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	<title>fps Archives - Shane the Gamer</title>
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		<title>Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Clarifies Skill Based Matchmaking &#8211; Here’s What’s Changing at Launch</title>
		<link>https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-sbmm-options-explained/</link>
					<comments>https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-sbmm-options-explained/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dimas Ibnu]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:19:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[eSports News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activision]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Black Ops 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Call of Duty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gaming news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[multiplayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[persistent lobbies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[playstation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ranked Play]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SBMM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[treyarch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[xbox]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.shanethegamer.com/?p=79008</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A New Direction for Matchmaking Treyarch has officially clarified how skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) will work in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, just days before its November 14 release. After weeks of heated discussion within the community, the developer has confirmed that most multiplayer playlists will not heavily factor in player skill, marking a major [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-sbmm-options-explained/">Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Clarifies Skill Based Matchmaking &#8211; Here’s What’s Changing at Launch</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="cb-itemprop" itemprop="reviewBody"><h3 data-start="135" data-end="172">A New Direction for Matchmaking</h3>
<p data-start="174" data-end="556">Treyarch has officially clarified how skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) will work in <em data-start="256" data-end="283">Call of Duty: Black Ops 7</em>, just days before its November 14 release. After weeks of heated discussion within the community, the developer has confirmed that most multiplayer playlists will not heavily factor in player skill, marking a major shift from how matchmaking has worked in recent entries.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-theme="dark">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hey everyone, to clarify: just like in the Black Ops 7 Beta, skill will be minimally considered in every Open playlist. We&#8217;ve also added persistent lobbies and new playlists since the Beta, including Quick Play.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s what you&#8217;ll see on day one: <a href="https://t.co/cEddWYzpAn">pic.twitter.com/cEddWYzpAn</a></p>
<p>— Treyarch (@Treyarch) <a href="https://twitter.com/Treyarch/status/1988435579428893065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p data-start="558" data-end="722">In a statement shared on social media, Treyarch explained that Black Ops 7’s multiplayer will be divided into two categories: <strong data-start="684" data-end="692">Open</strong> and <strong data-start="697" data-end="709">Standard</strong> playlists.</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="726" data-end="849"><strong data-start="726" data-end="744">Open playlists</strong> will have <em data-start="755" data-end="784">minimal skill consideration</em>, allowing players of all levels to match together more freely.</li>
<li data-start="852" data-end="968"><strong data-start="852" data-end="874">Standard playlists</strong>, on the other hand, will still use skill-based matchmaking as an <em data-start="940" data-end="965">important consideration</em>.</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="970" data-end="1153">At launch, almost all playlists will fall into the Open category, with only one rotating <strong data-start="1059" data-end="1070">Moshpit</strong> playlist placed under the Standard category where skill matching remains active.</p>
<h3 data-start="1160" data-end="1207">Persistent Lobbies and Community Feedback</h3>
<p data-start="1209" data-end="1417">Another major addition coming to Black Ops 7 multiplayer is the return of <strong data-start="1283" data-end="1305">persistent lobbies</strong>, a fan-favourite feature that lets players stay together across multiple matches unless they choose to leave.</p>
<p data-start="1419" data-end="1440">Treyarch confirmed:</p>
<blockquote data-start="1441" data-end="1632">
<p data-start="1443" data-end="1632">“Just like in the Black Ops 7 Beta, skill will be minimally considered in every Open playlist. We’ve also added persistent lobbies and new playlists since the Beta, including Quick Play.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p data-start="1634" data-end="1872">This decision was largely driven by fan requests. Persistent lobbies have been absent from recent Call of Duty titles, but their return is expected to make matches feel more social and old-school, similar to the franchise’s earlier days.</p>
<h3 data-start="1879" data-end="1915">Not a Complete Removal of SBMM</h3>
<p data-start="1917" data-end="2243">Despite what some fans might have assumed, SBMM hasn’t been entirely removed from <em data-start="1999" data-end="2012">Black Ops 7</em>. Instead, it’s now an <em data-start="2035" data-end="2043">option</em> rather than the rule. Players looking for a more competitive experience can still queue for Standard playlists or wait for <strong data-start="2167" data-end="2182">Ranked Play</strong>, which will use full SBMM when it arrives in <strong data-start="2228" data-end="2240">Season 2</strong>.</p>
<p data-start="2245" data-end="2436">This mixed matchmaking model gives players freedom of choice. Casual fans can enjoy more relaxed matches, while competitive players still have structured modes where skill matching matters.</p>
<h3 data-start="2443" data-end="2464">Why the Change?</h3>
<p data-start="2466" data-end="2751">While Treyarch hasn’t explicitly stated why it decided to loosen SBMM, it’s hard to ignore the timing. The <em data-start="2573" data-end="2588">Battlefield 6</em> hype has been building ahead of its own release, and giving players more freedom in matchmaking may help Call of Duty stay appealing to its massive player base.</p>
<p data-start="2753" data-end="3029">It also addresses a long-running fan demand. For years, players have criticised SBMM for making public matches feel overly competitive and sweaty. By introducing Open playlists, Black Ops 7 is aiming to bring back that “just-for-fun” feeling many long-time fans have missed.</p>
<h3 data-start="3036" data-end="3055">Looking Ahead</h3>
<p data-start="3057" data-end="3245">It remains to be seen how these matchmaking systems will evolve over time, but Treyarch has hinted that it will monitor data after launch to see which playlists players gravitate toward.</p>
<p data-start="3247" data-end="3480">For now, though, the studio’s approach feels like a strong middle ground. Whether you’re jumping in for laid-back chaos or climbing the ranked ladder, <em data-start="3398" data-end="3425">Call of Duty: Black Ops 7</em> looks ready to cater to both sides of the community.</p>
