Gait Games

Video game cameras are often a point of contention primarily because a bad one can completely disorient you, or even outright make you feel sick. These are worthwhile things to consider, but I do wish there was more of a discussion around the specific choices that are made in particular camera angles and positions, and how it might actually be important that certain games should be played in the way they are designed. I’m going to throw all of that out of the window right now though and tell you about a Baldur’s Gate 3 true third-person camera mod.

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**Investigating the Mechanics of *Splatoon Raiders*: A Comprehensive Summary**

Nintendo’s newest offering, *Splatoon Raiders*, has quickly drawn the interest of gamers and reviewers alike. Expanding on the foundations of the *Splatoon* series, this latest addition presents players with a distinctive extraction shooter experience, diverging from the well-known urban settings of its predecessors. Instead, players traverse unexplored islands, setting the scene for an engaging encounter with the game’s iconic foes—the Salmonids.

In *Splatoon Raiders*, the focus shifts from community-based play to highlight individual gameplay, while team adventures remain an option. Gamers are immersed in rapid dungeon raids amid haunting, abandoned beaches and cluttered reefs. The Salmonids, deformed fish mutants, present a significant challenge, emerging from every direction and intensifying the chaos that characterizes the gameplay.

A common remark from players is the noticeable stagnation in weapon varieties compared to earlier versions of the franchise. Even with the modified gameplay dynamics, many traditional weapons seem underwhelming during solo endeavors. The real breakthrough is the introduction of the Tanks, specialized tools that alter gameplay with various “Gadgets.” There are three unique Tanks: the Speed Tank for quickness, the Power Tank for destructive force, and the Tactical Tank, which is especially valued for its strategic benefits.

The Tactical Tank, in particular, focuses on deploying an array of drones and devices meant for dealing chip damage. Initially, players have access to a basic sentry gun, but as they progress, they unlock more advanced gadgets, like the Tether Wail—an innovative tool that strikes at foes—and the Hi-Fiver, which fires bouncing laser beams. However, the standout feature is the Bombloons: helium-filled explosives that deal damage while adhering with toxic threads.

In contrast to earlier *Splatoon* titles, where players concentrate on identifying the ideal target according to their weapon, *Raiders* requires tactical thinking to maneuver through the swarming Salmonids and effectively dominate the environment. One of the most thrilling elements of the game is realizing the potential of creating complex balloon traps, leading to a feeling of fulfillment akin to accomplishing challenging goals in games like *Vampire Survivors*, where players design chaotic destruction patterns.

While *Splatoon Raiders* might not yet take the lead in the extraction shooter arena, it displays notable innovation through its unique weapon setups, which turn standard gameplay into a micro-genre of its own. The game promotes experimentation with its three Tanks, yet the Tactical Tank stands out as a favorite due to its engaging and useful equipment. Players develop a partnership with their gadgets, fostering a sense of interdependence that defines the exhilarating combat experience of the game.

In summary, *Splatoon Raiders* has revitalized the franchise, offering an intriguing mix of strategy and action. As players delve deeper into the game, they are sure to discover even more dimensions that establish this new chapter as a captivating addition to the *Splatoon* heritage.

If we ignore the many, many negatives that came with the late 90s/early 2000s era of video marketing, there was a certain charm to the edginess that I kind of wish was still around in some ways. I say that because of a recently revealed immersive action horror shooter named Ringwyrm, that, were it to have released in that era, so easily could have had a tagline like, “The only time you’ll be happy you’ve got Ringwyrm.” Alas!

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### The Ascent and Decline of *Thick As Thieves*: Warren Spector’s Newest Project

Warren Spector, the renowned mind behind the *Thief* series and a trailblazer in immersive sims, recently sought to reaffirm his presence in the gaming realm with the cooperative game *Thick As Thieves*. Released in late May, the game aimed to encapsulate both the essence of Spector’s earlier works and appeal to a fresh generational audience. Regrettably, despite its competitive pricing, the game struggled to achieve the momentum anticipated by Spector and OtherSide Entertainment, the studio responsible for its creation.

#### An Innovative Perspective

*Thick As Thieves* showcased numerous design features akin to Spector’s past titles, including sound meters and stealth gameplay. Nonetheless, it opted for a more streamlined structure to enhance accessibility for family-friendly play. With less demanding obstacles and more lenient settings, it sought to carve out a niche within the dynamic landscape of multiplayer games. This approach, influenced by Spector’s earlier project *Epic Mickey*, demonstrated a goal of engaging a wide-ranging audience.

The reception of the game’s design choices was varied. While it appeared ready to resonate with a demographic leaning toward cross-generational gaming experiences, its marketing strategy seemed to lack clear messaging about its strengths and intended audience.

#### Post-Launch Hurdles

Soon after its launch, *Thick As Thieves* encountered significant challenges. OtherSide Entertainment underwent drastic layoffs, shrinking their team to under ten members, as reported by *PC Gamer*. This reduction had a profound effect on the game’s development trajectory, leading to no further content updates. In a message from director Jeff Hickman, the harsh realities of the gaming industry’s instability were disclosed, highlighting the sorrow of losing cherished team members and the inability to continue active development.

