Platforms and price

Taxi Chaos 2 is available as a digital download for Microsoft Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch (or Switch 2), Windows 10 PC or greater (Steam, Epic Games; Loaded for possible discounts), and Sony PlayStation 5. All versions have a regular price of $24.99, except for Nintendo Switch, which is $34.99. Retail versions from Curveball Games are expected later this year.

I’m specifically reviewing the Nintendo Switch version, primarily on a Nintendo Switch 2.

The story: Taxicore

The game takes place in San Valeda, a sprawling, vertical metropolis that has been completely taken over by TaxiBot Corp, a mega-corporation that replaced all human drivers with an army of AI-controlled drones called “TaxiBots.” You play primarily as Vinny, the seasoned cabbie from the first game who had retired to a tropical paradise. His retirement is cut short when he is dragged back to the streets of San Valeda. Vinny teams up with Cleo, a tech-savvy influencer and second playable character, who needs his old-school driving skills to help launch a “human resistance” taxi company.

The villain is H.A.N.K., the rogue central mainframe controlling the TaxiBot fleet. H.A.N.K. views human drivers as obsolete and inefficient. As your reputation grows, he actively sends his fleet to hunt you down.

The story is structured around proving that “human intuition beats algorithms.” You aren’t just driving for fares, but are fighting for the right to stay on the road in a living city. As you complete a series of 12-minute “shifts,” which are the game’s campaign chapters, you earn cash to upgrade your taxi and company, slowly dismantling TaxiBot Corp’s stranglehold on the city. Of course, as the day progresses, H.A.N.K. gets more aggressive, deploying tougher enemies like “TaxiTanks” and blocking off routes.

Overall, the implementation is a bit tongue-in-cheek, so it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is good, although I wish the voice acting was just a touch more enthusiastic. As it is, it’s not quite as fun as it could be due to both that and some of the pacing. With that said, despite a bit too much repetition, I did appreciate the attempts at humor, even if they were nothing inventive or laugh out loud funny.

Visuals and audio: Nostalgic and simple

Visually, it reminds me a lot of the Sega Dreamcast version of Crazy Taxi, although with simpler texture work, which is hardly a compliment. There’s also a bit of polygonal pop-in here and there, along with frame rate stutters, which I found odd. In short, if you’re looking for a graphically rich title, Taxi Chaos 2 is not it. Its visuals are more nostalgic than modern. I usually don’t mind that, but in this case, I think more ambition in this area would have helped elevate the overall experience.

The audio is similarly toned down. There’s no licensed music, so you just get generic instrumentals. It’s a far cry from the high energy bangers from Crazy Taxi. Sound effects are similarly serviceable. Voices are generally clear, although again, some of the voice acting is a bit flat. And yes, they do pull some lines from Crazy Taxi.

Gameplay: Yeah, it’s Crazy Taxi with a story, combat, and jumping

The Story Mode features chapter-based progression and a light narrative with a defined ending. Arcade Mode features endless score chasing across time-limited shifts with global cross-platform leaderboards.

While Arcade Mode can be fun for quick gameplay sessions, Story Mode is where Taxi Chaos 2 is arguably strongest. Each chapter is reasonably short, with clear objectives, which keeps the overall pace moving along. Unfortunately, the gameplay itself is not as smooth as it could be.

Taxi Chaos 2’s greatest contribution to the genre is introducing light combat by crashing into enemies and lots of obstacles that need to be jumped over. These add refreshing play elements, but the obstacles sometimes make the city feel smaller than it should. Similarly, when you’re swarmed and surrounded by TaxiBots, you can sometimes be blocked in, which I found frustrating, although that’s arguably the point.

At its heart, the gameplay in Taxi Chaos 2 is still Crazy Taxi’s, so the comparison to those fare-based games is inevitable. They just play better and have more polish, even if they can sometimes feel even more repetitive than Taxi Chaos 2.

Ultimately, if you want more Crazy Taxi, then Taxi Chaos 2 offers exactly that, but doesn’t do much beyond that even with the welcome Story Mode and attempts at unique mechanics with the combat and platformer-like jumping.

Should you buy Taxi Chaos 2?

