The premium M46 Patton joins France as the main tank prize in the Last Legionnaire season as winter moved on to 2025. This tank is exceptionally versatile, allowing it to be used in any role during battle, and will also be a great addition to several French builds, helping to add some variety and speed up research thanks to its premium status.
Enhancements
In general, the M46 is slightly better than its direct ancestor, the M26, in several key aspects. One area where it has improved is its engine, although top forward speed hasn’t changed, performance has improved significantly. This extra power means the M46 can reverse a little faster and boasts more overall agility, making it quite efficient in this regard.
War Thunder M46 Patton Picture from back
Armament
The M46 uses a functionally identical gun to the M26, retaining its horizontal and vertical aiming angles, but offering increased firepower. Apart from the new muzzle brake, the most important addition is the new HEAT-FS ammunition, which features a high muzzle velocity and good penetration of up to 305 mm regardless of range. Since the M46 participates in battles where ERA and deployed armor are more rare, it makes sense to use these HEAT-FS rounds as the main round on this tank. Although for those side projectiles, the APCBC ammunition is best used
Protection and Armour
Now moving on to armour, where the M46 has not changed significantly compared to the M26. The front of the turret and hull area can easily withstand hits from weaker tank guns, and while the hull is relatively bland from the front, it can withstand many weaker guns when tilted. However, the interior compartments are relatively cramped and full of ammunition, with a frontal penetration of the armour usually resulting in an explosion of the ammunition or the loss of most of the crew.
History
In 1945, a program was launched to create a new medium tank for the US Army based on the M26 Pershing. The Detroit Arsenal built 10 prototypes with a new engine, a slightly longer chassis and an upgraded M3A1 gun with a new muzzle brake. The prototypes were submitted for testing in 1949, but before completion the vehicle was approved for production and standardized as the M46 General Patton medium tank. The M46 tanks participated in the Korean War and were also supplied to European countries in the 1950s, particularly France and Belgium.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Medieval punishment infront of the peasant public
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Release Date Revealed Fans of the historically accurate RPG series can mark their calendars for February 4th, 2025, as Czech Warhorse Studios has officially announced the release date for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. The sequel to the 2018 hit will be available on PC (Steam or Epic) , PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
A World Twice as Large One of the most exciting aspects of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is the sheer size of its game world. According to the developers, the map will be roughly twice as large as the one in the first game, giving players an even more expansive and detailed recreation of Bohemia to explore.
Powered by a Modified Unreal Engine 5 To bring this massive world to life, Warhorse Studios is harnessing the power of a modified version of Unreal Engine 5 called TSOOD. This cutting-edge technology promises to deliver improved graphics and performance, making the game’s historical setting more immersive than ever before.
A Script of Epic Proportions But it’s not just the world that’s bigger in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Creative Director Dan Vávra recently revealed that the game’s script clocks in at a staggering 2,200,000 words – that’s 200,000 more than the previous record-holder, Baldur’s Gate 3. To put this into perspective, Vávra explained that the script is equivalent to 11,000 typical screenwriting pages, 100 scripts for a typical two-hour movie, or roughly 25 average novels.
New Features and Improvements In addition to its ambitious scope, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will introduce a host of new features and improvements. Players can expect more options for character creation and customization, additional skill trees and perks, revamped melee combat with new animations and AI, improved ranged combat including the introduction of crossbows, an updated armor system with a wider variety of historically accurate designs, an expanded open world with more activities and events, and a system that tracks player choices and their consequences.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Medieval fights
The Minds Behind the Game Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is the product of the talented team at Warhorse Studios, a company based in Prague, Czech Republic. Founded by industry veterans Dan Vávra and Martin Klíma, the studio is dedicated to creating immersive, historically accurate games. Vávra and Klíma are closely involved with the development of the sequel, serving as Creative Director and Executive Producer, respectively. They are joined by Lead Designer Viktor Bocan, who brings his experience from projects like Arma 3 and Vigor to the table.
Anticipation Builds for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 With its impressive scope, technological advancements, and commitment to historical authenticity, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious RPGs in recent memory. Will it live up to these high expectations? We will see very soon, mark upcoming 4th to your calendar and check with us but later.
