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**Highguard: A New Era in the Live-Service Hero Shooter Genre**

The concluding world debut at the Game Awards of 2025 introduced *Highguard*, a fresh shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, spearheaded by a crew with backgrounds in prominent titles like *Titanfall* and *Apex Legends*. This sci-fi/fantasy raid shooter pledges exhilarating action, fusing distinctive movement skills with adrenaline-pumping gameplay set against a visual landscape that blends contemporary design with fantasy aspects.

Gameplay in *Highguard* seems vibrant, with players executing sophisticated movement techniques akin to *Titanfall*, while partaking in exciting combat situations that feature shooting from horseback and casting elemental magic to overcome foes. Nevertheless, initial feedback has been varied, with some reviewers voicing worries about the game’s overall inventiveness and its somewhat conventional branding.

Wildlight has been developing *Highguard* in secrecy for several years, announcing its release date of January 26, 2026, just a month following its premiere at the Game Awards. This timeline poses a challenge, particularly given the current situation of the hero shooter/live-service market, which has become overcrowded and riddled with doubts. Players are rightfully hesitant to invest time in games that may lack long-term support, as seen in previous titles that have been discontinued shortly after launch.

The similarity of *Highguard* to recognized games in the genre inevitably invites comparisons to titles like *Overwatch*, raising apprehensions among potential players about its originality and longevity. Challenges regarding player retention in the hero shooter arena mean that *Highguard* not only needs to attract players but also keep their interest alive in a competitive environment.

Responses on social media to the reveal have further illuminated the mixed feelings surrounding the game. Some tweets have conveyed skepticism or outright discontent, with users humorously echoing concerns about possible server closures after a short lifespan, reflecting the broader dialogue about the reliability of new live-service games.

As *Highguard* nears its launch, it confronts a considerable challenge in appealing to a doubtful audience that may already be heavily engaged with existing multiplayer offerings. With the environment evolving and the desire for innovative gameplay increasing, the success of *Highguard* will hinge on its capability to distinguish itself amidst a sea of competitors.

In the end, *Highguard* has sparked conversation and anticipation, although the effectiveness of its launch plan remains to be evaluated. As players await the complete release, it is crucial for Wildlight Entertainment to provide engaging, sustainable gameplay that can establish a foothold in an industry where skepticism is on the rise and expectations are elevated.

When Deus Ex Remastered was revealed back in September, it quickly became apparent how Simply Not Great this thing looked. There was way too strong of a “we have to make this thing look new and modern and well lit” vibe to it that did not go down very well with pretty much anyway. It even tried to convince us that you’d need an RTX 2080 to run it at the recommended settings! The gall! And here we are, almost three months later, with word that the game has been delayed.

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**Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the Mega Dimension DLC: An In-Depth Look at Missing Evolutions**

The Pokémon gaming franchise is continually broadening its universe with fresh mechanics and gameplay experiences. A recent installment, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, has enthralled players with its new features, especially through its downloadable content (DLC) named *Mega Dimension*. This DLC enhances the gaming experience by finalizing the base game’s previously unfinished Mega Pokédex and introduces various new evolutions for several Pokémon.

### Unlocking New Evolutions

Thanks to the *Mega Dimension* DLC, players can now delve into Mega Evolutions for an array of Pokémon, including those that were originally excluded from the game’s initial roster. Significantly, it brings forth Z forms for Lucario and Absol, both of which have had conventional Mega Evolutions since this mechanic was introduced in *Pokémon X* and *Y*. These novel Z forms not only alter their appearance but also improve their battle mechanics by allowing players to hasten cooldowns at the expense of a prolonged transformation.

Nonetheless, despite the unveiling of these thrilling new mechanics, one major evolution is still missing from the game—Mega Garchomp Z. Although it has been hinted at in data mining reports, players have yet to experience this form in-game, leaving them eager for potential future updates.

### Garchomp Z Leaks

Dataminers have uncovered signs of Garchomp Z within the game’s code, indicating that Game Freak might intend to introduce a new Mega Stone that would allow players to transform their Garchomp into this formidable form during an upcoming event. While Garchomp is famed for its ferocity and power, the lack of this transformation thus far raises questions regarding its anticipated release and timing within the game’s storyline.

One prominent Pokémon community resource, Centro LEAKS, displayed the model of Mega Garchomp Z on Twitter, igniting a whirlwind of discussions and speculations among fans. The unveiling of Garchomp Z has generated excitement as players look forward to the new potential battles it could introduce.

### The Anticipation of Garchomp Z’s Release

As devoted players spend countless hours engaging with *Mega Dimension*, many are left pondering how Garchomp Z will fit into the overall gameplay experience. Considering the competitive landscape of the current endgame content, it remains uncertain whether this new evolution will present a significant challenge or merely act as an additional layer of strategy to the existing mechanics.

The prospect of acquiring the Mega stone for Garchomp is another factor players are vigilantly observing. Given the historical context of obtaining powerful items in the Pokémon series, players are preparing themselves for potentially arduous and lengthy challenges to secure the evolution.

