MrEUser

During a recent "Meet the Experts" webcast, AMD shared some key design aspects of its forthcoming Ryzen 8000 series processors for desktops, specifically targeting workstations and value servers. These AM5 socketed chips are set to blend the next-generation Zen 5 CPU architecture with an upgraded graphics architecture, labeled Navi 3.5. A roadmap for AM5, spanning from 2022, was shared during the webcast, highlighting the transition from the Ryzen 5000 series that combines Zen 3 and Vega graphics, to the current Ryzen 7000 series integrating Zen 4 CPU cores and Navi 3.0 graphics, and finally the AMD Ryzen 8000 series debuting in 2024, which will pack Zen 5 CPU cores and Navi 3.5 graphics.

The Ryzen 8000 series chips provide those willing to hold out for another generation of upgrades or new PC builds with a concrete target to anticipate. The presentation slide also confirmed that the AM5 will continue into 2026, and at this pace, we could expect two more Ryzen desktop generations before the socket is replaced by a new one, possibly named AM6.

Previous roadmaps for next-gen AMD Ryzen desktops hinted at the Ryzen 8000 series being codenamed 'Granite Ridge' (or 'Strix Point' for laptops), featuring up to 16 Zen 5 CPU cores across two CCDs. Also part of the SoC will be the Navi 3.5 GPU, speculated to be a die shrink of Navi 3 for enhanced clocks/efficiency but with largely the same features. An intriguing point from the slide suggests the current Ryzen 7000 series processors for AM5 use 'Navi 3.0' graphics, although chips released in 2023 utilize RNDA 2 (Navi 2.x) integrated GPUs. Whether a refresh is in the cards to align with the roadmap remains to be seen.

RDNA 4, following the RDNA 3 GPU architecture that launched in 2023, represents the first preview of Radeon RX 8000-series gaming GPUs, codenamed 'Navi 4x'. While there aren't any specific details on the RX 8000 graphics cards, it's expected that the flagship RX 8900 XT will likely utilize a dual-node architecture using 3nm and 5nm processes. Rumors suggest that the Navi 4x family will exclusively employ the RDNA 4 architecture, and that the upcoming Navi 3x (RX 7000 series) may use a combination of RDNA 3 for high-end GPUs and a refreshed RDNA 2 for more budget-friendly options.

AMD's new roadmap confirms the release of next-gen Ryzen 8000 CPUs featuring Zen 5 technology and an updated "Navi 3.5" graphics architecture next year. Speculations indicate that Navi 3.5 might enable integrated graphics with performance comparable to an Nvidia RTX 3070. Although AMD has previously mentioned Zen 5, this is the first official mention of Ryzen 8000 and the new Navi 3.5 graphics architecture.

The official roadmap, however, doesn't delve into any details regarding Navi 3.5. But according to a recent Twitter post from serial leaker Kepler_L2, Navi 3.5 is essentially the RDNA 3 architecture with a few elements from RDNA 4. In particular, it's speculated to have revised shader ALUs with support for new FP32 instructions and enhancements to the geometry engine, but it won't incorporate new RDNA 4 scheduler and improved RT cores. The actual impact on performance from these updates remains uncertain.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/113680

The 1995 Star Wars classic, "Dark Forces," has been granted a new lease of life, thanks to a thorough remastering from The Force Engine. The 1.0 build of this project, three years in the making, presents an array of enhancements, from high-definition resolutions and modern control schemes to improved performance. The masterminds behind this reinvigoration are developers luciusDXL, winterheart, and gilmorem560. "Dark Forces" enthusiasts can now dive back into the game's memorable levels and expansive user modifications using this updated engine.

The driving ambition for The Force Engine was to replace the need for DosBox and the original game executable, which was met with the release of version 1.0. The improvements go beyond aesthetic upgrades. Troublesome bugs like freezing on ice or missile malfunctions have been addressed, along with setup-related DosBox issues. This new engine offers modern conveniences and a more seamless gaming experience while preserving the original 320x200 fixed-point renderer for players yearning for a dose of nostalgia.

