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### Embracing Failure in Gaming: An In-Depth Look at *Pragmata* and *Dispatch*

In the current gaming sphere, the pursuit of mastery often serves as the primary motivation for player involvement. Games typically reward accuracy and skill, fostering a competitive atmosphere where success is gauged by effectiveness. Nevertheless, there exist instances within gaming that defy this standard—instances where failure can yield richer experiences and stronger connections to the gameplay. Two illustrative examples are Capcom’s *Pragmata* and Ad-Hoc Studio’s *Dispatch*, both of which present unique interpretations of their genres while allowing players to find joy in their missteps.

#### The Puzzle Dynamics of *Pragmata*

In *Pragmata*, players embody Hugh, an engineer based on a moon base, facing off against robotic foes who excel in creating chaos far beyond Hugh’s defensive capabilities. The core gameplay hinges on a puzzle-solving system where players, aided by a young robotic girl named Diana, aim to hack adversaries using a grid-based approach. The excitement lies in maneuvering through this grid to gradually reveal and attack enemies, supported by assorted upgrades and weaponry.

As players embark on this adventure, a discernible pattern arises: aim, solve, fire, and repeat. However, even as gamers tirelessly partake in this cycle, mastery is not always assured. Many, including an engaged journalist, find themselves grappling with the demanding tempo of combat. While certain players may anchor themselves in achievement, others may experience a heightened sense of discomfort due to recurrent failures.

#### Learning Through Adversity

What renders *Pragmata* particularly engaging is its incorporation of failure into the narrative. The challenges faced when confronting enemy robots, often leading to multiple game overs, were not merely irritations; they served as catalysts for development and adaptation. Necessary retreats to safety became chances to reevaluate strategies and investigate new upgrades that resonated better with individual play styles. The outcome was an exhilarating, albeit awkward experience, allowing players to derive enjoyment even if they never fully mastered the demanding mechanics of the game.

In this context, the experience of failing in *Pragmata* does not merely detract from player enjoyment; it enhances it. Progress is redefined—not by the number of foes vanquished, but by the tactical shifts initiated in response to failures.

#### Tales of Failure in *Dispatch*

In a similar vein, *Dispatch* offers yet another perspective on confronting failure. This game invites players to lead the “Z-Team” of beleaguered heroes assigned to tackle emergencies throughout a city map. Players must devise strategies regarding which heroes to deploy, weighing their strengths against their weaknesses. However, mistakes are frequent; dispatching ill-suited heroes to challenges can lead to disastrous failures, unfulfilled missions, and experience deficits.

Once again, the frequent experiences of failure shape the narrative significantly. The embarrassment of overseeing a team that fails to accomplish its tasks mirrors the central themes of redemption and collaboration woven into the storyline. A player’s clumsy experiences within the game ultimately highlight the characters’ journeys, who must evolve through their failures.

#### The Importance of Failure in Gaming

Both *Pragmata* and *Dispatch* question the conventional game design philosophy that prioritizes achievement. Instead, they embrace the unpredictability inherent in gaming, especially the significance of personal development through setbacks. Players are encouraged to try different strategies and develop their characters, not only within the game but also in the broader context of their gaming journeys.

These titles exemplify a rising trend in gaming where the pleasure of the experience—filled with failures and missed chances—frequently overshadows the ultimate goal of victory. They empower players to realize that triumph is not the sole rewarding conclusion; at times, the struggle itself can provide a more meaningful sense of fulfillment.

### Conclusion

In the changing landscape of video games, *Pragmata* and *Dispatch* remind us of the depth in accepting failure, providing alternative narratives that connect with players on a more profound level. As gamers continue to push the limits of their skills, it may be time to embrace missteps as essential components of the gaming journey. After all, in the world of gaming, perhaps losing could lead to uncovering new, more significant narratives worthy of celebration.

After Monument Valley 3 was unceremoniously pulled from Netflix last year, series developers Ustwo Games are now focusing on PC first and foremost. The first two entries in the series did also hit our game box shores, but only after their initial mobile releases.

This shift’s clearly forced Ustwo CEO and chair of the UK games industry trade body Ukie Maria Sayans to look long and hard at some numbers. Cue her concluding that the studio might have been “a little bit too romantic” about taking on full-time staff, rather than relying more heavily on contractors.

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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.

During the foggy era of the early 90s, Nintendo employed puppet renditions of Fox McCloud, Slippy, Falco, and Peppy to promote the impending launch of the SNES classic Star Fox (or Starwing, if you insist). Once the campaign concluded, the puppets vanished from the public spotlight (though, they remain etched in our memories). But, what actually transpired with them?

Time Extension recently endeavored to unveil this enigma. After exploring a few leads, including discussions with Star Fox programmer Dylan Cuthbert and artist Takaya Imamura – neither of whom had any clear insight into the puppets’ destinies – the publication ultimately uncovered a rather disheartening truth: the Star Fox puppets have indeed been destroyed.

The Japanese FX company Shirogumi, which produced the puppets, provided the following definitive statement to Time Extension: “The Fox puppets crafted at our company were constructed by affixing fur and feathers to natural rubber, meaning they degrade simply by being exposed to air. Because of that, we had to dispose of them once production concluded.”

Naturally, this is understandable, but it is still a disappointing outcome (although, I found them slightly eerie at the time, and still do).

As for Fox McCloud himself, he has been experiencing a bit of a resurgence in recent weeks. Alongside his cameo in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (which I’ve heard is a standout moment in an otherwise decent film, though I have yet to view it), there are also whispers that we will be receiving a brand-new Star Fox game this year. It is rumored to debut on Switch 2 this summer and feature online multiplayer.

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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