Gait Games

**Warfare and Anti-War Themes in Gundam: The Vision Behind Mobile Suit Gundam RG: XARX-ZERO**

The foundations of the *Gundam* franchise are built upon war and anti-war themes, a concept that resonates powerfully in today’s worldwide landscape. At the helm of the newest installment in this legendary series, *Mobile Suit Gundam RG: XARX-ZERO*, is director Kenji Kamiyama. The story centers on Ray Azumi, an orphan chosen to pilot the sophisticated mobile suit Gundam ZERO as humanity faces the necessity of leaving Earth due to threats from an unfriendly silicon-based entity known as Apocalypse.

Unveiled at the San Diego Comic-Con in July, *XARX-ZERO* is notable for its setting outside the Universal Century, the primary timeline that has defined *Gundam*. Kamiyama, acclaimed for his directorial contributions to series like *Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex* and *Star Wars: Visions*, is anticipated to provide a new angle on the *Gundam* universe. He conveyed how the franchise has significantly shaped his journey in the anime field and acknowledged the responsibility of crafting a narrative that honors its rich history.

Producer Yasufumi Kohashi emphasized that the storyline proposed by Executive Producer Naohiro Ogata centers on a “hardcore sci-fi world setting,” a theme that has not been previously explored within *Gundam*. Drawing motivation from Yoshiyuki Tomino, Kohashi recalls a guiding philosophy: “To create something new, breaking taboos is essential,” which has greatly influenced the project’s direction.

In a discussion with *Kotaku*, Kamiyama elaborated on his methodology regarding the *Gundam* series and the pressures associated with engaging a nearly 50-year-old franchise. He clarified the unconventional name for his series, *Alex Zero*, symbolizing a new chapter in an established universe, humorously interacting with the codename “RX,” emblematic of *Gundam* itself.

As both a fan and a creator, Kamiyama acknowledges the franchise’s central themes of war and conflict. He reflected on the current daunting global conflicts, questioning the influence of animation. “I don’t believe animation can end wars,” he stated. Nonetheless, he aspires for the characters to embody hope, theorizing that such representations might foster empathy amidst prevalent societal divisions.

Beyond examining anti-war ideals, Kamiyama contemplates the inevitability of history. “While you cannot alter your past, you can make positive strides for the future,” he remarked, underlining the significance of taking proactive steps to reframe one’s history and its consequences.

Kamiyama has previously engaged with both established franchises and original works. He acknowledges the hurdles present in established properties, balancing the anticipations of devoted fans while also aiming to offer surprises. Conversely, crafting original material is revitalizing yet challenging, as it requires developing a narrative from the ground up.

With *XARX-ZERO*, he reconciles the expectations associated with a franchise with the new opportunities of a fresh narrative. This duality presents unique challenges, requiring both innovation and respect for the core ethos of *Gundam*.

During San Diego Comic-Con, Kamiyama contemplated factors contributing to *Gundam*’s enduring status as a cultural icon. He attributed this to the series’ exploration of human nature and conflict set against futuristic backdrops. The depiction of mobile suits as instruments of war provokes inquiries regarding humanity’s development in combat, blending fantasy with scientifically based interpretations distinctive to *Gundam*.

In line with the series’ heritage, *XARX-ZERO* also includes a Char clone—a character type representing an antagonist and rival to the lead. While specifics remain under wraps, Kamiyama confirmed the importance of this character archetype, reinforcing its reflective role to the protagonist, adding another dimension to the multilayered storytelling of *Gundam*.

Through *Mobile Suit Gundam RG: XARX-ZERO*, Kenji Kamiyama aspires to navigate modern themes of warfare, identity, and hope, perpetuating the legacy of a cherished franchise while encouraging significant dialogues about humanity’s future.

The opening minutes of Onimusha: Way of the Sword are glorious, in the sense that they’re utterly shambolic. Wandering ronin Musashi wakes up under a bridge, belts a wrong-footingly British “WOT?!” at some starving urchins eyeing up his rice ball, then proceeds to be chased around a muddy village by what feels like two thousand martial arts students, only occasionally stopping to boot a wooden plank into their faces or scoop up an imperilled dog. It’s goofy and brash and genuinely funny, in a way that immediately looks to elevate it among the field of po-faced fantasy slashers as effectively as any well-honed parry mechanic.

