Dwarf Fortress, a freemium game since 2006, has launched its Adventure Mode expansion into public beta, offering updated graphics and a detailed procedurally generated world for RPG-style adventures with character creation, quests, and combat. The game, known for its intricate detail, also features a Fortress Mode where players manage a growing contingent of dwarfs in an expanding dungeon home. The premium version on Steam includes updated graphics and mod support, with the full release of the Adventure Mode expansion expected later this year.
The Final Fantasy 14 benchmark for Dawntrail has been announced, featuring the ability to create female Hrothgar characters and showcasing the upcoming 7.0 graphics update. The update includes improvements to grass, ground textures, shadows, and reflections, as well as support for Super Resolution technology. The benchmark tool, launching on April 14, will allow players to test their PC's performance and create female Hrothgar characters, with the option to explore new skills and additions coming in 7.0.
Square Enix has announced an update for the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth demo on February 21, addressing complaints about graphics with visual improvements that will also apply to the full game at launch on PS5. The update will specifically improve image quality in the Performance pre-set in the graphics settings, aiming to resolve issues such as lack of interactive foliage and murky textures. Additionally, the demo contains Easter Eggs for two of the original JRPG's biggest boss fights, while a debate over yellow point signposting has emerged as a point of contention.
After over 23 years since its release, Perfect Dark has received a full PC port that includes graphics and control updates, making it a much more enjoyable experience for modern players. The port, described as "mostly functional," features full mouse-and-keyboard controls, 60 fps frame rate, support for modern widescreen resolutions, and the ability to load custom levels. The decompilation project, which led to this port, allows players to use their own valid ROM file for the game's assets. Other N64 decompilation projects, such as Banjo-Kazooie and GoldenEye 007, have faced delays, while projects for Mario Kart 64 and Majora's Mask are making progress.
Mojang has officially added shaders to Minecraft Bedrock Edition, eliminating the need for shader mods. Shaders are graphical filters that enhance lighting, shadows, reflections, and textures, resulting in a more realistic and vibrant visual experience. The latest update introduces the Render Dragon graphic engine to Android, PC, and Xbox devices, allowing players to enable shaders without mods. Mojang plans to bring this feature to iOS and PlayStation consoles in the future.
