FTS: Totalitarian Horror Game THRESHOLD Launches November 19 (PC)

Totalitarian Psychological Horror Game THRESHOLD Launches November 19 on Steam

Be a good worker and keep the trains running on time while confronting existential dread in this oppressive, low-poly, narrative experience

THRESHOLD joins three more games on the CRITICAL REFLEX publishing lineup, including Arctic Eggs and Lunacid

BORDER POST, ???? – Oct. 28, 2024 – Publisher CRITICAL REFLEX (Buckshot Roulette, Mouthwashing) and developer Julien Eveillé welcome you to your new job at the Border Post in the dread-inducing totalitarian horror game THRESHOLD, launching November 19 and available to wishlist on Steam now. A free prologue to the game is available to play on Steam now! Blow the whistle, ration your air and keep the train running on time. Don’t speak. Don’t run. Don’t look in the train. Just do your job. It’ll all be over soon…

Breathe in.

High in the mountains, an endless train thunders through a decaying station. This is the Border Post. Your job is simple: blow a whistle to keep the train on schedule. But the air is thin up here. Complete tasks, ration your oxygen, and enjoy the company of your fellow worker. Be a good worker.

Breathe out.

Key Features:

• Keep on Schedule: Your job is simple. Blow the whistle, keep the train on time. Just don’t look inside the train.
• Careful Breaths: Air is thin at the border post. Each step, each whistle blow draws the end nearer. Good work is rewarded with air canisters. Be a good worker.
• Maintain the Post: Deliver the reports, clean the water filter, collect wood. Keep busy. Ignore the smell.
• Make Friends: Call for Mo, your fellow worker, for assistance and to answer your questions. Except that one - don’t ask him that question.
• Your Choices Matter: What country are you from? How could it matter? Experience a semi-linear narrative where every moment could be a new branching path. Or not. Such is life.

THRESHOLD caps off a milestone year for CRITICAL REFLEX’s CR Channel publishing label, designed to focus on more terrifying, mysterious, and otherworldly experiences. After the critically acclaimed releases of Buckshot Roulette and Mouthwashing, THRESHOLD joins the CR Channel lineup alongside three additional titles:

• Arctic Eggs: Launched to overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam in May, this surreal egg-flipping simulator is receiving additional language support and also coming to consoles!
• Lunacid: Lunacid launched last year to acclaim on Steam, inviting players to a unique fantasy world inspired by Shadow Tower and King’s Field. With the announcement of this new partnership, CRITICAL REFLEX can share that Lunacid’s story isn’t over yet…
• SCP: Valravn: SCP: Valravn is an intense, high-octane shooter mixing action and stealth, set in the SCP universe. CRITICAL REFLEX will publish the game on Steam for its planned release in 2026.

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The Gilded Age: The Complete Second Season... Reviewed!

If you’re a fan of high society drama and historical intrigue, The Gilded Age: The Complete Second Season is a series entry that should be on your radar. This season continues to delve into the opulent world of New York’s elite during the late 19th century, offering a rich tapestry of characters, conflicts, and cultural commentary.

Story

 

The second season of The Gilded Age picks up where the first left off, with the social dynamics of New York’s upper crust in full swing. The story continues to follow the lives of the wealthy Van Rhijn and Russell families, as well as the ambitious Peggy Scott. Peggy’s journey is particularly compelling this season, as she navigates the complexities of segregation, unity, and social justice, while gaining new ground.

Oscar Van Rhijn, ever the schemer, is back with his dubious plans to marry for all the wrong reasons, adding a layer of intrigue and drama. His mother, Agnes Van Rhijn, remains a formidable presence, upholding the old social order with an iron will, while her sister, Ada Brook, provides a softer, more compassionate counterbalance.

On the Russell side, Bertha Russell continues her relentless climb up the social ladder, determined to secure her family’s place among the elite. Her husband, George Russell, faces his own set of challenges in the business world, navigating the cutthroat environment of Gilded Age capitalism. Their daughter, Gladys Russell, begins to assert her independence, adding another dimension to the family dynamics.

Peggy Scott’s storyline remains a poignant exploration of the Black experience during the Gilded Age, highlighting the resilience and challenges faced by her community. Her interactions with the Van Rhijn, Russell, and her own family provide a rich tapestry of perspectives and conflicts, making her journey one of the most compelling aspects to me.

Visuals

The Gilded Age excels in its use of varied camera angles to enhance the storytelling. The series employs a mix of mid shots, worm’s eye views, and over-the-shoulder angles, creating a visually dynamic experience. These techniques help to immerse viewers in the grandeur and intimacy of the characters’ lives, making scenes feel both grand and personal.

The costumes in The Gilded Age are nothing short of spectacular. The elaborate dresses, while beautiful, make you wonder how comfortable they were to wear. The more modern-looking dresses with lower cut tops almost make you forget the historical setting, along with the scenes at church, where the fashion seems frozen in time and mirror the present. The deliberate blurring at the bottom of some scenes adds a unique touch, though it might not be to everyone’s taste.

A Similar Moment in History

Set against the backdrop of the late 1800s, this time period also reminds me of the Philippine-American War. This time period showcased contributions from the Black American community to Filipinos. Members of the Black American community were highly vocal in arguing for our right to independence from colonization and the interconnectedness is pretty cool.

Audio

The audio quality in Dolby Digital 5.1 truly shines, especially during scenes that capture the hustle and bustle of the city and lavish gatherings. The sound design enhances the immersive experience.

Price

The Gilded Age: The Complete Second Season continues to deliver the high society drama and intricate storytelling that fans love. Priced at $19.95, this season is a worthwhile addition to any collection. The cast’s stellar performances draw you in, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas.

