Get ready everyone, I have some game drops that are hotter than last week’s heatwave. The summer holidays are in full swing, playcations are planned and booked, and some cracking games are lined up for release in August. Today, I have picked out my top five favourite games releases, plus compiled a list of complimentary keyboard and mouse combos that will enable you to get the best from the titles. Flawless performance is what we are all about at Overclockers UK.
Lawn Mower Simulator
| Minimum Required Specs |
|---|
| 64-bit processor and operating system |
| Intel Core i7-7700HQ AMD FX-9590 |
| 8GB RAM |
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti AMD Radeon R9 390X |
| 20GB available space |
| DirectX Version 11 |
Release Date: 10/08/2021
Bear with me on this one. Lawn Mower Simulator, from Skyhook Games, is already set to be a pretty big game. There is a Discord server and new videos regularly being uploaded to Steam of gameplay. This sim allows you to travel the UK’s most beautiful, rural areas and build up your own business from the ground up. As well as, you know, mowing lawns. With its hyper-realistic graphics and immersive gameplay, Lawn Mower Sim is sure to go down a treat. Just don’t forget to mow your actual lawn, if you have one.
For a simulator, you don’t necessarily need the fastest and snappiest keyboard and mouse combo. You don’t exactly need the competitive edge when it comes to mowing lawns! What you will need are ultra-reliable performance and comfortable gaming capabilities. This is where the Asus ROG Strix RX keyboard and Gladius II Origin mouse come in.
More than just your standard mechanical keyboard, the Strix RX is equipped with optical-mechanical switches which boast great durability as well as consistent, wobble-free typing. As a full-sized keyboard with per-key lighting and onboard memory, you can customise it entirely to suit your gameplay via Armoury Crate. Plus, with its Stealth Key, you can silence all other apps and enjoy your game in peace.
Pairing with the Gladius II Origin, you will be operating with a highly precise optical sensor. Manicured gardens will be with a breeze with up to 12,000 DPI. Also sporting RGB lighting, you will be able to sync the aura glow on both these peripherals for an atmospheric experience. As standard, this gaming mouse is equipped with highly durable Omron switches but can easily be switched out for the included Japanese made switches, should you prefer their click feedback.
Asus ROG Strix Scope Keyboard
- ROG RX Optical Mechanical Switches
- Xccurate Design wide Ctrl key
- IP56 water and dust resistance
- Per-key RGB LEDs
- Macros, management, and onboard memory
- USB 2.0 passthrough and stealth key
Asus ROG Gladius II Origin Mouse
- 12,000 DPI optical sensor
- Separate, solid left and right buttons!
- Push-fit switch socket design to vary click resistance – choose Omron or Japanese switches
- RGB lighting and AURA sync support
- 200 IPS and 50G acceleration
- Detachable micro-USB cable with ROG cable tidy and pouch
Starmancer
| Minimum Required Specs |
|---|
| Windows 7, 64-bit |
| 2.0GHz DualCore CPU |
| 4GB RAM |
| DirectX 10 compatible GPU |
| 500MB available space |
| DirectX: Version 10 |
Release Date: 05/08/2021
This 16-bit style game was initially a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2018. Funded in just four days, Starmancer has been developed by Ominux Games, and now it is finally dropping. While my wallet is glad I only recently discovered Kickstarter, man, I wish I had caught this one first time round! You play as a powerful A.I. in charge of colonists in space. You can either obey protocol or go rogue, as you develop civilisations. Plus, with near-endless customisation, there is plenty to keep this game fresh.
An amazing feature, and heavy influence on my choice of upgrades, is that Starmancer is compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software. You can raise your colonies with immersive RGB lighting on your upgraded keyboard and mouse. Just look at this!
