I am sure the words “new” and “Ace Attorney game” have functioned as a sleeper agent’s activation words for some of you, and these are words that Capcom themselves have sort of put together, but let’s slow down before we get carried away. As spotted by Mega Man fansite Rockman Corner, Capcom have released their integrated report for 2025, which for the most part is boring, corporate nonsense. Here comes the but. But! It also appears to suggest that the developer is thinking about new ways it can further develop series like Ace Attorney, as well as Mega Man and Devil May Cry.

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### The Clash of N64 Replicas: M64 vs. Analogue 3D

In the world of classic gaming, two systems have emerged as prominent contenders that pay homage to the legendary Nintendo 64: the M64 by ModRetro and the Analogue 3D. The M64 captivates with its whimsical design and bright, translucent casing, while the newly unveiled translucent options of the Analogue 3D are upping the ante not only in functionality but also in visual appeal.

#### Pricing and Controller Compatibility

A major difference between the two systems is found in their pricing and controller compatibility. The M64, which is currently on a pre-order waitlist, is available for $200, whereas the Analogue 3D begins at $250 for its matte black or white variants. A significant plus for the M64 is its controllers, crafted to closely mimic the original Nintendo 64 controllers, evoking a feeling of nostalgia and genuineness. Conversely, Analogue’s controllers are part of their existing 8Bitdo range, which might not resonate with every retro gaming fan.

#### New Translucent Variants

Recently, Analogue introduced the Funtastic edition of the 3D, slated to be released in limited quantities. This fresh model features eight unique translucent shades, such as “Watermelon” magenta and transparent gold, with pre-orders commencing at $300 on December 10. Additional translucent controllers to complement the console’s color are available for $45 each.

The abrupt arrival of these lively variants has incited dissatisfaction among early adopters of the Analogue 3D. Numerous fans have conveyed their annoyance about feeling overlooked with the standard black and white editions, particularly since the unveiling of these new options occurred shortly after the pre-order window had closed. Customers voiced their sentiments online, expressing their outrage at what some view as a money grab by Analogue, which could have revealed the colorful options during the initial launch.

#### The Effect on Initial Supporters

The feedback from the community has been unmistakable; several pre-order customers have resorted to social media to convey their dismay, labeling it a “slap in the face” to early supporters who had already finalized their purchases. Remarks illustrating frustration over delayed releases and the introduction of new colors shortly after the primary purchase have been widespread, prompting some individuals to seek refunds or reconsider their choices.

#### A Brief Look at Analogue’s Legacy

Analogue has a track record of releasing alternative color variations for its products, reminiscent of the company’s earlier consoles like the Pocket, which launched several aesthetic iterations honoring the history of the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance. However, unlike those prior releases that didn’t feature new variants announced immediately after launch, the timing of the Funtastic editions appears sudden considering the extended anticipation for the Analogue 3D.

Some speculate that the setbacks encountered by Analogue in releasing the 3D earlier this year may have influenced the decision to roll out these stylish variants just weeks following the initial launch of the console. Despite the production and shipping hurdles that impacted its schedule, the reasoning behind introducing the Funtastic editions amid the launch of the standard models is still unclear.

#### Conclusion

As the rivalry between the M64 and Analogue 3D intensifies, both brands continue to innovate in design and functionality for retro gaming fans. However, as illustrated by the recent backlash from early adopters of the Analogue 3D, balancing the expectations and desires of the fan community remains a complex challenge in this field. With vibrant and nostalgic consoles on the horizon, the discussion regarding which device will ultimately excel in both performance and allure persists.

Cassette Boy is a game that looks to follow in the footsteps of perspective puzzlers like Fez and Tunic, two games I bring up because of their explicit use of space to hide more, tantalizingly secret space. Out of the two, it’s much closer to Fez, being a 2D world you can rotate to gain new, three dimensional perspectives. Where Fez is a platformer that switches between different, still 2D planes, Cassette Boy lets you switch between front on and more isometric views, and in its world, anything that can’t be seen, doesn’t exist.

