Gait Games

After a rough launch last year, work on Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 continues, with the game’s first DLC, Loose Cannon, having now settled on a release date: April 27th! That’s soon, like next week soon as long as my materially non-existent calendar is right. A new trailer and a fresh bout of details about the DLC were shared too, offering some insight into what you’ll actually be doing.

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### Ubisoft Reveals “Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced”

Following significant anticipation, Ubisoft has officially unveiled **Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced**, a comprehensive remake of the celebrated 2013 pirate adventure title. The game is scheduled to be released on **July 9** and is being developed by Ubisoft Singapore. It aims to deliver enhanced graphics, refined animations, and a refreshed gameplay experience while preserving the core story of the original.

#### Enhanced Features in Resynced

Ubisoft highlights that **Black Flag Resynced** will present a “solo adventure and character-focused” experience. Game director Richard Knight specified that it will not evolve into an RPG like some of the latest entries in the series, such as *Odyssey*. Nonetheless, the remake will introduce new content, modifications, and the exclusion of certain features from the original game.

The **combat system** has seen substantial revision, shifting to a more action-focused style reminiscent of recent *Assassin’s Creed* installments. The gameplay will also feature a new **crouch button** to improve stealth mechanics. Additionally, the parkour system has been broadened, incorporating advanced techniques such as free jumps and back ejects, promising a more seamless traversal experience.

Importantly, the game will tackle previous frustrations regarding **tailing and eavesdropping missions**. In the past, players faced instant failure if spotted during these activities. In Resynced, players can proceed even after being detected, altering the target’s behavior, which may lead to new chase sequences or encounters with guards.

The legendary **Jackdaw** pirate ship will be upgraded with new enhancements and additional firepower, along with three new recruitable crew members, each with their own backstory quests. The ship’s dynamics will be influenced by a new **dynamic weather system**, boosting the naval experience. Players can also anticipate the return of **sea shanties**, along with the option to have a pet monkey or cat for companionship on board the ship.

Ubisoft has confirmed that new missions will be incorporated into the remake, featuring cutscenes that delve deeper into Edward Kenway’s narrative, particularly focusing on his interactions with his wife. These sequences will be improved through new motion capture recording sessions.

#### Content Removed from the Remake

While Ubisoft strives to create a faithful version of the original, certain elements will be left out. The developer has stated that a significant portion of *Black Flag*’s **modern-day narrative content** will be excluded, potentially altering the game’s conclusion and narrative flow. Additionally, the multiplayer component found in the original game will not be featured in the remake, allowing for a more focused exploration of Edward Kenway’s storyline.

Moreover, the remake will not contain any of the **DLC** from the original, including the renowned spin-off *Freedom Cry*, which followed the journey of Edward’s crew member Adéwalé. This exclusion has generated concern among fans, sparking hopes that Ubisoft may eventually consider remaking or re-releasing the DLC as a standalone title.

#### Conclusion

Richard Knight remarked, “With **Black Flag Resynced**, we set out to reconnect with the essence of *Black Flag*.” The aim is to impart a reimagined and enriched experience while preserving what endeared the original to fans. Utilizing advanced technology with the most recent **Anvil Engine**, Ubisoft aspires to offer players revamped visuals, new immersive content, and enhanced gameplay experiences both on land and sea.

With **Black Flag Resynced** set to launch on July 9 for consoles and PC, fans are tentatively hopeful about this ambitious remake. Ubisoft has also assured that the original version of *Black Flag* will continue to be available in online stores, allowing players to select their preferred experience.

Yep, after years of messages in bottles washing ashore in the form of reports claiming Ubisoft are remaking Assassin’s Creed Black Flag, it’s finally coming on July 9th. I’ve seen the newly dubbed Black Flag Resynced and all the tweaks Ubisoft have made to the very good pirate game which also features some assassinating.

A few things have stuck out to me. Most notably, what I didn’t see.

