While The Green Life Is Not A Simple Life, It Is Very Fulfilling.
With the ninth expansion pack, the Eco Lifestyle expansion pack, every Sims 4 neighborhood from San Myshuno to Glimmerbrook is currently able have their own unique eco footprint that is directly affected by how you play the game. So should you decide to live off the grid and make use alternative fuel sources to move the eco footprint toward being green, you will see that as it is in the real world, green living is not easy to adopt.
You can move into a community of fellow collaborative makers with The Sims4 Eco Lifestyle Expansion Pack. The concept is simple and realistic and as there’s a lot of places to dumpster dive for items as well as opportunities to recycle items that have been so far under-utilised. You also have the ability to create your own homewares and as well as clothing.
You are also able to reduce, reuse as well as being able to recycle! You can generate your own electricity with solar panels, wind turbines and collect water with dew collectors. Or you may wish to also grow your own food in a vertical style garden to reduce the carbon footprint you leave on the world.
The Eco Lifestyle expansion pack has an Eco Footprint system which is new and displays just how polluted each neighborhood is and shows the resultant air quality.
It could be said that this Eco Lifestyle expansion is the one of most political expansion packs available in The Sims 4. The game’s developers make it very clear they are not making you to play in an environmentally friendly style, however you could end up seeing your Sims coughing in the smog of industrialised areas which as in real life should be an incentive to go green as breathing is good.
How Much Does The Sims 4 Eco Lifestyle Cost?
The base game with the expansion pack became available to play on PC, Mac, PS4 and Xbox One systems on June 5, and has a price of $40.00.
In last week’s Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple announced some significant improvements to in-game support in the iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. All Apple devices will have additional controller support, haptics, motion, rumble, and controller button remapping. On top of that, iPad gaming will receive a significant boost in mouse and keyboard functionality.
Console controller support for iOS and iPadOS based games will now include Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. These new controllers are excellent additions to the DualShock 4 and Xbox One already supported in iOS 13. It will also be possible to do button remapping for all controllers, making gaming significantly easier. Button remapping can either be executed per app or at the system level, and it will be available globally.
Motion inputs in controllers like Sony’s DualShock 4 will be supported. Support for the LED Lightbar will enable developers to change the light’s color on the controller based on the character’s health. It will be possible to use the gamepad’s touchpad for finger tracking. In addition to that, developers will be allowed to enable their games to display the controller’s battery level.
Controller experience will be made better by zone-based rumble and haptics support. Haptics and rumble support will enable game developers to program feedback into their games. As a result, gamers will feel specific things like explosions, gun recoil, or hard tackles depending on the type of game being played. However, Apple did not reveal whether the new operating systems will support controllers for Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5.
In addition to refined console controller support, gaming on the iPad will also include real mouse and keyboard support (we know that Brandon will love this). The current keyboard and mouse functionality in iPadOS during gaming is anything but great. For instance, when using the keyboard, one cannot press multiple keys at a go. Also, gaming with a mouse is quite troublesome, and it cannot be used for camera control or aiming.
Full mouse and keyboard support will give iPad gamers PC or Mac-like experience during gaming and satisfy those unable to afford a gaming PC. Developers will also be allowed to disable pointer system gestures like the Control Center, thus enabling fullscreen gameplay.
Alongside all that, players will get to enjoy an all-new Game Center focused on discovering games and playing with friends. Apple’s new Game Center features a refreshed design with a new dashboard and a redesigned achievements section. From the game center, one can customize their game access point and adapt the interface for all platforms and orientations.
With Apple having done their part in creating an excellent gaming experience in all their devices, it’s up to developers to make their games compatible with all these features. If developers are up to the task, it will be exciting to see games have full console controller support, complete with the haptic response and zone-based rumble feedback, and true mouse and keyboard support. All the updates will become available to the public this year once Apple releases iOS 14 and iPadOS 14.
