We receive a large number of cooler review requests each year, ranging from AIO liquid coolers to traditional tower air coolers. With so many products in circulation, we often put several models into a single multi-cooler roundup — which is exactly what we’re doing today. This time, we’re looking at new CPU air coolers from Cooler Master, CPS PCCOOLER, DeepCool, and Montech. These coolers are selected to represent a mix of sizes, designs, and performance targets. The question is, how well do they handle our current Ryzen 7 9800X3D test platform? Let's find out.

Cooler Master V4 Alpha 3DHP: $39.99 USD MSRP / £34.99 Expected UK Price

• Patented 3DHP heat-pipe architecture – The V4 Alpha 3DHP introduces Cooler Master’s “3DHP” layout: instead of conventional U-shaped pipes, the design places a third heat pipe in an offset position, improving fin-array saturation and enabling more efficient heat transfer.
• Push-pull dual-fan setup – The V4 Alpha is equipped with two 120 mm PWM fans configured for optimal airflow through, while maintaining compatibility with mid-tower cases in terms of clearance and installation.
• Engine-inspired styling with build integration in mind – The top cover and overall aesthetic resemble a V automotive engine, delivering visual presence without compromising components such as RAM clearance or motherboard compatibility.
• Strong performance at accessible price point – Positioned as a value-oriented cooler, the V4 Alpha 3DHP leverages advanced thermal architecture and dual-fan cooling to deliver enhanced performance without entering the premium pricing tier.

Specifications

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1151 / 1150 / 1155 / 1156 AMD: AM5 / AM4
• Dimensions: 133 x 114 x 161 mm
• Cooler Type: Air Cooler
• Heat Sink Material: Aluminium fins with 2 x 3DHP heat pipes
• Heat pipes: 2
• Fan Configuration: Dual fan (front + rear)
• Fan Size: 120 x 120 x 25 mm (both)
• Fan Speed: Front: 0–2050 RPM ±10%, Rear: 0–1850 RPM ±10%
• Fan Airflow: Front: 107.2 m³/h (63.1 CFM), Rear: 85.8 m³/h (50.5 CFM)
• Fan Static Pressure: Front: 2.69 mmH₂O, Rear: 1.77 mmH₂O
• Fan Noise Level: Front: 22.6 dBA, Rear: 20 dBA
• Fan Bearing Type: Loop Dynamic Bearing
• Fan Connector: 4-Pin PWM
• Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Fan Rated Current: Front: 0.12 A, Rear: 0.08 A
• Fan Power Consumption: Front: 1.44 W, Rear: 0.96 W
• Fan Safety Current: 0.35 A
• Fan MTTF: > 200,000 hours
• Warranty: 5 Years

Cooler Master Hyper 212 3DHP Black ARGB: $29.99 USD MSRP

• 3DHP Heat Pipe Architecture – The Hyper 212 3DHP ARGB is equipped with Cooler Master’s latest 3D Heat Pipe layout, for increased contact efficiency between the heat pipes and the fin stack. By improving how heat is distributed across the tower, the cooler aims to deliver stronger real-world thermal performance than traditional straight-line heat pipe designs.
• Compact Single-Tower Form Factor – Maintaining the well-known Hyper 212 footprint, the 3DHP model remains easy to fit into mainstream mid-towers and builds with tight RAM clearance. It aims to deliver stronger cooling performance without stepping up to the size and weight of a dual-tower cooler.
• 120mm ARGB PWM Fan Included – The included addressable-RGB fan provides customisable lighting effects while supporting PWM speed control for precise fan curve tuning. The blade design prioritises a balance of airflow and static pressure, aiming to keep noise levels sensible under load.
• Broad Socket Compatibility for Modern Platforms – The mounting hardware supports the latest Intel and AMD platforms, including AM5 and LGA1700, maintaining the Hyper 212 line’s reputation for flexibility and long-term compatibility across system upgrades.