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**Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced: A New Path for the Series**

Today, Ubisoft revealed the much-awaited remake of one of its cherished titles, *Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced*. Set to debut in July on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, this remake introduces substantial modifications, particularly in relation to the modern-day narrative elements that defined the original game.

In the presentation, creative director Jean Guedon remarked on a crucial transformation in how the contemporary story will be woven into the gameplay. He explained that the narratives involving the Assassins and Templars played a significant role in the original 2013 release but highlighted that adjustments were essential for the remake. Guedon mentioned, “So you know, back then in 2013, the present day mirrored where the franchise was at… But now with *Resynced*, I think there were some changes needed.”

Game director Paul Knight expanded on the progression of the storyline, clarifying that the remake concentrates primarily on the protagonist, Edward Kenway’s journey, while still preserving the link through the Animus—a key technological element in the franchise that enables players to relive historical memories. Knight suggested that contemporary elements would remain, with modern-day rifts similar to those in other *Assassin’s Creed* titles, yet adjusted to highlight Edward’s internal conflicts instead of showcasing the overarching battles with Abstergo and the Isu.

The revision of the modern-day segments represents a notable shift from the original *Black Flag*, where players engaged with the world of Abstergo Entertainment between historical gameplay scenes. In those segments, players examined the ongoing struggle between Assassins and Templars from a modern viewpoint, enriching the meta-narrative of the game. The new approach seems to have diminished or removed these office-focused sequences, generating mixed responses among fans. As noted by one commentator, while some players found the modern-day elements tedious, they contributed depth and context to the historical stories that framed a larger narrative structure.

Ubisoft’s choice to lessen the contemporary storytelling could influence how players view Edward’s journey and the broader themes of the *Assassin’s Creed* series, especially those centered on the conflicts between the Assassins and Templars. While fans eagerly anticipate the launch of *Black Flag Resynced*, uncertainty lingers regarding how these alterations will be received by both long-standing enthusiasts and newcomers to the series.

In conclusion, *Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced* presents a renewed perspective on a classic game, while recognizing the need for advancement within the series. As fans gear up for its launch, the excitement surrounding the modifications to the modern-day narrative will likely sustain conversations as July approaches.

Another Crimson Desert patch is upon us, with developers Pearl Abyss delivering more of the additions they outlined earlier this month. Though, they didn’t get as deep into specifics on the likes of new difficulty settings and extra pets back then as they have in their latest notes, which also run down a raft of fixes for the red pudding.

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**Microsoft Probes Xbox Series X Problems with Backwards-Compatible Xbox 360 Titles**

Microsoft’s Xbox Support has recognized ongoing difficulties encountered by certain Xbox Series X players who are unable to launch specific Xbox 360 games. This announcement follows a series of user reports concerning the issue, which have largely gone without resolution for several months.

On April 22, 2026, Xbox Support communicated through Twitter, stating, “We know that some Xbox Series X players are having trouble launching certain backwards compatible Xbox 360 games and our team is currently investigating.” This message highlighted the company’s acknowledgment and began a movement towards finding a remedy for the affected gamers.

Users have been experiencing challenges for multiple months, with some indicating issues that trace back to November of the prior year. The most common error message reported by players reads, “Can’t connect to Xbox Live. Select Test Connection to troubleshoot your connection.” Many players experiencing these issues have verified that their internet connections are reliable and that games not requiring backward compatibility with Xbox 360 function correctly. Furthermore, the issue does not seem to impact all Xbox 360 games uniformly; some users have managed to launch certain titles while having troubles with others. Reports have also indicated that newer Xbox Series X consoles appear to be more susceptible to this problem.

It should be noted that while Xbox Support has mainly focused on Series X issues, Series S players have reported similar challenges. A lively Reddit discussion from a little over a week ago gathered a number of frustrated users, each detailing their experiences and exchanges with Xbox Support, which confirmed that the root of the problem is related to service-side issues rather than something users can fix independently.

