Beware, for in the depths of space - perhaps even as close as your own backyard - lurks a terror known as the Festron Hunt. While other species search for idyllic worlds to cultivate and grow and thrive, the Festron prefer worlds that are already occupied with a plethora of potential hosts for their young. They’re every bit as terrifying as they sound. Aggressive and brutal, the Festron view other species as little more than prey to be hunted and cultivated as hosts for ...

One of my favorite things to do (although it baffles me on a regular basis) is to witness concepts and technologies emerge that humans only  dreamed  about 40 or 50 years ago. Sometime last year, a company called Space Perspective announced their plans for a state-of-the-art luxury "space balloon" that would take people on a calm ascent into space. Last year, the Florida-based company began taking reservations for the coveted trips, which last 6 hours and come with a price tag of...

There are quite a few mysteries lurking out in the depths of space, and among them are a civilization of curious creatures known only as the Navigators. The Navigators have been space-farers for so long that knowledge of their true homeworld has been lost to history. Until recently, they have viewed other worlds as little more than meager platforms from which to build their ships and send themselves further out into the great unknown. Recently, though, things have changed...and no o...

An eventful weekend at Kennedy Space Center in Florida delayed tests for the wet dress rehearsal of NASA's Space Launch System. In addition to dealing with multiple lightning strikes and malfunctioning ventilation fans, mission managers also found a problem with the gaseous nitrogen system. At dawn on Monday, the decision to resume the tests was made. NASA Ground Systems said that the launch director would soon give the "go" for tanking and that the weather would not be a problem. The 322-...

Take Control of your Windows11 Taskbar with Start11 v1.2 Learn more about Start11 at  www.stardock.com Stardock released v1.2  of  Start11 ™ today. Start11 is a program that allows users to customize the Windows® Start menu and taskbar for Windows 10 and 11 and can make the Start menu appear as it did in previous versions of Windows, enhancing the experience with new features and functionality.   Start11 ...

Faith. Unity. Devotion.  These ideals make up the core of the Krynn Syndicate and all that they believe. A somewhat unique civilization, the Krynn are comprised of a variety of species who all find themselves united by a shared religion.  Where the might of the Krynn Syndicate really shines is with its citizens, who can come from anywhere. Their diversity - which, ironically, is found amid their unity - provides them with many advantages since they can make use of the...

Sony announced new versions of its PlayStation Plus subscriptions yesterday. This is, apparently, a response to the Xbox Game Pass, and I would suppose many other subscription services for games out there. The PlayStation Plus sub plan is a combination of Sony's two current subscription services, PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now. Two new options will now include access to multiplayer gaming alongside a catalog of select PlayStation games to install or stream. Now, first and foremost,...

In the darker parts of the galaxy, hidden deep within the shadows and whispering words of deceit, are the Drath. You’d best be careful, because out here… there be dragons. New to Galactic Civilizations IV, the Drath are an ancient race of mysterious creatures who are most at home in the shadows. Masters of subterfuge and manipulation, they are rumored to be the source behind nearly every major conflict in the galaxy - a rumor that is entirely possible they spread and pe...

As time goes on and technology brings new game consoles to the scene, we are often left to watch our favorite games and systems fade into obscurity. In times before digital media started taking hold, games were physical and tangible additions to your console's collection, something you could hold onto and possess.  I still have cartridges for my original NES console. Hell, I still have a LYNX system and all the games that my parents generously bestowed on me over the years as I grew u...

When you’ve been around the galaxy as long as the Altarians have, you learn through a great deal of trial and error who your friends are - and who your enemies are as well. The Altarian Republic is comprised of a very religious and generous people. Some might argue that their faith makes them little more than self-righteous zealots, and while there may be a modicum of truth to that, the Altarians are extremely likeable and are well known for their benevolence. Most Altari...

Start11 v1.2 Beta is Now Available Learn more about Start11 at  www.stardock.com Stardock released v1.2 beta of Start11 ™ today. Start11 is a program that allows users to customize the Windows® Start menu and taskbar for Windows 10 and 11 and can make the Start menu appear as it did in previous versions of Windows, enhancing the experience with new features and functionality.   Start11 v1.2 beta focuses specific...

I have read countless Science-Fiction novels and grew up on cartoons like  The Jetsons  and  Star Trek: Enterprise.  All of the technology I witnessed within those things seemed like something that would be unattainable in my lifetime, and yet here we are with progress marching ever forward. While we aren't quite at Enterprise holo-deck level yet, the mere idea that a  car  is going to offer an integrated Virtual Reality (VR) experience just blows my mind. Audi's...

Civilizations are no strangers to struggle - they all face it in one way, shape, or form. The Torians of the Torian Regime are absolutely no different, having endured generations of cruelty and torment under the tyranny of the Drengin Empire. The Torians were enslaved not once - but twice! - by the Drengin and forced to endure terrible torment as their people were slowly eradicated. Thought by the rest of the galaxy to be extinct, it came as a surprise to nearly everyone when a smal...

One of the things that I remember as a kid most vividly are learning games. They were never presented to me that way - although they certainly were to my parents! - but I was gaining educational value from the game as I played them. I would spend hours chasing Carmen Sandiego around the world or reading all about Dinosaurs and prehistoric history in 3D Dinosaur Adventures.  These types of games have continued to persist throughout the years, though they've obviously taken many different ...

Galactic Civilizations IV has many old and beloved civilizations in its lineup, but also has several newcomers that we know you’ll enjoy - including the members of the Baratak Grove, a race of sentient tree-like creatures who have taken root.  The above line might sound like a pun (and don’t get me wrong, it absolutely is), but it’s not all that far from the truth of what the Baratak are best at: reviving dead worlds. The stout citizens of the Grove ...