Morning Checkpoint: December 21, 2025

As we near the year’s conclusion, we enter that well-known holiday phase, a season when many gamers contemplate the games they’ve explored over the past year. The challenge of incomplete titles casts a long shadow as new games continue to emerge, particularly with the Steam winter sale happening right now. Not long ago, I began playing Kingdoms of the Dump, a charming, classic JRPG that is turning out to be heartwarming comfort food for players.

Farewell PlanetWeb

In a heartbreaking update from Dreamcast Live, Dreamcast owners have lost their internet browsing capability on their consoles following Google’s discontinuation of support for the PlanetWeb browser, concluding over 25 years of its service. This move highlights the rapid technological advancements since the Dreamcast debuted in 1998, a console crucial for incorporating online functionalities into gaming, especially with Phantasy Star Online.

Chronos: The New Dawn Introduces Accessible Mode

Survival horror enthusiasts will be excited to hear that Chronos: The New Dawn is set to roll out an update in early 2026 featuring a new difficulty setting termed Temporal Diver Mode. This effort is designed to attract a broader player base for the game, which struggled with visibility and competition at launch, as it was released just after Hollow Knight: Silksong.

Controversy Surrounds Fortnite’s Risqué Trailer

A recent trailers celebrating Fortnite Chapter 7 sparked backlash due to an uncensored username containing a sexual innuendo, resulting in its swift removal from YouTube after audience members highlighted the issue. This isn’t the first incident for Fortnite this year, reflecting the ongoing difficulty of balancing humor with appropriateness in gaming promotions.

FORTNITE REMOVED THE AD 💀 pic.twitter.com/l7PchA10kO

— HYPEX (@HYPEX) December 21, 2025

Settlement Reached by Limited Run Games Over Data Handling Issues

Limited Run Games has concluded a $2.7 million settlement regarding claims of mishandling customer data, allegedly involving the unauthorized disclosure of personally identifiable information. While the company refutes any wrongdoing, affected customers are advised to file claims to obtain part of the settlement funds.

New Features for Patapon 1+2 Replay Launched

The rhythm games Patapon 1+2 Replay have recently been updated to introduce a new boss rush mode, allowing fans to experience the games in an innovative and thrilling way. Currently, the games are discounted by $10 on both PSN and Steam, making it a perfect time for both new and returning players to jump in.

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