Gait Games

If you recently glanced at Total War: Shogun 2 and thought “gosh, lovely hip-and-gable roofs on that miniature of the temples in Kyoto, but this could really do with oh, let’s say 50 additional groups of quarrelsome swordsmen”, then congratulations, Creative Assembly are adding “50+” minor factions in Total War: Shogun 2 Complete Edition, an all-in-one remaster hamper due to launch on 13th October via Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store and GOG.

This fancified and expanderised, 64-bit edition of the 2011 strategy game will include both the Rise and the Fall of the Samurai DLC expansions, together with updated lighting, shadows and textures. Also: “modernised controls”, which makes me frown a little in the absence of details, together with 1440p and 4K UI scaling, and Japanese and Chinese voice acting and localisation.

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## The Pokémon TCG’s 30th Celebration Set: A New Chapter for Collectors

The launch of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) 30th Celebration set has ignited enthusiasm and curiosity among both collectors and players. This set has captivated attention not only for its nostalgic features but also for its remarkable pull rates, enabling fans to secure cards at more accessible prices compared to earlier sets.

### The Influence of Pull Rates and Resale Markets

Traditionally, the Pokémon TCG market has been burdened by scalpers and resellers who acquire vast amounts of new sets for profit, leading to escalated prices during the initial release phase. Recent sets like Ascended Heroes have showcased top cards listed for hundreds to over a thousand dollars shortly after their debut. Conversely, the 30th Celebration set has seen its key cards stabilize below $100 soon after launch, excluding the sought-after Classic Collection. This change suggests a potential relief for regular customers as future releases and reprints become accessible.

The trend observed in recent years has shown that while certain card prices may stabilize, many inflated prices post-release often experience significant declines. As collectors evaluate their choices, patience is crucial when it comes to buying individual cards, as waiting a month or two could result in significant savings.

### Pricing Trends of the 30th Celebration Set

At present, the priciest card within the main set is the Mew ex Special Illustration Rare, valued at approximately $152. This price dramatically contrasts with earlier sets, where top cards frequently debuted at prices exceeding $1,000. The standout feature of the 30th Celebration set is the comparatively economical pricing across its range, allowing younger players and collectors to engage more fully in the Pokémon card phenomenon.

Within the Classic Collection, which highlights 30 cherished Pokémon with a unique “30th” stamp, certain cards are proving difficult to acquire, resulting in higher values. For example, the Crystal Lugia is currently priced at $280, surpassing even the legendary holo Charizard, which is valued at $185. Notably, only a few cards in this subset exceed the $100 threshold, reflecting a trend towards greater accessibility in the market.

### The Enigma of the RGB Mews

One of the most intriguing aspects of the 30th Celebration set is the undisclosed RGB Mews—three cards that have yet to be officially recognized by The Pokémon Company. These cards, marked by their distinctive designs and scarcity, embody the allure surrounding certain collectibles. With prices averaging around $4,000 due to their extreme rarity, these cards have become subjects of speculation and intrigue among collectors, creating an enigma within the current set.

### Top 15 Highest-Priced Cards from the Set

As collectors explore the 30th Celebration set, here are the top 15 highest-priced cards currently available, along with their respective prices:

1. **Crystal Lugia – Classic Collection**: $280
2. **Charizard Base Set – Classic Collection**: $185
3. **Mew ex SIR**: $150
4. **Gengar ex SIR**: $126
5. **Magikarp – Classic Collection**: $107
6. **Pikachu ex Night**: $103
7. **Mew ex Future Rare**: $103
8. **Jirachi ex SIR**: $101
9. **Mewtwo ex SIR**: $85
10. **Pikachu ex Daytime**: $81
11. **Gengar Prime – Classic Collection**: $79
12. **Mewtwo ex Future Rare**: $72
13. **Sylveon ex SIR**: $65
14. **Pikachu & Zekrom GX – Classic Collection**: $53
15. **Shining Celebi – Classic Collection**: $46

### Conclusion: A Promising Outlook for Collectors

The Pokémon TCG’s 30th Celebration set signifies a pivotal moment for collectors and players, providing a feasible path to obtaining sought-after cards without succumbing to exorbitant market prices. As the enthusiasm around this set continues, the combination of nostalgia and accessibility creates an ideal landscape for enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a novice in the Pokémon card realm, the 30th Celebration set offers an inclusive atmosphere for enjoyment and discovery.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty sequel Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember will release in March next year, devs Koei Tecmo have revealed as they’ve whipped out an alpha demo that you can give a go right away. Expect plenty of samurai sword slashing and rolling around the mythological or historical Chinese big man, plus some open battlefields to roam.

