Gait Games

**Title: The Casting Decisions Behind L.A. Noire: Jon Hamm vs. Aaron Staton**

The team at Bondi faced an important choice when selecting the lead character for their innovative video game, *L.A. Noire*. In a recent discussion, Daniel McMahon, a contributor to the project, disclosed that Jon Hamm, celebrated for his legendary performance as Don Draper in the acclaimed series *Mad Men*, was previously under consideration for the Cole Phelps role. In the end, however, the part was awarded to his *Mad Men* colleague, Aaron Staton.

McMahon offered details about their decision-making approach, pointing out that, although Hamm is a remarkable actor, he ultimately wasn’t ideal for Phelps. “It was never articulated back then, but now I grasp the vision, which was Jon Hamm is a fantastic actor, but he’s not Cole Phelps,” McMahon said. The aesthetic of *Mad Men* closely mirrors the 1950s Old Hollywood charm that infuses *L.A. Noire*, rendering Hamm’s candidacy for the character seem reasonable.

Don Draper, Hamm’s character, bears significant resemblance to Cole Phelps. Both figures embody intricate masculine identities while hiding profound weaknesses. This similarity made Hamm a logical candidate for the part, yet the developers determined that Staton expressed Phelps’ vulnerability more convincingly. “Aaron Staton excelled at depicting Cole’s fragility,” McMahon noted, highlighting the nuances of character interpretation that Staton injected into his performance.

If Hamm had assumed the role of Cole Phelps, it is likely that the character would have experienced significant alterations in temperament. McMahon conjectured that Hamm’s portrayal might reflect Don Draper’s stronger character, alluding to the possibility that any vulnerabilities could be concealed by overindulgence in alcohol—something Draper notoriously engages in throughout *Mad Men*. Interestingly, McMahon posited that Hamm might have been better suited for a different character in the game, Jack Kelso, who exists in a morally ambiguous space between ally and adversary.

In addition to artistic considerations, logistical elements also influenced casting choices. McMahon remarked that Hamm’s celebrity status would have made him a pricey addition to the lineup: “I think Jon Hamm would have been fantastic, but costly,” he noted.

As *L.A. Noire* nears its 15th anniversary, enthusiasts have pondered the possibility of a sequel. Although Take-Two’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, has indicated that all options are open, there seem to be no plans to further the series at this time.

In summary, the selection of Cole Phelps played a critical role in the development of *L.A. Noire*, and the decision between Jon Hamm and Aaron Staton highlights wider themes of character representation and the intricacies of human vulnerability exemplified throughout the game.

**Lego’s Latest SpongeBob SquarePants Set: A Nostalgic Comeback with Varied Opinions**

After a lengthy gap of 15 years, Lego has thrilling news for enthusiasts of the cherished animated character SpongeBob SquarePants. On July 14, 2023, it was revealed that the brand is launching a fresh SpongeBob set, the first from Lego since 2009. This eagerly anticipated comeback is both a thrilling advancement for fans and a subject of criticism regarding some of the new designs.

The latest set, aptly named the Bikini Bottom set, comprises 1,794 pieces and includes minifigures of SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick, all designed with new components and precise coloring. The set highlights the primary residences of the series characters, promising to be a detailed and intricate playset for collectors and Lego aficionados alike. However, the $220 price point has raised concerns among potential purchasers, with some deeming it overly steep for what is essentially a fragile playset.

Accompanying the Bikini Bottom set is a new SpongeBob Brickhead, which has elicited mixed feedback. While many fans enjoy Brickheadz designs, the new SpongeBob version has not been warmly received. Detractors have pointed out design issues, describing the character as “too thin and tall,” with features that are disproportionately sized. Comments on social media echo this feeling, with users observing that the design strays from the cherished shape and appearance of SpongeBob himself.

Despite the critiques, the Brickhead is listed at $13, which some fans find more justifiable. Nonetheless, the negative feedback related to its design is significant, and it may overshadow the enthusiasm for the entirety of the new product line.

Both the Bikini Bottom set and the SpongeBob Brickhead are scheduled for release on September 1, 2023. Lego fans remain optimistic that this revival of SpongeBob SquarePants sets will lead to more nostalgic offerings in the future. As anticipation grows around these new launches, it remains uncertain how collectors will react to the complete collection.