Specifications

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 1151 / 1150 / 1155 / 1156, AMD: AM5 / AM4
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 133 x 86 x 158 mm
• Cooler Type: Air Cooler
• Heat Sink Material: Aluminium fins with 2 x 3DHP heat pipes
• Heat pipes: 2
• Fan Size: 120 x 120 x 25 mm
• Fan Quantity: 1
• Profile: Addressable Gen 2 RGB
• Fan Speed: 0–2050 RPM ±10%
• Fan Airflow: 107.2 m³/h (63.1 CFM)
• Fan Pressure (Max): 2.69 mmH₂O
• Fan Noise Level (Max): 22.6 dBA
• Fan Bearing Type: Loop Dynamic Bearing
• Fan Power Connector: 4-Pin PWM
• Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Fan Rated Current: 0.12 A
• Fan Safety Current: 0.35 A
• Fan Power Consumption: 1.44 W
• Fan MTTF: >200,000 hours
• Warranty: 5 years

CPS PCCOOLER RZ820: Available to purchase now from Amazon UK priced at £119.99 HERE

• Dual-tower configuration with eight heat-pipes (4 x 8 mm + 4 x 6 mm): The RZ820 uses a composite heat-pipe arrangement to support a rated TDP of 290 W, suggesting it’s geared towards high-end CPUs and heavy workloads.
• Two different-sized PWM fans (120 x 150 x 25 mm front + 140 x 140 x 30 mm middle): These offer different airflow and pressure profiles. Front fan max ~86.7 CFM at ~3.2 mm H₂O, middle fan ~71.9 CFM at ~2.12 mm H₂O to offer performance vs noise flexibility.
• Magnetic aluminium ARGB top cover & rail-mounted front fan for adjustable clearance: The top magnetic cover adds aesthetic polish, while the front fan’s sliding/rail mount allows the cooler to adjust for taller RAM module spacing.
• Large physical footprint: Dimensions of 161 x 150 x 165mm and a significant weight of 1.8kg underline that this is a high-end air cooler rather than a compact solution so users must verify case clearance and motherboard compatibility.

Specifications

• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 115X / 20XX, AMD: AM4 / AM5
• Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 161 x 150 x 165 mm
• Net Weight: 1,860 g
• Heat pipes: 4 x Φ6 mm + 4 x Φ8 mm
• Fan Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Fan Connector: 4-Pin PWM
• LED Type: ARGB
• LED Connector: 5V 3-Pin
• LED Rated Voltage: DC 5V
• LED Rated Current: ≤0.30 A
• LED Power Consumption: ≤1.5 W

Middle Fan Specifications:

• Dimension: 140 x 140 x 30 mm
• Speed: 400–1500 RPM ±10%
• Airflow: 71.9 CFM
• Air Pressure: 2.12 mmH₂O
• Noise Level: 27.1 dBA
• Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Rated Current: 0.1 A
• Power Consumption: 1.2 W

Front Fan Specifications:

• Dimension: 150 x 120 x 25 mm
• Speed: 500–2200 RPM ±10%
• Airflow: 86.7 CFM
• Air Pressure: 3.2 mmH₂O
• Noise Level: 32 dBA
• Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Rated Current: 0.2 A
• Power Consumption: 2.4 W

Deepcool Assassin IV VC Elite WH: £99.99 Expect UK MSRP

• Vapor-chamber base with seven heatpipes – designed to rapidly spread heat from the CPU across the heat pipes and the dual-tower fin array for optimal thermal transfer efficiency. This design supports high-end CPUs with TDPs up to 300 W, suitable for high-power workloads.
• Dual-tower heatsink with hybrid fan setup – A 140 mm main fan is paired with a 120 mm adjustable rear fan to provide a balance in airflow and static pressure. The rear fan can be repositioned on the heat sink to accommodate different case layouts, offering flexibility for complex builds.
• All-white aesthetic with clean top shroud – The cooler’s white-coated fins, fan frames, and top cover give it a sleek, premium look. The matte finish avoids reflections, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into all-white themed builds while appearing visually striking through a side-panel window.
• Flexible operational modes and straightforward mounting – Users can toggle between “Quiet” and “Performance” modes, adjusting fan speeds for lower noise or higher cooling output. The mounting system is compatible with most Intel and AMD sockets. Careful spacing ensures it avoids interference with RAM modules or nearby motherboard components.

