What’s better: heals harming the undead, or voice chat?

Last time, you decided that cool spellcasting gestures are better than seizing control of a rolling boulder trap. I assume you have very cool gestures to conjure a magical meteor or other big rock on command. Maybe a dramatic dragging-down (or up) with two tensed arms and clawed hands? Very cool. As we continue our scientific process, this week I ask you to choose between two things which combine help and hurt. What’s better: heals harming the undead, or voice chat?

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Microsoft put a time and date on their 2023 not-E3 Xbox Games Showcase

Microsoft had already announced their annual not-E3 Xbox Games Showcase, but now we know when exactly to tune in: June 11th at 10am PT/6pm BST/7pm CEST. Microsoft are promising “new surprises and first-looks” from both Xbox-owned studios and third-party teams, but I’m sure most people will be tuning in for the (also previously announced) Starfield Direct, which is airing immediately after the Xbox show.

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RPS premium supporters get access to Park Beyond’s closed beta this week!

Any premium supporters who’re missing out on a good theme park sim may have cause to rejoice this week, as the good folks at Bandai Namco have given us a blast of codes to give away for fantastical theme park ’em up Park Beyond‘s upcoming closed beta test, starting this Friday, May 5th. Park Beyond is not just a complex theme park management sim, or a physics-ish coaster builder (although it is both of those), it’s also an anti-physics weird-ride expando-game, allowing you to unlock increasingly unrealistic upgrades for rides in a process the developers Limbic Entertainment call “impossification”. Deets on how to get your code for the closed beta below.

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Bohemia’s new RTS FPS hybrid struggles to marry its two genres, but you do get to be a rad crab

RTS-FPS hybrids aren’t a new thing, but they also haven’t been the most historically successful ventures. Well, Arma 3 developers Bohemia Interactive are taking a punt at blending the two genres with Silica, in the hopes that you can both shoot and command things with equal levels of good. It’s the first project to hatch from Bohemia’s incubator program, which helps indie devs make cool games.

Silica is largely the work of one developer, Martin “Dram” Malicharek, who was previously the lead on Bohemia’s Take On Mars. Having given Silica a whirl for over an hour, I struggle to see whether the RTS, FPS hybrid can truly offer the best of both worlds. It does, however, make being a crab extremely good.

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Indiescovery Episode 9: Our Steam-y confessions

We’re one episode away from being in the double digits, folks! Whoop! But for now, let’s dive into episode nine of Indiescovery. This time we’re chatting about our biggest Steam sins. That’s right, we’re revealing it all: shamefully ignored indie gems, outrageous playtimes, and games that we promise we’ll return to one day, honest! We also get into what we’ve been recently playing and then end, as always, with our hyperfixations.

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The RPS Game Club pick for May is Citizen Sleeper

After an excellent discussion about dice and pizza making last week in our Betrayal At Club Low liveblog, we’ve decided (that is, I have decided) to stick with the dice-rolling theme this month to crown the excellent Citizen Sleeper as our next pick for the RPS Game Club. We named Jump Over The Age’s dystopian RPG one of our favourite games of 2022 last year, and seeing as the game is also celebrating its first anniversary this month, it’s the perfect time to return the rag-tag world of Erlin’s Eye.

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Apex Legends’ latest character Ballistic is an old dog showing off some new tricks in his trailer

The new Apex Legends season, Arsenal, looks exciting from watching the new trailer. The 17th season is set to launch on May 9th, and features new character Ballistic, a competitor in the Apex Games’ predecessor the Thunderdome Games, now making a comeback as the new legend. The popular World’s Edge map is also getting some healing, and there’s an Apex Museum within the map that celebrates Apex’s past, present, and future. Although the theme for this season seems to be nostalgia, there are still some new features to look forward to, particularly the updates to the weapon system and upgraded Firing Range.

After retiring from a long career of fighting, the new legend, Ballistic – who was announced at the end of April – has decided to jump back in. With decades of battle experience under their belt, he’s a formidable force known for his aggressive assault, and comes with the ability to access hidden loot in red Weapon Supply Bins, holding an extra stack of ammo in each inventory slot, and even carrying a third weapon. His ultimate ability provides teammates with faster reloads, faster unarmed move speed, and even infinite ammo. He sounds like he’ll provide a combat-ready boost to any team he’s on, and he could shake things up a lot.

The new season brings exciting news to the World’s Edge map. Lava levels have risen and cooled, with less volcanic smoke and better visibility. The new POI monument, supposedly a quick access sniper nest for positional control and scouting, also contains an Apex Games Museum. It’s complete with a gift shop stocked with souvenirs like cute plush toys, trendy mugs, and even commemorative t-shirts. It’s always a good idea to experience some retail therapy in between intense gunfights, isn’t it?

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This 60% wireless mechanical keyboard from Cooler Master is down to £49.98

It’s rare to see discounts on compact keyboards, and rare to see discount on wireless keyboards, but today we’re got a cracker on a mechanical keyboard that is both compact and wireless. It’s the Cooler Master SK622, a gaming-optimised 60% design that offers low profile switches, a UK layout (with optional RGB backlighting) and the flexibility of wired (USB-C), Bluetooth and lower-latency 2.4GHz wireless.

The CM SK622 retailed for over £100 back in the day, but now it’s available for half-price: £49.98. That’s an awesome deal for any mechanical keyboard, much less one from a name brand with wireless connectivity!

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