Gait Games

**Anachronox: A Cult Classic’s 25-Year Legacy**

When *Anachronox* hit the shelves in 2001, it emerged from the shadows of Ion Storm Dallas, a studio often eclipsed by the infamous issues surrounding *Daikatana*. While John Romero’s well-known title stole the limelight, Tom Hall’s eccentric sci-fi RPG barely made a splash before the studio crumbled. Over the last 25 years, *Anachronox* has fostered a devoted cult following that treasures its absurd humor, complex universe, and diverse vibes. To commemorate this important anniversary, Hall is inviting fans to delve into his personal archives, offering glimpses into a game that’s too distinctive to fade away.

Players take on the role of Sly Bucelli, a cantankerous, debt-laden private investigator residing in a pod above a space tavern. Grappling with both monetary woes and reading troubles, Bucelli takes on a case that leads him into clashes with the solar system’s most notorious villains while hunting for mysterious techno artifacts.

At first glance, *Anachronox* might appear similar to the darker sci-fi RPGs of the late ’90s, especially those crafted by Eidos. However, beneath its facade lies a comedic satire reminiscent of Douglas Adams. The game boasts oddities like a mouse cursor that is an actual character, a party member who is an entire planet with a face constructed from satellite beams, and a realm where the Canadian dollar is the standard currency for humanity’s future. Gameplay also borrows from Japanese console RPGs, particularly *Chrono Trigger*, which, despite its excellence, faced challenges in sales in the West.

Critics acknowledged the game’s quirky humor, but *Anachronox* sadly launched during a turbulent era for Ion Storm. With great expectations riding on *Daikatana*, which eventually flopped, *Anachronox* was positioned as an underdog. Much like *Earthbound* before it, the game was seen as too unconventional for mainstream marketing and slipped into relative obscurity. Nonetheless, it eventually found its way back onto digital platforms like GOG and Steam, where its fanbase began to expand.

Reflecting on the game’s 25-year journey, Hall expressed a wish to revisit its past. “It’s been 25 years since the game’s launch,” he stated, inviting fans to accompany him as he explores the depths of its creation. During this reflection, Hall uncovered significant design documents and story outlines, which he intends to share through his newsletter as he traces the evolution of the narrative. Importantly, the original game concluded on a cliffhanger, as Hall felt that the lengthy 40+ hour experience did not sufficiently conclude Bucelli’s story. Although a sequel never came to fruition, fans are eager to discover clues about Sly’s destiny through Hall’s forthcoming insights.

In this manner, *Anachronox* continues to enchant players, preserving its allure and mystique long after its original launch. As Tom Hall revisits the background of his idiosyncratic creation, both new and veteran fans can delight in the unique adventure that *Anachronox* has provided throughout the years.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has reached a significant milestone, with six million copies sold worldwide. This achievement was revealed by Warhorse Studios and Deep Silver as the game participated in the Steam Summer Sale, providing players with a notable 60% discount.

“Six million of you have now ventured into Bohemia!” the developers cheerfully announced on Steam. “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has officially achieved another milestone, selling six million copies. We’re excited to see more players joining our community every day, making this journey even more special for us!”

Since its release in February 2025, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has maintained a Very Positive rating on Steam. With over 137,000 reviews, 93% of them are positive, underscoring the game’s popularity. Eurogamer awarded the game three out of five stars, emphasizing its attractiveness among gamers.

Fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Warhorse Studios has indicated that the subsequent game in the Kingdom Come: Deliverance series is set to launch sooner than anticipated. Communications director Tobias Stolz-Zwilling stated during a recent community stream that the expected release is within the next fiscal year. This marks a notable improvement over the seven-year interval between earlier releases, heralding an exciting future for fans.

### Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 – The Much-Awaited Follow-Up to the Acclaimed Anime

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, an anime created by Studio Trigger, debuted in 2022 as a prequel to CD Projekt Red’s praised role-playing game, Cyberpunk 2077. Drawing inspiration from Mike Pondsmith’s legendary ’80s tabletop game, the series was originally intended to be a standalone miniseries. However, its phenomenal success and critical praise swiftly sparked interest for a sequel, culminating in the announcement of Edgerunners 2 at Anime Expo last year.