</span><p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-sbmm-options-explained/">Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Clarifies Skill Based Matchmaking &#8211; Here’s What’s Changing at Launch</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Activision’s Ricochet Anti-Cheat Stops 97% of Hackers in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Beta</title>
		<link>https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-anti-cheat-update/</link>
					<comments>https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-anti-cheat-update/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dimas Ibnu]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:51:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[eSports News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activision]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anti-Cheat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Black Ops 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Call of Duty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cheating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COD beta]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[esports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gaming news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ricochet Anti-Cheat]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.shanethegamer.com/?p=66110</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Activision’s war on cheaters is showing early success. The company has confirmed that its upgraded Ricochet Anti-Cheat system caught 97% of cheaters within just 30 minutes of signing in during the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 early access beta. https://t.co/Mm4tUNVspc — Call of Duty Updates (@CODUpdates) October 5, 2025 According to Activision, the new [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-anti-cheat-update/">Activision’s Ricochet Anti-Cheat Stops 97% of Hackers in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Beta</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="cb-itemprop" itemprop="reviewBody"><p data-start="129" data-end="374">Activision’s war on cheaters is showing early success. The company has confirmed that its upgraded Ricochet Anti-Cheat system caught 97% of cheaters within just 30 minutes of signing in during the <em data-start="326" data-end="353">Call of Duty: Black Ops 7</em> early access beta.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-theme="dark">
<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/Mm4tUNVspc">https://t.co/Mm4tUNVspc</a></p>
<p>— Call of Duty Updates (@CODUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/CODUpdates/status/1974942752485077132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p data-start="376" data-end="676">According to Activision, the new anti-cheat technology has been more efficient than ever before, using stronger TPM 2.0 checks and automated detection systems to prevent hackers from ruining the game. “Cheaters were expected,” the team said, “but our upgraded systems caught them faster than ever.”</p>
<p data-start="678" data-end="957">In the first two days of beta testing, fewer than 1% of cheating attempts even made it into a match. Those who slipped through were removed within minutes. Activision said most of the accounts shown in viral clips had already been banned before the videos reached social media.</p>
<p data-start="959" data-end="1132">“This is just the beginning,” the publisher added. “When launch arrives, every layer of protection will be in full force, and Ricochet’s defences will only grow stronger.”</p>
<h3 data-start="1134" data-end="1162">Cheat Sellers Hit Hard</h3>
<p data-start="1164" data-end="1439">Activision isn’t just targeting cheaters in-game. The publisher has also cracked down on cheat vendors, with major providers now labelling their products as “unusable” or “detected.” Some resellers have even admitted they no longer have any working tools for <em data-start="1423" data-end="1436">Black Ops 7</em>.</p>
<p data-start="1441" data-end="1703">Beyond banning players, Activision said it has contributed to the shutdown of more than 40 cheat developers and resellers since <em data-start="1569" data-end="1582">Black Ops 6</em> launched. “We’re not only disabling their cheats, but also their illegal businesses as well,” the Ricochet team wrote.</p>
<p data-start="1705" data-end="1878">The publisher warned that vendors caught sharing cheat-related clips during the beta were already under investigation and would face further consequences beyond game bans.</p>
<h3 data-start="1880" data-end="1913">Player Reports Still Matter</h3>
<p data-start="1915" data-end="2142">While the Ricochet system now handles most detection automatically, Activision stressed that player reports remain vital. Feedback from players helps the system improve its detection accuracy and adapt faster to new exploits.</p>
<p data-start="2144" data-end="2498">The update also addressed the introduction of new PC security requirements like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot checks. Activision acknowledged that these may feel inconvenient but said they’re essential for maintaining fair play. Players having trouble setting up their systems can follow a detailed step-by-step guide on the official Activision Support page.</p>
<h3 data-start="2500" data-end="2540">Mixed Reactions from the Community</h3>
<p data-start="2542" data-end="2855">Despite the strong results, not every player is convinced. Some fans have reported still encountering cheaters in the beta, questioning whether the bans have lasting effects. “Detection alone doesn’t solve the problem if cheaters face minimal consequences or return within hours,” one fan wrote on social media.</p>
<p data-start="2857" data-end="3025">Others claim cheat developers have already found ways to adapt, with one user saying, “It took them only five minutes to make Black Ops 6 cheats work on Black Ops 7.”</p>
<p data-start="3027" data-end="3273">Even so, Activision’s numbers and ongoing enforcement suggest a more robust system than in past titles. With the <em data-start="3140" data-end="3161">Call of Duty League</em> set to return in 2026, maintaining competitive integrity is likely to remain a major focus for the publisher.</p>
<p data-start="3275" data-end="3573">Activision insists that its fight against cheating is an industry-wide challenge—and one it’s determined to lead. As the full release of <em data-start="3412" data-end="3425">Black Ops 7</em> draws closer, the Ricochet Anti-Cheat team plans to keep evolving its systems, responding faster, and refining defences to keep every match fair.</p>
</span><p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-anti-cheat-update/">Activision’s Ricochet Anti-Cheat Stops 97% of Hackers in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Beta</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Valorant Replays System is Here, But They’re Missing Key Features</title>
		<link>https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/valorant-replays-system/</link>
