Gait Games

If you are fond of Nausicaa, Moebius, Andrei Tarkovski, Jeff Vandermeer, Rimworld, FTL: Faster Than Light, fungus, coral, and furiously bright colours in general, you may wish to take an interest in Trailblazers: Into The March – a roguelite colony sim in which you guide a crustaceous landship through a ravishing wilderness. Amongst other things, it is a game in which your vessel’s chief fuel source is also a lifeform that has to be kept happy, if you don’t want your valiant expedition to end in a cloud of cordyceps spores.

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**12 Video Games That Capture the Spirit of Summer**

July weaves a warm enchantment over our everyday routines, igniting a yearning for leisurely escapades—even if they’re virtual. This summer, whether you find yourself lounging beside a pool, embarking on a family getaway, or simply savoring a lazy weekend, specific video games can beautifully encapsulate the essence of summer. Below is a thoughtfully selected list of 12 games that blend relaxation and enjoyment flawlessly, making them ideal for portable play and evoking those summer feels.

### 1. *New Pokémon Snap*
A follow-up to the cherished N64 classic, *New Pokémon Snap* encourages players to take photographs of Pokémon in colorful, diverse settings. Its beachside stage, filled with surfers and breathtaking ocean views, perfectly represents the summer mood—subtle yet delightful enough to appreciate while soaking up the sun.

### 2. *Shin-chan: Me and the Professor On Summer Vacation*
This whimsical game whisks players away to an enchanting Japanese village alongside the easygoing antics of Shin-chan. Partake in activities such as bug-catching and fishing set against stunning summer scenery. Its fanciful charm makes it perfect for enjoyment on a porch during lazy afternoons.

### 3. *On Your Tail*
Situated in a picturesque coastal village, this adorable mystery-adventure game follows a goat lady as she unravels the mystery of a phantom thief. The relaxed, vibrant setting highlights the joys of a coastal escape, creating an ideal summer adventure.

### 4. *Animal Crossing: New Horizons*
*New Horizons* embodies summer enjoyment by allowing players to create a dream vacation island. Its delightful mechanics and seasonal transformations make it a wonderful game for any summer occasion, whether at the seaside or a cozy retreat.

### 5. *Naiad*
Embrace summer with *Naiad*, where players navigate stunning rivers as a water spirit. With gentle puzzles and calming visuals, it’s a delightful game to enjoy while sipping lemonade at the beach, offering a peaceful experience that reflects lazy summer swims.

### 6. *Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream*
This title delivers carefree amusement, permitting players to create Miis and observe their lives unfold with minimal involvement. Perfect for summer relaxation, it’s designed for those moments when you wish to unwind and relish the whimsical antics of animated figures.

### 7. *Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana*
In this action-adventure game, players marooned on a sun-drenched island uncover mysteries and form a community. With its vibrant, tropical surroundings and exciting adventures, it embodies the essence of summer exploration.

### 8. *Mixtape*
A narrative-driven gem, *Mixtape* follows three adolescents savoring their last summer before entering adulthood. With captivating musical components and festive adventures, it beautifully echoes the nostalgic, carefree spirit of summer evenings.

### 9. *Firewatch*
Set in a national forest, *Firewatch* merges stunning visuals with an engaging storyline. Though more contemplative, it offers tranquil moments and reflection, making it a meaningful addition to any summer gaming lineup.

### 10. *The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker*
Featuring vast oceans and island exploration, *The Wind Waker* creates an exhilarating summer escape. Players traverse expansive waters and uncover new islands, capturing the adventurous essence of summer travel.

### 11. *A Short Hike*
This charming indie title features a bird ascending a mountain, promoting relaxed exploration at your leisure. It’s filled with delightful diversions and stunning landscapes perfect for a summer getaway.

### 12. *Rhythm Heaven Groove*
An excellent choice for quick, enjoyable sessions, *Rhythm Heaven Groove* offers a delightful mix of rhythm-based mini-games. Ideal in handheld mode, its lively tunes and summer-themed challenges are great for casual playtime.