The Force Engine also brings a host of new features to Star Wars: Dark Forces. From mod support and high-resolution widescreen visuals to improved AI and a revamped save system, these enhancements bring Dark Forces up to par with modern gaming expectations. Notably, the engine offers an extensive range of customizable quality-of-life improvements, including optional mouselook, aiming reticle, autorun, and more.

"Dark Forces," which made its mark as the first Star Wars FPS and the precursor to the Jedi Knight series, has received the ZDoom treatment with the new Force Engine. The game, often compared to the "Doom Clone" era of first-person shooters, shines in its Star Wars-themed presentation. While its successors in the Jedi Knight series have overshadowed it, Dark Forces' renovation brings its immersive Star Wars atmosphere, engaging storyline, and unique weapon arsenal back to the limelight.

The Force Engine has revolutionized Dark Forces for modern players. The installation process, including mod implementation, is designed to be simple and quick. While the game itself is not freely available and must be procured separately, the ease of use offered by the Force Engine promises a world of revitalized FPS levels. Along with the plans to extend support for Outlaws in the project's 2.0 update, the future of The Force Engine is promising, helping to bring the classics of yesteryears to the gamers of today.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/119027

GZDoom is a powerful and versatile game engine derived from id Software's DOOM, a legendary first-person shooter (FPS) that revolutionized the gaming industry. This engine provides a modern platform for DOOM fans and game developers to create and play DOOM mods or total conversions, bringing in the capacity for enhanced visual details, advanced scripting, dynamic lighting, and many other improvements while still retaining the core DOOM gameplay mechanics. It has OpenGL support, which allows for a range of effects such as dynamic lighting and fog, reflective surfaces, and high-resolution textures, thereby offering significant graphical upgrades compared to the original DOOM engine.

Furthermore, GZDoom supports many games beyond DOOM, including Heretic, Hexen, and Strife, as well as fan-made projects. It also has a vast range of features, including 3D floors, slopes, and extensive modding capabilities, all of which allow for significant enhancements to the gameplay experience and creative freedom for modders. This flexibility and power make GZDoom a preferred choice for many DOOM modders, allowing them to breathe new life into this classic game by creating complex and immersive mods that both pay tribute to and expand upon the original DOOM experience.

Id Software’s DOOM has inspired countless mods and standalone titles since its source code was released six years after the game’s debut. DOOM mapper Bridgeburner is leveraging this freedom to create a GZDoom engine-based total conversion game, The Age of Hell, which replaces all vanilla assets to provide a fresh yet familiar experience. Retaining the fast-paced action intrinsic to DOOM, The Age of Hell employs sprite-based enemies and weapons to maintain the classic 90s aesthetic, with voxels used for pickups. The game is set to be a massive total conversion with a heavy metal soundtrack and six extensive episodes featuring distinct environments including icy locales, marble crypts, nightmare realms, tech-centric zones, and gothic palaces.

Each episode of The Age of Hell will present large, intricately designed environments with dynamic lighting and unique monsters, two bosses, and gameplay tailored to its demonic bestiary. New and familiar faces will populate the game, such as the nightmare fuel-infused Cacovore, the upgraded Cyber Lord, and the aggressive new demon, the Hasmodel. To battle these foes, the protagonist will be equipped with an arsenal of weapons redesigned with a holy theme and alternate fire modes to keep them relevant throughout the game. This includes an even more destructive BFG and a visually striking Super Shotgun. The game, rumored for a release by the end of 2023, will see the protagonist using these weapons and redesigned armors to take on Hell.

Lycanthorn II, a first-person shooter game inspired by the iconic Castlevania series, uses the GZDoom Engine to create an immersive gaming experience filled with color, adventure, and unique challenges. Players will follow the protagonist, Rain, through the lands of Morvania, using axes and blood magic to combat the pervasive evil. The game is characterized by vibrant, flowing colors and exploration-focused gameplay, inviting players to traverse caves, castles, and even the insides of a giant fish. Gameplay is driven by collecting keys, conquering accessible areas, and defeating bosses before moving to the next challenge, supplemented by the ability to recruit three unique party members, each offering different playstyles and exploration methods.

