Get gaming on Windows 10

Your guide Nick Peers says…

“Windows 10 adds some welcome new features to its gaming repertoire. Discover how to set things up to take full advantage”

Microsoft has returned to Windows gaming with a vengeance in Windows 10. It’s upgraded DirectX to version 12, which finally allows it to talk to your graphics card using more than one processor core. This means future games supporting DirectX 12 (as well as current games updated to support it) will run much quicker and be more responsive.

Other improvements centre around the new Xbox app, designed to link your PC with your Xbox for streaming games, reviewing your gaming history and staying in touch with your mates on the Xbox live platform. You can even use it as a remote control for your Xbox One’s media content. These new features are all well and good, but there are a few steps you should follow to make sure Windows 10 is set up for gaming heaven – read on to find out what you need to know.

1. Upgrade drivers
Windows 10 won’t necessarily have the latest drivers for your setup – it’s usually better to install chipset and graphics drivers direct from the manufacturer, such as NVIDIA (nvidia.co. uk) or AMD (amd.com) for graphics. Trouble tracking down the latest drivers for your PC? Try a program like Driver Booster Free (iobit.com/en/driverbooster.php) to see if it can track them down.

2. Connect controllers
Plug in your game controller if you haven’t already – it should be automatically detected and drivers downloaded and installed. Once done, type controllers into the Search box and click ‘Set up USB game controllers’. Click ‘Advanced’ to choose which controller to use with older programs, and ‘Properties’ to verify your controller is working correctly (and calibrate it if not).

3. Check compatibility
If you’ve upgraded to Windows 10, check to see if any previously installed games still work – if they don’t, visit the game’s website to see if a compatibility patch is available or other tips for getting the game to work can be found (for example, using Compatibility Mode – right-click the program shortcut and choose ‘Properties > Compatibility’ to set this up).

4. Get Steam
If you’re a Steam user, visit store.steampowered.com and click ‘Install Steam’. Download and install the main program, then log in with your account (you’ll need to enter a code emailed to you to verify this computer). Once logged in, right-click the program’s new taskbar notification area icon to download and restore previously purchased games or access your library.

5. Make Steam your gaming centre
You can add games you’ve installed independently of Steam to your library, making it your one-stop shop for gaming in Windows 10. To do this, visit your Library page, click ‘+ Add a Game…’ and choose ‘Add a Non-Steam Game’. Steam will list all installed programs on your PC, so it’s up to you to identify your games and tick them, then click ‘Add Selected Programs’.

6. Replacing missing Windows games
Windows 10 removes the free Microsoft games like Solitaire and Minesweeper. Instead, you can download free ad-supported versions from the App Store (ads can be removed by buying a subscription – £1.19 a month, £7.69 a year). Free alternatives include 123 Free Solitaire (www.123freesolitaire.com) – use a website such as alternativeto.net to help you find them.

7. Go Xbox
Windows 10 introduces a new app called Xbox, which it hopes will eclipse Steam for gaming. Log in with your Microsoft Account if necessary, then follow the prompts to set up your Xbox account. Once done, use the icons down the left-hand side to navigate the app, customise your profile, manage your games and even connect Windows to your Xbox One console.

8. Game DVR
When playing a game in windowed mode (not full-screen), press [Win]+[G] to open the Game bar. From here you can take screen snaps and – if your graphics card supports it – record live footage of your gaming, which you can then organise, rewatch and share with others in the main Xbox app. Configure Game DVR via its own tab in the Xbox app’s Settings screen.

G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel

All the controls at your fingertips

A few months back we got to see Logitech’s latest Xbox One focussed racing wheel and we were impressed. With exceptional build quality, great implementation of ideas and excellent performance, it really made us sit up and take notice. This month we look at the PS4 version and, if possible, we are even more impressed.

We thought that the G920 (Xbox One variant) offered everything that all but the most ardent driving simulation fan could want. But the G29 for PS4 (and no, we don’t get the naming conventions either) offers a whole bunch of something that makes the experience of using a wheel even better: convenience.

