Month: October 2022

Brave: Solving internet issues Google doesn’t want you to know exist

Brave browser has long been the champion of data-conscious individuals who want to protect the little rights they have on the internet – this writer included. The fact that I personally use Brave for my daily browsing means that I was overjoyed when I learned that Brave is actively trying to protect users from yet more threats and annoyances. 

Brave Browser DOWNLOAD

The annoyance in question is the cookie acceptance policy that nearly every website demands you react to. The most ridiculous is the case where this pop-up that asks whether you want to just accept the fact that a website tracks your every move or whether you want to take the time to accept and deny options individually and read through their cookie policy takes up the entire page.  Given how much of an annoyance these are, Brave is working on a way to let users block not just the cookies but also the cookie acceptance pop-ups with one click. Brave’s one-click principle already works so well and blocks pretty much everything you don’t want to see on browser pages. 

Brave isn’t doing this unprovoked, though. The company takes issue with Google’s latest proposed changes to its Chrome browser. While these changes have enough industry jargon to put regulators at ease, there is something inherently sinister about what Google intends to do. Some of these changes include a plan to merge websites into singular files under the new WebBundles standard and the browser’s proposed switch to the Chrome Manifest V3 API. 

Brave: Solving internet issues Google doesn’t want you

Brave issued a statement in response to the proposed Chrome changes. Here is an excerpt from that statement that perfectly outlines the company’s dedication to user safety. ‘The Web is built to be open. On the one hand, that’s great: It means privacy-protecting Web tools like Brave can act on behalf of users, and protect them from Web abuses and annoyances. On the other hand, cookie banners highlight how much worse the Web will get if Google (and others) succeed in weakening users’ ability to block such annoyances.’

This isn’t the first time that Brave is warning of the dangers of these new policies and changes that Google and other companies want to make to their browsers. Essentially Brave has been warning about the fact that companies are actively seeking to diminish the control you have over your web safety since its inception. 

Brave has already submitted its concerns about Google’s proposed changes to the UK Competition and Markets Authority, and it’ll be interesting to see how this turns out. I support Brave because it lets me browse the internet while upholding my right to do so safely and without giving up my personal information or privacy.

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25211 is here

The next preview build of Windows 11 is here, and build 25211 is bound to make at least some Windows 11 users smile. The Windows Insider Program is a service that essentially lets you test early builds of Windows products before they are revealed to the general public. If you want to sign up, simply head to the Updates utility in your PC’s Settings app and register as a tester. 

Windows 11 DOWNLOAD

This isn’t the most controversial or pivotal preview build of Windows 11, but it does bring back at least one feature that has been sorely missed. The feature in question is the ability to access the Windows Task Manager without needing to hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete. In the old days of Windows 10 and before, we used to be able to simply right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.

But for some reason, Microsoft decided that that feature was pointless and nixed it from the Windows 11 ecosystem when they were putting the OS together. Now, it’s back! 

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25211 1 2

When this latest Insider Preview build hits the metaphorical shelves, you should expect to be able to simply right-click on the taskbar and enter the Task Manager utility. This is just one more way that Microsoft is making the taskbar the actual star of the Windows 11 show. This is the most effective, integrated, and intuitive that the taskbar has ever been, and we have no doubt that it will only get more so. 

In other Windows 11 news, the next update to the OS will bring full-screen widgets into the Windows 11 ecosystem.

Stadia controller might have use in the future after all

Last week, we reported on the Google Stadia shutdown. While nothing has changed on that front, and the tech giant is still shutting down its Stadia gaming platform, there might still be hope for the controller that Stadia consoles come with. 

Google Stadia DOWNLOAD

Currently, you can still use your Stadia controller with other consoles, as you have been able to all along. However, the controller has Bluetooth usability limitations. This means that if you want to use your Stadia controller wirelessly, you can only do so with the Stadia console. However, given that the Stadia console is almost a relic of Google’s ill-fated foray into the gaming industry, even that won’t be possible for much longer. 

Since the announcement of the shutdown, Google has understandably been inundated with questions and desperate pleas from players who’ve logged considerable hours on their Stadia devices. The primary concern, other than ‘will I be able to port my progress to another platform,’ is whether the Stadia controller is going to now turn into little more than an adornment and a reminder of a failed attempt at reaching the success of Microsoft and Sony in the gaming industry. Google wants you to know that it’s heard your pleas and, to that end, has issued a statement in the form of an email reply to one such query. 