Despite obvious effort to elevate Taxi Chaos 2 beyond the core Crazy Taxi formula with a Story Mode and combat and jump mechanics, it still remains inextricably tied to that venerable franchise’s gameplay. Unfortunately, it not only can’t meet the lofty standard of the Crazy Taxi series, it also barely offers a reasonably compelling alternative for Crazy Taxi fans thanks to its lack of overall polish. While Taxi Chaos 2 might be worth adding to your library at a deep discount, particularly since there’s no easy way to get a Crazy Taxi title on modern systems – at least until Sega’s promised reboot comes out – it’s hard to recommend at its present price point for what’s on offer. Still, if you’re a Crazy Taxi fan, you at least have an option for a somewhat fun fix until something better comes along.

Score: 6 (out of 10)

The post Taxi Chaos 2 review: Less crazy, more depth appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Some of my favorite current deals are Sid Meier’s Civilization VII for PC Steam at 43% off, Hogwarts Legacy for PC Steam for 80% off, as well as the Deluxe Edition for 78% off, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, also for PC Steam, for 44% off.

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While assembling a PC from scratch has its merits, opting for a pre-built system can often be more economical and significantly simpler, especially for newcomers. You’ll get a machine equipped with some of the industry’s best graphics cards and processors, ensuring your PC is game-ready right out of the box.

The market is flooded with options from well-known manufacturers like HP and Dell to custom-build experts like Maingear and Origin. Gaming PCs are not all created equal, and understanding your gaming needs is crucial to selecting the right one. Here are some of our top picks for every budget:

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (2023): A Stellar Choice for Most Gamers

SPECIFICATIONS

• CPU: up to Intel Core i7-13700
• Graphics: up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: up to 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

• Superb 1080p Gaming Performance: Delivers excellent frame rates for a seamless gaming experience.
• Striking Design: Features an attractive gamer aesthetic enriched with RGB lighting.
• Efficient Cooling: Ample vents ensure optimal performance by keeping the system cool.
• Value for Money: Offers impressive specs at a competitive price point.

POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS

• Limited Ray Tracing Capability: May not fully support advanced ray tracing features.
• USB-C Accessibility: Could benefit from an easier-to-reach USB-C port.
• Bloatware Notice: Comes pre-installed with McAfee, which may not suit all users.

Despite a few minor setbacks, such as its limited ray tracing capabilities and the presence of bloatware, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (2023) stands out for its superb 1080p gaming performance, attractive design, and excellent cooling system. This gaming PC provides great value for enthusiasts looking to enjoy the latest titles at high settings without breaking the bank.

HP Victus 15L: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Gaming Powerhouse

SPECIFICATIONS

• CPU: up to Intel Core i7-13700
• Graphics: up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
• RAM: up to 16GB DDR4
• Storage: up to 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD + 1TB 7200rpm SATA HDD

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

• Impressive 1080p Gaming: Delivers solid performance for most games at 1080p.
• Compact Design: Ideal for limited space, without compromising on power.
• Plentiful Connectivity: Features a range of ports for easy accessibility.
• Affordability: Highly competitive pricing for its specifications.

POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS

• Thermal Management: Compact size might impact cooling efficiency.
• Build Quality: Could benefit from a sturdier design.

In the realm of budget gaming PCs, the HP Victus 15L is a standout contender that strikes a perfect balance between affordability and gaming prowess. While its minimalist design and less robust build could be points of contention, these aspects contribute to its appealing price point. The HP Victus 15L shines with its surprising 1080p gaming performance, making it an exemplary option for gamers on a tight budget looking for a compact, yet powerful, gaming solution.

Acer Predator Orion 7000 (2023): A High-End Haven for Hardcore Gamers

SPECIFICATIONS

• CPU: 13th-gen Intel Core i7 – i9
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 – 4090
• RAM: 32 GB, DDR5 SDRAM
• Storage: 1 TB SSD + 2 TB HDD

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

• Unparalleled Performance: Designed to serve the needs of the most demanding gamers.
• Stunning ARGB Lighting: Elevates your gaming setup with its mesmerising aesthetics.
• Highly Upgradeable: Built with future-proofing in mind, ensuring long-term relevance.

POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS

• Large and Heavy: Its formidable presence requires ample space.
• Noise Levels: Can become notably loud during intense gaming sessions.
• Premium Price Tag: Reflects its top-tier components and capabilities.

