GOG.com announces the commencement of their 2019 winter sale, offering up to 95% off on over 2500 deals. They are actually offering up to 100% off if you count the fact that they are giving away free copies of Wasteland 2 Director's Cut Digital Classic Edition as part of the festivities. Here's a rundown:

It doesn’t matter if you can see the white caps of snow outside or if you are spending the holidays in a tropical paradise, the time has come for the annual Winter Sale on GOG.COM! Along with it, arrives a sleigh of great offers for DRM-free games, completion bundles, and freebies!
Start your visit on the front page by claiming a free copy of Wasteland 2 Director's Cut Digital Classic Edition. It’s the successful sequel to the first-ever post-apocalyptic tactical RPG created by now legendary game designer Chris Avellone. The game comes with a serial key for the original Wasteland from 1988 as a bonus goodie, so you get two games with just one click. This giveaway lasts until December 13th, 2 PM UTC.

BONEWORKS is now available on Steam, offering Stress Level Zero's new experimental physics VR adventure that makes use of props and environments familiar from Valve games. This requires a virtual reality headset, and, according the listing, a little prior familiarity with the genre: "This game demonstrates advanced VR mechanics and concepts, players are recommended to have previous VR experience and understanding of common VR gameplay principles before proceeding." Here's the Launch Trailer, and here's more:

BONEWORKS Is a narrative VR action adventure using advanced experimental physics mechanics. Dynamically navigate through environments, engage in physics heavy combat, and creatively approach puzzles with physics.

• Advanced Physics: Designed entirely for consistent universal rules, the advanced physics mechanics encourage players to confidently and creatively interact with the virtual world however you want.
• Combat: Approach combat in any number of ways you can think of following the physical rules of the game's universe. Melee weapons, firearms, physics traps, environments, can all be used to aid you in fights with enemy entities.
• Weapons, lots of weapons: Boneworks provides players with a plethora of physics based weaponry; guns, swords, axes, clubs, spears, hammers, experimental energy weapons, nonsensical mystery tools, and anomalous physics weapons.
• Interaction: Hyper realistic VR object and environment interaction.
• Story: Play through the game's mysterious narrative and explore the deep inner workings of the Monogon Industries' artificial intelligence operating system; Myth OS.
• Character Bodies: Accurate full IK body systems built from the ground up provide a realistic looking body presence and allow for a maximum level of immersion with physical interaction in the game space.

More feature information soon.

Continue here to read the full story.

AMD Support now offers new version 19.12.2 drivers for AMD graphics cards, which are now dubbed the Radeon Software Adrenalin 2020 Edition. This includes performance improvements in select titles, new Radeon software with an in-game overlay, a new boost function, enhanced anti-lag support, improved streaming to mobile devices, and more. Here's a rundown:

Support For

• Detroit: Become Human™
• Performance Improvements
  • An Average of 12% performance uplift in select titles with Radeon™ Software Adrenalin 2020 Edition 19.12.2 than with last year's Radeon™ Software Adrenalin 2019 edition launch driver. RS-327
• Radeon Software¹
  • Introducing the new Radeon Software. A brand new, modern, accessible and powerful gaming application.
  • Now available via Overlay using Alt+R for fullscreen or Alt+Z for sidebar while you game!
  • Gaming tab lets you access games stats, view or edit media, adjust game settings and launch your favourite games directly from Radeon Software.
  • Streaming tab gives you a new, powerful and easy to use streaming experience with controls for streaming, viewing and editing your stream all in one area.
  • Performance tab lets you get detailed statistics on your current system performance or overclock and fine tune your graphics product.
  • User profile system that allows easy configuration for Radeon Software features, so you don’t have to.
  • New Built-in web browser let’s you lookup important game information, walkthroughs or tutorials without having to leave your game.
• Radeon Boost²
  • Provides increased performance when fast motion is detected via dynamic resolution scaling with little to no perceptible change in image quality.
• Integer Display Scaling³
  • Scale images on screen from one pixel to four or more, allowing classic games to get a retro, pixel-art-style look.
• Radeon Anti-Lag⁴
  • Added support for DirectX®9 on pre-Radeon RX 5000 series GPU’s.
  • Global activation toggle to easily enable across all supported games.
• Radeon Image Sharpening⁵
  • Added support for DirectX®11 games.
  • Added controls for degree of sharpness.
  • Toggle on/off supported while in game.
• AMD Link⁶
  • Play your PC games anywhere on any mobile device without the restriction of being connected to the same home wireless network.
  • Cleaner interface with a unified Radeon Software look, now available across all AMD Link enabled devices.
  • All streaming functionality has been moved to one area for easier access.
  • Improved bit-rate support at up to 50Mbps.
  • x265 game streaming is now supported for better image quality and less bandwidth.
  • Instant GIF support added directly from your device.
• Radeon Software Installer⁷
  • ‘One-click’ easy setup with a new and improved factory reset option.
  • New option to keep your settings between installations, including during factory reset.
  • Improved install times and error detection.
• DirectML Media Filters⁸
  • Visual noise reduction to apply on photos and upscaling filters available to apply on photo and media content directly from your Radeon Software media gallery.