One participant in that thread shared a message allegedly received from Xbox Support delineating the situation: “What we can articulate is that Xbox 360 backward-compatible games depend on legacy Xbox 360 services for entitlement verification and content delivery, and newly acquired Series X consoles need to establish those connections anew during initial setup.” This information implies that the issues predominantly impact newer consoles that have not yet set up necessary connections throughout their initial configuration.

Despite the setbacks, industry analysts observe that the choice to prioritize a fix may be swayed by the current market landscape. With new Xbox consoles experiencing sluggish sales and a limited demographic interested in revisiting older Xbox 360 titles, the resolution of this dilemma may have been pushed down the list of corporate priorities. Nonetheless, the experience for players remains vexing, particularly for those keen on revisiting classic games like *Crazy Taxi*, *GTA IV*, or the original *Fable*.

Currently, Xbox has not outlined a specific timeline regarding when the issue may be remedied. However, the recent public recognition of the challenge implies that it has acquired some urgency within the organization. Players are optimistic for a quick resolution and are encouraged to remain patient as Xbox strives to restore full functionality to their cherished Xbox 360 games.

Unreasonably grand strategy game Europa Universalis 5 will get a Byzantine Empire-themed expansion called Fate of the Phoenix on May 6th, developers Paradox Interactive have announced. Not heard of EU5? Back in October, our reviewer Brendy called the game “a deep and intricate historical simulation that will overwhelm you with menus as much as it will compel you through centuries of global history.”

Brendy is gone now (RPS in peace), reduced to a mocking cackle on the wind, and I alone stand in my ignorance between you and this very first EU5 “Immersion pack”, in which there is Hellenism, bureaucracy, and the opportunity to “restore the Pentarchy to strengthen the Eastern Church”. I don’t even know what “byzantine” really means, other than being a word I use to describe Paradox grand strategy games. Was Europa Universalis 5 insufficiently byzantine before? Ach, here’s a trailer.

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**Shigeru Miyamoto’s Aspirations for Mario’s Future Following the Super Mario Galaxy Film**

Shigeru Miyamoto, the iconic creator of the Mario franchise, recently conveyed his astonishment regarding the mainly unfavorable critiques of *The Super Mario Galaxy Film*. In spite of this backlash, he remains eager to incorporate aspects from the movie into upcoming Mario games, especially with an emphasis on diving into Princess Peach’s origins. This decision could potentially reshape years of well-established lore concerning the cherished character.

In a discussion with *Nintendo Dream*, translated by *Nintendo Everything*, Miyamoto articulated his views on storytelling. Traditionally, he has chosen to keep character backstories minimal to allow creative flexibility in game design. “Since we can’t anticipate the type of game we’ll develop next with our characters, having excessive character details could limit us,” he remarked. This methodology has facilitated a more adaptable gaming experience, primarily centered around gameplay instead of rigid storytelling.

Nevertheless, Miyamoto’s perspective seems to be adapting with the advent of movie-like narratives. The requirement for a consistent storyline for the film has ignited a renewed interest in character exploration. As he noted, producing the film has made it “exciting to elaborate on the character in several ways,” prompting him to support the inclusion of the film’s settings in future installments.

One substantial alteration he considers is the disclosure in the film that Princess Peach and Rosalina, the enchanting guardian of the universe, are siblings. This twist deviates from the pre-established lore outlined in the original *Super Mario Galaxy*, where Rosalina’s history was distinctly depicted. Although there were preliminary conversations during the game’s development regarding a possible connection between these characters due to their resembling features, this link was never officially recognized in the games.

Miyamoto’s preference for anchoring upcoming games in the film’s narrative, despite its critical feedback, sparks intriguing conversations about continuity and consistency in storytelling. While some may delight in Nintendo’s historical hesitancy to strictly follow lore, it may pose challenges to tie game narratives to a film that has received mixed responses.