As such, you will need some iCUE compatible devices. Perhaps a Corsair Gaming K100 keyboard and Harpoon Wireless mouse? The K100 mechanical keyboard has per-key RGB lighting, to really make the most of the game’s dynamic lighting. Armed with Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, you’ll be sure to stay one step ahead of your pesky humans. Plus, this mechanical gaming keyboard has 8MB of onboard memory, able of holding a massive 200 profiles. Pre-save your immersive lighting and shortcuts.
The Harpoon Wireless mouse connects to your gaming PC via Corsair’s Slipstream technology. This interfaces your mouse using the fastest possible and least busy stream thanks to its Intelligent Frequency Shift technology. Ultimately, this gives you unparalleled performance and reliability. What’s more, with up to 60 hours of battery life, you’ll be able to keep your colony in order for longer.
Corsair K100 Mechanical Keyboard
- Powered by CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology
- Multi-function at your fingertips with iCUE control wheel
- CHERRY MX SPEED RGB Silver Key switches
- Dedicated media keys and volume roller
- Six macro keys with Elgato Stream Deck Software Integration
Corsair Harpoon Wireless Mouse
- Corsair Slipstream Wireless technology
- Contoured shape and rubber side grips
- Ultra-durable Omron Switches rated for 50 million clicks
- 10,000 DPI Optical Sensor
- Dynamic RGB lighting controlled using iCUE
Humankind
| Minimum Required Specs |
|---|
| 64-bit processor and operating system |
| Intel i5 4th generation AMD FX-8300 |
| 8GB RAM |
| NVIDIA GTX 770 AMD R9 290 |
| 25GB available space |
| DirectX Version 11 |
Release Date: 17/08/2021
Humankind, from Amplitude Studios, is set to be a historically epic strategy game. You play from the dawn of mankind and develop civilisations your way. Re-write history and push humankind to its absolute limits. As a turn-based game, there will be plenty of thinking and assessing how to best achieve your lofty goals. Customise your leader and make history your story.
Whilst you may not need the fastest switches or highest DPI for a strategy based game, having a lightweight mouse and brightly coloured keycaps will be fantastic additions to your set-up. You’ll be ready for anything your rivals do to keep you on your toes with the Ducky One2 Horizon keyboard and Feather mouse.
Stylish in a bold mix of blues and orange, the One2 Horizon keyboard supports a full set of keys. Highlighting the set, the two enter keys and ESC key are in bright orange, whilst the rest are either blue or black. Every key is easy to find and supported by your choice of Cherry MX switches. Opt for quick and quiet with Red switches, or dominate your enemies with a heavy thonk from Blue switches.
Experience a perfectly balanced mouse under your palm with the Feather. Ultra-lightweight at only 65g, you can swiftly traverse the sprawling maps of your empire. Should you need to adjust the lift-off distance or polling rate, this gaming mouse fully supports that, whilst being highlighted by subtle RGB lighting. Its highly flexible paracord resists deforming, plus has the added benefit of having reduced cable drag.
Ducky One2 Horizon Keyboard
- Premium Cherry MX Red switches
- Revised two-tone frame design
- Removable cable with USB Type A & Type C connector
- PBT double-shot keycaps for improved durability
- Full anti-ghosting with N-key rollover via USB
- Macro- & multimedia function keys
Ducky Lightweight Feather Mouse
- Lightweight and perfectly balanced, weighing just 65g
- Ambidextrous design which is comfortable for all to use
- Optical gaming mouse utilising a PixArt PMW3389DM
- Exclusive 7.91 degree exit angle for the braided cable
- Durable with Hauno switches rated for 50 million clicks
Madden NFL 22
| Minimum Required Specs |
|---|
| 64-bit processor and operating system |
| Intel Core i3-6100 @ 3.7GHz AMD Athlon X4 880K @ 4.0GHz |
| 8GB RAM |
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 AMD Radeon RX 460 |
| 50GB available space |
| DirectX Version 11 |
Release Date: 20/08/2021
It’s been a big summer for sports. The Euros, the Olympics, and now you can join in with the latest Madden NFL instalment, from EA. Manage your team, play head-to-head, enjoy the enhanced scenario engine, and earn that coveted Super Bowl championship title. Play as your favourite NFL stars and build your dream team.
