If you’re into the vast world of PC gaming and by its extension, PC building, you have probably come across the names Corsair or Origin PC. Both the companies are well known within the desktop gaming community and offer varying degrees of gaming technology and peripherals. Now, Corsair in an official statement has confirmed its move to acquire Origin PC.
For those unfamiliar, Corsair is a company that is known for its gaming peripherals such as headsets, PC cases, RGB fans, RAM and much more. Essentially, if one is looking to build a custom PC, they will stumble upon Corsair. On the other hand, Origin PC is a company that sells pre-built high-performance gaming rig which helps skip much of the hassles of getting into PC gaming. Furthermore, Corsair’s acquisition of Origin PC does not, in fact, change a lot on the business operations side. The pre-built computer manufacturer will remain as a separate brand under Corsair and will still handle warranties, product support and purchases in the future.
Additionally, Corsair will still produce its own separate system like the Corsair One even after acquiring a well-known name in the pre-built PC industry. However, there will be certain changes that will be made to Origin PC’s various gaming builds. Corsair will incorporate its iCue software into the computers that will offer a system-wide lighting synchronization and system monitoring. By its extension, even the Hydro X series custom cooling solutions will soon be seen in Origin PC builds in the near future.
The press statement is big news in the gaming world as mergers always lead to more collaborations and innovation. Gamers can expect to see more added customisation options to soon be available on Origin PC gaming builds. Notably, Corsair acquired Elgato, known for its capture cards for streaming, back in 2018 so we are seeing a pattern of acquisitions. Stay tuned for more information related to gaming on iGyaan.
Every so often the phrase “only 90s kid will remember..” pops up. Whatever said after can be either ridiculous or hilarious. However, nothing will hold a meaning more true to the phrase than Contra. Konami, the developer behind Contra, has bundled the original game alongside different variants from different country releases and its sequels on the game’s 20th Anniversary.
The game that was released in 1987 to critical acclaim worldwide. Starting as a run and gun shooter game in the arcades, Contra’s port to the PC and the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) cemented its near legendary status. 20 years passed and it is still remembered as a ‘classic’ that 90s kid adored when they were younger, playing with siblings or friends for hours on end.
The basic premise of the game had the player battling enemies, both humans and aliens, as military personnel. The setting and timeline depended on the country where the game is released, but more often than not it was a futuristic shooter. The official Japanese release set the game in 2633 A.D.
The game’s popularity had seen it ported to various systems, namely PC, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and MSX2, from the Arcade original. Konami’s Contra Bundle is to feature the Hard Corps and Operation C variant while also including the European adaptation Probotector and Super Probotector alongside the Original 4 titles (Contra, Super Contra, Super C and Contra 3)
Konami has also announced that the free updates will bring the Japanese versions of Contra and Super Contra to the collection as well. No drastic changes to the gameplay will be made but tweaks for a better overall experience on the PC, PS4, Switch and Xbox One. The bundle is set to be released this summer along with bundles of Castlevania and other timeless arcade games carrying a price tag of $20 (approx. Rs.1,400)
After Microsoft announced the arrival of the hugely popular Halo Series on PC, gamers have been ecstatic about it. Tweets clearly depict how excited people are because Halo is depicted as the game which helped sell Microsoft’s Xbox in the first place. Following the announcement, Microsoft has revealed that PC gamers will be granted the opportunity to test out the game ahead of its release.
Halo Insider Program
Selected gamers who are a part of the game Insider Program will be able to test out the features of the game before it comes out. The Insider program will accept feedback and insights from gamers regarding the in-game progress and gameplay. Noteworthy, there is a chance that not everyone who signs up for the Insider program may get selected for the testing phase.