All of these titles not only radiate summer energy but also provide an enjoyable gaming experience no matter where you are. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or a touch of nostalgia, these games make perfect allies for the summer season. Happy gaming!

**id Software Confronts Layoffs Amid Microsoft Reductions but Stays Dedicated to Quality Gaming**

Last week, id Software, renowned for its creation of the legendary Doom franchise, underwent substantial layoffs as part of a broader series of job reductions at Microsoft. Based on WARN filings submitted to Texas officials, the studio parted ways with over 90 employees, including many seasoned professionals and senior staff. These job cuts have sparked concerns among the remaining workforce about the studio’s ability to uphold its former production levels and maintain its esteemed reputation for producing top-tier games.

In spite of these hurdles, id Software’s leadership has conveyed confidence in the studio’s capability to persist in crafting the unparalleled gaming experiences it is recognized for. In a statement issued on July 10, the studio highlighted that the layoffs were spread across different teams and that they retain the essential talent required to deliver their hallmark games and technology. The statement remarked, “The team today is about the same size we were when crafting Doom (2016). We have consistently operated with a flat studio structure where everyone is a creator, and we will uphold that principle moving forward.”

As the gaming industry navigates a phase of economic contraction, id Software’s commitment to its foundational values and team collaboration will be vital as it aims to innovate while adapting to the evolving operational landscape. The studio’s reaction underscores its emphasis on sustainability and the importance of each team member’s role, which has been crucial to its achievements in the competitive gaming sector.

In conclusion, although the recent layoffs at id Software mirror wider corporate changes within Microsoft, the studio remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences. The future of id Software will hinge on its ability to adapt while harnessing the skills of its existing team to expand upon its illustrious heritage.

Multiplayer crime sandbox and massive money sink GTA Online is getting its first new heist mission in a little while next week, with balaclavas set to be donned on July 14th. The target of this shady op’s is the art gallery dubbed the Kortz Center, which you might remember as the setting for that one Merryweather-battling mission with Michael and Trevor in GTA 5‘s main story.

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### Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer: A Trip Down Memory Lane in Classic Game Development

In a time when hyper-realistic graphics and cutting-edge technology dominate, the renewed fascination with **Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer**, a title launched two decades ago, has intrigued gamers and retro fans alike. This unexpected rush of nostalgia has been ignited by recent social media shares that underscore the game’s remarkable water simulation and seamless gameplay, which impressively stand the test of time against contemporary expectations.

#### A Lasting Classic Emerges

On July 8, 2026, a brief video displaying gameplay from **Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer** went viral on Twitter, garnering nearly 5 million views, over 1,500 shares, and close to 15,000 likes. Created by Treyarch and launched in 2002, this action-sports game, evocative of the well-known **Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater** franchise, has become a central topic of conversation surrounding design philosophy and visual aesthetics in the gaming landscape.

The clip showcased a player expertly riding the lively waves, and many spectators were especially captivated by the game’s water technology. Despite not utilizing the latest graphics innovations, the fluidity of the waves was praised as an artistic victory—achieving a visual style that lingers with players long after its original launch.

#### The Craft of Water Simulation

Both developers and fans have celebrated the game’s water visuals, with one developer from **The Water Museum** clarifying that the appeal arises from straightforward yet impactful methods. It seems the wave effects were crafted with an artist’s sensibility—applying gradients and visual transitions to produce a sense of depth and movement. This artistry highlights the notion that sometimes aesthetic allure is found not in hyper-realistic depictions but in embodying what visually captivates.

Actor Jon Cartwright wittily noted on social media, “Why is this the best-looking water ever?” This playful remark embodies a wider feeling among gamers who enjoy the nostalgic imagery of earlier eras when gameplay and aesthetic simplicity typically triumphed over demanding graphical realism.

