Gait Games

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.

Well, I say behind-closed-doors. It turns out that if I wanted to watch a prerecorded saunter through a chunk of The Witcher III: Wild Hunt‘s Songs of the Past expansion, I could have just tuned into the Gamescom livestream, rather than travelling to Germany before parking myself in an almost pitch-black miniature theatre for 45 minutes. Now my by-touch handwritten notes are completely illegible, and I don’t even get to feel smug about attending a super secret preview.

Still, the preview – which like Songs of the Past itself, was a joint operation between CD Projekt Red and co-devs Fool’s Theory – didn’t show off the expansion alone. It also focused repeatedly on the combat, movement, UI and role-playing reworks being introduced in the base game’s Remastered upgrade, which is coming months ahead of Songs of the Past on September 29th. And, usual hands-off disclaimers applying, looks like it could be the more appealing package for lapsed Witchers – especially as it’s free to owners of the original.

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## The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy – An Exceptional Fusion of Visual Novel and Strategy RPG

### Overview
**The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy** has garnered praise for its compelling storyline and inventive gameplay elements. Merging features of classic visual novels with strategic role-playing game (SRPG) dynamics, it challenges players’ assumptions, particularly around character sacrifices and the ramifications of gameplay. Players step into the shoes of adolescents protecting their academy against formidable adversaries, highlighting themes of selflessness and ethical choices.

### Innovative Mechanics Centered on Sacrifice
Director Akihiro Togawa shared perspectives on the development philosophy behind *The Hundred Line*. Unlike typical SRPGs, which prioritize character survival, this title actively prompts players to strategically sacrifice their characters. The concept of sacrifice is fundamental to the game’s essence, showcasing the high stakes in the students’ battle for continued existence. The game implements mechanics that permit characters to return to battle after being defeated, reinterpreting death as a tactical asset. Characters are “revived” in between combat waves, offering players the choice to treat them as expendable resources in the broader mission of safeguarding their academy.

### Characters and Dilemmas
The narrative delves into profound themes like despair, warfare, and the struggle for survival. The incorporation of the Japanese term “死守” (shishu), meaning “to protect with one’s life,” highlights the seriousness of the characters’ quests. Instead of truly concluding a character’s journey, death in the game acts as a tool to underscore the unyielding nature of their obligations. As players partake in battles, they may discover that allowing a character to fall can yield advantages, reflecting the overarching theme of tragedy contrasted with strategy.

### A Distinct Divergence from Conventional Gameplay
The gameplay framework distinguishes *The Hundred Line* from standard SRPGs like *Fire Emblem*, where permadeath intensifies the stakes surrounding character losses. Conversely, this game encourages players to accept expendability, transforming sacrifices into strategic benefits. The Last Resort move, allowing characters to give themselves up for substantial power enhancements, subverts traditional gameplay by rewarding player actions typically perceived as failures in other games.

### Player Engagement and Narrative Coherence
Togawa noted that during beta testing, many players initially hesitated to sacrifice characters but eventually adopted the strategy upon recognizing its advantages. The design team opted not to incorporate a karma system that would modify the storyline based on character deaths, keeping the emphasis on player decisions rather than skill-based impacts. This was a deliberate approach to maintain the integrity of the game’s branching storytelling, fostering a richer and choice-oriented gameplay experience.

### Conclusion
*The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy* is now accessible on PC and Switch, catering to fans of intricate narratives and dynamic gameplay features. Its distinctive handling of character sacrifices and consequences distinguishes it in a saturated gaming environment, making it essential for those who appreciate innovative storytelling in interactive media.

With upcoming releases from Too Kyo Games, including *Danganronpa 2×2*, the studio continues to challenge creative limits, promising fresh narratives that engage audiences.

It is unfortunately that time of day again (because this truly does seem to be a daily occurrence at this point). Back in June, things weren’t looking so hot for Life is Strange studio Don’t Nod, as it appeared that they’d be out of cash come this November. Now, it looks like the studio is preparing for layoffs.

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**The Soon-to-be-Released Live-Action Street Fighter Film: What to Anticipate**

The forthcoming live-action *Street Fighter* film is stirring significant interest, eliciting a range of responses from confusion to enthusiasm among aficionados and reviewers. As trailers have surfaced, they highlight a blend of character designs that some critique as “hideously foolish,” while others celebrate a “charmingly foolish” visual style. This blend of responses indicates that the movie might attain a cult classic status, capturing the spirit of being “so bad it’s enjoyable.”

The newest trailer leans heavily into the film’s campy essence, showcasing a variety of characters in their signature outfits. While legendary fighters like Blanka and Guile have garnered mixed reactions regarding their looks, the film embraces bold creative choices that could resonate with audiences yearning for nostalgia and entertainment.

**Synopsis**

As shown in earlier trailers, the narrative focuses on the famed rivals Ryu and Ken, whose bond is tested, alongside Chun-Li, who is portrayed as essential in reuniting them. Their rivalry is also subjected to jealousy, ultimately culminating in a reunion at a crucial tournament. This encounter promises to generate tension and opportunities for character development as they meet various cherished *Street Fighter* characters such as Dhalsim, Balrog, E. Honda, Guile, Cammy, and Zangief.

The film’s primary conflict seems to arise from M. Bison’s malevolent schemes, which will probably compel the ensemble cast to come together against his wicked plans. While the amount of screen time for each character is still uncertain, the emphasis on Ryu and Ken provides a unifying narrative thread.

**Predictions for Box Office Results**

*Street Fighter* is poised to premiere in theaters on October 16, facing competition from other significant releases, including a *Resident Evil* film debuting on September 18. Capcom’s strategic timing for releases may produce differing box office outcomes, contingent on audience reactions and the prevailing environment within the horror and action film sectors.

As excitement mounts, fans are left pondering whether this new adaptation will respect the heritage of the *Street Fighter* franchise or forge its unique journey within the film universe. Regardless, the impending film seems set to offer a blend of action, humor, and nostalgia that could enthrall both veteran fans and fresh viewers alike.

Under Microsoft’s ownership, it was probably a safe bet that Double Fine would never get to make a Brutal Legend 2, even in this IP-obsessed world we find ourselves in. However! Microsoft don’t own Double Fine anymore, and so the once again indie developer can more or less do what they want. Which they’re already doing, in fact, as they’re currently hosting a game jam Kickstarter that includes a stretch goal that’ll see them making Brutal Legend 2. If you give them $100 million.

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GAMESCOM 2027?! HERE I COME…!

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