GameScope Elite Kit Review

One of my supporters purchased a GameScope Elite kit (MSRP $49.99, Amazon.com) for me to try

The GameScope is a lens made of optical-grade acrylic featuring two unique zones and a reticle which provides the user with a constant reference for aim.

In theory, the GameScope should provide the user with a competitive edge. The combination of magnification and a persistent reticle should make it easier to line up headshots.

My GameScope arrived on March 31, 2017 in a bubble mailer. The kit was contained in retail-ready packaging:

Front view of the GameScope Elite kit, in packaging (@FearGameScope)

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Rear view of the GameScope Elite kit, in packaging (@FearGameScope)

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Side view of the GameScope Elite kit, in packaging (@FearGameScope)

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Side view of the GameScope Elite kit, in packaging (@FearGameScope)

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Let’s take a closer look at the GameScope Elite kit:

The GameScope Elite kit, freed of its packaging (@FearGameScope)

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The contents of the GameScope Elite kit (@FearGameScope)

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Contents were as described on the Amazon product page:

  • GameScope
  • Nine (9) restickable dots
  • Hard case

The GameScope ships with a protective film covering the flat portion of the lens

The GameScope mount sticks to the screen using (what I believe are) Scotch Restickable Dots. These are very tacky, and hold well on a clean surface. Lift off is residue-free.

Design

The GameScope is divided into two separate regions. The Precision Zone (located in the center of the GameScope) provides a claimed 10% magnification, and the Reflex Zone surrounding it gives 5%.

The GameScope measures 7.8 cm across. The Precision Zone has a 3.1 cm diameter. The round portion of the GameScope’s mount measures 2.5 cm in diameter.

Reticle

The GameScope’s reticle is too busy for its own good. The center of the reticle features a prominent red dot, bordered by red half-moons. The bottom half of the lens features an inverted tree, mimicking range markers that appear on some rifle scopes. I know of very few games that feature bullet drop, and no games that account for windage.

Parallax

“In optical sights parallax refers to the apparent movement of the reticle in relationship to the target when the user moves his/her head laterally behind the sight (up/down or left/right)” (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallax#Parallax_in_optical_sights)

This is a minor annoyance: the distance between the lens and the display introduces parallax. The ground truth is given by the in-game crosshair. Check out the video below to see what I mean:

The further you are from your display, the smaller the effect.

Usage Notes

  1. Because of parallax, it can take repeated trial and error to position the GameScope just-right for the user’s gaming position
  2. The GameScope takes some getting used to – the magnification results in some clipping, resulting in loss of context
  3. The mount, while small, will obscure a portion of the screen

I use a computer monitor in my battlestation, which means that I’ve got a front-row seat to the action, and effect 1 is quite noticeable.

Effects 2 & 3 are more severe on smaller displays.

A ruler viewed through the GameScope (@feargamescope)

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These effects aside, the GameScope delivers on its promises, making it easier to look at each pixel on your display. Will the GameScope actually increase your K/D? It very well might because you’ll be able to pocket kills that you otherwise might not have been able to stick. I can see the GameScope being useful for landing hits on small targets, or for pixel-peeks.

My GameScope fell off in the middle of a session once, though it’d been attached to the screen for a few days.

Purchasing Options

GameScope is offered in Basic (MSRP $29.99, Amazon.com) and Elite (MSRP $49.99, Amazon.com) kits.

The GameScope Elite kit adds:

  • Six more restickable dots (nine in total, versus three in the Basic kit)
  • Hard carrying case (compare with soft carrying pouch in the Basic kit)
  • Lens-cleaning cloth (to make up for the soft carrying pouch)

Value

At $20 less, the Basic kit is a better value for most gamers. While the hard carrying case can be used to safely store the GameScope and keep it free of dust, you won’t gain much utility from the hard carrying case unless you’re constantly on the go, or you have little monsters who will destroy your GameScope if it’s left out in the open.

The restickable dots included with the GameScope measure 2.25 cm in diameter: they are probably the 7/8″ Scotch Restickable Dots. MSRP on an 18-pack of 7/8″ Scotch Restickable Dots is $3.19.

You can learn more about the GameScope through their official website fearthegamescope.com, or support me when you buy the GameScope using these links:

RNG Rolls Can Suck It

Somebody once asked why I use set roll weapons when I play Destiny

Destiny is heavy on random number generation (RNG). In a game full of RNG, I want to avoid relying on it to the greatest extent possible.

First and foremost, I detest farming: I find it boring.

Secondly, Bungie has the habit of committing sweeping changes to the game-world in its weapon balance updates. Consider:
Armor Piercing Rounds
Shoot to Loot
Shot Package shotguns
Rangefinder shotguns
Braced Frame Clever Dragon
… and many more!

Finally, I want viewers of my stream to know that they can achieve my level of performance.

There may come a time where I will be forced to lean on the various god-roll weapons that I keep stashed away in my vault to remain competitive. However, I will not deviate from my policy as long as possible.

Just because I limit myself to vendor rolls and set drops doesn’t mean that you have to. At the end of the day, you play the game how you want to – don’t let me force your hand.

Good luck out there, guardians.