As of today, you’ll find it a bit nicer to look at your friends in Phasmophobia. That’s thanks to the introduction of the multiplayer horror’s character update, which makes some welcome changes to its character models, alongside a healthy suite of other changes, fixes and tweaks.
Maxis is poised to elevate the experience of engaging with babies, toddlers, and children in *The Sims 4* with a major update planned for May 12. This update will cover more than 150 fixes and new features, with a strong emphasis on enhancing gameplay related to younger Sims.
A standout change is the resolution of the frustrating issue where Sims would repetitively pick up and set down infants. This behavior often hindered gameplay and caused avoidable annoyance. With the upcoming update, Maxis seeks to refine interactions with infants so that Sims can concentrate on their needs without unnecessary actions.
Moreover, Sims will now proactively pick up dirty diapers left on the floor after changing infants. This quality-of-life enhancement is anticipated to diminish clutter and improve the realism of parenting in the game. The timing of various infant interactions has also been modified—feeding and changing will require less time, hunger will diminish at a slower pace, and Tummy Time progression will accelerate. These changes are crucial for pacing, ensuring that infants align better with the gameplay rhythm of *The Sims 4*.
Players will additionally have the ability to disable the autonomous care feature, granting them full control over their Sims’ interactions with babies. This mitigates frustrating AI behaviors where Sims often check on babies that may not need attention, allowing players to guide their Sims more precisely.
In addition to the infant improvements, the update brings a new Base Layer feature, enhancing fashion choices by enabling players to dress Sims in base layers like long-sleeve shirts or tank tops, which can be combined with other outfits. This adds richness to clothing customization. Furthermore, updates to sleeping interactions will enable Sims in relationships to share a bed more smoothly, eliminating prior conflicts where Sims would leave the bed unnecessarily. A fix is also included for a quirk where jealous Sims would feel envious of their partners interacting with their own children.
These enhancements may appear minor individually, but together they signify substantial progress in the gameplay experience for babies and children in *The Sims 4*. The improvements are designed to address long-standing frustrations experienced by players, especially those who enjoy constructing families within the game. With a blend of player feedback and ongoing development, Maxis continues to respond to the community’s needs. For a full list of updates, players can refer to the official *The Sims 4* update release notes, available from May 12.
The Steam Controller is officially out now, having been released unto the world by the enigmatic Valve yesterday for all of us to have a go at purchasing. And have that go many has, as a day on it’s already completely sold out. Not sold out as in “do you still have one in the back,” sold out as in “Valve have released a short statement on just how little (zero) controllers they have.”
### Accessibility Features in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
Ubisoft plans to improve the gaming experience for a broader audience with the upcoming launch of **Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced**, set for release on July 9. The game will bring a comprehensive suite of accessibility features tailored to meet diverse player needs, representing a notable advancement from the original *Black Flag*.
#### Key Accessibility Features
1. **Visual Enhancements**
– **Colorblind Options**: Users can select from color presets that impact both the user interface (UI) and in-game visuals, including special attacks and Eagle Vision indicators.
– **Screen Narration**: An audio description feature will vocalize on-screen text, aiding players in grasping essential information displayed in menus and the game world.
– **HUD and VFX Customization**: The menu now permits personalized adjustments to HUD elements and gameplay visuals, including docking highlights and attack indicators.
– **Camera Control Options**: Users can adjust motion blur, screen shake, and camera effects to improve visibility and reduce motion sickness. A customizable camera dot will be provided for stabilizing visual focus.
2. **Audio Improvements**
– **Subtitles**: The subtitle system has received upgrades with additional colors and sizes, featuring a new “Largest” setting at 46px for various visual requirements.
– **Gameplay Captions**: Brief captions will convey events that may not be obvious visually, increasing comprehension of active gameplay.
– **Audio Cues**: New sound indicators specific to naval gameplay have been incorporated, enhancing navigation through auditory feedback.
3. **Navigation and Guidance**
– **First-Time User Experience (FTUE)**: A guided flow will direct new players through essential options at the beginning of the game.
– **Tutorials Accessible Anytime**: A dedicated Codex section will store tutorials that players can access whenever they need, simplifying relearning controls after breaks.
– **Accessibility Presets**: A new menu specifically for accessibility settings enables players to toggle or personalize crucial features to meet their needs.
4. **Control Customization**
– **Advanced Control Remapping**: The remapping system now provides extensive customization, allowing changes based on varying gameplay contexts.
– **Hold/Toggle Modes**: Users can select their preferred method for executing gameplay actions, with options suitable for both casual and competitive play.