Specifications

• Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 144 x 147 x 164 mm
• Heatsink Dimensions (L x W x H): 140 x 110 x 160 mm
• Net Weight: 1,772 g
• Supported CPU Sockets: Intel LGA 20XX / 1851 / 1700 / 1200 / 115X; AMD AM5 / AM4.
• RAM Clearance: On Intel (LGA1851/1700/1200/115X) and AMD sockets, “Unobstructed”; on Intel LGA20XX, clearance of 63 mm.
• Thermal Design Power (TDP) Rating: Up to 300 W.
• Heat pipe: Ø 6 mm x 7 pcs
• Fan Dimensions: 140 × 140 × 25 mm / 120 × 120 × 25 mm
• Fan Speed (Performance Mode): 500 ~ 1,800 RPM±10% / 500 ~ 1,700 RPM±10%
• Fan Airflow (Performance Mode):25 CFM / 58.06 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure (Performance Mode):76 mmAq / 2.1 mmAq
• Overall Noise (Performance Mode): ≤ 29.3 dB(A)
• Fan Speed (Quiet Mode): 500 ~ 1,450 RPM±10% / 500 ~ 1,350 RPM±10%
• Fan Airflow (Quiet Mode): 48.55 CFM / 46.75 CFM
• Fan Air Pressure (Quiet Mode): 2.46 mmAq / 1.35 mmAq
• Overall Noise (Quiet Mode): ≤ 22.6 dB(A)
• Fan Connector: 4‑pin PWM
• Bearing Type: Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Motor Type: 6-Pole Fan Motor
• Fan Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Fan Rated Current: 0.2 A / 0.2 A
• Fan Power Consumption: 2.4W / 2.4 W
• Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
• Power Consumption (Performance Mode): 4.8 W
• Power Consumption (Quiet Mode): 3.6 W

Montech NX600/NX600 ARGB: From $29.90 USD MSRP (Regular) or from $33.90 USD (ARGB)

• Dual-Tower Heatsink for Enhanced Thermal Capacity – The NX600 adopts a precision-built dual-tower design with 52 fins per stack for maximum surface area without restricting airflow. This approach aims to provide consistent, stable cooling performance under heavy workloads, particularly for modern high-core-count CPUs.
• MONTECH E28 Performance Fans Included – Both NX600 variants ship with MONTECH’s E28 fans, optimised for strong airflow and dependable static pressure. The standard model uses non-RGB PWM fans for an understated look, while the NX600 ARGB includes addressable RGB for users who want synchronised lighting control without compromising cooling efficiency.
• Six Copper Heat pipes with Soldered Copper Base – Heat is transferred from the CPU via six copper heat pipes connected to a precision-soldered copper base for even heat distribution, supporting the cooler’s ability to cope with higher TDP processors, contributing to long-term thermal stability.
• Refined Design with Broad Build Compatibility – The cooler is finished with a subtle top cover featuring visual accents and translucent elements, intended to balance appearance with practicality. The styling blends cleanly into both RGB-oriented builds and more reserved, minimalist systems.

Specifications

• Model Name: NX600 / NX600 ARGB
• Colour Options: Black / White
• CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel: LGA115X / 1200 / 1700 / 1851, AMD: AM4 / AM5
• Heatpipes: 6
• Included Fans: 2
• Fan Speed: 800 ~ 2000 RPM (±10%)
• Bearing Type: HDB (Hydro Dynamic Bearing)
• Rated Voltage: 12V
• Connectors: PWM 4-Pin (fan control) / ARGB 5V 3-Pin (lighting, ARGB model only)
• Max Airflow: 85.09 CFM
• Max Static Pressure: 3.35 mmH₂O
• Max Noise Level: 34.17 dBA
• Warranty: 1 Year

Ars Technica jumped the gun on Valve and built their own Steam Box, and described exactly how they managed it.  This is not a Bazzite build, which offers a similar experience to…

Chess is playable in Walkabout Mini Golf starting this Wednesday.

The playable activity is initially available in the VR version of the game in Upside Town and Venice, as well as in the Welcome Island.

The tabletop game joins a steadily growing list of activities inside Walkabout that can be played whether or not you engage with the core game of mini golf. In recent months the developers added slingshots, leaf blowers and bug nets to various areas, joining the existing hidden ball and "fox" hunts. Die-hard fans may have also noticed the stairs inside the shack on Welcome Island leading to an underground area styled as if it is for employees, with new areas opening up down there connecting to secret rooms all over the game.

With chess, Walkabout opens up its universe to tabletop board games. There's no comment yet from Mighty Coconut on whether they've got other tabletop games queued up yet, but you can use the menu on a course like Venice to quickly teleport to the chess board where you replace your club for a hand. Just pull the trigger to grab a piece and place it somewhere else on the board. There appears to be no enforced turn order or rulesets, so you can play with custom rules if you wanted.

Developers say the game board and pieces will retain their state in a multiplayer room as long as there's a player in it. In other words, the board will reset when the room isn't occupied. For players who use standalone headsets with streaming PCs to play a game like Walkabout, one could hypothetically leave a private room open on their PC and just put on the headset when they hear their friend enter the virtual room already open on there. It'd be a lot of work and wasted electricity to dedicate a PC for just this purpose, but a universe sounds nice that exists just for a friendly game of chess in Venice.

