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### PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for May

As the upcoming month nears, PlayStation subscribers can anticipate thrilling new entries in their PS Plus collection. For May, the service will showcase a mix of captivating games that features two soulslike titles—*Nine Sols* and *Wuchang: Fallen Feathers*—alongside the newest release from EA, *EA Sports FC 26*.

#### Available Titles

Beginning May 5, PS Plus members will gain access to the following games:

– *EA Sports FC 26* – Playable on PS5 and PS4
– *Wuchang: Fallen Feathers* – Playable on PS5
– *Nine Sols* – Playable on PS5 and PS4

These titles can be permanently incorporated into the PlayStation library as long as users keep an active PS Plus subscription at any tier—Essential, Extra, or Premium.

#### Limited-Time Offer

Although these games will be available for a limited duration, specific information regarding when they will exit the lineup was not revealed by Sony in their announcement. Subscribers are advised to claim these games quickly to avoid missing out.

#### Highlights of *Nine Sols*

*Nine Sols*, one of the standout soulslike games for May, has received acclaim for its visuals, soundtrack, and compelling narrative. Kotaku’s Rebekah Valentine, who has experienced the game, highlights the following:

– The game presents “truly beautiful art and music” that elevate the overall enjoyment.
– A gripping narrative that provides emotional richness, capable of connecting with players profoundly.
– Outstanding controls and a well-calibrated challenge, making it welcoming for both newcomers and seasoned players of the genre.
– The combat system encourages learning and progression, a defining feature of soulslike games.

*Nine Sols* distinguishes itself by providing adjustable difficulty options, enabling players to customize their experience and engage with the challenge at their preferred pace.

#### Reminder for April’s Free Games

Before moving into May, subscribers need to ensure they redeem April’s free games, which will no longer be available after May 4. The titles include *Lords of the Fallen*, *Tomb Raider I-III Remastered*, and *Sword Art Online Fractured Date Dream*.

Be sure to seize these opportunities and enhance your gaming library this May with these thrilling new offerings.

If your idea of great FPS level aesthetics is a hot mess of Black Mesa, Penumbra and Get Even – or you’re just driven wild by the sight of porcelain tiles peeling flirtatiously away from mortar – you might get on with Industria 2, which launches today. I’ve not played the first one, but I admired its parallel dimension Cold War-era Berlin. The second game introduces a new parallel dimension, summarised by developers Bleakmill as a tug-of-war between “industrial decay”, “boreal nature” and “otherworldly sprawling machine structures”. Phwoar!

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**The Disturbing Art Installation by Beeple: Robotic Hounds and Wealthy Visages**

In a striking investigation of societal views influenced by affluence and authority, artist Mike “Beeple” Winklmann unveils a haunting installation at Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie. This eye-catching display showcases robotic hounds that patrol the museum, outfitted with cameras that record their environment and later generate printed images. The unsettling element of these mechanical canines lies in their hyper-realistic silicone faces, modeled after famous personalities, primarily billionaires like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos.

The installation, named “Regular Animals,” goes beyond simple shock tactics by providing a keen commentary on power relations in today’s digital landscape. Beeple seeks to examine how prominent figures, particularly within the tech sector, mold public perception outside of traditional means of influence, such as governmental lobbying. He expresses this apprehension: “That’s an immense amount of power that I don’t think we’ve fully understood… They just wake up and change these algorithms.”

Adding yet another dimension to the installation, the photographs created by the robotic hounds are not typical snapshots. Instead, they are algorithmically modified to reflect the artistic styles of renowned artists. For example, the dog that resembles Picasso produces images influenced by Cubism, whereas the one akin to Warhol generates pictures inspired by pop art. This approach emphasizes not only the omnipresence of AI but also the convergence of technology and artistic creativity.

The spooky, nearly grotesque appearance of the robotic hounds combined with the hyper-real visages of billionaires crafts an engaging visual experience that provokes a powerful reaction from spectators. Many have conveyed that the imagery is so disconcerting it stays with them long after exiting the installation. The lack of animatronic features eliminates an additional element of the uncanny valley effect, yet the installation continues to leave visitors wrestling with its connotations.

In conclusion, Beeple’s “Regular Animals” represents more than just a disturbing piece of art; it provides a relevant critique of the influence held by tech billionaires and the ensuing formation of public perception. By fusing technology, art, and societal commentary, the installation challenges audiences to reflect on how power dynamics function in the digital era, urging contemplation on who genuinely shapes the narratives of our society.