About Halo
First released for Microsoft’s Xbox in 2014, the Halo franchise will be available to play on PC via popular gaming portal, Steam. The franchise package will include Halo Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4. It is interesting to note that all the iterations of the game will not be released at once, instead, Microsoft plans to release all the games in chronological order. This means that Halo: Reach will be the first game that will land in the hands of gamers. Even though the game was first released in the year 2010, it’s still a classic and is rated as one of the best gameplay experiences of all time by gamers worldwide
It is still not clear whether Microsoft will include support for 4K resolutions and 60 fps in the early iterations of the game. Fans are excited for the same though, probably because they will get to re-live the entire game universe all over again, this time in enhanced configurations. Furthermore, if players own the game on Xbox, they won’t be able to use the same copy on PC. This means that interested gamers will have to purchase a separate copy of the game in order to run it on their PCs. As of now, no concrete release date has been provided by the American company.
A lot of games released last year, God of War, which took our breath away. And then, there were was Red Dead Redemption 2, a mountain of hype and adventure. Either way, good games will keep making their way into the gaming universe. But right now, we have our eyes peeled towards some amazing games this year. 2019 will see some really graphic intensive games release. Let’s have a look at what we think will be the best games for the first quarter of 2019.
Far Cry New Dawn
If you’re a fan of open-world First person shooters, you have to know about one of Ubisoft’s most famous series, the Far Cry franchise. Far Cry New Dawn is the next spinoff in the lineup, and it focuses on more ‘Far Cry 1-3’ style gameplay than Blood dragon or Primal.
The game is set in the post-apocalyptic Hope County countryside. You’ll have to fight the Highwaymen Gang, who threaten your peaceful territory. The game has two evil twin sisters working with the gang, so you’ll face a lot of difficult scenarios. In a mad-max kind of scenario, it will bring together features from Far Cry 5, such as Warthogs and dogs. Is this Game of The Year Material? We’ll find out!
Release Date: February 22, 2019 Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Anthem
If someone took Activision’s Destiny, and added an ‘Iron Man’ vibe to it, voila! You have Anthem, a game which does so much more than what Destiny did. It is a 4-person co-op shooter set in a huge sci-fi universe, where there are no limits to what you can do. With Javelin exosuits and a Mass Effect-style gameplay, you play as Freelancers.
Your primary motive is to destroy huge alien biomes, but that may be varied depending on how much fun you want to have with your friends. An interesting fact to note here is that Anthem is written by the guy who wrote Mass Effect 1 and Mass Effect 2. The demo was out for February 1 to 3 on PS4, Xbox, and PC. The game itself is releasing very soon.
Release Date: February 22, 2019 Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Devil May Cry 5
Let’s get some facts straight. There are games that make you play the sequel. Then there are games that make you wait for that sequel for almost 10 years. Capcom is finally releasing Devil May Cry 5, and yes. It’s a continuation of the Devil May Cry 4, which came out in 2008.
The fate of Dante and Nero will reveal itself to us, finally! Not a lot of games have brought such an intense combination of characters and high-speed combat to the scene, and DMC is looking to redefine it. Also, Dante, with all his cockiness and attitude is all set to beguile you. Thankfully, the game is releasing on all 3 platforms, and we won’t have to wait very long for it now!
Release Date: March 8, 2019 Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Metro: Exodus
Post-apocalyptic games and movies are the go-to scenarios for writers and developers, when it’s pertaining to anything related to an open-world outline. Metro: Exodus transports you to the destruction set in a modern civilization. You are a sole survivor, who has to brave harsh weather, nuclear storms and a lot more to get across Russia.
You have to search for supplies, hole through dark subway tunnels. And did we mention the gigantic mutated rats that will harass you throughout the journey? Not to miss out the massive radioactive bears that might surprise you? The game still manages to pull off a disturbingly beautiful look. On top of that, the recent controversy for releasing the game on Epic games and not steam brought discussion to the centre of the table. We sure hope that Metro: Exodus doesn’t disappoint.