Which tabletop game do you want to see Walkabout add support for next? Let us know in the comments below.

It looks like 2026 could be a year of huge change for Apple. The company has employed just a handful of CEOs during its long history, and according to recent reports, they may need to search for a new one within the next year. 

The Financial Times reports that Tim Cook might be stepping down as CEO in 2026 and that John Ternus, Apple's Senior VP of Hardware Engineering, is believed to be a front-runner for the position. This would mark a major change for Apple, which has been led by Tim Cook since the passing of founder Steve Jobs in 2011.

Under Cook, Apple's market cap has continued to grow, currently sitting just shy of $4 trillion USD. As noted by The Verge, Cook was also responsible for Apple's shift towards outsourced manufacturing, allowing it to operate at a much broader, global scale. This has aided Apple's effort to capture the smartphone market, with iPhone sales continuing to be strong.

It wasn't all wins, however. Cook was also very bullish on Augmented Reality, but the Apple Vision Pro headset has not sold enough units to make mixed reality computing a true core pillar of Apple's business.

KitGuru Says: Apple has been more successful than ever under Tim Cook. It will be up to his successor to not derail that gravy train. 

The Game Awards has unveiled its full list of nominees for 2025, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Hades II emerging as frontrunners across multiple categories. The event will take place on December 11th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

In the coveted Game of the Year category, six titles are in contention: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Several of these also appear in Best Game Direction and Best Art Direction, underscoring their critical momentum.

Narrative-driven experiences are well represented, with Silent Hill f and Ghost of Yōtei joining Clair Obscur and Kingdom Come II in the Best Narrative category. Meanwhile, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades II headline Best Score and Music, alongside Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding 2.

On the performance side, nominees include Ben Starr, Charlie Cox, Erika Ishii, Jennifer English, Konatsu Kato, and Troy Baker — a mix of established and rising talent.

The genre-specific categories spotlight some of the year’s standout titles, with Ghost of Yōtei and Helldivers 2 nominated for Best Action, Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong competing in Best Action/Adventure, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II earning a nod for Best RPG. In Best Multiplayer, familiar heavyweights like Helldivers 2, Fortnite, and Battlefield 6 lead the field

Fans can already vote on which games they would like to see win in each category and of course, there are even more categories than the ones we've highlighted here, including categories for best mobile game, best adaptation, best VR game and more.

KitGuru Says: Which game do you think will win the coveted GOTY award this year?

Following a disappointing debut for Arrow Lake-S, Intel is reportedly preparing to revamp its desktop portfolio with three new “Plus” models. A recent report claims that the company is planning the Core Ultra 290K Plus, Core Ultra 270K Plus, and Core Ultra 250K Plus. These chips are expected to be the final products for the LGA 1851 socket before the company transitions to LGA 1954 for Nova Lake.

The new flagship Core Ultra 290K Plus will succeed the current Core Ultra 285K. According to VideoCardz, it features the same 8P+16E core count but with minor clock adjustments. The P-Core turbo clock speed gets a 100MHz bump to 5.6GHz, the E-Core turbo clock speed rises 200MHz to 4.8GHz, and the Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB) is now rated at 5.8GHz, up from 5.7GHz.

Things get more interesting with the Core Ultra 270K Plus, which replaces the Core Ultra 265K. This model increases the core count from 8P+12E to 8P+16E, matching the Core Ultra 9 SKUs. While it gets a 100MHz boost clock speed on the E-Cores, the other clock speed figures remain the same as its predecessor (P-Cores boost up to 5.4 GHz and TVB up to 5.5GHz).

Finally, the Core Ultra 250K Plus appears to be a minor update to the Core Ultra 245K. The configuration shifts from 6P+8E to 6P+12E, with a 100MHz increase in both P-Core and E-Core boost clocks, although the E-Core base speeds reportedly drop by 100MHz.

One reported change across all new SKUs is an updated memory controller, now claiming support for DDR5-7200, noticeably higher than the 6400MT/s spec on the initial Arrow Lake-S chips.

KitGuru says: Are you thinking of making the jump to an Intel Core Ultra CPU? 

Microsoft has announced its next Xbox Partner Preview stream, promising new trailers, updates, and world premieres from third‑party studios. The showcase will highlight upcoming projects from IO Interactive, Tencent, and THQ Nordic, alongside fresh Game Pass announcements.

