Gait Games

### Commemorating 30 Years of Pokémon: A Detailed Ranking of Core RPGs

With Pokémon Day on the horizon, celebrating the cherished franchise’s 30th anniversary on February 27, it’s the perfect moment to look back on the history of this legendary series. Debuting with the original Pokémon Red and Blue in 1996, the franchise has enchanted millions by enabling players to capture, battle, and train creatures across expansive, creative worlds. This piece evaluates the mainline Pokémon RPGs, culminating with a review of the latest release, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, which features a real-time battle system and a storyline set entirely within a single city.

#### 1. Pokémon Red and Blue
The games that initiated everything, *Red and Blue* laid the groundwork for what would grow into a cultural landmark. With the debut of 151 Pokémon and a vast world brimming with adventure, these games remain cherished classics for countless fans.

#### 2. Pokémon Gold and Silver
Enhancing the achievements of their predecessors, *Gold and Silver* brought in new features such as breeding, a day-night cycle, and an additional 100 Pokémon. The addition of two regions rendered these games extensive and revolutionary for their era.

#### 3. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
Transitioning the series to the Game Boy Advance, these titles showcased enhanced graphics and more complex gameplay systems, including double battles and Pokémon abilities. The rich narrative and the introduction of the Hoenn region’s varied landscapes received widespread acclaim.

#### 4. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
The move to the Nintendo DS provided upgraded visuals and online capabilities. Showcasing the Sinnoh region, these games added new Pokémon and prioritized storytelling, establishing a benchmark for future narratives in the franchise.

#### 5. Pokémon Black and White
Recognized for its daring storytelling and focus on challenging gameplay, *Black and White* represented transformative installments that moved away from nostalgia. The games featured an entirely fresh roster of Pokémon and posed moral questions surrounding Pokémon training.

#### 6. Pokémon X and Y
Advancing the franchise into the 3D universe on the Nintendo 3DS, *X and Y* introduced Mega Evolutions and broader online features. The design of the Kalos region and the game’s innovative mechanics rejuvenated enthusiasm for the series.

#### 7. Pokémon Sun and Moon
Focusing on character growth and straying from the standard Gym Leader format, *Sun and Moon* offered a distinct perspective on the series. The Alola region took inspiration from real-world locations, enhancing the franchise’s allure and charm.

#### 8. Pokémon Sword and Shield
These titles marked the series’ arrival on the Nintendo Switch, introducing a new open-world experience and showcasing the Wild Area. While they ignited debates over content and graphical quality, *Sword and Shield* effectively broadened the Pokémon universe.

#### 9. Pokémon Legends: Z-A
As the most recent addition, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* seeks to innovate with a real-time battle system and a plot centered around a single city. While some fans praise its daring approach, others question its divergence from the foundational gameplay mechanics of earlier titles. Its reception will shape its legacy within the vast realm of Pokémon history.

### Conclusion
Every Pokémon game has played a role in the franchise’s growth, whether through pioneering gameplay, engaging storytelling, or nostalgic appeal. As we honor Pokémon’s 30-year legacy, it’s evident that the series continues to enchant new generations while remaining true to its origins. As fans look forward to the future, this ranking acts as a homage to the lasting legacy of Pokémon and its influence on gaming culture.

### Discord’s Age-Verification Dispute: A Pause to Restore Confidence

Discord, the widely utilized voice and chat platform among gamers, is encountering notable criticism over its recently introduced age-verification mandates. In a recent announcement from co-founder and CTO Stanislav Vishnevskiy, the company disclosed its plan to postpone the global implementation of these controversial policies, admitting to having erred in how the initiative was presented to users.

### Grasping the New Policy

Originally, the suggested age-verification mechanism would necessitate users to upload photos and personal identification to gain access to specific adult content channels, particularly if the system’s AI flagged them as possibly under the age of 18. This announcement elicited widespread anger among the platform’s user base, many of whom believed their privacy was at risk. Concerns escalated when it came to light that the pilot program in the UK involved a vendor, Persona, linked to Peter Thiel’s Palantir, a data surveillance company.

Vishnevskiy recognized the communication errors, indicating that numerous users misinterpreted the mandates, thinking that every Discord user would be compelled to submit face scans and ID uploads. He stressed that this was not accurate, but the widespread misunderstanding pointed to a failure in clearly articulating the intent and details of the policy.