Despite its short gameplay duration, Lycanthorn II leaves a strong impression with its amalgamation of first-person shooter and platforming elements, offering a fresh gaming experience with distinct influences yet maintaining its unique identity. Players can explore, battle diverse enemies, and recruit party members with different abilities, all within a captivating world vivid with color and detail. While there are minor inconveniences, like seemingly forced platforming and a day/night cycle that unleashes numerous enemies, these don't diminish the overall appeal of the game. Ultimately, Lycanthorn II succeeds in being a brief, yet passionately-crafted game that inspires a sense of loss and longing for more once the credits roll.

Relentless Frontier is a GZDoom project, crafted by Fission Ogre under the Hellforge Studios banner. This game is centered on using high-powered sci-fi weapons to decimate adorable creatures, spread across three episodes, and is in Early Access. The game storyline, set in 2482 AD, revolves around Noah Gansky, a scientist wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life. However, en route to his prison, his vehicle crash-lands on a desolate planet, forcing him to combat colossal insects in a bid for survival. Each episode introduces new enemy factions, which interact intriguingly with those from previous episodes.

The game features four unique weapons, including a melee weapon called the Omniaxe and a belt-fed 1D-gauge shotgun named the Peacekeeper, which is expected to easily and amusingly decimate enemies throughout the game. The enemies in Episode 1 are the Armilimax, a fascinating race of insectoids consisting of slug-like toes and gelatinous entities known as Elders. These Elders telepathically control the slugs, making them harmless once the Elders are destroyed. The game promises many such interesting quirks about the enemies, ratcheting up the excitement for future episodes.

SharpShooter3D, a total conversion mod for GZDoom created by HeadHuntersGames, was among the almost 800 games removed from Steam when publisher Dagestan Technology was taken down for breaching the publisher code of conduct. Set in the fictional country of South Slovenko, the game features a heavy focus on melee combat and a narrative centered around civil unrest. Players navigate through diverse environments like clubs, bars, housing estates, rooftops, and even a sci-fi hellscape in a journey to take down the government. Missions in SharpShooter3D vary in length and quality but maintain a similar design, adding occasional unique twists to keep the gameplay engaging.

SharpShooter3D distinguishes itself from most DOOM II total conversions with its emphasis on melee combat, featuring common weapons like beer bottles, box-cutters, hammers, and power drills. The game has a one-weapon carry limit which forces players to experiment with different weapons in a single playthrough. However, the melee-centric gameplay can be quite primitive and clunky at times, offering a rather unsavory visual experience despite its visceral impact. SharpShooter3D's depiction of an Eastern European slum is laudable, with grimy apartment blocks and littered streets setting a grim, immersive atmosphere. Despite minor drawbacks such as awkward vehicle sections and less intelligent enemy AI, the game’s unique, unpredictable elements make it worth exploring, particularly for those seeking an unconventional DOOM mod experience.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/119027

GZDoom is a powerful and versatile game engine derived from id Software's DOOM, a legendary first-person shooter (FPS) that revolutionized the gaming industry. This engine provides a modern platform for DOOM fans and game developers to create and play DOOM mods or total conversions, bringing in the capacity for enhanced visual details, advanced scripting, dynamic lighting, and many other improvements while still retaining the core DOOM gameplay mechanics. It has OpenGL support, which allows for a range of effects such as dynamic lighting and fog, reflective surfaces, and high-resolution textures, thereby offering significant graphical upgrades compared to the original DOOM engine.

Furthermore, GZDoom supports many games beyond DOOM, including Heretic, Hexen, and Strife, as well as fan-made projects. It also has a vast range of features, including 3D floors, slopes, and extensive modding capabilities, all of which allow for significant enhancements to the gameplay experience and creative freedom for modders. This flexibility and power make GZDoom a preferred choice for many DOOM modders, allowing them to breathe new life into this classic game by creating complex and immersive mods that both pay tribute to and expand upon the original DOOM experience.