Last year, Microsoft cancelled an MMO that was in the works at ZeniMax Online Studios, developers of The Elder Scrolls Online, as part of wider layoffs. It was codenamed project Blackbird, and following its canning, ZeniMax Online founder Matt Firor resigned from the company he’d worked at since 2007. Firor’s now shed some more light on his feelings about the cancellation of the game he “had waited [his] entire career to create”, as well as how Microsoft currently operate.

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**Portal 2: An Enduring Puzzle Triumph and How to Experience It in 2026**

Released on April 18, 2011, *Portal 2* arrived on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, marking a pivotal moment in gaming history. Frequently regarded as Valve’s finest title, it also signifies the end of an era, being the last single-player, non-VR game the company produced until 2022 when they introduced the complimentary *Portal*-themed mini-game *Desk Job* for the Steam Deck. Apart from that, Valve has not developed any flatscreen single-player games since 2011, reflecting a significant change in the company’s creative trajectory in recent years.

Despite the elapsed time, *Portal 2* continues to offer an outstanding gaming experience and remains appealing to players. For those who have not revisited the game since its initial launch, now is an ideal moment to immerse yourself in this classic, as the captivating puzzles and clever humor have indeed endured over time.

### The Optimal Way to Experience *Portal 2* in 2026

While the original release of *Portal 2* is accessible on Steam and compatible with most contemporary computers, there exists an even superior option: *Portal 2: Community Edition* (P2CE). This fan-made version employs an upgraded variant of Valve’s Source Engine, delivering numerous quality-of-life enhancements, improved mod support, and a user-friendly interface that streamlines access to both custom campaigns and Valve’s original campaign.

To begin with P2CE, players merely need to locate and install this free mod on Steam, given they possess *Portal 2*. Once installed, you can initiate *Portal 2* without requiring the base game, all while enjoying enhanced performance and features.

The latest beta version of P2CE features multiple improved settings, enabling players to modify various visual parameters like FOV through intuitive menus, a capability that once necessitated console commands. The mod also addresses many performance issues that afflicted the original Source Engine, offering a more seamless gameplay experience.

Engaging with *Portal 2* through the Community Edition allows players to access both Valve’s original campaign and an extensive collection of fan-made maps, all visually stunning, often running at 144 FPS. Additionally, the mod provides revolutionary opportunities, permitting players to transform the game into a VR experience—though caution is advised for those susceptible to motion sickness. However, it’s worth noting that P2CE may encounter compatibility issues with Steam Input, and some players have experienced difficulties on the Steam Deck.

### *Portal 2* on Steam Deck

The original version of *Portal 2* has been refined for the Steam Deck, delivering an impressive 60FPS handheld experience. In 2022, Valve issued a patch that improved the game’s performance and graphics, making it one of the top games to enjoy on this portable device while still enabling users to explore the extensive options of the Steam Workshop to tailor their adventure.

### Switch Compatibility and Performance

The premier console experience of *Portal 2* can be enjoyed on the Switch 2, which includes a port of both *Portal* and *Portal 2* in the *Companion Collection,* first unveiled in 2022. While the original Switch could run the game at 60FPS, the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2 substantially enhance its performance and visuals, especially when played on a larger screen.

It’s worth mentioning that this collection marks the first official release of a Valve title on a Nintendo console, a notable achievement that underscores Valve’s innovative expansion into previously unexplored markets.

### Xbox Series X/S Experience

For Xbox enthusiasts, *Portal 2* is playable on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S due to backward compatibility. The game benefits from a higher resolution on the Xbox One X and Series consoles; however, it remains capped at 30FPS, which diminishes its visual appeal compared to the Switch port or the original PC release. Persistent bugs and a lack of updates make this alternative less desirable.

### The PS3 Version: A Nostalgic Yet Imperfect Experience

The PS3 port of *Portal 2* finds it challenging to hold its own in today’s gaming landscape. Although it was groundbreaking for cross-platform play, enabling interaction with PC players in co-op mode, its technical drawbacks (fixed at 30FPS and locked resolution) make it the least appealing option currently. While players can turn to emulating the game on PC, P2CE is advocated for a significantly enhanced experience.