At least they’re aware of what we want from Stadia

‘We have received many requests about making the Stadia controller work on Bluetooth or other features that can make Stadia workable after the full shut down. I will send this feedback to our team so that they can check out and possibly release a firmware to make it work.’

Keep in mind that this is merely the feedback of one Google employee and by no means serves as a guarantee that Google will try and make the Stadia controller usable. However, it does give us the most minute slice of hope that we’ll be able to use Stadia controllers wirelessly with other platforms. 

Google stadia controller

This shutdown has understandably made a lot of people quite angry, and it would therefore be in Google’s best interests to try and turn this unlocked Stadia controller dream into a reality. 

If you spent loads of cash on the Stadia console, though, all is not lost. Google has announced that it will be issuing refunds for the consoles and games bought from Google’s marketplace. As we can see from the email, though, Google still hasn’t made instructions pertaining to the refunds public yet. However, if you fire off an email, you’ll likely be first on the list for instructions when they become available.  

If you’d like to read more about the context of the Google Stadia shutdown, we wrote about it last week. We’ll bring you any further developments as they happen.

The best first-person shooter games on browser

We live in the golden age of gaming. Whether you consider the next-gen consoles coming out or the incredible wealth of gaming PCs and AAA titles to go with them, the fact that we are in the optimal time to engross ourselves in virtual universes is undeniable. However, the latest consoles and PCs are not within everyone’s budget. That’s where first-person shooter games on browser come in.

Shooting browser games PLAY NOW!

Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite shooting browser games that you can play for free right now. All you need to do is head to the link under each list entry, and you’ll be able to play directly on our website. If you enjoy the games we host, why not leave a star and show other people how much you like them? 

Space Alien Invaders

Space Alien Invaders is a free browser-based game created by MarketJS. Players like you have given it a 3.7 rating out of five total stars, so it ranks up there with the best of the browser-based experiences. If you remember Space Invaders, you’ll be familiar with the mechanics that this game employs. All you need to do is fire ordnance at the approaching enemies that seek to destroy your ship.

Space Alien Invaders PLAY NOW!

Your ship is incredibly flimsy and cannot handle the slightest hit, although this makes the game a little more true to the real-life conditions of outer space. Even though this isn’t technically an FPS, it is a shooter, and that’s what you’re here for; to shoot. All in all, Space Alien Invaders is a fun way to pass the time while messing around on your browser of choice. 

best first person shooter games on browser

Duck Hunter shooting browser game

This isn’t technically an FPS either, but Duck Hunter is still a really entertaining shooting game. This is pretty much exactly what you’d expect it to be. The game is a 2-dimensional experience that sets you in front of a bushy scene with trees, shrubs, and a blue sky. Your objective is to shoot at ducks flying in the sky, which, when hit, will fall down to the ground.

Duck Hunter PLAY NOW!

One fun quirk is that when ducks fall from the sky, your lovable pet beagle will head into the frame and retrieve them for you. Ducks won’t just fly in an endless stream across one line of your screen, though. You’ll also see ducks flying upward. Most of the ducks are white, but you’ll see a few tan, blue, and black varieties as well. This game was also created by MarketJS and has 2 stars on our website. 

best first person shooter games on browser

Classical Deer Sniper Hunting 2019

According to other players like you, this is one of the best browser games hosted on our website, having been awarded a 5-star perfect rating. This rating might be due to the semi-realistic graphics or the deer kill animations. Either way, Classical Deer Sniper Hunting 2019 is one of the most thrilling FPS games on our website. Developed by TechionicsInc, the game features a range of different animals to shoot, although your primary target is deer.

lassical Deer Sniper Hunting 2019 PLAY NOW!

As soon as you fire a shot, the camera will follow the bullet, giving you a front-row seat to your kill This way, you’re able to see exactly where the bullet lands, plus some unexpectedly graphic displays of viscera and blood. If you’re into hunting, you’ll likely enjoy this browser game. 

best first person shooter games on browser

Battle Area

This might not be the best in the genre, having been awarded only two stars, but it isn’t a bad shooter. Essentially, Battle Area drops you into a Martian mineral mine where you need to eliminate enemies that have conquered the mine. This game has a rather deep backstory for such a simple experience with such a straightforward objective.

Battle Area PLAY NOW!