The PlayStation 2 has been around for two decades now, and it’s one of the best consoles for creating and playing homebrew games. The traditional method of playing homebrew games involves tweaking PS2 hardware. This means using either a modified memory card with pre-installed exploits, installing a modchip, or blocking the disc tray sensors.
FreeDVDBoot By CTurt
However, a security software engineer, CTurt (@CTurtE) has developed a new method that doesn’t require one to mod their console to play homebrew games. CTurt achieved this by creating software called FreeDVDBoot. The software exploits the PS2’s DVD player functionality, allowing you to play Homebrew games and also burned backups of commercial games.
FreeDVDBoot: an exploit for the PlayStation 2 DVD player which allows burning your own homebrew games and running them on an unmodified console as though they were official discs: https://t.co/MaPC6urUJQ
CTurt had initially attempted to create a software-based entry-point exploit by exploiting the BASIC interpreter in early PAL region PS2s. Although he was successful in creating a BASIC interpreter exploit, this method was widely criticized, and only limited to PAL PS2s. As a result, he wrote off the exploit and continued to look for better ways to hack the PlayStation 2.
How Does @CTurtE’s FreeDVDBoot Work?
CTurt identified the consoles ability to read burned DVDs, but not load burned game discs as a potential attack vector. He then began studying how the Play Station 2’s optical drive plays DVDs. The console starts by reading IFO files in the disk and writing data to a RAM cache. IFO files contain the metadata that links the VRO and VOB files. CTurt then found a potential exploit in how the optical drive reads large IFO files.
He created a corrupted IFO file, generating a large read overflow. The file loads an Executable and Linkable Format File (ELF) into the systems cache. The ELF type is the same as the one used in homebrew games, and the overflow pushes it into the main memory. This completely bypasses the PlayStation 2’s security system. The PS2 can then natively read and run ELF files off a burned disk. The technical details of how he achieved this are found in his GitHub page.
After completing the hack, CTurt showed videos of his PS2 running a backup of Shadow of the Colossus and a Super Nintendo emulator.
To date, CTurt DVD player exploit is the only PS2 exploit that does not use non-native hardware. The exploit only requires a disc, as opposed to other exploits that require a modchip, network adapters, or an HDD expansion. According to CTurt, all-optical drives, whether CD or Blu-ray, work on the same principle. Hence, the DVD player exploit has the potential to work on anything from a PlayStation 1 to the PS4. This might not be possible for all of the PS5 models as some PS5 models won’t come with DVD drive. This mod is proving popular with PS owners.
Apart from the capability to play homebrew games and burned backups, the exploit makes it possible to put multiple games in one disk. The games can then be run from a startup menu provided they are small enough.
CTurt only tested FreeDVDBoot in his PS2 DVD that uses firmware 3. 10E, and the exploit does not support all DVD drives in the PS2 line. Nonetheless, he is working on that. For those interested in the exploit, the required files and instructions are posted on his GitHub profile.
Sony finally ended their extended period of silence about the next generation of their PlayStation consoles in a big way. On June 11th, they held a mega event that revealed tons of games and gave us our first look at the hardware we will sink hours of our life into. Here is everything they showed, and a bunch of reactions from around the internet.
PlayStation 5
Let us begin where Sony ended the event. We finally got our first look at the PlayStation 5 and found out that there will be two different models you can purchase this holiday season, one with a disc drive, and an all-digital version without one. Unfortunately, we still have no idea when the console releases or for how much, but it is good to finally see the box itself.
Sony went a bold route in its design of the console. It has many curves to it, and even though it does not look like it would be sturdy on its side, you can lay it down. The console is the largest Sony console yet if you compare the disc drives to everything else, like in the image below. Unfortunately, I cannot find the originator of this image. We should note that this is an estimation, but expect it to take up quite a bit of space in your gaming area.
Alongside the two console models, we also got a first look at a wireless headset, a new media remote, a DualSense controller charging station, and a new camera. Of these new accessories, it will be interesting to see what impact the camera has on the PlayStation 4’s virtual reality headset. Unfortunately, no details were given.
