Gait Games

**GameStop’s Initial Public Offering and the Transformation of Video Game Retail**

On February 13, 2002, GameStop launched on the New York Stock Exchange, securing an impressive $325 million and finishing at around $20.10 per share, surpassing analyst predictions by roughly 12%. This achievement took place against the backdrop of a thriving video game marketplace, which recorded sales reaching $9.4 billion in 2001, reflecting nearly a 30% increase from prior years.

GameStop’s ascent corresponds with strategic actions by its parent company, Barnes & Noble. In recent years, the book retailer has redirected its focus towards the expanding video game sector, solidifying its stance through critical acquisitions. Beginning with the acquisition of Babbage’s Etc in 1999 for $215 million, followed by FuncoLand in 2000 for $160 million, Barnes & Noble also integrated the prominent magazine Game Informer. Now that GameStop is publicly listed with a market valuation of $972 million, Barnes & Noble continues to hold a majority stake, further embedding itself in the video game retail arena.

Analysts predict considerable growth prospects for GameStop, particularly as the company takes advantage of the ongoing “PC entertainment software wave” and reaps notable financial rewards from its public offering. Nonetheless, the competitive environment presents obstacles, with competitors like Toys “R” Us, which uses Amazon for online transactions, and rental chains such as Blockbuster, providing video game rentals at lower costs. The industry predicts that 2002 may emerge as a pivotal year fueled by new console launches, appealing to committed gamers in search of the latest releases.

Activision’s CEO Bobby Kotick emphasized the software-centric future of gaming, identifying significant partnerships with media franchises like Spider-Man and Star Wars, which would enhance sales. He envisions a transformative gaming landscape by 2005 with the introduction of PlayStation 3 and Xbox 2.0, featuring broadband capabilities that would revolutionize gameplay, allowing for downloads and competitive gaming.

As the gaming landscape continues to change, with innovations anticipated in console development and online features, GameStop is set to be a central player in the sector. The retailer’s midnight launches for eagerly awaited titles like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City highlight its dedication to providing the latest gaming experiences directly to consumers.

In hindsight, GameStop’s public offering signifies not just a crucial financial achievement but also a vital moment in the shifting dynamics of video game retail, establishing it as a prominent entity in the progression of gaming culture and commerce.

**Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones – A Retrospective on Fan Reactions**

Debuting in 2002, *Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones* represented the second chapter of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, arriving just three years following the varied reception of *The Phantom Menace*. Enthusiastic fans, who had been eagerly waiting for fresh content, found themselves splintered over the path chosen by George Lucas. While *The Phantom Menace* showcased unforgettable elements like Darth Maul and exhilarating podracing sequences, numerous devoted fans expressed their discontent regarding certain factors, including character portrayals like Jar Jar Binks, and the film’s political undertones.

Given this backdrop, the eagerness for *Attack of the Clones* was laced with unease. Would Lucas provide a significant enhancement, or repeat previous mistakes? Initial attendees were mostly more positive, indicating that Lucas had more closely aligned the film with fan desires.

A primary attraction for fans was Jar Jar Binks’ diminished presence and the exclusion of young Anakin. This opened the door for a more sophisticated story and character interactions. Moreover, exhilarating sequences promised monumental moments, featuring a large gathering of Jedi and Yoda’s inaugural lightsaber duel on screen, significantly raising expectations.

Fan reactions were diverse, presenting a wide range of opinions shared on fan forums at the time. Some viewers celebrated the film unreservedly, commending everything from the action to the dialogue and the romantic angle. One ardent fan noted, “I loved it. I loved it all… Best *Star Wars* movie yet.” Such remarks indicated that for certain fans, *Attack of the Clones* symbolized the pinnacle of their cinematic hopes.

On the other hand, dissenting voices surfaced, pointing out shortcomings in pacing and dialogue. Critiques about the absence of nostalgia, dull exchanges, and narrative missteps echoed with viewers who anticipated a continuation of the original trilogy’s allure. One fan commented, “There’s nothing special about the movie… the dialog, very dry and boring.”