Extras:

The DVD set includes a variety of extras that provide deeper insights into the series:

• Behind the Gilded Curtain Featurette
• Character Featurettes - Agnes, Ada, Bertha, George, Marian, and Peggy
• The Black Elite: Then and Now Featurette
• The Real Gilded Age - Carrie, Cynthia, and Morgan
• Choose Your Side - Carrie, Christine, Cynthia, Denee, Morgan, and Julian
  
  

Overall, The Gilded Age: The Complete Second Season is a captivating continuation of the series, offering a blend of historical context, character drama, and visual splendor that is sure to delight fans.

Quality 5

Ease Of Use 5

Usefulness 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points

Sophima

 + Blu 

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AJAZZ AJ159P Dual Mode Game Mouse... Reviewed!

The AJAZZ AJ159P Mouse is a nice choice for those seeking a lightweight, dual mouse. Weighing in at just 56 grams, this mouse is perfect for users who need to move seamlessly around larger desks or from... table to table (like I do), whether working on a larger screen, projector or otherwise. It's just makes sense to have a wireless mouse. By the way, I tried the mouse out on a work table on the other side of my office at about 10 feet away and (duh of the day)... it worked smoothly without lag.

While this mouse is light, don't confuse light with flimsy because that's not the case. The stand is far from being on the lighter side, this thing can knock your teeth out. Anyway, being a dual mode gaming mouse if you want to connect directly to the USB-C cable, you have the ability to adapt.

Speaking of the USB-C cable... this thing is really light. If you didn't see the ends, it would be safe to assume it was a shoe string. No worries about the mouse cord being tangled up when you go wireless, and when you aren't using it... just place it on the magnetic base. I was reminded immediately about one advantage a wireless mouse has when I was swapping out my primary mouse. I ran the usb cable for the other gaming mouse awhile ago and it was still tangled up with camera and light cables (let's just say me and the mouse... had a talk).

Specifications:

• Weight: 56 grams
• Dimensions: 118.1mm (L) x 63.1mm (W) x 37.7mm (H)
• Sensor: PAW3395
• Max DPI: 26,000
• Polling Rate: 1,000 Hz
• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, USB-C
• Battery: 400mAh
• Compatibility: Right-handed, symmetrical design

One of the standout features of the AJ159P is its RGB lighting on the charging stand, which adds a vibrant touch to your workspace. The wireless dongle can be conveniently placed in the USB port of the charging stand, ensuring a clutter-free setup.

In terms of design, the AJ159P looks clean and feels comfortable in hand. However, it’s worth noting that the mouse might potentially face damage from a high enough a drop, if it lands the wrong way. Luckily the typical desk isn't too high. Additionally, while the clean look is appealing, a rubberized grip or more texture on the sides would enhance the overall grip and decrease the chance of it slipping out of your hand if you tend to move around a bit. I'm a bit more on the safe side since my main two work stations are pretty much connected.

I definitely see this mouse being a nice choice for those of you with an all white desktop setup. I even brought out a white mechanical keyboard to coordinate... as seen in the gameplay video below:

I found myself appreciating this mouse with increased use... because i'm not stuck on a cord, I can just dock the mouse when it isn't in use so that it can charge (which i haven't had to charge yet). No batteries to worry about, it slides smoothly with the 3 sliders placed nicely on the underbelly where the DPI button + On/Off switch is located. You get 6 different DPI settings that are represented by different color indicators. These come in handy so that you aren't guessing.

Pricewise you can get the AJAZZ AJ159P Mouse for $33.99 in addition to a limited time discount AJAZZ hooked us up with to present to... you.

Overall, the AJAZZ AJ159P is a solid choice for those who value a clean, minimalist design that pairs well with a white gaming/office setup. It offers excellent performance and convenience for gaming and everyday use at a nice price.

Quality 4

Ease Of Use 5

Bluetooth Range 5

Price 5

4.75 out of 5 Cool Points

 + Sophi 

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Save big on spooky fun!

FTS: Introducing Ghost Face® – Hunt: Showdown 1896’s Stealthy New Hunter – Out October 24!

 

In a new collaboration, Hunt: Showdown 1896 partners with Fun World to bring Ghost Face® to the supernatural world of Hunt… just in time for Halloween

FRANKFURT, Germany – Oct. 21, 2024 – Hunt: Showdown 1896 has partnered with Fun World to introduce Ghost Face® to the gunslinging world of Hunt. The "Ghost Face® Rampage" DLC includes one Hunter (Ghost Face®), two weapons – the Hush (Frontier 73C Silencer) and Whisper (a Bornheim No. 3 Silencer), and a tool – Life Taker (a knife). The included weapons are silent, offering players an edge in fast-paced, close-quarters combat, which Hunt is famous for.

"Ghost Face® Rampage" retails at $9.99/€9.99 and will be available on Steam, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 on October 24.

The character was designed to fit into the 19^th century world which Hunt takes place in. This is a unique take on Ghost Face® with a never-before-seen design. Stefan Heinrich, Lead Art Director for Hunt, comments further:

“The character design was interesting to work on as it had to fit into the gritty, dark corners of the 1890s setting that Hunt is famous for. For example, the iconic mask is now a hand-carved wooded mask, weathered and cracked, a tattered, battle-worn duster replaces the robe, and to complete the look, leather holsters and gear have been added, giving him the tools of a 19th century Hunter while maintaining his iconic style. We hope Ghost Face® & Hunt fans enjoy the new DLC as much as we enjoyed designing it.”

This is a first horror collaboration for Hunt: Showdown 1896 and the perfect accompaniment as the game moves into celebrating the spooky season with its Harvest of Ghosts in-game event, going on now until Nov. 25, 2024.

Purchase the "Ghost Face® Rampage" DLC October 24 and dominate the shadows during Hunt: Showdown 1896's newest Halloween event!

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