Memes And Reactions
As is expected with the reveal of the new PS5 console, the internet had its fun and made a variety of memes.
the ps5 looks like a new expensive campus performing arts center that replaced three academic arts departments and cost $60 million dollars pic.twitter.com/mLwL921kRs
— but then a strange thing happened (@matthiasellis) June 11, 2020
While there have been plenty of jokes about the design of the new console, the overall consensus seems to be that people are excited about the future of gaming.
Upcoming Games
While people were excited to see the new PS5 finally, the massive amount of games Sony showed were the stars of the show. There was a large variety of genres here and a little bit of everything for everyone. Here are all the games shown at the event. Of the following games, those in BOLD are PlayStation exclusives, while UNDERLINED are console launch exclusives.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales
Horizon Forbidden West
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Demon’s Souls
Sackboy A Big Adventure
Returnal
Gran Turismo 7
Project Athia
Resident Evil Village
Pragmata
Stray
Grand Theft Auto V Expanded and Enhanced
Destruction Allstars
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Goodbye Volcano High
Oddworld: Soulstorm
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Deathloop
Jett: The Farshore
Godfall
Solar Ash
Hitman 3
Astro’s Playroom
Little Devil Inside
NBA 2K21
Bugsnax
Not only is that a massive list of games coming, but a large majority of them will also only be playable on PlayStation consoles (at least at launch).
Reactions
There was no shortage of reactions to the overall PS5 event. Fans and industry personnel from all over took to Twitter to show their thoughts on what is coming.
Congrats to our friends at Sony on their show today. Xbox fans should know titles like GTA V, Resident Evil Village, Hitman 3, NBA 2K21, Pragmata, etc are going to look and play great on #XboxSeriesX the world’s most powerful console. #PowerYourDreams#XGonGiveItToYa 💚🙅🏼♂️🔥
— Aaron Greenberg 🙅🏼♂️❎ (@aarongreenberg) June 11, 2020
Really awesome to see so many devs on the stream. Really pushing the bar! So many things to be excited about. Go fam! #PS5pic.twitter.com/0q8GDItGik
2020 is a year jampacked with exciting video game releases on top of a new console generation starting, and while Feb 2020 game releases were good, March is the first month that truly has multiple exciting games releasing. From a beautiful Metroidvania, to tearing apart demons, to building a lifestyle on a deserted island, March has a wide variety of games for you to get lost in. Here are the biggest video game releases for March 2020.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Release date: March 11th
Platforms: Xbox One, PC
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is the sequel to 2015 game Ori and the Blind Forest. That game combined a beautiful art style with an enchanting soundtrack and emotional story. In Will of the Wisps, you again take control of the first game’s protagonist, Ori, a spirit guardian of the forest he lives in alongside his adoptive parent Naru, a creature named Gumo, and a baby owl they adopted at the end of the first game named Ku.
In the first game, Ori relied on a forest spirit named Sein to use light attacks on enemies. This time, however, it seems Ori has developed his moves for attacking and traversing the world. There are not many details on the game aside from the trailer above, so we do not exactly know what the quest is this time, but from early looks at the game, it will be more of the same fun Metroidvania gameplay combined with a story that will tear at your heartstrings.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Release date: March 6th
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of two Game Boy Advance games released in 2006. In the game, you wake up as a Pokemon and partner up with other Pokemon as you travel through several dungeons to rescue lost Pokemon.
This dungeon-crawling spinoff takes into account some classic Pokemon mechanics like type advantages. The game, of course, has received a visual overall to bring it more in line with today’s standards, and also has added mega evolutions to the mix.
Doom Eternal
Release date: March 20th
Platforms: PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One
The Doomslayer rips and tears his way back in Doom Eternal, the follow up to 2016’s Doom reboot. Hell has invaded Earth. With demons running rampant, the Doomslayer is the final line of defense for humanity’s survival.