If you like shooters, you may enjoy this game, but don’t raise your hopes too high before playing. Even though you’re meant to play as an elite soldier, your aim or movement won’t be fast enough to reflect that. Luckily, you can take quite a beating with bullets and won’t die from being shot under 5 times. 

best first person shooter games on browser

Army Combat

You and the developer might disagree on what constitutes ‘good graphics,’ but even so, Army Combat is a relatively fun game to kill time with – and your enemies. This game is fairly slow-paced for what strives to essentially be a battleground simulator. Your character walks everywhere, and the game lags a little if you try to turn too quickly.

Army Combat PLAY NOW!

Army Combat teams you up with various bots, and your objective is to eliminate as many enemy units before you get killed yourself. Dying constitutes the end of the match and thereafter, you’ll be able to see how many kills you’ve managed to get. This game has 3 stars on our website. If you like it, why not leave a star of your own?

best first person shooter games on browser

Duck Carnival Shoot

This is the third entry by MarketJS. As is the trend with this developer’s games, Duck Carnival Shoot isn’t a straight-laced FPS. However, it lets you shoot stuff, so you will most likely enjoy it nonetheless. This is a slightly more intricate entry than the developer’s previous attempts in that it contains minigames.

Duck Carnival Shoot PLAY NOW!

Therefore, if you get bored of shooting ducks at a carnival, you can switch to gunning down a mafia boss, hunting the police, and taking down all ducks wearing business suits. You can also earn coins in this game which you can then use to increase your accuracy. This is most definitely MarketJS’s most surprising duck shooting entry. 

best first person shooter games on browser

Stickman Team Force

Stickman Team Force is a shooter with the feel of a classic arcade game like Metal Slug. The game takes place in the sweltering heat of the Egyptian desert where your character will have to take aim at zombies and hybrid creatures that resemble the Egyptian god Horus. The game comes pre-packed with characters that you can cycle through which makes things slightly more interesting.

Stickman Team Force PLAY NOW!

If you enjoy classic arcade shooters, this is definitely the game for you. After each level ends, you’ll be able to see how well you did and how many coins you were awarded for your efforts. You can spend these coins in the character shop, where you can increase various player stats. 

best first person shooter games on browser

Zombie Shooter 3D

This entry by GoGoMan takes us right back into the realm of authentic FPS games. In this game, you are the lone soldier in charge of protecting the world from a recent zombie outbreak. If you have an aversion to relatively violent games, Zombie Shooter 3D might not be for you. But, given that you are reading an article about shooter games, this is likely not the case.

Zombie Shooter 3D PLAY NOW!

The zombies sort of look like 2-dimensional images walking toward you, but once they get close enough, they start to look a little more realistic. Even if you have a phobia of zombies, this game isn’t likely to affect you, and it’s quite fun to watch them being torn apart by bullets. You have a selection of weapons to choose from, so you’re not just stuck with the firearm in the screenshot. 

best first person shooter games on browser

Crazy PUBG Pixel

This is exactly like playing PUBG, except for almost every single detail. Crazy PUBG Pixel looks like a Roblox experience inspired by PUBG. However, in Roblox, you’d be able to play against other players. In this game, as with most other browser games, you play against bots. You’ll have to jump out of a plane and parachute down into the danger zone. Except that there is hardly any danger. If you love easy games, then you’ll be obsessed with this one.

Crazy PUBG PIXEL PLAY NOW!

Most of the NPCs in this game don’t carry firearms, which makes shooting them feel like a real achievement. However, if one or two pesky NPCs do have guns aimed at you, you can bet that you’ll likely land shots before they do. On the rare occasion, you might run into an NPC that just shoots directly at you without having to reload; this can be a little bit of an inconvenience. 

best first person shooter games on browser

Moon Clash Heroes

Moon Clash Heroes is a free browser game developed by Freeway Interactive. As suggested by the rather descriptive name, this game takes place on the moon. You are a Rookie with designs on joining the special lunar forces, but once there, you’ll have to contend with many an enemy.

Moon Clash Heroes PLAY NOW!

The game has numerous characters that you can morph into; all of these have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Moon Clash Heroes is another one of the most compelling examples of how good browser games can be, and this is why it deserves the 5-star rating that players like you have given it.

best first person shooter games on browser

Browsers aren’t just for research anymore

Browsers started as a way to navigate the world wide web. But over time, they became a source of more varied forms of entertainment, such as social media, gathering information, and gaming. Even though we’ve entered the golden age of next-gen consoles, powerful PCs, and incredibly capable mobile gaming devices, the fun browser games you can enjoy with friends remain good sources of relaxation and enjoyment.

