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# The Enigmatic Absence of Mario on the Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 has been available for more than a year, and following a recent Nintendo Direct highlighting a variety of thrilling titles, it appears that Nintendo has noticeably redirected its attention from the original Switch console. This new platform has transformed into a bustling hub for enhanced ports and remastered titles, while also affording opportunities for numerous cherished Nintendo characters to shine. The roster features games with legendary figures like Donkey Kong, Yoshi, the Inklings, Samus Aran with the newly unveiled *Metroid Ravenous*, Link with the *Ocarina of Time* remake, and Kirby in *Kirby and the World Beyond*. Even Fox McCloud and the Pikmin are making their mark, with the latter charming fans through a refreshed port of *Pikmin 4*.

Yet, the absence of Mario has grown increasingly evident. Although there are a few titles loosely connected to the character’s universe—such as the clumsily named *Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park* and *Mario Kart World*—there has been no announcement of a core Mario game. Significantly, while *Donkey Kong Bananza* originated from the developers behind 3D Mario games and has garnered praise, it still feels distinctly disconnected from genuine Mario escapades.

Traditionally, Nintendo has upheld a steady rhythm for launching mainline Mario games alongside their console debuts. Here’s a brief recap of the release timeline:

– *Super Mario 64*: Launch title for the Nintendo 64.
– *Super Mario Sunshine*: 9 months after the GameCube’s U.S. launch.
– *Super Mario Galaxy*: 12 months post Wii’s U.S. release.
– *Super Mario 3D World*: 12 months following the Wii U’s U.S. launch.
– *Super Mario Odyssey*: 7 months after the Nintendo Switch debut.

This leads to an essential inquiry: why hasn’t a new Mario game been unveiled for the Switch 2? With Mario as the mascot of Nintendo and arguably their most pivotal character, fans are left pondering his absence. Is he on an extended hiatus, or is Nintendo conserving his reveal for a grand announcement? Might his next journey aspire to exceed the acclaim bestowed upon *Super Mario Wonder*?

While it’s evident that Mario deserves the time needed to develop a truly exceptional game, fans remain in suspense. A glimpse of his return would be deeply welcomed—a flash of his iconic red cap, or even a nostalgic “wahoo!” would alleviate the yearning for new adventures. The Switch 2 undeniably stands as a remarkable gaming system, yet it feels incomplete without the vibrant presence of its superstar, Mario. As expectations rise, many hope that he will soon enrich the console’s library, reaffirming his position as Nintendo’s crown jewel.

Uh oh. Steam achievement lists for a smorgasbord of unreleased and unannounced PC games appear to have leaked via trophy tracking site Exophase. Atlus RPG Persona 6, RGG brawler Stranger Than Heaven, and Thief: The Dark Project Remastered have all seemingly had their trophies blabbed by the leak, with more imminent releases like Control Resonant, Silent Hill: Townfall, and Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve also affected.

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### Thrilling Updates in the Danganronpa Realm: Danganronpa 2×2 and the Fresh Slayhem Route

The gaming world is abuzz with thrill after the recent Nintendo Direct, especially due to the revelation about *Danganronpa 2×2*, the eagerly awaited remake set for launch on January 14, 2024. This game distinguishes itself by reinterpreting one of the most cherished entries in the *Danganronpa* franchise while unveiling a completely new narrative trajectory termed the “Slayhem route.”

#### A Renewed Perspective on a Timeless Classic

The original title, *Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair*, left a profound mark with its captivating storyline and psychological twists. The remake not only upgrades the visuals from its original PlayStation Portable counterpart; it also rejuvenates gameplay elements, amplifying the overall experience for contemporary consoles. The Direct offered a tantalizing preview of the new features that will accompany the familiar cast of characters on the sun-soaked Jabberwock Island.

#### The Slayhem Route: Fresh Mysteries and Characters

One of the most thrilling elements disclosed during the Nintendo Direct was the Slayhem route. This alternative storyline presents new murder mysteries that players must solve, all while maneuvering through known character interactions. Importantly, the new narrative will not only feature the original cast but also introduce an enigmatic new character who brings an air of curiosity and suspicion.

