Gait Games

If improving your fitness is on your list of New Year’s resolutions for 2026, investing in a smartwatch could be a smart move. The finest choices available present a great blend of health, fitness, and connectivity features, along with impressive battery life. Garmin offers some of our preferred tough, outdoor-capable models on the market, and now is an ideal moment to make a purchase.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is currently available at a reduced price of $200 on Amazon, down from its usual cost of approximately $250. This 20% discount is applicable to both the black and white versions, and both Prime and non-Prime members can benefit from free shipping. With such significant deals, it’s prudent to finalize your order swiftly as they may not be available for long.

### Monitor Workouts and Your Well-Being

The Garmin Forerunner 165 boasts a lightweight design and an AMOLED touchscreen display, enhanced by traditional button controls. The brightness of the screen guarantees clear readability of your statistics in a variety of lighting environments.

As a training-focused GPS watch, it features the built-in Garmin Coach, which offers multiple training plans tailored to assist you in reaching your fitness objectives. The device is equipped with over 25 integrated sports applications for a wide array of activities, such as swimming, cardio, cycling, and strength training. Runners will especially find value in comprehensive metrics concerning cadence, stride strength, ground contact time, and more, aiding in focused enhancements. The training effect functionality showcases real-time insights on how your workouts impact your health, while adaptive daily workout recommendations consider your performance and recovery.

In terms of health monitoring, the watch keeps track of heart rate and sleep, offering a sleep score that indicates your sleep phases and providing tailored advice for improved rest. The body battery energy monitoring feature assists you in identifying ideal moments for both activity and downtime.

Safety features include automatic notifications sent to emergency contacts along with location information in case of an incident. If necessary, you can also manually send an alert. The watch supports contactless payments, enabling you to make minor transactions without reaching for your wallet. Additionally, when paired with your smartphone, you can view emails, texts, and notifications straight from your wrist.

Battery longevity is another significant benefit, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode. By effectively managing both modes, you can effortlessly prolong usage beyond a week.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is especially attractive at the current $50 discount, representing the lowest price seen in quite a while. If you’ve been looking for the perfect chance to invest in a dependable smartwatch, now is the perfect time to make your purchase before the deal ends or stock diminishes.

Right, so. There’s Oblivion Remastered, the official Oblivion remaster which released earlier this year. There’s Skyblivion, the fan-made Oblivion remake mod which still currently looks due out relatively soonish, despite its release window having been a source of drama a few months ago. There’s also Beyond Skyrim: Cyrodiil, another massive Skyrim modding project, but this time seeking to re-create the province in which Oblivion’s set as it might be at the time The Elder Scrolls five takes place. Simple. The last one of those has just released a fresh teaser.

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With Black Friday and Cyber Monday now behind us, you might assume that the chance to save has concluded. You would be mistaken. Many brands are extending their discounts a bit longer beyond the major sales events of the year. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is currently offered at a significantly reduced price of $150. Typically, the Samsung tablet retails for $220, meaning this 32% discount translates to a savings of $70. Acquire it for as low as $150 for a limited duration.

The Galaxy Tab A9+ features a design that is both sleek and lightweight, making it ideal for use while on the move. It’s sturdy enough to endure daily wear and tear, whether you’re commuting, working at a café, or simply transitioning between rooms at home.

### Outstanding Display and Audio Quality

For less than $150, you receive an 11″ touchscreen with an LCD display featuring a 1200p resolution and a 90 Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re watching videos or browsing online, the visuals are clear and fluid. The tablet’s built-in speakers produce crisp, rich audio, complemented by Dolby Atmos technology to offer you “cinema-like sound that your ears will appreciate.” While it might be an exaggeration to equate tablet audio with an actual cinema experience, it certainly delivers superior sound quality compared to many tablets in its range.

### Storage Choices and Multitasking Features

In terms of storage, the Galaxy Tab A9+ presents two options: 64 GB in the economy model and 128 GB in the premium variant. This provides ample space for applications, photos, and videos. However, considering the popularity of streaming services, you may find yourself relying more on streaming content than downloading media. In such cases, the 64 GB version should be adequate.

Running on Android OS, the tablet facilitates multitasking and app switching with ease. You can display multiple apps side by side—ideal for managing various tabs in your browser or keeping an eye on your email while working.

File transfers are also straightforward thanks to Samsung’s Quick Share functionality. It enables you to easily send files to another device, whether it’s Android or iOS. Moving photos, documents, or videos between your devices is fast and convenient.

### Ideal for Families

One feature that parents will value is the Samsung Kids app. If you’re not prepared to purchase a dedicated tablet for your child, the Galaxy Tab A9+ provides a safe, enjoyable, and educational platform for younger users. With its engaging interface and age-appropriate content, it’s an excellent way to keep kids entertained while ensuring they engage with technology safely.