Id Software’s DOOM has inspired countless mods and standalone titles since its source code was released six years after the game’s debut. DOOM mapper Bridgeburner is leveraging this freedom to create a GZDoom engine-based total conversion game, The Age of Hell, which replaces all vanilla assets to provide a fresh yet familiar experience. Retaining the fast-paced action intrinsic to DOOM, The Age of Hell employs sprite-based enemies and weapons to maintain the classic 90s aesthetic, with voxels used for pickups. The game is set to be a massive total conversion with a heavy metal soundtrack and six extensive episodes featuring distinct environments including icy locales, marble crypts, nightmare realms, tech-centric zones, and gothic palaces.

Each episode of The Age of Hell will present large, intricately designed environments with dynamic lighting and unique monsters, two bosses, and gameplay tailored to its demonic bestiary. New and familiar faces will populate the game, such as the nightmare fuel-infused Cacovore, the upgraded Cyber Lord, and the aggressive new demon, the Hasmodel. To battle these foes, the protagonist will be equipped with an arsenal of weapons redesigned with a holy theme and alternate fire modes to keep them relevant throughout the game. This includes an even more destructive BFG and a visually striking Super Shotgun. The game, rumored for a release by the end of 2023, will see the protagonist using these weapons and redesigned armors to take on Hell.

Lycanthorn II, a first-person shooter game inspired by the iconic Castlevania series, uses the GZDoom Engine to create an immersive gaming experience filled with color, adventure, and unique challenges. Players will follow the protagonist, Rain, through the lands of Morvania, using axes and blood magic to combat the pervasive evil. The game is characterized by vibrant, flowing colors and exploration-focused gameplay, inviting players to traverse caves, castles, and even the insides of a giant fish. Gameplay is driven by collecting keys, conquering accessible areas, and defeating bosses before moving to the next challenge, supplemented by the ability to recruit three unique party members, each offering different playstyles and exploration methods.

Despite its short gameplay duration, Lycanthorn II leaves a strong impression with its amalgamation of first-person shooter and platforming elements, offering a fresh gaming experience with distinct influences yet maintaining its unique identity. Players can explore, battle diverse enemies, and recruit party members with different abilities, all within a captivating world vivid with color and detail. While there are minor inconveniences, like seemingly forced platforming and a day/night cycle that unleashes numerous enemies, these don't diminish the overall appeal of the game. Ultimately, Lycanthorn II succeeds in being a brief, yet passionately-crafted game that inspires a sense of loss and longing for more once the credits roll.

Relentless Frontier is a GZDoom project, crafted by Fission Ogre under the Hellforge Studios banner. This game is centered on using high-powered sci-fi weapons to decimate adorable creatures, spread across three episodes, and is in Early Access. The game storyline, set in 2482 AD, revolves around Noah Gansky, a scientist wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life. However, en route to his prison, his vehicle crash-lands on a desolate planet, forcing him to combat colossal insects in a bid for survival. Each episode introduces new enemy factions, which interact intriguingly with those from previous episodes.

The game features four unique weapons, including a melee weapon called the Omniaxe and a belt-fed 1D-gauge shotgun named the Peacekeeper, which is expected to easily and amusingly decimate enemies throughout the game. The enemies in Episode 1 are the Armilimax, a fascinating race of insectoids consisting of slug-like toes and gelatinous entities known as Elders. These Elders telepathically control the slugs, making them harmless once the Elders are destroyed. The game promises many such interesting quirks about the enemies, ratcheting up the excitement for future episodes.

SharpShooter3D, a total conversion mod for GZDoom created by HeadHuntersGames, was among the almost 800 games removed from Steam when publisher Dagestan Technology was taken down for breaching the publisher code of conduct. Set in the fictional country of South Slovenko, the game features a heavy focus on melee combat and a narrative centered around civil unrest. Players navigate through diverse environments like clubs, bars, housing estates, rooftops, and even a sci-fi hellscape in a journey to take down the government. Missions in SharpShooter3D vary in length and quality but maintain a similar design, adding occasional unique twists to keep the gameplay engaging.

