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Further details on the Clair Obscur AI controversy, a fresh bug in Arc Raiders that serves as an excellent reason for in-game deaths, and the ongoing development of the French Final Fantasy 9 animated series. Welcome to a unique Christmas Eve installment of Morning Checkpoint, Kotaku’s daily summary of gaming news and culture. Why am I here at my desk typing away instead of enjoying time watching my kids play Plants vs. Zombies? It’s because of you, esteemed readers. The words penned are meaningless without the audience on the other side. From everyone here at Kotaku, we wish you joyous holidays and a relaxing winter break.

No AI presence in Clair Obscur 2

In a recent Q&A with YouTuber Sushi, Director Guillaume Broche tackled the discussion surrounding Clair Obscur and AI. He stated, “Yes, we’re mindful of what’s happening in that regard, but I can confirm everything in the game is created by humans.” He explained that while they investigated AI technologies during development, they did not suit their creative vision. “We gave it a shot and it wasn’t to our liking at all. It just seemed off.” Broche stressed that every detail, from concept art to voice performances, is the work of human hands. Despite losing Indie Game Awards due to early AI-generated material, Broche reassured that future endeavors will also be focused on human creativity.

Players of Arc Raiders face issues with malfunctioning guns

It seems there’s a bug in ARC Raiders preventing players from drawing their weapons

Both Ninja and Nadeshot experienced this issue pic.twitter.com/I5OHM5yUHr

— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) December 23, 2025

A recent video showed popular streamer Richard Blevins, known as ‘Ninja’, expressing his annoyance about being unable to access his weapon in Arc Raiders. Other gamers are reporting similar problems, suggesting a potentially widespread glitch impacting gameplay. As players enter battles, the absence of operational firearms is becoming a significant hindrance.

This could be the most excruciating method to try and enjoy Silksong

PC Gamer highlights that YouTube user Bloblumordthe3rd is attempting to complete Hollow Knight: Silksong using solely character taunts for offense. Although Hornet’s taunt inflicts minimal damage, this unconventional challenge is gaining popularity for its comedic difficulty, reminiscent of the tale of Sisyphus.

A major voice is opposing Evo concerning the Saudi agreement

Fighting game commentator Stephen “Sajam” Lyon has declared his intention to boycott Evo 2026 following the event’s recent acquisition by Saudi entities. In his commentary, he voiced worries about corporate ownership of gaming events, underlining the unsettling consequences of leveraging esports for tourism and political purposes.

A Final Fantasy 9 remake is currently absent, but an animated series is still underway

As reported by French magazine Écran Total, the animated series based on Final Fantasy 9 is still in production despite setbacks with a rumored remake. Crafted by Euro Visual, the series is aimed at younger viewers with 13 episodes, each roughly 22 minutes in length, ensuring a link to the cherished RPG franchise.

ICYMI:

Check this out:

### Affordable Entertainment Enhancements

If you’re aiming to upgrade your home entertainment setup, check out the 40-inch 2-Series Amazon Fire TV, now priced at only $170 on Amazon—reduced from its standard price of $250, which reflects a 32% savings. Orders made now should arrive in time for New Year’s, enabling you to usher in 2026 with a new screen for all your streaming requirements.

#### Engaging Visuals

The 40-inch display achieves a perfect equilibrium, delivering an engaging viewing experience without overwhelming smaller areas. With HD 1080p resolution and compatibility with HDR 10 and HLG, this TV brings your beloved content to life. Although it doesn’t compete with 4K models in terms of realism, it still provides decent quality for casual watching. Anticipate commendable color fidelity and clear details, especially in bright scenes.

The Fire TV integration guarantees an endless supply of content. Enjoy immediate access to live television, video games, music, and a vast collection of over 1.8 million films and TV shows from popular services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and Apple TV. If you’re hoping to cut back on subscription costs, you can explore free content through apps like YouTube, Tubi, and Pluto TV.

