Gait Games

**Honoring 20 Years of Persona 3: A Retrospective on a Pivotal Game**

It’s July 13, 2026, and this marks the 20th anniversary of *Persona 3*. Time moves forward, and we are now twenty years past our initial foray into Tartarus during the Dark Hour to confront shadows while the rest of humanity slumbered.

*Persona 3* is recognized as a crucial installment in the enduring *Shin Megami Tensei* series, making a notable impression with its distinct combination of social simulation and dungeon-crawling mechanics. The game introduced players to a roster of characters who would become legendary figures in the franchise, highlighting the series’ signature of character-focused storytelling.

One of the game’s standout features is its profound character development. With the launch of *Persona 3 Reload*, a contemporary reinterpretation of the original, players were introduced to new side narratives that further develop the characters, presenting them in refreshing ways and adding emotional complexity. The chance to revisit these characters and observe their evolution only emphasizes why they are considered some of the finest in the franchise’s legacy.

At the core of *Persona 3* is the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (SEES), a group of high school students united in the fight against shadows. Each member contributes distinct abilities and backgrounds that resonate with players, weaving a rich fabric of interpersonal connections and dynamics. As we look back over two decades since its debut, it’s the perfect time to honor and rank these cherished characters, reminiscent of the nostalgic era of MySpace’s Top 8.

1. **Makoto Yuki** – The quiet protagonist who bears the weight of his friends’ struggles, Makoto epitomizes resilience and leadership, making impactful decisions that influence his surroundings.

2. **Yukari Takeba** – With a mix of strength and vulnerability, Yukari’s personal journey encompasses loss and growth, giving players a relatable narrative as she navigates her history and connections.

3. **Junpei Iori** – The source of comic relief and enthusiastic member of SEES, Junpei’s story illustrates the challenges of belonging and the value of friendship, securing a unique spot in fans’ hearts.

4. **Mitsuru Kirijo** – The smart and resolute leader, Mitsuru embodies the themes of duty and sacrifice prevalent in *Persona 3*, highlighting the difficulties of leadership and personal sacrifice.

5. **Akihiko Sanada** – The reserved fighter with a sorrowful past, Akihiko’s commitment to safeguarding his friends and his journey through grief resonate powerfully with players.

6. **Aigis** – As a robot exploring her own humanity, Aigis’ narrative is about self-exploration and the quest for identity, adding an interesting angle to the group’s dynamics.

7. **Fuuka Yamagishi** – With her timid nature and evolution into a vital SEES member, Fuuka illustrates the strength of friendship and trust, demonstrating how support can nurture personal bravery.

8. **Ken Amada** – The youngest SEES member, Ken’s tragic history and development underline themes of loss and redemption, reinforcing the game’s investigation into the darker facets of human life.

The commemoration of *Persona 3*’s 20th anniversary invites both longtime fans and newcomers to plunge back into the depths of Tartarus. With its gripping storyline, unforgettable characters, and the emotional weight of its themes, *Persona 3* continues to resonate in the gaming realm, solidifying its legacy as one of the most beloved entries in the series. As we contemplate its journey and the influence it has exerted on the gaming landscape, it is evident that *Persona 3* has earned a cherished place in the hearts of fans for years to come.

The IWGB union have held a protest with former Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) staff outside of the MindsEye studio’s offices. The union accused the company of hosting an expenses-paid fan playtest event following layoffs, with IWGB chair Spring McParlin-Jones dubbing it “a kick in the teeth for the fired workers who are seeing fans brought in to do jobs that would otherwise have been theirs”.

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**The Disheartening Debut of Disney’s Live-Action *Moana***

Disney’s newest live-action project, *Moana*, has ended up being a considerable letdown at the box office. Premiering over the weekend, the film only managed to gross $43 million domestically and $52 million globally, representing a disappointing launch for a movie associated with a cherished animated classic from 2016. This lackluster performance led trade publications to employ inventive nautical-themed language to describe its failure, with phrases like “floundered,” “ran aground,” and “sank” circulating.

Initially, Disney had expected the remake to earn roughly $60 million during its opening weekend, a figure that had already been adjusted down from an original estimate of $75 million. The outcome is troubling, particularly when one considers that the film’s opening weekend revenues are barely above the $42.2 million earned by the widely criticized *Snow White* remake from last year.

The latest version of *Moana* stars Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia, yet it has found itself in tough competition, especially from Disney’s own *Toy Story 5*, which brought in a remarkable $45 million during the same period. Many families chose to view the established franchise over a remake of a film that continues to be favored in many households.

Economic assessments indicate that *Moana* could result in losses for Disney between $100 and $125 million, particularly with a production and marketing budget reported to be close to $395 million. The film’s future profitability now depends on its potential to achieve a global total of $250 million, a goal that appears daunting given its current pace.

Several elements have contributed to this lack of success. Primarily, *Moana* may have arrived on the big screen too soon after last year’s hit *Moana 2*, a timing that may not have permitted sufficient buildup of excitement for a live-action adaptation. Additionally, the simultaneous release of formidable competitors like *Toy Story 5* has made it challenging for *Moana* to draw an audience willing to pay premium ticket prices.

In hindsight, the choice to launch *Moana* alongside other well-established franchises, particularly when numerous critics pointed out its unnecessity, has been scrutinized by industry experts. Disney currently has no new live-action projects planned for 2027, leaving fans to wait for the live-action sequel of *Lilo and Stitch*, scheduled for 2028. As *Moana* battles to stay afloat, Disney confronts significant challenges ahead regarding its live-action adaptations.

