build a gaming PC, Best gaming CPU

PCGamesN Thursday, May 26, 2022 5:26 AM
     This Iron Man gaming PC mod is a marvel

A talented computer modder has created an Iron Man gaming PC, and it looks like it comes straight from Stark Industries. Inspired by the Marvel Superhero's iconic red and gold suit, the custom NOUA Fobia F4 PC case even has a glowing arc reactor, something that will let you pretend it's not powered by a regular power supply.

Assembled by Specialist_Yak on Reddit (Dante's Hardware on YouTube), the Iron Man gaming PC design features 3D printed case diorama, which makes it look like the hero is ripping his way out the front of the rig. The computer chassis is finished with a lick of crimson paint, and its tempered glass side panel bears a bold Stark Industries logo.

The inside of Specialist_Yak's Iron Man gaming PC is just as impressive, with a futuristic lighting flare that evokes arc reactor vibes. In terms of GPU, the build wields a Radeon RX 6800, a choice that continues the rig's red theme in a more subtle, nerdy way. Powering one of AMD's best graphics card is a 750W PSU, but we're going to continue to pretend it uses fusion to boost fps.

RELATED LINKS: Best SSD for gaming, How to build a gaming PC, Best gaming CPU

Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, May 26, 2022 7:58 AM
    

Hello Games' intergalactic wandering simulator No Man's Sky has gone roguelike for its seventh free expedition update, Leviathan. With a name like that you'd expect something pretty big and, lo, the space whales have arrived. You'll be able to recruit these leviathans for your capital ship's frigate fleet, and even keep a baby version as a pet inside your base. Witness them in the trailer below.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, May 26, 2022 7:49 AM
    

As the worldwide events machine begins to whir back up again, we and our corporate uncles at Reedpop need your help. In order to make sure the return of events such as EGX are the best that they can possibly be, we'd be very grateful if you could fill out a survey for us. The aim is to get an idea of what you're most interested in, and the things you'd like to see most at an in-person event. You'll be doing RPS a favour as well, as your answers will also help to shape the kind of EGX panels and streams we organise for it, too.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, May 26, 2022 7:00 AM
    

Sony Interactive Entertainment boss Jim Ryan has revealed that the company expects around 30% of their PlayStation games to be released on PC by 2025. The comments were made during an annual business briefing today, which also revealed performance figures for core PlayStation games released on PC in the past two years.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, May 26, 2022 6:07 AM
    

Remember when it emerged that the folks behind DC Universe Online were working on a Marvel MMORPG back in November? You know, the one that was being led by Jack Emmert, co-founder of Cryptic Studios and designer of City Of Heroes? Well, hope you weren't too excited because it's been cancelled by parent company Enad Global 7.

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Rock Paper Shotgun Latest Articles Feed Thursday, May 26, 2022 12:18 AM
    

Good news, everyone! Our pick for the best lightweight wireless mouse, the Aerox 5 Wireless, is discounted by 35% on Amazon UK. That's not all either, as the wired version of the same mouse and a host of other SteelSeries mice and headsets are also discounted.

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Twinfinite Thursday, May 26, 2022 2:39 AM
     Today Polyphony Digital and Sony Interactive Entertainment revealed the latest free update for their racing game Gran Turismo 7.

Twinfinite Thursday, May 26, 2022 2:16 AM
     Bandai Namco released the Top Gun: Maverick DLC for Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, while the developers talked about the future.

Siliconera Thursday, May 26, 2022 8:00 AM
    

Final Fantasy XIV Glowing Mouse Mouse Pads

Taito will release a series of FFXIV glowing mouse and mouse pad sets as crane game prizes. A total of three different computer mice and mouse pads will be available to obtain, each with its own unique theme. The FFXIV glowing mouse and mouse pad sets will appear at select Taito locations in late May 2022.

There will be both a standard version and a limited version. The standard version will come with two computer mice and two mouse pads. The themes will include the Dragoon Job Class and the Garlean Empire. The limited version will come with the aforementioned two mice and mouse pads, as well as an additional set inspired by The Crystarium.