Why in the following hours, then, does Way of the Sword make only occasional attempts to match this intro’s energy?

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Next year, the *Final Fantasy 7* remake trilogy wraps up with the launch of *Final Fantasy 7 Revelation*. Square Enix is presently hosting a promotional offer for individuals yet to buy the trilogy. The company is providing a package that contains digital editions of *Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade*, *Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth*, and the soon-to-be-released *Final Fantasy 7 Revelation* for a combined cost of $85.

This package became accessible shortly after the release of a new trailer for *Final Fantasy 7 Revelation*, which is set to launch on April 7, 2027. The $85 price for the bundle represents substantial savings, as *FF7 Remake Intergrade* typically retails for about $40, while *FF7 Rebirth* recently had its price adjusted to $50. Buying the bundle allows customers to save $5 compared to purchasing the first two titles individually.

The promotion will last until the launch of *FF7 Revelation*, giving prospective buyers some time to make a decision. Nevertheless, those who haven’t experienced the first two installments may wish to seize the offer soon to ensure they have sufficient time to finish both *Remake* and *Rebirth* prior to the release of *Revelation*.

It’s essential to mention that the version of *FF7 Revelation* included in the bundle does not include the $100 edition that provides early access and extra DLC content. Moreover, currently, this digital bundle has not been made available for the Switch 2 on the eShop, leaving ambiguity regarding the possibility of similar offers for those owners.

In summary, this deal is an excellent chance for gamers eager to enjoy the entire *Final Fantasy 7* remake trilogy at a discounted price.

It’s The Blood of Dawnwalker release day! The debut game of Rebel Wolves and the first new game from director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz since The Witcher 3. A day of what should be celebrations for many, I’m sure, instead a day of “oh, huh, this isn’t running so well on PC, is it?” This is fairly common for big releases these days, but the devs do come with some temporary suggestions for the variety of issues they’re aware of.

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Fable’s battle system has ignited a wave of debate after gameplay clips released by Playground Games depict it as, frankly, lackluster. Around the 15-minute mark, the player engages with a hulking giant that appears to absorb continuous hits with minimal response. Yet, that footage fails to capture the complete picture. Having participated in a full, combat-intensive quest myself, I can confidently assert that the fighting experience is much more enjoyable than suggested by that one, misleading clip.

The quest is titled “Mud and Death,” occurring about halfway through the game. By this stage, players have a wide array of weapons available, including a sword, a bow, and a warhammer, along with a variety of magical abilities such as fireballs, lightning, and levitation. All of these tools can be used in diverse ways to reduce numerous skeletons to trembling heaps of bones.

In this quest, we are accompanied by an AI partner, Humphrey, voiced by Matt King, the faded leader of the Hero’s Guild, who guides us into a haunted mine filled with supernatural dangers. These creatures serve as perfect targets for experimentation. During the quest, I elevated foes into the air, conjured phantom daggers to target stragglers, sent enemies flying with force, and called down lightning to inflict chain damage on clusters of them. While the previously discussed gameplay footage appeared unresponsive, this served as a stark contrast.

“The dismemberment, especially, is fantastic,” states Will Kennedy, associate game director at Playground Games. “It’s excellent for showcasing the precision shots you can execute with the bow; shoot them in the head and they become headless, then launch them into the air because they can’t see you. Shoot them in the legs to topple them over, and they continue crawling toward you, which sets them up for ground kills.”

Numerous combo possibilities await. I utilized the teleportation spell to materialize behind foes near ledges, then sent them plummeting into the abyss. Others I levitated, taking advantage of the reprieve to charge up and unleash a fireball, resulting in a spectacular explosion.

Not only did I experience being a spellcaster, capable of slashing foes and summoning magic, but I also attempted the next playthrough as a bow master, rapidly firing arrows with machine-gun efficiency. It emphasizes the damage system—dealing more harm based on the hit location. “Some of them have randomized armor parts,” explains Kennedy, “meaning that ranged attacks won’t affect those enemies, but the areas exposed to ranged attacks will. If you have the skill and the vision to recognize that, you can exploit it. Blasting through them and dismembering them with the hammer is incredibly satisfying.”