SharpShooter3D distinguishes itself from most DOOM II total conversions with its emphasis on melee combat, featuring common weapons like beer bottles, box-cutters, hammers, and power drills. The game has a one-weapon carry limit which forces players to experiment with different weapons in a single playthrough. However, the melee-centric gameplay can be quite primitive and clunky at times, offering a rather unsavory visual experience despite its visceral impact. SharpShooter3D's depiction of an Eastern European slum is laudable, with grimy apartment blocks and littered streets setting a grim, immersive atmosphere. Despite minor drawbacks such as awkward vehicle sections and less intelligent enemy AI, the game’s unique, unpredictable elements make it worth exploring, particularly for those seeking an unconventional DOOM mod experience.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/119027

GZDoom is a powerful and versatile game engine derived from id Software's DOOM, a legendary first-person shooter (FPS) that revolutionized the gaming industry. This engine provides a modern platform for DOOM fans and game developers to create and play DOOM mods or total conversions, bringing in the capacity for enhanced visual details, advanced scripting, dynamic lighting, and many other improvements while still retaining the core DOOM gameplay mechanics. It has OpenGL support, which allows for a range of effects such as dynamic lighting and fog, reflective surfaces, and high-resolution textures, thereby offering significant graphical upgrades compared to the original DOOM engine.

Furthermore, GZDoom supports many games beyond DOOM, including Heretic, Hexen, and Strife, as well as fan-made projects. It also has a vast range of features, including 3D floors, slopes, and extensive modding capabilities, all of which allow for significant enhancements to the gameplay experience and creative freedom for modders. This flexibility and power make GZDoom a preferred choice for many DOOM modders, allowing them to breathe new life into this classic game by creating complex and immersive mods that both pay tribute to and expand upon the original DOOM experience.

Id Software’s DOOM has inspired countless mods and standalone titles since its source code was released six years after the game’s debut. DOOM mapper Bridgeburner is leveraging this freedom to create a GZDoom engine-based total conversion game, The Age of Hell, which replaces all vanilla assets to provide a fresh yet familiar experience. Retaining the fast-paced action intrinsic to DOOM, The Age of Hell employs sprite-based enemies and weapons to maintain the classic 90s aesthetic, with voxels used for pickups. The game is set to be a massive total conversion with a heavy metal soundtrack and six extensive episodes featuring distinct environments including icy locales, marble crypts, nightmare realms, tech-centric zones, and gothic palaces.

Each episode of The Age of Hell will present large, intricately designed environments with dynamic lighting and unique monsters, two bosses, and gameplay tailored to its demonic bestiary. New and familiar faces will populate the game, such as the nightmare fuel-infused Cacovore, the upgraded Cyber Lord, and the aggressive new demon, the Hasmodel. To battle these foes, the protagonist will be equipped with an arsenal of weapons redesigned with a holy theme and alternate fire modes to keep them relevant throughout the game. This includes an even more destructive BFG and a visually striking Super Shotgun. The game, rumored for a release by the end of 2023, will see the protagonist using these weapons and redesigned armors to take on Hell.

Lycanthorn II, a first-person shooter game inspired by the iconic Castlevania series, uses the GZDoom Engine to create an immersive gaming experience filled with color, adventure, and unique challenges. Players will follow the protagonist, Rain, through the lands of Morvania, using axes and blood magic to combat the pervasive evil. The game is characterized by vibrant, flowing colors and exploration-focused gameplay, inviting players to traverse caves, castles, and even the insides of a giant fish. Gameplay is driven by collecting keys, conquering accessible areas, and defeating bosses before moving to the next challenge, supplemented by the ability to recruit three unique party members, each offering different playstyles and exploration methods.

Despite its short gameplay duration, Lycanthorn II leaves a strong impression with its amalgamation of first-person shooter and platforming elements, offering a fresh gaming experience with distinct influences yet maintaining its unique identity. Players can explore, battle diverse enemies, and recruit party members with different abilities, all within a captivating world vivid with color and detail. While there are minor inconveniences, like seemingly forced platforming and a day/night cycle that unleashes numerous enemies, these don't diminish the overall appeal of the game. Ultimately, Lycanthorn II succeeds in being a brief, yet passionately-crafted game that inspires a sense of loss and longing for more once the credits roll.