Looking for some fresh gaming experiences without spending a dime-freebies? Epic Games Store’s latest free offerings might just be what you need. This week brings us two distinct titles: the puzzle-packed “Escape Academy” and the upcoming narrative adventure “Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery.” Here’s what you need to know about these free games before you add them to your library.
Escape Academy: Put Your Problem-Solving Skills to the Test
Ever dreamed of becoming an escape room master? “Escape Academy” transforms that dream into a virtual reality, offering a unique educational twist on the escape room genre. Developed by Coin Crew Games, this title puts you in the shoes of a student at an unconventional institution where escape artistry isn’t just a hobby – it’s a way of life.
The game features over a dozen meticulously crafted escape rooms, each with its own narrative thread and distinctive challenges. What sets “Escape Academy” apart is its grounding in real-world escape room design principles. The development team includes actual escape room creators, bringing authentic puzzle-crafting expertise to the digital realm.
Players will find themselves tackling various scenarios, from defusing bombs to brewing the perfect cup of tea under pressure. Each room is timed, adding that familiar sense of urgency escape room enthusiasts know and love. But don’t let that intimidate you – the difficulty curve is well-balanced, gradually introducing new concepts and puzzle types as you progress.
A particularly noteworthy feature is the game’s cooperative mode. Players can team up with a friend either locally or online, creating an experience that closely mirrors the social aspect of physical escape rooms. The puzzles are cleverly designed to encourage communication and collaboration, making it an excellent choice for gaming sessions with friends or family.
Key Features of Escape Academy:
Story-driven campaign with character development and world-building
13 unique escape rooms designed by industry professionals
Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery – A Painted Journey of Discovery
Following “Escape Academy,” Epic Games Store will offer “Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery” starting January 23rd. This visually stunning game from Silver Lining Studio takes a completely different approach to puzzle-solving, wrapping it in an artist’s perspective and a touching story.
The game follows an aspiring artist in her quest to complete her masterpiece while uncovering the story of her mysterious neighbor. What makes this game special is its unique blend of puzzle-solving and painting mechanics, all presented in a beautiful art style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli animations.
Players interact with the world through the protagonist’s artistic lens, solving puzzles by painting, sketching, and observing their surroundings. The gameplay mechanics are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, making each puzzle feel like a natural part of the story rather than an arbitrary challenge.
The attention to detail in the visual presentation is remarkable, with each scene crafted to feel like an interactive painting. The game’s sound design complements the visuals perfectly, featuring a soothing soundtrack that enhances the contemplative atmosphere.
What to Expect from Behind the Frame:
Roughly 2-3 hours of gameplay focused on story and atmosphere
Interactive painting mechanics
Mystery-driven narrative
Studio Ghibli-inspired art style
Original soundtrack
Accessibility-friendly design
How to Claim These Games
To add these titles to your library, simply visit the Epic Games Store website or launch the Epic Games launcher on your computer. “Escape Academy” is available to claim until January 23rd at 11:00 AM EST. After that, “Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery” will become available for free.
Remember, once you claim these games, they’re yours to keep forever – even after the free period ends. However, you must claim them during their respective free windows.
System Requirements at a Glance and are Just Fine
For those considering downloading these games, here are the basic system requirements:
Escape Academy:
OS: Windows 10
Processor: Intel Core i5-2400 or equivalent
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660
Storage: 4 GB available space
Behind the Frame:
OS: Windows 7 or newer
Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Storage: 3 GB available space
Whether you’re in the mood for intense puzzle-solving or a relaxing artistic adventure, this week’s Epic Games Store offerings provide an interesting contrast in gaming experiences. Both titles showcase the diversity of modern indie game design, from challenging escape room scenarios to contemplative narrative experiences.
Assetto Corsa EVO Early Access - Toyota GR86 showing of outside on the square
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
The Early Access Launch
The highly anticipated Assetto Corsa EVO has finally hit the virtual track with its early access release on January 16th, 2025. Sim racing enthusiasts around the world have been eagerly awaiting this next-generation title from renowned developer Kunos Simulazioni, hoping for a worthy successor to the beloved Assetto Corsa franchise. After diving into the initial offering, it’s clear that AC EVO has the potential to become a defining racing simulator, even if this early version feels more like a tantalizing appetizer than a fully satisfying meal.