					<comments>https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/valorant-replays-system/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dimas Ibnu]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 02:03:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[eSports News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[console gaming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[esports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PC Gaming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Riot Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Valorant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VALORANT Patch 11.06]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Valorant replays]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.shanethegamer.com/?p=65494</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>After half a decade of requests, Riot Games has finally added replays to Valorant. Patch 11.06 introduces the long-awaited feature to PC, with console players set to receive it in November. While fans are excited to finally relive their clutch moments, the system comes with some heavy limitations that have already left the community frustrated. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/valorant-replays-system/">Valorant Replays System is Here, But They’re Missing Key Features</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="cb-itemprop" itemprop="reviewBody"><p data-start="316" data-end="664">After half a decade of requests, Riot Games has finally added replays to Valorant. Patch 11.06 introduces the long-awaited feature to PC, with console players set to receive it in November. While fans are excited to finally relive their clutch moments, the system comes with some heavy limitations that have already left the community frustrated.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-theme="dark">
<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/nbRO081Q2b">pic.twitter.com/nbRO081Q2b</a></p>
<p>— VALORANT (@VALORANT) <a href="https://twitter.com/VALORANT/status/1967982298764021894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h2 data-start="666" data-end="696">How Valorant Replays Work</h2>
<p data-start="697" data-end="1002">Replays can now be downloaded from your <strong data-start="737" data-end="785">Competitive, Unrated, Swiftplay, and Premier</strong> matches directly through the Valorant client. To access one, head to your <strong data-start="860" data-end="877">Match Details</strong> or <strong data-start="881" data-end="899">Career History</strong> page, hit the new download replay button, and once it’s ready you can jump straight into the action.</p>
<p data-start="1004" data-end="1274">Players can swap between the first-person perspective of all ten players or use a third-person free camera, complete with player outlines and timeline controls to scrub through the game. Riot has also assured players that running replays won’t impact game performance.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-theme="dark">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">a quick guide on the Replay System <a href="https://t.co/8VbmOorjqQ">pic.twitter.com/8VbmOorjqQ</a></p>
<p>— VALORANT (@VALORANT) <a href="https://twitter.com/VALORANT/status/1968012008428802534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p data-start="1276" data-end="1594">There are some important restrictions, though. You can only download matches you’ve personally played in, and only from the current patch version. Once Valorant updates again, your saved replays will no longer be accessible. You also can’t download replays from <strong data-start="1538" data-end="1591">Esports matches, Tournament Mode, or Custom Games</strong>.</p>
<h2 data-start="1596" data-end="1631">What You Can’t Do With Replays</h2>
<p data-start="1632" data-end="2011">While the system works smoothly, its biggest drawback is the lack of sharing. You can’t view a friend’s match, access professional replays, or even let a coach review your gameplay unless they were in the game themselves. That means aspiring esports players can’t analyse opponents in depth, fans can’t learn from VCT pros, and casual players can’t rewatch a mate’s insane ace.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-theme="dark">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Riot taking 5 years to implement replays into Valorant but you can&#8217;t download anyone else&#8217;s except your own is peak game development. no replays of VCT, pro player povs,things people really want. you could watch demos and live games of any player in Quake and CS &#8211; in 2001</p>
<p>— Rod Breslau (@Slasher) <a href="https://twitter.com/Slasher/status/1963387447628468712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p data-start="2013" data-end="2266">There’s also no built-in clipping or exporting feature, so if you want to share highlights on social media, you’ll need third-party recording software. Compared to other esports titles like Dota or Counter-Strike, this feels like a missed opportunity.</p>
<h2 data-start="2268" data-end="2295">Patch 11.06 Highlights</h2>
<p data-start="2296" data-end="2743">The new replay system headlines <strong data-start="2328" data-end="2352">Valorant Patch 11.06</strong>, but there are other key updates worth noting. Riot confirmed it banned <strong data-start="2425" data-end="2440">40,000 bots</strong> over the last six months, aiming to make games cleaner for everyone. Bug fixes include a rare issue with <strong data-start="2546" data-end="2554">Yoru</strong> and <strong data-start="2559" data-end="2568">Reyna</strong> teleporting back to their original spot after invisibility. On the performance side, the <strong data-start="2658" data-end="2676">RawInputBuffer</strong> setting has been permanently enabled on PC for better stability.</p>
<p data-start="2745" data-end="2892">For console players, Riot flagged a known issue where dropped weapons and the Spike highlight incorrectly. That fix is scheduled for Patch 11.07.</p>
<h2 data-start="2894" data-end="2910">The Verdict</h2>
<p data-start="2911" data-end="3179">It’s a huge step forward for Valorant to finally have replays, and for many players it will be a game-changer for reviewing mistakes and celebrating big plays. But without the ability to share, clip, or study matches beyond your own, the feature feels half-finished.</p>
<p data-start="3181" data-end="3442">PC players can start using replays now with Patch 11.06. Here’s hoping Riot expands the system in the future to make it as powerful as the community has always wanted.</p>
</span><p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/valorant-replays-system/">Valorant Replays System is Here, But They’re Missing Key Features</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
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		<title>FragPunk’s New Map Toyland Accused of Copying CS2’s Inferno</title>
		<link>https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/fragpunk-toyland-map-copies-cs2-inferno/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dimas Ibnu]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 02:51:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[eSports News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Counter-Strike 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CS2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[esports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FragPunk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[inferno]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NetEase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tactical Shooter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toyland]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.shanethegamer.com/?p=65116</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>FragPunk, the hero-based tactical shooter from NetEase’s Bad Guitar Studio, is in hot water after the release of its latest map, Toyland. The colourful battleground has quickly sparked backlash in the Counter-Strike community, with many players pointing out that its layout is almost a one-to-one replica of Counter-Strike 2’s legendary map, Inferno. Toyland dropped on [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/fragpunk-toyland-map-copies-cs2-inferno/">FragPunk’s New Map Toyland Accused of Copying CS2’s Inferno</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="cb-itemprop" itemprop="reviewBody"><p data-start="300" data-end="652">FragPunk, the hero-based tactical shooter from NetEase’s Bad Guitar Studio, is in hot water after the release of its latest map, Toyland. The colourful battleground has quickly sparked backlash in the Counter-Strike community, with many players pointing out that its layout is almost a one-to-one replica of Counter-Strike 2’s legendary map, Inferno.</p>