Release Date: February 15, 2019 Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
If you’ve played Tom Clancy’s The Division, you’ll probably know what we are talking about. Snow-laden streets. New York. Epidemics. Doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, but it was a huge success at the time of its launch. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a lot of end-game content, so the hype quickly died out. Now, the determined developers at Ubisoft are ready to deliver another blow with The Division 2, the second game in the franchise.
Set in Washington DC, the game follows the same timeline as its prequel. It’s placed at almost 7 months after the events of the first game. The game has a ton of new features, including eight-player-raids, and a whole redefined game engine. Tom Clancy fans will love this, that’s for sure. But are you one of them?
Release Date: March 15, 2019 Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC
We have some other amazing titles launching by the end of March, such as Sekrio : Shadows Die Twice, Total War : Three Kingdoms, Dead or Alive 6 and You probably still have a lot of other titles on your hands to deal with, but once you’re done, be sure to check these out too!
Acer India has officially launched the Predator Orion 9000 gaming PC. The device costs a whopping Rs 3,19,000. The company claims that the Predator Orion 9 is the first computer to have Intel Core i9 Extreme chipset in India. The computer is currently on sale via Acer exclusive and Chroma stores across the country.
Chandrahas Panigrahi, CMO and Consumer Business Head, Acer India, said:
We are thrilled to welcome to our gaming arsenal the iconic Predator Orion 9000 gaming desktop. The Orion 9000 is a desktop of extreme power designed especially for the demanding professional gamer with advanced cooling and game ready features to easily take on any game out there.
Acer Predator Orion 9 Specs
Acer Predator Orion 9 is a flagship-class computing system, which packs top of the line hardware. The device has Intel Core i9 Extreme processor with 128GB RAM and 2TB hard disc. Similarly, one can easily expand the storage using three M.2 slots, which can support latest SSD standards. The device has dual Nvidia GTX 1080Ti GPU. Similarly, a user can upgrade the GPU in future using additional PCIe slots. The outer shell of the computer looks like a spacecraft with programmable RGB lighting. One can play with the lightning using customisable RGB lights.
To keep the system cool at the time, the company has incorporated liquid cooling technology. In fact, the company has specially engineered a dedicated Acer IceTunnel 2.0 to keep it cool even in extreme gaming situations. IceTunnel 2.0 helps to keep the temperature down by using advanced airflow management solution. The cooling system separates the device into different zones to makes them stay cool using individual pipelines.
The computer has plenty of ports as well. To begin with, the device has 2 USB 3.1-second generation ports and 8 USB 3.1 first generation ports. Similarly, the device also has X16 PCIe slots to add additional graphics cards. The system comes pre-installed with 64-bit Windows 10 OS.
After kicking off our PC builds with a budget of Rs. 30,000, we decided to take things up a notch. We chose a budget of Rs. 70000 and set out to build a machine worthy of being our Gaming PC. If you have been gaming for a while and looking to up the ante, then this build is right up your alley!
Just like budget PC, we put our 70K gaming PC through its paces and following are the results!
After we built our budget gaming PC, it was time to take it up a notch. With a lot more budget in hand, this is what we used to our build gaming PC with a budget of Rs. 70,000.
Corsair Carbide Spec 01
The cabinet we used for the build is the Corsair Carbide Spec 01. This one as well has a size glass panel to show off all the components of your PC and put LED lights in it for some colour. It is built to give a clean look to your PC and also has good cable management. It has seven PCIe slots with room for long graphics cards up to 420 mm long.
Corsair CX650W 80 Plus Power Supply
For a power supply, we have opted for another Corsair product, the CX650W power supply. For our powerful gaming PC, this was an ideal fit!
Gigabyte Z370M D3H Motherboard
This motherboard was the best one in our budget. It supports up to 8th Gen Intel Core Processors and has 2-Way CrossFire Multi-Graphics Support. This motherboard is futureproof if we want to upgrade to an i8 processor in the future.
