Gait Games

If the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike‘s analogue clickers were all about fine-tuning the sensation at the very tips of your mousing fingers, the HyperX Pulsefire Saga is all about adjusting the parts nestled in the rest of your hand. To nowhere near the same extent, granted, but the Saga’s modular components – and the fact that it costs a fraction of what the X2 Superstrike does – make it appealing addition to your wired mouse options.

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### Tomb Raider: Catalyst – Postponements and Digital Shifts

*Tomb Raider: Catalyst* was initially announced at last year’s Game Awards, presenting a teaser that ended with a projected release date of 2027. However, that timeline has been recently revised, with an Amazon gaming executive confirming that the game will not debut as originally planned. This postponement signifies a notable event in the *Tomb Raider* series, as it will be the first main entry to arrive on PlayStation without a physical disc release.

During *The Game Business Show*, Jeffrey Gattis, Amazon’s gaming general manager, expanded on the forthcoming *Tomb Raider* games. He mentioned, “We’ve shared news about the two *Tomb Raider* titles. *Atlantis* is set for February 12th next year, followed by the next one in 2028.” Gattis also shed light on Amazon Luna, the company’s game streaming platform, which aims to offer a broad selection of games, spanning from mobile titles to major franchises like *Tomb Raider*.

Initially, *Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis*, a remake of the franchise’s original game utilizing Unreal Engine 5, was expected to launch this year, but its release has now shifted to early 2027. This delay may be linked to the busy release schedule of late 2026, notably with the arrival of *Grand Theft Auto VI*. Additionally, there are accounts of internal development issues at Crystal Dynamics, worsened by recent job cuts.

The news of *Tomb Raider: Catalyst* being pushed to 2028 aligns with a significant transition in the gaming sector, especially for PlayStation. Earlier this month, Sony announced it would halt the production of physical game discs for all new releases beginning January 2028. After this point, new titles will exclusively be available in digital formats on the PlayStation Store and through retailers.

The ramifications of this change are considerable. *Tomb Raider: Catalyst* will mark the first confirmed PlayStation title without a disc option for the PlayStation 5, echoing analysts’ forecasts that the PlayStation 6 might be entirely digital. While there remains a technical possibility for Sony to continue producing PS5 discs for titles postponed to before the 2028 cut-off, industry predictions trend towards a decidedly digital future.

Considering the patterns of the current console generation, it seems that gaming will sustain momentum on existing platforms for the foreseeable future, notwithstanding the shift to digital-only releases.

I’ve been vaguely looking forward to grotty dark fantasy RPG The Blood Of Dawnwalker, despite its genAI flirtations. To recap, it casts you as a medieval vampire fledgling whose family has been abducted by another, boss vampire. You’ve got 30 days and nights to save your loved ones while deciding just how much you’re going to succumb to the gore-guzzling curse.

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### Zach Cregger’s Forthcoming Resident Evil Film: Artistic Choices and Audience Reactions

Zach Cregger, recognized for directing films such as *Weapons* and *Barbarian*, is preparing to unveil his interpretation of the cherished *Resident Evil* series with a new film centered on the notorious Raccoon City outbreak introduced in *Resident Evil 2*. While fans of the franchise are excited for a film adaptation, early sneak peeks and trailers have sparked concerns about continuity and the artistic freedoms taken by Cregger in the storytelling.

#### Discrepancies and Artistic Choices

Critics have pointed out multiple discrepancies in the film that stray from the well-defined lore of *Resident Evil*. For instance, the protagonist, Austin, is shown using a smartphone, which interrupts the timeline’s authenticity since *Resident Evil 2* was set in the late 1990s. Moreover, the film depicts snowy weather, which contrasts sharply with the game’s warm, oppressive ambiance. This has caused anxiety among fans who fear that the film may favor style over loyalty to the original material.

During a recent panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Cregger openly addressed these issues. He admitted to taking creative liberties, asserting that his choices were motivated by a desire to craft the narrative in a manner that he found engaging. “I think it looks really cool to have a horror movie set in the snow. I don’t see enough of those,” he stated, prioritizing visual appeal over strict fidelity to the original timeline.

#### Third-Person Cinematography Inspired by the Games

One of the more daring elements of Cregger’s film is its approach to camerawork, which he claims is inspired by the third-person viewpoints that gamers recognize. He noted how the camera’s movements closely emulate gameplay, highlighting specific scenes where the camera shifts to follow the character’s line of sight, enhancing the immersive experience for viewers. This cutting-edge technique seeks to resonate with fans who are familiar with the interactive narrative style found in video games.