For sound, the TV features Dolby Digital Audio, ensuring audio quality that complements its visual prowess. Furthermore, the Bluetooth headphone capability enables you to pair your audio devices for a more personal listening experience.

#### Intelligent Features

The 40-inch Fire TV comes outfitted with the newest Alexa functionalities and smart home features. The bundled Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote facilitates hands-free operation—just use voice commands to locate content, check statistics, or control other smart home gadgets. You can easily request Alexa to play programs, check the forecast, or show feeds from your smart doorbell without getting up.

For gamers, this TV grants access to a broad variety of titles via the Appstore, Amazon Luna, and Twitch. With such an extensive array of features offered at a discounted price, now is an excellent time to upgrade your entertainment configuration.

If the 40-inch variant appears too large for your needs, the 32-inch option is also on sale, available for $110 down from $150.

Be sure to act quickly; offers like this won’t be available for long. Elevate your viewing experience today!

## The Mysterious Allure of *Strange Jigsaws*: An Underrated Treasure for Winter Gaming

Launched in August, *Strange Jigsaws* made its entrance into the gaming scene with nearly unmatched praise, achieving an incredible “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, where a staggering 99 percent of player feedback is supportive. However, in spite of its achievement and the cherished memories of its predecessor, *20 Small Mazes*, the game has somehow gone unnoticed, failing to receive significant published reviews or acknowledgment in year-end game compilations.

### Expanding on a Heritage

2024’s *20 Small Mazes*, developed by indie creator FLEB, laid the groundwork for *Strange Jigsaws* with its seemingly straightforward yet intellectually engaging design. While it consisted of only 20 mazes, each was intricately crafted to provide not just a route but a distinctive puzzle experience, filled with imaginative concepts. The success of this free game likely cleared the path for *Strange Jigsaws*, which presents players with a much larger adventure comprising 50 jigsaw puzzles that elevate traditional gameplay.

### A Diverse Puzzle Journey

At a cursory glance, *Strange Jigsaws* maintains the playful aesthetic of its spiritual successor. However, it quickly evolves into a maze of intricacy that continuously tests players’ expectations. Each jigsaw puzzle within the game features a creative twist or unconventional method of resolution, immersing players in a profoundly interactive experience. The main menu, fascinatingly, serves as an extension of its puzzles, merging elements that challenge standard physics with clever gameplay mechanics.

### The Fascination of Creation

FLEB has woven a narrative dimension into *Strange Jigsaws* that enhances the gaming experience. Players may find themselves involved in a complex story regarding the formation of a lifeform or deciphering puzzles that challenge conventional historical sequences. The game includes ingeniously crafted scenarios such as puzzles from the future or those placed against unusual settings (including one “ablaze”). Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of the “infinite zoom” mechanic, recognized as one of the most groundbreaking gaming experiences this year.

### An Invitation to Play

Despite the game’s exceptional qualities, it is baffling that *Strange Jigsaws* has not garnered the critical focus it merits. Nevertheless, it is still an opportune moment for gamers to experience this distinctive creation. Priced at just $4 on Steam, it offers remarkable value. Players are urged to buy *Strange Jigsaws* for themselves and consider gifting a copy to a friend, ensuring that more individuals can partake in this enchanting puzzle quest.

In summary, *Strange Jigsaws* is a charming and creative title that defies the traditional boundaries of gaming puzzles. Its highly captivating design, along with the narrative richness and playful mechanics, makes it an outstanding selection for winter holiday gaming. Don’t overlook the chance to uncover this hidden treasure.

We eight scribes from RPS are,
Bearing jokes, we wrote in the past,
Christmas crackers, god we’re knackered,
After twelve months of graft.

O, reader of wonder, loved the most,
Why not subscribe to Supporters posts?
January leading, still proceeding,
See you once we’ve munched our roasts.

But first, time to enjoy your lovely joke!

