Gait Games

Nightsoil is a sombre little top-down narrative adventure about a gong farmer – that is, a collector of human waste – in 1854 London, at the height of the cholera epidemic. Gong farmers were, I understand, required to work after sunset, to avoid causing revulsion among the decent folk. In this case, you’re a gong farmer at the end his tenure, working his final shift alongside his trusty carthorse Ol’ Boy, while reminiscing about his bygone youth and the happier days that might have been.

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On Friday, the United States Supreme Court ruled against most of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, especially those implemented under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which the court found unconstitutional. These tariffs, enacted in 2025, not only represented a contentious legal strategy but also had considerable economic repercussions, such as delays in video game console pre-orders and higher prices for gaming hardware.

In a 6-3 split decision, the Supreme Court concluded that President Trump’s utilization of the IEEPA to enforce tariffs lacked congressional authorization, as indicated by Chief Justice John Roberts in the majority opinion. He contended that the wording of the IEEPA does not grant the president the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs. This ruling marks a significant disadvantage for Trump, underscoring the boundaries of presidential powers related to trade and tariffs.

The tariffs impacted a range of consumer products, especially electronics, leading to significant effects on the gaming sector. For example, the eagerly awaited release of Nintendo’s Switch 2 experienced delays owing to the ambiguity surrounding these tariffs. Nintendo revealed that pre-orders originally set for April 9, 2025, would be postponed to evaluate the potential influence of tariffs on the market. Thankfully, the project’s launch date remains the same for the time being.

Furthermore, the enforcement of these tariffs resulted in price hikes not only for new gaming consoles but also for accessories. Companies like Sony and Microsoft modified their prices, in line with Nintendo’s reaction to rising costs triggered by tariffs on components sourced from countries such as China and Canada. In August, Nintendo quietly increased the prices of various Switch accessories and previous console models, mirroring the broader trend of rising hardware prices related to trade policies.

Despite the recent ruling from the Supreme Court, it remains uncertain if this will result in lower gaming hardware prices. President Trump has various legal options he could pursue to try to restore these tariffs. Even if he encounters obstacles in this regard, wider economic pressures, such as a persistent memory shortage driven by growing demands from AI sectors, are likely to keep pushing gaming prices higher.

In summary, while the Supreme Court’s ruling signifies a notable legal triumph against Trump’s tariffs, the effects for the gaming industry and consumers are still in a state of flux. The possibility of reinstating tariffs through different legal pathways remains, and prevailing economic conditions may continue to contribute to rising prices in the gaming marketplace.

Horror meets comedy.

The post The Demo For New Horror-Comedy, Inky Blinky Bob, Is Now Available on Steam! appeared first on Gamezebo.

The thing you need to understand about Fogpiercer is that this deckbuilding roguelike, in which you control a train battling Mad Max-style road bandits, knows the secret joy of artillery. It is one of the few games that recognises that while it’s satisfying to hit an enemy with a shell from a howitzer, it’s even more satisfying to target the space next to them and use the force of the blast to give them a sideways shove into a wall.

It’s a mechanic that puts Fogpiercer into the same fine company as Into The Breach.

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### The Excitement for a New Nier Title: Optimism for Enthusiasts

Almost ten years have passed since *Nier: Automata* launched on the PlayStation 4, enchanting players beyond the usual followers of director Yoko Taro’s distinct narrative approach. Even with the extended break without a new installment, the passionate fan community holds onto hope, particularly after recent updates from Square Enix.

#### A New Chapter for Nier

The fervor surrounding the *Nier* series was rekindled during a recent anniversary livestream, where a trailer ended with the mysterious statement, “*Nier: Automata to be continued.*” This announcement has ignited speculation among fans, many of whom are looking forward to a sequel, tentatively named *Nier: Automata 2*, or a fresh RPG exploration within the *Nier* realm, shaped by Taro’s ingenuity.