The Acer Predator Orion 7000 (2023) emerges as the epitome of high-end gaming desktops, enhancing the legacy of its predecessors by delivering unparalleled performance wrapped in a dazzling design. It’s built to effortlessly tackle 4K gaming at its highest settings, boasting impressive framerates in graphic-intensive titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Despite its notable footprint and the din of its cooling system during peak performance—which, by the way, is remarkably effective—the Orion 7000’s design remains both functional for easy upgrades and aesthetically striking. This powerhouse is an investment in supreme gaming excellence, designed for those who won’t settle for anything but the best.

Alienware Aurora R16: The Premium Choice for Current-Gen Gaming Experience

SPECIFICATIONS

• CPU: Intel Core i7-13700F – i9-13900F
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 – 4080
• RAM: 16GB – 64GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB – 4TB NVMe M.2 PCIe

REASONS TO BUY

• Great Performance: Delivers outstanding performance for the latest gaming titles.
• Compact Chassis, Excellent Ventilation: Features a redesigned case that combines aesthetics with functionality for enhanced cooling.
• Great Port Selection: Offers a wide range of connectivity options for maximum versatility.

REASONS TO AVOID

• A bit Pricey: Reflects its premium components and performance capabilities.
• Glass Side Panel: While visually appealing, it may not add functional value to every user.

The Alienware Aurora R16 represents a significant refurbishment in Dell’s approach to gaming desktops. Moving away from the extraterrestrial design language of its predecessors, the R16 adopts a more sophisticated, streamlined look that does not compromise on the power within. Its performance in handling demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Dirt 5, even at QHD resolutions, is impressive.

The introduction of Nvidia DLSS 3 technology allows for even 4K gaming on several titles without sacrificing frame rates. Despite a more compact frame, the R16 does not falter in cooling efficiency, maintaining a cool and silent operation through intense gaming sessions. This reboot is not just a win for aesthetics but a testament to the potential of compact gaming rigs to deliver uncompromised performance.

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Failure is the only path to success in this bundle of action-packed roguelikes! Form a co-op party and delve into the dangerous dungeons of Barony. Ascend a tower with an awesome arsenal in the thrilling God of Weapons. Climb aboard your robospider and dig into the secrets of Wall World. Get these games and more, and help support International Medical Corps & World Central Kitchen with your purchase!

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Some of the more interesting line items are as follows:

• OS Version: Windows 10 64 bit has 57.97%, with Windows 11 64 bit at 37.43% (and all versions of Windows commanding 96.94%). All versions of MacOS OSX total only 1.43%. All versions of Linux only do slightly better at 1.63%, which is somewhat surprising given the popularity of the Steam Deck, but not too unexpected given the total number of users overall.
• System RAM: 16 GB is the most popular at 51.33%, followed by 32 GB at 22.68%, and 8 GB at 14.39%.
• Video Cards: As expected, there are no strong favorites, with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 at 6.1%, followed by NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, which edged out a handful of other cards, at 4.65%.
• VRAM: Video card RAM has 8 GB with a commanding 31.11%, followed well behind by 6 GB at 17.99%, and 12 GB at 14.8%.
• Primary Display Resolution: Seems a bit low to be the most common resolution, but when it comes to gaming, performance matters, so lower is better in that sense. 1920 x 1080 has a commanding 61.17%, while 2560 x 1440 is a distant second at 16.61%.
• VR Headsets: Oculus Quest 2 (Meta Quest 2) has a commanding 41.19%, followed by Valve Index HMD at 19.23%, and Oculus Rift S at 11.34%. Meta Quest 3, which was released early last month, will likely move up pretty fast in the rankings with the next survey release.

The post Steam Hardware and Software Survey Results – September 2023 appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Our incredible bundle of games from legendary designer Sid Meier returns! Command the fate of the world in two decades worth of Sid Meier’s Civilization titles, including the latest entry Civilization VI—plus a wealth of expansions and add-on content that give you new civs and scenarios to play. Plunder the high seas of the modern classic Sid Meier’s Pirates!. Explore a career-spanning treasury games that’ll have you taking just one…more…turn…all night, and support the charity Trees, Water & People with your purchase!

You can always check out the most recent Humble Bundle offers here and here.

