Check out these latest hardware announcements for today from around the web. Also included are some hardware news bits, and on some days, a few rumors tossed in for good measure. Click on the links below to read the official press release, visit the products web page, or to an independent news source.

• Kolink Announces Observatory Lite Series and Inspire K7 Cases
• Samsung Announces 870 Series QVO SSDs incl 8TB Model
• Montech Launches Z3 Pro ARGB Fan 3-in-1 Pack
• NETGEAR Extends WiFi 6 Leadership With 2nd Orbi Mesh System Delivering Gigabit WiFi Everywhere in the Home
• Louqe and Noctua Present NH-L12 Special Edition CPU Cooler for the Ghost S1 Case
• CORSAIR Launches iCUE LT100 Smart Lighting Towers
• ASRock Launches Radeon RX 5600 XT Challenger Pro 6G OC Graphics Card
• TEAMGROUP Announces T-FORCE CARDEA Ceramic C440 M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD
• BenQ Announces Updated ZOWIE FK-B, ZA-B Standard Edition Series Mice with 3360 Sensor
• AeroCool Launches its Prime Mid-tower Case
• Sabrent Rocket XTRM Q – A portable SSD going for 2700 MB/s
• ASUS Unveils New RT-AX55 802.11ax Router
• GALAX Launches A TU106-Based Nvidia GTX 1650 Ultra
• Shuttle Announces Fanless All-in-One PCs with Intel Core i3 Processor
• EK Quantum Torque Series Fittings Expanded With Static Extenders
• Alphacool NexXxos ST30 Copper Radiators & Eisbaer Extension Kits
• DeepCool Intros Gamer Storm TF-120S and TF-140S Fans for Radiators
• EK Pumpless Quantum TBE DDC Pump-Reservoir Combos Hitting the Market
• Bitspower Unveils Mono Block for ASRock X299E-ITX ac LGA2066 Motherboard
• EK Expands Professional Portfolio With New Water Blocks
• ZADAK Announces a New Flagship Compact Water Cooled PC with the MOAB II ELITE
• Bitspower Intros Mono Block for ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero
• Alienware Launches AW410K Gaming Keyboard
• Sharkoon Announces the REV220 PC Chassis
• Team Group Announces ASUS TUF Gaming Alliance Co-branded SSDs

The key battle of the Arab–Israeli War will also be available to players

Gaijin Entertainment announces that the 3rd season of World War mode is coming to the military online action game War Thunder in a few weeks. In this mode some of the players will serve as commanders moving armies on the strategic map, whilst others will resolve the clashes of those armies in the form of classic War Thunder gameplay sessions. While the first two seasons reconstructed famous World War II battle scenarios with the relevant military hardware used, the new one will feature ground and air vehicles built in the second half of the 20th century – T-80 and Leopard 2 tanks, Mi-24 and Bo 105 helicopters, MiG-21 and F-104 fighter jets. The advanced weaponry will be used to recreate a hypothetical scenario of a key World War III battle and a famous tank battle from the Yom Kippur War.

During the Cold War, NATO strategists studied various scenarios of a potential 3rd World War. They thought that no matter what and how the conflict would start, the Soviet group of Forces in Germany would probably attack through the so-called Fulda Gap – a lowland area between the Hesse-Thuringian border and Frankfurt am Main. This is a perfect place to operate a large tank force that the Soviet Union thought to be its trump card in this hypothetical war. The Fulda Gap battle scenario in War Thunder places the Soviet army against the Western German army with Frankfurt am Main as the prize.

Fulda Map

The Yom Kippur War began in 1973 on October 6th, when a coalition of Arab states simultaneously attacked Israel. On October 17th the successful counter-offensive of Israeli forces brought them to the western bank of the Suez Canal in Egypt. The Arab armies tried to push them back and organized a massive attack near an agricultural research station that was marked as the “Chinese farm” on Israeli maps. The battle for this feature became the largest tank battle since World War II times. The Battle for Chinese Farm scenario in War Thunder will allow players to control either Arab forces armed with Soviet-made vehicles or Israel with a mix of American and French equipment.

More information on the new gameplay features in the new season – i.e. the role of the helicopter armies – and the dates when the battles will take place will be published on the official War Thunder website in the coming days.

Destroyer: the U-Boat Hunter is an interactive war thriller which seamlessly blends tactical anti-submarine warfare simulation with a gripping storyline. Take command of a meticulously reconstructed Fletcher-class destroyer and lead your crew against nazi U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic!

It’s all in your hands, captain!

