Gait Games

All Our Broken Parts is a game that is a lot to take in almost out the gate. It’s a cyberpunk visual novel with resplendently detailed pixel art where you play as a robot doctor taking care of other robots, each with their own unique affliction. Oh, and humans have disappeared, the ocean doesn’t exist anymore, and after a medical mishap, you’ve been forced into a tiny clinic with not much going for you.

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**Reclamation of Abandoned Media: Dirge of Cerberus Lost Episode -Final Fantasy VII-**

An important milestone in the history of gaming preservation has emerged with the reclamation of *Dirge of Cerberus Lost Episode -Final Fantasy VII-*, a mobile-exclusive offshoot of the legendary *Final Fantasy VII*. This reclamation, a heartfelt endeavor led by hacker and gaming preservationist Yuvi, follows the game’s total inaccessibility after Square Enix closed its servers in 2018.

Initially released in 2006 solely on the Amp’d Mobile network, *Dirge of Cerberus Lost Episode* allowed gamers to explore the world of *Final Fantasy VII* in greater depth. However, after the service was halted, the game became completely unplayable, making its rich narrative and gameplay features lost to history.

In 2024, Yuvi achieved a remarkable breakthrough by obtaining an encrypted SD card with all the vital files for the game. Eager to revive the title, Yuvi confronted the formidable task of decrypting the files. Despite two years of unsuccessful attempts to obtain the necessary decryption keys, perseverance proved fruitful. Yuvi chronicled the journey on their blog, expressing, “So this past week I said enough is enough; I’m going to solve this issue. We have the data; we just need to unencrypt it. Let’s figure out how.”

The undertaking was fraught with challenges. As Yuvi delved into the complexities of decryption, it became clear that the task was taking longer than expected. To accelerate the process, Yuvi implemented a resourceful strategy by building a GPU farm, utilizing over 90 GPU servers equipped with high-powered graphics cards such as RTX 4090s and A5000s. This technological advancement expedited the decryption efforts dramatically, reducing what was anticipated to be a months-long project to just a few days. The venture, which totaled over $900 in costs, ultimately led to the triumphant restoration of a title that had been unplayable for six years.

Yuvi’s accomplishments underscore the ongoing initiatives in game preservation, not only resurrecting *Dirge of Cerberus Lost Episode* but also raising awareness of other obscured titles within the *Final Fantasy* series. Other significant lost games, like *Before Crisis Final Fantasy VII*, have also garnered interest, and Square Enix has indicated intentions to integrate aspects of these forgotten stories into future undertakings. Elements of *Dirge of Cerberus*’ narrative have already made a comeback in the latest *Final Fantasy VII* remake trilogy, with director Naoki Hamaguchi remarking on the team’s goal to incorporate more lore from spinoffs into forthcoming content.

For those captivated by this revived segment of gaming history, Yuvi has posted video content of the game on their YouTube channel, enabling both nostalgic fans and newcomers to discover this neglected chapter of the *Final Fantasy* narrative. The restoration not only revives a lost title but also exemplifies the commitment and creativity of the gaming community in safeguarding its legacy.

Tonally mercurial co-op shooter Helldivers 2 is boosting its level cap, again, in another hint that something big is brewing in the blackness of its endlessly war-torn galaxy. Following a previous increase from 50 to 150, developers Arrowhead are bumping the cap to level 300 in an upcoming patch, with any XP that you would have gained since hitting the previous limit set to apply retroactively. I wonder if any dive-happy souls out there have banked enough well-done points to instantly jump from 150 to 300 the moment they log in? No judgement here. Questions, maybe, but not judgement.

The announcement post doesn’t specific a date or patch number for when the higher cap takes effect, though the announcement itself comes just a day after this curious teaser video, showing a teddy bear in Helldiver garb having a rather nasty time after floating into some kind of open spacetime wound. Which means – that’s right – it’s time to pointlessly speculate!

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Zach Cregger, who has gained widespread recognition as one of the emerging directors in contemporary horror, is directing the upcoming *Resident Evil*, scheduled to debut in theaters next month. Following *Weapons* and *Barbarian*, he has built a measure of trust with a prominent horror franchise. However, there have been some worries among the *Resident Evil* fans regarding his interpretation of Capcom’s cherished series. If you’re interested in the film, we’re here to outline everything we know as of now.

## So what’s the plot of the new *Resident Evil* movie?
*Resident Evil* features *Weapons* actor Austin Abrams as Bryan, a medical courier tasked with delivering an organ to Raccoon City, famously recognized as the backdrop for the outbreak in *Resident Evil 2*. As the trailer showcases, he’s on his way to Raccoon City and having a heated phone conversation with his girlfriend when he inadvertently strikes a woman on the icy road who, despite stepping into the street, seems to have already been deceased before the collision. While Bryan looks for assistance and a phone to use, he ends up at a seemingly deserted house, where he encounters the terrors of the undead. However, we don’t currently know how much of the movie is set in that house or what other events might unfold.