### Conclusion

No matter the platform, *Portal 2* maintains its reputation as one of Valve’s most beloved titles. With its incredible puzzles and humor still captivating audiences 15 years on, it stands as a testament to the game’s quality that nostalgia continues to engage new players. While a third installment remains a fantasy for many enthusiasts, the legacy of *Portal 2* perseveres through its ongoing availability.

When the new Steam Controller goes on sale on May 4th, it will go up against much more established gamepads in the Xbox Wireless Controller and PS5 DualSense vein – though none that share its singular focus on being a PC gaming controller, specifically. Why are there so few PC pads?

It’s a question I put to Valve designer Lawrence Yang and engineer Steve Cardinali, who’ve also worked on the Steam Deck, Steam Deck OLED, and the upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR hardware. And while theories were offered, the true reasoning for the peripheral industry’s console monogamy was, alas, left a mystery.

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You’ll never believe the freebies you can get.

The post All Neverness to Everness Codes and Reroll Guide appeared first on Gamezebo.

**Title: Disputes Emerge at Pokémon Go Orlando Tournament: A Player’s Account of Unsportsmanlike Conduct Decision**

Earlier this month, the competitive Pokémon Go community faced upheaval due to a decision made at the Orlando tournament, resulting in the disqualification of Firestar73, a competitor who lost his title following what judges categorized as “unsportsmanlike” behavior. This incident arose from Firestar’s enthusiastic response after winning a match, igniting conversations regarding competitive play’s essence and how rules are understood within the gaming community.

Firestar73 utilized social media to recount the events in an extensive six-page document, articulating the emotional impact the tournament had on him. Throughout the competition’s second day, Firestar was consumed by stress and nerves that manifested in physical displays of frustration; he recounted lightly tapping the play table in irritation during one match, which drew the judges’ attention and led to a warning—his first encounter with such a measure in Play!Pokémon tournaments. He pointed out having witnessed other participants exhibit similar actions without facing repercussions, heightening his anxiety regarding the matter.

Heading into the final match, Firestar characterized himself as “nervous and tense.” As the game unfolded and his victory became apparent, he communicated his unrestrained happiness through a fist pump, which caused the table to shake once again. The situation escalated when, following his signature on the match slip to confirm his win, judges approached him to inform him that his victory was being reviewed for unsportsmanlike conduct. Speculation surrounding the ruling grew as staff members showed disbelief regarding the decision, suggesting it was “unfair and unreasonable.”

In a notably emotional moment, Firestar waited over an hour for a final decision, ultimately receiving a second-place medal from a judge who seemed uneasy delivering the outcome. His emotional reaction unveiled the significance of the situation; multiple staff members offered comfort, emphasizing that he was regarded as the genuine champion by their standards, despite the official result.

The pivotal moment for Firestar materialized with the Pokémon Company’s official statement, which clarified the rationale behind the ruling. It cited the table shaking as a basis for the penalty, asserting that such actions could adversely affect the game, irrespective of the context. Firestar countered the assertion that his actions had a real impact on gameplay and underscored a perceived necessity for more explicit guidelines in the Pokémon handbook regarding unintended disruptions. He called for changes that would safeguard players from penalties arising from accidental actions in high-pressure matches and proposed reforms to the appeals process, permitting direct appeals to the head judge.

In the final remarks of his document, Firestar expressed appreciation for the immense support he garnered from the community and called for united efforts to avert similar incidents in the future. His narrative resonates deeply within competitive gaming circles, demonstrating the fragile balance between upholding sportsmanship and permitting players to display their emotions in high-stakes situations. The incident has fueled ongoing discussions about how competitive integrity is maintained and the importance of clear communication between participants and officials in tournament environments.

The Steam Deck‘s influence on the new Steam Controller could scarcely be more obvious, the gamepad looking as if the Deck’s two grip sections were cleaved off and stitched together by Valve’s maddest hardware vivisectionists. That said, no small amount of the Steam Controller’s appeal lies in the hidden refinements it makes to those seemingly borrowed inputs: refinements like the more stable D-pad and the more precise, drift-resistant TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) thumbsticks.

Now, there’s a good chance that these improvements could head back the other way. As Valve engineer Steve Cardinali and designer Lawrence Yang told me in an interview, which also touched on the ongoing Steam Machine delays, there’s plenty about the Steam Controller that they’d like to put into a potential next-gen Steam Deck.

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A colossal guide for a colossal titan

The post How To Beat The Attack on Titan Revolution Colossal Titan Raid – NEW SERUM! appeared first on Gamezebo.