#### Gameplay Elements and Efficiency

**Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer** operates at 60 frames per second, enhancing its fluid visuals and gaming experience. This feature underscores a key concept in game creation—at times, gameplay smoothness can outweigh the pursuit of lifelike visuals. In contrast to many contemporary games that may falter in frame rates, particularly during graphics-heavy scenes, **Pro Surfer** delivers an engaging experience that remains delightful even today.

The game’s capacity to cultivate a mesmerizing surfing atmosphere while maintaining excellent performance has endeared it to gamers, demonstrating that stunning graphics are not the sole criterion for a game’s enduring appeal. As new generations explore or rediscover this classic, the delightful aesthetics combined with consistent performance evoke the pleasures of retro gaming.

#### The Larger Perspective in Game Development

The renewed enthusiasm for **Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer** stands as an illustration of the evolving landscape of video game design. It conveys a significant message: balancing artistic style, gameplay fluidity, and technical prowess can create a lasting bond with players. As the industry progresses, this nostalgic revival encourages developers to rethink ways to harmoniously blend art and functionality in upcoming titles.

In summary, **Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer** exemplifies gaming’s rich legacy and the influence of compelling design principles. Its ongoing popularity highlights players’ appreciation for games that offer enjoyment through creativity and performance, rather than merely through advanced realism. As the gaming frontier continues to grow, revisiting classics like **Pro Surfer** may inspire future game designers to embrace the elegance of simplicity and effectiveness in their creations.

We’ve known for ages that the Steam Machine has a similar game compatibility rating system to the Steam Deck, wherein Valve tests games and slaps them with a Verified, Playable, or Unsupported sticker depending on how much they play technical ball. For the first fortnight and change of the Machine’s release, though, the results of these tests haven’t been visible – alongside the Deck verification info – on those games’ Steam store pages.

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**The Charming Chocobo Glitch in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: A Bug that Became a Beloved Feature**

Two years after its release, *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth* remains a favorite among players, especially due to an amusing bug that has captured significant attention. As fans prepare for the concluding chapter of the *Remake* trilogy, called *Revelation*, set to launch next year, many users are still experiencing a comical glitch: a mischievous Chocobo that trails characters throughout the game, even during cutscenes.

This unforeseen companion has transformed into a viral hit on social media, particularly through posts by users like Twitter’s @bwautif, who documents the Chocobo appearing in unexpected spots, inadvertently adding a layer of humor to the gaming adventure. The glitch was initially pointed out in Kotaku’s Slack by Ethan Gach, who questioned if this ongoing issue was a recent occurrence or a long-standing feature. To the joy of players, it appears that this Chocobo has been a playful presence since the game’s release.

Players have shared various experiences with this glitch. One dedicated GameFAQs user articulated their frustration extensively, stating that the Chocobo interrupts cutscenes and bumps into characters, ultimately breaking their immersion in the game. They remarked that the glitch seems to initiate after finishing a particular side quest involving the Chocobo Ranch, only to reappear in different locations throughout the game, especially around Junon.

Despite efforts to seek assistance from Square Enix’s support team, players have felt ignored, as many continue to experience the quirky Chocobo. The longevity of this glitch has sparked speculation among fans that Square Enix may be opting to embrace the bug rather than correct it. Given its undeniable charm and the happiness it brings to the player community, some suggest that the glitch may enhance the game’s overall experience more than it detracts.

The lingering question is whether this charming glitch will carry over into the forthcoming *Revelation*. As players keep sharing their Chocobo experiences, the glitched bird has unintentionally become a symbol of the unexpected pleasures of gaming, reminding everyone that occasionally, flaws can lead to delightful moments. With anticipation growing for the third installment, it seems Square Enix has their work cut out, managing game development while potentially allowing this lovable Chocobo to remain a whimsical aspect of the *Final Fantasy VII* saga.