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**Remedy’s *Control Resonant* Debuts with Immediate Hotfix to Tackle Combat Issues**

Remedy Entertainment’s eagerly awaited sequel, *Control Resonant*, officially debuted today on consoles and PC, following an initial launch for pre-order customers on September 22. The game has received favorable reviews; however, early feedback from players raised issues about enemy health, prompting the studio to deploy a hotfix shortly after the launch.

In response to comments indicating that enemies were absorbing too much damage, which hindered the gameplay flow, Remedy announced a hotfix (version 1.3.3). The changes specifically address enemy health pools, with the intention of streamlining combat, especially during the game’s initial hours. Remedy recognized players’ feedback in a blog post, stating, “Based on what we have observed thus far, we have opted to roll out a hotfix to address a few specific matters…”

The hotfix brings several significant gameplay alterations:

1. **Decreased Enemy Health and Required Falter Levels**: The health of most adversaries, including major bosses like the Dancer and Deserter, has been reduced. This change is designed to make combat feel more manageable and engaging.

2. **Enhanced Maximum Aberrant Strength and Ability Strength**: Players will now experience improved damage potential as they advance, with damage outputs scaling according to the number of upgrades gained, fostering a more dynamic combat experience.

3. **Progressive Damage Scaling Increases**: The changes follow a curve, offering increasingly higher damage boosts as players approach the game’s conclusion, maintaining the thrill of upgrading gameplay.

Moreover, the studio has made adjustments such as a permanent decrease in the cost to respec abilities and clarified UI text to improve understanding of combat mechanics. Additionally, for those desiring a customized experience, *Control Resonant* includes an assist mode that can modify enemy health and damage outputs, allowing players to tailor the difficulty to their liking.

The response to this hotfix has generally been positive, with players noting that addressing enemy health substantially enhances the gameplay experience. However, some players on Steam expressed annoyance over the requirement to reinstall the game to implement the hotfix, which detracted from their launch experience.

In summary, *Control Resonant* is set to provide an engaging experience, merging Remedy’s renowned storytelling with refined gameplay mechanics, while the studio continues to pay attention to player feedback during its ongoing development.

Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer has revealed that the studio behind recent FPS hit Wardogs check the social media accounts of prospective hires for public criticism of crunch practices, and deliberately prefer to avoid bringing such folks on board. In the exec’s view, devs working extra or long hours to get a game or update out of the door – otherwise known as crunch – “is going to happen at some point”, even if the studio “always try and avoid it”.

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**Investigating the Comeback of Castlevania with Belmont’s Curse**

The Metroidvania genre has recently experienced a revival, pleasing fans despite the significant break of the cherished Castlevania series, which hasn’t had new releases since 2014. Nevertheless, **Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse** is poised to reignite the spirit of this classic franchise, captivating both veteran fans and newcomers, especially those attracted by the hit Netflix animated series.

**A Fusion of Classic and Contemporary**

Belmont’s Curse goes beyond just revisiting familiar components; it rejuvenates by integrating innovative gameplay features while honoring the series’ legacy. The game introduces players to Rose Belmont, the offspring of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, characters from the 1989 title **Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse** and the Netflix rendition. This connection provides a dimension of narrative consistency, enabling the game to act as both a nostalgic homage and a fresh entry point for newcomers.

Evil Empire, renowned for their work on **Dead Cells**, is behind Belmont’s Curse, and they have even enlisted voice actors from the Netflix series, enhancing the game’s authenticity. Alejandra Reynoso lends her voice to Sypha, while Graham McTavish reprises his role as Dracula, effectively linking the animated series with the game.