Even though appreciation for the CGI effects and battles was widespread, there were still critiques concerning the film’s storytelling coherence and character growth. Some fans observed the brisk pacing of the first act, feeling that the film appeared “clunky” as it hurried through scenes, which impacted narrative flow.

Highlighting the film’s technical accomplishments, several fans were enthralled by the visual representation. Comments celebrated Yoda’s CGI model and the captivating action scenes, enhancing the film’s entertainment factor. One fan declared, “The saber fights are good, the chase on Coruscant is thrilling.”

The romantic storyline between Anakin and Padmé invoked mixed feelings, with some finding its flaws relatable, while others deemed it cheesy and unconvincing. The sentiments voiced during discussions revealed a deeper analysis into character motivations and emotional depth, with fans contrasting it with earlier romantic portrayals in the saga.

As with any contentious film, *Attack of the Clones* prompted fans to contemplate their attachments to the *Star Wars* franchise. While some regarded it as the finest version of the saga thus far, others felt it lacked spirit and emotion. One passionate fan remarked, “*AotC* is visually amazing… but really, so what? Where is the human touch?” This criticism highlighted a persistent tension within the fandom regarding the prequels’ balance between spectacle and narrative.

In the end, *Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones* remains a crucial juncture in the expansive *Star Wars* narrative, symbolizing the challenges encountered in satisfying a varied fan base. The film’s legacy persists through retrospective dialogues, clarifying how it influenced fans’ perspectives leading to the series’ ultimate conclusion with *Revenge of the Sith*. The mixed reviews encapsulate not only the nuances of *Attack of the Clones* but also the broader discourse surrounding what *Star Wars* signifies to its audience as it transforms through generations.

### The Excitement for Golden Sun: The Lost Age

In under a year following Camelot’s popular RPG *Golden Sun* for the Game Boy Advance, enthusiasts are already buzzing about a direct sequel. The game, *Golden Sun: The Lost Age*, aims to enrich the enthralling world with fresh characters and quests.

#### A Summary of *Golden Sun*

In *Golden Sun*, players take on the role of Isaac, a young hero endowed with earth-related magical powers called Psynergy. The story focuses on stopping a group of villains from wreaking havoc on the world by igniting four elemental lighthouses in Weyard. The original game concludes with a thrilling cliffhanger, leaving the destinies of many characters hanging and propelling Isaac and his allies on a voyage across the seas.

#### Insight into the Sequel

Recent insights from *Famitsu* and an E3 2002 trailer have given a sneak peek into the sequel. Remarkably, *Golden Sun: The Lost Age* seems to introduce a new group of protagonists led by Felix, who was formerly an antagonist in the first game. He is accompanied by his sister Jenna, who wields fire magic, and Sheba, an important character in the story, who commands wind magic.

The trailer features Felix and his friends exploring diverse landscapes, including a wind-themed dungeon filled with newly revealed Psynergies and summoning mechanics that enhance the combat experience. The game’s soundtrack upholds the high quality established by its predecessor, further immersing players in the fantastical realm of Weyard.

#### Fresh Gameplay Features

The latest screenshots depict Felix navigating a rope bridge, employing a dragon summon during battles, and hinting at a sailing feature in an enchanted flying ship. These aspects indicate that the developers are aiming to diversify gameplay and explore new themes within the game’s mechanics.

Although there is speculation surrounding the fourth character, yet to be confirmed, players are curious about which individual will command water magic. Many speculate it might be Alex, another character linked to the original game’s villains.

#### Final Thoughts

*Golden Sun: The Lost Age* is set to launch in early 2023, creating substantial excitement among fans eager for the cliffhanger’s resolution and the exploration of new character narratives. As the release date draws near, anticipation surrounding the intricate storytelling, character motivations, and gameplay enhancements is bound to rise within the gaming community. The adventure in Weyard is poised to continue, and followers of the series are eagerly counting down the days until they can embark on this new journey.

**Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls – Performance Enhancements and Player Input**

Launched last week, *Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls* by Arc System Works has received an overall favorable reaction on the PS5; however, PC users encountered notable performance challenges. In particular, well-known fighting game community streamer Maximilian Dood publicly removed the game while streaming live due to these issues. Nevertheless, after a maintenance update, numerous Steam users report a markedly better experience.