HyperX FURY 8 GB RAM
To handle high-end gaming, you need good quality and quantity of RAM. We have gone for a HyperX Fury 8GB RAM for this build. Its low 1.2 volts draw less power from the system and keeps the PC cool and quiet. Its lower power requirements result in less heat and higher reliability.
Seagate Barracuda 2TB HDD
The Seagate Barracuda 2TB hard drive provides ample storage and reliability for this gaming PC.
Intel Core i5 8400
The Intel Core i5 8400 processor fit in our budget and requirements. This PC build is shaping to be quite epic!
GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1060
To handle all the graphics, we went for the GeForce GTC 1060. It is currently sold out online so we will leave a link for an alternative GPU for your PC build.
One of the most requested series on iGyaan has been building a budget gaming PC. We finally took the onus upon us and decided to build a budget gaming PCwhich should suffice most of the needs of a gamer who is just starting out and isn’t ready to shell out a lot of cash in the beginning. If you are a novice and testing the waters of the gaming world, then this build should be ideal for you.
After we built the PC, a lot of people had doubts over the capabilities of our PC. We put the gaming PC through its paces and it came out with flying colours. Here are the results of what we built.
One of the most requested series on iGyaan has been building a budget gaming PC. We finally took the onus upon us and decided to build a budget gaming PC which should suffice most of the needs of a gamer who is just starting out and isn’t ready to shell out a lot of cash in the beginning. If you are a novice and testing the waters of the gaming world, then this build should be ideal for you.
A relatively quiet and good-looking chassis with a matte black finish, the Corsair 100R is ideal for people on a budget. It has a glass side so that you can add LED lights inside and give it a transparent look, something which is very popular among gamers.
This is again a relatively cheap but an efficient power supply. If you’re looking for a good power supply that won’t break the bank, then the Corsair VS450 is the way to go. There are many power supplies that we could’ve opted for, but this one solved the purpose and didn’t let the price of th overall build go above our budget.
Thanks to the updated BIOS, this motherboard will let you use the Intel i3 7100 which is exactly what we will be using in this build. It has the Intel H110 chipset and the 2-channel DDR4 memory type along with 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 graphic interface.
This RAM is a DDR4 2400 RAM. HyperX Fury DDR4’s lower power requirements result in less heat and higher reliability and the low 1.2 volts draws less power from the system which results in a cooler and quieter PC.
In our build, we have decided to use the Seagate Barracuda 1TB hard drive which will slow the bootup speed but, we chose this instead of an SSD to keep the price of the PC at a bare minimum.
Now, since this is a budget PC build, we decided to go for the Intel i3 Kaby lake 7th generation 7100 processor instead of the i3 8th generation as it would’ve skyrocketed the total price of our build. This build had a strict budget and we had to work around it.
Microsoft is holding a special Windows 10 event in Redmond on January 21st. The software giant has already rolled out invites to members of the press, asking them to be a part of the unveiling of “the next chapter.” The new OS is expected to bring new advancements in the consumer-end of the software. The 21st will give us the first glimpse into how Microsoft plans to compete in the consumer field of tablets and phones.
Let’s look at what we can expect for Microsoft’s January 21st event:
Windows Phone 10
It is no secret that Windows Phones so far has been a failure, with Android and iOS giving it a tough competition. According to IDC, Windows Phone holds petty 3% of market share which is the result of drastic dip in 2014. With Windows Phone 10, Microsoft is betting to change this scenario. The company is expected to take wraps off the first version of Windows Phone 10 on January 21. According to the reports, the next mobile OS will be a combination of the Windows Phone and Windows RT operating systems. Microsoft is aiming to take advantage of its universal applications model to align its tablet and phone software to run the same apps across tablets and phones.
Windows 10
Windows 10, in particular, is a crucial tipping point for the company. It’s first and foremost an opportunity for the company to follow through on its promise to make good with consumers, many of whom were turned off by the company’s last version, Windows 8. The most important change in the next installment will be the unification of the OS’s touch and traditional software. Another significant change is the return of Start Menu which was eliminated in Windows 8.