The remaining team, in partnership with publisher Megabit, plans to maintain server operations. They are contemplating a shift to peer-to-peer servers if official support is discontinued. Hickman reassured players that solo mode would remain unaffected, though the game wasn’t primarily designed for single-player gameplay.

#### A Sector in Turmoil

*Thick As Thieves* is not the only title facing difficulties; online and live-service games have recently battled widespread issues. The demands placed on multiplayer titles have soared, as immediate player engagement is essential for longevity. High-profile failures, like Sony’s *Concord*, have underscored the dangers associated with this genre.

Even with its more limited scope, the circumstances around *Thick As Thieves* illustrate the fragile nature of today’s gaming industry, where even projects from esteemed creators can falter. The game serves as a poignant reminder that innovative concepts must now navigate a landscape filled with competition and significant stakes.

As Warren Spector retreats from the forefront following this venture, the destiny of *Thick As Thieves* mirrors broader trends affecting the gaming community, indicating an ongoing necessity for strategic planning and execution in the creation of multiplayer experiences.

### Meccha Chameleon: Triumph Complicated by Malware and Hacking Concerns

Meccha Chameleon, an indie game that captured the attention of the Steam community in 2026, has allegedly sold more than 15 million copies, positioning itself as the top hit of the year. However, this achievement has been overshadowed by serious security issues, including the spread of malware via the game’s Steam Workshop maps.

#### Malware Spread via Steam Workshop

On July 24, independent investigator Feint published a report outlining a significant security vulnerability linked to a community map named “Laser Tag Neon.” Even though it passed the Steam Workshop review, players encountered a troubling problem when attempting to load the map. The report indicated that the map would discreetly activate a command prompt, causing users’ systems to download a script capable of installing malware on their computers. This shocking revelation was later substantiated by the International Cyber Digest, which detailed the malware’s functionality.

The community responded promptly, resulting in the rapid removal of the harmful map. Unfortunately, this was only the start, as Feint confirmed the emergence of new malicious maps shortly afterward. The game’s creator, known as lemorion_1224, reassured players that they had resolved the vulnerability in version 3.1.0 of the game, but the risk of additional attacks remained.

#### Security Violation of Official Discord Server

In an alarming turn of events, on the same day as the malware report was made public, it was revealed that the Meccha Chameleon Discord server had been compromised. The development team informed players that they could not access the server and had contacted Discord Support for help. They also mentioned that if recovery attempts were unsuccessful, a new server would be created.

The situation deteriorated when the developers revealed that while dealing with the malware situation, a system engineer’s PC had been infected, allowing a hacker to bypass the engineer’s two-factor authentication. This breach resulted in altered server permissions and the banning of all team members, complicating the recovery of the original Discord server significantly.

#### Community Reaction and Response

This combination of malware distribution and a breached Discord server has raised considerable alarm within the Meccha Chameleon community. With an expanding player base, many are advised to perform virus scans on their computers after interacting with the game’s Workshop maps. Players have voiced their frustration and apprehension regarding their security while attempting to enjoy the game’s features.

The developers are diligently working on addressing these concerns and have maintained communication with the community to keep them updated. Players are urged to take precautions, especially when downloading content from the Steam Workshop, until these security issues are thoroughly resolved.

In conclusion, while Meccha Chameleon continues to thrive as a prominent indie title, the security incidents have underscored the necessity of vigilance in online gaming communities. The developers face the challenging task of rebuilding player trust while ensuring the integrity of the game is maintained.

I don’t see Sony going back on their plans to embrace a discless PlayStation future, but I do wonder if they realised just how many of us would continue to talk about it for as long as we have. Even RPS got involved, and us PC lot had to abandon discs a millenia ago! And now Sega, former physical media producers themselves, have wandered into the conversation, even throwing a bone to the computer preferring collective that we all are.

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### The Surprising Find of Famicom Units in a Love Hotel

For many years, Nintendo has carefully nurtured a family-friendly reputation, guaranteeing that its games and consoles remain accessible and appropriate for gamers of all generations. Yet, an astonishing revelation has surfaced from Japan, merging the worlds of gaming heritage and a rather risqué setting. A Nintendo historian, Orochi, or the Famicom Archivist, has discovered an extraordinary assortment of commercial-grade Famicom units still operational within the premises of a love hotel.

#### A Fascinating Inquiry

Orochi undertook a covert investigation at this particular love hotel, where it was observed that nearly every room (with one exception) featured a fully working Famicom unit. After testing these devices, Orochi described a delightfully nostalgic experience, with almost all games operating flawlessly, despite the drawbacks of utilizing an LCD screen, which rendered the Zapper peripheral ineffective. This finding is especially noteworthy since the Famicombox, a commercial iteration of the original Famicom introduced by Nintendo in 1986, was originally designed for hotels and resorts, allowing customers to play games for a fee.

#### The Famicombox: A Concise Overview

The Famicombox shares a resemblance with the NES, functioning as a pay-to-play system where individuals could initiate gaming sessions through various means such as keys, surcharges, or coins. Travelers from the ’90s and early 2000s might remember encountering similar arrangements in hotel rooms, providing the opportunity to play classic games like *Super Punch-Out!!* for a nominal fee. Surprisingly, operational Famicombox units are exceedingly uncommon, making the find within the love hotel even more intriguing.