The Winter Wonderland 2019 Event is now underway in Overwatch, bringing some seasonal cheer to Blizzard's multiplayer first-person shooter. This features the return of the Yeti Hunter and Mei's Snowball Offensive brawls, as well as a new mode called Snowball Deathmatch. This also includes festive gear to be found in special winter loot boxes, and everyone who logs in during the event will receive one loot box for free. There is also the chance to earn three different weekly rewards:

Each week during the 2019 Overwatch Winter Wonderland event, complete a challenge to unlock rewards including a new skin. This week collect the Soldier: 76 Ugly Sweater skin—just win nine games in Quick Play, Competitive Play, or the Arcade by December 17. You can also unlock a player icon and sprays to showcase your skills.

• PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS -- PC Update 5.3 - Now on the Test Server.

• Apex Legends pro Dizzy quits esports to focus on streaming.
• ONE Esports Dota 2 Singapore World Pro Invitational Info, Groups And Schedule.
• Christmas is coming to gamigo with eleven wonderful events.

• PlayStation 4 Firmware Update 7.01 Is Out Now.
• Xbox Support’s New Site- Smarter, Faster and All About You.
• Headliner: NoviNews Is Now Available For Xbox One.
• Metaloid: Origin Is Now Available For Xbox One.
• Bethesda's Doom 1 & 2 console ports adding Final Doom, Sigil for free.
• Dauntless Adds Escalation Hunts and a New Behemoth – PlayStation.Blog.
• Nintendo News: Tetris 99 Hard Drops a Free Update With Team Battle Mode and Additional Features in Lead-up to 10th MAXIMUS CUP.
• Nintendo Switch goes on sale in China with just one first-party game.
• MLB, MLBPA, Sony Interactive Entertainment & San Diego Studio Announce Multi-Year, Multi-Platform Video Game Partnership Extensions.

• The Snapdragon 865 will make phones worse in 2020, thanks to mandatory 5G.
• Black Desert Mobile launches worldwide on iOS and Android.
• Waze just launched an awesome new feature that Google Maps should totally steal.

• Can 5G replace everybody’s home broadband?
• YouTube bans 'malicious insults and veiled threats.'
• Is Alexa Always Listening? How Amazon, Google, Apple Hear, Record.
• Google: The most searched for questions and phrases of 2019 revealed.
• Twitter will no longer destroy the quality of uploaded JPEGs.

Thanks Ant.

• Apple security updates.
• American Express Uses Deep Learning for Better Decision Making. Thanks Hypothermia.
• A Look at How Backblaze Buys Petabytes of Hard Drive Storage. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• Nikon Is Killing Its Authorized Repair Program. Thanks Slashdot.
• Autodesk Maya and Arnold Now Shipping with RTX On. Thanks Hypothermia.
• AOC Reveals Two 34-Inch Curved Gaming Monitors- Up to 144 Hz & FreeSync.
• Intel’s Continued Commitment to Transparency and Equity at All Levels. Thanks Hypothermia.

Thanks Ant.

• Microsoft to end updates to Windows 7's free AV software, Security Essentials.
• Chrome will now warn you if your password's been stolen as soon as you type it in.
• Plundervolt: New Attack Targets Intel's Overclocking Mechanisms. Thanks Simon.
• Beware of bad Santas this Xmas: Piles of insecure smart toys fill retailers' shelves.
• Report: McAfee Wants to Buy NortonLifeLock.
• Genetic genealogy company Gedmatch acquired by company with ties to FBI & law enforcement—why you should be worried.
• China replace Windows PCs for government use for security reasons. Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Internet provider faces big GDPR fine for lax call centre checks.
• Members of child abuse WhatsApp group arrested in 11 countries.
• Huawei's CFO wins Canada court fight to see more documents on her arrest.
• Alleged Nigerian social engineer wins free flight to the US for business email fraud and love scams.
• Youtube copyright trolls Adrev claim to own a homemade MIDI rendition of 1899's Flight of the Bumblebee.
• $722 million 'too big to fail' crypto Ponzi scheme just failed.