#### A Return to Night City

Scheduled to launch this Fall on Netflix, Edgerunners 2 is ready to enthrall fans once more, taking viewers back to the frenetic and neon-drenched streets of Night City. While the original series explored the tumultuous romance between David and Lucy against a backdrop of violence and a merciless underworld, the forthcoming 10-episode sequel will unveil a fresh ensemble of characters struggling with the stark realities of their cybernetic lives.

#### A Darker Tone and New Heroes

Edgerunners 2 vows to delve further into the dark and gritty essence of the Cyberpunk universe. Characterized by a “darker, grimier tone,” the sequel will spotlight a protagonist named ‘Weak,’ an older, beleaguered hero whose appearance combines traits of Batou from Ghost in the Shell and the legendary detective Columbo. This narrative perspective shift aligns with the heightened complexity of the Cyberpunk lore and aims to explore themes of survival and endurance in a corrupt world.

#### Expanding the Cyberpunk Universe

The impact of Edgerunners transcended the anime genre. The series inspired a spin-off manga and engaged in crossovers with other well-known titles like Guilty Gear -Strive- and Wuthering Waves. It has cemented its position as a key element of Netflix’s growing lineup of video game adaptations, standing alongside popular series such as The Witcher and Arcane.

The unforeseen triumph of Edgerunners has also had significant repercussions in the gaming sector. CD Projekt Red, eager to harness the affection for the franchise, has initiated development on Cyberpunk 2, which is expected to take a substantial amount of time prior to its launch.

#### The Hype Builds

As the release date for Edgerunners 2 draws near, anticipation continues to escalate. Fans are anxiously awaiting the full trailer, set to be revealed this week, which will offer a first look at the next installment in this cybernetic saga. Following the lively yet tumultuous events of the original miniseries, viewers will be eager to see how this sequel will build upon its predecessor’s legacy while introducing new narratives and exciting adventures in the captivating universe of Cyberpunk.

### Conclusion

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 is poised to be among the most awaited animated series of the year. With its return to Night City and the introduction of new characters entwined in the relentless hustle of a dystopian future, it offers a compelling examination of humanity amidst technology. As fans look forward to the Fall release on Netflix, the combination of Studio Trigger’s distinct animation style and the intricate storytelling of the Cyberpunk universe promises to provide a thrilling experience.

There has been a persistent notion that all video game adaptations in film and television share a universal weakness: they frequently lack quality. For a considerable duration, the prevailing view was that these adaptations ranged from subpar to downright awful. However, the arrival of the Fallout series has altered this viewpoint for many, including individuals who were skeptical about the genre.

Among those whose insights have influenced this change are the creators and developers of the original Fallout games. Notably, series co-creator Tim Cain has openly conveyed his admiration for the show. On his YouTube channel, he expressed his appreciation for the adaptation while recognizing the detrimental nature of some fan reactions toward creative endeavors.

Further support for the series comes from Josh Sawyer, director of Fallout: New Vegas. In an interview with The 41st Precinct, Sawyer elaborated on his enjoyment of both seasons of the Fallout show. He particularly commended the show’s representation of the game’s factions and environments, remarking that while certain elements may not perfectly match his initial vision, such variances were simply matters of personal taste.

Sawyer emphasized his respect for the adaptation, mentioning slight modifications like the repositioning of the iconic Dinky the Dinosaur landmark. Although some fans had strong feelings about such alterations, Sawyer considered them essential for the narrative and remained unfazed. His perspective aligns with his previous views, where he sees himself as a collaborative participant in the Fallout universe rather than a leading figure, which allows him to be at ease with the evolving depiction in contemporary adaptations.

In summary, the Fallout show sets itself apart as a remarkable instance in the realm of video game adaptations, receiving accolades from significant figures involved in its original game development while providing new viewpoints to fans.