### Grounds for the Delay

In response to community feedback, Discord has deferred the implementation of age-verification practices to the latter portion of 2026. This postponement is intended to tackle the concerns voiced by the community and to refine the strategy for transparent age verification. Vishnevskiy listed crucial measures the company intends to adopt before moving forward with the implementation:

1. **Increasing Verification Alternatives:** Discord will broaden the available verification options, incorporating choices like credit card verification to provide users with more comfortable alternatives.

2. **Transparency with Vendors:** The company will publicly disclose its verification vendors on its website and ensure that any facial age estimation technology functions entirely on device to safeguard user data.

3. **New Spoiler Channel Feature:** Discord is working on a dedicated spoiler channel feature that will enable communities to discuss sensitive or mature subjects without always necessitating an age barrier for their entire server.

4. **Informative Blog Post:** A comprehensive blog post will be issued to clarify how Discord’s age determination systems operate, including data privacy considerations.

5. **Data in Transparency Reports:** Future transparency reports will present metrics concerning age-verification processes, such as the count of users prompted for verification and the methods employed.

### Community Reaction and Future Insights

Even with the company’s attempts to clarify and delay the rollout, numerous users still remain doubtful. Discord is dealing with wider challenges surrounding data security and the repercussions of heightened surveillance, particularly in light of its forthcoming IPO. This situation acts as a significant reminder of the hurdles tech platforms encounter in reconciling regulatory compliance with user trust and privacy.

As Discord maneuvers through these intricacies, it is evident that effective communication and genuine responsiveness to user concerns are crucial for regaining trust among its millions of users. The deferred age-verification policies will need to be meticulously designed to satisfy both safety concerns and the safeguarding of user privacy.

### Digital Charity Bundle: A Boomer Shooter Extravaganza for a Purpose

In a thrilling effort, a fresh digital charity bundle has surfaced, presenting a selection of remarkable “boomer shooters” for only $17. Open for the upcoming two weeks, this bundle features renowned titles such as *Selaco*, *Cultic*, and *Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun*, making it a compelling offer for enthusiasts of retro-themed first-person shooters.

#### The Boom of Boomer Shooters

In recent years, the gaming landscape has experienced a revival of retro-themed first-person shooters, often informally named “boomer shooters.” These games evoke the nostalgic gameplay and aesthetics of classic FPS titles, showcasing shotguns, high-octane action, and intense combat. Nevertheless, the quality across these titles may vary, with some failing to impress. Thankfully, this freshly curated bundle by Digiphile guarantees only the most enjoyable selections.

With the bundle available until March 10, 2024, gamers can revel in a carefully chosen collection free from subpar entries, guaranteeing that each title upholds the high expectations of its fans.

#### What’s Inside the Bundle?

The digital charity bundle boasts an impressive selection of seven games:

– *Selaco*
– *I Am Your Beast*
– *Mullet Madjack*
– *Beyond Citadel*
– *Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun*
– *Incision*
– *Cultic*

At a mere $17, this bundle signifies remarkable value. Individually, many of these titles could easily command a higher price, rendering the combined package one of the premier bargains seen in recent times.

#### Highlights from the Bundle

Here are a few notable titles from the bundle and their unique features:

1. **[Selaco](https://kotaku.com/selaco-gzdoom-engine-fps-steam-review-early-access-1851513067)** – A boomer shooter imbued with the spirit of *Doom*:
“*Selaco* is a more refined, skillfully designed, and entertaining FPS than numerous AAA titles I’ve experienced in recent years. You’ll overlook its *Doom* roots as you traverse expansive, meticulously crafted levels filled with various foes, challenges, and secrets.”

2. **[Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun](https://kotaku.com/warhammer-40000-40k-boltgun-review-retro-fps-shooter-1850466690)** – A gritty retro shooter with adjustable visuals:
“*Boltgun* delivers a crunchy and nostalgic experience in all the right aspects, enabling players to tweak graphics to forge a classic early ‘90s shooter atmosphere.”

3. **[Mullet Madjack](https://kotaku.com/mullet-madjack-anime-fps-roguelike-hades-review-steam-1851475865)** – An exhilarating FPS about defeating affluent robots:
“In *Mullet Madjack*, you confront wealthy robotic foes using a repertoire of weapons in a fast-paced setting, where stunning visuals and world-building elevate the gameplay quality.”