This new addition has ignited speculation among fans regarding their identity and significance within the game. Early hypotheses point toward a possible link to Ryota Mitarai, the Ultimate Animator from *Danganronpa 3*, though no confirmation has surfaced at this time.

#### Distinct Features and Potential Storylines

The trailer suggested that the updated game mechanics, including “Slayhem” items and “strange cards,” might contribute to stirring chaos among the characters. Monokuma, the game’s infamous antagonist, was shown brandishing a gun and seemingly executing a student, heightening the narrative’s intensity.

As players advance through the Slayhem route, they will face multiple murder cases within the Game’s Class Trial courtroom, which seems to be more tumultuous compared to the initial game. Additionally, the introduction of new characters prompts questions about their impact on the plot and returning players.

#### Broadening the Danganronpa Universe

The Direct also hinted at the potential for five distinct islands, each defined by unique themes and possibly new characters. This enlargement of the environment enables deeper exploration and varied gameplay encounters, echoing the original game’s arrangement where every island contained its intrigue.

The addition of a new player to the death game raises further hypotheses. Fans have conjectured about the likelihood of established characters facing premature ends, which could lead to fresh viewpoints and gameplay styles.

#### Conclusion: What Awaits

As we near the launch date of *Danganronpa 2×2*, the gaming community is left with thought-provoking inquiries about the new storyline, character interactions, and gameplay advancements. Will the new character emerge as a crucial element in the narrative, or merely act as a diversion? Speculation thrives, and excitement is mounting for what is sure to be a thrilling chapter in the *Danganronpa* saga. Players should save the date, January 14, 2024, to unveil how these novel elements materialize in the tragicomic realm of *Danganronpa*.

From Software and Bandai Namco have released a hasty new Elden Ring patch to stop people getting their hands on items from the game’s Tarnished Pack DLC for free.

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**Playable Version of Rare’s Abandoned RPG Project Dream Appears Online**

A playable version of Rare’s abandoned Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) fantasy RPG, Project Dream, has surfaced online recently, thrilling fans who have long been intrigued by the game’s creation. Project Dream, which was a forerunner to the cherished N64 title *Banjo-Kazooie*, was a highly awaited project that ultimately remained unfinished. The unexpected leak of this prototype has captivated the gaming community, sparking renewed interest in this slice of video game history.

The leak was traced back to an Internet Archive user named “FVCKAsha&Phil,” on September 9. The username appears to allude to the current Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and former leader Phil Spencer, suggesting a level of dissatisfaction with the industry’s current climate. The user uploaded what they refer to as a “SNES proof-of-concept alpha” of the game, dubbed *Dream: Land of Giants*.

### Motives for the Leak

The reasons behind this release stem from frustration regarding Xbox’s oversight of Rare and broader worries concerning the gaming industry overall. The individual who leaked the information has conveyed disappointment not only with Xbox’s management of Rare but also with what they see as the industry’s drift toward unregulated practices and a lack of accountability. In their message on the Internet Archive, they expressed a wish for the game’s preservation and encouraged others to share forgotten games as well.

The user remarked, “With the current state of the industry and Microsoft’s ruthless dismantling and mismanagement of Rare and other firms it oversees… I believe it’s crucial to ensure this is properly preserved.” They also voiced concerns about the overarching trends in gaming, underlining the urgent need for preservation in a time increasingly defined by layoffs and anti-consumer actions.

### Revisiting Project Dream

Project Dream has been on the radar of Rare enthusiasts for many years. Development on the game began around 1995, first conceived as a distinctive RPG for the SNES. However, as its ambition grew, the project shifted to the N64 platform. Throughout its development, the game’s focus underwent a significant change—from an RPG focusing on a young human hero to a pirate-themed adventure that ultimately reintroduced Banjo as the lead character.

In the end, the grand venture morphed into a platformer after the development team observed the success of *Conker’s Bad Fur Day*, deciding to hone their strengths in platform design rather than adhering to the RPG framework. Traces of Project Dream can be found in *Banjo-Kazooie*, where Captain Blackeye, a pirate from Project Dream, makes a cameo, lamenting about a bear taking his accolades.

### Public Response and Consequences

The revelation of this prototype is regarded as a “holy grail” by retro gaming fans, possessing considerable nostalgic significance and historical value. The uniqueness and fascination surrounding Project Dream resonate with fans eager to discover what could have been.

