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Like the technical fix-uppery of the 2.0 update it’s launching alongside, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl‘s Cost of Hope expansion arrives with a determinedly furrowed brow; that kind of enthusiastic, if just slightly contrite, look of someone hellbent on righting their own past wrongs.

Of course, most of the open-world shooter’s past crimes are long absolved, if not forgiven immediately on the grounds that they were committed amid an actual war. But Cost of Hope does serve as a second chance for this bleak, beautiful, tense, thrilling, imperfectly brilliant game to address certain omissions it made back in 2024 – even if some of these restorations gleam brighter than others.

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The casting for Amazon’s *God of War* TV series has undergone major changes, igniting both excitement and confusion among its fanbase. Initially, Ryan Hurst was chosen to embody the legendary character recognized for his strength and depth. However, following an unexpected injury during a stunt, the decision was made to bring in Dave Bautista as the new lead. This sudden shift raised questions within the community of fans, particularly concerning Christopher Judge, who has lent his voice to Kratos in the highly acclaimed video game series.

Christopher Judge expressed his thoughts and emotions about the casting journey at a panel during Fan Expo Canada. He initially supported Hurst’s casting, valuing his background as a gamer and new father, which made him resonate with the character. However, the unforeseen injury resulted in uncertainty surrounding the casting choices. When Bautista’s name came up, Judge voiced his worries regarding Bautista’s recent weight reduction and the possible health risks associated with regaining weight for the part. Nevertheless, Judge maintained a positive outlook about Bautista’s capability to embody Kratos effectively.

As a seasoned actor, Judge is well-acquainted with physically intense roles, having previously appeared in *Stargate SG-1*. However, he honestly shared that the physical and mental strain of portraying Kratos at the age of 62 was intimidating. He did find a spark of motivation after discussing the role with his grandson, prompting him to commence working out and preparing for auditions. Despite his attempts to memorize lines and get ready for the character, the realization of the substantial commitment involved ultimately led him to step back from consideration.

Fortunately for enthusiasts of the *God of War* series, Christopher Judge’s rendition of Kratos will persist in the world of video games. Sony Santa Monica has already disclosed that a sequel, *God of War: Laufey*, is in the works, which will see Kratos return to the central narrative, likely with Judge reprising his role.

Regarding the *God of War* TV adaptation, reshoots are now on the agenda to integrate Bautista as the new Kratos, resulting in delays for the series’ debut. The constantly shifting landscape of casting decisions continues to capture interest, ensuring that fans stay engaged with the tale of one of gaming’s most legendary characters, albeit through various forms.

Days after Deus Ex director Warren Spector announced that he was quitting the business, another former Ion Storm developer, Harvey Smith, has revealed Black Pony Immersive – a new studio dedicated to the creation of “imaginative first-person action RPGs set within well-realized worlds, where players create their own memorable experiences with expressive, emergent game systems.” The announcement features the maxim: “through the looking glass, we’re chasing a dream of mystery, meaning, and creative play.” Hey, I understood that reference! Sure sounds like an imsim shop to me.

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**The Massive Steam Leak: Discovering an Incomplete Online Horror Game Inspired by the “Scream” Series**

During the weekend, a significant leak of Steam files, comprising data from 2003 to 2013, emerged online, amounting to an astonishing 13 terabytes. This extraordinary data breach has captivated both gamers and developers, initiating a frantic exploration into its contents for intriguing pre-launch builds and betas. Among the sought-after gems, many were eager to catch a glimpse of the elusive *Half-Life Episode 3* build. However, attention instead turned to an incomplete online horror game based on the *Scream* series.

Twitter user Roly Poly Reaper was one of those who delved into the leak and discovered this previously unannounced *Scream* title. Created by Fatshark, the developers recognized for cooperative games like *Warhammer 40k: Darktide* and *Warhammer: Vermintide 2*, this unreleased game seems to have been in the preliminary phases of development around 2011. This period is significant, as it comes before the rise of several well-known asymmetrical horror titles, such as *Dead By Daylight* and *Friday the 13th*, which garnered considerable popularity in later years.

On August 31, Roly Poly Reaper shared their success in running multiple unfinished builds of the game on their computer. They not only got the game operational but also enabled multiplayer features, allowing users to engage with the game in real-time. The disclosed gameplay footage featured players taking on the roles of survivors escaping from the notorious Ghostface, while another user operated the masked antagonist, showcasing elements evocative of a genre that has recently experienced a revival.

The existence of this *Scream* game prompts fascinating inquiries regarding its potential influence had it been finalized. Datamined details imply that the game’s files were organized in folders titled “Scream_Pitch” and “Screampitch_inside,” suggesting that the builds might have represented more of a proposal than a complete project. The development records also hint that the final version of the game was allegedly worked on just months before the theatrical release of *Scream 4*, providing additional context to its timeline.