<p data-start="300" data-end="652">Toyland dropped on August 21, 2025, and at first glance, it looks like a playful playground-themed arena with pastel colours, toy-shaped cover, and fairy lights strung across buildings. But beneath its cheerful surface, the map is nearly identical to Inferno. From the Underpass and Apartments at A to the familiar Mid and box placements at chokepoints, Toyland mirrors Inferno’s geometry and callouts with uncanny accuracy.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-theme="dark">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">FragPunk&#8217;s developers just dropped a brand-new map… but it all looks a little too familiar. 👀</p>
<p>Not saying it’s straight out of CS2, but… you see it, right? 😅 <a href="https://t.co/91axU9UKuw">pic.twitter.com/91axU9UKuw</a></p>
<p>— CS.MONEY (@csmoneytrade) <a href="https://twitter.com/csmoneytrade/status/1961381633027657806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h2 data-start="1082" data-end="1112">The Backlash from CS Fans</h2>
<p data-start="1114" data-end="1500">The similarities were highlighted by CS2 data miner and content creator Gabe Follower, who posted footage of Toyland and called it out as an exact copy.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-theme="dark">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A week ago, devs of FragPunk released a new map called Toyland, which is a ONE TO ONE copy of CS2&#8217;s Inferno. I hope Valve considers taking legal action, cause the fact that they&#8217;re taking down community&#8217;s 100% free passion projects but allowing a huge chinese publisher NetEase to… <a href="https://t.co/bY4b1ffNVb">pic.twitter.com/bY4b1ffNVb</a></p>
<p>— ‎Gabe Follower (@gabefollower) <a href="https://twitter.com/gabefollower/status/1960838144217022552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p data-start="1502" data-end="1827">Many players share the frustration, especially since Valve recently shut down community mods like Classic Offensive, which aimed to recreate older versions of CS for free. Fans are questioning why passion projects get pulled while a major publisher seemingly gets away with cloning one of Counter-Strike’s most iconic maps.</p>
<h2 data-start="1829" data-end="1857">A Tribute or a Rip-Off?</h2>
<p data-start="1859" data-end="2161">Not everyone sees it as theft, though. Some players have defended Toyland, saying it could be viewed as an homage to Counter-Strike, much like how CS:GO’s Workshop often featured recreations of Call of Duty maps. For them, the map is less about ripping off and more about paying tribute to a classic.</p>
<p data-start="2163" data-end="2418">This isn’t the first time another shooter has borrowed from CS either. CrossFire, another popular FPS, has long been known for maps that copy Counter-Strike layouts, including its Desert 2.0 map in 2014 that was basically Dust II under a different name.</p>
<div id="attachment_65118" style="width: 545px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-65118" class="wp-image-65118 " src="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image-29-1.webp?x59030" alt="FragPunk Toyland Inferno copy" width="535" height="376" /><p id="caption-attachment-65118" class="wp-caption-text">Image Credit: SmileGate Entertainment</p></div>
<h2 data-start="2420" data-end="2465">FragPunk’s Position in the Shooter Scene</h2>
<p data-start="2467" data-end="2849">FragPunk itself has been trying to carve out space in the crowded tactical shooter market. Launched in early access in 2024 and fully released in March 2025, the game drew attention with its hero abilities and unique “shard card” system that changes gameplay each round. It peaked at over 100,000 players after launch but has since dropped to under 5,000 average players on Steam.</p>
<p data-start="2851" data-end="3215">The release of Toyland has certainly put FragPunk back in the headlines, though not necessarily for the reasons its developers might have hoped. Whether Valve decides to step in or let it slide remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Toyland has reignited the conversation around originality, inspiration, and intellectual property in competitive shooters.</p>
</span><p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/fragpunk-toyland-map-copies-cs2-inferno/">FragPunk’s New Map Toyland Accused of Copying CS2’s Inferno</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Katowice to Host Call of Duty Mobile World Championship 2025</title>
		<link>https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/katowice-to-host-call-of-duty-mobile-world-championship-2025/</link>
					<comments>https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/katowice-to-host-call-of-duty-mobile-world-championship-2025/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dimas Ibnu]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:16:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[eSports News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Call of Duty Mobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COD Mobile]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COD Mobile esports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COD Mobile World Championship 2025]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Competitive Gaming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[esports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Katowice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile gaming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spodek Arena]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.shanethegamer.com/?p=64703</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The biggest stage in Call of Duty: Mobile esports is set, and this time, it’s heading to Europe. The 2025 COD Mobile World Championship Finals will take place in Katowice, Poland, from 7–9 November, bringing together 16 of the best teams from around the globe. With a massive USD $850,000 prize pool on the line, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/katowice-to-host-call-of-duty-mobile-world-championship-2025/">Katowice to Host Call of Duty Mobile World Championship 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="cb-itemprop" itemprop="reviewBody"><p data-start="253" data-end="517">The biggest stage in Call of Duty: Mobile esports is set, and this time, it’s heading to Europe. The 2025 COD Mobile World Championship Finals will take place in Katowice, Poland, from 7–9 November, bringing together 16 of the best teams from around the globe.</p>
<p data-start="519" data-end="761">With a massive USD $850,000 prize pool on the line, you can bet the action will be intense. Fans tuning in won’t just get top-tier gameplay either, there’ll be viewing rewards and multiple streams so you can catch all the matches your way.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-theme="dark">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Stage 5. The big one. The Champs.<br />