As the gaming world continues to change, leaks like this serve as reminders of the ambitious and creative projects that frequently remain on the cutting room floor. While the reasons behind the leak reflect individual discontent with specific industry practices, the release of the Project Dream prototype fuels an ongoing dialogue about the preservation of gaming history and the necessity of staying connected to the medium’s origins.

In summary, the unexpected emergence of this playable version not only rekindles interest in Project Dream but also illuminates wider industry issues that resonate with developers and gamers alike. The pursuit of preservation and transparency in gaming carries on, motivated by a community passionate about its history and future.

In my experience, the few minutes a live band take between songs to recover a bit before plunging into the next riff are generally quite uneventful. At the most, you might get an amusing story about what they’ve been up to in your city prior to getting on stage, chatter about the song they’re about to play, or some light comedy night-esque crowd work. Or, if you attended a recent gig American rockers Breaking Benjamin played in Holmdel, New Jersey, a four minute promo segment for a Fallout 4 mod made by a lead singer who’s been left frustrated by some modding community drama.

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### The Sinking City 2: A Lovecraftian Survival Horror Adventure

Very few games unsettle me. Frogwares’ newly launched Lovecraftian survival horror title, *The Sinking City 2*, is among the rare experiences that genuinely made me say “Bleh.” It’s a game rife with revolting worms, grotesque growths, and heaps of slime. I thoroughly enjoyed navigating this eerie journey, even if *Sinking City 2* has a few too many combat scenarios.

Available now on PC and consoles, *The Sinking City 2* serves as a standalone sequel to 2019’s *The Sinking City*. You won’t have to play the previous title to grasp the sequel, as *Sinking City 2* introduces a new ensemble of characters in a different New England city and unfolds a fresh story unrelated to the prior events.

Moreover, it’s not just the storyline that diverges from the first installment. *Sinking City 2* is also a completely different genre. The initial game was a narrative-driven, detective-oriented adventure with some minor (and not particularly impressive) combat. *Sinking City 2* abandons that gameplay style for a third-person survival horror format, clearly influenced by Capcom’s recent *Resident Evil* remakes.

#### From Detectives to Explosives

Initially, I had doubts about whether Frogwares could execute the genre transition, but after a few hours, I found myself too frightened and preoccupied with nervously counting bullets and health items to even recall that the studio’s previous game wasn’t a survival horror. Put simply, *Sinking City 2*’s evolution into *Resident Evil*-esque action horror is a resounding triumph.

A major factor contributing to *Sinking City 2*’s triumph as a survival horror game is that each meticulously crafted level in the game appears genuinely repulsive and eerie. The game’s locale, Arkham, Massachusetts, is a city engulfed by the ocean, and the rising waters bring forth thousands of grotesque, unnatural worms. These creatures swiftly begin to animate the deceased, posing as one of the primary adversaries confronting the playable protagonist Calvin Rafferty. They’re far from the only unsettling aspect of cosmic horror you’ll encounter during the approximately 10 hours it takes to complete the game along with most of its smaller side missions, though. I’ll leave those other horrors for you to discover in the dark.

Naturally, you might be curious, “Why is this Calvin character loitering in a dying city sinking into the ocean filled with worm zombies and monstrosities?” Well, he’s infatuated with a woman trapped in a sinister, enchanted coma after a botched spell, and now he’s trying to rescue her before the solutions he seeks are submerged beneath the sea. You understand how it goes.

To rescue her and himself, Calvin must navigate by foot and boat across several critical locations in Arkham. All of these spots are unpleasant to visit, yet they make ideal horror game levels, featuring a creepy hospital and a rundown nightclub that houses a nasty main character in need of your assistance. Each location feels large enough that traversing them takes time, and acquiring a map is advantageous, but none are so expansive that they seem empty or tedious to explore. The nightclub, in particular, effectively employs narrow corridors, ambushes, and varying levels to push you into areas most individuals would shun. However, you’ll need that key, or gear, or lever, or whatever peculiar item is necessary to unlock the way forward.