The mice will feature unique glowing segments which include the symbol on the Dragoon Job Class Crystal, the symbol of the Garlean Empire, and a stylized image of The Crystarium. The mouse pads that will come with the mice feature pieces of key art used for promotional purposes or for Final Fantasy XIV patch updates.

You can take a look at the items below.

[gallery columns="4" ids="928152,928153,928154,928155" link="file"]

Other pieces of Final Fantasy XIV merchandise that have been released through Taito include Job Class plushes. These plushes featured armor inspired by Artifact sets players could obtain in game.

Final Fantasy XIV is available for PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

The post FFXIV Glowing Mouse and Mouse Pad Sets Will Be Crane Game Prizes appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, May 26, 2022 7:30 AM
    

Final Fantasy XIV Dragonsongs Reprise Ultimate Final Boss

Square Enix has shared artwork of the final boss for the Final Fantasy XIV Dragonsong's Reprise raid, also known as Dragonsong Ultimate. This includes a full look at the design as it appears at the end of the raid. However, only one image of the final boss for the raid is officially available through the Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker website.

Editor's Note: The following information will contain spoilers for FFXIV Heavensward and the Dragonsong's Reprise raid.

The image features a look at the boss from the front. You can see the detailing of the Dragon's Eye and horns curling over his chest. This is an alternate reality version of King Thordan. The design has been affected by the different events the raid followed. For example, saving Haurchefaunt and Ysyale caused the Warrior of Light to take a different path, which in turn created this different version of King Thordan.

You can take a look at the artwork for the final boss of the Final Fantasy XIV Dragonsong's Reprise, or Dragonsong Ultimate, raid below.

[gallery columns="1" ids="928140" link="file"]

Dragonsong's Reprise is an Ultimate raid that launched as part of Final Fantasy XIV Patch 6.11. It features a handful of different phases and various gimmick mechanics, one of which involves saving a Limit Break for a specific instance to save Haurchefaunt from dying.

Final Fantasy XIV is available for PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

The post Final Fantasy XIV Dragonsong's Reprise Final Boss Artwork Shared appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, May 26, 2022 7:00 AM
    

FromSoftware Miyazaki Interview

In an interview with Xbox Wire Japan, President and Representative Director of FromSoftware Hidetaka Miyazaki spoke about the success of Elden Ring. He also spoke about FromSoftware's dedication to continuing to create interesting games. Additionally, he elaborated on the differences between Dark Souls and Elden Ring, such as the greater production scale due to it being an open-world game. [Thanks, Xbox Wire Japan!]

Miyazaki spoke briefly about the Ash of War system, which ultimately boiled down to wanting to give players more freedom. He feels as though this option has created a greater sense of variety, and as a result, has become more fun. Additionally, Miyazaki also elaborated on the implementation of Spirit Ashes. This is what he had to say about the feature:

The Spirits that can be summoned are effectively selected from different enemy types, but the basics remain game-like. We tried to select and design the Spirit Ashes with game characters and individuality in mind as much as possible. It feels like adding that individuality enhances the feeling of role-playing. I rather like the latter aspect in that sense, so I hope that users will enjoy it.

About the future of FromSoftware titles, Miyazaki said:

As one of the creators of Elden Ring, I am very happy and surprised to see that this work has been played by a large number of people. I've always felt very fortunate as a game developer. I feel even more strongly about that now. However, there are no major changes in our attitude towards game production. We've always focused on creating games that we believe at interesting. We will continue to do so in the future. We believe that creating new and interesting titles is the best way we can convey our joy and gratitude to our fans.

Elden Ring is available for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The post FromSoftware Will Continue to Make Interesting Games Says Miyazaki appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, May 26, 2022 6:30 AM
    

Genshin Impact To Ensnare a Prey Web Event

Genshin Impact developer HoYoverse, also known as miHoYo, has released a web event for players to participate in. The Genshin Impact To Ensnare a Prey web event stars Yelan, a new character that will appear in Version 2.7. Players will be tasked with using their deduction skills to complete the event and gain various rewards. These include Primogems, Mora, Mystic Enhancement Ore, and Varunada Lazurite Fragments.