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### Lucasfilm’s Intended Remake of *KOTOR 2*: Latest Insights

Recent legal documents pertaining to a misleading advertising lawsuit against Lucasfilm Games and Aspyr have unveiled surprising details concerning a possible remake of *Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2* (KOTOR 2). The lawsuit revolves around the unsuccessful incorporation of a widely praised fan mod into the Nintendo Switch version of KOTOR 2, resulting in considerable legal conflicts. Nevertheless, the documents have ignited conversations about a significant initiative referred to as “Project Juliet,” allegedly a remake of KOTOR 2.

#### Overview of the *KOTOR* Series

In 2021, Lucasfilm and Aspyr had previously disclosed that a remake of the original KOTOR was in progress. However, this declaration was met with uncertainty; by 2023, rumors indicated that the project had been abandoned, raising alarms among fans. Despite reassurances from co-developer Saber Interactive in 2024 that the remake was still “alive and well,” tangible updates remained few, leaving many fans anxious regarding the future of the cherished RPG series.

#### Insights into Project Juliet

As per documentation examined by *GameFile*, Project Juliet was recognized as a complete remake of KOTOR 2, as affirmed by Douglas Reilly, Vice President of Lucasfilm Games. The ambition for this remake encompassed contemporary graphics, gameplay improvements, and the safeguarding of the original narrative and characters. The Switch version of KOTOR 2 had been designated “Capulet,” connecting the two initiatives within the larger context of revitalizing the franchise for modern platforms.

Reilly specifically highlighted the plan to integrate aspects from the fan-created KOTOR 2 Restored Content Mod into the remake. This mod has played a crucial role in reinstating omitted content from the original game, enriching the fan experience and further cementing the desire for a comprehensive remake.

#### Current Situation and Prospective Developments

In a recent statement, Reilly characterized the KOTOR 2 remake as “technically on the road map,” with initial emphasis placed on finalizing the KOTOR remake. Additionally, it was disclosed that Aspyr is no longer associated with the development of either title; rather, Saber Interactive’s sibling company, Mad Head Games, may take charge of advancing the projects.

As of December 2025, the precise status of both remakes remains unclear. With replies from the involved companies and parties still awaited, series enthusiasts continue to anticipate official word from Disney or Lucasfilm regarding the future of these notable projects.

#### Summary

The disclosure of Project Juliet suggests that Lucasfilm may still have intentions to renew KOTOR 2, preserving the optimism for fans eager for a contemporary interpretation of this iconic title. As both remakes linger in uncertainty, the gaming community holds out hope that definitive news will surface soon, enabling players to revisit one of the most critically lauded entries in the *Star Wars* galaxy with renewed viewpoints and upgraded technology.

The Alters update! Get your The Alters update! Fresh, hot and ready to download, it’s got some quality of life bits, some new features and base things like a “gamer’s den”, distressingly, a photo mode, and a number of other things. And now, for your pleasure, I will relay unto you in detail what these things are.

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**Halo Infinite: A Look Back on Four Years of Complex Feelings**

Today marks the fourth birthday of *Halo Infinite*, a game that has generated both happiness and disappointment among gamers. Although the official Halo account on X acknowledged this occasion with messages about “Infinite memories, Infinite friendships, Infinite fun,” numerous fans are experiencing a mix of sadness and nostalgia, pondering what might have been. As we anticipate 2025, the future of the franchise feels unclear.

Debuting in December 2021, *Halo Infinite* was met with significant anticipation. It sought to reinvent the series through its open-world campaign, establishing itself as the main venue for new *Halo* content. However, a rocky development path was disrupted by delays and criticism due to a gameplay reveal in 2020 that received a negative reception, leading to jokes instead of enthusiasm. This strain resulted in the exclusion of several anticipated features at launch, like split-screen co-op and the Forge mode, which fans had hoped would enhance their gaming experience.

In spite of early hope, *Halo Infinite* has faced challenges in broadening its narrative universe. Anticipated story developments were eventually shifted to other media, particularly a book that came out shortly after the game, leaving players craving more in terms of in-game narrative progression. The consequences of this choice created a gap in the experience fans were looking forward to.