In a recent tweet, Microsoft teased Windows 10’s ability to handle multiple desktops on a single device – saying that more is coming 1.21.15. Multiple desktops allows users to open a number of “virtual desktops” and spread their work out amongst them all – imagine them as virtual monitors you can flip between.
‘Spartan’ Internet Browser
Microsoft’s new Windows 10 internet browser, codenamed Spartan, is expected to debut with Windows 10 as a separate app along with Internet Explorer. Various leaks and rumors suggest that Spartan will be one of the major elements of Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 10 operating system and will come with some ground-breaking features which are currently missing in competing browsers such as Chrome and Firefox.
According to the reports, Spartan will include digital inking support which allows Windows 10 users to annotate a web page with a stylus and send the notes and annotations to a friend or colleague. It is also said that Spartan web browser will be heavily linked to Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant.
PC Gaming
A post on Xbox Wire noted that Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft’s Xbox unit, will be shedding light on Windows 10’s consumer experience, by including the role of gaming in consumer products. According to the post, the company’s goal is “to help PC gaming flourish”, part of which will involve extending the Xbox experience across Windows 10 gaming PCs and other devices.
The company previously announced that Windows 10 will ship with DirectX 12, which promises to help developers deliver better performance from hardware, in addition to bringing benefits to integrated graphics solutions such as Intel’s HD Graphics series.
Microsoft’s Xbox One had a good holiday season last year where it outsold its arch nemesis, the Sony Playstation. The trick Microsoft used was selling the Kinect motion sensor as a separate device and slashing down the cost of the gaming console by $50. But the company has bigger plans for its gaming ecosystem, and it will be unveiling them real soon.
Microsoft will be holding a consumer preview of its next operating system, Windows 10 on the 21st of January. It has already held a developer’s preview where it showcased several new features along with the return of the trusty old Start Menu that it unceremoniously pulled out in Windows 8. The new OS also comes with features like multiple desktops and a Task View for multitasking.
Microsoft will be presenting a consumer preview of Windows 10 on January 21
During the event, Xbox’s Head, Phil Spencer will unveil the company’s plans for increasing the gaming ability of the desktop systems. In a post on the Xbox Weblog page, the company has said, “Our goal is to help PC gaming flourish, and we’re excited to be helping shape the future of Windows. Phil Spencer will be sharing on the Windows consumer experience at a Windows event on January 21, including the role that gaming will play.”
We are eagerly waiting for the new Windows operating system. Also, prospects of additional gaming support would really make hardcore PC gamer’s brains’ tingle.
This year saw a slew of some awesome game launches. Along with that, we witnessed the prowess of the Xbox One and PlayStaion 4 and what these high-end consoles are capable of. With 2015 knocking on the door, what better time to explore what’s in store for us gamers in the coming year. A lot of promising new developers along with already established franchises, 2015 is expected to be a game changer for this industry.
There are some awesome projects in the making, hence lets jump onto our list of the most anticipated games for 2015:
Bloodborne
From the developers of Dark Souls and Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne has all the elements of a gripping horror story. Despite having a similar feel to the Souls games, Bloodborne has a persona of its own, with a gripping gothic setting and new game mechanics. The game boasts different weapons that make combat all the more fun. Bloodborne is all geared up to make us face the Darkside and definitely one of the games to watch out for in the coming year.
The game is slated for a March 24, 2015 release on the PS4.
This asymmetric shooter has the making of something special, which blends in teamwork and competitive play with real panache. It features some over the top shooting mechanics where co-op teamwork is not just a gimmick, but a necessity. Four players don the role of futuristic hunters, each having their set of skills and weapons.
Not one of your everyday shooters, the gameplay looks stunning and certainly one of the titles to watch for. Evolve will be coming 2nd February, 2015 for PC, PS4 and the Xbox One.