Players will need to uncover who has been leaking confidential information about the Ministry of Civil Affairs. In order to gain information, users will need to share the Genshin Impact To Ensnare a Prey web event on social media for Yelan to gather more information. Upon sharing the information, which can also be done by copying and pasting a link to the page, a new series of notes will appear.

These notes reveal new details about the suspect. This will also progress the web event, which will see several NPCs appear and speak to Yelan. They will disclose several bits of information, some of which concern the Traveler and visitors from Inazuma that have appeared in Liyue.

These NPCs are paramount to completing the quest, as players will then go over case files and pick out choice bits of information to solve the case. However, if players fail at identifying the culprit, they will be given additional chances.

Genshin Impact is available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and for Android and iOS devices. Genshin Impact Version 2.7 will appear on May 31, 2022.

The post Genshin Impact To Ensnare a Prey Web Event Stars Yelan appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, May 26, 2022 6:00 AM
    

Good Smile Company will release four Nendoroid Swacchao figures of sword boys from Touken Ranbu. You will be able to get figures of Mikazuki Munechika, Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, Yamanbagiri Kunihiro, and Tsurumaru Kuninaga. Pre-orders are open until July 7, 2022, and they will release in November 2022 in Japan. North American customers can expect them in January 2023.

https://twitter.com/GoodSmile_US/status/1529660122905120769

Each Touken Ranbu Nendoroid Swacchao figure will cost 4,200 JPY, or $38.99. You cannot change a Swacchao figure's pose or face plate, nor give them different items to hold. As the name implies, each character is sitting in a chair. The word "Swacchao" sounds like "suwacchao," or "let's sit" in Japanese.

[gallery columns="4" ids="928125,928124,928123,928122" link="file"]

Despite that, you can see each boy's personality in how they sit. For example, Tsurumaru is the only one who sits with his toes pointing inward, as opposed to the more traditional and "proper" way that Mikazuki or Shokudaikiri sits. Shokudaikiri also holds his sword in his right hand, unlike the other three.

All four of these sword boys appear as playable characters in the new Touken Ranbu Warriors game. Touken Ranbu Warriors is a hack-and-slash in the same vein as Dynasty Warriors, and features a smaller cast than the original. You can read Siliconera's review of Touken Ranbu Warriors here.

The Touken Ranbu Swacchao figures of Mikazuki, Shokudaikiri, Yamanbagiri, and Tsurumaru are open for pre-order until July 7, 2022. Japanese customers can expect to see them in November 2022, whereas they will ship out in January 2023 for North America.

The post Touken Ranbu Swacchao Figures Open for Pre-Order appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, May 26, 2022 5:30 AM
    

Ni No Kuni Crypto

Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds has launched for PC and mobile platforms globally, following an East Asia launch in 2021. Unfortunately for some players interested in the game, developer NetMarble has opted to include crypto and blockchain integration into Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds. NetMarble also aims to bring NFT functionality to the game later in 2022. [Thanks, Noisy Pixel!]

Text on the game's official website states that Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds "employs a gameplay-based blockchain system," enabling players "to play to earn tokens through gameplay." The team promises to "do [its] best to preserve the token values."

The Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds crypto tokens take the form of "Territe" and "Asterite." Territe is earned through regular activity, while Asterite is earned through PVP activity in the game's arena mode. These currencies also function as resources used for character progression. They can be traded for the crypto tokens (NKT and NKA) that reside on Marblex, the blockchain operated by NetMarble across its games. Players can then trade and sell them to each other or to third parties. They can also trade for MBX, a NetMarble-exclusive cryptocurrency.

According to a content roadmap, NetMarble plans to add NFT functionality to Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds by "Q4 2022."

NetMarble stated in a post from April 2022 that it intends blockchain and crypto integration for more than Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds. Games like A3: Still Alive and others already feature blockchain functions and MBX trading. These include the generation, sale, and trade of NFT assets and similar items.