YEOWCH!! SOMEFIN BIT ME

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LESBIANS

BAGPIPES

STREAMING

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**Octopath Traveler 1 and 2 Unveiled for Nintendo Switch 2: A Letdown for Current Owners**

Today, Square Enix stirred the gaming world with the reveal of enhanced versions of *Octopath Traveler* and *Octopath Traveler II* for the Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for release on October 1. While numerous RPG fans are thrilled about the HD-2D graphics and enhanced performance, a sense of disappointment is brewing among existing owners of the original games.

Both *Octopath Traveler* and its sequel are renowned for their vivid visuals and intricate, captivating gameplay. The anticipated visual upgrades for the Switch 2 editions promise to enhance the experience even more. However, the financial strategy adopted by Square Enix has left many puzzled. The company has announced there will be no upgrade option for current players on Switch 1, compelling them to purchase the new versions at full price.

This was disclosed in the fine print at the conclusion of the promotional trailer, stating, “There are no plans to sell an upgrade pack to upgrade the Nintendo Switch version to the Nintendo Switch 2 version.” For players who have already spent $60 on the original games, the idea of paying another $60 for a graphical enhancement, devoid of any additional content, feels unfair. The frustration is evident among fans who believe a more reasonable upgrade cost of $10 could have accommodated both sides.

Additionally, save data incompatibility compounds the annoyance. Players opting to invest in the upgraded versions will have to start their journey from scratch, erasing their previous accomplishments and progress. This lack of continuity begs the question: What motivation do loyal players have to invest in the upgrade at all?

Square Enix’s erratic upgrade policy further complicates the situation. While some titles, like *Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade*, are exclusive to the new console without a previous version available, others, such as the *Dragon Quest* remakes and *Final Fantasy Tactics*, provide free upgrade options from Switch 1 to Switch 2. This inconsistency leaves fans bewildered, questioning the reasoning behind these choices.

For those who have yet to experience the charm of *Octopath Traveler*, the upcoming Switch 2 editions offer a fantastic chance. They will be accessible as both physical and digital copies, either separately or bundled. However, potential buyers must be cautious in selecting the appropriate version to avoid disappointment, as there are no upgrade choices available.

In summary, while the announcements may be exciting for newcomers, current fans of *Octopath Traveler* and *Octopath Traveler II* are left feeling disregarded by Square Enix. With a significant discount presently offered on the original Switch versions, potential buyers might choose to conserve their funds rather than invest in upgrades that lack the incentives typically associated with modern enhancements.

One advantage and one disadvantage.

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Good news! Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls‘ Steam backend no longer lists it as not being available for purchase in 132 countries. It’s now only listed it as not being available for purchase in 117 countries. That’s 15 whole countries removed from the list of excluded nations, which looks like it could be linked in some way to the need to have PSN account to access certain bits of the game.

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### Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding: A Cultural Phenomenon

The nuptials of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have enchanted both fans and the media, igniting a surge of interest that goes beyond typical celebrity gossip. Despite being cloaked in secrecy due to rigorous non-disclosure agreements and covered windows, the influence of the event resonated far outside the actual location. Enthusiastic fans congregated outside Madison Square Garden, eager for any sight of the couple or their guests, crafting a surreal vibe akin to modern-day celebrity adoration.

The wedding’s stature was boosted not only by the star appeal of Swift and Kelce but also by the inventive ways fans showcased their enthusiasm. A remarkable show of devotion occurred through substantial street blockages surrounding the venue, with dedicated fans cheering as billboards declared “JUST&T MARRIED.” This public show of affection veers toward the surreal, highlighting the complex dynamics between celebrities and their fans in current society.

Adding a unique element to the event, artist Justin Gignac tapped into the buzz surrounding the wedding by launching a product named the “NYC Pocket Garbage: Not Invited Edition.” This collection, sold for $25 and rapidly selling out, features an assortment of debris collected near the wedding venue—such as cigarette butts, straws, and even an ovulation test kit. While these items may not be directly associated with the wedding, they represent the fervor and disorder enveloping the occasion, providing fans with a physical link to a moment they were not part of.

As Gignac puts it, the Pocket Garbage captures debris “gathered from the fringes of a love story.” The idea acts not just as an artistic observation on waste and consumption but also mirrors the lengths to which fans are prepared to go to obtain a fragment of their idols’ lives. This endeavor, while creative, prompts discussions about the commercialization of personal experiences and the extent of fandom.

Nonetheless, responses to this acquisition of wedding trash have varied. For some, the notion of buying “marquee trash” can elicit unease, especially with videos surfacing of fans scavenging the remains from the wedding. Reports indicated that the catering team brought out food for the fans, shedding light on the deep-seated parasocial connections that arise in contemporary pop culture.

This situation illustrates a rising trend in celebrity culture, where fans journey great distances and face discomfort simply to be in proximity to stars like Swift, who has historically entwined her personal narrative with her music. The maturation of stan culture has blurred the boundaries between admiration and obsession, with many feeling a profound link to celebrities, prompting them to engage in sometimes extreme expressions of fandom.

In summary, the marriage of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce transcends a mere private event; it has emerged as a cultural landmark within the spheres of celebrity, fan interaction, and the commercialization of personal milestones. As fans continue to navigate their connections with celebrities, phenomena like the Pocket Garbage collection remind us of the lengths to which that connection can extend, provoking both intrigue and unease in equal parts.

A Shiny Bluebird into a Shiny Volcrest.

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