Gait Games

As we stumble into what increasingly looks like a hardware-unfriendly 2026, RAMnarök shows no signs of petering out. As tech giants continue hoarding memory chips to build their AI farms, and suppliers gleefully jack up their prices in turn, consumer-grade RAM is still laughably expensive – and SSDs, most of which also need these in-demand chips, are seeing some nasty inflation as well.

I bring this up now, when storage prices began climbing back in November, because the past week has been particularly fucked, vis-à-vis the kind of SSDs you’d want in a modern games PC. Keepa, Amazon-tracking the browser extension I’ve long used to gauge the honesty of Prime Day and Black Friday deals, makes for grim reading: the 1TB WD Black SN850X currently sits at £162, having been £116 on January 5th, and £85 on November 5th. Nearly double the price, in barely two months.

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When enthusiasts discovered that [Lego had successfully obtained the Pokémon license from a competing brick brand](https://kotaku.com/lego-pokemon-pikachu-date-price-mega-bloks-teaser-1851770713), there was considerable enthusiasm. However, some fans are now expressing dissatisfaction regarding the elevated prices and the construction differences between the Pikachu sets from each brand.

After hinting at it in 2025, [Lego has officially unveiled its first forthcoming Pokémon sets](https://kotaku.com/pokemon-lego-sets-release-date-price-pikachu-charizard-2000658895), featuring both an Eevee and a Pikachu. Nevertheless, these are not the inaugural officially licensed brick-based toy items tied to Game Freak’s renowned franchise to appear in stores. For several years, Mega Bloks, a rival to Lego, held the license and rolled out over 100 distinct Pokémon sets. Mega Bloks has created a wide array of Pokémon sets and themes in different sizes and packages. To maintain fairness in comparison, we will concentrate on the two most similar offerings from Mega Bloks: Jumbo Pikachu and Jumbo Eevee. These sets are approximately equal in size to Lego’s upcoming Pikachu and Eevee sets, making them the most equitable for comparison.

First, [from 2022, we have the Mega Bloks Jumbo Pikachu](https://www.amazon.com/building-poseable-character-Building-Exclusive/dp/B079KNH886?tag=kotaku01-20). Upon its release on store shelves a few years back, this 12-inch-tall Pikachu was priced at $50, although it was often found on sale if one searched diligently. It features 806 pieces with posable arms, legs, ears, and a movable head. Additionally, it is a sturdier Pikachu, resembling the original “fat Pikachu.” It’s honestly a solid, visually appealing set, although there were critiques at the time regarding the build having issues with pieces falling off. The set includes just the Pikachu figure and nothing more.

Now let’s juxtapose that set with Lego’s recently announced Pikachu set. [This one is set to retail for $200](https://jaysbrickblog.com/news/first-lego-pokemon-sets-officially-revealed-for-27-february-2026-launch/) upon its February launch, making it four times the price of the Mega Bloks version. Ouch. And when comparing them side by side, it’s hard to pinpoint why. Lego’s model is technically 13 inches tall, but that measurement only applies when it’s displayed on the included brick-built stand.

The actual Pikachu build appears to measure around 11 inches tall, making it nearly the same size as the older Mega Bloks set. Still, it comes with a whopping $150 premium. It boasts over 2,000 pieces. Lego’s Pikachu undoubtedly looks cleaner, with fewer exposed studs, but that might be a drawback for some fans. The most significant downgrade is that Lego’s Pikachu appears far less posable. Nonetheless, I favor Lego’s rendition of Pikachu’s paws, which look adorable compared to the blocky, less appealing human-like hands of the 2022 set. Furthermore, Lego’s set includes a brick-built Poké Ball, which is a neat addition but may be considered extraneous.

Conversely, the comparison between Mega Bloks’ Jumbo Eevee and Lego’s Eevee set is notably duller. Both appear to be roughly the same size and are similarly priced. Mega Bloks charged $50 for Eevee when it launched in 2020. Lego plans to sell its Eevee for $60. A $10 hike for more pieces and a better-looking build works for me.

On the other hand, the Lego Pikachu indeed appears to be an expensive set that might be viewed as a downgrade relative to Mega Bloks’ version of Pikachu. While I appreciate the sleeker aesthetic and the included stand, the Poké Ball seems like an inefficient use of pieces, and for that price, I wish Lego had incorporated more posable limbs and joints.