Relentless Frontier is a GZDoom project, crafted by Fission Ogre under the Hellforge Studios banner. This game is centered on using high-powered sci-fi weapons to decimate adorable creatures, spread across three episodes, and is in Early Access. The game storyline, set in 2482 AD, revolves around Noah Gansky, a scientist wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life. However, en route to his prison, his vehicle crash-lands on a desolate planet, forcing him to combat colossal insects in a bid for survival. Each episode introduces new enemy factions, which interact intriguingly with those from previous episodes.

The game features four unique weapons, including a melee weapon called the Omniaxe and a belt-fed 1D-gauge shotgun named the Peacekeeper, which is expected to easily and amusingly decimate enemies throughout the game. The enemies in Episode 1 are the Armilimax, a fascinating race of insectoids consisting of slug-like toes and gelatinous entities known as Elders. These Elders telepathically control the slugs, making them harmless once the Elders are destroyed. The game promises many such interesting quirks about the enemies, ratcheting up the excitement for future episodes.

SharpShooter3D, a total conversion mod for GZDoom created by HeadHuntersGames, was among the almost 800 games removed from Steam when publisher Dagestan Technology was taken down for breaching the publisher code of conduct. Set in the fictional country of South Slovenko, the game features a heavy focus on melee combat and a narrative centered around civil unrest. Players navigate through diverse environments like clubs, bars, housing estates, rooftops, and even a sci-fi hellscape in a journey to take down the government. Missions in SharpShooter3D vary in length and quality but maintain a similar design, adding occasional unique twists to keep the gameplay engaging.

SharpShooter3D distinguishes itself from most DOOM II total conversions with its emphasis on melee combat, featuring common weapons like beer bottles, box-cutters, hammers, and power drills. The game has a one-weapon carry limit which forces players to experiment with different weapons in a single playthrough. However, the melee-centric gameplay can be quite primitive and clunky at times, offering a rather unsavory visual experience despite its visceral impact. SharpShooter3D's depiction of an Eastern European slum is laudable, with grimy apartment blocks and littered streets setting a grim, immersive atmosphere. Despite minor drawbacks such as awkward vehicle sections and less intelligent enemy AI, the game’s unique, unpredictable elements make it worth exploring, particularly for those seeking an unconventional DOOM mod experience.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/113680

The 1995 Star Wars classic, "Dark Forces," has been granted a new lease of life, thanks to a thorough remastering from The Force Engine. The 1.0 build of this project, three years in the making, presents an array of enhancements, from high-definition resolutions and modern control schemes to improved performance. The masterminds behind this reinvigoration are developers luciusDXL, winterheart, and gilmorem560. "Dark Forces" enthusiasts can now dive back into the game's memorable levels and expansive user modifications using this updated engine.

The driving ambition for The Force Engine was to replace the need for DosBox and the original game executable, which was met with the release of version 1.0. The improvements go beyond aesthetic upgrades. Troublesome bugs like freezing on ice or missile malfunctions have been addressed, along with setup-related DosBox issues. This new engine offers modern conveniences and a more seamless gaming experience while preserving the original 320x200 fixed-point renderer for players yearning for a dose of nostalgia.

The Force Engine also brings a host of new features to Star Wars: Dark Forces. From mod support and high-resolution widescreen visuals to improved AI and a revamped save system, these enhancements bring Dark Forces up to par with modern gaming expectations. Notably, the engine offers an extensive range of customizable quality-of-life improvements, including optional mouselook, aiming reticle, autorun, and more.

"Dark Forces," which made its mark as the first Star Wars FPS and the precursor to the Jedi Knight series, has received the ZDoom treatment with the new Force Engine. The game, often compared to the "Doom Clone" era of first-person shooters, shines in its Star Wars-themed presentation. While its successors in the Jedi Knight series have overshadowed it, Dark Forces' renovation brings its immersive Star Wars atmosphere, engaging storyline, and unique weapon arsenal back to the limelight.

The Force Engine has revolutionized Dark Forces for modern players. The installation process, including mod implementation, is designed to be simple and quick. While the game itself is not freely available and must be procured separately, the ease of use offered by the Force Engine promises a world of revitalized FPS levels. Along with the plans to extend support for Outlaws in the project's 2.0 update, the future of The Force Engine is promising, helping to bring the classics of yesteryears to the gamers of today.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/113413

EDIT: What happens when you click on the images?