### **Esteemed Passengers: An Outlandish Co-op Journey Flight**

#### Summary

In the world of forthcoming video games, **Esteemed Passengers** has created significant excitement with its distinctive concept that merges humor, chaos, and collaboration. Scheduled for launch in 2026 for PC, this cooperative adventure game immerses players in the cockpit and cabin of a mismanaged airline, where survival depends on working together amidst an impending crisis.

#### Game Mechanics

**Esteemed Passengers** is crafted to immerse players in a frenzied gaming adventure where they take on the roles of the crew on “the world’s most dysfunctional airline.” The inventive gameplay relies on several captivating mechanics:
– **Proximity Communication**: This feature fosters interaction among players, facilitating real-time conversations and planning, adding a social layer to the chaotic environment.
– **Ragdoll Dynamics**: This mechanic adds to the humor and unpredictability, leading to comical and often chaotic interactions among players and passengers.
– **Distinct Challenges**: Players confront a variety of unpredictable obstacles, from managing difficult passengers and adverse weather to more ridiculous events, such as crocodiles escaping in the cargo area.

#### Roles and Duties

The structure of the game allocates tasks among participants. One player assumes the role of the captain, responsible for piloting the aircraft, while others oversee the passenger experience—serving meals, soothing anxious passengers, or, in critical situations, ejecting them through the hatch. This division of tasks highlights the importance of teamwork and ensures that players must communicate adeptly to prevent the flight from descending into chaos.

#### Development and History

**Esteemed Passengers** is under development by **FLEXUS**, a mobile gaming studio located in Ukraine known for producing idle games with remarkable download figures on smartphones. This project signifies their initial venture into PC gaming, generating curiosity about how their expertise will adapt to the new platform. Co-founder Semyon Kozyura has pointed out the team’s emphasis on emotional connection over metrics, suggesting a sincere effort to craft a game that resonates with players.

#### The Excitement and Outlook

So far, **Esteemed Passengers** has been positively received in the gaming community, with trailers highlighting its chaotic concept and potential for enjoyment. It aligns with the expanding genre of “friendslop” games—multiplayer experiences that excel in teamwork and absurdity. As innovative titles like **R.E.P.O.**, **Peak**, and **RV There Yet?** have demonstrated, this genre continues to attract gamers seeking engaging social gaming activities.

As excitement mounts in anticipation of its release, the lingering question is: will **Esteemed Passengers** fulfill the promise of the excitement depicted in its trailers and marketing? Only time will reveal if it becomes a landmark title in the rapidly growing multiplayer scene or merely a fleeting trend.

#### Closing

With its blend of proximity communication, ragdoll dynamics, and outrageous situations, **Esteemed Passengers** guarantees a distinctive multiplayer adventure that embraces chaos and camaraderie. As we patiently await its 2026 launch, the community remains eager to witness how this whimsical flight unfolds.

There is an anxiety to deckbuilders that I don’t find with many other games, in that I get incredibly stressed about which cards I should play. I feel this way about card games in real life too, for reasons I truly cannot understand. It’s just a game! And yet I can’t help but scold my tiny, silly brain in moments where I pull the wrong move. So I am quite keen on how Grail sounds, the latest little game from little game aficionados Sokpop, where after you build your deck, the deck does the fighting for you.

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### Discovering *Truth Scrapper*: An Exciting Visual Novel Journey

Visual novels provide a distinctive mix of narrative and interactivity, enthralling audiences with deep storylines and character growth. While the genre may not appeal to all gamers, numerous treasures can be found within it. One notable title that has garnered attention is *Truth Scrapper*, created by insertdisc5, the same team responsible for the praised *In Stars and Time*.

#### The Allure of *Truth Scrapper*

After experiencing the demo of *Truth Scrapper*, it’s apparent that even with some reluctance towards visual novels, this title possesses a unique charm that merits investigation. The demo introduces a captivating concept, where players inhabit the role of Sosotte, a “truth scrapper” endeavoring to reclaim her memories with each passing day. Every interaction and choice she makes shapes her narrative and connections with two prominent characters: Amour and Betz.

The game’s methodology is intriguing—rather than inundating players with intricate lore or detailed exposition, it gradually reveals the world through Sosotte’s journey. This approach fosters engagement and allows players to dive in without the weight of a lengthy background story, reflecting the successful storytelling style of *In Stars and Time*.

#### Engaging Character Dynamics

A key element of the gameplay is the memory selection mechanic. Players must maneuver through Sosotte’s memory scrapping, choosing what to retain or discard, which ultimately influences her relationships with Amour, a supportive and friendly figure, and the brave Betz, who exudes a more serious attitude. This feature invites players to build their personal connections with the characters based on these decisions.