### Conclusion

The *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* along with its *Mega Dimension* DLC marks an essential advancement in the evolution of Pokémon gameplay mechanics. With the introduction of new Mega Evolutions and hints at forthcoming transformations like Garchomp Z, the Pokémon universe continues to enthrall and engage fans. As players anticipate further updates from Game Freak, the enthusiasm surrounding the game’s growing roster remains tangible, promising new escapades in the Pokémon world.

Last night saw the Peacock theatre in LA fill up with prominent game industry folk all eager to be blasted with trailers for four hours straight. We weren’t in the room for The Game Awards 2025, but half of the team stayed up to be to be assaulted with announcements in real-time via livestream, while the other half caught up on the barrage this morning.

Having now had some sleep, we decided to collect our thoughts on Geoff-fest 2025 and not at all use it as a way to point out who is looking the most tired.

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**Coven of the Chicken Foot: A Refreshing Break from Mainstream Gaming Norms**

At a recent exhibition during The Game Awards, amid a flurry of adrenaline-fueled trailers for action-driven video games, a striking new entry surfaced: *Coven of the Chicken Foot*. Distinct from the majority of presentations that evening, this game seized the spotlight with its tranquil visual appeal and unique lead character—an elderly woman named Gertie. This title represents the inaugural release from Bruce Straley, co-director of the celebrated *The Last of Us*, following his exit from Naughty Dog in 2017.

Straley’s departure from Naughty Dog came after nearly two decades with the company, during which he played a vital role in blockbuster franchises such as *Crash Bandicoot*, *Jak and Daxter*, *Uncharted*, and *The Last of Us*. In an insightful interview with *Polygon*, Straley shared his increasing frustration with the repetitiveness of game development at the studio. He stated, “I felt like I was answering the same questions over and over again… I need new problems to solve, I need new creative outlets.” This frustration ultimately led to his pursuit of new avenues in game creation.

*Coven of the Chicken Foot* exemplifies Straley’s artistic shift, being crafted by Wildflower Interactive, a small team of 16 established in 2021. The game adopts an “emotionally rich, stylized, single-player adventure” storytelling style that departs from the high-energy multiplayer offerings that currently dominate the gaming scene. Players guide Gertie as she explores enchanting forests, perilous dungeons, and spooky bogs, accompanied by a creature that learns dynamically and adjusts to the player’s decisions.

Importantly, the portrayal of older women in video games has been minimal, often reduced to villainous roles. *Coven of the Chicken Foot* confronts this stereotype by centering an elderly woman, reflecting an increasing demand for diverse and complex characters in gaming. Featuring such a protagonist not only offers fresh gameplay dynamics but also serves as an encouragement for wider age representation within the gaming community.

The artistic vision of *Coven of the Chicken Foot* utilizes a cel-shaded animation approach that adds to its playful charm. However, some aspects, particularly the creature designs, evoke comparisons to titles like *Ori*, although Straley and his team seem to be forging a distinct narrative identity.

Currently, the game does not have a specified release date, but it is available for players to add to their wishlists on Steam. With its captivating visuals, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a heartfelt narrative, *Coven of the Chicken Foot* is set to win over gamers looking for substance and creativity in an industry often overshadowed by repetitive trends.

“This is a game made by adults for adults,” is a line that features in a recent interview with Ryan Hill, creative strategist at CI Games, talking of Lords of the Fallen 2 in tandem with its Geoff’s Night of Pretending to Like Video Games gameplay reveal trailer. The reason this line comes up is because the upcoming sequel is a violent one, one that hopes to be bloodier and gorier than its predecessor, to the point that you can, if you like, chop off any limb you can see in the game.

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### Improve Your Wi-Fi Range with a Range Extender

Nearly everyone has that one elusive spot in the house where the internet just won’t cooperate. You walk into that area, and suddenly your phone can’t open a webpage, videos begin buffering, and downloads freeze. This can be particularly annoying if that dead zone is somewhere you rely on for stable service, such as the bathroom. With Wi-Fi range extenders, you can get rid of those weak spots and enjoy uninterrupted connectivity throughout your home.

#### The Importance of a Wi-Fi Range Extender

A Wi-Fi range extender amplifies your current wireless signal, effectively broadening the reach of your network into those tricky locations. For example, the TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 range extender is engineered to deliver ample coverage and outstanding performance, making it a top choice for households dealing with connectivity troubles.

Right now, this Wi-Fi 7 model from TP-Link is available at a 25% discount, costing $90 instead of the usual $120. This not only saves you $30 but also alleviates the headaches associated with poor internet coverage.

#### Exceptional Speeds and Performance

The TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 technology provides high-speed download and upload rates, achieving up to 3.2 Gbps. This facilitates smooth 8K streaming, lag-free online gaming, and an overall more responsive internet connection across your home.

– **Dual-Band Support**: The extender supports dual-band signals, with the 2.4 GHz band delivering speeds of up to 688 Mbps and the 5 GHz band reaching up to 2,594 Mbps.
– **Compatibility Note**: Keep in mind that these speeds can only be attained if your router, modem, and internet plan can handle them.