*Nier: Automata* takes place in a bleak future where androids, mainly 2B, wage an unyielding war against extraterrestrial machines. With gameplay elements polished by PlatinumGames and Taro’s intricately crafted narratives, players are required to navigate the story multiple times to uncover profound meanings and hidden truths.

At its release, the game exceeded the benchmarks set by its predecessor, the cult favorite *Nier* (2010). Originally a PS4 exclusive, *Nier: Automata* emerged as a remarkable triumph in Square Enix’s catalog, with recent statistics reflecting over 10 million units sold. In light of this achievement, fans are left wondering why a sequel has not yet come to be.

#### A Tradition of Guest Roles

Since the debut of *Nier: Automata*, 2B has appeared as a guest character in various video games and has been featured in *Nier Reincarnation*, a mobile offshoot launched in 2021. However, the eagerness persists for a significant console sequel. If Square Enix’s recent hint leads toward another mobile project, comic book adaptation, or a different endeavor, it may not be well-received by the committed fanbase.

### Yoko Taro’s Path

Despite the recognition and enthusiasm surrounding his works, Taro has openly shared the difficulties he encounters in starting new ventures. In a 2025 interview, he disclosed, “I frequently hear things like ‘Why aren’t you developing a new sequel to *Nier*?’ … but that’s because a number of projects I was part of got halted partway through development.” This openness highlights the obstacles he faces in realizing his creative visions.

In his comments, Taro noted, “I’ve actually been working on some projects; it’s just that they never got the chance to be released,” suggesting that fan worries about his lack of activity could be unfounded. Taro has consistently kept a low public profile, often wearing a mask of one of *Nier’s* figures during public appearances, enhancing his mysterious image.

### The Prospects for Nier

While fans long for news regarding a new *Nier: Automata* entry, Taro’s lack of definitive clues about its future leaves much to the imagination. The idea that the *Nier* narrative might remain unfinished aligns with the series’ themes of existential inquiry and the certainty of injustice, as Taro himself has articulated in the past.

As the fanbase eagerly anticipates more revelations, the possibilities for new journeys within the *Nier* universe sustain hope. Whether it manifests as a long-awaited sequel or an unexpected new path, the legacy of *Nier: Automata* continues to reverberate, and its future remains a subject of conjecture and thrill in the gaming world.

Valve currently have three Steam Deck models on offer: you’ve got the standard 256GB LCD variant (basically no longer in production), the 512GB Steam Deck OLED, and a beasty 1TB edition of the latter. All of them are lovely handheld PCs, but whether you’ve got one of these or you invested earlier in a smaller model, you might still be itching for a little more capacity to make that 32-hour flight to New Zealand a lot more bearable. At this point you have two options: a microSD card, or for storage with more clout, one of the best Steam Deck SSDs.

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## Pokémon Day Presents Showcase Announcement: What to Anticipate

The Pokémon Company has officially revealed its yearly Pokémon Day Presents showcase, an event that occurs every February 27 to celebrate the anniversary of the franchise. With Pokémon set to observe its 30th anniversary in 2026, this year’s showcase is expected to unveil major updates and future projects.

### When and Where Can I Tune In?

The Pokémon Presents stream is set for Friday, February 27, at 9 a.m. Eastern/6 a.m. Pacific. Enthusiasts can watch the presentation live on the [official Pokémon YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@pokemon) and [Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/pokemon) channels. For those who miss the live stream, a VOD (video on demand) will be available post-show, with Kotaku providing a summary of the key highlights.

### What Do We Know So Far?

At this time, the only confirmed project for the showcase is the ports of *Pokémon FireRed* and *LeafGreen*, which were announced in conjunction with the presentation. The showcase is expected to run for 25 minutes, making it one of the longer Pokémon Day showcases in recent times, as noted in information from the [Japanese Pokémon Twitter account](https://x.com/Pokemon_cojp/status/2024755907343557064).

