Gait Games

I really thought I’d be done with the decorating this week, but it continues. I have at least got all of the cabinets back on the walls, the larder unit painted and assembled, and regained ready access to the fridge. No more cheese sandwiches for a while, I pray. I’m in the last stretch. I need to touch up all the paintwork where I’ve left fingerprints and scratches, screw on all the door knobs, and then clean away all the paint stains on the floor and countertops.

I am so close to having a kitchen I can cook in again. I can almost taste it.

But, enough about my slow decorating, let’s talk videogames. What are the team playing this weekend?

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**Takashi Tezuka Resigns: Reflecting on His Impact in Gaming**

Through its latest financial reports, Nintendo revealed noteworthy changes, such as the price hike for the Switch 2 and the retirement of long-serving executive officer and esteemed game designer, Takashi Tezuka. His resignation, effective June 26, signifies the conclusion of an era for Nintendo, although it is still unclear if he will completely exit the company or move into another position.

**A Career That Spans Decades**

Takashi Tezuka’s tenure at Nintendo began in 1984, where he rapidly emerged as a key player in the development of some of the most legendary video games in history. Working closely with fellow iconic developer Shigeru Miyamoto, Tezuka significantly contributed to the creation of the classic *Super Mario Bros.* and the revolutionary *The Legend of Zelda*. His directorial prowess was prominently showcased in 1988’s *Super Mario Bros. 3* and 1991’s *Super Mario World*, where he co-created the beloved character Yoshi.

Tezuka’s influence goes well beyond those initial titles. He directed the highly praised *The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past* and *Link’s Awakening*, in addition to *Yoshi’s Island*, and played a role in the legendary *Super Mario 64*. His extensive repertoire places him among the top developers who crafted the gaming landscape during Nintendo’s formative years.

**Shift to Leadership and Ongoing Impact**

As his career advanced, Tezuka moved into more leadership positions while maintaining connections with a multitude of Nintendo’s cherished franchises. His name is associated with contemporary classics such as *Animal Crossing*, *Zelda: The Wind Waker*, and *Super Mario Galaxy 2*. He also took on roles overseeing *Breath of the Wild*, the *Mario & Luigi* series, and the *Paper Mario* games. Notably, he produced games like *New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe* and *Super Mario Maker 2*, further solidifying his influence in the gaming realm.

Tezuka’s latest contribution appears to be as a producer on the refreshed re-release of *Super Mario Bros. Wonder*, a fitting conclusion to a remarkable career marked by innovation and artistic vision.

**An Enduring Influence**

With an impressive array of credits, Takashi Tezuka is recognized as one of the most significant game developers in the industry. His collaboration with Shigeru Miyamoto resulted in games that have shaped the childhood experiences of millions for the past four decades. As he resigns from his position at Nintendo, the gaming community reflects on the deep impact of his contributions and wishes him the best in his future pursuits.

In summary, Tezuka’s departure not only represents a change at Nintendo but also serves as a reminder of the legacy of creativity and enthusiasm he has established within the gaming industry. His contributions will certainly continue to motivate future generations of developers and gamers alike.

**Slay the Spire 2: The Fall of the Doormaker and the Emergence of Aeonglass**

*Slay the Spire 2* has recently released its largest beta update to date, version 0.105.0, bringing a plethora of balance modifications, bug resolutions, and fresh content. Among these alterations, one notable change is the elimination of the contentious boss, Doormaker.

### The Backstory of Doormaker

The Doormaker had sparked intense debate among the community following its redesign in the initial beta branch update published in late March. This revamp introduced a multi-phase mechanic that drained players’ cards, restricted their drawing capabilities, and raised card expenses. These modifications faced considerable backlash, especially from players in China, leading to the game being subjected to review-bombing on several occasions.

Despite developer Mega Crit’s initial claim that the Doormaker was statistically the least challenging Act 3 boss, the negative reception led to a reassessment of its presence. Mega Crit’s official patch notes clarify that the choice to eliminate Doormaker was due to its intricacy, stating, “While Doormaker had intriguing micro-decisions in the battle, he exceeded the complexity threshold of what we desire and had persistent issues. We concluded that starting afresh would allow us to achieve what we genuinely want for an Act 3 boss.”

### Presenting Aeonglass: The New Act 3 Boss

In lieu of the Doormaker, players will now face the boss Aeonglass. Early feedback indicates that Aeonglass offers a distinct challenge, introducing a unique mechanic that incorporates a “Wither” status card into players’ decks after they play their fourth non-status card. This card requires 1 energy to utilize and deals 2 damage if retained in hand at the end of the turn. Aeonglass also alternates between applying the Ebb debuff—which lowers the player’s strength and dexterity—and enhancing its own strength.

Initial encounters suggest that Aeonglass might be less formidable than expected, especially for characters like Defect and Regent, who can effectively utilize status cards. Nonetheless, the developers have indicated that this is just a “fresh start,” suggesting that further modifications will be implemented in upcoming patches to improve the boss encounter experience.