2025 COD: Mobile World Championship Finals</p>
<p>🌐 16 teams<br />
📅 November 7-9<br />
📍 Katowice, Poland<br />
💵 $850,000 prize pool<br />
🎁 Viewing rewards and multi-streams<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CODMCHAMPS25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CODMCHAMPS25</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PlayCODMobile?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PlayCODMobile</a> <a href="https://t.co/a7dtz9Eqn3">pic.twitter.com/a7dtz9Eqn3</a></p>
<p>— Call of Duty: Mobile Esports (@PlayCODMEsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/PlayCODMEsports/status/1956385400273932410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p data-start="763" data-end="1099">This marks the first time Stage 5 of COD: Mobile esports will be held in Europe. Last year’s World Championship took place in Atlanta, Georgia, where Elevate claimed the crown. Now, Katowice’s famous Spodek Arena, already a legendary venue thanks to years of hosting Counter-Strike’s Intel Extreme Masters, will be the battleground.</p>
<div style="width: 1258px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://image-proxy.bo3.gg/uploads/news/264612/title_image/webp-d39dfec871494c4781312d4607beee1a.webp.webp?w=1248&amp;h=624" alt="ESL Pro League Season 24 to Take Place at Iconic Spodek Arena in Katowice" width="1248" height="499" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Image Credit: ESL FaceIt Group</p></div>
<p data-start="1101" data-end="1344">The competing teams haven’t been locked in yet. Regional finals and qualifiers are still underway across North America, Europe, LATAM, India, Japan, and Africa, with each region fighting for a spot at the year’s biggest mobile esports event.</p>
<p data-start="1346" data-end="1643">Call of Duty: Mobile has been a powerhouse since launching in October 2019, pulling in around 30 million daily active players according to ActivePlayer.io. While it hasn’t quite matched the viewership highs of its PC and console siblings, it’s carved out its own loyal and competitive community.</p>
<p data-start="1645" data-end="1825">Whether you’re a long-time CODM fan or just curious to see how mobile shooters play out on the world stage, the 2025 Finals in Katowice are shaping up to be a can’t-miss weekend.</p>
</span><p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/katowice-to-host-call-of-duty-mobile-world-championship-2025/">Katowice to Host Call of Duty Mobile World Championship 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Doom: The Dark Ages (PlayStation 5) Review</title>
		<link>https://www.shanethegamer.com/playstation/playstation-5/playstation-5-reviews/doom-the-dark-ages-playstation-5-review/</link>
					<comments>https://www.shanethegamer.com/playstation/playstation-5/playstation-5-reviews/doom-the-dark-ages-playstation-5-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Shane Thomas]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 10 May 2025 18:08:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[PlayStation 5 Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[doom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[firstperson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idSoftware]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[playstation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PlayStation5]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PS5]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shooter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thedarkages]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.shanethegamer.com/?p=63711</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The age of darkness has descended upon the world of DOOM with id Software&#8217;s latest chapter in the decades long first person shooter franchise. With a focus more on combat than the hectic fast paced slaughter we have seen in prior games, DOOM: The Dark Ages is a slower jaunt through hellish planets. Storywise this [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/playstation/playstation-5/playstation-5-reviews/doom-the-dark-ages-playstation-5-review/">Doom: The Dark Ages (PlayStation 5) Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="cb-itemprop" itemprop="reviewBody"><p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p>The age of darkness has descended upon the world of DOOM with id Software&#8217;s latest chapter in the decades long first person shooter franchise.</p>
<p>With a focus more on combat than the hectic fast paced slaughter we have seen in prior games, <em>DOOM: The Dark Ages</em> is a slower jaunt through hellish planets.</p>
<p>Storywise this is a prequel to 2016&#8217;s DOOM and furthers the story of the rise of the Doom Slayer, being the Kingdom&#8217;s last hope.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63712" src="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ss_ba66d42e3d1ea78e5b085682484210b390eb9ccc.1920x1080-1.jpg?x59030" alt="DOOM - The Dark Ages" width="1280" height="720" srcset="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ss_ba66d42e3d1ea78e5b085682484210b390eb9ccc.1920x1080-1.jpg 1280w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ss_ba66d42e3d1ea78e5b085682484210b390eb9ccc.1920x1080-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ss_ba66d42e3d1ea78e5b085682484210b390eb9ccc.1920x1080-1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></p>
<p>Still retaining the first person play and gore fest that we know and love in this mech-tech / horror crossover you are eqipped with the Gauntlet for some up and close melee, an array of automatic weapons and a few new editions such as the bone firing Skull Crusher and Shield Saw for blocking and long range.</p>
<p>Take downs of larger enemies, especially the &#8216;Leaders&#8217; offer the opportunity to enact a brutal finisher and the environments (Planets) you find yourself in are mostly free roam.</p>
<p>Kill a &#8216;Leader&#8217; and reap their essence for vitality upgrades and more.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63713" src="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/i9r6RUaEMj3QogMazzM3sQ-1200-80-1.jpg?x59030" alt="DOOM - The Dark Ages" width="1280" height="720" srcset="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/i9r6RUaEMj3QogMazzM3sQ-1200-80-1.jpg 1280w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/i9r6RUaEMj3QogMazzM3sQ-1200-80-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/i9r6RUaEMj3QogMazzM3sQ-1200-80-1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></p>
<p>There&#8217;s pick ups everywhere, but to find the real good stuff you need to look out for hidden spots, and most are not easily discovered. But there are secrets everywhere, but nowhere. From Codex, gold, chests through to DOOM collectables and more to be located.</p>
<p>Gold can also be gained from completing Mission Challenges.</p>
<p>Finding Sentinel shrines enable upgrades of armor and weapons. You need gold, rubies or wraithstones to spend</p>
<p>Life sigils are another hidden goodie. These if needed will ressurect you on the spot, without, you&#8217;ll restart at the last checkpoint if you&#8217;re taken down.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="DOOM: The Dark Ages | Official Trailer 2 (4K) | Available May 15, 2025" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s1i3YfGl5ag" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em>DOOM: The Dark Ages</em> is a solid play, if you don&#8217;t spend the time to look around for hidden treasures it can also be a quick playthrough to with 22 chapters in total.</p>