#### A Subtle Venue

To elude unwanted attention, Orochi chose not to reveal the name or location of the love hotel. Such establishments are prevalent in Japan and cater to various purposes, frequently serving couples in search of privacy beyond their own households. While the sex work sector remains largely unregulated in Japan, these hotels have gained a reputation for providing discreet and temporary accommodations. The existence of Famicomboxes within these rooms raises captivating questions regarding the overlap of gaming culture and adult entertainment.

#### Speculations and Theories

The love hotel discovery reignites long-held rumors concerning former Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi’s alleged involvement in managing similar venues during the 1960s. These assertions primarily originate from a single mention in David Sheff’s book *Game Over*, yet Orochi’s investigation found no concrete evidence to substantiate this story. While the correlation remains speculative, it highlights the layered and rich history of Nintendo, a company that has evolved from humble origins to a widely recognized name.

#### Safeguarding a Cultural Piece

When asked about the variety of games available in the love hotel, Orochi humorously remarked that their capacity for such exploration was no longer what it once was. Nevertheless, Orochi conveyed a wish to preserve this fragment of Japanese subculture, underscoring the importance of these Famicom units as both a historical artifact and a testament to the lasting allure of video games.

In summary, the discovery of Famicom units in a love hotel presents a fascinating narrative that underscores the unexpected intersections between diverse facets of culture in Japan. As this historian continues to peel back the layers of gaming history, it becomes evident that even in the most unlikely locales, the legacy of brands like Nintendo endures.

Poor Thick as Thieves. When it was revealed over two years ago it had some promise, or at the very least an interesting mechanical premise in that it was a multiplayer immersive sim where everyone would be competing for the same loot. This got downgraded earlier this year ahead of its launch to just solo or co-op play, a real shame but hey ho, how many co-op imsims are there anyway? Sadly, the game has clearly not done well, as a number of layoffs have taken place at developer OtherSide Entertainment following its launch. But at the very least, what’s left of the studio has some positive news: it won’t become unplayable.

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At the beginning of July 2023, the gaming sector was jolted by news of considerable layoffs at Xbox-owned studios, impacting around 3,200 workers. Among those affected was Bethesda, a well-known developer recognized for its celebrated series, such as “The Elder Scrolls.” In the wake of the layoffs, multiple employees at Bethesda communicated concerns to IGN regarding the potential consequences for the development of “The Elder Scrolls 6,” indicating that the job cuts could have a “significant and cascading impact” on the progress of the game. Nevertheless, Bethesda promptly countered these assertions, stating that the restructuring—characterized by some as the “most substantial restructure in Xbox history”—would not modify their roadmap for the eagerly awaited title.

This clarification originated from Bethesda through a message with content creator MrMattyPlays, who relayed the company’s position in a video on July 22. When approached about the speculations surrounding potential delays for “The Elder Scrolls 6,” Bethesda verified that their planned timeline would remain unaffected. This declaration raised eyebrows considering the extent of the recent layoffs, which notably encompassed roughly 440 employees directly connected to Bethesda and its parent company, Zenimax.

Skeptics of Bethesda’s positive outlook have highlighted that the studio has been actively announcing several new projects, including four upcoming “Fallout” titles, with reports indicating that “Fallout 5” is already in pre-production. This surge of announcements, contrasted with the significant layoffs, has intensified skepticism concerning the company’s assertions of stability in development schedules for their other franchises.

Compounding the situation, the team responsible for “The Elder Scrolls Online” has already signaled that their future updates would be influenced by the layoffs, recognizing alterations in their previously established development plans. This inconsistency in messaging elicits doubts about the broader repercussions of the workforce reductions on Bethesda’s game development capabilities.

Furthermore, Bethesda confirmed that it is actively pursuing “optimizations” for the remastered version of “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.” The studio clarified that recent revelations regarding their plans were not imposed by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma but rather arose from their intention to improve communication with fans. They mentioned that they have been considering a change in how they convey information about their projects, seeking to provide a clearer overall perspective on their studio’s direction.

Despite Bethesda’s assurances, the context of the layoffs and the timing of their new project announcements have nurtured a sense of uncertainty among fans and industry analysts. Many are confronting the reality that substantial job losses frequently align with shifts in development momentum, creating an uncertain atmosphere surrounding the anticipated “The Elder Scrolls 6” and other Bethesda initiatives.

In conclusion, while Bethesda asserts that their development roadmap for “The Elder Scrolls 6” remains unchanged by the recent layoffs, the wider implications of these cuts—and the contrast of launching new projects amid restructuring—paint a picture that is challenging for some to accept at face value. The upcoming months are likely to illuminate the actual consequences of these layoffs on Bethesda’s future pursuits.

Finally, a Final Fantasy 14 job made specifically for the type of person who likes to dual wield shields in Dark Souls! The latest FF14 fan festival is taking place, and with that has come a suite of announcements, including a reveal at one of the two new jobs coming as part of the next expansion, Evercold.

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