The latest patch primarily focuses on resolving performance issues by lowering CPU consumption, which had previously led to online lag and gameplay stuttering. A specific bug responsible for performance drops during combat has also been fixed. Player feedback suggests a significant enhancement, with some stating that the update has rectified “all” the problems they faced since the game’s launch on August 6.

Discussions on Reddit illustrate this favorable change. One player remarked on ongoing micro stutter concerns, while another confirmed that the update had rectified their low frame rates and GPU usage issues, resulting in a more fluid gameplay experience. The community is hopeful regarding the possibility of cross-platform play with PS5 users.

This feedback arrives as the *Kotaku* review of *Tōkon* is forthcoming. The writer has expressed their own enjoyment of the game on PS5 and is eager for an improved experience for all players following this swift response from Arc System Works.

### Full Patch Notes:

**Reduced CPU Usage**
– Several fixes have been enacted to decrease overall CPU consumption:
– Fixed an issue causing high CPU usage during startup.
– Addressed the extra system load created by random audio processing during matches.

**Sudden Performance Drops**
– Corrected a problem that prompted the game to repeatedly search for available audio inputs, causing abrupt frame and performance drops.

**Frame Rate Drops**
– Resolved an issue that resulted in frame rate drops at certain resolutions.

**Battle Settings**
– Fixed a bug where restarting the game with specific customization items or colors enabled reverted settings to their defaults.

**Online Lobby**
– Rectified an issue where changing attack button displays to action icons made some buttons unresponsive in open lobby mini-games.

**Warm Up Those Shaders**
– With this update, the PC version initiates a shader warm-up for a more seamless gaming experience.

**Auto Graphics Quality Setting**
– Improved automatic specification detection to select a graphics profile that better aligns with user systems.

With these modifications, *Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls* is set to deliver a more enjoyable experience across PCs, cultivating a broader audience within the gaming community.

### The Vanishing of *Aliens: Fireteam Elite* on Switch: A Warning for Cloud Gaming

In a recent turn of events that has raised alarm in the gaming community, *Aliens: Fireteam Elite*, a multiplayer shooter dependent on the cloud, has been removed from the Nintendo Switch. Users who had earlier acquired the game, including its $60 Ultimate Edition, are confronted with the stark truth that they can no longer reinstall it. This predicament comes merely three years after the game’s debut and underscores the increasing anxiety regarding cloud gaming on the Nintendo platform.

#### The Closure of Cloud Servers

According to several sources, including VGC, Nintendo alerted players earlier this year that the cloud servers for *Aliens: Fireteam Elite* would cease operation on August 5. Unlike conventional games, which can still be accessed offline if acquired, the cloud edition is entirely dependent on server functionality. Once the servers were decommissioned, the game became completely unplayable for those who bought it, leaving them without any options for recourse or backup.

#### Community Outrage and Worries

The sudden withdrawal of *Aliens: Fireteam Elite* has ignited considerable backlash within the gaming community. Numerous players took to platforms like Reddit to voice their discontent. One user summed up a common feeling: “This is precisely why I loathe the move towards digital and cloud gaming. We’re going to witness a lot more of this sooner or later.” Other remarks echoed a widespread disappointment in the concept of cloud gaming on the Switch, denouncing it as a “sh*tty experiment.”

The criticism extended beyond player reactions; industry figures, including Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, who had forecasted growth in cloud gaming, encountered skepticism from gamers. Comments like “Almost like we aren’t just ‘dooming’ and this shit is for real,” illustrated the disenchantment with the prevailing cloud gaming landscape.

#### Nintendo’s Cloud Gaming Strategy

Initially, Nintendo had urged developers to embrace cloud gaming as a means of delivering demanding titles to the underpowered Switch. This initiative resulted in the launch of several prominent games, including *The Medium*, *Hitman*, and various installments in the *Resident Evil* and *Kingdom Hearts* franchises. However, with the introduction of more powerful hardware such as the anticipated Switch 2, developers are now assessing the practicality of native ports, stirring discussions about the future of cloud versions.