The game is set in 1942, i.e. when the convoy system was finally introduced by the US Navy in response to operation ‘Drumbeat’ and the bloodbath that the U-boats had caused along the US east coast. The player will take full command of USS Janson (DD-524), a fictional Fletcher-class destroyer based on USS Kidd (DD-661), which will lead the escort group of an important convoy. It will be assisted by three AI-controlled destroyers that the player will be able to give orders to. From setting the formation, through ordering attacks and search plans to picking up survivors.

“ Our goal is to build a credible, highly authentic game environment. To that end, we are aiming at recreating naval warfare technology and US naval combat doctrine from the 1940s, as well as portraying day to day activities of the crew, their problems, and interpersonal relations. These motifs will be incorporated into the main plot, and will be based on actual stories and anecdotes by US Navy veterans” says Bartosz Pluta, CEO of Iron Wolf Studio.

Simulator with a cinematic feel

The plot of Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter will be conveyed via highly detailed cutscenes which strongly tie into the game’s choice and consequence mechanic. The captain’s strategic decisions, as well as certain story-related aspects of the game will be controlled by the player, with consequences for both the situation in combat and plot development. Gameplay as such will focus on several key locations on-board: the combat information centre, the bridge, the sonar room, the engine room, and observation posts. The player will be able to switch between these locations at any moment in the course of the battle.

“One of the main premises that we keep to in our design is something that we call ‘realistic combat awareness’. What it means is that there will be no way to see through the fog of war other than by using authentic equipment and procedures. There is no ‘bird’s eye view’, and the player will be far from omniscient. We believe this is especially important in recreating anti-submarine warfare, where advantage in combat is achieved mainly through detecting, locating, and keeping track of enemy presence” adds Artur Salwarowski, vice-president of Iron Wolf Studio.

Key features of the game:

• Platform: PC
• Genre: tactical milsim with interactive story element.
• Realistic radar, sonar, and navigation instruments.
• A choice and consequence mechanic will allow players to make key decisions as the plot develops.
• Xsense and Face Ware technologies (motion capture) will be used in cutscenes to ensure high quality character animation.
• The first episode in the series will focus only on anti-submarine warfare – the studio is planning to release further episodes which will take place in the Pacific Theatre and expand the gameplay by adding surface and surface-to-air combat.

Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter is published by Iron Wolf Studio. The release date will be announced soon. Find out more about the game on its Steam webpage.

The concluding mission to the ‘Hell Cult’ campaign is out today New BRUTAL difficulty mode also available FREE!

Welcome to DEEPER THAN HELL, the third and concluding chapter in Zombie Army 4’s ‘Hell Cult’ campaign. Deeper Than Hell has launched on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, the Epic Games Store and Stadia!

Click here to watch the Deeper Than Hell launch trailer.

Having uncovered the cultists’ plan to drill miles beneath the surface, you and your fellow Deadhunters must fight your way through a long-forgotten city, creeping with ancient, raging terror. Allies will become enemies as you discover the source of the horrifying occult power – but will you make it out alive?

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

As well as Deeper Than Hell, there’s plenty of other brand new content out today for Zombie Army 4 fans to bite into, including:

• Luger Pistol Bundle
• Shotgun Pistol Bundle
• French Resistance Fighter Character
• Paratrooper Zombie Character
• Wrapping Weapon Skins

The Zombie Army 4 Season 1 Pass offers access to ALL Season 1 content including Deeper Than Hell. It’s available to purchase on all platforms and it’s also included in the Zombie Army 4: Super Deluxe Edition. Content can also be bought individually.

THE BRUTAL DEAD

Finally, for Zombie Army 4 fans who laugh in the face of death, Rebellion has added a brand new, monstrously challenging BRUTAL difficulty mode. And it’s free!

In Brutal difficulty, enemies deal loads more damage and are much, MUCH harder to take down. There are numerous other changes designed to push you to your limits; the HUD is severely limited, the dead resurrect with greater frequency, reviving your comrades will now require a medkit, and more!
Brutal difficulty mode will unlock upon completing the main campaign.

For more info, please visit ZombieArmy.com.

World of Warships Adds Ship Skins, Commanders, Camouflages and More – All Based on the Imperium of Man and Chaos Factions

Today Wargaming brings the gothic splendor of Warhammer 40,000 to World of Warships. Players can choose between different bundles containing themed ship skins, commanders with unique voiceovers, camouflages and flags from two of the biggest factions in the Warhammer 40,000 universe — Imperium of Man, a galaxy-spanning interstellar human empire; and Chaos, those devoted to serving the Chaos Gods.

On June 22, Warhammer 40,000 inspired bundles will also be coming to World of Warships: Legends available on Xbox and PS4.