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Mobiles

Starting easy, mobiles are the first choice to consider because there’s a very good chance you have one anyway. Mobiles are also built around easy access, so getting started can take just minutes. The Google Play or iOS stores will grant players quick access to whatever they want, with the only real downside being that a lack of dedicated platforms can make it tricky to claim bonuses.

The major area contradicting this point comes from digital casinos. Claiming the best online casino bonuses like free spins and up to £50 in welcome bonus is simple, with iGaming platforms offering hundreds of titles which are perfectly adapted to mobiles. These particular games have lower requirements than most mobile options too, though mobile titles tend to be less restrictive in this sense than the following option…

PC Gaming

If a wide selection is the most important to you, then you can’t do better than PC gaming. With every genre imaginable available on PC, and simple emulator support for games going back 50 years, no gaming library will ever match the PC. Whether you want a simulator with a dozen special keyboard binds, a console port to play with a controller, or even a supported mobile-native game, desktops and laptops will have you covered. Just remember here that iOS support for titles falls far behind in this regard to its Windows counterparts.

In terms of bonuses, the best places players on PC can turn to are platforms like GOG and the Epic Games Store. The Epic Games Store in particular regularly offers free AAA releases, giving their users access to titles like Borderlands 3, Prey, the Tomb Raider Trilogy, and much more. Game key shops are also a great tool for finding cheap games on these platforms, often giving opportunities far below the regular market price.

Console Gaming

It can be tricky to settle on just one of the big three consoles, but these also represent a strong balance between ease of play and cost. Ultimately, if you crave mobility, then the Switch is going to be your only choice. For the Xbox or PlayStation, you should look at the games to see which are the most appealing to you. Also note that Microsoft recently acquired ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard, so Xbox will receive more exclusives in the coming years.

In terms of bonuses, it’s the different monthly subscription services that users need to compare. These offer multiple tiers with varied advantages such as claimable titles, rotating free games, special discounts, and more.

As long as you’re not in a rush, the best advice we can give to someone looking to get involved in gaming is to take your time. If you’re buying a new device, chances are you’re going to require a significant investment, and you don’t want to be left with a purchase you’re not completely satisfied with. Weigh your options, measure your decision carefully, and you could be left with the perfect system that keeps you entertained for years to come.

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Similar to what happened with Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad game, Gotham Knights will only be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. PS4 and Xbox One users will not be able to get the latest Gotham Knights update on their devices. In a press release, Warner Bros. Montreal explained that it is aiming to provide the ‘best possible’ gameplay experience using the more powerful hardware available. This decision led to the PS4 and Xbox One exclusion.

The game’s PlayStation store page was recently updated and mentioned online support for up to ‘4 network players. However, Warner Bros. Games confirmed that Gotham Knights will only have a two-player co-op option for its campaign. Whether the game features other modes that support up to four players, we will have to wait and see.

In case, you’re new to Gotham Knight, the squad features Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood. The game is based on the DC Comics character of Batman. Batman is not new in the world of video games and gaming. In fact, Batman is seen in a number of solo video games like Batman: Arkham Knights in 2015 and Batman: Arkham Asylum in 2009. In the online gambling world, Batman also features in slot games like Batman Begins, one of Playtech’s famous slots, amongst other slots that can be found at popular online casinos in NJ like 888 Casino.

The new Gotham Knights squad is tasked with restoring justice to Gotham City during a decline period after Batman’s death. The latest Gotham Knights trailer features Red Hood and Nightwing in action. Nightwing can fight crime like no other due to his unique acrobatic offence and aerial glider, while Red Hood has an incredibly powerful leap ability. Together, they make the perfect team.

The game is set in Gotham City and the Court of Owls has been moving out of the shadows. It is now up to the squad, played by you, to restore law and order. Players can play one of the four playable characters, including Batgirl and Tim Drake’s incarnation of Robin.

The post Gotham Knights Only Available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Get everything you need to help keep your PC running smoothly, safeguard your online privacy, and defend against data disaster in our new software bundle. Fire up System Mechanic to keep your machine tuned up. Add HideAway VPN and Privacy Guardian to your arsenal to help protect yourself online. Add backup and recovery tools to your digital utility belt, and support One Tree Planted & the charity of your choice with your purchase.

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