**Resonances of Paris and Story Links**

Set against the backdrop of a turbulent Paris in 1499, Belmont’s Curse draws inspiration from both the original saga and the more recent chapter **Castlevania: Nocturne**, which also depicted Paris in disarray. This setting enriches the game’s atmosphere, suggesting links between narratives while further engaging players familiar with the series.

Although specific information about characters like Alucard—Dracula’s son and a pivotal character in the animated series—remains vague, his possible role keeps the potential for thrilling narrative developments open.

**Contemporary Gameplay Elements**

Recognizing the need for evolution following the franchise’s recent break, the developers at Evil Empire have embraced innovation. Belmont’s Curse features mechanics akin to soulslike games, offering players challenging combat and customizable difficulty levels. Regenerating foes and a varied weaponry, including the iconic Vampire Killer whip and magical sub-weapons known as Arcana, guarantee an immersive experience catering to different playstyles.

**A Daring Initiative from Evil Empire**

The creation of Belmont’s Curse represents a story of audacity and teamwork. At a hands-on event, series producer Tsutomi Taniguchi disclosed that Evil Empire approached Konami with a concept for a **Castlevania** DLC for **Dead Cells**. Taniguchi’s aspiration for a new Castlevania game propelled this partnership, ultimately resulting in the establishment of a complete title.

**A New Chapter for Castlevania Enthusiasts**

As the animated series comes to a close—with **Nocturne** concluding its second season—Castlevania fans have a lot to rejoice. The genre itself flourishes, with titles like **Hollow Knight** and **Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon** setting the stage for the revival of this iconic franchise. With the release of **Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse** on October 15th for PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC, players can anticipate a refreshed adventure that honors its predecessors while forging its unique identity within the genre.

The Steam Frame, unfortunately RAM shortage-ravaged as it is, is unique among virtual reality headsets for its ability to run Steam games – VR or ‘flat’ alike – entirely on its own, internal compute hardware. It is, in effect, a SteamOS PC for your face. Yet as I waxed about in our review, this feature’s impact could extend far beyond the Frame itself, as it’s based on new compatibility tech that Valve now hope to bring to a broader range of PCs and laptops. Potentially, according to staff speaking with RPS, making bonafide gaming systems out of previously unfriendly computers.

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**Rockstar Games Unveils $400 Collector’s Box for Grand Theft Auto VI: An In-Depth Examination**

Today, Rockstar Games captured attention with the reveal of its new collector’s edition box for the eagerly awaited game, *Grand Theft Auto VI*. With a hefty price of $400, this collector’s box—titled “Grand Theft Auto VI: The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection”—does not come with the actual game, which is scheduled for release on November 19, but rather includes a variety of merchandise themed around Vice City.

### What’s Included in the Collector’s Box?

The collection boasts a diverse range of items inspired by the *Grand Theft Auto* universe, particularly a TV show named “Macca the Gator,” which is likely tied to the game’s storyline. The box consists of the following items:

– **Oakley Sunglasses**: A stylish pair of branded sunglasses, although indirectly related to the game.
– **Vinyl Statue**: A depiction of a character or concept from the in-game television show.
– **Enamel Pins**: Multiple pins themed around characters from the fictional cartoon.
– **Double-Sided Poster**: Displaying a map of Vice City alongside illustrations of characters from the show.
– **Shot Glass**: A collectible piece that adds a practical touch to the collection.
– **Pink Alligator Statue**: A whimsical addition that captures the playful spirit of the merchandise.

### Community Reactions

Reactions to this collector’s box have been varied, with a notable segment of the *GTA* fan community showing discontent. Criticism has focused on several major points:

1. **Price Tag**: A lot of fans are frustrated about the $400 cost, particularly since the actual game isn’t included. Comments on social media platforms reflect this annoyance, with users feeling the merchandise is overpriced.

2. **Artwork and Design Choices**: The cartoonish style and general aesthetic have faced backlash. Some fans anticipated more serious or stylized portraits of favorite characters like Jason and Lucia, favoring collectibles that embody classic *GTA* themes over designs associated with a fictional TV cartoon.

3. **Omission of the Game**: Many fans have indicated that for such a hefty price, the bundle should at least provide a copy of the game. Users expressed their discontent with comments like, “Bros come on, could’ve included the game at least for that price,” and “$400 for an unattractive statue and some cheap hats and a shot glass with no game included is absurd. Will pass.”