Sim racer and vloger Jardier and his first impression of the game on Youtube Live
The Streamlined Interface
Firing up AC EVO for the first time, you’re greeted by a streamlined interface reminiscent of Assetto Corsa Competizione. The clean menus and intuitive navigation will feel instantly familiar to ACCveterans, allowing you to quickly jump into the driver’s seat. The garage and car setup screens maintain this design language, prioritizing function over flashy visuals. While some may yearn for a grander spectacle, the no-nonsense approach keeps the focus squarely on the driving experience.
At this early juncture, AC EVO provides a curated selection of five iconic circuits and twenty meticulously crafted cars. The track roster includes favorites like Brands Hatch, offering a diverse array of challenges to test your skills. Whether you’re threading the needle through Paddock Hill Bend or bravely holding the throttle down Hawthorn Hill, these virtual renditions capture the essence of their real-world counterparts. The laser-scanned accuracy and attention to detail are evident at every turn, laying a solid foundation for the game’s future expansion.
The car list, while not exhaustive, covers a broad spectrum of automotive excellence. From the plucky Abarth 595 to the sultry Ferrari 296 GTB, there’s a mount to suit every taste and skill level. Each vehicle has been lovingly recreated, with painstaking attention paid to both visual fidelity and mechanical authenticity. The artistry under the hood is matched by the glossy sheen of the bodywork, showcasing Kunos Simulazioni’s commitment to both form and function.
The Driving Experience
Sliding behind the wheel, it’s clear that AC EVO builds upon the physics pedigree of its predecessors. The simulated machinery responds to inputs with a reassuring weightiness, communicating a palpable sense of connection through the force feedback. Tires deform convincingly over kerbs, weight shifts perceptibly during cornering, and the steering communicates a nuanced narrative of grip and slip. Whilst not quite as viscerally intense as ACC, the handling model feels grounded and gimmick-free, rewarding precision and punishing overexuberance.
Speaking of overexuberance, the AI opponents in AC EVO are a revelation compared to their occasionally erratic counterparts in ACC. No longer suicidal dive-bombers, these virtual racers attack and defend with a convincing semblance of self-preservation. They deftly navigate the track limits, opportunistically exploit your errors, and stoically hold their line when side-by-side. The resulting battles feel both hard-fought and fair, adding spice to the single-player experience while we await the multiplayer mode.
Graphics and Performance
Graphically, Assetto Corsa EVO marks a subtle but generational leap forward from its predecessors. The tracks pop with crisper textures, more nuanced lighting, and finer environmental details. The car models are equally impressive, boasting intricate interiors and paint that gleams convincingly beneath the simulated sun. Trackside objects have received a significant upgrade too, with vegetation, barriers, and buildings all benefiting from higher polygon counts and improved materials. However, some compromises are still evident, with low-resolution spectators somewhat marring the otherwise convincing ambiance.
All this visual splendor comes at a cost. The steep system requirements have raised eyebrows, with even powerful rigs struggling to maintain a steady 60 frames per second on maximum settings. Optimization is clearly an ongoing process, and those with more modest hardware may need to make significant visual sacrifices for the sake of smooth gameplay. Virtual reality and triple-screen support, while nominally present, seem to require further refinement before they can be considered truly viable.
The Missing Multiplayer
Of course, the elephant in the room is the lack of multiplayer at launch. Assetto Corsa thrived on its vibrant online community, with drivers of all skill levels filling the servers to race, learn, and socialize. The decision to delay multiplayer until autumn feels like a misstep, potentially dampening the game’s momentum and longevity. AC EVO’s single-player offering is engaging in its own right, but it’s the thrill of human competition that will ultimately keep sim racers coming back for more.
The Road Ahead
Despite these early access limitations, Assetto Corsa EVO brims with potential. The core driving experience is solid and satisfying, the visual presentation is a marked improvement, and the AI provides a worthy challenge in lieu of human opponents. While it may not yet be the definitive sim racing package, it’s a promising first lap for Kunos Simulazioni’s ambitious new title.