#### Supporting a Cause

In addition to acquiring a collection of top-tier games, buying this bundle contributes to a charity focused on the conservation of whales and dolphins. Gamers can enjoy their new acquisitions while aiding a worthy cause, embodying the ideal blend of entertainment and philanthropy.

In conclusion, the Digiphile charity bundle not only embodies some of the finest experiences within the boomer shooter genre but also offers players a chance to make a positive impact on marine conservation. With exceptional titles at an unparalleled price, this offer is certainly one to seize.

# Asha Sharma’s Outlook for Xbox: A Rejuvenation of Fundamental Principles

In the latest updates from Microsoft Gaming, Asha Sharma has assumed the role of CEO, taking over from Phil Spencer. Her arrival sparked excitement among Xbox staff, particularly with her commitment to a “return to Xbox,” raising important queries about the upcoming trajectory of the gaming sector. The announcement was met with a blend of optimism and doubt, leading to questions about the true meaning behind this commitment.

## Highlighting Fundamental Principles

In a discussion with Windows Central, Sharma laid out her vision with hopeful expressions while remaining somewhat ambiguous in details. She characterized the notion of “returning to Xbox” as a resurgence of the team’s foundational ethos—a call for imagination, creativity, and risks that have traditionally defined the Xbox identity. Terms such as “renegade,” “rebellion,” and “fun” were underscored, indicating a possible shift towards a bolder and more adventurous gaming strategy.

Sharma recognized that she is still adjusting to her new position and faces a significant learning curve ahead. This admission raised some eyebrows, as it seemed unusual for a CEO to take part in media interactions while still absorbing so much about the Xbox identity. She openly mentioned the importance of grasping the reasoning behind previous choices, including the contentious move away from game exclusives, asserting, “At this moment, I need to learn, honestly.”

## Assessing the Existing Strategy

The shift to a new leadership approach coincides with a period of scrutiny over Microsoft’s gaming strategy. Sharma’s emphasis seems to be on sustainable viability rather than immediate profits, hinting at a strategic reassessment of the Xbox ecosystem. She stressed her dedication to understanding the “why” behind existing strategies, suggesting a thoughtful review instead of a rash overhaul.

When addressing game exclusivity, Sharma proposed a considered approach, indicating that any forthcoming modifications would arise from thorough analysis of data and player participation. Her remark, “The plan is the plan until it’s not the plan,” reflects her prudent outlook, advocating for decisions rooted in data rather than hasty actions.

## AI in Gaming

Another crucial element of Sharma’s vision is her stance on artificial intelligence. She reassured gamers that her leadership will not result in an avalanche of “soulless AI slop,” striving to maintain a balance between innovation and quality. Matt Booty, Xbox’s CCO, echoed this sentiment by stating that there are no external pressures from Microsoft to prioritize AI within the gaming framework, implying a level of independence in their creative path.

## The Path Ahead for Xbox

Despite the absence of specific plans, Sharma’s focus on a “proof over promise” philosophy establishes a professional benchmark for accountability. While enthusiasts and stakeholders might desire more transparency, it appears the strategy will mature as Sharma delves into the heritage and structure of Xbox. The forthcoming months will be significant in determining how her vision materializes into tangible initiatives.

In summary, Asha Sharma’s leadership represents a crucial turning point for Xbox. With an emphasis on reconnecting with core principles and nurturing innovation, her approach demands patience and adaptability. As the gaming community anticipates further advancements, Sharma’s dedication to learning and strategic reflection will be instrumental in influencing the future of Xbox.

**The Prospects for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe: A Reboot in Sight**

Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group, under the leadership of CEO Tom Rothman, has recently shared a positive outlook concerning the future of its Spider-Man Universe (SSU). In a conversation with Matt Belloni on *The Town*, Rothman indicated that the SSU is very much alive and is set for a “new reboot” featuring “new talent.” This statement comes on the heels of a tough period marked by the underwhelming performances of films like *Morbius*, *Madame Web*, and *Kraven the Hunter*, which faced challenges both critically and financially over the last three years.