Browser games are excellent if you only have a short while to kill between work deadlines or if you want to be able to play games for free. However, more compelling gaming platforms have gained popularity of late, such as Roblox. If you enjoy browser gaming but wish you could play with other people, Roblox is an excellent platform to keep in mind.

New Diablo IV leak reveals potential to skip entire campaign

While we’re patiently waiting for Diablo IV to emerge from the fiery pits of hell, we’re bound to get tons of leaks. The latest revolves around some screenshots that appeared that were just as swiftly removed. Before someone took them down, the images appeared to suggest that you can skip the entire campaign.

The Diablo IV leak first appeared on an Imgur post before being shared as a tweet on Twitter. If you head there now, you’ll see two things. On the former, you’ll notice that it’s a 404 page error, while the latter shows the feed with the media removed. It’s clear that Activision Blizzard wasn’t too happy with the leaked screenshots.

Fortunately, while the images and post may have vanished on the websites, it still remains on Google and search engines until they reindex the sites. I was able to find those images before the pages were crawled again, albeit in low definition and small sizes.

Diablo IV leak

It isn’t exactly clear why anyone thought these screenshots revealed that you can skip campaigns. Yet, let’s delve into this idea for a second. Diablo III let you skip the campaign completely and go into Adventure mode if you’ve already played the story once. However, you need to play the story with every class to see each one’s ending.

If you’ve played Diablo III as long as I have, you’ll know that skipping the campaign isn’t exactly a new thing. Perhaps what the leak means is that once you complete the story with one class, you won’t need to do so with another class. But then, how would you level up and unlock all the skills for those new characters? Also, it kind of takes away the fun of playing it again.

I don’t know about you, but I’ll still play the campaign even if Diablo IV lets us skip it from the start. The story is the main essence of the series, and I want to know what happens next. Maybe this is Activision’s way of making sure we spend money on microtransactions as quickly as possible, as we see happening in the Call of Duty series. The story mode is there, but you don’t have to play it if you don’t want to. Instead, go ahead and spend money on the multiplayer section and make us richer than we already are.

Let’s wait and see what the next leak is that Blizzard will scramble to clear before it’s too late.

WhatsApp beta testers reveal upcoming call link feature

As many of you may know by now, the WhatsApp beta program is well underway with a few new developments for the chatting app. It’s clear that the company wants to compete with its rivals with new features. The latest of these is the ability to instantly join a voice or video call with one click of a link, letting others connect with your team.

WhatsApp DOWNLOAD

The Head of WhatsApp for Meta was excited to tweet about this new development. How it works is that the host of a voice or audio call can go into the settings to view the meeting link. From there, the members of the call can share with other contacts so that they can also see or hear what’s happening.

Of course, your contacts will need to have the latest version of WhatsApp for the call link feature to be available. Also, you’ll need to be careful that the new members don’t randomly share the link with uninvited guests. I don’t know about you, but this new feature may just be a nightmare in the making.

To further propagate my fears, the WhatsApp beta leak mentions that those who join via the link will be able to see the phone number of the person who shared the link in the first place. That means you’re making your number available to people that may possibly harass you in the future.

WhatsApp beta testers reveal upcoming call link feature 2

Does it matter if the calls have end-to-end encryption if you’re freely giving your number away? Sure, no one that’s not in the meeting can hear or see what’s happening. Yet, you’re still basically handing your number out to several strangers.

In other news, WhatsApp beta shows surveys and polls becoming available in a future update.

The 5 Best VPNs for securing your online messages

Gathering data from your online activities is a highly profitable venture for many businesses. Some corporations and tech companies will exploit your information as much as possible should you leave your devices unprotected from probing attempts. Luckily, you can use a virtual private network to keep your online footprint to a minimum.

BEST VPNs of 2022 DOWNLOAD NOW!

In addition to hiding your online activities, a VPN will also allow you to securely message your contacts without fear of prying eyes. The best VPNs provide multiple layers of protection. You can hide your IP address, search anonymously, and encrypt sensitive messages before sending them. Once you encrypt a chat message, it’s nearly impossible for third parties to intercept it. The following virtual private networks will give you everything you need to shield yourself from data thieves.

Nord VPN

Nord VPN may be the most effective application for securing your online presence. You’ll enjoy multiple levels of protection without sacrificing your internet speed. Nord can maintain fast speeds thanks to the vast array of servers it owns around the globe. Being a massive brand gives Nord VPN a serious advantage in the online security sector.