### Changes Specific to Characters

The recent patch has also brought significant modifications for various characters, particularly Defect and Regent. Defect has emerged as a key beneficiary in this update, with substantial buffs, such as an increase in Hyperbeam’s damage from 28 to 36, and Shatter now activating all orbs twice. Tesla Coil has also been improved to trigger lightning orbs twice. In contrast, Regent experienced minor buffs and nerfs, while Silent’s Blade of Ink faced a damage reduction from +2 to +1, despite remaining a formidable choice.

### Introduction of the Bestiary

Another thrilling addition to *Slay the Spire 2* is the introduction of the Bestiary. Players can now utilize this feature to browse artwork of monsters, although animations and flavor text are still forthcoming and will be included in future updates.

### In Closing

In conclusion, patch 0.105.0 signifies a notable transformation in *Slay the Spire 2*, as the removal of Doormaker and the introduction of Aeonglass set the stage for new gameplay experiences. The patch strikes a balance of character updates and new content while reflecting the developers’ desire to shape a game that aligns with their vision, rather than one solely dictated by player criticism. As Mega Crit continues to enhance *Slay the Spire 2*, players look forward to further updates and the possible return of cherished features like the Doormaker, albeit in a reimagined format.

A slightly strange aspect of Crimson Desert thus far has been that the more you get through it, the more enemies you beat, and the less enemies you actually have to fight. It’s been a contentious point for some who want to test out their buff boy end-game builds and only have hot air to slice at. All is not lost, however! As the latest update for the RPG has introduced some handy features that will let you experiment with these builds.

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**Mortal Kombat II: The Controversial Destiny of Cole Young**

*Overview*

With the cinematic debut of *Mortal Kombat II*, enthusiasts have eagerly dove back into the lethal realm of the tournament. However, the sequel ignited considerable dialogue about one particular character: Cole Young. Introduced in the 2021 revival, Cole’s role has undergone a dramatic transformation in the sequel, eliciting varied responses from viewers.

*Cole Young’s Original Contribution*

Cole Young, played by Lewis Tan, was a newly created character aimed at immersing audiences in the Mortal Kombat universe. A former MMA fighter, Cole stumbled into the turmoil of the tournament, discovering that he is a descendant of the legendary Scorpion. Although critics and fans were split regarding his role in the initial film, Cole was positioned as the main character, leading some longtime fans to long for the presence of more classic figures on the screen.

*The Sequel’s Unexpected Choice*

In *Mortal Kombat II*, Cole’s character experiences a significant shift. In reaction to audience criticisms regarding his earlier prominence, the film eliminates him early on after a fierce confrontation with the mighty Shao Kahn. Cole’s demise is both abrupt and savage, triggering speculation on whether this choice was intended to placate fans who were unhappy with his character. While some viewers welcomed the return to hyper-violent, campy action, others believed that Cole’s sudden departure felt like an unaddressed plot point rather than a fulfilling narrative decision.

*Responses from Fans and Critics*

Diverse reactions surged online, with some praising the film for its audacity to dispose of a contentious character, while others reproached it for lacking depth in Cole’s narrative. As one fan remarked, the sequel had the opportunity to elaborate on Cole’s importance, as it continues his storyline. Many voiced their dissatisfaction over the disregard for his character in the aftermath of his death, feeling it undercut the narrative established in the prior film.

In stark contrast to the lack of significant reactions from Cole’s allies regarding his passing, fans yearned for deeper explorations of character dynamics and growth. The choice not to further engage with Cole’s destiny, nor to illustrate the emotional ramifications of his loss, left some viewers feeling unsatisfied.

*The Prospects for Cole Young*

Notwithstanding the controversy surrounding Cole Young’s character trajectory, there is speculation regarding his possible resurgence. The film concludes with the hint of resurrection for deceased characters via the capture of Quan Chi. This paves the way for a revived Cole, who could reappear in the eagerly awaited third installment of the franchise. Tan himself has alluded to thrilling developments for Cole, suggesting that fans might witness a more prominent role in the future, potentially even forging connections with beloved long-time fan-favorite, Scorpion.

*Conclusion*

*Mortal Kombat II* has sparked discussions about the treatment of original characters in sequels to established series. While Cole Young’s character journey in the film received a mixed response, it is clear that his destiny remains a topic of intrigue for fans. With forthcoming films on the horizon and potential paths for character development, audiences will be keenly observing how the *Mortal Kombat* saga evolves.

Once upon a time, Bungie were quite highly regarded for their storytelling finesse in the way that Destiny unfolded across many years. Aside from the general discontent in Bungie’s current approach to Destiny’s narrative, there’s also been quite a big stain upon the series for a while, which is the fact that a huge portion of the story can’t even be played any more due to having been vaulted. With Marathon, Bungie seem to want to do things a bit differently.

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**Experiencing Morrowind Within Fallout 4: A Modder’s Success**

**Introduction**

The game community has consistently valued the elaborate and vast realms developed by Bethesda, with titles such as *Fallout 4* and *The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind* at the forefront. Nevertheless, numerous enthusiasts believe that *Fallout 4* represented a shift away from the rich RPG experiences they adored, redirecting Bethesda’s attention to other gaming projects, like *Starfield*. Thankfully, through the creative endeavors of modder RPGKing117, fans can once again experience the cherished *Morrowind* directly within *Fallout 4* via the game’s Pip-Boy.

