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.

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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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1. Prominence Poker

Of Steam’s few poker games, Prominence Poker is one of the most promising.  Combining a fascinating storyline with skill-based poker mechanics, Prominence Poker takes place in the twisted underbelly of a fictional city. Players can take on AI opponents or battle friends and rivals from all over the world. The graphics, story, and intuitive gameplay have made Prominence Poker a favorite. You can customize avatars and select different poker rooms as you hit various achievements in the game. A driven competition with an engaging narrative is what many fans crave, and Prominence Poker delivers that experience. 

2. PokerStars VR 

If you’re after immersive poker content, PokerStars VR is the real deal. This poker free-to-play simulation allows players to enter a virtual gambling club and compete with people around the planet. The VR feature allows players to hold their cards, toss chips, and even play with others as if in an actual poker room. PokerStars VR is notable for its social element and themed, vibrant locales, from neon spots to posh centers. With regular updates, events, and customization for your avatars and surroundings, this game offers exciting freshness for poker lovers who like getting lost in VR.

3. Governor of Poker 3

Have you ever wished you could return to the Old West and show everyone you were the best poker player? You’ll want to check out Governor of Poker 3, a Western-themed story setting with traditional Poker. As you grow your reputation, you can visit towns, compete in tournaments, and purchase properties. It also includes multiplayer mode and various difficulty levels. The game mechanics serve as excellent players retention support because its mechanics are balanced, simple for newcomers to the franchise, and more complex to challenge veterans.  Its mechanics are balanced, simple for newcomers to the franchise,  and more complex to challenge veterans. Governor of Poker 3 suits players looking to hone their skills in a light-hearted yet competitive atmosphere.

4. Poker Club 

Poker Club is a more traditional poker game for players who want an authentic experience. Offering gorgeous visuals, virtual reality support, and an emphasis on realism, it approximates a real poker table with realistic environments and detailed mechanics emulating actual poker games. The game is ideal for serious poker players looking to imitate a live game experience. 

Side note: This is not a game for beginners; proceed cautiously. 

5. Red Dead Redemption 2 

While not technically a poker game, it is one of the best implementations of poker mini-games.  There are surprisingly in-depth poker sessions integral to the story, so you can face off against other outlaws and win some shiny poker chips. The poker simulation in Red Dead Redemption 2 is less about chips and more about adding another dimension to an already well-crafted world. With an impeccable, realistic poker mechanic included, the stunning aesthetics of the game follow a more considerable story-driven experience and prepare you in case you decide to play poker sites for real money.

6. Pure Hold ’em 

A modern digital version of Poker, Pure Hold ’em is precisely what its name implies. It’s a beautiful, bald, straightforward game with varying stages of difficulty and tournament modes. Its unbloated design and responsive gameplay make it a good fit for poker purists. Pure Hold ’em does not chain you to narrative or side tasks; it is simply about what you play and how well you play it. If your interest is honing in on Poker without any distractions, Pure Hold ’em is what you should try out.

7. Four Kings Casino and Slots 

Four Kings Casino and Slots is a social MMO (massively multiplayer online game) that puts the casino in your face. Poker plays a large role in this software’s tournaments and casual games. The game helps you test your skills against old friends while making new ones. With excellent graphics and many options for avatar customization, this is a perfect system for enjoying Poker without having to leave your den. Note also that some upgrades have in-game microtransactions.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

1. What is the most accessible poker game on Steam for newcomers? 

Governor of Poker 3 is generally considered the most accessible poker game on Steam. With its potent combination of story-driven gameplay and tutorial elements, Governor of Poker 3 is also an excellent choice for newcomers, who can expect a gentle learning curve.

2. Does any poker game feature VR support on Steam? 

Yes, PokerStars VR is VR-compatible and offers a very realistic poker table experience for those who crave one.

3. Are there any Steam poker games that can be played for free? 

Prominence Poker is a free-to-play gaming option. It offers optional paid content.

4. What is the best-looking poker game on Steam?

Poker Club has the best graphics on Steam, with stunning visuals and poker environments. You only need to think more about your face while playing.

Conclusion

Poker is an exciting blend of strategy, psychology, and luck. Adding video games to this mix further elevates the experience and is bound to attract even more poker lovers. Whether you enjoy playing Poker for the sake of it, are looking to practice and improve your skills with live opponents, or want to be a part of a community of poker enthusiasts, there’s a game on Steam waiting for you.