Read more

### Reminiscence of Christmas Video Game Ads

As the festive season draws near, numerous individuals partake in beloved customs that evoke heartwarming recollections. For some, these rituals consist of viewing particular films or preparing delightful confections. For others, revisiting childhood memories through beloved video game commercials from the 70s, 80s, and 90s brings great happiness. This distinctive method of celebrating the season permits gaming enthusiasts to reflect on an era when video games were still a relatively novel idea in the mainstream media sphere.

#### The Delight of Watching Vintage Ads

In this modern digital era, conventional television commercials are becoming less common due to streaming platforms such as Hulu, YouTube, and Netflix, which frequently provide ad-free viewing experiences. Nevertheless, the excitement of encountering video game ads during the festive period can trigger a profound sense of thrill. Many recall the eager anticipation and joy felt while waiting for commercials to air on television, not solely because of the games being showcased but simply due to the appearance of video games on the screen.

In the 90s and early 2000s, video games were still breaking away from their niche identity. Unlike today’s environment, where mobile devices can host console-quality games and eSports attract millions of viewers, witnessing a video game ad was a noteworthy event. The holiday period amplified this experience; the thought of unwrapping a new game or console beneath the Christmas tree felt like an exhilarating possibility.

#### The Cheesy Appeal

Reflecting on these commercials today often uncovers their cheesy and goofy essence. This has not changed significantly over the years—many modern ads also embrace similar tactics. The disparity between the modest origins of video game marketing and today’s polished campaigns accentuates the allure of these vintage commercials. They depict a time when the gaming sector was small and gritty, brimming with enthusiasm and inventiveness.

These advertisements function as a gateway to nostalgia, reminding viewers of the delightful holidays spent gaming with loved ones. Whether it was collaborating to conquer levels, exchanging gaming strategies, or simply competing against one another, those moments forged enduring memories.

#### Contemplating Tradition

As we convene during this joyous season, it’s vital to acknowledge and celebrate the traditions that have shaped our experiences. The act of reminiscing about holiday video game commercials can create a shared experience among fans, providing a link to the past and to one another.

Many individuals may have particular holiday gaming ads that stand out vividly in their minds. Reflecting on these advertisements can evoke laughter, warmth, and a sense of community deeply rooted in shared experiences.

In summary, the approach of Christmas encourages us to revisit not only our family traditions but also the cultural milestones that have defined our generations. As the holiday season unfolds, take a moment to embrace that nostalgia and recall what makes gaming, along with the spirit of Christmas, so unique. Which holiday gaming commercials do you cherish the most?

### A Moment for Luxury: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 at an Incredible Price

The festive season may have reached its height, but there is always space for a late gift or a bit of personal luxury, especially if you have some gift cards or cash remaining from the celebrations. A premier selection is Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8, presently offered on Amazon for an astounding price of only $250, reduced from its initial retail value. This deal, applicable for the 40mm Bluetooth version in graphite or silver, represents extraordinary savings that you won’t want to pass up.

#### Unmatched Pricing on a Cutting-Edge Smartwatch

The decrease in the Galaxy Watch 8’s price — noted during Black Friday and Cyber Monday — has unexpectedly continued throughout the holiday season. This specific model, launched in July 2025, has garnered outstanding reviews, emphasizing both its sophisticated technology and usability. It’s crucial to highlight that this isn’t a refurbished or clearance item; it’s a brand-new gadget that continues to impress users with its capabilities. For those uncertain, the best course is clear: take advantage of this offer without delay.

### The 8 Is Exceptional

The Galaxy Watch 8 series was launched to extensive praise, primarily due to significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Watch 7. Users can enjoy a more sleek design, featuring a slimmer structure and a screen brightness that reaches up to 3,000 nits — a 50% enhancement over the Watch 7’s top brightness of 2,000 nits. Additionally, the Watch 8 includes a larger, more resilient battery, and showcases improved integration with Galaxy AI.

The AI features are crucial to the watch’s fitness-tracking functions. The device not only tracks user performance but also contrasts it against past data. AI-enabled analytics provide tailored suggestions and reminders throughout your day, enhancing the overall fitness journey. Moreover, heart-rate monitoring is significantly improved on the Galaxy Watch 8, offering clearer and more precise readings by effectively filtering out body movements.