The event will be broadcast on November 20th at 10AM PT / 1PM ET / 6PM GMT, streaming across YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and regional Xbox channels. Accessibility features such as subtitles in multiple languages, audio descriptions, and ASL support will be available, with narration provided by voice actor Jennifer English.

While the confirmed titles already cover a mix of stealth, dark fantasy, and horror, speculation is building around what else might surface. With THQ Nordic involved, fans are wondering if long‑rumored projects like a new Darksiders entry or updates on Gothic Remake could appear. Tencent’s presence raises the possibility of more Chinese‑developed action RPGs following the success of Black Myth: Wukong. Meanwhile, IO Interactive’s Bond game could be joined by additional footage from its ongoing Hitman: World of Assassination updates.

Konami’s Silent Hill 2 Remake is also likely to make an appearance, as an Xbox version of the game has appeared in multiple leaks recently.

KitGuru Says: Will you be tuning in to the next Xbox Partner Preview?

Arc Raiders has broken its concurrent player record on Steam for the third time since launch, climbing to nearly half a million simultaneous players this past weekend.

Embark Studios’ extraction shooter debuted at the end of October and immediately made waves. Within its first 24 hours, Arc Raiders surged past 250,000 concurrent players on Steam. This momentum continued into early November, when the game hit a peak of over 328,000 players, cementing its place among Steam’s most‑played titles. Just a week later, Arc Raiders surpassed 462,000 concurrents, overtaking Helldivers 2 and even edging past Battlefield 6’s weekend totals.

Now, the game has reached a new milestone: 481,966 concurrent players on November 16th, according to SteamDB. That figure places Arc Raiders among the top 25 all‑time peaks on Steam, ahead of titles like Fallout 4 and Among Us. Across all platforms, the game has already topped 700,000 concurrent users and sold more than 4 million copies worldwide.

Despite strong competition from recent shooters like Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Arc Raiders has managed to create a strong foothold amongst shooter fans. Now, Embark Studios just needs to focus on delivering on its post-launch roadmap to keep players engaged in the months ahead. Previously, Embark struggled in this aspect with its first title, The Finals, which lost a large chunk of players in the months post-launch.

KitGuru Says: Have you played Arc Raiders since launch?

Capcom has shed new light on Resident Evil Requiem, the upcoming third entry in the modern Resident Evil saga, with producer comments pointing to a darker, more traditional survival horror experience.

Speaking to Press Start, producer Masato Kumazawa said the team’s goal was to “put the horror back in survival horror”, dialing back the action‑heavy approach of Resident Evil Village in favor of tension, scarcity, and atmosphere.

Requiem is confirmed as the conclusion to the Winters arc, tying together narrative threads introduced in Resident Evil 7 and expanded in subsequent entries. The producer teased “long‑awaited answers” for fans who have followed this storyline since 2017, while also positioning the game as a launchpad for the next era of Resident Evil games.

Atmosphere is central to the design, with lighting, sound, and environmental storytelling used to create unease. Combat remains part of the formula, but resources will be limited, forcing players to make difficult choices. “We want players to feel vulnerable again”, Kumazawa said, noting that scarcity is a deliberate design choice to heighten tension and reward careful exploration. Influences include Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, though Capcom stressed Requiem is not a throwback. Instead, the game blends classic mechanics with modern presentation to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled to release on February 27th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), and Nintendo Switch 2.

KitGuru Says: Have you been keeping up with the modern Resident Evil games? Are you looking forward to Requiem?

MONTECH has announced the NX600 and NX600 ARGB, a new pair of dual‑tower CPU coolers aimed at delivering strong thermal performance at a competitive price. The company positions the NX600 series as a solution for high-TDP CPUs, with support for both Intel and AMD-based systems. 

The NX600 design uses a dual‑tower structure with 52 fins per stack, optimized for airflow and heat dissipation under heavy workloads. Six copper heatpipes and a soldered copper base transfer heat efficiently from the CPU to the fin array, supporting high‑TDP processors with consistent reliability. Cooling is handled by MONTECH’s E28 fans. The standard NX600 ships with two 120mm PWM fans for a clean, understated look, while the NX600 ARGB includes two addressable‑RGB versions of the same fans, adding lighting effects without compromising performance. Both models aim to balance noise levels with airflow, targeting builders who want dependable cooling without moving to liquid solutions.

Aesthetically, the NX600 series features a redesigned top cover with striped and translucent accents, intended to blend into both RGB‑heavy and minimalist builds. MONTECH highlights this as a way to offer visual appeal without overwhelming system design.