The gaming industry, traditionally dominated by male protagonists, has been experiencing a steady shift in recent years, most notably within the realm of retro first-person shooters (FPS). Recognizing the need for diversity and representation, game developers have started to incorporate female protagonists more prominently. This trend not only fosters inclusivity but also provides fresh narratives and perspectives, thereby enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Historically, video games, especially the FPS genre, were heavily saturated with male lead characters. Titles like "Doom," "Wolfenstein," and "Quake" from the retro era were monumental in shaping the genre, but they all featured male heroes. However, as gaming audiences diversified and demanded more representation, the industry began to respond. Female characters started appearing in important roles, with notable examples like Samus Aran from "Metroid" and Jill Valentine from "Resident Evil." This marked a significant shift in the narrative and character dynamics of video games.

Introducing female protagonists into retro FPS games has resulted in richer storytelling and nuanced characters. These games have not only presented women as strong and capable characters but have also delved into their complex personalities and backgrounds, adding depth to the narrative. Moreover, female-led FPS games often incorporate unique mechanics and gameplay styles, offering a fresh take on a well-established genre. This change has been instrumental in creating more diverse and inclusive gaming experiences, which resonate with a broader audience.

Games such as "Perfect Dark," with its lead character Joanna Dark, and "Metroid Prime," featuring Samus Aran, serve as early examples of female-led retro FPS. More recent titles like "Selaco" and "Phantom Fury" showcase compelling female protagonists with complex personalities and dynamic skill sets. Additionally, indie game developers are further pushing this trend, creating other retro-inspired FPS games with female leads, contributing to a more diverse and representative gaming landscape.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the presence of female protagonists in retro FPS games is a welcome development. It not only offers a fresh perspective in a historically male-dominated genre but also paves the way for more diverse and inclusive narratives. As we move forward, it is essential to continue this trend of representation, breaking down barriers and creating games that appeal to all players, regardless of their gender.

What is your experience with using APU’s and GPU’s together? How much does a 5900x3d added to a 6750XT change performance? Leave your experiences below.

After much anticipation, AMD has unveiled its new Radeon RX 6950 XT, flanked by the Radeon RX 6750 XT and RX 6650 XT. These graphics cards, marked by faster memory, elevated GPU clocks, and a minor surge in power consumption, have the capability to rival Nvidia's top tier GPUs, scoring several victories in performance. Although Nvidia holds the edge in 4K and ray tracing, the cost differential makes the RTX 3090 Ti a challenging sell. The 6950 XT, boasting maximum AMD performance, has emerged as Team Red's finest GPU.

AMD's RX 6950 XT has landed with a splash in the GPU market, turning heads with its high-fidelity 4K gaming capabilities. This dynamo outpaces its competitors, delivering seamless gameplay above 60 fps and matching its counterparts from Nvidia's line-up. The power tucked under its hood makes it a highly sought-after graphics card.

However, it's no secret that AMD's graphics cards often come with a catch—relatively weaker ray tracing performance. That said, the compromises in ray tracing with the RX 6950 XT seem justifiable considering its overall impressive performance. When pitted against Nvidia's RTX 4070 at native 4K, it holds its own and even surges ahead when ray tracing is disabled.

The RX 6950 XT proves its mettle, particularly in demanding 4K games, even though it might require a few tweaks here and there. Some games with intensive graphics such as Portal RTX and Cyberpunk 2077's path tracing mode might challenge the card, especially without the support of features like DLSS 3. However, when one considers the wider gaming landscape, it's apparent that the RX 6950 XT leads the pack in its segment.

Shifting our focus to the budget gaming scene reveals an arena fraught with fierce competition and, unfortunately, occasional disappointment. Both AMD and Nvidia have struggled to deliver a compelling choice for budget gamers. However, AMD's RX 6700 XT has emerged as a silver lining, stepping up to fill this void in the market.