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• Air Raiders (Atari 2600)
• Anteater (Atari 2600 (unreleased, based on Stern IP))
• Armor Ambush (Atari 2600)
• Astroblast (Atari 2600)
• Basketball (Atari 2600)
• Dark Cavern (Atari 2600)
• Desert Falcon (Atari 7800)
• Final Legacy (Atari 5200 (prototype))
• Frogs & Flies (Atari 2600)
• Hardball (Atari 8-bit (XE cartridge version))
• International Soccer (Atari 2600)
• Sea Battle (Atari 2600 (unreleased))
• Star Strike (Atari 2600)
• Super Challenge Baseball (Atari 2600)
• Super Challenge Football (Atari 2600)
• Swordfight (Atari 2600 (unreleased))
• Tower of Mystery (Atari 2600 (prototype))
• Video Pinball (Atari 2600)
• Xari Arena (Atari 8-bit)

The press release:

Today, publisher Atari and developer Digital Eclipse are delighted to announce the second DLC for Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration. Titled The First Console War, this new expansion showcases the saga of Atari’s first major competitor in the video game console space–Mattel’s Intellivision.

This second DLC is another major expansion to Atari 50’s catalog of content and includes 19 additional playable games and eight video segments that tell the story of Atari’s first major rivalry in the console market. Told through video interviews with M Network programmer Jane Terjung, video game historians Leonard Hermand and Mike Mika, and more, The First Console War delves deep into the video game console market’s landscape of the era and ultimately explains how and why Mattel made the decision to create games for its biggest competitor.

The DLC will be available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Series X|S, and PlayStation 4 and 5. Owners of the original game on the Atari VCS will receive the DLC content for free in an update to the game in early 2025.

The First Console War games list includes:

Air Raiders – 2600 M Network
Anteater – 2600 M Network (unreleased, based on Stern IP)
Armor Ambush – 2600 M Network
Astroblast – 2600 M Network
Frogs & Flies – 2600 M Network
International Soccer – 2600 M Network
Dark Cavern – 2600 M Network
Star Strike – 2600 M Network
Super Challenge Baseball – 2600 M Network
Super Challenge Football – 2600 M Network
Swordfight – 2600 M Network (rare, unreleased)
Sea Battle – 2600 M Network (rare, unreleased)
Tower of Mystery (unreleased prototype, recently rescued)
Video Pinball – 2600
Basketball – 2600
Hardball – Atari 8-bit (XE)
Final Legacy (prototype) – 5200
Xari Arena – Atari 8-bit
Desert Falcon – 7800

Here’s what to expect in the second DLC expansion: 

• Video interviews with M Network programmer Jane Terjung, Activision’s David Crane & Garry Kitchen (worked on/published for both platforms), homebrew programmer Dennis Debro, and historians Leonard Herman & Mike Mika
• A brand new timeline explaining the challenge to Atari’s VCS by Mattel’s Intellivision–the first major rivalry in console games
• 19 more Atari arcade classics, including rescued prototypes like Tower of Mystery and rare, unreleased M-Network titles like Swordfight, Anteater, and more

The First Console War DLC features additional interviews, more vintage ads, and even more never-before-seen historical artifacts, all interwoven to reveal the previously untold story of Atari and Mattel’s intense rivalry. Highlights from the timeline include unique and often overlooked innovations and hidden gems from the late 1980s, video interviews with industry professionals like Activison’s David Crane and Garry Kitchen, and much more!

The First Console War launches globally on November 8, in concert with the physical release of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 for $39.99. The physical release contains the original game and both DLCs.

A Steelbook version for Nintendo Switch, which will include Atari 2600 art cards, miniature arcade marquee signs, and an Al Alcorn Replica Syzygy Co. business card, will retail for $49.99 USD.

The post The official game list for The First Console War DLC for Atari 50 appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Understanding Resource Types

In Rust, resources fall into wood, stone, metal, and cloth, among many others. All these types of resources are vital in crafting and building, but you will have to gauge which one you need more depending on what you want to achieve first. If you want to build a simple shelter, for instance, then you would have to focus on wood. As you advance further, however, you will notice that metal gathering is more necessary since it allows you to create better and higher-tiered weapons and tools. Knowing the types of resources and what they can potentially be used for gives you a more strategic sense of resource collection.

Gathering Resources More Efficiently with Tools

Having the right set of tools can greatly streamline your method of resource collection. For its class, in the early runs of the game, you will definitely need a stone hatchet to chop trees and collect wood. As you move further, you would want to get at least a metal hatchet or pickaxe to collect a lot quicker. Each tool has different benefits, so make sure you carry the correct one depending on the resource you are collecting. Also, think about manufacturing more durable tools, as this would reduce productivity that is lessened when so much time is wasted fixing your tools.

