Readers, you disgust me. How many videogames do you need? I spend all year heaping your plate with digital comestibles, and then you rock up at the arse end of December, clamouring for a “selection box” like a flock of gannets.

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But first, time to enjoy your lovely joke!

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RPS Advent Calendar voting remains an esoteric and mercurial process, even to those of us who practice in it. If two games get the same amount of votes, which goes higher in the list? Did Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor technically release in 2025 or 2024? These are questions most of us dare not ask, and those that do often vanish mysteriously overnight. Until January 3rd or so, when they come back from holiday.

One thing’s for sure: I had a bunch of games that no-one else voted for. Don’t be sad, games. I still like you.

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2025 was a great year for horror.

The post Best Horror Games of 2025 appeared first on Gamezebo.

**Enhance Your Smartphone: Discounts on Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro**

If you’ve been considering a smartphone upgrade, this may be the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to something fresh and thrilling. Amazon is presently providing substantial discounts on the Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, making it a great time to elevate your mobile experience. The Pixel 10, equipped with 128GB of storage, has seen its price reduced from $799 to as low as $549. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro, also featuring 128GB of storage, is now offered at just $749, down from its original price of $999.

Both devices are fitted with a 6.3-inch display that features a resolution of 1280 x 2856. Although this screen is marginally smaller than the Pixel XL’s 6.8-inch display, it still delivers an excellent viewing experience—perfect for reading messages and viewing videos. The display excels with its brightness, vibrancy, and clarity, even in direct sunlight. It also possesses a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring that both gaming and daily usage are fluid and responsive.

The Pixel 10 Pro is available in multiple color options, and all variants are currently part of the $749 offer. For the standard Pixel 10, choices include frost and obsidian (white and black), priced at $599. More colorful selections like lemongrass and indigo come with an additional $50 discount, reducing their cost to $549. No matter the color preference, most users typically protect their devices with cases, making the color choice less significant.

### Professional-Quality Photography Features

The Pixel 10 Pro stands out due to its superior photography features, boasting an impressive triple rear camera system. The remarkable 50 MP primary camera is paired with a 48 MP telephoto lens that enables professional-grade zooming. Users can capture photos or videos with up to 100x Pro Res Zoom, ensuring outstanding quality. Furthermore, a 48 MP ultrawide camera allows for macro focus, ideal for taking intricate close-up images.

For selfies and video calls, the front 42 MP camera ensures sharp and clear results. Enhancing the user experience, the Pixel 10 Pro incorporates Google’s built-in AI assistant, Gemini. This AI is engineered to aid users by producing group shots from multiple photographs, generating images, summarizing emails, and more, made possible by the enhanced processing capabilities of Google’s next-generation chip.

Connectivity is another advantage of the Pixel series. Both the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro are unlocked, giving users the freedom to select their chosen carrier and data plan from major providers such as Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. With savings reaching up to $250 available on either the Google Pixel 10 or Pixel 10 Pro, it’s an excellent moment to contemplate an upgrade to these versatile devices.

For additional information on pricing and availability, you can visit [Pixel 10 at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6590/) and [Pixel 10 Pro at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/5783/).

**Revolutionizing Home Illumination: The Govee RBIC Cylinder Floor Lamp**

The landscape of home illumination has seen a remarkable change in recent times, largely fueled by the emergence of multi-hued, app-controlled LED lights. A key player in this transformation is Govee, a brand that continually brings forward groundbreaking lighting solutions. One notable product in their lineup is the Govee RBIC Cylinder Floor Lamp, acknowledged for its ability to significantly elevate living environments.

**The Govee RBIC Cylinder Floor Lamp**

Now offered at a compelling price reduction, the Govee RBIC Cylinder Floor Lamp provides the modern lighting functionality and aesthetic appeal at a budget-friendly cost. This lamp features over 1500 lumens of brightness and includes a library of over 64 pre-set scenes and effects, enabling users to adjust their lighting to suit any atmosphere or event. Besides its remarkable brightness, it is designed to be app-controlled and is compatible with smart home ecosystems, requiring minimal space to make a significant impact in any area.

**Design and Assembly**

Reaching a height of 68.8 inches with a slender 10.3-inch base and a 3.2-inch top width, the Govee RBIC Cylinder Floor Lamp is ideal for placement in corners. Its assembly is simple and tool-free—comprising just five pieces that fit together by hand. This convenient design guarantees that anyone can assemble it without the need for technical expertise.

**Customization Options**

Personalization is a defining feature of the Govee RBIC Cylinder Floor Lamp. The Govee Home App empowers users to explore countless colors, tweak brightness levels, set timers, and create patterns suitable for accent lighting, dynamic party themes, or complete room lighting. A particularly intriguing function of the app is the Finger Sketch feature, which allows users to draw patterns that the lamp mirrors instantly. Additionally, the lamp can sync its lighting effects to music, improving the atmosphere for social events or personal enjoyment.