NordVPN DOWNLOAD

While browsing, you can anonymize all your activity by activating the VPN. If Nord’s connection ever falters, you can quickly close your internet session with a kill switch. This prevents your open tabs from taking your data during a temporary lapse in service. Fortunately, Nord’s connection status remains steadfast a vast majority of the time. The kill switch is just a nice insurance policy on top of the excellent performance. You can also specify the location of the fake IP address you generate to access Geo locked content on video streaming services such as Netflix. And of course, Nord’s message encryption ensures your confidential chats stay that way.

Nord VPN makes it easy to assign a new location to your IP address.

Express VPN

Express VPN has taken the world by storm with its extensive marketing campaigns and simple-to-use service. If you’re a beginner in this space, Express VPN is a suitable place to start. The app itself walks you through setup, and there are extensive tutorials on sites like YouTube to help you set up the advanced options that interest you.

Express VPN DOWNLOAD

Messaging with Express VPN is made especially secure with the help of Trusted Server technology. It’s effective because all of the company’s servers operate on RAM memory. Unlike traditional hard drives, RAM memory is deleted each time a device is rebooted. This means that any trace of your sensitive chats is automatically deleted every few hours. Combine that with the standard IP spoofing and anonymity features found in most VPNs, and Express offers a complete package.

Set your Express VPN options on this screen.

Surfshark

If you’re looking for a value option, Surfshark is the VPN for you. The low monthly rate is among the best on the market, and you can even get your money back within 30 days. But don’t be fooled by the low price — Surfshark still brings a lot to the table. You can take advantage of multi-hop, which bounces your IP across multiple locations instead of just one. Anyone spying on you would have a lot of trouble tracking a multi-hop connection.

Surfshark VPN DOWNLOAD

Surfshark facilitates unlimited connections from a single account. This allows you to secure your privacy on each of your devices. Your chat messages will be fully encrypted yet easy to open on any device with Surfshark installed.

Save your favorite IP locations for quick access in Surfshark.

Proton VPN

The Proton suite of online applications is widely regarded as an optimal way to secure your data online. Proton VPN continues this trend by offering one of the most intuitive interfaces out there. It’s worth addressing the quality of Proton considering it is completely free. Although that may sound suspicious at first, Proton VPN does an excellent job of keeping your data and messages secure.

Proton VPN DOWNLOAD

Proton VPN is great for encrypting messages and reducing the number of trackers you collect while browsing. However, there are few advanced features to speak of. If you wish to have all the bells and whistles, you may prefer a premium VPN instead.

Create custom profiles in Proton VPN for frequently used online services.

VyprVPN

When your internet connection speed is just as important as your data security, try out VyprVPN. It works just like any of the other apps on this list, yet the primary focus of development is improving browser speeds and maintaining reliable connections. Your activity will be filtered through multiple servers around the world, though each one is equipped to hastily process your traffic.

VyprVPN DOWNLOAD

Encrypting your chats is just as easy and you have access to 24/7 customer support throughout your subscription period. The end result is a reliable service that runs in the background without much fuss.

Vypr is simple and lightweight to improve browsing speeds.

Going the extra mile to hide your tracks

While a VPN is an excellent way to start taking back your online privacy, there is so much more you can do to secure your data. For instance, you can download the Tor Browser to achieve 100% anonymous internet activity. This specialized browser was designed from the bottom up with data security in mind. In addition to hiding your basic internet activity and chat logs, you can also use Tor to access the dark web. Dark web sites are so hidden that you can only access them with this specialized browsing software.

Best new heroes for OverWatch 2

Excitement mounts as Overwatch fans anticipate the release of Overwatch 2 scheduled for 4 October 2022. As fans of the popular player-vs-player shooter game prepare for the release, one critical question comes to mind. What are the best new heroes for Overwatch 2?

Overwatch 2 DOWNLOAD

The recent patch in Overwatch 2 beta testing has changed the abilities and stats of many characters, completely reshuffling how they work in battle. As such, characters that were overpowered in the first Overwatch may now be more challenging to use and have less of an effect in battle. We’ve taken a closer look at the characters and how they perform to provide you with a list of the best heroes, covering each character type (DPS, Tank, and Support).

Best S-Tier Overwatch 2 heroes 

S-tier heroes are great. They are the best overall heroes you can play within the game, and by mastering them, you can be a real force to deal with on the battleground. 