Recent news isn’t uplifting. Last month, it was revealed that Halo Studios would stop development on *Halo Infinite*, adding to the overall disappointment surrounding the title. While *Halo: Campaign Evolved*, a remake of the original game’s campaign, is set to debut next year and will introduce co-op gameplay, it feels more like a trip down memory lane rather than an innovative new venture. The lack of multiplayer in this title emphasizes a deficiency of new ideas, focusing instead on revisiting a classic without offering anything fresh.

As gamers contemplate *Halo Infinite*, it’s evident that although the game included traditional mechanics, the multiplayer experience has diminished. Multiple fans have observed a decline in player engagement, limiting the enjoyment available in online games. Once-familiar maps and recognizable foes have created a stale atmosphere, diminishing the thrill that *Halo* once inspired.

Aside from gameplay, external elements have also shaped the franchise’s perception. Xbox’s hesitance to oppose the use of *Halo* visuals in divisive political messaging has tarnished the franchise’s reputation for some fans, complicating the celebration of its anniversary.

As a long-time fan, *Halo* has played a pivotal role in my gaming experience. Transitioning from a casual player to eagerly anticipating *Halo 3*, the franchise has influenced my gaming persona. Yet, on this fourth anniversary of *Halo Infinite*, I find myself lamenting lost opportunities instead of celebrating the current state. The future for *Halo* appears uncertain, and while there is still hope for the franchise’s resurgence, the road ahead looks riddled with obstacles.

They might not have committed to making any New Vegas ending the canon one, but the folks behind Amazon’s Fallout TV show have been quick to decide they’d like to get started on filming a third series as soon as they can. Summer 2026, if all goes well, so the radioactive glow of the imminent second series hasn’t totally faded to background levels by the time a follow-up drops.

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# Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Strategies for a Successful Journey

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the newest primary installment in Nintendo’s Metroid series, signifies a remarkable comeback after nearly a decade of suspense. Now out on Switch and Switch 2, while it might not earn the title of the finest game in the franchise, it offers numerous exciting levels and tough foes to confront. Before plunging into this new quest, here are some vital strategies to elevate your experience and assist you in saving the day.

## Ensure You Break Plenty of Green Crystals!

While traversing the Sol Valley desert in Metroid Prime 4, you’ll come across a plethora of green crystals dispersed throughout. These can be broken with your bike and gathered. The game highlights the significance of this task, and it genuinely pays off to engage in it. Not only will you attain upgrades when you bring these crystals back to your base camp, but you’ll also spare yourself from excessive grinding later on to finish Prime 4. A considerable amount of these crystals is essential before you can initiate the final mission, and neglecting to gather enough early could result in annoying setbacks. Thus, prioritize breaking any green crystals you encounter!

## Alter the Morph Ball Jump Button Immediately

At the game’s beginning, Metroid Prime 4 offers two separate jump buttons: one for Samus in her normal human state and another for her Morph Ball shape. This design choice can be bewildering. However, you can effortlessly modify this in the menu to consolidate the jump function. It’s advisable to switch this to a single button as soon as possible—a change that can significantly simplify your control scheme.

## Hammer the A Button to (Maybe) Bypass Cutscenes

Metroid Prime 4 features some incredible cutscenes but also includes several repetitive ones during transitions. Although you can skip these scenes, you must wait for the game to finish loading first, and it doesn’t notify you when you can do so. On the Switch 2, load times are generally swift, so developing the habit of mashing the A button during these transitional scenes will enable you to skip them once loading is complete.

## Scan Everything and Then Scan More!

As a fundamental element of the Metroid Prime series, scanning is key. While experienced players may already be aware of this, it’s critical to scan every item and enemy you come across. These scans can often yield essential clues on unlocking doors or solving puzzles. Additionally, some enemy scans provide valuable insights to help you defeat them more effectively.

## When Confused, Experiment with Everything

Though Prime 4 typically steers clear of overly complicated puzzles, there will be instances where you find yourself unsure of your next action. In these moments, adhere to a simple guideline: try everything, starting with the latest ability you’ve acquired. Even if it seems irrational to use a bomb or missile on a certain object, giving it a try could lead you to the solution swiftly.

