Co-op in games these days is borderline expected for games with a multiplayer component. I still remember the first generation of consoles where online play was standard, like the Xbox 360 and PS3. Online co-op was the hot ticket. Given how commonplace online co-op has become, though, its easy to forget that it wasnt always so easy to enjoy a team experience.

Supergiants Hades 2 looms over the action roguelike space like the towering Titan of Time himself, but Ive been playing quite a few similarly styled indie games of late, and one of my favorites is currently available to try for free. Sworn transports the familiar progression and combat fundamentals of Hades out of the Greek underworld and into a corrupted Camelot, where the fallen King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table stand in your way. Developer Windwalk Games has just dropped the Sworn 1.0 release date, and to celebrate its giving everyone a taste with a free weekend. Continue reading Arthurian action roguelike Sworn goes briefly free, and it's a winner for meMORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best roguelike games, Best fantasy games, Best co-op games

Asus was already onto a good thing with the ROG Ally X, but the limitations of running Windows on a handheld device stopped it from achieving true perfection. With the Xbox Ally, however, that major drawback is starting to be erased. Thanks to this official partnership with Microsoft, the first ever Xbox handheld is rethinking its approach to Windows, and after getting hands-on with both the base model and the more powerful Xbox Ally X at Gamescom, Im pleased to report that things feel slick in the UI department.To set expectations, my time with both variations of the new AsusROG Xbox Ally was limited - roughly 15 minutes with each device. In the case of the less powerful Xbox Ally, which was offering up large, demanding games such as Forza Horizon 5 and the new Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3+4 remaster, some fairly lengthy initial loading times ate into that time too. However, I was still able to get a good feel for each device. Continue reading I tried the Xbox Ally, which nails the one aspect holding Windows handhelds backMORE FROM PCGAMESN: Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 review, Asus ROG Ally X review, Best gaming motherboard

I can't believe how delicious it is.READ MORE...

Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chili is hearty, filling, easy, and bold. Its made with beef, beans, and a splash of Dr Pepper for a flavorful twist on classic chili!A SLOW COOKER CHILI RECIPETake your classic chili recipe and turn it into something even more incredible when you make this Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chili. Dont get me wrong, chili is delicious, but sometimes you want something a little different, a little unexpected. Thats exactly what this recipe gives you. The soda adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat of the seasoning and the tang of tomatoes and green chiles. With minimal prep and big flavor, this Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Chili is a weeknight dinner that will quickly find its way into your rotation. Plus, I love how easy it is to customize with your favorite toppings.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:What does adding a soda do for this chili? I know it can seem like a weird concept to pour some soda in a recipe, but trust me, it has a purpose and it works. Depending on the recipe, it can do different things. It can add flavor but it can also tenderize meat (its especially good for things like pulled pork or pot roast.) But, it also adds a light sweetness to balance out the acid from the tomatoes. It adds that little extra flavor that you cant quite put your finger on too. But, you dont specifically taste Dr Pepper as a separate ingredient. Can I use a different soda? Yes, you can use Coke or Root Beer. Its not my thing, but if you really wanted to, I suppose you could use a Diet Dr Pepper too. I dont like packet seasoning, can I make my own homemade chili seasoning? Of course, its your chili, do what you want. Here is a recipe if you need one:1 tablespoon chili powder (use mild, not hot)1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon paprika1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powder teaspoon dried oregano teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepperOptional: teaspoon sugar What toppings are best? Youll see I served it topped with sour cream, onions, and shredded cheese. But, you can top the chili with green onions, red onions, jalapenos, chives, cheese, and so much more or dont top it with anything. Can I make this on the stove? You can make this on the stovetop in a large pot. Allow it to simmer for 30-45 minutes. Can I make this in the Instant Pot? You can make this in the Instant Pot for 12-15 minutes on high pressure. How can I make this vegetarian? You can make this vegetarian by doubling the beans and taking out the meat (obviously.) What can I add for a kick of spice? If you like spice, you can add adobo sauce, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapenos. What to serve with Dr Pepper Chili? You can serve the chili with crackers, Cornbread, rice, Baked Potatoes, or have it over nachos or on hot dogs. As always, a good thing to serve with this chili is a big serving of your favorite salad and some crusty bread too. How should I store leftovers? You can keep this in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze the chili for up to 3 months in a freezer safe container. INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)ground beef ground turkey could be used. You can add double the beef for a heartier chili.yellow onion dont like onion? Leave it out or season with a little onion powder (about a teaspoon.)garlic I always prefer fresh garlic but use what is easiest for you and what you prefer. Jarred garlic or the squeeze stuff works in a pinch.finely diced green bell pepper The green bell peppers have a little bite to them. If you want the peppers softer, you can cook them with the beef, onions, and garlic.tri-color beans I know I have Texan friends that always get mad about beans in chili but some of us need the fiber, okay? Just leave them out if it is not your thing. You dont need to replace with anything. Also, you can use any beans, or leave them out altogether. Some other ideas are kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, or chili beans. I dont drain or rinse my beans but if that is your thing go for it.diced tomatoes and green chiles You can use a can of Rotel. I drain this but you dont have to if you dont want. crushed tomatoespacket chili seasoning if you dont have a packet on hand, check out the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section above where I shared a quick, homemade seasoning recipe.Dr Pepper I shared another option in the FAQ section above.HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT DR PEPPER CHILIIn a skillet, add the beef, onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 7 minutes or until the juices run clear.Drain any excess grease.Transfer the beef mixture to a 5-6 quart crock pot.Add the remainder of the ingredients to the crock pot.Stir until combined. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.Taste to see if any salt is needed. I find the ingredients provide enough salt.CRAVING MORE RECIPES?Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef ChiliSlow Cooker Chili MacThe Best Crock Pot ChiliFrito Chili PieCafeteria ChiliCincinnati ChiliHot Dog Chili PrintCrock Pot Dr Pepper ChiliA flavorful, hearty new take on chili with a ton of flavor. Course Dinner, Lunch, Main CourseCuisine AmericanPrep Time 10 minutes minutesCook Time 3 hours hours 7 minutes minutesTotal Time 3 hours hours 17 minutes minutesServings 6Calories 422kcalAuthor Brandie SkibinskiIngredients1 pound ground beef cup yellow onion2 garlic cloves minced1 cup finely diced green bell pepper2 cans tri-color beans 15-ounce cans, undrained15 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles drained (like Rotel)28 ounce can crushed tomatoes1.25 ounce packet chili seasoning12 ounce can Dr PepperInstructionsIn a skillet, add the beef, onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 7 minutes or until the juices run clear. Drain any excess grease.Transfer the beef mixture to a 5-6 quart crock pot.Add the remainder of the ingredients to the crock pot. Stir until combined.Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. Taste to see if any salt is needed. I find the ingredients provide enough salt. NotesPlease refer to my FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.NutritionCalories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 17g | Sodium: 635mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 18g

Wondering which flat screen technology is right for your home? Here's a look at exactly what all those marking acronyms means, from QNED and QLED to OLED.

Wondering which flat screen technology is right for your home? Here's a look at exactly what all those marking acronyms means, from QNED and QLED to OLED.