• Dragon Quest Builders 2 review - PC Gamer.
• Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries im Test - Dicke Mechs, dünne Kampagne - GameStar.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries Review - Gaming Nexus.
• MechWarrior 5 angespielt: Chaos, Kneten und Kolosse - heise online. German.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries review - IGN.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries Review - Niche Gamer.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries review - PC Gamer.
• MechWarrior 5’s combat is on target, but other parts fall flat - Polygon.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries review - Rock Paper Shotgun.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries Review - TechRaptor.

• Antec Performance Series P120 Crystal Mid-Tower Case Review — Modders-Inc.
• ASRock Radeon RX 5700 XT Taichi X 8G OC+ Graphics Card Review - Overclocked Inside.
• Elgato Stream Deck XL - LanOC Reviews.
• RAVPower Portable SSD Review - TweakTown.
• ROCCAT Kone Pure Ultra Mouse Review - TechPowerUp.

• Redbox stops renting video games, and will stop selling them too…
• Resident Evil 2 Remake Has Outsold The Original RE2…

Only two weeks to go until Christmas? Where does the time go? The answer, of course, is time goes into the internet. On that theme, the 'net seems to have eliminated the old "this many shopping days until Christmas" PSAs... with online shopping there are basically 14 more shopping days up to, and including, Christmas. Happy holidays!

Holiday Links:	Thanks Ant.
Links:	Greta Thunberg: TIME's Person of the Year 2019.
Stories:	All the lonely people: Why more of us will feel disconnected than ever before. Revered by Aztecs, Mexican hairless dog in style again in hipster era. Thanks Neutronbeam.
Science:	Is Earth Getting Bigger Over Time? Thanks j.c.f. Data from the International Space Station confirms: Lightning is insane. Thanks Neutronbeam. Water is ‘common’ on alien worlds, scientists say in finding that could transform search for extraterrestrial life.
Media:	Ghostbusters: Afterlife Trailer. Rookie thieves pull off a very silly heist. Thanks Boing Boing. Lamplocked.

A post on the PlayStation.Blog announcing an April 24, 2020 release date for Predator: Hunting Grounds also reveals that the game is coming to PCs in addition to PlayStation 4. This also notes the game will feature a female predator, who is shown off in this trailer that accompanies the news. Here's part of the announcement:

Are you ready to enter the hunting grounds on April 24, 2020? We are so excited to bring the Predator** universe to both your PlayStation 4 system and PC next spring. We have been eagerly awaiting this State of Play announcement because there has been so much we couldn’t wait to share with the community. And now we get to show you a ton! If you haven’t seen the latest State of Play, be sure to check it out to see our new trailer that focuses on the Predator.

One of the secrets we have been keeping since announcing Predator: Hunting Grounds has been the inclusion of the female Predator.

When we first came up with what this game would be, I knew we had to create a world where this ultimate female warrior would exist too. We had fun imagining her back-story which helped us create a fierce warrior that any gamer will have fun playing. She is agile, fast, and relentless. She is a huntress without fear and she thrives in the hunt. In the trailer we see her with a weapon that IllFonic created, the Yautja Bow.

Continue here to read the full story.

Celebrating the anniversary of the game's release one year ago, a free weekend is now underway on Steam for Insurgency: Sandstorm, the team-based tactical first-person shooter. The free period runs from now until a week from today, and the game is also on sale for half off. An Anniversary Trailer illustrates the news, which follows:

Insurgency: Sandstorm, the smash-hit indie FPS from New World Interactive, celebrates its 1-year anniversary today! To mark the occasion, players can enjoy a 50% discount and dive into a whole week of Insurgency: Sandstorm action for free from December 10 to 17. To thank the 1 million players who joined the fight, we’re releasing today’s Anniversary Trailer for an explosive rundown of the new content and features that have arrived since launch, as well as a taste of what’s still to come.