The commercial failures of these films have led to significant backlash, particularly directed at *Morbius* and *Madame Web*. During the promotional activities for *Kraven the Hunter*, director J.C. Chandor appealed to viewers for their backing, encouraging them to allow his film a chance to distance itself from the negative reputation of its forerunners. Nevertheless, despite these appeals, *Kraven the Hunter* encountered similar critiques and letdowns upon its release, underscoring a trend of unsuccessful adaptations. Even the more favorable entries in the SSU, such as *Venom* and *Venom: Let There Be Carnage*, have garnered attention mainly for their unintentional humor rather than their artistic accomplishments.

Sony’s strategy to refresh its superhero slate is not new. The studio has previously tried a reboot of its Spider-Man franchise following the success of Sam Raimi’s original trilogy, which wrapped up in 2007. The ensuing reboot, launched in 2012 under director Marc Webb, resulted in just two films instead of the anticipated trilogy. Following this issue, Sony chose to collaborate with Disney, incorporating Spider-Man into the immensely successful Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This decision represented a pivotal shift for the character, which, as noted by Belloni, was a moment of humility for Sony, recognizing the necessity for help to revitalize the franchise.

However, Rothman disputes the prevailing narrative surrounding the Disney partnership, claiming that the alliance has proven advantageous for Sony, although critics highlight the company’s persistent struggles in producing successful standalone superhero features. At this point, Rothman has not revealed any detailed plans concerning the framework or trajectory of the rebooted SSU.

In conclusion, while Sony Pictures is preparing to rejuvenate its Spider-Man Universe, the results of this endeavor remain unpredictable. The studio must grapple with its past and the hopes of audiences who have already been disappointed by prior efforts. As the superhero film landscape keeps evolving, all attention will be directed toward Sony’s forthcoming actions as it strives to reclaim both the character’s legendary status and the box office success that is anticipated.

Earlier this month, Discord said that they’d be rolling out a global age verification system to which everyone and their mother responded by saying “thank you,” except they didn’t say thank. A little bit later on, they also shared word of an experiment being run in relation to this new system and policy that involved an identity detection firm backed by a fund directed by Palantir chairman Peter Thiel called Persona, which apparently potentially stored any ID documentation you submitted to them for up to seven days. Now, after more and more pushback, Discord have put out a statement that still probably doesn’t say what you wish it would.

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I think on the offset, Looking for Fael isn’t a difficult game to pitch, but perhaps one that takes a second to get to grips with. You play as, well, not Fael, but his roommate, who, as you may have guessed, is looking for Fael after receiving a strange voicemail message where he says he is somehow lost in your apartment. What follows is then a reality bending puzzle game where the world itself is a puzzle, but also you have to play a spin (pun intended) on the objectively best game ever made, Tetris.

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### The Distinctive Method to Romance in *Avowed*

With the launch of action RPG *Avowed* set for February 2025, developer Obsidian Entertainment has drawn attention with an unexpected announcement: players should not anticipate conventional romance mechanics in the game. Game director Carrie Patel emphasized the desire to cultivate “thoughtful relationships” with companion characters while expressing a personal inclination toward romance only if it can be authentically woven into the storyline. This statement was captivating, particularly in light of Obsidian’s background with romance in their previous games.

Traditionally, Obsidian has engaged with romance options—most notably in *Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire*—but has not fully adopted the prevalent trend seen in numerous modern RPGs, where romantic relationships with companions have become a fundamental aspect. In contrast to these typical representations, *Avowed* chooses a more layered examination of relationships that values emotional development over physical attraction, thereby redefining what romance signifies in video games.

#### Romance in Western RPGs: The Conventional Method

The contemporary understanding of romance in Western RPGs largely originates from BioWare’s early titles, such as *Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn*. The incorporation of customizable player characters and romanceable NPCs emerged as a signature of the genre, with series like *Mass Effect* and *Dragon Age* honing this mechanic into a customary part of gameplay. Players have come to expect flirtation and seduction during interactions alongside adventuring, with characters often providing a blend of banter and progress in the storyline.

Nevertheless, this formula has not been without its shortcomings. Romance mechanics can frequently appear disjointed from the narrative, with interactions resembling a checklist of side missions rather than authentic emotional bonds. As Patel pointed out, when romance reduces to a mere system, the richness of character relationships wanes, leaving players with experiences that may come off as superficial and empty.