Watch these videos to see what players can expect with this epic collaboration on both World and Warships (PC) and World of Warships: Legends.

Imperium of Man and Chaos will be represented through unique and dreadful ships helmed by their fearless commanders: Justinian Lyons XIII and Arthas Roqthar the Cold.

“As a Warhammer 40,000 fan myself, I’m very excited to finally see these epic themed ships in our ports. Their striking visual appearance paired with the dramatic voiceovers that will give you chills, promises to evoke the grim dystopian splendor of 40K. I have no doubts our players will enjoy playing these ships as much as we did while designing them, said Philip Molodkovets, World of Warships’ Executive Producer.

“After our extremely successful previous collaborations with World of Tanks: Blitz and World of Tanks we’re thrilled to work with Wargaming again. We’re big fans of World of Warships, and we can’t wait to see players celebrating Warhammer 40,000 in their games with these beautiful and authentic themes.” said Jon Gillard, Global Head of Licensing at Games Workshop.

World of Warships has had great success bringing various collaborations to life in its game without hurting the historical aspect or distracting players who prefer the standard gameplay. Providing a flexible system of filters, players can choose to customize their visual experience or, if they are not interested, turn it off completely. The collaboration with Games Workshop celebrates the unique visual style of their universe, but does not alter the gameplay.

Visit the official World of Warships website now for more game info and to sign up for World of Warships for free!

The studio also published today a summary of the most relevant changes and additions to the game during its first 10 weeks in Early Access

TaleWorlds Entertainment announces today that Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is now available on the Epic Games Store. First released on Early Access on March 30th to the universal praise of critics and gamers alike (with an 87% approval rating on Steam), it quickly became one of the most successful games released on Steam of this year.

Applauded for its deep and engaging gameplay, its vast and alive world and the sense of freedom that is the mark of the franchise, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord reaches the Epic Games Store at last with a 20% release discount. The game is also available from today with the same 20% off on taleworlds.com, Steam, and partner stores such as Humble Bundle or Greenman Gaming, etc.

Since its first Early Access launch, TaleWorlds has released dozens of patches and updates, not just fixing performance issues but also adding new content and features, paving the road for the months to come until full release. The studio just published a summary of the most important improvements and new content implemented since March 30; you can read more info about all the changes that have been released so far HERE.

Create the ultimate castle and test your defences with custom invasions in ‘Free Build’

Firefly Studios has just released fresh Stronghold: Warlords gameplay featuring the unique ‘Free Build’ sandbox mode, in which players test their dream strongholds against increasingly challenging AI invasions. In Free Build players design a castle using near unlimited resources, customise its defences and finally launch wave after wave of invasions to put their creation to the test:

Extended Gameplay Trailer

Free Build Trailer

Free Build is designed to be played in many different ways. A selection of large open maps with picturesque scenery and monuments will allow players to build to their heart’s content. As in the main campaign, skirmish mode and multiplayer the titular Warlords mechanic can also be used to help build a dream citadel, sending key resources and providing buffs to their castle economy.

Invasions come with a host of options, including a selection of unique siege armies to throw at your castle walls. Test your mettle against everything from squads of tribesmen and stealthy ninja to battalions of cavalry and armoured legions with powerful siege weapons. The challenge can be further increased with invasion difficulty settings and the ability to add random events such as peasant revolts, moth infestations and deadly roaming tigers. Players will also be able to create custom Free Build maps, adding their own events, invasions and warlords to capture.

Castle builders will be able to access Free Build mode at launch on September 29th. Scheduled for release via Steam, players can find out more about Stronghold: Warlords by visiting the game’s official website.

Field of Glory 2 has been updated to version 1.5.3, with new units coming from the TT Mod officially added!

Some Army Lists have been edited accordingly, to better integrate the new units.

Have a look at the full changelog HERE.

Key changes:

Units:
◦ Our grateful thanks go to Paul Adaway, author of TT Mod, for permission to use units from TT mod in the main game, and Stephen Hales of Little Big Men Studios for permission to use his shield pattern designs in TT Mod units. https://www.littlebigmenstudios.com/
◦ Added Euzonoi from TT Mod: Light Foot, Protected, Javelins, Light Spear, 50% Swordsmen. 33 points.
◦ Added 3 early German warbands, 2 Dacian warbands and 1 later German warband from TT Mod.
◦ Added new eastern-style Armoured Noble Lancers and Noble Lancers from TT Mod.
◦ Added Germanic-style TT Mod textures to existing Armoured Noble Lancers and Noble Lancers.
◦ Greek and Thracian peltasts and Velites become Light Foot, Lightly Protected, Javelins, Light Spear, 50% Swordsmen. Point cost remains 30.
◦ Sub-Roman Foot units increased to 720 men (12 models) and cost to 41 points.