## That sounds like *Resident Evil*, but where are Leon, Chris, and all my other favorites?
Unless Cregger and his team have been keeping their appearances in the film a secret, none of the familiar *Resident Evil* characters will be featured. Cregger mentioned he isn’t interested in merely retelling *Resident Evil 2*’s narrative, stating it would be “disappointing” as it has already been done.

“I aimed to convey a story that could fit within the *Resident Evil* universe but wasn’t reiterating a tale that the games have already depicted,” Cregger stated in April. “For me, I would feel there’s really no success in telling Leon’s story, as the games accomplish it so effectively. It would just end up being somewhat repetitive, and ultimately, I believe, disappointing.”

## Wait, if this occurs during the Raccoon City outbreak, why are there smartphones?
Now that we understand *Resident Evil* does not feature any characters from the video games, fans have expressed skepticism regarding the movie’s discrepancies with the original material. Bryan possesses a smartphone, while the original Raccoon City narrative in *Resident Evil 2* is set in the ‘90s, and although it snows in the film, it wasn’t snowing in Raccoon City during the game’s version of the outbreak either. This is because Cregger states that the movie is set in the present day, and he included snow since he thought it was visually appealing.

“It takes place in the snow and in 2026,” he explains. “That’s why he has an iPhone; I took creative liberties to craft a story I wanted to narrate and give the movie the aesthetic I envisioned. I am not making a precise adaptation of *Resident Evil 2*. There are variations between this film and the game, and I wish to recognize that. I don’t believe it diminishes the film in any way. I think it looks incredibly cool to have a horror film set in the snow. I haven’t seen enough of those. I love it a lot. The snow is an aesthetic choice. If the threshold for acceptance is whether I create a one-for-one adaptation, then I suppose, in that sense, I have failed. However, I believe the film is enhanced because of it.”

## Didn’t Cregger mention this was intended to be a parallel story to *Resident Evil 2*?
Yes, which is why the communication surrounding this movie has become somewhat convoluted for *Resident Evil* enthusiasts in recent months.

“Essentially, my guideline for this movie was to create a film that captured my experience of playing the game, existing within the realm of *Resident Evil*,” Cregger told IGN in April. “I feel like this movie unfolds concurrently with the events of *Resident Evil 2*. I prefer to think that what’s happening at the police station could be occurring in this universe. This is merely another person on another quest on the other side of town, dealing with his own situation.”

## So if it’s not based on a *Resident Evil* character or game, what makes it *Resident Evil*?
Cregger expresses his desire for the viewing experience to evoke the feeling of being immersed in a *Resident Evil* game as an ordinary person, rather than a Leon Kennedy-style hero capable of impressive backflips.

Look, you and I both know the amount of hours you’ve put into Stardew Valley is enough to make someone think you play it on the toilet, in the shower, and driving on your way to work. But how about something a little different, and a touch more magical and anime-esque than ole ConcernedApe’s modern classic? You’ll be wanting to look to Fields of Mistria in that case, which after an early access period of a couple of years is now out in 1.0.

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**Ubisoft Introduces Significant Update for Ghost Recon Wildlands: Last Rites**

Ubisoft has astonished fans with a major update for the open-world shooter, *Ghost Recon Wildlands*, which first debuted in 2017. This latest update, dubbed *Last Rites*, features upgraded graphics, including 4K resolution and 60 frames per second (FPS) support on current-generation consoles, in addition to a new standalone mission and a variety of new gameplay options.

This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of Ubisoft’s tactical shooter series, *Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon*. To honor this milestone, Ubisoft has also announced the creation of the next chapter in the franchise. In an effort to engage the community, the company launched a new insider program permitting fans to participate in the game’s development process. However, detailed information about the upcoming game is limited, leading Ubisoft to prioritize enhancements for *Wildlands*, which remains popular among players.

The *Wildlands: Last Rites* update introduces a brand new standalone mission that takes place following the events of the original game. In this new storyline, players venture into an area controlled by a cult called Los Penitentes. As described by Ubisoft, players must traverse perilous swamps and thick forests enveloped in gloom to track down La Llorona, the cult leader. This mission is designed to deliver a more demanding and engrossing experience characterized by a “darker, more oppressive” game atmosphere.

Alongside the new mission, the update significantly broadens player customization options. Ubisoft has included various settings allowing players to personalize their gaming experience. For example, players can choose to play through an endless downpour at night or opt to have just one AI companion while playing alone. Moreover, new realistic mechanics have been incorporated, such as penalizing players for reloading before their clip is empty and imposing stricter management of their ammunition inventory. The return of the Predator mission, featuring the legendary alien character from the sci-fi series, adds another layer of thrill for fans.

The free update also boosts the game’s performance on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, providing enhanced rendering distance, improved lighting, and supporting dynamic 4K resolution and 60FPS gameplay. Unlike some competitors, Ubisoft continues to deliver these substantial upgrades without charging players, upholding a player-centric approach to game enhancements.