### Grasping the Intricacies of AI and Technology: An In-Depth Analysis

In recent times, a series of documentaries has surfaced, striving to clarify the workings of computers and digital technology. Among these stands Dylan Reibling’s *The End of the Internet*, which investigates global decentralization initiatives while revealing the obscured truths of cloud computing. Despite the sophisticated language used, the foundational infrastructure is fundamentally dependent on physical cables that are susceptible to disruptions from governmental interventions and unforeseen threats, such as marine creatures.

Amanda Kramer’s *So Unreal* takes a contrasting route by investigating the significant psychological effects of technology and the negative feedback loops formed by popular culture. Films like *The Matrix*, *Terminator*, and *Tron* significantly influence public views of cyberspace, shaping how technological progress is pursued, and reflecting idealism that feels increasingly removed from reality—particularly against a backdrop of escalating artificial intelligence (AI) narratives that are often regarded as the peak of a lengthy cycle of misleading promises.

Programming specialist Adrian de Wynter provides a compelling analysis on our tendency to anthropomorphize technology in his paper, “*If LLMs Have Human-Like Attributes, Then So Does Age of Empires II*.” Through an inventive experiment utilizing the classic strategy game’s scenario editor, de Wynter exemplifies language learning models (LLMs) with unconventional entities such as goats and bridges. His conclusions reveal that a considerable portion of academic literature presupposes that AI systems embody characteristics akin to consciousness, a notion he finds concerning.

De Wynter contends that the emotional bonds individuals form with technology—similar to characters in films—are frequently misaligned with the true operations of these systems. He stresses that while users may develop affection for LLMs exhibiting friendly personalities, such feelings do not equate to authentic comprehension or consciousness. Instead, it sharply underscores the gap between the user’s perceptions and the harsh computational truths.

As investment in AI technology escalates, advocates often convey the narrative that these systems could think and solve problems like humans. This is frequently accompanied by a fallacy that any reactive machine signifies intelligence. Research dating back to the 1960s has shown that people are inclined to forge connections with interactive machines, leading to erroneous interpretations regarding LLM performance. However, this narrative is misleading, considering that advancements pioneered by AI leaders like Sam Altman are aimed at automating workflows and collecting user data instead of mimicking human insight or thought processes.

Furthermore, an alarming facet emerges as AI technologies are increasingly engineered to enhance positive user experiences, a design choice that may lead to detrimental outcomes. Incidents of AI-driven accounts exacerbating issues like self-harm and promoting adverse behaviors have come to light, shedding light on the ethical dilemmas associated with AI usage. With resource-heavy AI data centers utilizing substantial amounts of water and energy, the justifications for developing AI systems sometimes reveal an unsettling preference for simulated functions over living entities and realities.

This peculiar dynamic becomes even more troubling when it is recognized that a sector motivated by economic incentives may deliberately disregard essential human experiences in favor of technological growth. The gap between corporate objectives and authentic ethical considerations often acts to diminish the importance of human consciousness in favor of profit-oriented AI solutions.

In conclusion, the dialogue demands a foundation grounded in reality regarding LLMs and their potentials. De Wynter advocates for a departure from anthropomorphic assumptions regarding AI behavior, highlighting the necessity for experiments that recognize these systems for what they are—sophisticated code devoid of human-like understanding. Acknowledging the intrinsic distinctions between artificial and human cognition is vital to navigating the swiftly evolving technological landscape and its societal repercussions. If we wish to protect our shared future, it is imperative to foster a realistic perspective on AI’s role within our society rather than being swayed by marketing illusions masked as technological progress.

**Pre-Orders and Console Rivalry: The Excitement for Grand Theft Auto VI**

Pre-orders have started for the eagerly awaited *Grand Theft Auto VI*, a game anticipated to transform the gaming environment upon its arrival. In spite of widespread cautions against pre-ordering, particularly for digital-only games, a large number of gamers are reportedly seizing the opportunity to pre-order their version before the release. While official sales numbers are not yet available, anecdotal evidence indicates a robust interest, especially on one gaming platform.