#### Balancing Creative Vision and Fan Anticipations

While artistic liberties can occasionally revitalize an established narrative, they can also alienate the core audience. Cregger’s declaration that his film is not meant as a direct one-to-one adaptation of *Resident Evil 2* has elicited mixed responses. Some fans value the endeavor to create a fresh visual and narrative direction, while others voice concerns that the project might diverge too far from what made *Resident Evil* a cultural mainstay.

Cregger has indicated that he understands the significance of the original material and the expectations attached to it but remains committed to his directorial vision. He clarified that while the film does incorporate thematic aspects from the game, it ultimately constitutes a unique story intended to stand independently.

#### Conclusion

As anticipation grows around the upcoming release on September 18, discussions persist regarding what this *Resident Evil* film will genuinely embody. With Cregger leading the project, it may offer a unique combination of horror and inventive storytelling, but only time will reveal if it will meet the expectations of the devoted fanbase while establishing itself as a valuable addition to the *Resident Evil* cinematic universe.

World of Warcraft studio Blizzard have announced that they’ve fired a developer after development-only spells were used to insta-kill some Mythic+ dungeon bosses for a party of non-dev adventurers. The studio will also be “taking action against the player accounts that were complicit in this violation”, which was unearthed by some combat log sleuths.

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**Star Wars Detours: A Long-Awaited Comeback**

*Star Wars Detours* is an animated comedic series born from the partnership between Star Wars creator George Lucas and the creative talents behind *Robot Chicken*, Seth Green and Matthew Senreich. The series had its initial public debut at Star Wars Celebration VI in August 2012, just a few months before Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm. After the acquisition, Disney chose not to release the series, which remained mostly unfinished.

Fast forward 14 years, and *Detours* is finally poised to become publicly available through the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a project conceived by George Lucas to honor storytelling across diverse forms. During a panel named “Inside the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art” at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Seth Green confirmed that select episodes of *Detours* would be featured in the museum’s exhibition set to open in September. This announcement represents a significant moment for fans who have been eagerly anticipating the series.

In his comments, Green noted, “We created a show with George, an animated series. He aimed to develop *The Simpsons* in the Star Wars universe. It’s titled *Detours*, and there’s…going to be a selection of episodes from that show showcased for the public.” He also conveyed his excitement for the project, describing the experience of working on *Detours* as one of the most rewarding he has ever encountered.

Initially, the series was planned to comprise nearly 40 finished episodes, with more than 60 scripts written for additional episodes. However, post-Disney acquisition, concerns emerged regarding the timing of introducing beloved characters in a humorous format before the premiere of *Star Wars: The Force Awakens*, the first film of the new trilogy.

In a statement issued in 2013, Lucasfilm and Disney clarified, “*Detours* was created and developed before we decided to proceed with the new *Star Wars* trilogy. Following that choice, Lucasfilm has reassessed whether debuting an animated comedy prior to the launch of *Episode VII* is appropriate. Consequently, we’ve opted to delay the release of *Detours* until a later time.”

What ensued was a prolonged hiatus, extending for over a decade, during which only a few episodes of *Detours* would eventually be displayed in a museum environment. Fans of the franchise can now anticipate a distinctive exploration of familiar characters and narratives presented in a comedic manner, finally granting *Star Wars Detours* the exposure it has been waiting for.

I return to Project Zomboid exactly like an emaciated survivor crawling back to the undead-ridden town they abandoned many moons ago, having finally exhausted their wilderness stocks of cabbage and duct tape. I poke my head into the Steam forums as though cracking the door on a suspiciously silent mall.

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### Hi-Fi Rush Physical Edition Controversy: Absent DLC and Studio Resurrection

The gaming community faced a surge of worry when it was revealed that the physical version of *Hi-Fi Rush*, crafted by Tango Gameworks, encountered troubles shortly after the studio’s closure by Xbox in 2024. Luckily, the studio has since been resurrected, with a sequel currently in development. However, the launch of the physical edition has not been free from complications, as certain copies have been reported to be devoid of included downloadable content (DLC).

Per Superdeluxe Games, a partnership between Limited Run Games’ Japanese division and publisher 8-4, Ltd, the disc version of *Hi-Fi Rush* was made available earlier this month. Upon inserting the discs into their PlayStation 5 consoles, players found that the game’s DLC, which mainly features cosmetic enhancements for the main character Chai, was absent. This DLC additionally encompasses a *B-Sides* expansion, introducing new tracks and an Arcade Challenge mode, enriching the gaming experience.

