Gait Games

Foundational RPG series Wizardry has, over forty years since helping to codify the roleplaying videogame, found itself torn between present-day custodians. Atari announced yesterday that they’d acquired the rights to the first five Wizardry games, as well as “their underlying IP,” and said they’d be re-releasing those five on modern platforms. This morning, however, Japanese publishers Drecom – who bought Wizardry’s copyright and trademark rights in 2020 – tXeeted that contrary to certain reports on Atari’s acquisition, it was they who’d continue to own and manage the intellectual property in the future.

Read more

As GameStop works to enhance its presence in the collectibles market while pursuing a significant acquisition, the company has opted for a daring move by launching single, randomized PSA-graded Pokémon cards priced at $5,000. This initiative is part of GameStop’s “Power Packs” program, developed in partnership with PSA, a leading card-grading service.

GameStop’s Power Packs enable customers to acquire a virtual card pack, which includes one PSA-graded card. Customers are able to “rip” the pack digitally and then choose whether to have the card sent to them, sell it on GameStop’s platform (where GameStop retains a portion of the sale), or store it safely in a climate-controlled facility located in Delaware. The program has been operational for several months and offers diverse price points, making it accessible to various budget ranges.

The cost for these digital packs spans from $25 to $5,000, with the latter being a recent addition. As the price escalates, so does the supposed potential value of the cards inside, allegedly providing improved odds of acquiring a high-value card. For example, the top tier, aptly labeled “Neutronium,” presents a 0.4% chance of obtaining a card valued over $40,000. However, these odds unveil a stark reality, showing a 72% probability of ending up with a card worth less than the purchase price, in addition to a 25% chance of receiving a card valued just slightly above the amount spent.

This method bears resemblances to Lucky Box vending machines, marked by the element of chance and the excitement of possible big wins. However, GameStop’s strategy signals a larger concern about adult behaviors in the children’s trading card market, reflecting recent occurrences of heightened demand and inflated prices driven by adult collectors willing to invest heavily in these items.

GameStop’s bold pricing strategy mirrors a trend of the company’s attempts to invigorate its business amidst dwindling in-store sales and evolving consumer interests. The retailer’s ventures across various trends through the years include initiatives in NFTs, investments in cryptocurrency, and focusing on vintage collectibles. This recent pursuit of eBay, highlighted by a proposed $56 billion acquisition, further emphasizes GameStop’s drive towards diversification and innovation in revenue sources, even while facing backlash for perceived price gouging in its collectibles offerings.

As GameStop continues to seek novel paths for profit amidst a transforming retail landscape, its latest venture into high-priced Pokémon cards not only showcases its efforts to leverage collector enthusiasm but also raises concerns about the sustainability and ethics of such strategies in the domain of trading card collectibles. Whether this approach will prove successful or further alienate its customer base remains to be seen.

Firaxis are finally ready to fire the nuke that is Civ 7‘s free Test of Time update, the strategy game’s “biggest and most fundamentally game-changing” revamp yet. The update, headlined by the ability to bypass the Age system and play as one society through an entire game in classic Civ fashion, will arrive on May 19th.

Read more

# Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight – A Comprehensive Overview

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight emerged as one of the standout surprises during last year’s Gamescom: Opening Night Live event. Mechanically, it represents a notable shift from the typical style of Traveller’s Tales’ Lego games, and it appears to be a long-anticipated continuation of the Arkham series. With the release date drawing near, here’s what we know about the game thus far.

## The Clear Arkham Inspiration

Legacy of the Dark Knight is heavily influenced by Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham series. Set in an expansive Gotham City, players can fly and use grapple hooks as Batman, taking down enemies and solving Riddler challenges. The mini-figure version of Batman navigates the streets via motorcycle and Batmobile, while the combat system features rhythmic punches, kicks, and parries echoing the mechanics found in the Arkham games. With QTEs at its core, players skilled in blocking and dodging can engage fluidly in combat. Fans of the Arkham franchise will recognize well-known gadgets, such as the explosive gel utilized to breach walls, indicating Traveller’s Tales’ effort to bridge the gap left by Rocksteady.

## Making Arkham Gameplay Accessible for Every Lego Enthusiast

In a conversation with Kotaku, Jonathan Smith, Strategic Director & Head of Development Team at TT Games, highlighted that while Rocksteady successfully captured the essence of being Batman, Legacy of the Dark Knight aims to establish a combat system that is reachable for a wider audience. To make this possible, the game provides multiple difficulty levels. This design enables gamers to opt for a less stressful experience with clear commands and straightforward progress, or a more demanding “Dark Knight mode” that necessitates strategic planning, effective gadget usage, and true skill in the gaming mechanics.

> “We’ve got a broad audience of players of all ages, and we want to offer a fulfilling, high-quality experience that requires depth,” Smith remarked.