### Become Part of the Galaxy

While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 provides exceptional standalone capabilities, its true strengths emerge when connected to other Samsung devices. When paired with a Samsung smartphone, the watch effortlessly sends notifications, text messages, and alerts straight to your wrist, allowing for quick responses without having to grab your phone. With the amplified screen brightness, users can effortlessly read and interact with notifications, be it checking urgent news, weather alerts, or sports highlights.

The continued availability of this $250 price for such an advanced smartwatch is indeed surprising, yet it exemplifies Samsung’s dedication to value. Rather than questioning the rationale behind this incredible offer, view it as an exquisite year-end treat for yourself. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 on Amazon stands out as a prime gift choice for anyone eager to elevate their tech experience in the upcoming year.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6579/)

## The Advantages of the Kindle Paperwhite: A Contemporary Reading Experience

While holding a physical book has its charm, the advantages of an e-reader are irrefutable. The capability to carry countless books without the weight, access to immediate downloads, and the ease of reading anywhere at any time position digital readers like the Amazon Kindle as a clear option for modern readers.

Nevertheless, a frequent problem with numerous digital readers is that gazing at a backlit display for extended periods can be unpleasant, and no amount of backlighting can compare to the glare of bright sunlight. The Kindle Paperwhite overcomes this challenge. Now offered at an attractive price of $160 (20% off on Amazon), the Paperwhite is crafted to resolve these concerns.

### Read Anytime, Even in Direct Sunlight

The Kindle Paperwhite boasts a flush-front design and a 300 ppi glare-free screen that mimics the appearance of actual paper. Whether you’re at the beach or relaxing on your porch in bright sunlight, the Paperwhite lets you read with ease. Its adjustable warm light and auto-adjusting front light make it perfect for reading day or night.

The display extends to a comfortable 7 inches. This version even provides a higher contrast ratio than before and can turn pages (or rather load new pages) 25% quicker.

Concerned about reading next to the pool or at the beach? The Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof, holding an IPX8 rating, meaning it can endure getting wet. In fact, it can withstand immersion in up to two meters of freshwater for an hour and up to a quarter meter of seawater for three minutes. No need to worry when bringing your reading to the poolside or even on a boat.

The remarkable battery life of the Paperwhite allows you to read for up to 12 weeks on a single charge. Whether you charge it through the USB-C port or a compatible Qi wireless charger (not included with the Kindle), you’ll remain free from frequent recharging concerns.

For devoted readers, Kindle Unlimited provides access to over two million titles and thousands of audiobooks, enabling you to listen to your favorite books as well. By connecting Bluetooth earbuds, switching from reading to listening is a breeze. The Kindle Paperwhite’s 32GB of storage can accommodate thousands of books and audiobooks, so you can carry your entire library with you wherever you travel.

Offered in black, jade, and raspberry, the Kindle Paperwhite is a flexible and budget-friendly choice for anyone passionate about reading. Snag it now for just $160, a $40 reduction from its standard price, and relish reading on the move.

For the past month we have been shouting about the games we consider to be the best games of 2025. As is tradition, our choices for the RPS Advent Calendar haven’t appeared in an order from least good to best – to us, they’re all special.

However, that’s not true of the game behind door number 24. When the team’s votes were counted, it was a close thing, with only five points in it, but there was a winner.

RPS’s favourite game of 2025 is Hades 2.

Now, perhaps someone would like to explain why we didn’t give Supergiant’s roguelite wonder a Bestest Best sticker?

Read more

If you haven’t acquired your own Nintendo Switch yet, now is an excellent opportunity to make a purchase. Not only can you save some money, but you can also secure a model featuring white controllers and an impressive OLED screen.

You won’t need to search far to find it. [Amazon currently offers the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model with White Joy-Con for $359](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6578/), which reflects a $41 discount and a 10% price reduction, down from the standard cost of $400.