The RX 6700 XT brings to the table a premier 1080p gaming experience, with enough power to venture into 1440p territory, albeit with some concessions. Its impressive performance, offering above 60 fps at 1440p in most games, even at maxed-out settings, make it a force to be reckoned with. Its prowess in less-demanding ray tracing titles like Resident Evil 4 further underlines its capabilities. The card may lag behind Nvidia's offerings in extreme ray tracing workloads, but its overall performance, coupled with its substantial 12GB of VRAM, make it a formidable contender. This GPU not only outperforms its peers but even bests higher-priced alternatives in games like The Last of Us Part 1.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/113413

EDIT: What happens when you click on the images?

The gaming industry, traditionally dominated by male protagonists, has been experiencing a steady shift in recent years, most notably within the realm of retro first-person shooters (FPS). Recognizing the need for diversity and representation, game developers have started to incorporate female protagonists more prominently. This trend not only fosters inclusivity but also provides fresh narratives and perspectives, thereby enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Historically, video games, especially the FPS genre, were heavily saturated with male lead characters. Titles like "Doom," "Wolfenstein," and "Quake" from the retro era were monumental in shaping the genre, but they all featured male heroes. However, as gaming audiences diversified and demanded more representation, the industry began to respond. Female characters started appearing in important roles, with notable examples like Samus Aran from "Metroid" and Jill Valentine from "Resident Evil." This marked a significant shift in the narrative and character dynamics of video games.

Introducing female protagonists into retro FPS games has resulted in richer storytelling and nuanced characters. These games have not only presented women as strong and capable characters but have also delved into their complex personalities and backgrounds, adding depth to the narrative. Moreover, female-led FPS games often incorporate unique mechanics and gameplay styles, offering a fresh take on a well-established genre. This change has been instrumental in creating more diverse and inclusive gaming experiences, which resonate with a broader audience.

Games such as "Perfect Dark," with its lead character Joanna Dark, and "Metroid Prime," featuring Samus Aran, serve as early examples of female-led retro FPS. More recent titles like "Selaco" and "Phantom Fury" showcase compelling female protagonists with complex personalities and dynamic skill sets. Additionally, indie game developers are further pushing this trend, creating other retro-inspired FPS games with female leads, contributing to a more diverse and representative gaming landscape.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the presence of female protagonists in retro FPS games is a welcome development. It not only offers a fresh perspective in a historically male-dominated genre but also paves the way for more diverse and inclusive narratives. As we move forward, it is essential to continue this trend of representation, breaking down barriers and creating games that appeal to all players, regardless of their gender.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/113401

With a relentless speed that harks back to Devil Daggers, Hellscreen's heart-thumping pace is a hallmark of its design. Developer Jamie Degen has masterfully crafted a world where death serves as an upgrade, leaving players to face a fiery onslaught of flaming skulls and eldritch horrors. The game's idiosyncratic aesthetic, a dramatic interplay of cyan and red, lends a surreal quality to the eerie maps and comic-book-style gunfire, recalling the disturbing artistry of H.R. Giger. With each inevitable death, players return stronger, ready to brave the uncanny labyrinth that unfurls beneath a blood-red sky.

The game’s first-person perspective is enhanced by an intriguing feature—a rear-view mirror. This novel addition, uncommon in first-person games, elevates the need for environmental awareness. It’s not merely about charging ahead; players must constantly swivel between what lies ahead and the threats creeping up from behind.

Surprisingly, the mirror offers more than just improved situational awareness. Right-clicking allows players to fire backwards, with a small gun and reticle appearing in the mirror view. The game rewards players who master this feature, offering double damage when moving and firing forwards, and quadruple damage when progressing forwards and shooting backwards. Navigating this three-dimensional battlefield feels akin to grappling with a groundbreaking realm of movement. This unique mechanic adds a satisfying layer to the game, calling for well-timed, precision mirror shots.

Over several years of development, Hellscreen has evolved from its initial Kickstarter campaign into a standout shooter. The narrative immerses players into a universe of ancient gods, an afterlife machine, and creatures artificially crafted as part of the mechanism. As one of the machine’s errors, you are thrust into the Hellscreen dimension, caught in a cycle of death and resurrection. It's up to you to destroy this malfunctioning machine, restore the natural order, and perhaps then find everlasting rest.