The single most offputting thing about a game like Arc Raiders, i.e. an extraction shooter, is that every single other person you meet in-game is Schrödinger’s asshole. They could be a friend who you share a story or some loot with, or they could mercilessly gun you down at the drop of a hat. It’s certainly not for everyone, but in the game’s latest update, a new PvE event has arrived encouraging everyone to walk hand in hand together to defeat those big bad bots.

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There are two blue wolves inside you. One is actually a hedgehog, prone to loop-the-loops and drowning in caves. The other one is actually a dolphin, who is also prone to loop-the-loops and drowning in caves. Clarification: when I said you I meant me. I’m referring to my own squalid psychological architecture as a Sega Mega Drive player with vivid memories of Sonic the Hedgehog (especially the Star Light Zone) and Ecco the Dolphin.

While Sega’s pugnacious pinball mascot continues to star in videogames of all flavours, poor Ecco has been absent from screens since the early noughties. No longer: this year shall be the year of Ecco. Developers A&R Atelier – whose members include the character’s original creator, Ed Annunziata – have declared that they are working on “several” new Ecco things, including a videogame. No, I won’t accommodate any criticism of my framing here. If we can have a year of Luigi and a year of Shadow, we can have a year of Ecco.

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**The Transformation of Gears of War Multiplayer: A Move Away from Wall Bouncing in Gears of War: E-Day**

If you’ve participated in multiplayer skirmishes in any of the earlier *Gears of War* games, you probably came across the infamous strategy known as wall bouncing—an agile move where players swiftly maneuver around walls while firing shotguns. This tactic has been a cornerstone of the *Gears* multiplayer format for many years, but it is about to experience substantial modifications in the forthcoming prequel, *Gears of War: E-Day*, set to debut on October 6, 2023, for Xbox and PC.

At the recent Summer Game Fest, a comprehensive preview of *Gears of War: E-Day* was revealed, showing that the developers at The Coalition have reconstructed the game using Unreal Engine 5, bringing in new code and assets to deliver a renewed experience for players. Among the changes are conventional sprint mechanics and the introduction of a jumping feature, enabling players to slip in and out of cover with greater fluidity.

One of the most significant changes that *E-Day* aims to introduce is the considerable modification or elimination of wall bouncing. Matt Searcy, the creative director, mentioned in an interview that while some variations of wall canceling will persist, the intricate wall bouncing technique that players have depended on in previous games will not operate in the same manner. He stressed that enthusiasts of the series should view the new title as a unique experience that does not depend on the mechanics they might be accustomed to.

**Player Reactions to Modifications in Gameplay**

The announcement regarding the alteration of wall bouncing has largely elicited favorable reactions within the gaming community. Numerous veteran players who have utilized wall bouncing in past iterations expressed relief at the changes, acknowledging that this tactic frequently compromised the foundational mechanics of a third-person cover-focused shooter.

Feedback from players on Reddit displayed mixed sentiments—while some felt nostalgic about their wall-bouncing tactics, others recognized the need for a change. A veteran player remarked, “I have played *Gears* for 20 years and have mastered wall bouncing and make use of it continually. Nevertheless, this modification is essential.” This feeling was reflected by several other users, who agreed that the removal of wall bouncing would improve the overall gameplay quality.

Fans also expected that the elimination of wall bouncing could result in a more visually consistent streaming experience, as the unpredictable camera movements often linked with this tactic might be reduced. Conversely, some players contested the change, arguing that skill cultivation should be prioritized. However, many concurred that wall bouncing had become an obstacle for new players, rendering matches less enjoyable for those who weren’t proficient in the technique.

In summary, as *Gears of War: E-Day* nears its release, it promises to transform the multiplayer domain with a well-rounded approach to movement and combat. This evolution seeks to enhance the gameplay experience, promoting intense cover-based strategies over the reliance on the advanced acrobatics of wall bouncing. Whether this transition will revitalize the *Gears* community or face resistance from seasoned players is yet to be determined, but one thing is undeniable: *E-Day* is poised to redefine how fans interact with this cherished franchise.