The Doomslayer’s armor has been upgraded this time around with a new shoulder-mounted flamethrower and a retractable wrist blade. He also has new movement abilities like climbing and a double dash for more versatile combat. Classic weapons in the franchise make their return, including the super shotgun, rocket launcher, and more, but this time they have a new twist to them. Each weapon in the game has a mod attached to it. For example, the super shotgun has a meat hook that will latch onto enemies and pull you into them. Doom Eternal is the latest installment in the gory, fast-moving series, and has a lot of promise to be a potential contender for Game of the Year.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Release date: March 20th
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Animal Crossing makes its way to the Nintendo Switch with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Nook Inc. has a new Deserted Island Getaway Package for you to go on where you can build a new life on a tropical island. In past games, you would join a village already filled with people and buy a home where you would arrange furniture and do busywork around town. This time, you are building a community, and all furniture can be set outside, so instead of customizing just your house, you are customizing a whole island and can do so down to digging out waterways or creating ledges.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons will feature eight-player multiplayer so that you can join your friends in their island getaway. Seasons in-game will change alongside the season your location is currently in, so as you play throughout the year, you will see your island continually change. Animal Crossing fans have been waiting a long time for the series to come to Switch, and New Horizons looks like it should not disappoint.
Half-Life: Alyx
Release date: March 23rd
Platform: PC (Steam VR)
Half-Life makes its long-awaited return in Half-Life: Alyx. No, it’s not the Half-Life 3 game you have been waiting forever for, but this might potentially be the closest you ever get. In this virtual reality game, you take control of Alyx Vance in-between the events of the first and second Half-Life games. You and your father Eli have been secretly working on ways to spark a revolution and overthrow the Combine invaders who are now in control of Earth.
Half-Life: Alyx was completely built from the ground up for virtual reality and is one of the first examples of a big-time AAA title solely focusing on VR. You can move your head around the environment, leaning around corners and objects to pull off shots that in normal games would not be possible. This might not be the game you have been asking for for years, but regardless Half-Life is making a return in some form.
Bleeding Edge
Release date: March 24th
Platforms: PC, Xbox One
Ninja Theory, the developers behind Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and DMC: Devil May Cry are experimenting with a new game style with their first full release since joining the Xbox Game Studios family. Bleeding Edge is a 4v4 team combat game that will remind some players slightly of Overwatch with its colorful cast of diverse heroes, all with different abilities. However, unlike Overwatch, Bleeding Edge focuses on melee combat instead of shooting, so every fight is close and personal.
With the focus being on team-based combat, working alongside your teammates is going to decide whether you live or die in most meetups. Every fighter will have unique loadouts that can completely customize your play with that character to be different from another player. The enemy isn’t the only entity you need to watch out for; some maps will have environmental hazards that can wipe out any team if they are not paying attention. Bleeding Edge is an interesting direction for Ninja Theory to go in, and we will see how they do with an online-only multiplayer game, but if you have Game Pass, you have nothing to lose to give the game a try.
The Wolf Amongst Us. Unleash Your Inner Werewolf in this Beautifully Animated Action Platforming Adventure
In this game you play a mute traveller who, after being bitten by a werewolf, get the ability to ping through the air, as long as there is an enemy nearby.
When you hold the attack button down game time slows to a crawl, and as you select your victim you then you teleport to their position.
Generally speaking you use this power to clear large gaps, as well as to ascend to distant platforms. But this is also very satisfying to execute that you may just find yourself using it on nearly every enemy you happen to came across.
Sealed Bite does a great job with its platforming movement, and gives you a tone of tough jumping puzzles as you explore and then inevitabely backtrack, around this compact world.
A game such Celeste might have been engineered to perfection, but Sealed Bite is a game that fosters fury, and this fury comes very quickly.
Why does the game throw me back to the last save pillar when my character dies, instead of respawning at the entrance to the current room?
This is not an issue in other more laid-back games like, Metroidvanias, however with its precise leaps and its insta death pits, this game seems more intent on murdering you.
2020 is a year jampacked with exciting video game releases on top of a new console generation starting, and while 