Gait Games

“Wreckreation wasn’t actually an attempt to recreate Burnout,” former Criterion Games studio head Fiona Sperry says as she and her team reveal their latest arcade racer, Wreckreation 2. “I think some people thought it was. But it was actually an exploration of freedom and creativity in racing games, and that was really a continuation of unfinished work at the end of [Burnout] Paradise and also the game we were making before we left EA. It was really about asking the question, ‘What if we gave players an enormous amount of freedom?'”

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**Nintendo vs. Customers: Understanding the Tariff Refund Lawsuit**

In April 2023, a collective of Nintendo customers launched a class action lawsuit against the gaming corporation, asserting that they are entitled to refunds after the company increased hardware prices due to tariffs enacted during the Trump era. The lawsuit, initiated by Gregory Hoffert and Prashant Sharan, contends that since Nintendo was able to reclaim the tariff payments from the U.S. government, they should also reimburse customers who overpaid for items, including the Nintendo Switch and its accessories.

The plaintiffs’ legal representatives argue that Nintendo essentially gained financially from the tariffs by charging customers inflated rates. They maintain that since the Supreme Court has ruled these tariffs as illegal, customers who experienced these price hikes should not only receive compensation but are also entitled to the difference between the amounts they paid and what should have been charged without the tariffs.

In reply, Nintendo has submitted a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming that customers are not legally owed a rebate due to adjustments in tariff regulations. The company indicated that its pricing was based on a variety of market factors, and consumers agreed to those prices upon purchase. They emphasized that customers received precisely what they paid for, which encompassed the games and consoles at the agreed-upon rates.

Nintendo further asserts that while it did increase prices, this was not exclusively a result of tariff hikes. The company refers to a mix of issues impacting pricing, such as global memory shortages and escalating shipping expenses, which also played a role in the decision to alter prices for their products.

The filing reveals that the main argument of the lawsuit centers on fairness, implying that it is unfair for Nintendo to not adjust prices retroactively once tariff litigation has reached a conclusion. However, the company counters this by claiming that it is customary for prices in commercial transactions to remain unchanged once a sale is finalized, regardless of later market fluctuations or legal decisions.

As this legal dispute continues, it raises important questions regarding consumer rights and corporate pricing practices. The notion of companies being obligated to issue retroactive rebates following legal or regulatory shifts is relatively unexplored, prompting analysts to contemplate the wider consequences for the retail and technology industries.

In conclusion, as Nintendo aims to have the lawsuit dismissed, the outcome is still uncertain. The intricacies of the case underscore vital discussions at the intersection of consumer protection and business practices, and the ultimate ruling could influence perceptions of corporate responsibility within the gaming sector.

The Raijin boss must be summoned with Divine Sparks.

The post How to Awaken Electricity in Haze Seas [Raijin Form] appeared first on Gamezebo.

Future? No Thanks! is a jolly and acerbic open world city game from seasoned satirist Paulo “Molleindustria” Perdicini. It’s about a bitter old boomer trying to enjoy his final day in an ecosocialist paradise. There’s a demo on Steam that gives you 30 minutes access to a realm of sentient toilets, cricket burgers, ornamental park guillotines, and cannabis vending machines. Speaking as a bitter old millennial, I found my 30 minutes delightful.

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### The Enduring Charm of Hexcells: A Puzzle Game Trilogy to Cherish

From 2013 to 2014, Matthew Brown, an independent developer, stepped into the limelight to debut the *Hexcells* trilogy—three distinct puzzle games that enthralled players with their inventive mechanics, outstanding quality, and demanding gameplay. Each installment built upon its predecessor, crafting an unparalleled experience that has not been replicated in the years since their debut.

#### The Attraction of Logic Puzzles

As a dedicated fan of logic puzzles, the importance of *Hexcells* rests not solely on its captivating gameplay, but also on its capacity to present a gratifying mental challenge without the need for external knowledge or intricate mathematics. In contrast to Sudoku, which may sometimes be less appealing, games like *Picross*, *Slitherlink*, and *Kakuro* depend solely on clear, logical reasoning. *Hexcells*, with its distinctive combination of elements from popular titles like *Minesweeper* and *Picross*, emerged as a thrilling addition to the genre, providing an ongoing sense of accomplishment as players uncovered solutions.

#### Gameplay Features of Hexcells

At its essence, *Hexcells* comprises a grid of hexagonal tiles, primarily in orange, interspersed with guiding numbers. These figures indicate how many of the surrounding cells should be colored blue; for instance, a tile labeled with a ‘3’ signifies that three adjacent tiles need to be marked blue, while a ‘0’ shows that all neighboring cells must be cleared. The challenge lies in the requirement to synthesize information from multiple clues to ascertain the proper placements—an intellectual pursuit that guarantees a fulfilling experience.