Picking the Right Spots

When it comes to gathering resources in Rust, location is everything. Some places obviously have much more resources than others. Actually, knowing where to search can save you a lot of time. For example, you will find enough wood in forests, while the chances for stone and metal ore are higher in rocky areas. Besides, some monuments-you would call landmarks-tend to carry loot crates and other useful resources. It goes without saying that investigating such areas yields better returns and will enable you to collect what you need for survival much more efficiently. Just be wary of other players in these hotspots, though, as there is frequently heavy competition because of the good resource flow.

Efficient Gathering Techniques

Use efficient gathering techniques in order to make your resource gathering process easier. Whenever chopping trees, for example, look for those that are near each other, so that you will not have to waste time going from one tree to another. This technique saves you energy, and it supplies you with more wood in less time. When mining stone or metal, only go for the rocks that are easily accessible since one wastes a lot of time traversing the difficult ones. Secondly, on top of this consider using the “double gather” technique where you switch between two gathering tools to reduce time spent in town and maximize efficiency. If these techniques are too much and you just want to get into the action, rust cheats are an alternative to consider, it’s a great way to gain an advantage over the competition.

Coordinating with Fellow Team Members

If you are playing in a group, coordinating with your team can enhance resource gathering significantly. Split the work according to each member’s strengths or preferences, making the work easier. For example, a player can collect wood while another collects stone and metal. Communication is also key. The locations of the resources and/or enemy movements should be shared to keep your team safe and productive. This will not only hasten the gathering process but will also develop teamwork-quite indispensable in Rust.

Planning for the Future Gathering

Finally, always plan ahead for your future resource gathering. Take notes of your inventory regularly, and study what materials you are low on. This foresight allows you to tailor your gathering sessions according to short-term needs and those which you are planning for in the long run. Also, consider placing markers on resource-intensive locations on your map so you can go back to them easily. You will be ready for anything in the merciless game of Rust by strategy in controlling your resources.

Efficient gathering of resources in Rust turns out to be an important ability that altogether may change your online game-playing experience. Gaining a deeper understanding of resource types, having the correct tools, being at a better location, using proper technique, communicating with team members, and planning-all these will enhance your resource gathering. These strategies are going to give you even better chances of survival, thereby improving your experience in Rust by making your gaming time fun and rewarding.

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Create something spectacular with RPG Maker MZ and this bundle of fresh assets! Make your creations even more engaging with the latest tools like particle effects, sprite height modifiers, and custom armor generators. Tap into your creative side—and help support Child’s Play!

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

The post Create the digital RPG of your dreams with this value-packed RPG Maker MZ and assets bundle! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

For example, casino poker or blackjack require thorough analysis and the ability to make long-term decisions. In addition, fast withdrawal gambling clubs can help players to master financial management skills. In this regard, Nodar Giorgadze emphasizes various betting options and bankroll handling tactics. Using them gamblers evaluate their financial capabilities and learn how to allocate their funds.

Finally, we’ve long appreciated intellectual PC challenges and puzzles! Some of them can baffle even the most experienced players. With a variety of subjects, they teach us to use logical thinking, planning, and strategy. Each puzzle is a new riddle that requires non-standard solutions, refusing habitual reflective patterns. Test yourself, take a journey through the mind labyrinths, and discover new horizons of noetic adventures with top intellectual PC challenge games!

Portal Puzzle Series By Valve

Portal is the premier spatial puzzle game in the industry. It all started with Narbacular Drop – a game from a group of students. In it, players need to overcome difficulties using a portal system. Gabe Newell liked the concept of a spatial puzzle using portals so much that the authors were invited to Valve. So in 2007, the first Portal game appeared on the market.

The plot is very simple – under the player’s control, the experimental subject is being tested in a laboratory. The location is unknown. The tasks are issued by the artificial intelligence GLADoS. So, you need to create 2 portals – blue and orange – and move through them. Create them subsequently to pass the next test room. Portal created a real sensation among gamers! Since 2007, its 12 parts have appeared.

The Turing Test By Bulkhead Interactive (2016)

Portal duology gave impetus to this PC games’ genre growth. As a result, first-person puzzles have become commonplace. The Turing Test from Bulkhead Interactive studio is another project in this direction. Naturally, the plot here is science fiction. It all starts on a space station near Europa, a satellite of Jupiter. AI awakens the heroine from sleep and reports the loss of contact with the ground expedition. She needs to find out what’s going on.