## Playable Characters

As with most Lego titles, Legacy of the Dark Knight is intended for cooperative gameplay. One player controls Batman, while the other can select from a rotating cast of characters, including Catwoman, Jim Gordon, Nightwing, Robin, Talia al Ghul, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, and the Joker. Each character has distinct abilities crucial for progressing through levels. For example, Jim Gordon’s foam gun can clear obstacles that might hinder Batman’s advancement. Solo players have the flexibility to switch between characters in real time to make the best use of their abilities.

## The Batcave: An Expanding Hub

The Batcave acts as Batman’s main base within the game, serving as a command center. Players can change outfits, arrange collected treasures, store different Batmobiles, and upgrade the Batcave with new tools and furnishings. Additionally, this space will function as the center for managing character improvements, enriching gameplay and advancement.

## A Tribute to the Numerous Batmans That Came Before

Legacy of the Dark Knight pays homage to various interpretations of Batman seen in films, animations, and comics. The game includes appearances from characters across different cinematic versions, such as those from Christopher Nolan, Tim Burton, and Matt Reeves. As players advance, they will come across various depictions of Batman’s history and lore, along with familiar allies and adversaries like Alfred, the entire Bat Family, and iconic villains such as the Joker and Poison Ivy.

## Recognizing Online Culture

The game also acknowledges the “Extremely Online” nature of its fanbase. Previews have showcased witty nods to Batman’s vast media legacy, featuring Michael Caine’s famous tweet and possible references to memes like the “Surfing Joker.” This recognition of the creativity within the online community has the potential to enhance engagement with a varied audience.

## Pre-Order Rewards and Early Access

In line with modern gaming dynamics, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight provides bonuses for pre-ordering. Players who opt for the $90 deluxe edition will gain access to the game three days before its official launch, enabling them to commence their journey on May 19.

## Release Date and System Information

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is scheduled for release on May 22 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a Switch 2 version anticipated later in the year.

As excitement builds for this distinctive entry in the Lego franchise, fans are eager to explore the reimagined Gotham and engage with its cherished characters in this innovative interpretation of Batman and his universe.

I’ve never been into a pediatrician’s office to confirm this, but I’ve always suspected that in the centre of the room there’s a concrete trench beneath a metal lift. It just stands to reason that when an infant goes in for a check up, they’re plonked down on the metal frame, raised up two or three feet before the doctor goes down into the trench to inspect the baby’s fleshy chassis from below. Maxis have only poured petrol on my suspicion thanks to a section in The Sims patch notes titled: ‘Infant tuning’.

Read more

### Borderlands 4: Postponement and Outlook on Switch 2

**Introduction**

Borderlands 4, the eagerly awaited installment in the renowned looter-shooter series, was originally planned as a significant third-party port for Nintendo’s next-gen console, the Switch 2. Nonetheless, recent news has revealed that the release for this platform has been postponed at the last moment, leading to it being “on pause.” This article explores the factors contributing to the delay and the future possibilities for Borderlands 4 on Switch 2.

**Current Situation of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2**

Take Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has confirmed that while launching Borderlands 4 on the Switch 2 is “feasible,” the Nintendo console does not take precedence over other major systems such as Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox. In a recent interview, Zelnick highlighted that the company’s focus remains significantly on these leading platforms, which affects their strategy for porting games to the Switch 2.

“We aim to be wherever the consumer is, and we’ve backed Switch 2,” Zelnick remarked. This suggests that there remains an intention to support the Nintendo platform, though it is not at the forefront of their priorities.

**Prospects for Other Major Titles**

The implications of Zelnick’s remarks go beyond Borderlands 4. Games like Grand Theft Auto 6, one of the most anticipated titles in the business, appear unlikely to transition to Switch 2 in the near term. Despite a dynamic community of players wishing for its arrival on the handheld hybrid, the prioritization of resources toward more mainstream consoles implies that expectations should be tempered.

**Causes for the Postponement**

The postponement of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 has been officially characterized as a “pause” instead of a cancellation. Zelnick clarified that Gearbox Entertainment, the developer of the game, is currently working on various performance challenges and player feedback noted on other platforms. He mentioned, “We’ve been tackling those issues, and we want to ensure that we’ve comprehensively addressed Borderlands 4 from a consumer’s perspective before we expand to more platforms.”

This emphasis on resolving issues underscores Gearbox’s dedication to providing a refined experience for all players, which is an encouraging sign for those anticipating the Switch 2 release.

**Conclusion**

Although the exact timeframe for the debut of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 remains unclear, the ongoing work by Gearbox to enhance the game suggests that it may not be too far off. As Take Two focuses on its console launches, it is crucial for franchise fans to exercise patience. The eventual introduction of Borderlands 4 on Switch 2 could result in a richer gaming experience, provided that the developers can meet the high expectations of players across all platforms.

Lo, the great and powerful leader of the Ecksbocks kingdom hath issued another decree, as she continues to make changes following her succession to the throne once held by Phil Spencer. Some of my former Microsoft CoreAI teammates will join my leadership council, Xbox boss Asha Sharma has decided, while also opting to nix some of the plans the company had to push Copilot into their gaming offerings.