### Nintendo’s Top-Selling Console/Handheld Hybrid

The Nintendo Switch has been a premier gaming console for Nintendo for many years, thanks to its fusion of portable gaming with the option to enjoy your favorite titles on a large screen. Additionally, it boasts an extensive library of games. Even though the Switch 2 has arrived, the original is still not outdated.

The OLED Model introduces an enhanced display to the already successful basis of the original Switch. The bigger and brighter screen delivers more vibrant colors and clearer images than ever, significantly elevating the gaming experience, especially in handheld mode.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Switch, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by its versatility. It can be utilized in three distinct modes: Docked (hooked up to a TV), Tabletop (using the kickstand), or Handheld Mode (on-the-go). Regardless of how you opt to play, you’ll enjoy the complete experience with each configuration, particularly when connected to a TV for optimal performance and visuals.

The Switch also offers handy connectivity and storage options. In addition to housing games and saved data internally, the console can enhance its storage via a Micro SD Card if needed. The docking station enables a seamless switch from portable to Big Screen Gaming by simply placing the console in the dock. This functionality allows for prolonged gaming sessions on your television when at home. Setup is straightforward and quick, and the interface is intuitive, making it easy to find and launch your games, check your friends list, and modify your settings.

With its vivid OLED display, multiple gameplay methods, and vast game library, this Switch is an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned gamers alike. With the holidays approaching, it could serve as a last-minute gift (although it will arrive post-Christmas) or a treat for yourself for making it through the year. Regardless of how you decide to use it, you can be confident that you’ll enjoy a wide range of games throughout 2026.

[Check it out on Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6578/)

### Lego’s Transformation: From Traditional Blocks to Contemporary Wonders

Lego has experienced a remarkable evolution over the years. Currently, the brand is closely associated with expansive, detailed sets inspired by famous licensed intellectual properties (IPs) from the film and entertainment worlds. Renowned designs such as the Death Star from *Star Wars*, Thanos’ Infinity Gauntlet from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Hogwarts Castle from the *Harry Potter* franchise prevail in the scene. Furthermore, for those builders who are more creative and nature-focused, the botanical collection presents breathtaking floral arrangements that have become widely popular.

Nonetheless, at its heart, Lego is fundamentally about the bricks—the core components that enable limitless creativity and imagination. The spirit of Lego is grounded in the capacity to construct anything one can dream up. This article showcases a wonderful chance to dive into that creativity with a fantastic deal on a classic Lego set: a generous assortment of bricks that promotes freeform building.

### Ignite Your Child’s Imagination

This Lego collection is a goldmine featuring bricks in 33 unique colors, spanning all forms and dimensions. With nearly 800 pieces in total, the set is crafted to support a wide range of building possibilities.

Beyond standard building blocks, this assortment includes special pieces that broaden construction opportunities. It comes with Lego wheels, ideal for those wishing to design vehicles, whether they want to build a car, scooter, or even heavy machinery. The only limit is what can be envisioned and constructed.

For those aiming to build edifices, a selection of windows and doors is included, offering the fundamental parts needed to create homes, castles, or any kind of structure your child imagines. The sole boundary is the power of imagination—create with or without roofs, as preferred.

To kickstart the creative journey, the set comes with larger green base plates, evoking grassy lawns, which act as perfect bases for various construction endeavors. It’s a fantastic toolkit for any child just starting their Lego adventure, inspiring countless hours of engagement and discovery.

Additionally, unique features like building suggestions contained within the set are designed to further fuel creativity. Best of all, the packaging intentionally replicates a giant Lego brick, adding an extra element of enjoyment and simplifying clean-up.

As a superb investment in your child’s creative growth, this Lego set serves not just as a source of fun but also as a pathway to learning problem-solving skills and nurturing imagination.

For a limited duration, this box of opportunities is available at 47% off, reducing the cost from $60 to just $32.

Seize this chance to bring a joyful creative outlet into your child’s life today!

[**View at Amazon**](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/4300/)