#### Wide Coverage

This TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 range extender enhances your home’s Wi-Fi coverage up to nearly 2,400 square feet. It is equipped with two high-performance antennas that collaborate to amplify and extend the wireless signal, allowing it to penetrate walls and connect to areas that may have been unreachable by your primary router.

In addition, it can support as many as 64 extra devices simultaneously. This means you can easily accommodate smartphones, smart TVs, streaming sticks, Alexa Echo devices, security cameras, smart bulbs, and other connected gadgets.

#### Intelligent Adaptive Roaming

A notable feature of the TP-Link range extender is its intelligent adaptive roaming functionality. Your devices will automatically connect to the strongest signal in your home, helping provide seamless transitions as you move around. For instance, if your main router is downstairs and the TP-Link extender is upstairs, your phone will effortlessly switch between the two signals without any manual intervention.

#### Compatibility with Mesh Networks

For those utilizing a mesh network, the good news is that the TP-Link range extender is EasyMesh-compatible. This feature enables it to work effectively with other EasyMesh-compatible routers or nodes, further improving the Wi-Fi coverage across your property.

### Summary

With the right Wi-Fi range extender, such as the TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 model, you can finally achieve robust and stable Wi-Fi signals in every corner of your home. Take advantage of the current 25% discount, and enhance your internet experience without the concern of frustrating dead zones.

For additional information and purchasing options, check [here](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6367/).

How about that Control Resonant! What was previously referred to as Control 2 now has its own name, and its own protagonist, Dylan Faden, the tongues-speaking brother of the first game’s heroine Jesse. Gone is her shapeshifting gun too, replaced with a shapeshifting bit of metal instead. The horrors of the Oldest House have spilled out into New York City, Jesse is MIA, and Dylan must bash his way through it all to find her in a Devil May Cry-esque manner. Interesting enough a setup, but I am bothered by one thing: Remedy say you don’t need to play the first game to play this one.

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**Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Dominates The Game Awards 2025 with New Mini-DLC**

During a night brimming with surprises and honors at The Game Awards 2025, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* stood out as a leading title, clinching an impressive nine awards. This achievement breaks the earlier record of seven awards set by *The Last Of Us 2* in 2020. The triumph at the awards wasn’t merely a reason to rejoice; Sandfall Interactive took advantage of the moment to launch a complimentary mini-DLC, enriching the celebrated Belle Époque RPG with new content.

### Unveiling the Mini-DLC: Features and Additions

Announced earlier in the year, the complimentary update offers an assortment of new content that enhances the gameplay experience for current players and encourages newcomers to discover its vibrant world. The centerpiece of this update is the new playable area, **Verso’s Drafts**, influenced by the formative years of one of the game’s cherished characters. This zone presents players with unique enemy encounters and a variety of surprises, elevating the adventure.

#### Mini-DLC Key Features:
– **New Environment**: *Verso’s Drafts* is reachable from Act III on the World Map, situated near Lumière, and requires Esquie’s underwater skills to navigate.
– **Late-Game Boss Challenges**: The update features new boss encounters in the Endless Tower, showcasing variations of well-known bosses that further challenge players’ abilities.
– **New Costumes and Personalization Options**: Each Expedition member can now wear new outfits, providing players with more ways to personalize their characters.
– **Photo Mode**: The inclusion of a photo mode allows players to immortalize their experiences in the game with various filters and settings. The developers are eager to see how players creatively capture their interactions within the game’s cinematic scenes.

### Special Offer

For those who are yet to try *Clair Obscur*, the game is currently priced at $40, down from its standard price of $50, with a 20% discount available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox until December 16. The game is also accessible via Game Pass.

### Complete Patch Notes for Free Update 1.5

#### New Content:
– Launch of the *Verso’s Drafts* environment.
– Localization has been expanded to seven new languages, totaling 19 supported languages.
– New costumes and variations for late-game boss battles.
– Improved weapon options and added Luminas.
– Introduction of the “Old Key” quest item for accessing the final game area.

#### New Features:
– **Photo Mode**: Available from the pause menu with various customization options.
– **Lumina Sets Feature**: Save up to 50 distinct lumina configurations.
– Enhancements to HUD scaling, FSR 4 support for better visuals, and extra input remapping options.

#### Handheld PC Improvements:
– Certified on Steam Deck and ROG Xbox Ally, with improved text readability and enhanced graphics settings for handheld devices.

#### Bug Fixes:
The update rectifies numerous gameplay issues, particularly concerning inventory behavior, controller responses, gameplay mechanics involving character deaths, and visual improvements, ensuring a more seamless gameplay experience.

As *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* continues to evolve its narrative and gameplay through updates, the community eagerly looks forward to the storytelling opportunities this mini-DLC and its future patches will offer. With its recent accolades, the game solidifies its position as a must-play title in the RPG arena.

Attack with speed as you wield a katana.

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