#### What Distinguishes *Avowed*

In *Avowed*, players take on the role of a customizable envoy from the Aedyran Empire, sent to investigate the tumultuous Living Lands. Here, players form a party of characters, all vital to the narrative. Yet, unlike other RPGs, the exchanges between the player and companions, particularly during camp discussions, are devoid of romantic nuances or sexual innuendos.

Rather, *Avowed* focuses on the personal narratives and emotional progression of the characters. A notable character, Kai, illustrates this well. A mercenary with a complicated past, Kai’s storyline revolves around his lingering feelings for a former lover, Tama, who succumbed after Kai abandoned him on his deathbed. This relationship is more than just a side plot; it is a crucial element of Kai’s character evolution.

Throughout the game, players can converse with Kai in ways that promote reflection rather than romantic advances. The true nature of the “romance” comes from assisting Kai in navigating his trauma and understanding the depths of his emotions for Tama. The interaction culminates not in a typical romantic conclusion but in an acknowledgment of emotional readiness and healing. Players can share their feelings with Kai, who, after considerable contemplation, responds in a meaningful, though non-physical, way.

#### Conclusion: An Invigorating Perspective on Romance

The strategy employed by *Avowed* signifies a notable break from standard RPG romance mechanics. Rather than engaging in the usual mechanics of flirtation and physical attraction, the game showcases a unique romantic thread that underscores emotional depth. By connecting the romance directly to character development and the narrative journey, *Avowed* redefines the concept of connection in RPGs.

Patel’s vision, coupled with the unexpected inclusion of romance, indicates that the developers value significant interactions over conventional gameplay mechanics. It underscores how a well-crafted narrative can express romance in a manner that feels both genuine and captivating, offering a fresh viewpoint in a genre that frequently resorts to trivializing relationships. In achieving this, *Avowed* may pave the way for future RPGs that aspire to delve into intricate emotional narratives without depending on traditional romantic clichés.

**Title: Tokyo Scramble: The Newest Gaming Catastrophe**

As the year unfolds, gamers stay vigilant for fresh releases, but enthusiasm can quickly sour when faced with underwhelming titles. One game currently drawing criticism is *Tokyo Scramble*, a Switch 2 exclusive inspired by the renowned survival horror franchise *Dino Crisis*. Although it was unveiled during a recent Nintendo Direct event and sparked a considerable amount of anticipation, the actual experience has fallen short of expectations since its debut on February 11, resulting in a flood of unfavorable reviews.

Per *TheGamer*, the reviews for *Tokyo Scramble* have been notably disappointing. It presently boasts a 19 percent Critic Recommend score on OpenCritic, along with a “Generally Unfavorable” rating of 40 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics have been sluggish in reviewing the game, possibly due to a lack of review codes or overall disinterest, further complicating its reception.

While reviewers have voiced their dissatisfaction, *Tokyo Scramble* has reportedly propelled *Code Violet* back to the status of the year’s lowest-rated game temporarily, after a minor rise to a 66/100 score from *33Bits*, pushing its average to 48. The increasing influx of scores for *Tokyo Scramble* suggests that its standing could deteriorate further, but as it stands, *Code Violet* retains the lead in negative recognition.

Despite its disastrous critic ratings, *Tokyo Scramble* has managed to attain a user score of 6.6/10 on Metacritic, albeit with only 14 user reviews influencing the overall rating. This score has been swayed by a notably excited user who awarded it a 10/10—a glaring contrast to their 0/10 rating for the well-regarded *Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem*. Such outlier ratings emphasize the inconsistency and often dubious nature of user-generated ratings on platforms like Metacritic.

The troubling launch of *Tokyo Scramble* serves as a clear reminder of the erratic nature of video game releases, where excitement can quickly shift to disillusionment. As developers and publishers gaze toward the rest of the year, the industry keenly observes to see if any other titles can usurp *Code Violet* as the year’s most poorly reviewed game.

Is there something in the digital air this weekend? Bungie are finally letting anybody who wants a go have a go at Marathon from February 26th to March 2nd as part of the game’s server slam, and now it looks like Guerrilla Games’ recently announced live service spin-off Horizon Hunters Gathering is joining it with a playtest of its own.

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