<p>The game also has unlockable cosmetics include unlockable or secret skins for your character and weapons and there&#8217;s a Milestones from the main menu where you can track your play.</p>
<p>At the end of each chapter you are given a summary on your exploits. Something Milestones does not do is allow you to warp back to a Planet you have previously finished, to do this, you need to go to Chapter Select so us completists can revisit an area to find hidden secrets that were missed.</p>
<p>In all <em>DOOM: The Dark Ages</em> gives us the demon filled, blood-lust that we love from the DOOM games, but it paces itself without the chaos and plays out like a satisfying mech, tech, hellish gore fest.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
</span><p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/playstation/playstation-5/playstation-5-reviews/doom-the-dark-ages-playstation-5-review/">Doom: The Dark Ages (PlayStation 5) Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (PC) Campaign Review</title>
		<link>https://www.shanethegamer.com/pc-mac/pc-mac-gaming-reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-6-pc-campaign-review/</link>
					<comments>https://www.shanethegamer.com/pc-mac/pc-mac-gaming-reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-6-pc-campaign-review/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Darren Price]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:26:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[PC / Mac Gaming Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activision]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blackops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blackops6]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[callofduty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pcgaming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shooter]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.shanethegamer.com/?p=63028</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Another year another installment of Activision’s long-running Call of Duty first-person shooter series. This year it’s a continuation of the rebooted Black Ops storyline. Just as they did with the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare reboot, 2020’s Black Ops: Cold War drew a line underneath the previous instalments. Whilst the game retained some of the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/pc-mac/pc-mac-gaming-reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-6-pc-campaign-review/">Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (PC) Campaign Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="cb-itemprop" itemprop="reviewBody"><p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p>Another year another installment of Activision’s long-running Call of Duty first-person shooter series. This year it’s a continuation of the rebooted Black Ops storyline.</p>
<p>Just as they did with the <em>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare reboot</em>, 2020’s <em>Black Ops: Cold War</em> drew a line underneath the previous instalments. Whilst the game retained some of the characters and the feel of the earlier games, it was a new beginning.</p>
<p>This new game drops the subtitle and returns to the regular series numbering, whilst continuing the story from <em>Black Ops: Cold War</em>. <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</em>’s campaign, jumps from the Cold War era of the 1980s to the 1990s and Operation Desert Storm.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63035" src="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_16.jpg?x59030" alt="Call of Duty Black Ops 6" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_16.jpg 1920w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_16-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_16-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_16-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_16-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></p>
<p>The story is on-brand for a <em>Black Ops</em> game. Instead of a straight shooter (literally and figuratively), <em>Black Ops</em> campaigns feature convoluted plots heavy on conspiracy and subterfuge. There’s the intrigue, the dark underbelly of covert ops works in a grey area, international espionage and double-crossing. It’s more of a spy setting than playing as a black op commando unit but the <em>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare</em> games have kinda co-opted that.</p>
<p>The campaign game starts in 1991 with the player taking on the role of William &#8220;Case&#8221; Calderon, a CIA operative, charged with extracting a high-ranking Iraqi politician. After engaging Iraqi forces and apprehending the target, the CIA team comes under fire from a paramilitary group called Pantheon. Defeating the attackers and reaching safety, a Humvee pulls up. Out gets the unpredictable rogue CIA operative, Russel Adler, from Black Ops: Cold War who promptly dispatches the captured Iraqi politician, before being apprehended. Adler has a message for his former teammate, Frank Woods.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63040" src="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_23.jpg?x59030" alt="Call of Duty Black Ops 6" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_23.jpg 1920w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_23-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_23-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_23-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_23-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></p>
<p>With the CIA team suspended, Frank Woods, Troy Marshall and Case follow up on Adler’s message leading them to a safe house in Bulgaria. The safe house is a hub area where players are free to roam around and explore.</p>
<p>Whilst for the most part <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</em> is a linear affair. The safe house hub area is where you can train, look for clues and converse with other characters as if you are playing a role-playing game.</p>
<p>At the safe house, we learn what Adler’s been up to. And that a team needs to be assembled just like in a heist movie. Over the next few missions, using Adler’s notes in the safe house, tech operative Felix Neuman and assassin Sevati Duma are recruited to join the team. On breaking out Adler, the plot unfolds, revealing that Pantheon is trying to sell a US-development chemical weapon, the Cradle, to Saddam Hussein.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63031" src="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_14.jpg?x59030" alt="Call of Duty Black Ops 6" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_14.jpg 1920w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_14-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_14-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_14-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_14-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></p>
<p>For me, the appeal of the <em>Call of Duty</em> campaigns is the linear first-person shooter gameplay, with its set pieces coming across like a no-hold-barred action movie. In recent years Activision has, via its team of rotating developers, tried to spice things up, altering the recipe with what I consider to be so-so results. Whilst I can dig the desire for non-linear open-world gameplay, that’s what we’ve got <em>Ghost Recon</em> for (now) and to a lighter extent, EA’s <em>Battlefield</em> games.</p>