Army Lists:
◦ Greek Peltasts replaced by Euzonoi in Greek and Spartan lists from 280 BC.
◦ Replaced existing warbands with early German Warbands in German Foot Tribes 105 BC – 259 AD list.
◦ Replaced existing warbands with Dacian Warbands in Dacian lists 50 BC – 380 AD.
◦ Replaced existing average warbands with later Germanic Warbands in Germanic Foot Tribes 260-599 AD, Germanic Horse Tribes 260-492 AD, Hunnic (Western) and (Sabir) lists 250-558 AD, Roman lists 379-492 AD, Romano-British 407-599 AD, Kingdom of Soissons 461-486 AD, Visigothic 419-621 AD, Frankish lists 260-499 AD, Gepid 493-567 AD , Lombard lists 493-569 AD, Anglo-Saxon 449-599 AD.
◦ Replaced Armoured Noble Lancers and Noble Lancers with eastern-style version in appropriate lists.
◦ Unit numbers adjusted in Romano-British 407-599 list. Roman allies removed – their existence was highly speculative, and unbalancing in tournament games.
◦ Kingdom of Soissons list changed to use Sub-Roman Foot instead of Limitanei.
◦ Added thureophoroi to Pyrrhic 274-272 list.

Slitherine announces ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile). A real-time strategy game of nuclear destruction.

Research new technologies, build up your nuclear stockpile and use a combination of ships, planes and missiles to strike at the heart of your opponents’ cities while keeping your population safe from harm.

Watch the ICBM Announcement Trailer HERE.

PREPARE FOR WAR
Take command of one of the continents of the world and prepare yourself for global nuclear conflict. It is your job to ensure the complete and total destruction of your enemies, while you do all in your power to prevent enemy retaliation against your peace-loving citizens. Will you focus on developing new technologies, or mass producing existing ones? It takes a true strategist to research and build a balanced force that can deal with a multitude of enemy tactics.

SINGLE PLAYER AND ONLINE MULTIPLAYER MODE
Fight against an advanced AI in single-player of face up to 6 human opponents in online multiplayer mode. Play in free for all, fixed teams or coop games, all while improving your ELO score as you climb the leaderboard. Form alliances, but remember that betrayal is always an option – like in the Cold War age, there are no reliable allies.

FULL MODDING SUPPORT
Up for something different? ICBM comes with full modding support out of the box. Add or change maps, units, technologies, rules, graphics and much more.

APPLY FOR THE BETA and join the Discord server to support ICBM and to challenge the developer in a nuclear destruction war.

Find out more about ICBM on the games official product page.

Source: Blue’s News

Recently revived publisher Microprose announces two first-person shooter projects coming from developer Drakeling Labs. One is Operation: Harsh Doorstop, a free community project offering a Cold War shooter devoid of micro-transactions, paid downloadable content, or loot box mechanics. This is coming soon to Steam and you can get a look in this Announcement Teaser. The other is Warfare 1944, a World War II shooter that shares a name with a Flash game we featured in 2009. They say game focused on tactical decision-making will debut on Steam on July 7th. Here’s a Warfare 1944 Announcement Teaser and here’s more on both games:

Warfare 1944
Fight on the frontlines of World War 2 in this stylized tactical shooter. Engage in large open environments with a variety of weapons and equipment during the pinnacle of World War 2. Make smart decisions, and lead your team to victory.

Warfare 1944 focuses on tactical gameplay. Bullets are deadly, one shot can kill. Team communication is essential and Warfare 1944 features robust proximity voice communication which allows you to communicate with your fellow soldiers alongside you.

Wield a wide variety of weapons and equipment while you attempt to survive the chaos of war. Rally your friends to your team, and fight in massive battles across vast open landscapes. Keep your wits, and defeat your enemies. Warfare is unforgiving.

Operation: Harsh Doorstop
Operation: Harsh Doorstop is a free community project devoid of micro-transactions, paid downloadable content, or loot box mechanics. Deploy to eastern Afghanistan into a fictionalized conflict between Soviet and NATO forces during the summer of 1991.

Experience large-scale tactical warfare in Operation: Harsh Doorstop. Communicate with your team and emerge victorious in this brutally realistic competitive multiplayer title.

Utilize a wide variety of weapons and equipment to achieve dynamically changing objectives.

Operation: Harsh Doorstop is a love letter to the tactical gaming genre, built by a passionate community of developers and gamers alike… with no price tag. Support the Operation: Harsh Doorstop project and help bring tactical gaming to the masses.