If you’re in the market for a bargain, now is the moment to seize the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. The 64 GB version is available for just $150 following the 32% discount. Don’t let this limited-time deal slip away, available on Amazon during this post-Cyber Monday window.

I’m still a little burned-out on Carrollian adaptations after Nightingale, but I will not let that tarnish my enjoyment of Wonder of Blue, a fey 2D labyrinth roguelite based on fiction’s most famous Alice after Alice Bee (RPS in peace). It features a lovely selection of pixelart colour palettes, and some pleasingly tricksy enemies. You play Liddell – yes, I too had forgotten Alice’s second name isn’t “in Wonderland” – and you are trying to navigate a series of procedurally generated dungeons made up of single-screen rooms. At the end of the journey waits the Red Queen.

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**Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – A Comprehensive Review**

Eighteen years after *Metroid Prime 3* debuted and eight years since its sequel was first announced, Nintendo has introduced *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*, set to release on December 4 for the Switch and Switch 2. As Nintendo’s concluding prominent title of 2025, the excitement surrounding *Prime 4* has been substantial, particularly due to the strong demand from fans over an entire console generation. Nonetheless, early critiques suggest the game falls short of the high standards set by its esteemed predecessors.

Post-launch, reviews began to emerge, yielding a variety of opinions. Numerous critics conceded that while *Metroid Prime 4* is not a poor game, it fails to reach the levels of artistry established by earlier titles in the series. A notable shift in gameplay features a talkative companion, diverging from the typically immersive and solitary environments recognized in previous *Prime* installments, raising concerns over player immersion. Fortunately, several reviews indicated that the human characters, albeit somewhat predictable, do not overshadow the narrative as initially dreaded, permitting players to relish the exploration of the environment.

A debated topic among fans is the open-world format of the game, especially the manner in which Samus Aran traverses this realm on a motorcycle. Critics conveyed mixed feelings regarding the necessity of this feature. While some found it enjoyable, others argued that it detracted from the engrossing experience that the *Metroid* franchise is celebrated for.

From a narrative standpoint, *Metroid Prime 4* is portrayed as rich in world development, presenting abundant lore, yet many feel it lacks a cohesive story arc. It seems to serve as a precursor for forthcoming entries rather than a definitive storyline.

Concerns regarding character design indicated that while certain side characters were seen as somewhat shallow, they ultimately fulfilled their roles sufficiently throughout the game. Players appreciated the world-building elements woven into character interactions and the tactical assistance provided by AI companions during gameplay.

Gameplay elements, including Samus’s psychic abilities, were recognized for not significantly modifying the established first-person shooting dynamics, yet they positively influenced the challenge and enjoyment of boss battles and puzzles. The design of various settings maintained an engaging rhythm that encouraged exploration and discovery, successfully integrating the motorcycle aspect within the game’s central areas.

However, critics took issue with the overworld setup, particularly its conceptual execution. Although Sol Valley is the most interconnected environment featured in the *Metroid* series to date, reviewers highlighted the cumbersome nature of moving between locations. This was exacerbated by superfluous loading zones that interrupted the overall flow of the game.

The overall encounter with *Metroid Prime 4* seems to be a mix of various gameplay styles, creating an unsettling blend that leaves some with the impression that the game lacks a distinct identity. While instances of brilliance can be observed, many critics argued they are often eclipsed by clumsy design choices and unnecessary mechanics that detract from the charm of what made the *Metroid* series cherished.

Visually, *Metroid Prime 4* has garnered praise for its graphical quality on the Switch 2, achieving some of the most striking visuals witnessed on the platform. While certain details appeared inconsistent, the environments and Samus’s model received commendations for their design and aesthetic appeal.

In summary, while *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* presents certain excitement and magnificent settings, it also introduces challenges that may hinder its reception among devoted fans. Currently, the game feels like a trial project that, despite its promise, ultimately falls short of reframing the highly esteemed aspects of its predecessors. Subsequent sequels may need to refine these ideas to satisfy fan expectations.

Fortnite’s latest skin-shedding has seen the battle royale take on a more Hollywood-ish guise, with the new Pacific Break map parodying the American west coast. Epic have also taken the chance to add in self-revive items you can use to bring yourself back from the brink and an option which makes building simpler.

Meanwhile, the update’s rollout has seen one of the artists who created some graffiti of Back to the Future protagonist Marty McFly have to produce video evidence that their art wasn’t generated by flinging a prompt at AI amid allegations from fans, which follow Epic CEO Tim Sweeney calling for game storefronts to do away with AI disclosures.