However, it wasn’t just skeletons I contended with. They turned out to be possessed by wraiths, introducing their own set of challenges. Each time I downed a skeleton, I then had to chase and eliminate the pale green spirit that fled its former host in search of a new one. In these situations, using projectiles from a distance is advisable before it settles into its next skeletal vessel.

The quest’s ultimate challenge is the most daunting. Venturing out of the cave and into a misty swamp, we confronted a boss: the Lantern Keeper. It’s a colossal apparition bearing the sharply angled head of a 19th-century street lamp. After evading its fiery breath, I bombarded that head with arrows, landing hits with gratifying impact.

This variety in combat is the reason the developers chose to highlight this particular quest. “We aimed to select something that would provide one of the finest experiences possible when you first pick up the controller,” remarks Kennedy. “One aspect you can observe is the ability to have different loadouts, which yields varied experiences. You also get a glimpse of the power you can accumulate throughout the game.”

Nonetheless, it was a peculiar decision. This mission is an atypical instance-based one, so once completed, you cannot revisit it. “There are particular locations in the game that you traverse on a linear path that can only be experienced once, but we ensure there aren’t any features or content you might miss that you won’t be able to access later.”

I would have preferred an open mission that allowed for more freedom in that incredibly intricate world. After all, Fable is a vast fantasy RPG featuring a sizable fairytale sandbox ideal for exploration. This demo didn’t provide that. It was a straightforward trajectory through a shadowy cave faced with a barrage of foes. It lacked the game’s hallmark moral dilemmas or delightful NPC interactions. Yet, this may have been a clever choice. In concentrating on the

Crimson Desert‘s first proper expansion, not be confused with any of the ten million things Pearl Abyss have added to their vast expanse of stuff to do via free updates, is set to release next month. It’s called Charting the Unknown, is out on October 15th, and looks to be set into a new realm filled with more game mechanics you’ve seen elsewhere shoved together to fill a vast open world.

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### Final Fantasy VII Revelation: Insights from the State of Play Showcase

Final Fantasy VII Revelation concluded this morning’s State of Play showcase, presenting crucial updates regarding the highly awaited game set to launch on April 8. The presentation emphasized a more expansive open world, player agency, and dynamic storytelling influenced by character choices. Below is an overview of the key features disclosed.

#### The Highwind: Freedom to Discover

Revelation offers unmatched freedom in exploration, primarily through the Highwind airship. The showcase commenced with gameplay footage exhibiting players soaring across the open world, demonstrating a drop mechanic reminiscent of Fortnite. This functionality allows players to effortlessly land in diverse areas, enhancing the open-world RPG experience.

#### The Role of Your Chocobo Companion, Pico

Upon landing, players will be accompanied by Pico, a Chocobo companion that serves as both a mount and a playable character. Players can partake in combat while mounted on Pico or dismount to engage in battle on foot, introducing an extra strategic layer to the gameplay.

#### Introduction of the FITS System

A newly introduced feature, the FITS system, presents four unique outfits for characters, each modifying abilities and playstyles. The classes—Warrior, Knight, Black Mage, and Summoner—offer distinct tactical options, increasing the complexity of character customization and combat strategies.

#### Highwind as a Operations Center

The Highwind functions not only as a travel mechanism but also as a central operations hub. Players will revisit the airship to interact with their crew and observe changes over time, implying that gameplay may evolve as the story unfolds.

#### Play as Any Character

Focusing on player choice, Revelation permits users to choose any character from the party at any time—except for Aerith during specific instances. This flexibility enables players to tailor their experience and character strategies throughout the game.

#### Wildlife Photography Feature

A delightful new feature allows players to capture photographs of local wildlife, including cats encountered during gameplay. This aspect adds a whimsical touch to the exploration of diverse environments.

#### Quick Traversal with a Grappling Hook

To improve mobility in the vast world, players can utilize a grappling hook, facilitating swift movement across considerable distances, as showcased by Yuffie in Wutai’s capital. This tool aims to make navigation feel responsive and engaging.

#### New Locations: Rocket Town

Beyond familiar locales, players will explore previously uncharted areas such as Cid’s hometown, Rocket Town. While details about this location were limited, it stands as a highly anticipated addition.