Joining the wealth of new content released over the last year, there are still many more free updates planned as we go into 2020. This includes night maps, new weapons, more customisation features, Co-op and PvP game modes, as well as an alpha level editor and mod tools. Last week’s Update 1.5 is also now live, bringing a number of optimisation improvements, matchmaking changes, and the new Domination game mode. For more information, take a look at the complete patch notes here.

The Insurgency: Sandstorm free week runs on Steam from December 10 to 17, with a 50% discount available throughout.

Continue here to read the full story.

The Passage is a new DLC pack that's now available on the Epic Games Store for Anno 1800, the latest installment in Ubisoft's historical strategy series. This is included in the game's season pass for those who own that. Word is: "Take to the skies with your airships and use new production chains and goods to create an arctic outpost that will withstand the cold of the Passage." They also announce a free trial week for the game will begin tomorrow, and the client for this can be pre-downloaded through this page. Here's a trailer for the new DLC and here are all the details:

Today, Ubisoft announced that Anno 1800™, the latest installment in the successful city-building and strategic franchise, is releasing its third DLC, The Passage, included in the season pass, on Windows PC. Inviting players to the frozen north, The Passage is the largest content release for Anno 1800. In addition to The Passage, players can also experience the new co-op mode and in-depth statistics system as accompanying free updates. Finally, new players will be able to discover and play Anno 1800 for free on Uplay and the Epic Games Store for a week, from December 11–18.

The Passage brings an all-new dimension to the world of Anno 1800, inviting players to conquer the Arctic. Harsh weather conditions bring an entirely new element to the gameplay, alongside the new heating mechanic that will encourage players to rethink their approach to creating layouts, as they will have to now keep their residents warm and healthy. For the first time, players will be able to construct a fleet of airships that will speed up trade across their entire empire. The new region is an exciting adventure for everyone, but a true challenge for achievers who want to conquer the wasteland in order to reap significant rewards. The Passage brings new gameplay mechanics, such as conquering the sky with airships, two new citizen tiers, seven new production chains, 32 new buildings, 60 new quests, 80 new items and much more.

Beginning tomorrow, December 11, until December 18,* players will be able to discover Anno 1800 (including Tier 1 to Tier 3) for free on Uplay and the Epic Games Store. Players can also experience the base game along with two new features releasing today as free updates for all Anno 1800 players:

• The co-op mode will allow players to share the responsibilities of raising and managing an industrial empire. Up to four factions will be able to compete in the same match with up to 16 players.
• An in-depth statistics system shows players detailed stats on production and consumption of all their goods across all islands.

With the holiday season approaching, Anno 1800 is bringing some cheerful spirit with the all-new Holiday Pack, which allows players to decorate their cities in a festive style. This DLC pack includes a wide range of cosmetics with 23 new items. Between the festive carousels, Christmas trees, snowmen, lanterns and more, players can transform all industrial cities into a holiday wonderland.

Continue here to read the full story.

Blizzard announces the new Descent of Dragons expansion is now live in Hearthstone, adding 135 new cards to their card-based strategy game. Word is: "This action-packed card set sends players to the skies above Dragonblight for a thrilling aerial battle between the League of Explorers—Hearthstone’s plucky band of treasure-hunting heroes—and Archivillain Rafaam’s nefarious League of E.V.I.L." This press release on the news has all the details, including how to get in on some of this action for free:

Starting today, Hearthstone players who log in will receive three Descent of Dragons card packs and all five Galakrond Hero cards free, along with two neutral Shield of Galakrond minions featuring the new Invoke keyword.* Players can also rack up an epic assortment of rewards upon completing a series of six new Legendary daily quests—five additional Descent of Dragons card packs, two Rise of Shadows™ card packs, two Saviors of Uldum™ card packs, and 200 gold in total.

New free DLC called Toby's Dream is now available for on Steam for Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince, the latest installment in the platformer series. This post has all the details on the adventure for Toby the doggie this adds to the mix, offering this trailer to show him off. Who's a good boy? Here's the answer:

Woof woof! Toby's Dream DLC level is now available for everyone who owns Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince. Toby the dog, as previously seen in Nine Parchments, has his own adventure in Heatherwood Hall with the Three Heroes! Follow the pawsteps of Toby and help him find all the treats hidden in the castle and its gardens.

You can download the DLC for free through the Steam. To access Toby’s Dream in the game, complete the Prince’s Dream level of Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince and locate Toby’s Dream in the level selection map.

Continue here to read the full story.