Compatibility covers Intel LGA115X, 1200, 1700, and the upcoming 1851 socket, alongside AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms. With its dual‑tower layout, copper base, and choice of ARGB or non‑RGB fans, the NX600 series enters the market as MONTECH’s latest attempt to compete with established air‑cooling brands while keeping pricing accessible.

The standard non-ARGB black and ARGB black versions of the cooler will be available in the UK via SCAN priced at £24.99 and £29.99 respectively. Over in the US, the white versions are also available in both ARGB and non-ARGB form.

KitGuru Says: Are you in the market for a new air CPU cooler? If you are on a tighter budget, these could be well worth checking out. 

SilverStone has unexpectedly unveiled its new FLP03 chassis at EXPO 2025 in Japan. This new model continues the company's retro line, offering a classic 80s beige-style PC look, but this time explicitly designed for micro-ATX motherboards.

The reveal came as a surprise, as the community was still awaiting the launch of its larger sibling, the FLP02. According to Tom's Hardware, SilverStone had delayed shipments of the FLP02 to coincide with its presentation at the Tokyo tech fair, making the appearance of a second, more compact model an unannounced bonus.

Image via @hermita_akiba

The FLP03 is visibly smaller than the FLP02 but maintains the key design elements of its predecessor, most notably the iconic front panel. This panel is fully equipped with power and reset buttons, a physical key lock, and a Turbo button, complete with LED indicators.

This reduction in size, however, comes with compatibility trade-offs. The FLP03 drops support for the SSI-CEB and standard ATX motherboards that the FLP02 could house. It also features fewer drive bays and expansion slots, as well as inferior compatibility with cooling components. Despite its new Micro-ATX focus, the FLP03 maintains a high level of compatibility with graphics cards up to 412 mm in length, CPU coolers up to 171 mm in height, and standard ATX PSUs. More details about the FLP03 are expected to be revealed during CES 2026.

KitGuru says: Do you like the retro aesthetics of SilverStone FLP series cases?

Intrepid Studios' long-in-development fantasy MMORPG, Ashes of Creation, is set to launch on Steam Early Access on December 11th. This move marks the next major phase for the game, which has been in various forms of intermittent testing since 2020.

In preparation for the Steam debut, the current Alpha 2 realms will be taken offline after a “send-off celebration” and will be wiped on December 1st. This will be preceded by Private Test Realms testing in late November to ensure the new build is stable for the Early Access launch.

During the announcement stream, the developers confirmed that existing customers with Beta 1 and Beta 2 access will be granted entitlements to play the game on Steam. However, for those who already own Ashes of Creation and are considering purchasing it again on Steam, the studio stated it is “investigating” potential alternate entitlements but has no firm plans to announce at this time. Moreover, Intrepid and Steam users will be able to play together.

Alongside the Early Access, the game will be getting the v0.18 Harbinger Update, which will introduce the new Harbinger system, open sea fishing, the Summoner archetype, QoL updates, a new Ren'Kai race, new world bosses, and mules.

KitGuru says: Have you ever played Ashes of Creation? If you didn't, will you do so when it gets on Steam Early Access?

Reality TV show Ninja Warrior is getting a VR game next month on Meta Quest headsets.

Initially debuted on Japanese TV as Sasuke in 1997, Ninja Warrior has since been remade in over 20 countries. The show is a test of skill and endurance for those who participate, tasking competitors with the need to overcome increasingly intense obstacle courses with the promise of a cash prize for the winner. It’s a concept with universal appeal that challenges people to overcome extraordinary feats of strength and attain victory.

This upcoming game is being developed by MyDearest in partnership with TBS Games, giving anyone a chance to compete in this virtual recreation. In the jump to virtual reality, players will take the form of a stylized ninja-like character in a cartoonish approximation of the real thing. Many of the recognizable obstacles from each stage of the competition make a return, and you must actively overcome these hurdles using full-body motion.

The intent is to not just make this a competitive title that supports up to 3 other players; MyDearest hopes to make a challenging exercise regimen that lets you feel the burn as you undertake these courses. The TV show's format of three stages plus a final stage is also present in the game, with variations and new stages being introduced in future updates.

Ninja Warrior VR will launch on December 18 on the Meta Horizon Store for $9.99.

After being completely spoiled by Camouflaj’s Iron Man VR and Batman: Arkham Shadow, one could be forgiven for going into Marvel's Deadpool VR with a dangerous cocktail of excitement and trepidation.

