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Norton 360 for Gamers

May 14, 2021 Gerard Campbell 1460 Views anti-virus software, cyber nasties, dark web monitoring, Norton anti-virus, PC protection

Norton 360 for Gamers, you say? In this day and age, anti-virus is a vital necessity when it comes to online protection from data and identity thieves.

I’ve had warnings in the past of accounts being potentially compromised but they never seemed to come to anything. At least I don’t think they did. But I’ve always used some form of anti-virus, both free and subscription (Kaspersky, AVG, Avast, even Windows Defender), and it’s certainly true that you get what you pay for.

Norton is one of the industry’s big players and I’ve been a fan of the company’s anti-virus solutions for a few years, offering a pretty consistent product that provides solid online protection combined with an easy-to-use interface.

(Previously posted at www.gamejunkie.net.nz)

Gaming Hardware Hardware Reviews Microsoft PC / Mac Xbox Series S Xbox Series X

Xbox Wireless Headset

March 28, 2021 Richard Armitt 1390 Views 3d Sound, Headphones, Microsoft, XBOX SERIES S, XBOX SERIES X

Yes, I got influenced, the Xbox Wireless Headset was not something I really needed, but seeing it flaunted on Socials and flying off the shelves. I decided I’d better shell out for a set before they were gone. So after seeing my local EB Games run out, I hit a quick ‘Click and Collect’ on the JB hiFi website and turned to my flexible friend.

I had an email from them by 6:30pm, and was dashing into late night shopping to pick it up by 7:30pm. No supply issues there.

Fortunately we’ve had a few Headsets run through the team in recent times. Wired, wireless and both first or third party.

At the end of the day, it’s about how they enhance your game time. The Xbox Wireless Headset is no exception, the first reveals promised a quality unit and they didn’t mislead.

Fresh out of the minimalistic packaging and box, which is more PS5 than Series X the new Headset smell is unmistakable.

Gaming Game Reviews Microsoft Playstation PS5 Xbox Series X

Monster Jam – Steel Titans 2 Review (XSX)

March 10, 2021 Barrie Clarke 1524 Views Grave Digger, Koch Media, Monster Jam, MONSTER TRUCKS!, Trucks

Have to admit to not being a petrol head in any way, shape, or form. I actually don’t even have a Drivers Licence, well a Learners Licence from the mid 90’s but that doesn’t count.

But I have seen some of this Monster Truck shenanigans on the telly. And very entertaining it was. Games of this ilk are always interesting. The challenge of blending big silly trucks with real world physics is always going to be a challenge without losing the fun aspect.

So how does this Monster Jam?

Feature Article Gaming Microsoft PC / Mac Playstation PS5 Xbox Series X

2020 Roundup, the year that was.

January 1, 2021 Richard Armitt 1910 Views Cloudpunk, DOOM Eternal, Dreams, Dualsense, Flight Simulator, Ghost, Hot Pursuit, Maneater, Microsoft, PS5, PSVR, Sackboy, Star Wars, Sucker Punch, The Last of Us Part 2, XBOX SERIES X, youtube, Zombie Army

How do you have a 2020 Roundup? A year that has put the Annus in Annus Horribulus. The ongoing pandemic notwithstanding its been a year where everybody seems to have shared tragedy on some level. Having lost close friends, dear pets and suffered a weather event catastrophe I’m just glad COVID has not yet reached my door.

Here we at the dawn of a New Year, and just like twelve short months ago. Everybody is wishing that when that calendar clicks over the trend gets better. We should take a quick spin around the highlights of what we managed under such adversity.

Gaming Game Reviews Microsoft PC / Mac Playstation

Empire of Sin review (PC)

December 19, 2020 Gerard Campbell 1583 Views Al Capone, crime lords, dirty tricks, Empire of Sin, gangsters, hoodlums, Prohibition

When first heard about Empire of Sin (multi-platform). An X-Com style turn-based combat game set in 1920s American and featuring gangsters, I was intrigued.

Who wouldn’t want to be a gangster as he (or she) takes over the streets of prohibition Chicago, aiming for the top and with mechanics similar to the rather excellent X-Com games?

Starting in the 1920s prohibition Chicago, you’ll be taking over rival businesses such as speakeasies, brothels and casinos. In the quest to become kingpin of the city. Once you successfully take a joint from a rival you can then upgrade it with things like extra security, ambience and promotion to add value. As you’d expect during the prohibition, alcohol plays a big part in Empire of Sin and is used as a form of currency to extend your empire’s influence.

Gaming Feature Article Indie Game Microsoft Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X – The First 14 Days

November 29, 2020 Barrie Clarke 1591 Views 4K HDR, Assassin's Creed, Gears of War, Microsoft, Touryst, Valhalla, XBOX SERIES X, Yakuza

I am one of the lucky ones. Despite constant doubt and rumours of supply shortages my Xbox Series X Pre Order was waiting for me instore on November 10th. I was working, it was a long day. This isn’t a deep dive into the hardware, or even the next gen games. This is a overarching opinion piece from someone who has been Xboxing since day one, almost 19 years ago.

I have be enveloped by the Xbox ecosystem, met great people online, suffered RROD, tried to dance and sing, been a rock god, and most importantly, loved the games.

Gaming is in my blood. At almost 50 years old there isn’t a day go by that I don’t play a game or at least do something related to gaming. And to my wife’s dismay, our teenager is following in my footsteps. I have owned countless consoles, PC’s, handhelds, all-in-one’s, and devices. From C64’s to Gizmondos. 386 PC’s to 3DS.

I love all gaming and am definitely not one caught up in fanboy, PC master race, console war rubbish. I want to play games. Nothing more, nothing less.

Gaming Hardware Hardware Reviews Microsoft Xbox Series S

XBOX SERIES S, Impressions

November 21, 2020 Guy 1984 Views Impressions, Microsoft, XBOX SERIES S, XBOX SERIES X

Oh the excitement! Oh the Hype! We are entering a new generation of Consoles and I have been lucky enough to have an Xbox Series S for the last couple of weeks to play with.

Richard has put the Big Brother Series X through its paces, so check out his impressions in that post.

But for now, here is my Review of the lil Xbox Series S.

Gaming Game Pass Hardware Hardware Reviews Microsoft XBLA Xbox One Xbox Series X xbox360

XBOX SERIES X, Impressions

November 7, 2020 Richard Armitt 2450 Views @XBOXANZ, Backwards Compatible, Crackdown, Dirt 5, Gamepass, Gears of War, Microsoft, Minecraft, Too Human, XBOX, XBOX ONE S, XBOX SERIES S, XBOX SERIES X, xbox360

I’ll come straight out with this, Microsoft and Xbox ANZ very kindly supplied us with an XBOX SERIES X in their review window. That means we’ve had it for about a week and a half. What follows are my thoughts after unboxing and those first steps with the next generation of gaming.

Don’t judge an Xbox Series X by its cover.

At least until you’ve read a bit.