<p>One of the missions is a huge open-world area where you get to kill Iraqis during the dubious Desert Storm 1 (there’s even a not-so-subtle reference to WMDs- the only WMDs in the game being the fictional ones, just like in real life). It’s bold mission choice, a mini open-world game within a game. Whilst very well done, it exposes the joins between the various teams that worked on the game.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63038" src="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_21.jpg?x59030" alt="Call of Duty Black Ops 6" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_21.jpg 1920w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_21-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_21-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_21-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_21-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></p>
<p>Whilst not exactly my cup of tea, the developers have also managed to weave the popular <em>Call of Duty</em> zombie multiplayer gameplay into the campaign story. It’s cleverly done, but it’s another sequence that sticks out a bit.</p>
<p>There are, of course, some breathtaking moments, such as when you first call in for air support during the Iraq level. Fans of <em>Modern Warfare</em>’s Danger Close level will likely enjoy guiding bombs to their targets. Then there’s calling in the British SAS attack helicopter with the player manning the guns.</p>
<p>A bit of fan service has players using an RC-XD remote-controlled car with a C4 payload. This is identical to the one included in the original Black Ops Prestige Edition, even down to the controller.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63034" src="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_17.jpg?x59030" alt="Call of Duty Black Ops 6" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_17.jpg 1920w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_17-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_17-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_17-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-6_17-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></p>
<p>The stealthier missions are a lot of fun, with only some sequences forcing players to remain undetected. This means that whilst stealth is the best way, you can still go in guns blazing.</p>
<p>The <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</em> campaign ticks all the boxes and tries to do something new. It’s not the best campaign game in the series, but it does have a few levels that I’ll likely return to again and again, and a few I’d not. The disparity between the missions fits the more abstract clandestine storyline but is likely more to do with multiple development teams working in isolation and their work being stitched together. It’s a good effort, but not up to the standard of its predecessor.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
</span><p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/pc-mac/pc-mac-gaming-reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-6-pc-campaign-review/">Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (PC) Campaign Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Borderlands 4 Coming In 2025</title>
		<link>https://www.shanethegamer.com/video-gaming/news/borderlands-4-coming-in-2025/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[STG News]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Aug 2024 20:45:25 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.shanethegamer.com/?p=62571</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>2K and Gearbox Software officially announced that Borderlands 4, the next entry in the iconic looter-shooter franchise, will launch in 2025. Borderlands 4 was announced at gamescom’s Opening Night Live with a trailer providing players with their first tantalising glimpse of an all-new planet. Borderlands 4 is the fourth mainline title and seventh overall entry in the franchise. Players will [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/video-gaming/news/borderlands-4-coming-in-2025/">Borderlands 4 Coming In 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="cb-itemprop" itemprop="reviewBody"><p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">2K and Gearbox Software officially announced that Borderlands 4, the next entry in the iconic looter-shooter franchise, will launch in 2025.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Borderlands 4 was announced at gamescom’s Opening Night Live with a trailer providing players with their first tantalising glimpse of an all-new planet. Borderlands 4 is the fourth mainline title and seventh overall entry in the franchise. Players will once again assume the role of a legendary Vault Hunter as they search for secret alien treasure while blasting everything in sight.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Borderlands 4 - Official Teaser Trailer" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Q8WImF649E" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">“The team and I at Gearbox have a lot we’ve wanted to do with Borderlands since we first introduced the looter shooter genre to the world with our original game,” said Randy Pitchford, founder and President of the Gearbox Entertainment Company. “All of us at Gearbox have massive ambitions for Borderlands 4 and are putting everything we have into making everything we love about Borderlands better than ever before while taking the game to new levels in exciting new directions.”</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The Borderlands franchise has sold-in more than 87 million copies to-date, receiving critical acclaim from reviewers and fans alike. With unforgettable characters, deep world building, and more unique guns than can be counted, the franchise has cemented itself as a must-play series.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">“We’re thrilled to be able to share with our fans that 2025 will mark a massive year for 2K and Gearbox Entertainment,” said 2K Core Games Senior Vice President and General Manager Catharina Lavers Mallet. “The Borderlands series is one of 2K’s most successful franchises ever and is beloved by millions globally. We’re excited that our already close partnership and collaboration with the Gearbox team has grown even deeper, and we look forward to delivering best-in-class experiences for both longtime fans and new players alike.”</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Borderlands 4 will release on PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: center;"></p>
</span><p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/video-gaming/news/borderlands-4-coming-in-2025/">Borderlands 4 Coming In 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered (Xbox Series X&#124;S) Review</title>
		<link>https://www.shanethegamer.com/xbox/xbox-series-x-reviews/turok-3-shadow-of-oblivion-remastered-xbox-series-xs-review/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Shane Thomas]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Dec 2023 20:39:53 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.shanethegamer.com/?p=60905</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Revisit the 2000’s era of 64BIT gaming in 4K and 120FPS with the remastered Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered. Originally released in the year 2000 by the long gone Acclaim Studios for the Nintendo 64, a console that at the time super rendered those pixels giving us a video gaming visual fest like never [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/xbox/xbox-series-x-reviews/turok-3-shadow-of-oblivion-remastered-xbox-series-xs-review/">Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered (Xbox Series X|S) Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="cb-itemprop" itemprop="reviewBody"><p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p>Revisit the 2000’s era of 64BIT gaming in 4K and 120FPS with the remastered <em>Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered</em>.</p>