While Sosotte’s upbeat persona initially seems a bit forced, her authentic inner reflections hint at deeper dimensions to her character that may be revealed as the plot unfolds. This complexity enables rich character development, a vital component of captivating narrative-driven games.

#### Visual Presentation

Artistically, *Truth Scrapper* presents a distinctive visual style, utilizing a black-and-white scheme interspersed with color to highlight significance and character attributes. The artwork, evocative of vintage photographs, brings forth a sense of nostalgia while skillfully integrating contemporary themes of gender expression. This visual approach not only enhances the narrative but also symbolizes the game’s dedication to diversity and representation, qualities that resonated in *In Stars and Time*.

#### Excitement for the Complete Game

Although *Truth Scrapper* hasn’t yet fully enthralled the player as *In Stars and Time* accomplished, its promise is clear. The confidence stemming from the prior title raises expectations for the development of this new narrative, particularly concerning character depth and story quality. There is an undeniable thrill in anticipating how the game will address its themes, especially regarding identity and memory.

#### Final Thoughts

In conclusion, *Truth Scrapper* emerges as an encouraging entry into the visual novel arena. With an intriguing premise focused on memory and interpersonal relationships, coupled with a distinctive artistic flair, it promises to be an experience worth awaiting. Enthusiasts of narrative-driven games should anticipate its full launch, eager to explore Sosotte’s journey and the enchanting world crafted by insertdisc5.

# Sony’s FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick: Launch Delayed and Expectations Ahead

Sony has been making notable advancements in the gaming and PC accessory sector, and one of its eagerly awaited products is the FlexStrike wireless fight stick designed for the PlayStation 5. Initially slated for an August release in conjunction with the new game *Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls*, this accessory has encountered unforeseen production setbacks, resulting in an indefinite delay of its launch timeframe.

## Official Announcement and Delay

In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Sony conveyed the disappointing news regarding the FlexStrike fight stick. The company remarked, “We wanted to provide an update on the launch schedule for FlexStrike wireless fight stick. Due to unforeseen production delays, FlexStrike wireless fight stick will launch at a later date.” While the original shipping date of August 6 is now unfeasible, Sony has yet to disclose a new timeline for its debut.

Sony has assured supporters that the delay is intended to improve the user experience. The blog further explained: “We’re working to ensure we deliver the best possible experience to our players with FlexStrike, so we’re taking extra time to perfect the product. We apologize for this delay and look forward to introducing the FlexStrike experience to the community upon its launch.”

## Pre-Order Information

For individuals who have pre-ordered the fight stick directly from PlayStation, the company has recommended checking their order status on the official website. Notifications regarding their orders will be issued directly from the PlayStation team. Customers who made pre-orders via other retailers are advised to seek updates directly from those channels.

## *Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls*

Although the FlexStrike fight stick has been postponed, *Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls* remains set to debut as scheduled on August 6. The game has created excitement with favorable hands-on feedback, as reported by *Kotaku*. A key takeaway from the impressions was the fight stick’s design: “It’s angled upwards towards the back, which allows my wrists to rest in a more natural position than if it were flat,” a reviewer mentioned. They also found the default controls user-friendly, contributing to an enhanced overall gaming experience.

## Pricing and Market Position

The FlexStrike fight stick will carry a price tag of $200, positioning it alongside other leading competitors in the market, such as the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha, also priced at $200, and the Razer Kitsune, priced at $220. Despite this competitive pricing, questions remain regarding the stick’s compatibility with PCs, as Sony has indicated that PC support will be introduced after the product’s launch.

## Additional Products from Sony

In addition to the fight stick, Sony is also gearing up to release a new desktop speaker and a 27-inch gaming monitor, both of which are on schedule for their August 27 launches. These products are part of Sony’s expansion into the gaming accessory market, as they continue to elevate the gaming experience for their community.

As fans await further news on the FlexStrike wireless fight stick, they can look forward to experiencing *Marvel Tokon* and the new hardware that Sony is poised to deliver in the upcoming weeks.

RuneScape is having a bit of a home improvement moment, quite literally. An update went live yesterday that focused completely on player-owned housing, revamping how you both use and construct it, bringing it honestly quite close to The Sims in how it handles house building, amongst other tweaks and additions.