Ultimately, if you’re eager to acquire a brick-built Pikachu for your desk or bedroom shelf without dishing out $200, purchasing a new Mega Bloks Pikachu for $50 or less provides a robust alternative, allowing you to save enough to buy Lego’s less expensive Eevee set.

From main meals to desserts!

The post All Heartopia Recipes – Level Requirements and Ingredients appeared first on Gamezebo.

A poster advertising a definitive edition of Tom Clancy’s The Division appears to have been spotted by folks attending a Ubisoft-run eSports event in Japan. At least, that’s assuming this isn’t some elaborate ruse designed to draw in spies from other game studios, while only Jack Ryan can see what’s truly going on.

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### Code Violet: A Promising Idea Stumbles

As the gaming industry progresses, each year generally brings its share of underwhelming titles, and it seems that **Code Violet**, a fresh survival horror game from **TeamKill Media**, may already be positioning itself as a contender for 2026’s standout bad game. Following the legacy of their earlier release, **Quantum Error**, which was also met with criticism, **Code Violet** currently holds a lackluster score of 40 on Metacritic, indicating it may not have escaped the same pitfalls as its predecessor.

#### Setting and Gameplay Mechanics

**Code Violet** strives to fuse elements from renowned games such as **Resident Evil 4**, **Dead Space**, and **Dino Crisis**. The concept revolves around a confined environment, over-the-shoulder shooting mechanics, and formidable dinosaur enemies. However, initial reviews suggest that the game fails to capture the tension and effectiveness of its inspirations. Critics have observed that the shooting mechanics lack the essential depth needed to provoke fear or thrills when battling the dinosaur foes.

IGN’s Jarrett Jawn emphasizes the flaws in the game’s combat system, where even a tactical withdrawal can turn into a stressful ordeal due to camera malfunctions. “A well-timed dash back can really confuse the raptors,” Jawn notes, yet points out that the cramped spaces quickly transform encounters into chaotic situations that detract from player enjoyment. The game’s controls seem to heighten rather than ease the tension, with reviewers citing problems like camera collisions with obstacles that obscure gameplay.

#### Combat and Audio/Visual Feedback

Numerous reviews expose a shared frustration with the overall performance of combat in **Code Violet**. John Cal McCormick from PushSquare portrays the shooting experience as “weak,” denouncing the firearms for their absence of weight and impact. He likens the sensation of firing a shotgun in the game to a feeble puff of air through a straw, illustrating the game’s ineffective feedback loop. Hitboxes are frequently described as erratic, leaving players uncertain whether they are hitting their targets until a dinosaur falls in a less-than-convincing manner.

#### Tonal Discrepancies in Character Design

Adding to the game’s numerous problems is a stark tonal inconsistency between its horror elements and the depiction of its main character, Violet. Reviewers have remarked that her fanservice-driven outfit clashes significantly with the game’s serious narrative moments. Jaz Sagoo from COGConnected notes that while Violet’s character model is meticulously crafted, it trends toward an excessively sexualized portrayal, which detracts from key story moments. In a particularly striking scene, Violet’s emotional turmoil is contrasted with her revealing outfit, undermining the intended seriousness of the moment.

#### Community Reaction and Future Prospects

The feedback regarding **Code Violet** has led to a surge of commentary from the gaming community, with many voicing little astonishment at its shortcomings given TeamKill Media’s previous endeavors. The collective longing for a genuine revival of **Dino Crisis** has been evident, as fans crave a true dinosaur horror experience rather than games that merely hint at its core elements without success.

In conclusion, **Code Violet** seems to represent another miscalculation for TeamKill Media, suggesting that it may be wise to wait for a more established developer, like Capcom, to revisit the franchise before diving into this latest dinosaur-infested horror. As reviews continue to pile up, it remains uncertain how low the score for this ambitious yet struggling title will fall.

New seeds for your garden and cooking recipes!

The post Where to Buy Seeds in Heartopia – Seasonal Stock and Locations appeared first on Gamezebo.