– **Inversion Options**: The game now offers extensive inversion choices for X and Y axes, in addition to stick controls, accommodating diverse player preferences.
5. **Gameplay Options**
– **Multiple Difficulty Settings**: Specific difficulty levels can be fine-tuned for aspects such as naval combat, ground missions, and stealth gameplay.
– **Quick Time Event Skipping**: Users can bypass certain QTEs, including shark attacks, improving the flow of play for those who find timing challenging.
– **Unlimited Oxygen**: This feature permits players to explore underwater without the stress of managing oxygen levels.
#### Conclusion
The changes being implemented in *Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced* exemplify Ubisoft’s dedication to inclusivity in gaming. The new accessibility features not only respond to feedback from advocates but also offer valuable tools that enhance the experience for all players. As studios increasingly focus on accessibility, it creates a more inclusive gaming environment, enabling everyone to enjoy their beloved titles.
At this point in time, even if Tango Gameworks were ultimately saved, there’s no telling when we might get a new Hi-Fi Rush game. I’d like it to be soon! That thing is the definition of a perfect 7/10 (I will not be reading any commentary on this oxymoronic statement). Alas, I shall have to continue waiting, but there seems to be a solid entry in the action rhythm genre out today in early access in the form of Dead as Disco.
**Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight – A Fresh Chapter in Open-World Gaming**
The buzz surrounding the forthcoming release from Warner Bros and TT Games, *Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight*, is electric as players eagerly await its debut on consoles and PC on May 22. This newest installment in the *Lego* series is set to provide a broad open-world adventure that echoes the cherished *Arkham* titles, merging iconic scenes and characters from the Batman realm into a seamless and captivating storyline.
### A Captivating Launch Trailer
A freshly unveiled launch trailer, accompanied by the timeless tune “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal, has sparked renewed excitement for the game. This clever marketing approach, showcasing the game through a lens of nostalgia, appeals to both newcomers and veteran fans alike. The synergy of the well-known song and visual narrative has crafted one of the year’s most engaging trailers, establishing a lofty standard for the game’s showcase.
### A Distinctive Narrative Fusion
*Legacy of the Dark Knight* seeks not only to honor the Batman legacy but also to develop an original storyline that draws from more than 80 years of Batman history. The game is expected to feature an array of references, character outfits, and legendary vehicles spanning various representations of the Dark Knight, from comics to movies and games.
Highlights include aspects from *Arkham City*, classic comic nods, and even light-hearted references—such as mentions of Jim Carrey’s tales related to his collaboration with Tommy Lee Jones on the *Batman Forever* set. These layers of intertextuality and levity appeal to both young players and adult enthusiasts who value the intricate connections and cultural allusions embedded within the gameplay.
### Release Details
Set to launch on May 22, *Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight* will be accessible on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with a version for the upcoming Switch 2 also in the works, though without a confirmed release date. This title is poised to draw a wide range of audiences, from youths to nostalgia-seeking adults, positioning it as one of the most highly awaited releases in the present gaming scene.
In conclusion, the fusion of entertaining gameplay, a nostalgic score, and multifaceted references positions *Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight* as a remarkable title that is likely to engage both enthusiasts and newcomers alike when it debuts this May.
Horizon Hunters Gathering continues to be a game with a name that has quite odd mouthfeel (I want to say it like Horizon Hunters: Gathering when it should be like Horizon: Hunters Gathering (Guerilla Games this is my request to start using colons in the Horizon series, please and thank you)). It also continues to be a game that isn’t out yet, but you will have another opportunity to try it out later this month.
**Title: The Dispute Concerning Slay the Spire 2 and Anita Sarkeesian’s Role**
*Introduction*
For the third month in a row, Slay the Spire 2 has faced considerable criticism through review-bombing on Steam. This situation has ignited conversations about the convergence of gaming culture, social concerns, and the influence of individual figures in the sector. The most recent wave of unfavorable reviews, totaling more than 2,500, stems from a backlash against Anita Sarkeesian’s acknowledgment as a “Consultant” for the game.
*Background on Anita Sarkeesian*
Anita Sarkeesian is a media analyst and the creator of Feminist Frequency, an organization focused on examining and critiquing the representation of women in media, especially within video games. In 2012, she initiated a Kickstarter project that successfully garnered about $160,000 for her video series, Tropes vs. Women in Video Games, which premiered in 2014. The series showcased feminist critiques of gaming and aimed to highlight issues frequently overlooked in a largely male-dominated industry. Sarkeesian’s endeavors have prompted widespread discourse and, unfortunately, significant backlash, contributing to the emergence of the Gamergate controversy.