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**Monster Hunter Wilds Price Reduction and Upcoming Updates: What Gamers Should Know**

Almost a year and a half after its debut, Capcom’s action-RPG, *Monster Hunter Wilds*, is poised for major updates, including a price reduction. This move comes in anticipation of the highly awaited *Ascendance* expansion, which aims to enrich the gameplay by introducing players to fresh locales and challenging adversaries.

On July 14, Capcom revealed through social media that they would be simplifying the options available for both new and returning hunters. This will involve discontinuing certain existing bundle offerings, such as the Deluxe Edition and its related cosmetic DLC pass, and substituting them with new value bundles. These modifications are expected to take effect on August 3.

Although specific details about the price reduction are not fully disclosed, comparisons to past expansions suggest possible pricing strategies. The *Ascendance* expansion, unveiled during the Summer Game Fest, is anticipated to enhance gameplay by enabling players to discover floating ruins and compete against Elder Dragons. While the release window is suggested to be in 2027, fans believe a sooner timeline, potentially in early 2025, is likely.

Historically, Capcom has employed strategic pricing for expansions; the *Iceborne* expansion for *Monster Hunter World* initially lowered the base game’s price and provided the expansion at an appealing rate. Many players remain hopeful for similar revisions regarding *Monster Hunter Wilds*, speculating that the base game could be set around $30 to $40 following the price cut, in line with the expected price for the expansion.

For those thinking about acquiring *Monster Hunter Wilds*, it would be wise to wait until after the upcoming price adjustments. Alongside the planned revisions, an approaching Playstation sale may offer additional discounts, making it an optimal time for prospective buyers to hold off.

A significant concern among fans is the influence of these price and bundle alterations on the game’s current microtransactions (MTX), which have been criticized for their complexity and lack of inclusivity regarding paid add-ons. As Capcom transitions to new bundles, players are hopeful that the shift may simplify the MTX experience.

In conclusion, the forthcoming changes to *Monster Hunter Wilds*, which include a price reduction and new bundle options, indicate a transformation that could prove beneficial for both newcomers and seasoned players. As the gaming community anticipates further updates, the enthusiasm surrounding the *Ascendance* expansion and possible financial modifications continues to rise.

**Human vs. Automation: A Strange Encounter with a Waymo in Los Angeles**

During the weekend, an unusual event took place at a bustling intersection in Los Angeles when a man tried to physically assault a Waymo, the self-driving car service. The incident was recorded on video, highlighting the individual fervently attempting to dismantle the autonomous vehicle with his bare hands, reminiscent of fictional dystopian narratives.

As reported by ABC 7 News, the footage from the Citizen App showed a shirtless man standing on the shattered windshield of the Waymo, brandishing a bent windshield wiper and venting his frustration toward the car’s sensor. As the disruption intensified, traffic came to a halt, necessitating police involvement and resulting in the man’s arrest for vandalism. This event contributed to a collection of odd incidents involving Waymo cars, including a separate case where teenagers were caught drinking underage and firing Orbeez gel blasters during a ride.

The emergence of self-driving vehicles became evident as many started to notice their increasing presence. A contributor recounted their experience of observing Waymos while attending the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco in 2026, likening them to something out of an ’80s sci-fi film. This awareness of driverless technology appeared to grow during later travels, especially in Los Angeles, where the interaction between human-driven and autonomous vehicles was evolving into a regular occurrence.

This encounter prompts significant inquiries about our progressively automated society and encourages contemplation of the ramifications of technology that functions without human intervention. Amid the lively urban environment, the clash underscored a broader societal dissatisfaction, with one observer on Bluesky commenting that “the entire world economy is being guided toward producing as many of this type of individual as possible.” This perspective echoes concerns of a future overshadowed by technology, where genuine human experiences are eclipsed by algorithmic choices.

As society moves toward a future entwined with automation and artificial intelligence, the events at that Los Angeles intersection act as a poignant reminder of the mental, emotional, and cultural effects such changes can impose on people. While some members of the public may find humor in the situation, the underlying tensions regarding human existence in an increasingly machine-dependent world remain significant and urgent.

Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s fast travel system is a pain in the ass, and depending on who you ask and even when you ask it, this is a good, bad, fine, annoying, interesting, frustrating, clever thing. But as part of a recent free update that has arrived in the leadup to the game’s Dark Arisen expansion, it is now less of a pain in the ass. And for the expansion’s producer Naoto Oyama and director Kenta Kinoshita, it’s about giving people more choices.

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