Comparative scrutiny can be made between this *Scream* prototype and other imminent asymmetrical horror games, like the upcoming *Halloween: The Game*. Early trailers suggest that Michael Myers’ gameplay may incorporate mechanics similar to Ghostface’s “ghost mode,” where the killer can swiftly traverse the map unnoticed to ambush victims.

As further details surface from the leak, the gaming community finds itself speculating on what might have happened if this *Scream* game had reached completion. Could it have established a standard for online asymmetrical horror games, potentially overshadowing existing titles like *Dead By Daylight*? Or might it have failed, perhaps discouraging future developers from exploring similar ventures? The unaddressed questions and the intrigue of the undiscovered materials are sure to keep the gaming world abuzz in the coming weeks.

Total War: Warhammer 40,000 feels like one of those games where you think to yourself, “wait, how doesn’t this exist already?” There have been previous Total War: Warhammer games, three of them in fact, but all set in the original, fantasy setting, not the far flung futuristic sci-fi one. We still don’t know when Creative Assembly’s Total War: Warhammer 40,000 is coming out, though they have shared one thing that will be different compared to the previous Warhammer games: they have no plans for any sequels.

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# A Closer Examination of Ovissians in *Star Wars: Zero Company*

In the continuously growing universe of *Star Wars*, fresh characters and species consistently appear, captivating the attention of enthusiasts. However, not every design strikes a chord with the audience. One particular species that has faced criticism is the Ovissians, who have recently taken center stage in the game *Star Wars: Zero Company*. This article explores the traits of Ovissians, their background within the franchise, and their reception by players.

### Origin of Ovissians

Ovissians first emerged in the *Star Wars* universe with *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker* in 2019. Although they were technically introduced in a preceding book, their film debut was signified by the character Boolio, a Resistance informant. Voiced by the legendary actor Mark Hamill, Boolio is depicted as a humorous yet ultimately tragic character who meets a grim end for his betrayal of the First Order.

### Characteristics of Ovissians

Ovissians are distinguished by their sizable heads, prominent facial features, and a variety of horns that embellish their faces. Their visual appearance has been likened to Muppet-like beings, resulting in varied reactions. Numerous players have found the blend of a large mouth and several facial horns unattractive, prompting some viewers to see them as mismatched within the diverse *Star Wars* aesthetic.

### Reception in *Star Wars: Zero Company*

*Star Wars: Zero Company* has garnered attention not only for its strategic gameplay reminiscent of the *XCOM* series but also for featuring Ovissians as an essential character type. As players maneuver through tactical situations, they have the option to select their main character as an Ovissian, which for some diminishes the overall immersion in the game.

Players have conveyed their dissatisfaction with encountering Ovissians during gameplay, with many comparing the experience to participating in a Jim Henson production. The narrative gravity of fighting against a significant evil is lightened by frequent interactions with these characters, which have been described as less serious or even comical.

### Comparison with Other Species

Interestingly, despite the backlash against Ovissians, numerous fans have welcomed other new alien designs introduced in the *Star Wars* franchise during the Disney era. Species such as the Tognath and Abednedo have received favorable recognition for their uniqueness and inventiveness. The Abednedo, in particular, stands out for having its members named after popular Beastie Boys songs, emphasizing the whimsical aspect of *Star Wars* lore.

### Conclusion

The Ovissians, while symbolizing the franchise’s ongoing transformation, have sparked polarized viewpoints among fans and players. Their inclusion in *Star Wars: Zero Company* provides a distinct flavor to the game; however, for many, their presence is a contentious issue that undermines the immersive experience. As fans continue to journey through the galaxy far, far away, it remains uncertain how future designs will be received, and whether small alien heads will become a more prevalent feature.

There is perhaps no genre I love more in this world than “game where you run around as a little guy,” for the subgenres within that are almost endless. A new entry is soon to find itself within that genre, and it’s called Cinderline, a game where you play as an anthropomorphic, silent bird who wants to make the last ever s’more, gathering the various pieces required to do so by travelling from town to town in a tiny train.

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**Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Expected on Nintendo Switch 2: A Highly Anticipated Comeback with Varied Reactions**

For the first time in more than ten years, a fresh *Call of Duty* title is set to arrive on a Nintendo system this autumn. *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4* is scheduled for release on the Switch 2, alongside versions for PC, Xbox, and PS5. Over the past weekend, players were given a chance to evaluate the performance of this highly awaited shooter on Nintendo’s less robust hardware. The early results indicate that, although the game operates and mostly achieves its framerate goals, the visual fidelity and overall gameplay experience might leave numerous *CoD* enthusiasts desiring more.

The recent beta phase included its second and final open weekend, enabling anyone to download and participate without needing to pre-order. This testing period was significant as it marked the first instance of *Modern Warfare 4*’s beta showcasing gameplay on the Switch 2. After having experienced the closed beta prior, players were keen to compare the Switch 2 version with the PS5 one. Initial reactions validated that the Switch 2 port falls short of expectations.