4. **Request for More Pertinent Merchandise**: The community has shown a preference for items more closely related to the *GTA VI* narrative rather than secondary items like character-themed merchandise from a fictional show.

### Conclusion

Although some fans appreciate the distinctive items offered, with one user noting they liked the collection but hoped for a different range of collectibles, the general sentiment suggests disappointment regarding the pricing and contents. Many passionate fans are optimistic that Rockstar will release more conventional *GTA VI*-themed items in the future, while also wishing for a reconsideration of pricing for collector’s products. As the November release date draws near, it remains uncertain how Rockstar will tackle these issues and if they will present additional collector’s options that align with the preferences of their loyal player base.

Former Doom: The Dark Ages producer Andrew Willis has shared tuppence on the state of the blockbuster videogame trade, arguing that the biggest companies and most popular series are going through a familiar “cycle” whereby the moneyfolk finally displace the creatives, and start messing games up in the name of short-term returns. He reckons that the likes of Halo are well on their way to becoming “a dried husk of a product that everyone just now associates with like, slop”.

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### The Excitement and Apprehensions Surrounding James Watkins’ *Clayface*

The DC Universe has undergone a notable evolution with the fresh guidance of James Gunn, signaling a move towards a more whimsical and less grave narrative style. One film that is creating significant excitement is *Clayface*, helmed by James Watkins, which offers a darker and more grotesque interpretation of the backstory of one of Batman’s most prominent adversaries.

#### Plot Summary

In *Clayface*, the narrative centers around Matt Hagen, portrayed by emerging talent Tom Rhys Harries, who endures a savage disfigurement that leaves him marked with career-ending injuries. In a frantic effort to regain his former identity, he chooses an experimental procedure, which results in shocking side effects—his body starts to undergo a disturbing, melt-like alteration. This film, instead of merely skimming the surface of the superhero genre, plunges into the depths of body horror, delivering a more raw and unsettling storyline than usual superhero offerings.

#### Trailers and Audience Response

The unveiling of the *Clayface* trailers has elicited a range of responses, particularly concerning the bleak material. The initial trailer set a tone of horror intertwined with the superhero theme, highlighting Hagen’s gruesome transformation. Viewers were startled by the moment when Hagen wipes away his own face, described by one critic as an ideal jump scare.

However, as further trailers were released, the atmosphere shifted from disquieting to thoroughly unsettling. The second trailer featured a sequence that disturbed many—Hagen using scissors to snip away excess skin growing around his eyes, implying a film that embraces graphic visuals and physical unease. Although subtle in its horror, the intensity built around that moment seemed to resonate with audiences, prompting questions about the film’s overarching direction.

By the third and final trailer, the horror escalated, revealing not only Hagen’s battles but also his interactions with others, hinting at a tragic character journey. A particularly striking scene depicts Hagen’s dual nature—forcing a victim’s face through his own body, revealing not malevolent delight but deep sorrow and despair. This impactful portrayal transitions the character from a standard villain to one of tragedy, blurring the boundaries between horror and compassion.

#### The Psychological Depth

The emotional intricacy of Hagen’s path is a primary concern for potential viewers. While body horror can be tolerable within the genre, the additional layer of Hagen’s remorseful attitude during his actions induces discomfort. The prospect of witnessing a character embodying sadness while causing harm suggests a more profound narrative that might challenge audience sensitivities.

Fans of the superhero genre are now wrestling with their expectations. The buzz around *Clayface* is laced with unease, as many express a wish to see the film while simultaneously dreading the explicit nature of its content. This complex emotional terrain could either amplify the film’s effect or alienate viewers seeking a more conventional superhero adventure.

#### Conclusion

James Watkins’ *Clayface* is positioned to reshape the anticipations of the DC Universe, blending horror with superhero lore in a manner that highlights the often-misunderstood essence of its main character. While excitement remains palpable, the emotional implications of its story may prompt audiences to reconsider their comfort levels in cinema. As the launch date nears, fans find themselves eager yet wary, suggesting that *Clayface* could emerge as one of the most divisive additions to the DC film roster thus far.