VR has already proven itself to be a spectacular vehicle for superhero power fantasy, and so far, Meta’s big-budget approach to the genre has landed well. With arguably Marvel’s most marketable antihero now getting the full VR treatment from Twisted Pixel Games, the bar of expectation couldn’t be higher. But while Deadpool VR absolutely nails the look, feel, and humor of the titular character’s comic-book world, it’s also a game that plays like its own punchlines: fantastic one moment, sometimes frustrating the next.

I May Be Super, But I'm No Hero

For anyone unfamiliar with Marvel’s ‘Merc with a Mouth,’ Deadpool is the perfect antihero: a wisecracking, fourth-wall-breaking mercenary with a healing factor to rival Wolverine’s and a mouth that could make a sailor blush. Deadpool VR stays true to that lineage.

Narratively, we’re not breaking any molds here; you (Deadpool) are kidnapped by an intergalactic TV producer with a flair for violence named Mojo. From here you are thrown into a carnage-clad reality show that splits your time between hunting down Marvel villains to join the show and competing in a series of Death Battle Arena mini-games. It’s all gleefully absurd and knowingly self-referential, but you can have too much of a good thing, especially if you stay in for longer sessions. I recommend breaking your playthrough into one or two-hour chunks to keep both the combat and the pithy dialogue fresh.

The story itself is little more than scaffolding for some profanity-laden chaos, letting the game bounce from one wildly stylized comic-book set piece to the next amidst an avalanche of eyebrow-raising, off-color dialogue. Thankfully, the script is funny and the performances are great, which stops Deadpool’s constant chatter from feeling intrusive, assuming you’re a fan. This is no small blessing due to the sheer volume of it that players will be listening to.  

Fourth Wall? What Fourth Wall?

At its heart, Deadpool VR is an arcade-style action game: a high-energy cocktail of hack-and-slash melee, over-the-top gunplay, and comic-book spectacle. Across its ten-to-twelve-hour campaign, you’ll carve your way through legions of thugs, demons, and cybernetically enhanced space zombies (because why not?) all the while juggling twin katanas, dual pistols, grenades, and a gravity gun that lets you toss enemies around like rag dolls.

You can also unlock new variants of these weapons, as well as new ‘special attacks’ once your 'viewer meter' charges, which will give you temporary access to some of Marvel’s most iconic weapons. From Thor’s hammer to Star-Lord’s blasters, these special weapons add even more flair to the carnage. Not to mention the fact that when you activate these specials, some ‘name brand psych-up songs’ start blaring over the top of the action.

For me, one of the game's highlights came the first time I accessed Gambit’s deck of kinetically charged cards while “You’re the Best” by Joe Esposito kicked in at full volume. It's one of the most gleefully nerdy moments in recent memory, leaving me grinning like an absolute idiot while I throw glowing purple death into waves of comic book ninjas, urged on by the soundtrack from The Karate Kid.

I Aim to Misbehave

My first impression of Deadpool VR was great. There’s something deeply satisfying about pinning an enemy to the wall with your sword, bouncing a pistol off an enemy’s face to reload it mid-air, and then slide-kicking into a group of bad guys. All while Deadpool artfully cracks wise in your ear. On paper, it’s everything you’d want from a Deadpool game: frenetic, over-the-top violence that borders on the absurd.

Unfortunately, the magic doesn’t hold. Beneath the spectacle lies a combat system that, for all its positives, feels disappointingly weightless. Weapons clip through each other, hands pass through the environments, and two-handed weapons feel like they’re made of paper. You can parry attacks, but the system feels inconsistent and finicky. Your swords pass through enemies without convincing resistance. This leaves melee encounters lacking the satisfying physicality found in titles like Asgard’s Wrath 2.

With gunplay, enemies are all varying shades of sponge. While you can finish off a bad guy with a clean shot to the head, headshots don’t seem to count for much at all until you deplete their health. This takes away any real need to try to finesse a fight. Just spray and pray, as it all ends up the same.

It’s this lack of nuance in the heat of battle that robs the world of a sense of physicality, relegating what should be a visceral dance of violence into something that after the first few hours begins to feel unfortunately shallow. The problem isn’t that the mechanics are broken; they just lack some impact. Combat looks spectacular, yet doesn't consistently feel it, and that disconnect grows more noticeable as the game goes on.

Time to Make the Chimichangas!