In recent years, Miyamoto has adopted a more proactive role in ventures beyond conventional game creation, such as films and amusement parks. Although he continues to hold producer credits on major titles like *Super Mario Odyssey* and *The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom*, his emphasis seems to be shifting, leading to speculation about how his legacy will manifest in narrative-driven formats.

As he navigates this transition, difficulties may emerge in reconciling his long-standing beliefs about narrative as a limitation with the requirements of crafting captivating, story-centered content in cinema. As the industry progresses, it will be fascinating to observe how future entries—particularly the much-anticipated Zelda film—will approach storytelling, building upon the established bases of its game predecessors.

I’ve used Logitech’s MX Master office mice for the best part of six years by this point, beginning with the MX Master 3, then the 3S and now the MX Master 4. Weirdly, the best one to pick up from a value and features standpoint is the MX Master 3S, which I noted in my original 2022 review to have the same excellent ergonomics as its predecessor, versatile wireless connectivity, a zippy 8000 DPI sensor and much more. For £69 from Amazon (nice), it’s a return to one of the best prices I’ve seen on this rodent in a few weeks and in a general sense.

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### The Development of *Crimson Desert*: An Overview of the Latest Changes

*Crimson Desert* debuted in March 2023 and swiftly attracted attention, not just for its grand design but also for the various challenges that arose during its launch. Player responses pointed out multiple friction areas in gameplay that required attention. In reaction, Pearl Abyss has promptly acted with continuous patches focused on addressing these issues. The most significant update, patch 1.04, brought a plethora of new features and modifications that have once again engaged players.

#### New Difficulty Options

A key feature of the 1.04 patch is the launch of new difficulty options—Easy and Hard. The Easy mode aims to make the game more welcoming by lowering incoming damage, lengthening parry windows, and reducing the chance of bosses counter-attacking or evading. In contrast, the Hard mode delivers a more challenging experience, heightening damage received, reducing player health, and even altering boss attack patterns. This bifocal approach serves both new players seeking a simpler experience and veterans desiring increased challenges. Additionally, a boss rematch option is promised, allowing players to tackle tough encounters at higher difficulty levels without needing to restart their progress.

#### Comprehensive Quality of Life Upgrades

In addition to difficulty options, the patch also focuses on many gameplay nuances. A key enhancement permits players to use resources stored in the Sturdy Gatherables Chest for crafting and refining, regardless of whether those materials are in the player’s inventory. Moreover, a new feature has been introduced that enables players to turn their lanterns on and off while aiming, which improves situational awareness during gameplay. The graphics have seen significant upgrades, including improved rendering quality for faraway objects and textures, enhancing the overall visual charm of the game.

#### Improvements in Gameplay Mechanics

The 1.04 patch has also introduced smaller yet meaningful adjustments. It has refined weapon attack animations and added the option to color-code map markers for easier navigation. Pets, a cherished part of the game, have received enhancements as well. Five new cat types have been added, and players can now adopt Abyss Heuklang as a companion. The ability to rename both pets and horses has been particularly well-received. Furthermore, a solution has been implemented for the issue where cats would remain on a player’s shoulder indefinitely, along with the introduction of an item that allows for prolonged shoulder time, catering to players’ fondness for their in-game friends.

#### Community Feedback

The community’s response to the updates has been highly positive. Players have conveyed their excitement through comments that reflect a sense of advancement and fulfillment. Expressions like “2.0 Jesus f*ck” and “every patch is a major W” highlight the enthusiasm surrounding the game’s ongoing development. Comparisons to other successful RPGs, such as *The Witcher 3*, support the notion that continued backing can significantly enhance the player experience over time.

#### Future Prospects

As Pearl Abyss continues to refine and develop *Crimson Desert*, the development team faces the task of not only remedying existing issues but also enriching the game’s narrative and character complexity. With a strong emphasis on community input, the future of *Crimson Desert* looks promising if these updates continue to transform it into a more captivating and enjoyable title. As players anticipate further enhancements, there is hope that the game evolves into a dynamic, immersive experience that realizes its ambitious vision.