Sojourn (DPS)

While Sojourn was a little weak when she was initially added to the Overwatch 2 roster, the latest patch has significantly improved her fire rate. Simply by increasing her rate of fire, her alternate fire rate and charge rate have also increased. This has significantly increased her fire’s raw DPS. These minor improvements mean that Sojourn has become one of the heroes with the highest DPS.

new heroes for OverWatch 2

Zarya (Tank)

Zarya is another player that’s received some adjustments and is in great form in Overwatch 2. With the change from 6v6 to5v5 meaning, there’s one less player on the field, Zarya’s pure damage output can make a massive difference to her team’s chances. She has another benefit by being able to save teammates or herself with her bubbles. However, there is a bit of a learning curve with Zarya, and you’ll have to time your cooldowns effectively, or you won’t be able to help yourself or your team.

new heroes for OverWatch 2

Lucio (Support)

What sets great S-tier players apart from others is their ability to deal a lot of damage, are tough to kill, and can play solo. This is why Lucio is considered one of the best support heroes in Overwatch 2. Lucio can quickly maneuver into and out of battle situations using his Wallride and speed boost abilities. He also has passive heal and sound barrier abilities to help and uplift his team, making him an excellent all-around support hero.

new heroes for OverWatch 2

Best A-Tier Overwatch 2 heroes

A-tier heroes are strong. They’re not as well-rounded as S-tier characters, but they’ll become a powerful foe once mastered.

Sombra (DPS)

Sombra is a returning hero, but her skill set and role on the battlefield have been completely reworked. If you enjoyed playing this character in Overwatch 1, don’t expect her to be the same in the next game. She no longer focuses on disabling players but is a stealthy opportunist.

This character is a menace to support characters or any lone heroes. She has a hard skill floor to master and will take a dedicated player to make the most of her new role – however, once mastered, she becomes a significant threat on the battlefield.

new heroes for OverWatch 2

Sigma (Tank)

Sigma is one of the few heroes that’s remained relatively top tier since his initial release. He is a well-rounded tank with a mobile shield and the ability to eat incoming projectiles. He also boasts a great Ultimate. However, his slower mobility makes him a challenge for beginners and leaves many wondering where he truly fits in. Once again, he has a hard skill floor to master, which can be daunting for beginners, but for players comfortable with his unique playstyle, Sigma can become a well-rounded and powerful hero.

new heroes for OverWatch 2

Ana (Support)

Ana remains one of the best-designed characters in all of Overwatch 2. Her healing output is potent, and she can also kill other players from range. Her nano-boost abilities are great for saving players about to die or setting up teammates for devastating attacks. She is a little difficult to master and can sometimes be quite vulnerable to attacks.

new heroes for OverWatch 2

Best Overwatch 2 heroes from B-tier and lower

Here are a few more heroes from Overwatch 2 that you should consider from the lower tiers.

Tier B

Tier B characters are considered to be good options to play with. Some of the best heroes in this tier include: 

  • Cassidy (DPS)
  • Hanzo (DPS)
  • Junker Queen (Tank)
  • Wrecking Ball (Tank)
  • Moira (Support)
  • Baptiste (Support)
new heroes for OverWatch 2

Tier C

Tier C characters are considered playable but aren’t as well-rounded as tier B or above. Some great hero options include: 

  • Bastion (DPS)
  • Symmetra (DPS)
  • Orisa (Tank)
  • Roadhog (Tank)
new heroes for OverWatch 2

Tier D

Tier D characters are considered niche characters and best used in specific situations. Heroes in this tier include:

  • Junkrat (PDS) 
  • Wrecking Ball (Tank)
  • Mercy (Support)
new heroes for OverWatch 2

Excel in Overwatch 2 with the best heroes

Blizzard has significantly leveled out the playing field for Overwatch 2, making it more difficult to choose overpowered heroes. However, by choosing the right character and working on mastering them, you can still end up with a mighty hero. At least we won’t have to worry about Overwatch 2 loot boxes after what happened to Diablo Immortal.

SBK 22 Review | Two-wheel super racing

SBK 22 is a motorbike racing game based on the real-life Superbike World Championship, featuring the same teams, liveries, and racers. It was developed and published by Milestone S.r.l., with a release day of September 15, 2022. You can play a solo career with a character you create or head to the online multiplayer arena to challenge other players.

Straight off the bat, I want to tell you that this game isn’t easy, especially if you’re a newcomer to this genre or type of gameplay. Motorbikes are more challenging to control than racing cars, which means you’re more likely to wipe out on the track. If you want to know how well I did and what to expect, stay tuned for more details in my SBK 22 review.

Are you the new champion for SBK 22?