## Freeze Opponents

Among the various elemental blasts in Prime 4, the ice shot is particularly favored. It successfully freezes most enemies for several seconds, offering crucial intervals to regroup during ambushes. Furthermore, using the ice shot on airborne adversaries can bring them crashing down, which is especially useful in certain situations. Don’t forget to utilize the ice shot against fire-themed enemies for an immediate advantage.

## Mark Locations on Your Map

As you traverse various levels and the vast desert, you’ll encounter doors and items that need specific abilities to interact with. These occurrences are not a waste of time; Prime 4 allows you to mark these spots on your map using various icons. This feature is incredibly useful for retracing your steps later in the game when you want to revisit locked doors or scout bots without needing to remember their exact locations.

Equipped with these strategies, you’re set to begin your journey in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Enjoy your gaming!

Earlier this week you may have seen what was framed as a leaked trailer for Shenmue 4. Admittedly, thanks to Dwitter compression and supposedly being a recording of a screen rather than direct capture, it looked convincing enough, as long as you don’t look too hard at it. There’s that pesky thing called “Ay Eye” going around these days though, so you should never trust something right off the bat these days. Now, as confirmed by Shenmue developer Ys Net, it turns out that that footage has nothing to do with them, and may even lead to legal action.

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### Death Battle: Ash Ketchum vs. Yugi Moto

In the newest episode of Death Battle, the YouTube series that skillfully compares fictional characters through thorough examination, the much-anticipated clash between Ash Ketchum from *Pokémon* and Yugi Moto from *Yu-Gi-Oh* evoked nostalgia among fans globally. This convergence of cherished childhood champions has ignited fresh discussions and enthusiasm within the anime community, particularly among those who grew up in the ’90s.

### Overview of the Battle

The Death Battle episode carefully details the paths of both protagonists, highlighting their evolution and strength within their individual realms. Ash Ketchum, celebrated for his resolve and connection with Pokémon, especially his legendary Pikachu, is recognized as a Pokémon Champion. Conversely, Yugi Moto, famed as the King of Games, leverages his intellect and potent card combinations to outwit his adversaries. The video expands on these attributes and showcases an animated representation of their confrontation, narrated by skilled voice actors Elsie Lovelock as Ash and Tom Schalk as Yugi, perfectly embodying the spirit of each character.

### The Fight

In a thrilling climax packed with callbacks and nostalgia, the duel ends with Yugi narrowly claiming victory over Ash. By employing the Magic Cylinder card, Yugi deflects what could have been a conclusive blow from Ash while paying homage to the emotional stakes evident in the *Pokémon* First Movie, where Ash is petrified. The concluding scene leaves viewers stunned, accentuating the significance of Yugi’s victory as he departs unharmed.

### Fan Reactions

The announcement of this battle generated considerable buzz among fans, prompting fervent dialogues across social media channels. Many enthusiasts had theories about who would come out on top, with a number believing that Ash’s physical skills might provide him an advantage. Contrary to these assumptions, Death Battle revealed the truth of their capabilities, leading to a gratifying yet unexpected resolution.

Audience engagement was evident, with tweets reflecting on the thrill, analyses, and various fan art inspired by the confrontation. Comments on Twitter indicate how profoundly this battle resonated with viewers, merging appreciation for both characters. Fans conveyed their happiness regarding how well the fight depicted the interactions of each franchise, demonstrating that despite varying styles, the core of the conflict was truly focused on legacy and what each character symbolized for fans.

### Conclusion

In the end, while Ash Ketchum has always held a cherished position in the hearts of many, particularly those who grew up with *Pokémon*, Yugi Moto’s triumph highlights the distinctive mechanics of his universe and the strategic complexity of *Yu-Gi-Oh*. Both characters continue to be icons in their respective franchises, acting as a link for fans of different genres to unite and celebrate the significance of these narratives. The Death Battle episode not only rekindled passion for these two heroes but also reinforced the enduring essence of their tales in modern culture.