**Value Proposition**

Regularly listed at $170, the Govee RBIC Cylinder Floor Lamp is a fantastic investment in home decoration. With the current Amazon promotion featuring a 41% discount, this versatile lighting solution can be purchased for only $100, making it a feasible choice for anyone aiming to enhance their living environment.

In conclusion, the Govee RBIC Cylinder Floor Lamp impresses with its outstanding brightness, broad customization capabilities, and straightforward design. Whether for unwinding, hosting, or simply to boost the decor of a room, this lamp is a valuable addition to any home lighting array.

Stardew Valley has recently been treated to a surprising update for the Switch 2, boosting its features and user experience. The beloved pixel art farming simulator, priced at $15, provides a complimentary upgrade to current owners. This new version adds mouse control capabilities, local co-op for up to four participants in split-screen mode, and Game Share, enabling local gameplay across different consoles, even if some players lack the game. Nonetheless, players are facing some unforeseen problems, including multiplayer connection failures and discrepancies in crafting resources—concerns that developer ConcernedApe has recognized and is addressing.

Beyond Stardew Valley, the gaming community is looking forward to Star Citizen, which is expected to surpass $1 billion in funding by 2026, with current support exceeding $927 million from over six million players. The anticipated single-player campaign remains uncertain in terms of its launch date, with estimates indicating it might not debut until 2027 or 2028.

Players of Red Dead Redemption 2 can now take advantage of a new mod that permits them to wash in the game’s rivers, a minor but notable enhancement to immersive gameplay. This mod, developed by user Saul0097, augments player interaction within the world, allowing them to refresh their character’s appearance in various water sources.

Marvel Rivals is preparing for a bright 2026. Executive producer Danny Koo provided details about ambitious plans for the game, stressing that the past year served as a planning period, with thrilling developments already outlined for the upcoming year.

In other developments, former animation developer Mike York shared insights regarding GTA 6 pricing, indicating that he does not anticipate the game being priced at $100. Instead, he predicts it will be released at the typical price of $70, asserting that Rockstar Games does not need to implement a higher pricing strategy to guarantee substantial sales.

With these recent updates and upcoming prospects, the gaming industry continues to evolve swiftly, captivating the interest and enthusiasm of players worldwide.

**Investigating the Anomalies in Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Mega Dimension DLC**

The realm of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, particularly with the launch of the Mega Dimension DLC, has enthralled gamers with its creative gameplay and the exploration of fresh territories. Nonetheless, numerous players have reported a vexing glitch that influences battle mechanics, particularly within Hyperspace maps.

Players have devoted countless hours to this game, with one widespread issue surfacing: when engaging in battles in Hyperspace, Pokémon occasionally attack in incorrect directions, frequently hitting only empty space. Initially viewed as a minor annoyance, this glitch has escalated into a major worry for players dedicating significant time to the game.

### Comprehending the Hyperspace Glitch

Reports suggest that this attack pathing glitch is not confined to a single Hyperspace map but is most commonly encountered in areas that resemble a warped version of Lumiose City. These maps, crafted from the ‘dreams’ of urban residents, are visually impressive yet flawed in construction. Players have observed that during fights in these areas, Pokémon performing close-range moves, like Mega Raichu using Thunder Punch, can get disoriented, often colliding with scaffolding and completely missing their targets.

Footage recorded by players vividly showcases this problem. For instance, a Mega Raichu was documented going off course, allowing an Alpha Pidgeot to retaliate with little resistance. This odd behavior is not only infuriating during battles but also changes the strategic dynamics that players expect in Pokémon confrontations.

### Circumventing the Glitch

While waiting for an official resolution from The Pokémon Company, players have found that utilizing long-range moves like Psychic and Thunderbolt can effectively bypass this glitch. These moves consistently hit their mark, regardless of pathing issues, enabling players to maintain effective combat without wasting valuable time in Hyperspace.

However, the scenario is less forgiving for mid-range attacks. For example, Houndoom’s Flamethrower often fails to reach its desired target due to similar pathing glitches. Players have noted their Pokémon stopping short of the effective range, resulting in opponents remaining unscathed even with the attack being launched.

### Player Experiences

Community feedback has underscored how the glitch impacts player experiences variably. Those who utilize stealth and strategy to initiate encounters are particularly affected, as proper positioning is critical for success. With mid-range attacks failing to connect, players find themselves needing to adapt their strategies on the fly, which diminishes the overall enjoyment of the game.

As the player community unites around this dilemma, many remain optimistic for a patch to restore the intended mechanics and fluidity of Pokémon battles in Hyperspace. Until such a resolution surfaces, the experience remains a blend of excitement and irritation, highlighting the challenges of game development even within cherished franchises.

### Conclusion

The glitches present in Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Mega Dimension DLC highlight the intricacies involved in game design, particularly when new gameplay mechanics are introduced. While players continue to adjust to these hurdles, there is a clear desire for a resolution. As the Pokémon community actively expresses its concerns, it is probable that The Pokémon Company will take notice and strive to address these issues in an upcoming update, enabling fans to thoroughly enjoy the new adventures without the hindrance of technical difficulties.

**Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Development Insights and Challenges**

Following its initial announcement in 2017, *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* has finally been released on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 earlier this month. The game has received positive reviews, yet also encountered backlash from players concerning its open-world desert hub. Recent discussions in an interview with the development team at Retro Studios have illuminated the difficulties they encountered during the game’s development.

### The Shift Towards Open-World Design

The choice to adopt an open-world format in *Metroid Prime 4* was motivated by the success of games like *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*. An unnamed member of the Retro Studios team pointed out that the audience showed a preference for an open-world *Metroid* adventure. Nevertheless, the fundamental mechanics of the *Metroid* series—unlocking new areas by gaining abilities—are not seamlessly aligned with the free exploration typical of open-world titles.

To tackle this, the team decided on a restricted area that permits exploration while linking to other zones, forming what they described as a hub. However, this concept faced hurdles as development took longer than anticipated, and the original developers, Bandai Namco, were succeeded by Retro in 2019. Regrettably, by the time Retro assumed control, player opinions on open-world frameworks had already evolved, leading to a disparity between the developers’ goals and player expectations.

### Returning to the Drawing Board

Upon realizing that the open-world concept might not resonate with fans, the team confronted a pivotal choice. A complete project reset was considered “out of the question,” prompting them to continue with the existing design despite burgeoning dissatisfaction among players. Retro also recognized that the landscape of shooters and action titles had shifted towards faster-paced gameplay, yet they opted to maintain what they believed was a more calculated tempo appropriate for an adventure experience. According to the developers, the final product is a game that feels somewhat detached from modern gaming trends.

### Incorporating Player Movement Solutions

One of the more debated aspects of *Metroid Prime 4* is the introduction of a motorcycle named Viola. The inclusion of this feature arose from worries regarding player movement in the expansive open desert regions, where conventional character movement felt sluggish. Retro clarified that while Samus possesses high-speed capabilities, the motorcycle offered an intriguing method to traverse the vast environments swiftly and stylishly.

The designers felt that the bike would create a balance between the essential demands of exploration and the visual appeal of movement, ultimately improving the game’s pacing.

### Conclusion

While gaining insights into the decision-making processes and obstacles encountered during the development of *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* is informative, it does not alter the feedback received from fans concerning the efficacy of the open-world hub. As players continue to evaluate the game, the insights gained from its development may shape future installments in the *Metroid* franchise and the broader action-adventure gaming environment.

**Assemble the Ultimate Holiday Package with the Samsung P9 Express microSD Card**

Everyone appreciates a fantastic gift package, particularly during the holiday period. If you’ve already bought a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch 2 to give as a present, there’s still an opportunity to elevate your gift by incorporating the Samsung P9 Express microSD card. The 256GB variant is presently available on Amazon at a 40% markdown, but supplies are rapidly depleting.

### Exceptional Speed and Versatility

The P9 Express microSD card goes beyond being just a gaming accessory. While it’s perfect for expanding storage on popular handheld consoles such as the Switch 2 and Steam Deck, it also accommodates a wide range of devices including tablets, drones, and digital cameras. What makes it stand out is its remarkable transfer speed of up to 800 MB per second, which is four times quicker than standard Samsung microSD cards. This speed is essential for managing games and downloadable content, facilitating faster load times and smooth installations.

### Samsung: A Pioneer in Flash Memory

Samsung has maintained its status as the world’s premier flash memory brand since 2003, a fact often eclipsed by their extensive technology range. The P9 Express microSD card, which measures merely 0.59 by 0.43 inches and weighs less than one-hundredth of an ounce, delivers impressive performance. With its high sequential read speed of 800 MB/s, this microSD card revolutionizes the experience, ensuring that games and downloadable content are stored efficiently and securely.

### Engineered for Durability

While the speed is unquestionably a key benefit, the resilience of the P9 Express microSD card is equally impressive. Samsung has equipped this card with six protective features, making it incredibly robust. It functions in extreme temperature ranges from -13°F to 185°F, can be submerged in seawater for up to 72 hours, offers resilience against airport x-ray machines, withstands magnetic forces up to 15,000 gauss (comparable to a powerful MRI machine), survives drops from heights of up to 16.4 feet, and endures up to 10,000 swipes. This level of durability ensures it can handle the rigors of daily use in handheld gaming.

### An Ideal Gift Enhancement

The Samsung P9 Express microSD card not only serves as a useful stocking stuffer due to its broad compatibility, but it also amplifies the experience when combined with a handheld gaming console. With the current price set at $33 after a 40% discount on Amazon, it offers an excellent chance to not just enrich your gift package but also to provide the recipient with a dependable storage solution.

In summary, if you’re aiming to assemble an outstanding holiday present for a gamer, consider including the Samsung P9 Express microSD card in your package. Its speed, compatibility, and durability make it a remarkable addition that will undoubtedly impress.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6411/)