Gaming

Predator’s midrange Helios 300 gaming laptops allow overclocking

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Overclocking has been around for a while on gaming laptops, but usually only on the higher-end models like the ludicrous Predator 21 X. Acer is making the feature a little more accessible this time by letting its new Predator Helios 300 midrange line handle the extra hardware boosting.

Technically, overclocking — the process of pushing a gadget’s processor past its factory settings — can be done on any device, from smartphones to desktop computers. But there are several reasons why overclocking hasn’t become mainstream on gaming laptops until now.

For one, cooling technology hasn’t reached a point where it’s both efficient and portable enough to fit in a non-behemoth-sized notebook. Another reason is the practicality of it all; why risk pushing a midrange graphics card when you can buy a gaming laptop with a better setup in the first place?

Thanks to NVIDIA’s latest crop graphics cards and Acer’s recent laptop advancements, the Predator Helios 300 series introduces fairly priced gaming notebooks that you can effortlessly overclock without having to deal with additional peripherals.

This is made possible using a dual-fan system with an AeroBlade 3D Fan design and PredatorSense software to safely push the system while keeping the temperatures in check.

Compared to the simultaneously launched Triton 700, there’s nothing out of the ordinary with the Helios 300 looks-wise. I found it to be on the thick side, and the non-mechanical keyboard was unimpressive.

The two primary models come in 15.6- and 17.3-inch display sizes, with processor options being Intel’s Core i7 (7700HQ) or i5 processor (7300HQ) and either an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or 1050 Ti graphics card. Both cards, as mentioned earlier, can be overclocked using bundled apps.

Memory can go as high as 32GB, and storage includes the best of both worlds: a high-speed SSD and a large 1TB HDD. There’s nothing out of the ordinary for I/O (input and output) ports, but you do get the newest USB 3.1 Type-C port.

North America is getting first dibs on the Helios 300 starting July 2017. The 15.6-inch models start at $1,299, while the 17.3-inch units will go for $1,399.

Pricing is a little different for EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), wherein both sizes will start at EUR 1,199 beginning in August. China will follow the North American July timeline, but retail for CNY 9,999 for both models, as well.

SEE ALSO: Acer Predator 21 X first look

[irp posts=”4303″ name=”IFA 2016: Acer Predator 21 X first look”]

Gaming

Tides of Annihilation opens first public demo at Gamescom 2026

First hands-on

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Tides of Annihilation

Tides of Annihilation will make its public playable debut at Gamescom 2026.

Developer Eclipse Glow Games announced that attendees can try an extended demo of the upcoming action-adventure game during the event in Cologne, Germany. Players can find the demo at Hall 6, Booth B-050 inside Koelnmesse.

The studio will also reveal a new trailer during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25, before the show floor opens.

Demo offers more exploration and combat

The Gamescom demo gives players a longer look at Tides of Annihilation. It features branching paths that lead to different exploration routes and combat encounters. Players can also explore key locations and experience several of the game’s biggest set pieces.

“Gamescom will be an incredibly important moment for our team since this will be our first global playtest and we’re excited to see how first-time players experience our game,” said Ary Chen, Game Director and Co-CEO of Eclipse Glow Games.

“The team has poured heart, soul, and maybe even a few tears into developing the game over the last few years, and it’s finally our opportunity to share it with players. We’re looking forward to seeing their reaction.”

Members of the press and content creators can also schedule private hands-on sessions with the development team during the event.

Arthurian-inspired adventure

Tides of Annihilation blends fast-paced action with a Neo-Medieval vision of modern London. The story follows Gwendolyn after an Outworld invasion leaves the city in ruins.

Driven by a mission to save her sister, she travels between a shattered London and the mythical realm of Avalon. Along the way, she uncovers the mystery behind her newfound powers. She must also decide the fate of reality itself.

Eclipse Glow Games is developing Tides of Annihilation for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

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Gaming

Street Fighter 6 adds first Filipino fighter Yasmine to its roster

Eskrima fighter joins battle

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Yasmine | Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 has officially welcomed Yasmine, making history as the first Filipino martial artist to join the franchise’s playable roster. The new character is now available across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the game’s Year 4 content.

Yasmine practices Eskrima, having learned the Filipino martial art alongside her older brother under their grandfather’s guidance. She wields Karambit knives in battle and embarks on a journey to find her missing brother.

Players can access Yasmine by purchasing the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Her default outfit features traditional Eskrima-inspired combat attire, while a school uniform serves as her second costume. In combat, she specializes in fast, aggressive attacks that build toward an enhanced Bayani Mode.

Yasmine is the first of four Year 4 fighters, followed by Arjun, Tifa from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, and Bosch. Her release also arrives alongside battle balance adjustments affecting the entire roster.

Onimusha crossover arrives this week

Capcom also announced a limited-time collaboration between Street Fighter 6 and Onimusha. Running from August 7 to August 31, 2026, the event introduces Oni EX character colors, themed Battle Hub decorations, avatar items, and additional rewards for players who log in during the event.

The update also adds new Avatar Arcade courses, additional ending scenes, a Frame Meter option for Avatar Random Match, and refreshed Master ACT rewards.

Philippine launch event set for August 9

Capcom will celebrate Yasmine’s debut with an official Philippine community launch event on Sunday, August 9, at Salud! by Primera Bar & Restaurant in Palanan, Makati. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM and features a double-elimination tournament, gameplay showcases, giveaways, and community activities.

Attendees can also receive limited-edition Yasmine merchandise, including event T-shirts, lanyards, and collectible keychains while supplies last. Special guests and cosplayers are also scheduled to appear. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.

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Gaming

Gangstar Mirage City launches on August 20 with SEA localization

Join a faction now for a chance to win rewards

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Gangstar Mirage City is set for a full regional launch on August 20, with localization for the Southeast Asia region.

Published by Level Infinite, the free-to-play multiplayer, urban, open-world action game is available for download on iOS and Android.

The full regional release features an expanded open world, a new PvP Arena mode, and local languages.

In Gangstar Mirage City, players can team up for up to 4-man co-op heists, drive powerful vehicles, customize their arsenal, build an empire, and fight for control of Rooklyn City.

Players can register on gangstarmiragecity.com for in-game rewards.

In Southeast Asia, players can also register as a member of their respective local faction and get an exclusive in-game Avatar to represent their loyalty:

  • Philippines: Manila Brigade
  • Indonesia: War Kanda
  • Malaysia: Taiko Tedung
  • Thailand: SIAM APEX

Factions will be ranked based on how many players join and support them. The winning faction will enable all members to get 300 Diamonds, sent directly to their accounts.

Meanwhile, all players, including those who already began their journey in Rooklyn City with the soft launch last July, are invited to join the Global Vault Heist.

Reaching the final Registration Milestone will unlock the Full Tilt Vehicle Pack. These are the rewards up for grabs per milestone:

  • 5 million players: 100 Diamonds
  • 10 million players: 200 Diamonds
  • 20 million players: Vehicle Upgrade Vouchers x5
  • 30 million players: Full Tilt Vehicle Pack

All Global Vault Heist and Faction rewards can be claimed via the in-game mail system on August 20.

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