*Recent Events and Review-Bombing*
The current influx of review-bombing began when Sarkeesian’s name was mentioned again in conversations within gaming circles, particularly after the disclosure of her consulting role in Slay the Spire 2. The backlash initiated around May 5, when her name became visible in the credits, resulting in a swift drop in the game’s Steam rating, which sank to 61% positive. In contrast to past review-bombing incidents that were primarily associated with regions in China, this backlash is strikingly global, with grievances mainly articulated in English.
Curiously, many of the recent negative reviews seem to originate from players who purchased the game solely to submit adverse feedback, only to seek refunds shortly afterward. This raises concerns about their genuine engagement with the game and the reasons behind their focus on Sarkeesian’s role.
*Unpacking the Impact of Sarkeesian’s Consultation*
Critics have questioned whether Sarkeesian’s consulting had any discernible impact on the game’s design or content. However, no substantial evidence has been provided by these critics to support claims of how her input might have influenced gameplay or themes in Slay the Spire 2. Simultaneously, the identities and contributions of other consultants, like David Von Derau and Tony Moore, have not faced comparable examination, indicating a potential gender bias in the reactions from certain segments of the gaming community.
*Conclusion*
The persistent review-bombing of Slay the Spire 2 reflects deeper challenges within the gaming community and culture as a whole. The backlash against Anita Sarkeesian, rooted in both personal grievances and broader societal discussions about gender portrayal, highlights the difficulties that advocates for change encounter in a space often resistant to critique. This event serves as a reminder of how individual contributions can spark larger cultural conflicts and the necessity for a more thoughtful dialogue regarding inclusivity in gaming.
Update: Responding to RPS’ request for comment to the IWGB union on the layoff report, IWGB member and ex-Build A Rocket Boy employee Kirby Lipardo provided the following statement:
“Rumours, chaos and job losses might be synonymous with Build A Rocket Boy, but we have no reason to believe fresh redundancies are taking place at the company. Through our strong network of BARB employees, both past and present, we understand this departure of staff to be the continuation of the cuts announced in March. Many, like myself, were locked out of their work accounts on the day they were laid off. However, several of my colleagues remained working there for a period of time, which we believe is now coming to a close.
**Artist Takaya Imamura Shares Thoughts on Fox McCloud’s Updated Look in Star Fox 64 Remake**
Takaya Imamura, the acclaimed artist responsible for Fox McCloud’s design, has articulated his views on the character’s recent appearance in the remake of *Star Fox 64* for the Switch 2. With more than 30 years at Nintendo, Imamura played a crucial role in bringing the original *Star Fox* game to life, which launched on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1993.
In a recent update on X, Imamura conveyed his astonishment at the revived enthusiasm for *Star Fox*. “I wake up in the morning. A flood of messages has arrived. Oh! Star Fox is really coming back… I have to share this… wait, this isn’t just a dream, is it?” This enthusiasm highlights the importance of the franchise, which has built a loyal fanbase over the years.
Imamura has a deep connection with the characters, having crafted Fox McCloud’s design inspired by Shigeru Miyamoto, the game’s producer. He elaborated on how Miyamoto’s persona shaped Fox: “Fox is derived from Miyamoto-san, and the rabbit, Peppy, is modeled after the game’s director [Katsuya] Eguchi-san,” he revealed in an interview with *Edge* magazine. This creative journey involved careful reflections on the traits of the team members, leading to unique personalities for each character, including Falco and Slippy, which took cues from other colleagues.
The updated designs for *Star Fox 64* have generated debate among fans, especially regarding a more realistic depiction of the characters. Many have observed that Fox McCloud seems to have lost the charm fans adored in previous iterations, labeling him as “aura-less.” Imamura remarked on the shift from his original creations, stating, “I suppose this is how it ends up when I’m not overseeing it… or something along those lines.” Despite the mixed feelings regarding the redesign, he acknowledged the underlying concept as solid, confessing a fondness for the more animated film version while still appreciating the value in the new interpretation: “I thought this one was appealing in its own manner, with a distinct direction!”
While Imamura’s perspectives reveal a certain respect for the new design, the wider fan community has shared a spectrum of responses, with many questioning the artistic choices made in the remaster. As *Star Fox* remains an important title in the gaming world, the conversations surrounding its characters’ visuals emphasize the ongoing development of video game artistry and character portrayal.