Radiator Forever, an “ongoing re-remaster/re-re-release” collection of developer Robert Yang’s short and experimental gay games has arrived on Steam, giving it a new home alongside Itch.io. In a blog post about the release, Yang has outlined the complex situation facing adult game creators at the moment, with the likes of last year’s business with payment processors and online-focused UK laws are making it a lot tougher for games like Radiator Forever to exist on the most prevalent PC platforms.

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### The Hysteria Surrounding the Pokémon TCG: An Examination of EB Games’ Controversial Pricing Methodology

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has continually enthralled enthusiasts since its launch, and the current excitement is amplified by the forthcoming launch of the 30th-anniversary celebration set set for September. Amid this atmosphere, a troubling trend has surfaced: retail outlets are engaging in scalping behaviors by significantly marking up prices for their clientele. A prominent example is EB Games, the Australian division of GameStop, which recently embraced this contentious strategy with its pre-order pricing.

#### The Pricing Saga

At first, EB Games declared pre-order prices for the new Pokémon TCG 30th-anniversary set that were shockingly elevated, attracting the attention and anger of the community. Fans were astonished to discover inflated prices allegedly aimed at discouraging scalpers. However, the actual consequences of this pricing approach were more nuanced.

EB Games, in a statement from Managing Director Shane Stockwell, explained that the steep prices were part of an overarching strategy to favor authentic Pokémon fans and reduce scalper interference. Stockwell remarked, “Scalpers don’t build communities. Fans do.” This reasoning suggests a commendable goal of safeguarding the community, yet the implementation left many feeling disenchanted.

#### The Reaction

The feedback from the Pokémon community was varied. While some fans recognized the aim behind EB Games’ strategy, others were understandably upset. Many were discouraged from pre-ordering completely due to the inflated initial costs, and even those who did pre-order soon realized they were still overpaying. In response to the backlash, EB Games retracted the initial prices, vowing to inform customers of any adjustments, yet the final pricing remained significantly higher than the standard market rate.

With a typical MSRP of an Elite Trainer Box (ETB) around $60, EB Games’ revised price of $120 AUD (approximately $83 USD) still represented a considerable markup. The situation was further complicated by the exorbitant pricing of the Ultra Premium Collections, which had been listed at $305 USD, far surpassing any previous standards for such items.

#### Trust and Transparency

In spite of the controversy, EB Games sought to cultivate goodwill by expressing gratitude to those who continued to support them during the incident. However, this sentiment appeared disingenuous to many customers who felt manipulated by the pricing strategy. The corporate messaging seemed to neglect the genuine frustrations of fans who perceived this as a betrayal rather than an effort to care for the community.

Critics within the Pokémon community expressed concern over the lack of transparency and the apparent disconnect between the company’s actions and customer expectations. Many believed that instead of justifying their methods, EB Games ought to interact with the community more openly and sincerely.

#### Conclusion

The issues surrounding EB Games’ management of the Pokémon TCG 30th-anniversary pre-orders underscore a complicated intersection of retail strategy, community trust, and consumer rights. The initial approach may have aimed to protect the fanbase from scalping, yet the overall outcome was extensive disappointment and outrage. As the Pokémon franchise continues to flourish, retail practices must adapt towards greater transparency and fairness to support rather than exploit its vibrant community. The upcoming months will determine whether EB Games can repair the rifts caused by this pricing issue and restore trust among the Pokémon TCG fanbase.

For many decades, sci-fi buffs have debated the exact nature of the “C-beams” mentioned by Roy Batty/Rutger Hauer in Blade Runner‘s legendary “tears in rain” soliloquy. Cutter beams used in construction? Weapon systems? Fey astral phenomena The beauty of the term is its ambiguity, perhaps. Not any more, though. Now, whenever anybody muses moist-eyedly about the replicant’s parting phrase, I can say: “actually, he was referring to the forthcoming space action-RPG C-Beams from Distant Light Games and publishers Hooded Horse, which also takes heavy inspiration from one of my childhood favourite space games – Ambrosia Software’s Escape Velocity.” Time to die roll the trailer.

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