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a decent SBK game, and now there’s a new one on the market. SBK 22 presents many of the features you’ll find in similar racing games. Here’s a small disclaimer: while I’ve played a few motorbike games in the past, I much prefer ones with cars, such as Need for Speed and Formula 1. My review comes from someone with little experience with the motorbike racing scene — as you’ll be able to tell below.

Starting your SBK 22 career

It’s time to begin your career as an SBK 22 racer. Before you head to the main screen, you have a chance to change your character’s appearance and bio. It’s the same details that will go with you into the Career mode, so choose wisely. Once you’re done, the main dashboard loads with several options. The main story campaign is the Career section.

SBK 22 review

Factories and teams

You’re almost ready to head out and hit the SBK 22 track with winter testing. First, you’ll need to decide which factory to join. Also, the game asks you which team you want to be part of. They’ll sponsor you with a motorbike to get started. From there, you’ll have several contracts available, each with different goals and financial rewards.

SBK 22 review

Carving your path towards becoming champion

With all these options selected, you’re ready to start your SBK 22 career. You can make some changes at the factory or skip weeks until you enter an event. There are testing weekends to get your bike right, and other weekends host the races.

When you’re ready, you’ll head to the actual track to start practicing and qualifying for the race. You’ll need to set the fastest times to start up front. You earn points for your position at the end of the race, which tallies up to the final championship points.

SBK 22 review

Online racing lobbies

If you want to take a break from the SBK 22 career mode, you can play online races against other players. Your first option is to join a lobby that already exists. Alternatively, you can create a lobby for others to join. At the time of this review, it was too early for the multiplayer section to be active, so I was unable to join anyone in an online race.

SBK 22 review

How many stages are there in SBK 22?

There are 12 rounds in SBK 22 in different locations, while there are 24 racing spots available. It’s challenging to put a time for how long it will take you to complete the career mode. If you practice, qualify, and race for each level, one stage can easily take you over an hour to complete, if not more.

SBK 22: Racing around the track

Here comes the tricky part of my SBK 22 review. Since I’m more of a car racer, learning how to race motorbikes for the first time was challenging. The developer definitely didn’t design the game for newbies. It’s time to share my gameplay experience with you.

SBK 22 racing lessons

Before you head to the Career or multiplayer sections, SBK 22 asks you if you’d like to play the tutorial to get the hang of the controls. There are beginner and advanced training areas. Besides showing you how to play, you’ll also receive tips for cornering and braking at high speeds.

I wasn’t able to complete the tutorials. I struggled with how the bike handled on the track and failed the second lesson. It required me to stay on the line and finish within a time limit, which I finally succeeded in doing after an hour of trying. 

When I told it to continue, it replayed the lesson instead and wiped my tick from the board. Infuriated that it didn’t want to acknowledge my success, I rage quit the tutorial.

SBK 22 review

Hitting the track, literally

I was able to play the Career mode without completing the tutorials. It’s clear the lessons are there for a reason, as I ended up wiping off the track several times. The issue is with the braking and cornering; well, for me anyway.

Even if I start applying both front and rear brakes long before the blue indicator line turns red, I still manage to turn into the corner and crash off the track. I swear, I could start braking from the other side of the country, and I would still fail to take a sharp corner.

Hyperboles aside, I’m used to F1 cars responding as I like when I hit a corner. You brake and slow down, aim for the apex, and then hit the throttle as soon as you exit. Not with SBK 22. You brake, and brake, and brake, and eventually release the brake so you can corner…just to keep going ahead off the track. Your character leans to the side like he’s cornering for his life, and yet you still go off.

SBK 22 review

Gameplay assists

You would think the gameplay assists would be of some help in SBK 22. While it has a setting for using both brakes simultaneously with one button, you’ll still need to brake long before you reach the corner. The on-track line indicator is useless, as you need to brake ages before it tells you if you want to make the corner. If you wait until it turns yellow, it’s too late.

SBK 22 review

Keyboard vs controller

Using the controller for SBK 22 was easier for me. It allowed me to use the triggers to control how much throttle I wanted to apply, which you can’t do on a keyboard. Racing games in general perform better with a controller. However, nothing helped me perfect those corners unless I was crawling like a snail and losing valuable time.

Setting up your bike in SBK 22

When you’re in the pits/garage or at your factory, you can make minor adjustments to your bike. Since I know nothing about superbikes or what changes to make, I steered clear of it. Veterans of motorcycle racing will have an easier task of establishing a winning setup, so it’s clear this game isn’t made for beginners.