When competing for the greatest title in American football, you will need some glorious partners. The Glorious PC Gaming Race has an amazing range of top-tier peripherals, including the GMMK keyboard and Model O gaming mouse.
Just like your team, you build the GMMK keyboard from the ground up. This full-size keyboard features dazzling RGB lighting and can be fitted with Cherry, Gateron, or Kailh switches. A modular keyboard, you don’t even have to stick to the same type of switches across the board. Use high-speed switches on your battle keys, whist the spacebar and enter key features something crunchier.
The Model O gaming mouse is available in either white or black, as well as in matte or glossy. Whichever version you pick, you can enjoy high-quality performance and smooth gliding with every use. The Pixart PMW 3360 optical sensor has up to 12,000 DPI, as well as a DPI switch located on the mouse for on-the-fly adjustments. Plus, with its bold honeycomb shell and RGB lighting, it is a stylish mouse to boot and a great addition for whatever game you play.
Glorious GMMK Barebone Keyboard
- Modular mechanical keyboard without switches and keycaps
- Easy-to-remove switches with included switch-puller
- Designed for switches from Cherry, Gateron and Kailh
- Cover made of black anodized aluminium
- RGB LED lighting
- Standard TKL ISO button layout
- Full anti-ghosting with N-Key rollover via USB
Glorious Model O Gaming Mouse
- Precision tournament-grade gaming mouse with ergonomic honeycomb surface
- Ambidextrous, six programmable buttons
- Ultra-accurate 12,000 DPI optical sensor
- 1000Hz polling rate and 1ms response time
- Designed to track even during 50G of acceleration
- Low resistance mouse feet and flexible cable
- Matt surface, helps keep palms cool
Marvel’s Avengers: War for Wakanda
| Minimum Required Specs |
|---|
| 64-bit processor and operating system |
| Intel Core i3-4160 AMD equivalent |
| 8GB RAM |
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950 AMD Radeon 270 |
| 75GB available space |
| DirectX Version 12 |
Release Date: 17/08/2021
The hottest game dropping this month has to be the Black Panther expansion for Marvel’s Avengers. War for Wakanda, from Square Enix, introduces all your favourites from Wakanda into this already sprawling game. Starring Christopher Judge as T’Challa, you can expect some epic combat and highly advanced Wakandan technology to enter gameplay. As an expansion, it includes all the features you know and love from the base game.
Playing as a character hailing from a hidden civilisation, you will want stealth on your side. Perhaps equipping yourself with a Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 keyboard and Ninjutsu Origin One X mouse is the way to go.
The Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 comes as either a full-size or TKL keyboard, with the legends printed on the front edge of the keycaps rather than the top face. This unique style is what gives this mechanical keyboard its ninja name, and goes perfectly with the Black Panther’s fighting style. Plus, both types of keyboard come with the choice of either Blue or Brown Cherry MX switches – allowing you to find the perfect keyboard for your play style.
Although this is the first pairing on this list to not come from the same brands, the Ninjutsu Origin One X is an excellent partner to the Majestouch-2. This ergonomic wireless mouse, also available in white, was inspired by the classic gaming Microsoft Intellimouse and brought up to date. Utilising a 2.4GHz wireless connection, the Origin One X is incredibly reliable and battle-ready for when your Avengers are ready to Assemble.
Ninjutsu Origin One X Mouse
- Weighs an ultra-light 66g ergo gaming mouse
- IE-inspired shape with balanced weight distribution
- Offers 400 IPS, up to 3,200 DPI, and up to 1,000Hz polling rate
- Settings are directly adjustable on the mouse
- Stable, lag-free, and fast wireless connection
- Kailh GM 8.0 switch with a life of 80 million clicks
- 10 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK for two years, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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