AVICII Invector is now available for Windows on Steam. This is a rhythm/action game based on the work of Tim "AVICII" Bergling, the Swedish musician/DJ who took his own life last year. Here's word on what this is all about:

Fly solo or recreate the party feeling of an AVICII concert with heart-thumping, competitive gameplay.

Each track is built to perfectly match the on-screen visuals taking you through a musical odyssey of serene exploration.

Find your rhythm, feel the beat and keep the musical journey flowing.

• Master 25 hit anthems from the phenomenal talent of late superstar AVICII.
• Flow through SIX mesmerising worlds wrapped in a magnificent musical experience.
• Turn up the volume and set yourself a challenge across THREE complexity levels.
• Play solo or with up to 4 friends in split-screen multiplayer action.
• Lay down your high score and rise up the Global Leaderboards.
• Explore a pure-hearted narrative journey set against the globally celebrated works of AVICII.
• Support The Tim Bergling Foundation with a percentage of sales going to support mental health awareness.

• Humble Paradox Management Bundle (pay what you want and help charity).
• Steam Daily Deal - Telling Lies & Her Story, up to 90% Off.
• Steam Daily Deal - Hurtworld, 65% Off.

• Destiny 2 Update 2.7.0. Thanks MP1ST.
• Fallout 76: Update 16 Patch Notes – December 10, 2019. Thanks MP1ST.
• League of Legends Patch 9.24 notes.
• Teamfight Tactics patch 9.24 notes.
• Weedcraft Inc -- Freedom Update. Here's a trailer.
• WoW Classic: Warsong Gulch and Alterac Valley Now Live.

• The History of Quake with Tim Willits - Noclip.
• OVERPASS - Vehicle Trailer.
• Streets of Rage 4 - Adam Hunter.

• World of Humans by Timour Blary — Kickstarter. "World of Humans (temporary name) is a mixed concept between Management and RTS games. It gives you the opportunity of managing a civilization from prehistoric ages to future times."

• DayZ Livonia is Available Now on Xbox One.
• Untitled Goose Game is Coming to Xbox One December 17.
• AVICII Invector Is Now Available For Xbox One.
• Return to Jurassic Park: Stomp Around This Prehistoric Playground Today on Xbox One.
• Eternum Ex Is Now Available For Xbox One.
• Rift Keeper Is Now Available For Xbox One.
• Blacksad: Under The Skin Is Now Available For Xbox One.
• Pillars Of Eternity II- Deadfire - Ultimate Edition Is Now Available For Digital Pre-order And Pre-download On Xbox One.
• Ticket To Ride Is Now Available For Xbox One (And Available In Xbox Game Pass).
• Axiom Verge 2, Sports Story Among Many New Indie Games Coming to Nintendo Switch In 2020.
• Dauntless Launches Today On Nintendo Switch.
• Xbox Insider Release Notes - Delta and Omega Ring (1911.191205-1530).
• Xbox Insider Release Notes - Beta Ring (1911.191209-1940).
• This Week’s Xbox Deals With Gold And Spotlight Sale.

• The Windows Phone keeps ringing but no one's home: Microsoft finally lets platform die.

• AT&T raises DirecTV prices again despite losing millions of customers.

• Intel’s Manufacturing Roadmap from 2019 to 2029- Back Porting, 7nm, 5nm, 3nm, 2nm, and 1.4 nm.
• Here's what will happen to your Windows 7 PC on January 15, 2020.
• Apple’s most expensive Mac Pro costs $52,599. But can it run Crysis? Thanks Kxmode.
• Robots that can repair themselves and self-augment. And so it begins.

• Uploaded Ring footage reportedly provides location to the square inch.
• Pensacola confirms ransomware attack but provides few details.
• NordVPN boosts security with new bug bounty program.

• Epic Games files preemptive lawsuit against Dancing Pumpkin Man.
• Apple sues iPhone CPU design ace after he quits to run data-center chip upstart Nuvia. Thanks Hypothermia.
• Americans should have strong privacy-protecting encryption ...that the Feds and cops can break, say senators.
• Advertisers want exemption from web privacy rules that, you know, enforce privacy.
• University of Phoenix FTC settlement of $191 million for deceptive ads includes cancellation of student debt. Thanks Kxmode.

• The Year of PR Disasters…

Link of the Day: Romero is so wholesome <3. Thanks Ant.

Obituary: George Laurer, co-inventor of the barcode, dies at 94.