Happy Mawday all! This week, I’m thinking about how we can expand our bestiary of Maw manifestations. When describing the beast, we often resort to stock Lovecraftian imagery of a kaleidoscopic kerfuffle of teeth and tentacles, but the Maw’s appearances aren’t always so pulpy and cinematic. Sometimes, it just looks like a blinking cursor, or an expectant child, or a feeling of guilt about not returning a text message from an old friend. Sometimes, it looks like an audience of people who want to read about new PC games.

Come, depress yourself with me as we tot up possible indicators of Maw activity. Alternatively, read about some of those aforesaid new PC games. Thanks very much to Editor King Julian for suggesting the majority of titles on this list, which he has been doing with disturbing efficiency of late.

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### The Dynamics of Game Pricing in the Modern Market

Game pricing has grown more diverse, showcasing a variety of approaches adopted by developers as they navigate the constantly changing environment of the gaming industry. This trend is particularly noticeable in the indie game sector, which has traditionally struggled to validate its pricing amidst a market saturated with AAA titles that have significant funding. The psychology underlying pricing perceptions is complex, as noted by Nick Kaman, the co-creator of the highly successful climbing simulator, *Peak*, which debuted in June 2025.

#### Pricing Strategies and Perception

*Peak* was introduced at a promotional price of $5, which Kaman indicates is strategically set below a “standard” price of $8. This pricing choice arises from an intriguing analysis of how gamers perceive value. Kaman observed the variability in pricing perception, where incremental spending can seem similar: “In a player’s perspective, what does it imply to spend five dollars? Well… that’s five dollars. But six dollars? Well, that’s still five dollars.” The developer expanded on this by demonstrating that specific price ranges create tiers in consumer psychology, where $8 could still feel like $5, while $12 might be analogous to $10.

This tiered pricing framework highlights a strategic approach to optimizing sales and engagement, indicating that pricing just under psychological limits can greatly influence buying choices.

#### The Significance of Market Comparisons

The $8 price for *Peak* was not a random choice but rather influenced by the pricing of *Content Warning*, another successful multiplayer title. This association with market competitors is a prevalent strategy, as developers aim to align their products’ perceived value with consumer expectations within a particular genre.

The insights of another industry expert, Tom Francis of Suspicious Developments, further elucidate the complexities of indie game pricing. He argues that game sales depend on three primary factors: the number of visits to the Steam page, the efficiency of the page in converting visits to purchases, and the game’s price.

#### A New Perspective on Pricing Models

Francis contests the traditional view that indie games must rely solely on pricing to thrive, emphasizing the significance of fulfilling and managing player expectations. His observations indicate that while lower-priced games may influence the overall market median, they do not undermine consumers’ readiness to pay higher prices for quality titles. The presence of niche games that can effectively command premium pricing—even if they lack visual sophistication—demonstrates that market viability remains strong across various price ranges.

For instance, the recent launch of *Rising Front*, a straightforward yet captivating WWI battle simulator, is priced at $15 but experiences sales during promotional events, showcasing a pricing tactic in line with Francis’ suggestions. As Kaman highlighted, pricing trends are fluid; what may seem like a $12 title is essentially perceived as a $10 game within market contexts.

### Conclusion

The current landscape of game pricing reveals a multifaceted interaction of psychological elements, market comparisons, and strategic positioning. Developers are increasingly experimenting with their pricing mechanisms, leveraging consumer psychology to identify ideal price points that drive engagement and sales. As the indie game segment continues to establish its presence, these pricing techniques are likely to develop, reflecting the dynamic nature of consumer expectations and the wider gaming ecosystem.

It only spawns once per day.

The post Heartopia Roaming Oak Timber – Tree Locations and Spawn Time appeared first on Gamezebo.

On Friday, while on the phone to friend of this parish Jeremy Peel, I knocked an entire mug of tea over my laptop. I won’t immortalise in text what I said in that moment; it’s for the best that those curses are lost to the aether.

I immediately shut down the PC, mopped it clean with a kitchen towel, and flipped it over, leaving it splayed open to air dry. I even went so far as to plonk it down in front of a dehumidifier to really sap the tea out of the machine.*

There it sat for two days, a modern day Schrodinger’s laptop. Possibly fine. Possibly broken.

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