#### Future Implications for Players

As the gaming industry progresses, the prospects for cloud-based games appear uncertain. The forthcoming sequel to *Aliens: Fireteam Elite* is expected to debut on the Switch 2 this fall, leading to speculation regarding whether a native port will be provided to former owners of the cloud version. While some players express apathy toward those who invested in cloud-based games without safeguards, others point to precedents set by platforms like Google Stadia, which issued refunds for cloud game purchases during its service discontinuation.

#### Conclusion

The situation surrounding *Aliens: Fireteam Elite* serves as a stark reminder of the dangers linked to cloud gaming. As technology develops and gaming hardware advances, players must stay alert about the long-term sustainability of cloud-based titles. The recent occurrences emphasize the significance of transparency and consumer protection in an industry increasingly oriented towards digital and cloud gaming solutions.

### Steam’s Bounteous Refund Policy: A Case Analysis of Battlefield 6

Steam provides a notably accommodating refund policy that permits players to request refunds for titles if their playtime is under two hours. However, for duration exceeding that threshold, refunds are at Valve’s discretion. A recent incident involving the game **Battlefield 6** has generated significant attention and discussion regarding this policy, illustrating the possibility for exceptions.

A gamer under the username **ExplorEverythingOnce** turned to Reddit to recount their experience of successfully securing a refund after accumulating a remarkable **470 hours** in Battlefield 6. The player argued that the refund request was warranted due to major changes implemented in the game post-launch, where multiple game modes were eliminated without prior notification. Referencing these changes, the player communicated with Steam support to present their case.

In the widely circulated Reddit post, ExplorEverythingOnce detailed, “I reached out to Steam support and clarified that several game modes were taken out of the game without any notice nearly a year after the game’s debut.” They directed support agents to the official Battlefield website listing all available modes and a new community update that verified the removal of these modes. Their determination paid off, as the support agent recognized the validity of their argument, resulting in a full refund of **$109.24** for the Phantom Edition of the game.

The elimination of game modes, especially **Rush**, a favored attack-and-defend mode, sparked dissatisfaction among numerous players. Following a recent game update, fans observed that Rush mode had vanished from the available selections. Grievances on social media and official forums voiced discontent, with users emphasizing their unhappiness regarding the game’s changing nature and the loss of cherished features.

This event highlights the difficulties developers encounter in striking a balance between user experience and the continual modifications common in live-service games. Players invest not only time but also financial resources into these digital realms, making it understandable for them to seek redress when crucial aspects are altered or eliminated.

Interestingly, while Steam generally follows rigid refund regulations, this case prompts inquiries regarding how adaptable these policies might be based on the nature of a game’s modifications. Often, players of live-service titles like **Destiny 2** have contemplated pursuing refunds over several contentious updates, though service terms usually shield companies from such claims.

In this case, the involvement of a helpful customer service representative at Valve created an exception to the standard procedure, showcasing the possibility for flexibility in what is typically a strict policy framework. It leaves gamers contemplating whether tactical negotiations with customer support could produce similar results in the future, especially when significant game features are altered after purchase.

As the video gaming realm continues to trend toward live-service frameworks, this case will probably act as a standard for upcoming dialogues surrounding game updates, player rights, and the evolving landscape of refunds within the gaming sector.

# Getting Started in *Fields of Mistria*: Key Advice for New Players

Last week, I began playing *Fields of Mistria*, a game my friends have been buzzing about for ages during its early access phase, but which has only just launched fully at 1.0. And wow, my friends were spot on. This game is fantastic. It feels like *Stardew Valley* but with numerous quality-of-life enhancements and some fresh features influenced by both *Animal Crossing* and *Harvest Moon* on GameCube. I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

However, being a new game, there are aspects that differ from what I’m accustomed to in other titles of this genre, so I found myself a bit lost and bewildered during those initial days. I want to prevent you from experiencing the same confusion I did. Here are some tips based on the excessive hours I poured into this game over the weekend, ensuring your journey in Mistria begins seamlessly.