In terms of the all metal and leather build, it’s pretty much identical to the G920. That also goes for the secure desk clamp system and the exceptional three pedal set-up, complete with non-linear braking simulation. Naturally this also makes it compatible with Logitech’s gear shift, which is a great addition (sold separately, of course). The base plate for the pedals is also large, which helps the user keep it in place with their heels (in addition to its non-slip base).

And just like the G920, the G29 has all of the usual controller buttons built into its front face. All the face buttons and the D-pad are present, as well as the L2 and R2 buttons (with the paddles behind the wheel serving as R1 and R2). But this version also has the L3 and R3 “stick-click” controls built in, as well as a 24 point selection dial and force feedback strength controls. That’s the convenience… all the controls, plus some extra added things to make life even easier for the virtual driver.

The G29 even features an LED rev indicator at the top of the wheel, much like one would  see on a F1 car’s steering wheel, which further assists the player in trimming their performance to the best it can be.

The G29’s performance is excellent. The wheel offers a wide range of rotation, and the force feedback, provided by a dual-motor helical gearing system, is both quiet and extremely effective. The wheel’s response is excellent, and anyone using it can be confident that their driving experience will certainly improve (because, when it comes to racing games, wheels do make them better).

The secure mounting is also excellent, and makes use of a locking bolt system to ensure that it doesn’t work itself loose during vigorous gaming sessions. In fact, the whole build of this device is aimed towards strength, to make sure it survives even the most “passionate” drivers.

This is a really excellent rpdocut from Logitech and, like the G920, the G29 demonstrated that Logitech still have a firm grasp on the concepts required to create excellent peripherals.

Experience shines through

Plantronics isn’t a name that is immediately associated with gaming, despite the fact that they have been working with headset solutions for the pro-gaming circuit for many years. But that is likely to change, thanks to a number of new products that address the gaming market directly. And when you try these products out, the experience gained by military, aviation and even space program audio solutions is very apparent. The newly launched RIG series of headsets (one of which is also reviewed in this issue) Plantronics plans to take gaming head-on. But that doesn’t mean that their other products, like this Gamecom 788 PC Gaming Headset should not be looked at as well; it’s comfortable, robust and, most importantly, delivers excellent audio quality.

The 788 is based on headsets used by pilots, astronauts, the military and emergency workers. It is an uncomplicated headset that delivers exceptional audio quality and, thanks to a USB connection and downloadable software, does so in virtual 7.1 surround sound. The 40mm drivers are housed in large over-ear cups that are designed to evenly distribute pressure, leading to a more comfortable experience. This is further enhanced by fabric covered memory foam pads on the ear-cups and headband. Further comfort is ensured thanks to the wide swivelrange that the ear-cups offer, and the whole lot is brought together in a relatively lightweight package.

The right ear-cup also houses a swivel-boom, noise cancelling microphone that delivers excellent chat audio quality. There are also controls for volume, mic muting and 7.1 activation on the right ear-cup.

As far as the surround sound goes, the 788 does a great job, providing a great advantage to those who rely on positional audio. Overall the sound quality is excellent, with resounding bass notes mixing in beautifully with crisp highs and solid, clear midtones.

In terms of looks, the 788 is much like the all black, 3.5mm jack 388, although it has a striking orange trim on the inner fabric of the era-cups and the 2m long cable. It is almost Spartan in appearance, with extension arms comprised on metal rods, rather than a thicker plastic support. The 788 looks, in short, like something that would be as at home in a helicopter as on a gamer’s head.

While the RIG may be the superior headset in a number of ways, that certainly doesn’t mean that the 788 is bad. In fact, it’s a very good headset – the only real issue here is that you’ll be trading off surround sound for versatility, because it only works with a USB port. But if you want a headset exclusively for PC gaming, and want to take advantage of position audio, the Gamecom 788 is a very secure bet.