Olivier Leonardi, the creative director for *Wildlands*, expressed appreciation to the community, stating, “Ghost Recon wouldn’t be where it is today without the passion, dedication, and feedback of its community over the past 25 years. With *Last Rites*, we aimed to create an experience that honors that legacy—something that feels true to longtime Ghosts, celebrates what makes this franchise unique, and reflects our gratitude for the players who have supported us throughout the journey.”

This recent update to *Ghost Recon Wildlands* showcases Ubisoft’s dedication to keeping their games current and captivating, ensuring that even older titles can receive modern upgrades. The *Last Rites* update is now live on consoles and PC, officially revitalizing interest in a cherished game while paving the way for future advancements in the *Ghost Recon* franchise.

Mistfall Hunter launched last week, and so far it seems to be doing quite well for itself! Apparently there’s a million of you now running around its very Elden Ring looking lands and extraction fantasy lands (though these don’t sound like one million sales, to be clear). With a healthy, if currently fairly critical, community under the game’s belt, developer Bellring Games have shared a roadmap for its first and second season outlining what you can expect next.

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**Japan’s Apprehensions Regarding U.S. Political Engagement with Cultural Franchises**

Recent articles have brought to light increasing worries from Japanese government representatives concerning the employment of well-known cultural franchises such as Pokémon, Nintendo, and Naruto within U.S. political discussions, especially by the Trump administration. As reported by the Mainichi Shimbun, officials from the Japanese Foreign Ministry have made several appeals asking the U.S. to avoid utilizing these treasured franchises in political communications, a perspective reiterated as recently as June.

The social media tactics of the White House have garnered notice for their efforts to reach a younger, online audience through the use of popular culture references. This has involved crafting memes that parody or feature elements from cherished Japanese intellectual properties (IP) to support varying political objectives. Observers have commented that this tactic may appear inauthentic, comparing it to a cringeworthy endeavor to relate to “fellow kids” rather than engaging in serious dialogue.

A notably unsettling example took place in September 2025 when the Department of Homeland Security released a video that included the classic Pokémon theme song paired with visuals of ICE arrests. Similarly, a video posted by the White House’s X account this past March displayed missile strikes in Iran alongside clips from Wii Sports, further amplified by the use of the Pokémon Pokopia text generator for a “Make America Great Again” post. These occurrences have spurred outrage among fans and stakeholders associated with these franchises.

In reaction to the unauthorized usage of their material, The Pokémon Company released a statement distancing themselves from any involvement and confirming that the Trump administration did not request approval to use their content. The fallout has ignited conversations within Japan about safeguarding the integrity of their cultural exports from political misuse.

As anxieties rise regarding the potential degradation of these iconic franchises, the Japanese government seems to pursue proactive measures. In the absence of substantial legal actions or interventions from major firms like Nintendo, which have the means to contest such practices, the fusion of political branding with Japanese cultural properties is expected to continue, raising ethical dilemmas concerning the convergence of entertainment and political messaging.

The concept behind Moonlighter, i.e. you are a shopkeeper except to get your wares you need to venture forth into dangerous dungeons and make it out alive, is always one that appealed to me, but has just managed to slip me by all these years. My problem now is that I have two new reasons not to ignore both it and its sequel The Endless Vault, as the follow-up now has a 1.0 release date, and the original is free for the next few days.

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**Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls – Launch Day Challenges and Solutions**

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls officially debuts today, yet numerous players are facing an annoying problem when they try to launch the game. Reports indicate a looping error that surfaces after choosing a language in the boot menu, forcing the game to crash and sending players back to the main menu.

### Grasping the Problem

This flaw has raised significant concerns for gamers eager to jump into the action. Players have observed that following the initial language selection, they experience continuous crashes, hindering their ability to fully immerse in the game. This issue has caught the attention of Arc System Works, the developers of the game.

### Developer Acknowledgment

In light of player feedback, Arc System Works released a statement through the game’s official Discord, recognizing the issue. The company is actively looking into the matter but has provided a workaround based on input from the community. The suggested approach is simple: players should wait until the game has completely installed, reaching 100%, instead of depending on the PlayStation 5’s notification that the game is “Ready to Play.”

### Community Suggested Solution

The workaround highlighted by the community stresses the importance of patience during the installation phase. While this is not an official remedy, a number of users have reported success in overcoming the looping error by implementing this step. It’s crucial to acknowledge that outcomes may vary; not every player may find this effective, but it is worth attempting if you run into the issue.

### Upcoming Updates

Arc System Works assures players that they are dedicated to fixing the problem as swiftly as possible. They have promised to keep the community informed with any new developments or official solutions that are made available. For those experiencing troubles, they encourage continued sharing of their experiences, which helps in the investigation.

### Final Thoughts

As players prepare to dive into Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, it is essential to stay updated on possible challenges and remedies. While technical issues may dampen the enthusiasm of a game release, collaboration within the community and responsive developers can greatly influence the situation. Hopefully, the workaround offers some relief while Arc System Works continues to strive for a permanent fix. Enjoy gaming, and see you in the lobby!