#### Shoot, Shoot, Shoot, Shoot, Shoot

Similar to *Resident Evil*, *Sinking City 2* populates these locations with the aforementioned creatures and the undead. You’ll have to manage your ammunition and health items prudently, as the game frequently hurls more foes at you than you can manage. Retreating is often a wise tactic.

However, if you decide to stand your ground, firearms in *Sinking City 2* feel appropriately potent, though I found some animations a bit rigid. That doesn’t lessen the effectiveness of the shotgun against worm-infested zombies. In fact, even the initial pistol is loud and formidable. With a few enhancements, it and other weapons transform into quite effective killing machines, assuming you don’t miss and have enough ammo.

Regrettably, while the combat is solid, *Sinking City 2* presents far too many “fight for your life” scenarios. These battles confine Calvin to a relatively small area with no escape, bombarding him with waves of adversaries. To escape, you’ll need to eliminate them all while unlocking small crates scattered throughout each area that replenish your ammunition and health items a bit. These moments feel like Frogwares bit off more than it could chew, as the combat and controls don’t quite

Unionised Blizzard workers have voted to ratify a new contract with their employer that will “require” Blizzard to negotiate with workers over any usage of generative AI tools in their workplace, in addition to giving laid-off workers the right to be “recalled” into open positions across Blizzard for 14 months after the date of their layoff announcement.

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**Ikea Introduces Distinctive Skyrim Mod Featuring Matt Berry as a Conversational Kallax Shelf**

In a surprising blend of innovation within the gaming and furniture sectors, Ikea has unveiled a new mod for *Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim* called “KALLAX STORAGEBORN.” This whimsical endeavor utilizes the company’s famous Kallax shelf, turning it into an engaging character within the cherished role-playing game.

**The Concept and Attributes of the Mod**

Launched on September 9, the KALLAX STORAGEBORN mod is accessible for free via Bethesda’s Creations system on Xbox and PC. Unlike standard mods that simply add items to the game, this ambitious concept encompasses a complete questline activated when players find themselves overencumbered with their inventory. Adventurers are led to an ancient dungeon to collect materials for crafting the Kallax shelf, which, once built and activated with a magical Allen wrench weapon, comes to life with voice lines provided by actor Matt Berry.

Berry’s participation goes beyond brief appearances; he offers a substantial amount of voiced dialogue as the shelf assists players in rediscovering memories by locating treasured heirlooms throughout Skyrim. This amusing narrative element enriches the immersive experience and injects a whimsical charm into the game.

**Gameplay Features and Enjoyable Interactions**

Players exploring the mod will find that the animated shelf not only provides amusement through its eccentric interactions but also fulfills a functional role in gameplay. The Kallax can accompany players across the expansive terrains of Skyrim, and with its entertaining animations, it also presents a solution for managing excessive inventory items. Items stored on the shelf stay visible within the game world, creating a delightful realism that enhances the player experience.

Moreover, a distinct shout spell enables players to summon the Kallax shelf, with the entertaining command: “IKEA!” This aspect reinforces the mod’s playful spirit and invites players to engage with its whimsical design.

**Community Reaction and Cultural Influence**

The KALLAX STORAGEBORN mod has ignited discussions among players and fans online, illustrating Ikea’s clever marketing strategy that marries humor with a deep understanding of gaming culture. The mod acts not only as a promotional instrument for Ikea but also stands as a testament to the imaginative possibilities of combining disparate fields—home decor and video gaming.

YouTube creators have commenced sharing extensive playthroughs, providing those who may not want to revisit *Skyrim* a chance to experience the comedic genius of Matt Berry’s performance through various gameplay styles.

In summary, while it may first appear trivial, the KALLAX STORAGEBORN mod represents cutting-edge marketing and entertainment techniques that resonate with both gaming fans and a broader audience. It serves as a whimsical reminder of how creativity can seamlessly connect different realms.

No Man’s Sky is a decade old. Let that sink in. No, seriously, you’ll need plenty of water to survive the trips that the massive space game’s 10th anniversary update allows you to embark on. It’s now possible to get up close and personal with the stars that serve as suns in each system. Or, if the risk of fiery death’s not your cup of tea, you can establish a new home by taking over as director of a space station or building an orbital base that floats among the stars.

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