**Positive Elements Amidst Visual Issues**

Among the favorable points, the multiplayer aspect on Switch 2 aims for 60 FPS in both handheld and docked modes, consistently achieving this frame rate in docked mode, although with some frame rate drops. This is on par with the PS5 version, which occasionally experiences similar performance dips. However, to attain 60 FPS, numerous visual effects in *Modern Warfare 4* have been considerably downgraded. As a result, players may notice that the game looks blurry and inconsistent on their displays.

While remaining stationary in multiplayer scenarios, players detect problems with low-resolution textures and other graphical glitches. The reduced graphics quality can result in difficulties when identifying players or recognizing environmental elements, especially in hectic multiplayer situations. The handheld performance, regrettably, is worse, frequently dropping below 45 FPS, particularly during high-intensity events like explosions or close combats.

Despite the visual drawbacks, the campaign provides a slightly improved experience, limited to 30 FPS. Nonetheless, experiencing *CoD* on the Switch 2 in handheld mode is still an exclusive experience, albeit one that carries considerable shortcomings.

**A Doubtful Market Relevance**

The introduction of *Modern Warfare 4* on the Switch 2 raises doubts about its intended audience. Many prospective players are likely to possess more capable systems such as the PS5 or gaming PCs, diminishing the appeal of the Nintendo console’s subpar performance. Throughout the beta, encounters with fellow Switch 2 users were infrequent, indicating a small community for cross-platform interaction.

This situation suggests that *Modern Warfare 4* on the Switch 2 may not effectively serve a significant demographic of dedicated gamers specifically seeking a portable iteration of the franchise. The game’s launch seems more focused on satisfying Activision’s obligations to Microsoft regarding multiplatform releases following regulatory assurances connected to the acquisition agreement.

As the release date nears, it remains unclear who will genuinely benefit from this launch. While the porting team deserves recognition for delivering a playable adaptation of a visually demanding title on the Switch 2, it is likely to be considered the least appealing method to experience *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4* come October.

Look, I know I don’t need to tell you how much of a mess Cyberpunk 2077‘s launch was. There were tons of bugs, it didn’t play smoothly, and your saves could even get corrupted fairly easily, so it wasn’t an ideal experience at the time. The game has had something of a redemption arc in the almost six years since launch (one that CD Projekt Red thinks still needs to be finished), but despite whispers of investors pushing to get the game out the door at the time, joint CEO Michał Nowakowski says that wasn’t the case.

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### Xbox Game Pass September 2026 Update: A Limited Line-Up and Exits

Xbox has announced its forthcoming game selections for September 2026, and the enthusiasm is dampened by a rather sparse offering. This month, there is only one game exclusive to the Game Pass Ultimate tier, fueling discussions about whether subscribers are indeed receiving worth for their investment, particularly as major titles like *Cyberpunk 2077* are scheduled to exit the service mid-month.

#### New Additions to Xbox Game Pass

The highlight for Game Pass in early September is *Speedrunners 2: King of Speed*, launching on September 3. This multiplayer 2D platform racing game acts as a follow-up to a popular 2016 release, upholding its status among gamers on Steam. Importantly, it stands as the sole new game for Ultimate subscribers that won’t be accessible to the Game Pass Premium tier, raising doubts about the perceived value of the Ultimate subscription at this time.

Here is the full list of games joining Xbox Game Pass in wave 1 for September 2026:

1. **Shelldiver** (Cloud, Console, and PC) – September 1
Available on Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.

2. **Speedrunners 2: King of Speed** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – September 3
Available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

3. **Dice a Million** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – September 4
Now part of Game Pass Premium; also accessible on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

4. **Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War** (Cloud, Console, and PC) – September 8
Available on Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.

5. **The Royal Writ** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – September 10
Available on Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.

6. **Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – September 10
Available on Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.

7. **RuneScape: Dragonwilds** (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – September 15
Available on Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.

Additionally, *TCG Card Shop Simulator*, already featured on the service, will see its 1.0 version release on September 15. Furthermore, *EA Sports NHL 27* will present an early access trial beginning on September 4. Fans of the new *Pokémon*-inspired RPG, *Aniimo*, can look forward to a complimentary reward pack to enrich their gameplay as they venture forth.

#### Departures from Xbox Game Pass

Regrettably, the exits this month amplify the disappointment regarding the limited introduction of new content. *Cyberpunk 2077* is set to depart on September 15, along with several other significant titles, including *Dead Cells*, *Deep Rock Galactic Survivor*, *Frostpunk 2*, *Mullet Madjack*, and *Spiritfarer*. While August offered a robust assortment for subscribers, there remains hope that the latter half of September will bring forth more alluring additions, especially with the eagerly anticipated *Gears of War: E-Day* set to debut in October.

In conclusion, although September kicks off with a handful of intriguing new offerings, the overall meager selection and significant departures indicate a transitional period for Xbox Game Pass. Subscribers will be eager to witness enhancements as the month unfolds, ensuring that the service continues to provide the anticipated value from its tiered offerings.