Capcom follows recent hints about plans for a Resident Evil 3 remake with an official announcement of an updated version of the survival/horror game. Word is this will come to Steam and consoles on April 3, 2020, and apparently preorders will begin soon as they mention an exclusive Classic Costume Pack will be a preorder bonus. Here's an Announcement Trailer and here's word:

Today on PlayStation’s State of Play broadcast, Capcom celebrated the 20th anniversary of the survival horror classic Resident Evil™ 3: Nemesis by unveiling a completely reimagined Resident Evil™ 3. On the heels of the award-winning Resident Evil™ 2, this highly demanded follow-up in the 94 million unit selling franchise once again utilizes Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine to complete the Raccoon City story arc. Resident Evil 3 stars Jill Valentine – one of video games’ most iconic heroines – as she escapes from a crumbling Raccoon City while being pursued by the unrelenting bioweapon Nemesis. Players can also participate in previously untold Umbrella experiments on the outskirts of Raccoon City in the included online asymmetrical multiplayer game Resident Evil™ Resistance, previously known as the working title Project Resistance. Resident Evil 3 will be available on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including Xbox One X and Steam on April 3, 2020.

Resident Evil 3 is set amidst the nightmarish outbreak of the T-virus, a biological weapon developed by the pharmaceutical company Umbrella Corporation. The game marks the debut of Nemesis – a towering humanoid bioweapon designed for both brutality and high-functioning intelligence – whose dogged hunt of S.T.A.R.S. member Jill Valentine made him an icon of the Resident Evil™ series. Armed with an arsenal of high-powered weaponry and wrapped in a black suit to hide his mutilated features, Nemesis will maim, pulverize or destroy any obstacle on the path to his target.

Continue here to read the full story.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is now available on the Epic Games Store, offering the chance to pilot your own BattleTech Mech in the first single-player MechWarrior action game in nearly 20 years. Here's a new Launch Trailer with some boffo cinematics, there's also a set of MechWarrior 5 Origins novellas on the official website. Here's the big picture:

Almost 20 years since the last single player MechWarrior game hit pilot’s PCs, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries from Piranha Games is now available for download on the Epic Games Store ($49.99 standard, $59.99 collectors edition.)

Additionally, the full suite of short stories leading up to the events in MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries have been released, and now an anthology collection of all eight is available: https://mw5mercs.com/novellas. The new and original series is penned by Randall N. Bills, author of over half a dozen novels, and whose led the publication of hundreds of sourcebooks and rulebooks set within the BattleTech and MechWarrior universe over the past two decades. (https://store.catalystgamelabs.com.)

Continue here to read the full story.

Seems review codes for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries must have gone out late, or an embargo is yet to pass, as this list is a little skimpy so far:

• Mechwarrior 5 Mercenaries Review "Buy, Wait for Sale, Rent. Never Touch?" - Angry Centaur Gaming.
• How MechWarrior’s return took me back to the early ‘90s mall in my mind - Ars Technica. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries Review - Attack of the Fanboy.
• MechWarrior 5- Mercenaries - Destructoid.
• All Systems Nominal — MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries review – GAMING TREND.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries Review - Fighting against the game - GameRevolution.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries Review - Overclockers Club.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries review - Dare to repair - PC Invasion.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries Review: A Little Too Robotic - Screen Rant.
• MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries PC review — Solid gameplay in a repetitive, boring world - Windows Central.

The NVIDIA website now offers new GeForce 441.66 WHQL-certified drivers, saying these are the game ready drivers for the just-released MechWarrior 5 Mercenaries. Word is these also include support for Detroit: Become Human and add a couple of new monitors to their roster of G-SYNC compatible displays:

Today, Piranha Games is releasing a new entry into the MechWarrior series of games that has developed a cult-like following, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries. GeForce gamers are game ready with the latest Game Ready Driver from NVIDIA. This driver also delivers the best experience in Detroit: Become Human and adds support for two additional G-SYNC compatible displays.

Two New G-SYNC Compatible Displays
The G-SYNC Compatible program expands the G-SYNC ecosystem and aims to bring consistency and educate consumers on which displays will provide a good entry level variable refresh rate (VRR) experience.

The list of G-SYNC Compatible displays increases to over 60 options with the addition of the MSI MAG251RX and ViewSonic XG270 monitors.