Twisted Pixel breaks up the action with platforming, mini-games, and tonal shifts that keep things unpredictable. Each level is themed around a different villain, bringing a fresh visual palette, though the basic loop remains consistent: kill waves of enemies, listen to (occasionally) lengthy exposition and move on. Occasionally there will be new interactive mechanics, but nothing cerebral enough that you could call a puzzle, and these parts just feel like VR busywork.

There were also a few repetitive sequences mixed in that feel like playtime padding at its most obvious. The game knows it, too. Deadpool even breaks the fourth wall to call out the “lazy game design” mid-mission. It’s funny, sure, but it doesn't stop these sequences from being a chore.

Between the main ‘acquisition missions,’ Deadpool also competes in Mojo’s “Battle Arena.” These sections are short, self-contained, mini-game style challenges that exist across a spectrum of entertainment. Some are genuinely fun (and even hint at multiplayer potential), while others feel more uninspired.

A Bad Guy Paid To F**K Up Worse Guys

The boss fights, unfortunately, are the weakest link in the action. They’re standard multi-phase bullet sponges, complete with Quick Time Event sections that drain any sense of danger or satisfaction. They’re functional but deeply forgettable (except for one), and for a game this focused on memorable action, that’s a shame.

Thankfully, Deadpool VR has a few cinematic set pieces that almost redeem this. The opening sequence, for example, is less about gameplay and more about tone-setting; it’s essentially a low-difficulty rail shooter while also being a pure burst of Deadpool energy that’s equal parts spectacle and slapstick.

Later, there’s a particular sequence featuring one of the game’s many Marvel Comics cameos that, although similar in terms of gameplay, still ranks among the coolest things I’ve done in VR this year. It’s these flashes of brilliance that remind you how much potential is buried under the game’s uneven execution.

Maximum Effort

Visually, I think it’s fair to say that I’m in love with Deadpool VR.

Twisted Pixel’s decision to go full comic-book cell-shaded pays off beautifully, delivering the best implementation of that style I’ve seen. Bold outlines, vibrant color palettes, and perfectly balanced shading make every scene feel like you’ve stepped directly into a Marvel panel.

Each environment bursts with character from its grimy back alleys to neon-soaked intergalactic arenas. While there isn’t much environmental interactivity, the sheer quality of the art direction makes up for it. The visual design alone is worth celebrating; it’s a genuine showcase of how comic-book aesthetics can thrive in virtual reality and is the perfect accompaniment to the quintessentially Deadpool tone that the game delivers so well.

Initially, Deadpool VR maintains solid frame rates, but as the set pieces grow larger and the enemy count spikes, performance begins to suffer. Late-game sequences, particularly those filled with explosions and higher enemy counts, see some serious issues. Things become pixelated and framerates drop to a point that really makes it hard to enjoy the action.

Cue the Music

If the visuals define Deadpool VR’s look, then the sound defines its character. The voice performances are universally superb, led by Neil Patrick Harris’s pitch-perfect turn as Deadpool. His comedic timing and delivery are on point, breathing a depth of personality into a game that could easily drown in its own irreverence.

Whether you love or hate the character’s relentless banter, there’s no denying that Harris absolutely gets Deadpool - to the point where it is easily on par with Ryan Reynolds in the films. That commitment is echoed from the voice cast across every supporting role, giving the entire game a premium, Hollywood-grade sheen.

For a game that will often trap you in static dialogue scenes, the entertainment value of the voice acting is what keeps you from giving the “Skip” button a workout. Had more of the main exposition been administered while you were free to play around, it wouldn't have affected the pacing so much and allowed players to better appreciate the excellent voice performances.

The soundtrack, meanwhile, is gloriously over-the-top, particularly in the special weapon sequences where pop anthems take over. Overall, the sound design heavily hints at big-time Marvel money in the production, with the overall score feeling like something straight out of one of the movies.

Marvel's Deadpool VR - Final Verdict

Deadpool VR is a paradox. It captures the antihero's essence perfectly but wraps it around mechanics that just never feel like they completely deliver - great presentation carrying combat that never quite lives up to its potential. It's also marred by performance issues that ultimately undermine the game's otherwise exceptional presentation. If Twisted Pixel can iron out these technical issues, I'd be inclined to give it a higher score.

If you love Deadpool in general or just want to step into the pages of a Marvel comic, then Deadpool VR is worth experiencing. When it works, it’s joyful, absurd, and seriously fun. When it doesn’t, it’s weightless, repetitive, and oddly empty, so temper your expectations: this isn’t the next Iron Man VR or Arkham Shadow. It’s something stranger, sillier, and rougher around the edges - much like the Merc with a Mouth himself.

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