Events develop similarly to Portal. The motives are also akin – the interaction of humans and AI. The entire labyrinth of testing rooms is a kind of Turing test. The heroine, moving forward along it, is revealed as an object of manipulation, limited by certain boundaries, and not as an individual personality. The Turing Test features a moderate pace, attractive visual design, and gradually increasing difficulty.

Q.U.B.E. By Toxic Games (2014)

Q.U.B.E. offers its users to manipulate multi-colored cubes using special gloves. Blue cubes turn into trampolines, red ones create adjustable platforms, yellow ones make multiple platforms and green ones spawn a companion cube. It is important to create combinations in the correct sequence.

The game is very reminiscent of Portal. You’ll deal with a sterile laboratory, minimalism, and riddles. However, Q.U.B.E. doesn’t have a subtle and ironic plot and impeccable balance as Valve games. Nevertheless, it is an excellent choice for those interested in solving puzzles rather than philosophical reflections.

Superliminal By Pillow Castle (2019)

Superliminal uses perspective and object manipulation at the core of its puzzles. By pushing and moving objects, you can change their size to use them, for example, as a ladder or springboard. From a certain angle, several strips turn into a three-dimensional figure – pick it up and place it somewhere. Players will have to immerse themselves in the lucid dreams of different people in a clinic (to treat neuroses). Naturally, a different reality involves surreal scenes and fractured spaces.

The game is addictive – it constantly changes its rules and the situations in which the players find themselves. It’s mainly due to the perspective mechanism. You will be surprised by the unexpected transitions from one room to another! Meanwhile, the meditative hovering over the puzzles is replaced by a rapid race. Do you feel like you are playing with the size of objects? Be careful! In a second you may find that you are interacting with large room sizes.

Manifold Garden By William Chyr Studio (2019)

The Manifold Garden puzzle was developed by William Chyr – a former physicist. He worked almost for 8 years and followed the Dutch graphic artist M. C. Escher. That time Chyr had no experience, made mistakes, and faced many problems. Nevertheless, his team found a solution for each. So, in October 2019, they released a unique indie game that describes 400 years of physics evolution. 

Manifold Garden doesn’t have a deep plot or a strong character. The player will find fantastic worlds of amazing geometry, colorful cubes, and the ability to change the floor/walls/ceiling, leading to unexpected consequences. Expert players say that the riddles here only look complicated. In fact, users will not have to strain their brains by testing themselves for dexterity and intelligence. Unlike many hardcore puzzle games, Manifold Garden is very patient and kind to the player. However, no one denies that it will be the best genre entry after the Portal by Valve Corporation.

These are not all PC games that use teleportation mechanics. Development studios take into account their own experience and the experience of other leading companies, creating exciting puzzles. For example, Manifold Garden is a very successful project. Each of these games has found its audience. However, the Portal’s success was so stunning that all the mind-breaker titles will be compared with it for a long time.

The post Top PC Games That Will Make You Break Your Head! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

The Upload VR Summer Showcase is upon us, and to get in the spirit of celebration, Devolver is giving you access to a bundle of must-plays from their archives! Bask in the blood-soaked melee carnage of GORN, the off-the-wall (and critically acclaimed) physics-based gladiator simulator. Tentacular casts you as a friendly and gigantic tentacled squid-like beast whose job is to help humans with a host of complex tasks by means of your mighty tentacles. The Talos Principle VR brings the beloved puzzle-based philosophical sci-fi tale to virtual reality, with all the attendant bells and whistles. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhnd don’t forget the full Serious Sam VR collection! Pay what you want for a virtual grab bag full of hits, and help support Special Effect with your purchase!

Please check VR system requirements.

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

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Get in the spirit of IGN Live—happening June 7–9—with this bundle of hits from some of the most exciting studios and publishers making waves at the show! Embark on a wild and hilarious sci-fi adventure that captures the off-the-wall spirit of Rick and Morty in High on Life. Customize a dropship-full of killer BattleMechs and make your mark on the galaxy in Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries. Team up with a friend for co-op platforming that’s equal parts charming and challenging in Bread & Fred. Pay what you want for 7 awesome games, and help support Child’s Play with your purchase!

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

The post Get Atari 50, High On Life, Mechwarrior 5, and more in this killer PC Steam game bundle! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.