#### Cameos from the Final Fantasy VII Series

Revelation will incorporate characters from throughout the Final Fantasy VII compilation. While specifics are still scarce, it hints at enriching narrative interactions among familiar faces from various franchise-related media.

#### Speeding Through Cutscenes

For players eager to quicken the narrative pace, Revelation provides the option to play cutscenes at increased speeds, catering to those who prefer to progress promptly through the story.

#### Dynamic Quests Based on Party Leaders

Quests will vary depending on the character at the helm of the party. This feature introduces an element of unpredictability and replayability, as gameplay shifts with different character selections, showcased by scenarios where players choose between Cid or Vincent for certain missions.

#### Return of Queen’s Blood Mini-Game

The beloved mini-game, Queen’s Blood, will be featured in Revelation, with Red XIII as a central character in its subplot. This addition promises new challenges and gameplay mechanics, keeping players engrossed in the Final Fantasy VII universe.

#### Post-Launch Content

Final Fantasy VII Revelation will include at least two narrative expansions following its debut, one centering on Sephiroth and another exploring Vincent’s interactions with the Turks prior to the events of the original game.

In summary, Final Fantasy VII Revelation appears set to elevate the series recognized for its storytelling and character depth, combining innovation and nostalgia for both new and longtime fans. With its release approaching, anticipation is mounting for what promises to be a landmark entry in the franchise.

Which race should you play as in Grand Blue?

The post Grand Blue Races Tier List [Best Races] appeared first on Gamezebo.

Space! The final frontier. These are the voyages of the USS Rock Paper Enterprise. Or they will be, once I’ve worked through my launch checklist. OK, says here I start by activating the APU. There’s no “APU” on the bridge display, but I’m guessing they mean “auxiliary power unit”. Done! Now I have to wait a few turns, then switch on the actual reactor, and spend another couple of turns waiting for it to fill the battery. Now I just activate my helm and sensors, and boom, we’re away. Where was I? Ah yes… its five-year mission, to explore strange new worlds! To seek out new life and new civilizations! To boldly go where some very old Star Trek games have gone before!

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### Lego Launches PlayStation Set Amid Debate Over Digital-Only Future

At PlayStation’s latest State of Play event, Lego and Sony introduced a new Lego set that honors the original PlayStation console. This set enables players and fans to build the classic gaming system using plastic blocks, featuring a replica controller, the signature gray panels, and a functional top lid that opens to reveal the console’s disc tray.

This announcement coincides with Sony’s plans to cease disc production for all PlayStation games by 2028, a decision that has generated considerable pushback from fans who appreciate the physical media format. As the digital-only future approaches, the Lego set serves as a nostalgic throwback to gaming history, even as conversations about the fate of physical games escalate.

#### Features of the Lego PlayStation Set

The Lego PlayStation set includes 1,911 pieces, providing a near-scale replica of the original console. It boasts various unique features, such as a clickable power button and a lifelike disc drive that enhances the interactive aspect of the set. The retail price is $180 USD, with availability starting October 1 for Lego Insiders via the Lego website, while the general public can access it from October 4 at Lego stores and online.

#### Audience Response

The online community has been lively with comments regarding the Lego PlayStation set, as many fans humorously claim that Sony is launching yet another console with a disc drive, despite its plans to transition fully to digital distribution. The operational disc tray on the Lego set has sparked discussions, with fans encouraging Sony to consider incorporating such physical features in upcoming consoles.

During the State of Play, the discussion was flooded with critical remarks aimed at Sony for its digital-only approach, reflecting the mounting frustration among fans. Following the announcement of the end of physical game production, Sony’s social media platforms have experienced an influx of angry responses, prompting the company to adopt measures intended to safeguard its support staff against online abuse. Nevertheless, reports suggest that Sony remains firm in its decision to pivot towards a digital future, showing no inclination to reverse its strategy.

#### Summary

The launch of the Lego PlayStation set is a tribute to gaming history while also underscoring the tensions surrounding the future of physical media within the gaming sector. As collectors and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate recreating the legendary console, many will contemplate the impending transition to a completely digital realm, raising concerns about the accessibility and preservation of video game culture. The contrast between nostalgia for physical media and the reality of an exclusively digital future continues to influence discussions within the gaming community.