Read more

**Discovering the Delights of Birdwatching with “Flock Around”: A Fresh Co-Op Adventure**

Recently, the gaming industry has seen an influx of titles embracing the friendslop concept, noted for its cheerful co-op gameplay and whimsical mechanics. While these games often deliver brief enjoyment, they frequently vanish into oblivion soon after the initial excitement. Nevertheless, within this ocean of transient fun, a new title has surfaced that encapsulates the spirit of a cherished pastime—birdwatching.

**Presenting “Flock Around”**

Launched by Secret Plan in late April, *Flock Around* is an open-world co-op title centered on birdwatching. Players are challenged to find 65 distinct bird species, snap photos from multiple perspectives, and uncover their unique shiny variants. This game offers the option to play solo or with companions, allowing players to choose how they want to engage with it.

In spite of a few minor drawbacks such as a somewhat cumbersome user interface and a visual style that could be labeled the “Friendslop Aesthetic”—rounded, colorful characters with whimsical traits—*Flock Around* provides a deeply enjoyable experience. Players can unlock various biomes, use seeds to lure different birds, and enhance their binoculars and cameras, all while interacting with an authentic simulation of the birdwatching experience. The game excels in its meticulous attention to detail, with birds behaving like their real-life counterparts, residing in genuine habitats, and producing realistic calls.

**A Personal Link to Birdwatching**

The importance of *Flock Around* goes beyond a simple gaming experience; for many players, including devoted birdwatchers, it resonates with a deep passion. For those new to birdwatching, the activity can be compared to a real-world equivalent of *Pokémon GO*, where enthusiasts often maintain a “life list” tracking the species they’ve spotted. Birdwatching cultivates a sense of adventure and discovery that mirrors gaming, creating an engaging pursuit for players in both virtual and real realms.

*Flock Around* encapsulates the collective joy of birdwatching, enabling players to revel in the thrill of the chase. Whether it’s locating each other before dispersing seeds, playfully vying over bird sightings, or enjoying the enthusiastic calls of non-birders identifying creatures, the game replicates the exhilaration of birdwatching with friends.

**The Prospects of “Flock Around”**

Backed by support from Outersloth, there are aspirations that *Flock Around* will keep receiving updates and improvements, broadening its already captivating experience. The game has the capability to connect digital birdwatching and real-world bird-watching, motivating players to venture outdoors and explore the natural environment.

For those passionate about birdwatching, *Flock Around* is a must-experience. And for novices or anyone inspired by the game, leveraging tools like the Merlin Bird ID app and going outdoors to identify birds can foster a gratifying new hobby. As the game highlights the beauty and thrill of birdwatching, it emphasizes the bond between digital entertainment and meaningful real-world pursuits.

In summary, *Flock Around* distinguishes itself in a crowded marketplace, providing players not just with a fleeting diversion, but a gateway into a richly fulfilling and potentially enduring passion for birdwatching.

Oh heck, colleagues, we got one: a promising videogame. Noirmancer is a first-person single-player stealth sim, heavily inspired by the original Thief, in which you are a hard-boiled sleuth with supernatural abilities. Think Humphrey Bogart, if Humphrey Bogart were a Dishonored character. Here are some things you can do: swim in midair, transform into vapour, stun alerted guards with pew-pew gestures, and chuck down telekinetic mats to serve as (usefully sound-absorbing) platforms.

It might sound like a jumble, like one of those Marvel comicbook movesets they have to prune severely for the sake of a coherent film adaptation, but the whimsical stage magician hand animations and midnight jazz SFX absolutely sell the package. Instead of swinging a blackjack (noirjack?), you’ll put mooks to sleep with a snap of your gloved fingers and a rattle of cymbals. Forget Bogart – this is Penn or Teller, whichever of them has springier knees.

Read more

At this evening’s Xbox Presents event, enthusiasts of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio received thrilling updates about the eagerly awaited action-RPG, Stranger Than Heaven. The 30-minute showcase delivered a comprehensive glimpse into the game’s narrative, combat mechanics, and characters, ultimately concluding with the announcement that the game is set to debut ‘this winter’. While the specific release date has not been revealed, there is speculation that the delay could be partly due to the impending launch of GTA 6, which is currently scheduled for November 19, 2026.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, renowned for its successful Like a Dragon, Yakuza, and Judgement franchises, seems to be pushing boundaries with Stranger Than Heaven. The forthcoming game will significantly draw from the studio’s earlier titles, providing a cinematic journey with a notable focus on action and the theme of camaraderie. Unlike earlier games that primarily revolved around a single location with occasional visits to others, Stranger Than Heaven aims to introduce a variety of backdrops across five Japanese cities, covering five distinct eras—1915, 1929, 1943, 1951, and 1965.

The combat mechanics of the game signify a progression from past Yakuza installments, showcasing a more intricate system that might appear overwhelming initially. Nevertheless, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has a history of merging action with cinematic narrative fluidly, instilling hope that the new system will elevate player involvement and satisfaction.

Stranger Than Heaven is set to launch this winter on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and PlayStation 5. With the winter months approaching, anticipation escalates for players keen to delve into the new realms designed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.