**Modding Morrowind into Fallout 4**

RPGKing117 has set out on a bold task to incorporate the legendary realm of *Morrowind* into *Fallout 4* using a specially designed mod that integrates the open-source port of *Morrowind* called *OpenMW*. This innovative mod enables players to engage with *Morrowind* through gameplay on the Pip-Boy and any in-game computers that can utilize holotapes.

The modder has chronicled their journey, detailing the obstacles faced along the way, culminating in a playable rendition that highlights the nostalgic RPG set against the post-apocalyptic backdrop of *Fallout 4*. A showcase video presents the mod, offering a preview of *Morrowind* in action through a device within *Fallout 4*.

**How It Works**

The technical foundation of this mod, while not overly intricate, demanded careful effort to accomplish. RPGKing117 clarified that *OpenMW* functions within a “hidden window locked to 876×700,” which is then upscaled and fed into *Fallout 4* in real-time. The mod utilizes a custom Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) plugin to enable smooth gameplay, allowing players to manage both *Morrowind* and *Fallout 4* at the same time with a keyboard and mouse.

**Requirements for Installation**

To participate in this modding journey, gamers must fulfill certain fundamental requirements. Both *Fallout 4* and *Morrowind* must be owned, along with having F4SE installed on your computer. The mod conveniently includes *OpenMW* within its files, streamlining the installation. Once the preliminary setup is finished and following the simple instructions provided, players can begin to explore the captivating terrains of *Morrowind* from within the irradiated remnants of the Commonwealth.

It is important to mention that this mod necessitates running both games simultaneously, which requires a moderately powerful gaming configuration—older or less capable PCs, including devices like the Steam Deck, might find this dual load challenging.

**Future Prospects**

RPGKing117’s work doesn’t end with *Morrowind*. The modder has also hinted at creating a similar mod that would allow players to access the original *Fallout* within the *Fallout 4* Pip-Boy. While still under development, early signs indicate that the modder is making progress on this venture.

**Conclusion**

The arrival of this mod highlights not just the passion and innovation present in the gaming community but also serves as a connection between different generations of gaming narratives. For those excited to revisit the journeys of *Morrowind* within a modern gaming environment, RPGKing117’s efforts offer a thrilling chance to merge two cherished worlds, preserving the essence of classic RPG experiences in today’s gaming landscape.

Back in March, Nvidia revealed unto the world DLSS5, the next version of its upscaling and frame generation tech. It was ugly as sin, turning Resident Evil Requiem’s Grace Ashcroft into, in the words of our own James, yassified Instagram models. The response from developers and onlookers alike was overwhelmingly negative, but of course Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang didn’t see it that way (he’s still wrong, by the way). Yet amongst the mess is a glass half full outlook from Requiem’s producer, Masato Kumzawa.

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### Resident Evil Requiem Unveils “Leon Must Die Forever” Mode

The survival horror game *Resident Evil Requiem* has launched a new update across all platforms, captivating fans with its latest feature—a game mode called “Leon Must Die Forever.” This update not only addresses several bug fixes but also offers a replayable roguelike experience centered on action gameplay, highlighting the beloved character Leon S. Kennedy along with his iconic quips.

This mode was hinted at by *Resident Evil Requiem* director Koshi Nakanishi shortly after the game’s successful debut in February, which quickly earned critical acclaim and commercial success, exceeding six million copies sold. In a video message posted on Twitter, Nakanishi teased upcoming story DLC and a mini-game update, both of which have raised expectations within the gaming community. Although the awaited story DLC has not yet launched, the new mode was introduced on May 8, 2023.

“Leon Must Die Forever” features aspects reminiscent of the classic *Mercenaries* mode, remixing levels from the primary game into a score-driven, arcade-style experience. Participants are challenged to accumulate points and secure upgrades while battling through swarms of enemies.

While the addition of the new mode brings thrilling content to *Resident Evil Requiem*, some players have voiced confusion regarding the inclusion of segments from the original campaign’s dialogue. This dialogue makes the mode feel more like a skillfully crafted fan mod instead of a completely new official game mode. Regardless, many players are excited to once again engage with Leon, a character who remains a favorite among fans.

The reception to *Resident Evil Requiem* has been notably positive, positioning it as one of the most lauded entries in the *Resident Evil* series. With the rollout of new modes and the potential for additional updates, fans are eagerly observing how Capcom will advance support for the game going forward. As *Requiem* progresses, it cements itself as a significant contribution to the realm of single-player video games in 2026, showcasing the franchise’s durability and continued appeal.

I do love a bit of space exploration in games, there’s something quite beautiful about the infinite openness, alongside having a terrifying primal fear quality. The peacefulness is often the important thing for me though, and the upcoming cargo delivery sim Space Hauler looks like it will, uh, deliver on that front.

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