Return To Jurassic Park is now available on Steam, offering a new expansion for Jurassic World Evolution, Frontier Developments' game based on the movie franchise. As the name implies, this brings the series back to its roots, bringing the characters from the first film back to its setting. This involves voice acting from the original cast, so the virtual versions of Dr. Alan Grant, Dr. Ellie Sattler, and Dr. Ian Malcolm may as well be created from DNA trapped in amber. The Launch Trailer features a look at gameplay, and the following description has more details on the add-on and an accompanying free update:

In Jurassic World Evolution: Return to Jurassic Park, players step back in time to 1993 and return to Isla Nublar and Isla Sorna to rebuild the original Jurassic Park. After being charged to restore order to the islands, Dr. Hammond convinces Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) and Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) to return, reclaim, and rebuild the destroyed Park and successfully open the towering Main Gates to the public.

Dive into an original story set after the events of Jurassic Park in this latest premium DLC pack for the immersive simulation game, Jurassic World Evolution. Face external sabotage attempts, tackle exciting challenges, hatch all-new dinosaurs, the Compsognathus and Pteranodon, build rides and attractions including the Aviary and the Jurassic Park Tour, and balance guest needs once the Park is opened to the public. Additionally, replay all existing Jurassic World Evolution challenge and sandbox levels with a 1993-inspired inventory. For a full list of all new items and features, visit the Frontier forums here.

Alongside the Jurassic World Evolution: Return to Jurassic Park premium DLC pack, existing players will receive a free update including changes to the ranger interactions with dinosaurs, guest restroom needs and general fixes and tweaks. Players must already own a copy of Jurassic World Evolution in order to download free content updates.

Continue here to read the full story.

Ubisoft announces title update 6.1 is now available for Tom Clancy's The Division 2, bringing new content to the tactical shooter, including some seasonal content. This also includes the beta version of a new hardcore mode. Here's word:

Today Ubisoft announced that Title Update 6.1 (TU 6.1) for Tom Clancy’s The Division® 2 is now available for all players. TU 6.1 includes a themed in-game event, Situation: Snowball. Take down elusive enemies wearing Santa Hats and they will drop a new, exclusive weapon (called “The Sleigher”) that shoots snowballs.

As part of the in-game holiday event, all players logging in the game between now and January 7 will get their own Santa Hat to celebrate the holiday season.

The Silent Night Apparel Event is also included in TU 6.1, bringing with it a dark winter theme. The Silent Night apparel cache features 35 new apparel items to collect. All players who log into The Division 2 during the event receives one free cache key, with Year One Pass holders earning an additional three keys as a bonus, available until the event ends.

Starting with the Silent Night apparel event, players now have the option to purchase Apparel Event caches with Premium Credits and directly send them as gifts to friends and clan members.

In addition, a beta version of the new Hardcore Mode is part of TU 6.1. In this new mode, death is permanent, making the entire The Division 2 campaign the ultimate challenge for Agents. Since there is no chance to respawn, Division Agents must be tactical and careful to see how far they can get. Play in co-op for a better chance to reach endgame and overcome Washington D.C. threats and enemies.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD is now available on Steam, offering a remastered version of this 3D platformer. This trailer offers a look at the game, and this one shows off Sonic the Hedgehog, who is an unlockable character. Here's word:

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD revitalizes this classic title with updated graphics (480p > 1080p at 60fps) and optimized controls for each platform. Motion controls from the original Banana Blitz have been removed in favor of tightened analog controls, making it a breeze to jump in and start rolling through the game's 100 levels.

About Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD:

• Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is Back in HD: Originally released on the Wii in 2006, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD reinvigorates the original game with 100 single-player stages, 10 multi-player mini-games, revamped control schemes, updated graphics, and more.
• Online Leaderboards: A first for the series, players can now compete with others around the world through online leaderboards for a pair of all-new single-player modes, Time Attack and the Mini-Game Decathlon Score Attack modes.
• No Monkey Business - Play Your Way: Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam. With uniquely optimized control schemes for each platform, everyone from first-time rollers to world-record holders can jump right in to the fun.

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Publisher/developer Yokogosystems announces ReversiQuest2, a single-player JRPG where the combat is based on the classic board game Reversi. This is expected to come to Windows PCs via Steam on January 7th. The game is shown off in this trailer which includes exploration and combat. Here's word:

ReversiQuest2” is a tactical board RPG featuring a strategic battle system based on Reversi and a simple Japanese Sugoroku style stage. It is also a Google Indie Game Festival 2018 Top 20 award-winner and the sequel to “ReversiQuest” which is available on the Xbox One. There is no need to know the previous “ReversiQuest” to enjoy “ReversiQuest2.”