In the coming months, AC EVO will undoubtedly evolve and expand. More tracks and cars will flesh out the roster, new features and refinements will be implemented, and the physics and AI will be honed to perfection. The early access period is a time for the developers to gather feedback, squash bugs, and shape the game into the sim racing powerhouse it aspires to be.
Conclusion
For now, Assetto Corsa EVO offers a tantalizing glimpse into the franchise’s future. It’s a work in progress, but the passion and pedigree behind it are undeniable. As the journey from early access to version 1.0 unfolds, sim racers will be watching with bated breath, eager to see how this bold new contender evolves. If Kunos Simulazioni can harness the feedback, optimize performance, and deliver on their ambitious vision, Assetto Corsa EVO could be destined for pole position in the hearts and minds of virtual motorsport enthusiasts around the world. If you want to try grab yours for 20% discount on Steam until 31st of January 2025
Official Nintendo Youtube Channel reveals Nintendo Switch 2 coming 2025
After months of design leaks and speculation, Nintendo has officially announced the Switch 2console, set for release in 2025. Having closely followed the developments and analyzed the leaked designs against other handhelds in my collection, I want to share my perspective on what’s coming.
Nintendo Switch 2 turns black and is more robust than Switch
The Size Factor The first thing that struck me about the Switch 2 design is its 8.4-inch display. While the Legion Go’s 8.8-inch screen makes it a massive device, the Switch 2’s design manages to house its 8.4-inch display in a notably more compact frame. It’s 2.8 cm narrower and 0.93 cm thinner than the Legion Go, which makes a real difference when holding it according to leaks
Compared to my Switch OLED, the Switch 2 is bigger – 6 cm longer and 1.74 cm thicker. The increased thickness initially caught my attention, but after comparing it to other handhelds, it’s clear this brings the Switch 2 more in line with current gaming hardware standards. The Switch OLED was unusually thin for a gaming handheld, and this extra thickness in the Switch 2 suggests better cooling and potentially more powerful hardware.
Display and Controls The screen resolution bump to 1080p from 720p is immediately noticeable. While the leaked information points to an LCD panel rather than OLED, the increased pixel density (262 ppi versus 209 ppi) provides sharper image quality.
The new Joy-Cons look-feel more substantial in hand, being larger in every dimension. The triggers are noticeably bigger – a welcome change from the current Switch’s somewhat small ZL and ZR buttons. There’s also a new C button below the Home button on the right Joy-Con, which points to expanded functionality.
Practical Design Changes Some design changes directly address common issues with the current Switch. The USB-C port has moved to the top of the device, which means I can finally charge while using the kickstand. The new dock design features what appears to be active cooling, with visible vents that suggest more powerful docked performance.
Storage and Connectivity The support for microSD Express cards is particularly interesting. The jump from 100MB/s to potential speeds of 800MB/s means expandable storage won’t come with a performance penalty. This addresses a key limitation of the current Switch, where loading times from microSD cards could be noticeably slower.
Backwards Compatibility Nintendo has confirmed the Switch 2 will play both physical and digital Switch games, though some titles may not be fully compatible. The game card slot appears identical to the current Switch, supporting this claim.
Global Launch Events Nintendo’s announcement includes a series of hands-on events starting April 2025. They’re planning stops in major cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. The events require a Nintendo Account for participation, with registration details coming soon.
Looking Forward Nintendo has scheduled a Direct presentation for April 2, 2025, where we’ll learn more about the specifications and launch details. From what we can see so far, the Switch 2 brings meaningful improvements while maintaining the core appeal of the original Switch concept. The larger screen sits in a surprisingly manageable body, and the design changes appear focused on practical improvements rather than just aesthetic updates.
As someone who uses various gaming handhelds regularly, I’m particularly interested in how the Switch 2’s form factor compares in daily use. While it’s larger than the current Switch, it seems to strike a balance between screen size and portability that could work well for both stationary and on-the-go gaming.
We’ll have to wait until the April 2nd Nintendo Direct for full specifications and pricing details, but the design shown in the leaks and now confirmed by Nintendo suggests a well-considered evolution of the Switch format. The upcoming hands-on events will provide a crucial opportunity to test these impressions in person.