### For the Love of All That is Good, Upgrade Your Bag

Indeed, your bag space is woefully inadequate. You will encounter this issue in no time at all. I strongly urge you to spend your first 1000 gold on a Basic Pouch at the general store to gain ten additional spaces. That extra space will resolve many issues for quite a while, just take my word for it. There’s another bag upgrade that opens up later, but that first one is significantly more critical. It may seem pricey early on, but please **trust me** and avoid enduring hours in *Fields of Mistria* without sufficient bag space.

### Leave Items on the Ground

If your inventory is full and you spot an interesting bug or item, go ahead and capture it anyway. It will remain on the ground until you are able to retrieve it later. Letting it slip away will mean you miss out, but capturing it ensures you won’t lose anything. A short while into the game, you will also unlock a Lost and Found feature that collects everything you’ve left scattered around town and places it in a handy box for you.

### Converse with Everyone

And I mean everyone, every time you encounter them! Most simulation games like *Fields of Mistria* allow you to increase your affection with characters only a tiny bit, once a day, with NPCs delivering single, repetitive lines. However, the residents of *Mistria* have plenty to share. Whenever you see a speech bubble above someone, it indicates they have something new to discuss, and talking to them often will boost their affection for you more quickly than you might think. Being chatty pays off.

### You Can Leap

Yes, indeed, you can. Check your settings to find out which button this is assigned to in your controls, but don’t forget that jumping is an option! Jumping is beneficial as it helps you traverse obstacles and is also useful in combat for jump attacks. It’s easy to overlook that you can jump, but it proves to be quite handy in tight situations. You can also jump into the water, which is perfectly fine because…

### You Can Float

It might not be immediately clear when you start playing *Fields of Mistria*, but you can swim right from the beginning! Simply walk up to a body of water and use your jump button to dive in, then press it again to get back out. Swimming is enjoyable as it opens up areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. Additionally, there are dive spots marked by small bubbles in the water that you can swim to and interact with to discover treasures. Swimming does not consume energy, and the only downside is that you might scare away fish if you approach them too closely.

### Savor the Free Soup

You can visit the Inn once daily to enjoy a bowl of complimentary soup. Just interact with the pot over the fire in the main room’s back area. You’ll regain a bit of health and stamina each time. While it’s not a significant amount, it can be a lifesaver on days when you inadvertently push yourself too hard.

### Review Item Descriptions

If you’re keen on filling the museum (and you absolutely should be), there’s no need to run back and forth to the museum each time you want to confirm whether an item you possess is eligible for donation. When examining an item’s description, if it can be donated, there will be a small museum-shaped icon near the top. Adjacent to that icon is a tiny box. If you have already donated that item, a green checkmark will appear in the box. If not, it will remain empty, and you ought to keep that item for

### The Potential for Remaking Persona 1 and 2: Perspectives from Producer Wada Kazuhisa

It has recently been revealed that Wada Kazuhisa, the producer behind the renowned *Persona* series, possesses a strong desire to remake the first two installments of the franchise. While there are currently no concrete schemes to implement a comprehensive update of *Persona 1* and *2*, akin to the recent revamps of *Persona 3* and *Persona 4*, Kazuhisa conveyed his firm beliefs regarding the importance of this endeavor in a recent discussion with *Gamerbraves*. He remarked, “I believe it’s something we should certainly pursue. I think it’s imperative that we do so.”

#### The Development of Persona Remakes

Kazuhisa’s comments arise amidst the notable evolution that the *Persona* series has experienced over time. The forthcoming *Persona 4 Revival* stands as a quintessential instance of this progression. Scheduled for release next year, the remake promises a more cinematic storytelling experience, converting many formerly static dialogues into engaging in-game cutscenes. Kazuhisa highlighted the technological advancements enabling these modifications, stating, “We can now produce new cutscenes that are more immersive and lifelike than ever, utilizing various tools at our disposal.”

In addition, he tackled prevalent apprehensions about alterations to character traits and narratives—elements that are crucial to the audience. Kazuhisa reassured fans that the character attributes which have endeared players to the series will remain preserved, demonstrating a profound appreciation for the original content.