NFT, blockchain, and cryptocurrency functions have become hot-button issues in the gaming space as companies jump on the crypto bandwagon. Meanwhile, attempts to cash in on the trend of "play-to-earn" games and NFT sales have generally met with disinterest or even hostility from audiences not already enthusiastic about crypto. Larger players like Ubisoft, Square Enix, and Bandai Namco have also expressed interest in blockchain integration, though, for the most part, those efforts are still in development, such as the Gundam Metaverse.

Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds is available on Android, iOS, and PC. Previous Ni no Kuni titles have no crypto integration and are available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

The post Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds Launched With Crypto, NFT Plans appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Thursday, May 26, 2022 5:00 AM
    

Trinity Trigger Release Date

The mysterious project helmed by Mana series veterans is titled Trinity Trigger, and it now has an official release date. The action RPG will release on September 15, 2022, for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Alongside story details, character voice actors, and pricing information, it was also announced that a free demo of the game is available on the Japanese My Nintendo Store. Both the physical and digital versions of the game will cost ¥8,580 (about $67).

The announcement provides more details about the game. Firstly, the story revolves around three characters: Cyan, Elise, and Xantice. As the chosen Warrior of Chaos, Cyan joins Elise and Xantice in an attempt to change his fate. Each character has a familiar called a "Trigger," named Flam, Viz, and Rai, respectively. Many important characters will be voiced. Notably, voicing Viz will be Ai Fairouz, the voice of Jolyne from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Other prominent voice actors include Konomi Kohara, Ryota Iwasaki, and Shiori Izawa.

https://twitter.com/TriTri_info/status/1529643525205151745?s=20&t=ENMwJonpL7ig02pRd1PZ2w

The gameplay looks to involve basic real-time ARPG combat and allows players to change between different characters. Users will also have access to a weapon wheel system, where they can freely change between weapons, abilities, and items. Trinity Trigger will be a console-exclusive title on launch and support up to three players in local multiplayer.

Furthermore, a free demo of the game is already available on the Japanese My Nintendo Store, with the PlayStation Store soon to follow suit. However, it appears that the game is not available in regions outside of Japan. Additionally, pre-orders will include a CD of the game's soundtrack, and other retailers will offer products with illustrated designs.

You can get a better look at Trinity Trigger in the screenshots below:

[gallery columns="4" link="file" ids="928111,928113,928112,928110,928109,928108,928114"]

Trinity Trigger appeared earlier this week under the mystery title Project TriTri. Though billed as a nostalgic ARPG with character designs, a scenario, and a setting created by prominent artists and writers from the Japanese RPG industry, specific details were scarce. The game's official website is now updated with new screenshots, character bios, and product details.

The Trinity Trigger release date will fall on September 15, 2022. The game will release for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, with physical and digital editions both costing ¥8,580 (about $67).

The post Trinity Trigger Release Date Announced, Free Demo Available appeared first on Siliconera.