SBK 22 review

Climbing the ranks

The objective of SBK 22 is to collect as many points on race weekend and rise in the championship ranks. You can restart the weekend or event as many times as you like. If you crash, you can use a rewind button to go back and try the corner again. At least you can keep trying until you’re satisfied with the results.

SBK 22 review

Games like SBK 22

There are many other racing games I can recommend over SBK 22, mostly where they don’t involve motorbike track racing. F1 2022 is on the top of my list to get, which was released in July this year. If you enjoy some offroad action, try MX vs. ATV Reflex for a change of pace. At the moment, I’m obsessed with Need for Speed: Heat and unlocking more cars and accessories.

SBK 22 PC requirements

If you want a decent run in SBK 22, you’re going to need a high-performing graphics card to handle the visuals and effects. You’ll also need quite a bit of storage, but I wouldn’t say it’s a lot. Playing it on Windows 11, I didn’t experience any lag in performance.

  • OS: Windows 10
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-6700 (4 * 3400)/ Ryzen 5 3550H (4 * 2100)
  • Graphics: Radeon R9 390X (8192 VRAM)/GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (6144 VRAM)
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Storage: 12 GB

Realistic visuals and sounds

The one element of SBK 22 you’ll probably not pay much attention to while racing is the surrounding environment. If you can peel your eyes away from the track for a moment, you’ll discover how many details there are. Even the garage and factory have beautiful visuals.

Realistic visuals and liveries

Where SBK 22 outshines the competition is with the liveries and visuals. It will look like you’re on a real superbike, racing down the track with the fans adoring you. Even the racers look pretty good, in the factory and on the bike. 

SBK 22 review

Beautiful tracks and environments

The tracks and buildings also look spectacular in SBK 22. You might want to pull over to the side and just spend time admiring how much work the developers put into the game. There are even dirt run-off areas for when you go off the track, which you’ll do plenty of. Even crashing presents realistic visuals.

SBK 22 review

Roaring sounds

Fans of the real SBK 22 championships will love the sound of the engine around the tracks. You’ll hear it rev high and low as you take corners and speed on the straights. The pits also have accompanying realistic sounds, while you wait anxiously to get back on the road.

SBK 22 review

Final Verdict of SBK 22

As you can tell from my SBK 22 review, I have mixed emotions about the racing game. On the one hand, I want to enjoy it as much as the Formula 1 series. The excitement of winning the championship is there, but there’s just too much frustration. I feel like I need training wheels just to get the hang of slowing down and turning bikes into corners. If you’re used to motorbike games, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the bikes and tracks.

There are other games I’ve reviewed that I enjoyed more, which you can see on my Shaun M Jooste Softonic page. You’ll also see guides and news listed there. My favorite games I’ve reviewed so far are Metal Hellsinger, Mirror Forge, and Dune: Spice Wars.

Pros

  • Based on real tracks and racers
  • Presents realistic graphics and physics
  • Career provides a progressive experience
  • Stunning sounds and effects

Cons

  • Handling can be challenging even on easy
  • Tutorial doesn’t really help
  • Not for newcomers to the motorbike racing scene

Developer: Milestone S.r.l.

Publisher: Milestone S.r.l.

Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer

Platform reviewed: Windows 11 – Steam

Microsoft wants Teams to be a part of your defense against phishing scams

Phishing scams, which see scammers trying to trick you into clicking links to fake websites or downloading corrupted files have become increasingly prominent and sophisticated in recent years. Furthermore, scammers know that if they target you at work rather than at home, they can potentially tap into a much higher potential reward pool, which mean that businesses and workplaces are now taking phishing scam protection more seriously than ever. Microsoft is looking to bolster your jobs’ phishing scam defenses and wants you to help out.

Microsoft Teams Download Now

To help you become a bigger part of those defenses, Microsoft is adding an update to Microsoft Teams that will make it easier for you to report phishing scams while at work. An entry on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap explains that the software giant is working on an update that will allow users to report suspicious messages they receive on Teams.

The update will bring the reporting capabilities for Microsoft Teams messages as users already have with email, which should give businesses the chance to close down potential scams from reaching a wider audience among their workforces.

According to the entry, the updated Microsoft Teams feature should be ready for a general rollout in January 2023 and will be released worldwide to all Microsoft 365 subscribers and users via the Microsoft Defender security program. However, there is already a preview version of the new reporting feature already available.

In other Microsoft news, the company has been working on updates for Windows 11 that will make the operating system much more difficult to break into using brute force attacks.