In light of the situation, Superdeluxe Games released a statement recognizing the error: “We have realized that some content is not present on the disc for *Hi-Fi RUSH*. On this occasion, we have failed to meet the expectations of all who made a purchase, and we sincerely apologize from the depths of our hearts. We are currently looking into the matter and working on solutions. We will share information as soon as the details are finalized.”

The issue with the missing content seems to be largely limited to copies sold in Japan, whereas physical editions released in other regions earlier this year did not face similar issues. As the situation evolves, it remains unclear whether players will be granted a free update to access the absent DLC or if they will receive vouchers for future downloads.

As fans anticipate the sequel to *Hi-Fi Rush*, uncertainties about its physical edition remain, especially considering Sony’s intention to cease the production of physical discs for PlayStation games by 2028. Thus, the future of the sequel’s physical edition depends on its release schedule.

In conclusion, while the physical edition of *Hi-Fi Rush* has faced a notable issue concerning absent DLC content, the revival of Tango Gameworks and plans for a sequel offer a glimmer of hope for supporters of the franchise. Superdeluxe Games is actively investigating the situation and aspires to resolve it satisfactorily for players.

Ah! You hadn’t totally retreated from the battlefield following your cancellation in early 2025, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition‘s Baltic Powers DLC! It was just one of your strategic tricks to lull your enemies into a false sense of security. Now, with the time finally being right, you’ve re-emerged to stake your claim on a September release.

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### Investigating the Thrills and Disputes Surrounding *Avatar: Seven Havens*

Within the lively realm of *Avatar: The Last Airbender*, enthusiasts are experiencing an exhilarating yet divisive period. As a franchise that has enthralled audiences with its intricate narratives and vibrant animation, the recent developments about their latest projects have ignited discussions among its devoted followers. Featuring a new film, an exciting fighting game, and the debut of *Avatar: Seven Havens*, the enthusiasm is certainly evident. Nevertheless, varied responses to the recent animated series underscore the intricacies of shifting creative pathways.

#### Grasping the Concept of *Seven Havens*

*Avatar: Seven Havens* presents a fresh main character, Pavi, an earthbender who ascends as the next Avatar succeeding Korra. Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic landscape, Pavi confronts a distinct challenge; the Avatar’s legacy has evolved significantly. Instead of being hailed as a hero, the Avatar is seen as a harbinger of destruction. This contradictory story arc invites inquiry into the choices made by Korra, the former Avatar. Fans ponder the scenarios that might lead to such a dramatic alteration in perception, presenting an intriguing enigma that is set to captivate viewers upon its premiere on Paramount+ in October.

However, opposing reports concerning the rollout of the series’ episodes have contributed to the ambiguity. Certain sources assert that all 26 episodes will be released simultaneously on October 9, while official sources have yet to clarify this schedule.

#### Responses to the Trailer

The unveiling of the initial trailer for *Seven Havens* has generated mixed responses. While the concept provides an engaging plot twist for those acquainted with *The Legend of Korra*, criticisms regarding the animation quality have emerged. Some viewers have shared their disapproval, claiming that the show comes across as “cheap,” lacking the refinement of its predecessors, *Avatar: The Last Airbender* and *Legend of Korra*.

In direct contrast, the animation in *Seven Havens* may be perceived as lacking the depth and liveliness typical of earlier series. Feedback from the fanbase highlights a discernible shift towards a style akin to standard American children’s cartoons, straying from the anime-inspired visuals that characterized its forerunners. Remarks on frame rates and animation consistency suggest that the new series might function with a tighter budget, leading to these perceived deficiencies.

While some fans have expressed critical views, others stand up for the new artistic style. Amidst the critiques, a few appreciate the visual direction, acknowledging the challenges of contemporary animation quality across numerous new series. Such varied opinions underscore the range of perspectives within the fanbase, embodying both disappointment and wary hope.

#### Narrative Promise Beyond Animation

In spite of discussions focused on animation quality, the narrative potential of *Seven Havens* may ultimately emerge as its strength. Fans have turned to social media to voice their excitement, implying that deeper themes are involved rather than a simplistic depiction of the Avatar. The intricacies of Korra’s legacy and Pavi’s pathway as the new Avatar may resonate with those who admire nuanced storytelling.

As *Avatar: Seven Havens* nears its launch, the contrast between animation critique and narrative allure highlights the passionate investment fans have in this cherished franchise. The eagerness is palpable, capturing interest not just based on nostalgia but also on the promise of a captivating storyline that questions existing ideals of heroism and legacy.

With the imminent release of the new film on July 25, audiences look forward to another chance to dive into the universe of *Avatar*, even while they navigate the changing dynamics of animation and storytelling in *Seven Havens*.