As players navigate through the puzzles, new mechanics come into effect. Rules reminiscent of *Picross*, such as numbered hints along the edges of rows and intricate bracketed conditions, introduce layers of complexity that enhance the gameplay. The necessity to strategize becomes progressively vital as players confront these varied elements.

#### A Treat for the Senses

One of the most notable characteristics of *Hexcells* is its captivating audiovisual experience. The game operates solely on digital platforms, using the removal of hexagonal tiles to dynamically reveal new information. Each interaction is paired with a harmonious tone that melds perfectly with the ambient soundtrack, while its visually striking art is complemented by gratifying visual effects like polygonal shattering. This engrossing atmosphere augments the comfort of players as they delve into solving intricate puzzles.

#### The Trilogy’s Progression

The inaugural game, *Hexcells*, launched in September 2013, creating substantial excitement for its refined presentation and engaging gameplay, although some players deemed it a bit straightforward. Just three months later, *Hexcells Plus* was introduced, adding 29 new puzzles that heightened the challenge and complexity, swiftly becoming a favorite among enthusiasts.

The apex of the trilogy came on September 1, 2014, with the release of *Hexcells Infinite*. This installment pushed the limits of difficulty, presenting players with grids that were not only larger but also cleverly conceived. It creatively reintroduces concepts through demanding scenarios rather than explicit instructions, highlighting Brown’s remarkable game design talent and ability to craft compelling puzzles that feel like a delightful challenge.

#### An Ongoing Legacy

After the triumph of *Hexcells*, Matthew Brown created similar titles such as *SquareCells* and *CrossCells*. However, some of his more ambitious projects, like *Cypher* and *Alchemia*, ventured into difficulty levels that alienated even the most devoted fans. After a six-year break from puzzle design, Brown made a comeback in 2024 with *Epigraph*, a challenging game focused on decoding a new language.

While many games have offered enjoyment over the years, few have matched the sheer excellence of *Hexcells*. For those not yet acquainted with this puzzle trilogy, the entire collection can be acquired for just $9, representing an incredibly worthwhile investment for puzzle enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The lasting appeal of *Hexcells* stands as a testament to Matthew Brown’s creativity and the potential of digital logic puzzles.

Immaculate views from up here.

The post How To Tree Jump in Shindo Life – Including Console! appeared first on Gamezebo.

Unity have announced Unity 7, the latest incarnation of their game creation platform. In a pleasant shock for people who’ve been keeping up with Unity’s doings these past couple of years, it doesn’t appear to ruin anything. Aside from more routine promises of “speedier workflows” and tastier graffix, the company are promising a more “open” approach whereby collaborators using third-party tools can contribute more easily to Unity projects, without using the full Unity editor. This being the year 2026, there are of course some new features for genAI fans, though Unity appear interestingly guarded on this front, stressing that these can be ignored.

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Including how to unlock Flash Step.

The post How to Unlock Haze Seas Skills [Flash Step, Gear 5, Etc] appeared first on Gamezebo.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, this year’s Activision shooter about military markspeople (who occasionally look like Beavis and Butt-Head) sliding around with SMGs and shouting 10-4 after checking their corners, is set for pre-release beta testing in August. There are two playtests currently on the calendar, though the first’s exclusive to those who pre-order the game.

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Valve has made it evident that it has no plans to create games that are exclusive to the Steam Machine, despite inquiries about whether the company would produce a tie-in title to enhance interest in the platform. Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais mentioned that the company views “having the entire PC catalog as our ‘launch exclusive.’” This suggests a commitment to supporting a wide array of titles across all PCs, rather than confining access to particular hardware.

Historically, Valve has not produced exclusive titles, adhering instead to its enduring support for open systems and third-party access. This philosophy extends to its support for Linux as a core operating system, as well as the creation of games like *Half-Life: Alyx*, which operates on various VR headsets, highlighting their focus on compatibility.

The nature of the Steam Machine complicates the idea of exclusivity. Designed as an open system, Steam Machine owners have the liberty to install any operating system, including Windows, which restricts the practicality of exclusive titles. Games sold via Steam can be played on any PC that supports the platform, thereby rendering the notion of an “exclusive” to the Steam Machine somewhat moot. If Valve were to launch a game, such as the much-anticipated *Half-Life 3*, it would almost certainly be available through Steam, but not on competing platforms like GOG or the Epic Games Store.

In conclusion, Valve’s commitment to a non-exclusive approach reflects its core principles and addresses the challenges inherent in a Linux-driven open gaming ecosystem. The vision is not to limit gameplay to a single platform but to guarantee that a diverse range of titles remains accessible to the widest audience possible.