Gaming

Skyrim eclipsed Lord of the Rings: War in the North’s launch 15 years ago, so the WB Games lead who “argued vociferously” against the release is happy to see it get a second shot

The One Ring struggled against Bethesda's massive RPG

Where to buy Palword TCG, Dawn of Palpagos stock wiped after launch

I'm showing you where to buy Palworld TCG, as Set 01 proves difficult to find on the shelves.

Grand Theft Auto 2 – The Legacy Review

Grand Theft Auto 2 boasts a number of noticeable technical improvements over the original and feels far better to play, but I'm glad its odd and unrecognisable setting was a one-time experiment.

Game of the Week – Marvel Tokon is a heroic fighter that’s easy to get into, and villainous to master

• Marvel Tokon aims to make 4v4 fighting accessible yet deep.
• Players can begin by mastering a single character.
• Arc System Works gives Marvel an anime-inspired fighting-game revival.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is presented as an approachable but demanding new Marvel fighting game, combining Arc System Works’ anime-inspired visual style with large-scale tag-team battles. The article argues that its design lowers the barrier for newcomers while retaining the strategic depth needed to master its systems, making…

What game genres are women allowed to play?

• Women should be free to enjoy any game genre.
• Gender stereotypes can fuel gaming gatekeeping.
• Player preferences are individual, not gender-defined.

The article examines the gendered assumptions that shape which video-game genres women are considered “allowed” to enjoy or discuss. It argues that these expectations can marginalise women players and limit recognition of their interests and expertise. It frames the issue as one of gatekeeping across gaming culture, rather…

Palworld fans ‘do not realize the sheer number of collabs we’ve rejected’ even with the survival game’s ‘fun-first approach’

• Pocketpair says it has declined many Palworld crossover proposals.
• The studio prioritises fitting, enjoyable collaborations.
• Terraria is an example of an approved partnership.

Palworld developer Pocketpair says it has rejected a large number of potential crossover collaborations, despite adopting a “fun-first” approach to partnerships. The comments suggest the studio is trying to protect the survival game’s identity and avoid using collaborations simply as marketing opportunities, even as other live-service games increasingly…

Good quality retro cables matter, but decent wires now cost more than I used to pay for consoles

• Quality cables can greatly improve retro-console output.
• Specialist retro cables have become unexpectedly expensive.
• Accessory costs can now rival old console prices.

The article argues that high-quality cables are increasingly important for people using retro games consoles, because poor or ageing connections can noticeably reduce picture and sound quality. It highlights a shift in the retro-gaming market: accessories once treated as minor purchases can now be costly enough to rival,…

Actress Wins Defamation Ruling as California Search Intensifies

• California’s Court of Appeal allowed key parts of Leah Remini’s defamation case against Scientology-linked defendants to continue.
• The decision was partial: several claims survived, while others were rejected as opinion, hyperbole or insufficiently supported.
• It is not a final judgment or damages award; the case returns for further proceedings.

Leah Remini has secured a significant but partial appellate victory in her defamation case against the Church of Scientology International and the Religious Technology Center. California’s Second District Court of Appeal, in an unpublished decision issued on 31 July, upheld parts of a lower-court ruling that allowed several…

High On Life Is Coming To VR, And Yes, You Can Stroke Your Weird Guns

High on Life is coming to a new platform, as the irreverent first-person shooter with talking alien guns is getting a VR port. Announced during the VR Games Showcase, this new version of High on Life will launch for Meta Quest, PlayStation VR2, and SteamVR headsets in 2027.…

Best coach type in Madden NFL 27 Franchise Mode

• Development Wizard is recommended for balanced, youth-focused franchises.
• Offensive and defensive archetypes specialise in one side of the ball.
• Coach choice depends on preferred Franchise Mode experience.

Madden NFL 27’s Franchise Mode offers three head-coach archetypes, each favouring a different approach to team building. The choice matters because it shapes whether a franchise prioritises offensive improvement, defensive strength or long-term player development. - Offensive Guru: boosts attacking players and supports development, but at the expense…