Stunning vast landscapes, great storytelling, and new combat mechanics await us in this massive open world game. The Witcher 3 has a bit of everything and following on from its predecessor; the game oozes quality and more depth. From everything we’ve seen so far of The Witcher 3, it has immense potential we just can’t wait to see what’s really in store for us.
The game is scheduled for a release on May 19 for the PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
Batman: Arkham Knight marks the return of Rocksteady Studios. Last year’s Arkham Origins developed by Warner Bros. was a bit of a disappointment. The game also marks the return of the veteran voice actor Kevin Conroy as Batman with Scarecrow being the Dark Knight’s nemesis. In this explosive finale of the Arkham saga, Batman faces his arch nemesis Scarecrow, who has united Gotham’s top evil geniuses including Penguin, Two-Face and Harley Quinn to destroy the Dark Knight forever. The game will feature the intriguing Batmobile, which apparently will form an integral part of the gameplay, for the first time in the franchise. A deadly combo of Batmobile and new gameplay mechanics should suffice hardcore Batman fanatics who have been longing for that complete Batman experience.
Arkham Knight is slated for a June 2 release and will be coming to the PS4, Xbox One and PC.
Creators of the Game of the Year 2013 (The Last of Us), Naughty Dog Studios is now focusing on its other hot property – Uncharted 4. Expected to be an explosive high paced Indiana Jones like adventure, it’ll be interesting to see what the game has in store. Moreover, some of Uncharted’s lead creators not a part of the studio anymore, we’re sure that The Last of Us directors Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley have something special to do with the franchise.
Expect a well-paced cinematic adventure with some witty characters, certainly one of the titles to watch out for in 2015. No exact launch date has been announced for the game.
Slated for a release in 2014, Tom Clancy’s The Division was pushed back to 2015 with Ubisoft aiming to deliver something of a spectacle with the game. Three studios are working together on The Division namely Ubisoft Red Storm, Ubisoft Reflections, and Massive Entertainment.
It’ll be interesting to see how the game redefines the genre, touted as the most technologically advanced game in the making. With so much going on, Tom Clancy’s The Division by Ubisoft is worth the wait. The game will be released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows though an exact launch date has not yet been specified.
Boasting a new open world approach, the Phantom Pain is all about a complex plot line, while the core of the game maintains those intense stealth mechanics. With Ground Zeroes already getting rave reviews, laying down a solid base for stealth action game, it’ll be interesting to see how it plays on the large scale Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
Long time fans of the franchise will be eager to see how the Big Boss takes the next step to becoming the warlord he’s destined to be. The game will be launched on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows, though an exact launch date hasn’t been announced yet.
The franchises’ 2013 offering reestablished our faith in the series, while the next installment in the Tom Raider saga shows a Lara Croft, who is broken. However, this is where she is strengthened by the experiences of the first game, and it’ll be interesting to see how her character evolves in the next game. The game is scheduled for a launch sometime in 2015 for the Xbox One, though an exact launch date has not been announced as of now.
Mortal Kombat X
One of the oldest franchises in video game history and soon to get its tenth installment – Mortal Kombat X. The game is expected to get bloodier and badder and is set to deliver the most brutal Kombat experience ever. In addition, the massive memory pool of current gen consoles will deliver cutting edge graphics along with new game mechanics which should make it all the more gnarly and brutal.
Mortal Kombat X is coming on the PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and the PC around the 15th of April next year.
DICE’s reboot of the multiplayer shooter series, Battlefront just looks stunning; showing us glimpses of the ice planet Hoth and forests of Endor. But how the game will play, what kind of game modes it will have or if we will have a full-fledged single player campaign as well, still remains a mystery.
The game is slated for a late 2015 release for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. At around the same time when Episode VII hits cinemas next year, there’re sure to be some epic levels of hype surrounding the game.