Advance through Sugoroku-like fields full of gimmicks and progress through the story while battling with Reversi! Even those who are unskilled at Reversi have boundless ways to win! The strategies exist indefinitely, so there are various ways to enjoy the game!

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• The Witcher - Character Introduction: Geralt of Rivia - Netflix. Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Heroes of the Storm AMA - December 5, 2019.

• Transport INC. Real-world map data in a transport game! by Games Operators — Kickstarter. "Have you ever thought about what it would feel like running a transport company controlling busses, trains, and planes? If so, let us introduce you to Transport INC. a game where you can do all those things and more!"

• The DGC Esports Summit will take place from April 1-2 in Dubai. DGC, not to be confused with GDC.
• High School Esports League Fall 2019 Playoffs Schedule.
• Doomworld 2019 Cacowards. Thanks Ant and Frans.

• What’s New in Chrome 79, Arriving Today.
• Microsoft will shut down to-do app Wunderlist on May 6th. Thanks Neutronbeam.
• How AIM, the original killer app, reshaped the internet. Thanks Digg.
• The Influencer and the Hit Man. The mind boggles. Thanks Digg.

Thanks Neutronbeam.

• In surprise breakthrough, scientists create quantum states in everyday electronics. Thanks Max.
• If you're still running last year's Windows 10, prepare for a forced update soon.
• HPE Puts Heat On Dell In Server Market-Share Battle.
• Intel Core i9-10900K- 10C-20T CPU + Z490 platform drops in April 2020.
• Away replaces CEO Steph Korey after Verge investigation.

• Morels: The Hunt - Christ Centered Gamer.

• ABKONCORE B1000R Real 5.2 Gaming Headset - Nikk Tech.
• ADATA XPG Summoner Keyboard Review - TechPowerUp.
• Corsair Carbide 275R Tempered Glass Case Review — Modders-Inc.
• Cougar Helor 240-360 CPU Liquid Cooler Review - AnandTech.
• iStorage DatAshur PRO2 Flash Drive Review - ThinkComputers.org.
• LaCie Rugged BOSS SSD 1TB SSD - TweakTown.
• Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. M Wireless Keyboard Review - Mad Shrimps.

• The Roots of Doom Mapping: An Evolution of Level Design Through the Most Influential WADs Ever Made. Thanks Frans…
• Get well soon to CarBot, who tweets he is in the hospital. Hopefully it's nothing too serious…

Happy birthday DOOM! It was (brace yourself) 26 years ago today that id Software's influential first-person shooter was first released on December 10, 1993. As I've mentioned frequently, you would not be reading these words were it not for DOOM, as it was my love for DOOM and DOOM II that inspired me to start a website for QUAKE when it was still in development. So if you're sick of dad jokes, coffee disaster stories, and typos, don't blame me, blame John Carmack, John Romero, Tom Hall, Michael Abrash, Dave Taylor, Sandy Petersen, Adrian Carmack, Kevin Cloud, Shawn Green, Paul Radek, Gregor Punchatz, Jay Wilbur, Donna Jackson, and, of course, Bobby Prince.

Obituary: Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson dies aged 61.

DOOMed Links:	Thanks Ant.
Links:	How William Gibson Keeps His Science Fiction Real. Thanks Neutronbeam. Inside the Outrageously Prestigious World of Falcon Influencers. Thanks Digg.
Stories:	'They' declared 2019 'word of the year' by Merriam-Webster. NFL probing Patriots video crew at Bengals-Browns; source says it was feature shoot.
Science:	Scientists Find a Weak Spot in Some Superbugs' Defenses. Eat For 10 Hours, Fast For 14: Daily Fasting Helps People Slim Down, Study Finds. Thanks Slashdot. After Bone Marrow Transplant, Man’s Semen Contains Only Donor’s DNA. Thanks Max.
Media:	Why Snatch Blocks are AWESOME (How Pulleys Work). MotoBASE Jump. Please Watch These Cats Find Comically Innovative Ways To Make Their Way Through An Invisible Maze.
Follow-up:	Dentist who rode hoverboard while pulling tooth faces patient in court.
The Funnies:	Savage Chickens.