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**Helldivers 2 PC Installation Size Greatly Decreased: An Announcement from Arrowhead Games**

*Helldivers 2*, Sony’s newest online cooperative shooter, has garnered a mixed reception, but a key point of debate was its excessive installation size on PC. Originally taking up a massive 150GB, the PC version was three times the size of its console versions. However, a recent update aims to resolve this concern.

On December 2, Arrowhead Games revealed a significant decrease in the installation size for *Helldivers 2*. The required disk space has dropped from around 154GB to just 23GB, effectively eliminating over 130GB. This cutback was facilitated by support studio Nixxes, which played an essential part in enhancing the game’s file organization.

The rationale behind the initial large installation size was the necessity to cater to different storage types. *Helldivers 2* was intended to be compatible with both solid-state drives (SSDs) and older mechanical hard drives. To guarantee quick loading times, Arrowhead incorporated redundant and duplicate files, which assisted older drives in functioning without lag. This approach harks back to earlier gaming days when numerous titles were launched on optical discs and consoles lacked the speed of contemporary SSDs. In contrast, console versions of *Helldivers 2* were compact since they utilized the effectiveness of SSD technology, eliminating the requirement for such extra data.

The recent update chiefly focuses on erasing these surplus files. Despite the considerable decrease, Arrowhead assures that loading times for users with older hardware will experience only slight delays—an acceptable trade-off for the reduced storage needs. Presently, this update is optional for PC players as Arrowhead examines it for any potential issues. Nevertheless, the studio intends to make this reduction mandatory in the forthcoming year to enhance the game’s accessibility and support.

In summary, these updates underscore Arrowhead Games’ dedication to enhancing player experience and accessibility, especially for PC users who might have been discouraged by the prior installation size. With the revised file structure, *Helldivers 2* aims to be more manageable while still providing an exciting gaming experience.

Since 1873, the team at Rock Paper Shotgun have gathered once a year to select what they believe to be the best PC games of all time. Admittedly, they only started writing the list down in 2021, but try not to hold their spotty recordkeeping against them.

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# Morning Checkpoint: Gaming News Roundup

## Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Concert Selling Out
Tickets for the European show of *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* are vanishing at an astonishing rate. The A Painted Symphony tour has created tremendous excitement, with fans quickly claiming seats in major cities such as London, where tickets were gone almost immediately. Only a handful of places, including Bordeaux and Strasbourg, still offer availability, prompting demands for extra tour dates from eager fans.

## Megabonk’s Comeback at The Game Awards
In a surprising twist, *Megabonk* has rejoined the lineup for The Game Awards following a prior withdrawal by its developer. Previously taken out of the best debut indie game category due to the developer’s worries about meeting the requirements, it now sits in the player’s choice category. Fans are urged to cast their votes for this unique title as it prepares to compete again.

## Farewell to Tortellini, the Gaming Goldfish
Tortellini, the goldfish famous for its viral, motion-sensor-enhanced *Elden Ring* gameplay, has departed at the age of three. Despite struggling with a systemic bacterial infection, Tortellini made headlines for the impressive achievement of conquering tough bosses like Malenia and Consort Radahn. Owner Pointcrow has shared heartfelt condolences, emphasizing the joy Tortellini brought to their audience.

## Escape from Tarkov: A Player’s Milestone Achievement
In a notable event for *Escape from Tarkov*, streamer Tigz has officially finished the game after several years in Early Access. Accomplishing the daunting task of completing the final mission on the new Terminal map, Tigz became the first player to “escape,” albeit with the second-worst ending available. The hunt continues for the elusive best ending, leaving others optimistic for future triumphs.

## Free DLC Coming to Ball X Pit
*Ball X Pit*, the indie sensation from 2025, is poised to further enchant players with a variety of free downloadable content. With sales exceeding one million copies, the game will launch expansions titled Regal, Shadow, and Natrulaist throughout 2026, enhancing gameplay with new elements such as balls, evolutions, and characters.

## Mark Cerny and His Love for Pikmin
Mark Cerny, the mastermind behind the PlayStation 5, recently expressed his fondness for *Pikmin*, emphasizing the emotional richness of its story. In an interview on *My Perfect Console*, he reminisced about the challenges faced by Captain Olimar, underscoring that smaller, emotionally compelling games resonate profoundly with him.

## In Case You Missed It
Stay tuned for more thrilling news and updates from the gaming sphere, as there’s always something fresh and exciting on the horizon!

If a CEO says their company is going to do that something sounds ridiculously unrealistic, or borderline unachievable if you actually take a second to think about it, you can probably assume that this is for the ears of shareholders. With that said, CD Projekt Red recently held a financial call (thanks, IGN), where co-CEO Michał Nowakowski made some comments about The Witcher 4… and The Witcher 5 and 6, all of which are apparently planned to be released within a six-year period. Right!

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