### What Might We See?

The Pokémon Presents showcases frequently encompass a range of content, covering the expansive universe of the franchise. Anticipate updates on popular mobile games like *Pokémon Masters EX*, *Pokémon Go*, and *Pokémon Sleep*, along with insights into other major aspects of Pokémon, such as the anime and the Trading Card Game. Additionally, *Pokémon Pokopia*, scheduled for release on March 5, is expected to be a prominent feature as its launch date nears.

This year not only signifies a milestone for the franchise but is also likely to highlight upcoming events celebrating its 30th anniversary. The Pokémon Company has shared plans for family-friendly and adult-specific events, termed “Day Out and Night Out,” designed to engage both new and longtime fans. More information about these events may be revealed during the showcase.

Moreover, rumors indicate that fans can anticipate news regarding the upcoming Generation X games, reportedly titled *Pokémon Wind* and *Wave*. With numerous leaks from Game Freak in recent years, these new RPGs are expected to have a significant presence in the showcase. With the anniversary year looming, a new RPG release appears probable.

### Conclusion

As anticipation builds for the forthcoming Pokémon Day Presents showcase, fans are excited to discover what announcements and surprises lie ahead. Regardless of the specific details, Kotaku will cover the stream as the announcements unfold.

Yummy… I think I’ll just take this.

The post Can You Steal Crops in Garden Horizons? appeared first on Gamezebo.

The Stop Killing Games campaign‘s organisers are currently awaiting a chat with European Union politicians about server shutdowns rendering online-only games impossible to play. Said chat’s been set up by a petition which racked up just under 1.3 million verified signatures at its final count, with that being one of the alleys the group have gone down in pursuit of action against publishers being able to abandon games without leaving a way for them to be kept running.

Rather than simply adjusting their ties and googling nice places to visit on a trip to Brussels while they wait for their meeting, the group have announced some more action they’ll be taking to get their message out in the ling term. Two Stop Killing Games non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are going to be set up to cover Europe and the US.

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**Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Arriving on Switch: A Mixed Response from Fans**

The recent revelation that Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, the cherished Game Boy Advance revamps of the original Pokémon titles, are set to debut on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on February 27, 2026, has generated a blend of enthusiasm and dissatisfaction among fans. Predictions surrounding this development were validated by notable Pokémon informant Khu, and the games will be up for download shortly after a special Pokémon Direct planned for the same day.

This announcement aligns with the 30th anniversary festivities of the Pokémon franchise, prompting many to think that more than mere ports of classic games would be unveiled. The Direct is highly awaited as it promises the initial sneak peek of new Generation X Pokémon and the mainline game featuring them.

Nevertheless, the choice to sell these two 22-year-old remakes as independent downloads, rather than incorporating them into the Nintendo Online subscription service, has attracted criticism. Fans anticipated that, due to the significance of the franchise’s milestone anniversary, Nintendo might provide these titles for free or as part of a celebratory package. Instead, each game will be available for $20, a move perceived by some as a cash grab that disregards the nostalgic essence the anniversary should honor.

As a reference point, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen achieved combined sales of 11.82 million copies within their first four years, raking in over $400 million in revenue. Considering this established popularity, numerous fans argue that offering these remakes for free would not only pay homage to the franchise’s heritage but also foster goodwill among the player base ahead of the new game’s release in the winter.

Adding to fan discontent is the fact that the updated ports will not feature enhanced online capabilities, which many were hopeful would elevate the experience further. The sentiment among diverse audiences is a blend of what appears to be both a squandered chance for celebration and an acknowledgment of the financial factors at play in such decisions at Nintendo.

As Pokémon Day draws near, anticipation remains elevated for the prospective content of the Direct, yet a lingering discontent persists regarding the pricing approach for these classic titles. Time will clarify the wider ramifications of this choice, particularly as players gear up to embark on the latest Pokémon journey alongside a nostalgic trek through Kanto with FireRed and LeafGreen.