<p>Originally released in the year 2000 by the long gone Acclaim Studios for the Nintendo 64, a console that at the time super rendered those pixels giving us a video gaming visual fest like never seen before.</p>
<p>Fast forward twenty three years and Nightdive Studios has remastered this classic for present day.</p>
<p>The third instalment in the Turok franchise <em>Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion</em> is a first person shooter where you take the role of either Danielle or Joseph, each having their own unique skills.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-60908" src="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-15-1692694601302.jpg?x59030" alt="Turok 3 - Shadow of Oblivion Remastered" width="1280" height="720" srcset="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-15-1692694601302.jpg 1280w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-15-1692694601302-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-15-1692694601302-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></p>
<p>The game is a direct follow on from the second instalment; Turok 2: Seeds of Evil where Primagen&#8217;s Lightship was destroyed.</p>
<p>An explosion so devastatingly powerful it broke the Universe it was within, unleashing an interstellar entity that takes over the bodies of living folks, an entity that itself once reigned before the Universe existed. And this entity also bought along some of it’s Jurassic pals along for the ride.</p>
<p>You will collect all manner of weaponry as you play, in total 16 different types of weapons and you’ll start out with a pistol, a knife and bow and arrow.</p>
<p>Collectables and consumables are rife throughout the game, especially if you explore the mostly open environments. Your weapon selection is via a selector wheel assigned to a hot-key on your gamepad for easier swap outs.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-60909" src="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-05-1692694601296.jpg?x59030" alt="Turok 3 - Shadow of Oblivion Remastered" width="1280" height="720" srcset="https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-05-1692694601296.jpg 1280w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-05-1692694601296-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.shanethegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-05-1692694601296-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></p>
<p>This remastered version is not a complete graphical overhaul though. You still get those early Y2K squared edges, minimalistic environmental detail, but all is smoothed and fluid, retaining that sense of nostalgia.</p>
<p>However audio needs some work. At times the voice acting sound and in-game sound effects was distant and scratchy.</p>
<p>And, Nightdive did not include the Multiplayer modes, which really made the original game stand out at the time. Why Nightdive, why?!!</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered - Announcement Trailer" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SdCaj5ZRp-A" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>The main campaign play of <em>Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered</em> is still a substantial play, even by today’s standards.</p>
<p>So, if you’re wanting to relive that 64BIT era but not keen on playing through the pixels on our present day flat screen TVs (back then we all had CRT TVs), <em>Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered</em> is going to give you that ‘back in the day’ feel with present day SCIFI action.</p>
<p>Minus multiplayer.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
</span><p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/xbox/xbox-series-x-reviews/turok-3-shadow-of-oblivion-remastered-xbox-series-xs-review/">Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered (Xbox Series X|S) Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
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		<title>Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered</title>
		<link>https://www.shanethegamer.com/video-gaming/news/turok-3-shadow-of-oblivion-remastered/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[STG News]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 03 Dec 2023 22:09:37 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Oblivion has arisen! The Flesh Eaters have come to terrorize the world and let chaos reign! This cannot stand. The finale to one of gaming&#8217;s most iconic trilogies is here. From video game remaster studio and Atari subsidiary Nightdive Studios, in collaboration with Universal Games and Digital Platforms, Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion is a faithful restoration [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/video-gaming/news/turok-3-shadow-of-oblivion-remastered/">Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="cb-itemprop" itemprop="reviewBody"><p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p><em>Oblivion has arisen! The Flesh Eaters have come to terrorize the world and let chaos reign! This cannot stand. The finale to one of gaming&#8217;s most iconic trilogies is here.</em></p>
<p>From video game remaster studio and Atari subsidiary Nightdive Studios, in collaboration with Universal Games and Digital Platforms, <em>Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion</em> is a faithful restoration of the classic first-person shooter initially released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, upgraded through Nightdive Studios&#8217; proprietary KEX Engine for play on modern gaming devices with up to a 4K resolution at 120FPS.</p>
<p>It joins Nightdive Studios&#8217; popular remasters of <em>Turok</em> and <em>Turok 2: Seeds of Evil</em>, capping off the trilogy.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered - Nightdive Studios" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UUv7BGUJ5gE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>The title features upgraded gameplay, high-resolution textures, enhanced lighting and rendering, and support for console gamepads with platform-specific features. It is also the first game from Nightdive Studios built on the latest version of the KEX engine, which utilizes an improved renderer to achieve a higher tier of visual fidelity across 3D models, textures, and graphical effects.</p>
<p>In <em>Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion</em>, players choose between dual protagonists Joseph and Danielle Fireseed, siblings of <em>Turok 2: Seeds of Evil</em> protagonist Joshua Fireseed. Together, they must defeat the titular antagonist Oblivion and its followers, the Flesh Eaters, after the supposed demise of their brother at its hands.</p>
<p><em>Turok 3: Shadow Oblivion</em> is now available on PC and PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
</span><p>The post <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com/video-gaming/news/turok-3-shadow-of-oblivion-remastered/">Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.shanethegamer.com">Shane the Gamer</a>.</p>
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