#### The Timely Opportunity for Remakes

Atlus, the creator behind *Persona*, has been actively revisiting and refining multiple titles within the *Shin Megami Tensei* and *Persona* franchises for current consoles. Recent endeavors encompass enhanced ports and remasters that resonate more effectively with today’s gamers. Given the favorable response to these initiatives and the expected launch of *Persona 4 Revival*, fans are speculating on what could follow. A remake of the initial two *Persona* games appears to be a fitting option, particularly considering that both titles have now surpassed two decades since their release.

*Persona 1*, originally known as *Revelations: Persona*, is marking its 30th anniversary this year. While there have been re-releases for these games, particularly for the PSP around 15 years ago, the longing for a full-scale remake underscores a wider trend in the gaming sector, where nostalgia and the desire to introduce classic titles to new audiences intersect.

#### Connecting Generations of Fans

Numerous players who now identify as *Persona* enthusiasts likely joined the franchise through titles such as *3*, *4*, and *5*. These later additions have influenced their perception of the series, and a remake would not only revitalize the original stories but also provide a new chance for newer fans to delve into the beginnings of a franchise that has evolved into a cultural sensation.

Kazuhisa’s vision for the future of *Persona* aims to connect different generations of gamers, enabling long-time fans to revisit beloved narratives and captivating characters while inviting newcomers to discover the series’ origins. As the gaming world keeps progressing, the possibility of remaking *Persona 1* and *2* remains an enticing prospect that could redefine the legacy of the franchise for many years ahead.

Fire up the Landy! Over the Hill, Funselektor and Strelka Games’ off-roader which takes the hardcore trail-running you get in a sim like SnowRunner and sands off the edges a bit to make for more chill countryside-roaming, finally has a release date. It’s set to motor onto the scene in October, following a Steam Next Fest demo which I dug.

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As the PlayStation 2 approaches the conclusion of its second year, Sony has pledged to invest in fresh and original ideas, positioning the PlayStation as a hub for creative, distinct, and daring games, setting it apart from Nintendo’s offerings. The continuous backing for varied gameplay experiences guarantees that gamers will keep enjoying a range of new and inventive titles. A standout illustration of Sony’s commitment to fostering such original concepts is Sly Cooper and the Thievius Racoonus, crafted by Sucker Punch Productions, recognized for Rocket: Robot on Wheels. This game is set to rank alongside notable 3D platformers like Banjo-Kazooie and Jak and Daxter for years ahead.

The storyline revolves around Sly Cooper, a delightful raccoon thief echoing Disney’s Robin Hood; nevertheless, Sly’s escapades are more centered on well-planned heists rather than humorous antics. He is depicted as sophisticated, adept, and captivating, frequently flirting with his police rival and romantic interest. Sly’s unique persona distinguishes him from other platforming heroes, establishing him as a potential all-ages icon for Sony. The game’s playful, anthropomorphic characters and classic noir style pay tribute to legendary 1960s animations like The Pink Panther and Secret Squirrel, further enhanced by a catchy jazz-inspired soundtrack that contributes to its lively ambiance.

While the visual and audio elements honor classic animation, Sly Cooper also brings innovation to gameplay by effortlessly merging conventional run-and-jump platforming with user-friendly stealth features. Players exploit Sly’s cane for direct confrontations but can also utilize stealth approaches, such as sneaking out of sight, concealing themselves along walls, and taking advantage of higher ground for strategic benefits. Although not as intricate as Metal Gear, Sly Cooper offers an accessible introduction to stealth gameplay. The design guarantees that interactions with the environment can be easily navigated using the DualShock 2 controller’s circle button, a vital component for players considering Sly’s susceptibility to enemy strikes.

Despite some frustrations (including tough racing sequences), it stands out as evidence of PlayStation’s ability to produce multiple innovative mascot platformers during the early phase of the PS2. In 2002, it is clear that while Sony may have been shortsighted in relinquishing legacy titles like Crash and Spyro, the future for 3D platformers looks bright, with high hopes for the new franchise. Sly Cooper and the Thievius Racoonus has established a high standard with its inaugural entry, showcasing a dedication to quality that fans hope will be maintained in its subsequent releases.

This article is a segment of the 2002 edition of Warp Week, a Kotaku series that revisits gaming history through a blend of retro reviews, retrospectives, and firsthand accounts.