PC Invasion - FeedDDD Thursday, May 26, 2022 6:35 AM
     Sniper Elite 5 Best Skills GuideThere are a total of 27 skills that can be unlocked in Sniper Elite 5. Some are quite decent and very much integral as you progress through the game, while others don't need to be prioritized. Here's our Sniper Elite 5 guide to help you with the best skills and perks for the campaign and Survival Mode. Note: We'll have a Sniper Elite 5 guides and features hub soon, so stay tuned.   Sniper Elite 5 – The best skills for campaign and Survival Mode XP and skill points in Sniper Elite 5 are accumulated in both campaign and Survival Mode, though you're free to allocate them as you see fit. For instance, let's say you played a few campaign missions and you were able to assign 15 skill points in total. If you decide to play Survival Mode, those 15 skill points will be there for you to allocate. In any case, we'll outline the categories below. Combat Skills Back In The Fight Use a Medkit to revive yourself when incapacitated 1 No Time to B...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Thursday, May 26, 2022 5:45 AM
     Sniper Elite 5 War Factory Mission 4 Workbench GuideWar Factory is the fourth mission in Sniper Elite 5's campaign. After a short meeting with French Resistance members, you'll have to head straight to an industrial facility to sabotage the production of Operation Kraken materiel. Still, you might want to tag a few workbenches to unlock weapon upgrades and attachments. Here's our Sniper Elite 5 War Factory Workbench locations guide to help you with the ones that you can find in Mission 4. Note: We'll have a Sniper Elite 5 guides and features hub soon, so stay tuned.   Sniper Elite 5 – War Factory Workbench locations guide (Mission 4) The Workbench locations in the War Factory mission of Sniper Elite 5 can be seen in the map image below. You can go to any location as you see fit, though some are quite close to main objectives. My suggestion, assuming you're tackling the Kill List target first, is to follow this particular order: SMG -> Rifle -> Pistol. SMG Workbench Head along the road that...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Thursday, May 26, 2022 2:25 AM
     Sniper Elite 5 Spy Academy Mission 3 Workbench LocationsSpy Academy is the third mission in Sniper Elite 5's campaign. You'll start out on a beachhead with only a handful of guards, and your main goal is to reach the gargantuan fortress in the middle of an island. Still, you might want to tag a few workbenches to unlock weapon upgrades and attachments. Here's our Sniper Elite 5 Spy Academy Workbench locations guide to help you with the ones that you can find in Mission 3. Note: We'll have a Sniper Elite 5 guides and features hub soon, so stay tuned.   Sniper Elite 5 – Spy Academy Workbench locations guide (Mission 3) The Sniper Elite 5 Spy Academy Workbench locations can be seen in the map image below. All of these can be found as you explore the main island's winding streets and imposing fortress. Ideally, you'll want to tag them in the following order: SMG -> Pistol -> Rifle. That's because of how you'll progress in this mission as you go from the southern beachhead to the m...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Thursday, May 26, 2022 12:45 AM
     Sniper Elite 5 Mission 5 Festung Guernsey Workbench LocationsFestung Guernsey is the fifth mission in Sniper Elite 5's campaign. It takes you to the island of Guernsey which is occupied by the Nazis. They're waiting for Operation Kraken to come to fruition, further bolstered by aid from Imperial Japan. Still, you might want to tag a few workbenches to unlock weapon upgrades and attachments. Here's our Sniper Elite 5 Festung Guernsey Workbench locations guide to help you with the ones that you can find in Mission 5. Note: We'll have a Sniper Elite 5 guides and features hub soon, so stay tuned.   Sniper Elite 5 – Festung Guernsey Workbench locations guide (Mission 5) The Workbench locations in the Festung Guernsey mission of Sniper Elite 5 can be seen in the map image below. While you can head out on your own, I suggest tackling each one in the following order: Rifle -> SMG -> Pistol. This is because of how you'll progress in this mission, where reaching the first objective (the Underground Hospital) ...

PC Invasion - FeedDDD Thursday, May 26, 2022 12:25 AM
     Sniper Elite 5 Festung Guernsey Mission 5 Kill List Lanzo BaumannFestung Guernsey is the fifth mission in Sniper Elite 5's campaign. It takes you to the island of Guernsey which is occupied by the Nazis. They're waiting for Operation Kraken to come to fruition, further bolstered by aid from Imperial Japan. Still, you might want to eliminate a particular target for a weapon unlock and extra XP. Here's our Sniper Elite 5 Festung Guernsey Kill List guide to help you take out Lanzo Baumann in Mission 5. Note: We'll have a Sniper Elite 5 guides and features hub soon, so stay tuned.   Sniper Elite 5 – Festung Guernsey Kill List guide (Mission 5 – Lanzo Baumann) Lanzo Baumann, your Festung Guernsey Kill List target in Sniper Elite 5, can be found at a construction site in the northeastern part of the map. The challenge requires you to bury him in cement. This level has you starting from the southern section, eventually reaching the open fields of the island. It's more freeform compared to other maps given that...

Gaming on PC Thursday, May 26, 2022 5:20 AM
     Here are four ideas to help you find the best way to set your game apart from the rest. Full article after the jump.