Recent updates reveal that the *PlayStation 5* edition of *GTA VI* is considerably surpassing its *Xbox Series X/S* equivalent in pre-orders. As per *IGN*’s affiliate link tracking, PlayStation is outperforming Xbox with a remarkable ratio of 8-to-1 in pre-orders, showcasing a clear trend in consumer inclination leading up to the game’s debut. These results were shared on social media, emphasizing the fervor of the ongoing console rivalry, particularly evident in online debates.

This trend is further confirmed by Amazon’s brief sell-out of PS5 copies of *GTA VI*, reinforcing that the demand on PlayStation platforms is exceptionally robust. Nevertheless, this situation has not gone unnoticed by Microsoft, which expressed dissatisfaction regarding the relative sales figures. An Xbox spokesperson responded to these claims, stating, “This doesn’t reflect pre-order data. We’ve had record numbers of orders. People should await real data instead of clicks on affiliate links.” They contend that in spite of the contrasting pre-order performance indicated by *IGN*, the Xbox version has also reached noteworthy pre-order figures, potentially establishing new records.

The backdrop of this competition goes beyond mere sales statistics. Since the Xbox One generation, Microsoft has stopped providing comprehensive sales information, raising doubts about the credibility of their assertions about “record orders.” In contrast, current insights suggest a detailed examination of the gaming market, with the PS5 appearing poised to outpace the Xbox Series X/S at a ratio of roughly 2-to-1 in this console generation.

Considering that a significant segment of PS5 and Xbox Series X/S owners are likely to buy *GTA VI*, the noted pre-order trends may mirror wider market patterns. If *GTA VI* adheres to the anticipated trend of PS5 pre-orders greatly exceeding the 2-to-1 sales ratio, it could signal broader implications for consumer loyalty, brand perception, and possibly, the future landscape of the gaming industry.

As the gaming community looks forward to *GTA VI*, the developing story surrounding pre-orders and console performance illustrates the intricacies of the gaming market. As the launch day approaches, both gamers and industry observers will be keenly watching for more data that elucidates the path of sales and consumer involvement during this crucial phase for game launches and console rivalry.

Coffee Talk started out as a slice-of-life visual novel casting you as a night-shift barista serving Seattle’s uniquely magical residents, from elves to vampires to succubi, hearing out and advising their whims and woes over steaming cups. Its strength was not just in the individual lines of dialogue spouting from these monsters (affectionate), but also in how those were placed within the context of Magical Seattle: a thread of societal distaste towards interspecies relationships, for example, is held taut through several characters’ arcs, not just in the two characters whose parents explicitly disapprove of them for it. Opinions and arguments towards the ills facing this world are treated with the weight they deserve, acknowledging the fluidity of both public opinion and the problems themselves.

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Sundays are for hopping over stepping stones across a river. There’s a stone missing in the middle. Immediately, a quest decision prompt flashes up before my eyes, offering three choices: turn back in humiliation; attempt the leap and risk perishing in the writhing waters, leaving this week’s Sunday Papers unfinished; or pile up smaller stones into a rudimentary foothold – an alteration of the river’s flow that will surely lead to calamity miles downstream in the Humber Estuary. Urgency is added by the arrival of swarms of flies.

I chickened out and turned back in the end, but not before taking a lovely photo. Anyway, here are some things to read.

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The thing about Citizen Sleeper is that I wish there was more of it. Not literally, necessarily, I’d never want that world to be exhausted of its setting, and my imagination is stronger than any threequel or otherwise. Still, I’d like to play more of it because its inventive approach to digitising tabletop RPG design still feels fresh now. Thankfully, more and more games inspired by its structure are popping up, like Joy Malignant, another dice-based RPG where every choice you make affects how people see you.

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I do love me an odd little immersive sim I do. There’s just something special about the flexibility in them, so my ears always perk up like a dog hearing the word walkies whenever a new one enters the scene. Today, it’s Bloodwoven, the next game from the devs behind Blood West (guess they like blood a lot), with a logline that has immediately drawn me in: “survive and thrive in a world built upon the frozen corpse of a forgotten god.” Chills!

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