Gait Games

You know, I wish there were more morally dubious protagonists in the world of video games. I know why there’s not, many people want to identify with the characters they’re embodying. But then I think about every other storytelling medium out there and how some of my favourite pieces feature people that aren’t supposedly good or heroic, and long for the same in games. So, I’m quite interested in WITCHHUNTER.exe, a throwback text adventure game that actually has quite a lot of pretty pixel art where you play as a priest that must uncover witches in a rural town while the Devil tempts you astray.

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As delightful as that taste of Spring may have been, another bout of Winter weather provides many of us with one final excuse to cozy up indoors for a day. From egg escapades to unsettling visions, why not curl up with something quirky, peculiar, and otherworldly featuring a handful of indie treasures from the last week?

### Mama’s Sleeping Angels
**Developer**: itamu
Highlighted in [Noclip’s Computer Worlds on Thursday](https://kotaku.com/indie-game-computer-world-showcase-steam-demo-2000678906), *Mama’s Sleeping Angels* distorts the already eerie co-op horror extraction genre into something almost unrecognizable. As a group of one to four friends at a sleepover, your collective dream propels you into bizarre, sunless realms in search of tributes for “Mama,” a deity fashioned from porcelain. Equipped with low-polygon weaponry and flip-phone abilities, search for cursed relics to fulfill your ritual. The more powerful the curse, the more Mama appreciates it, though certain ones may come with hexes that could be perilous to bear during your journey.

### Funi Raccoon Game
**Developer**: The Crayon Eating Company
3D platformers have historically been about item collection, but in *Funi Raccoon Game*, you’re grabbing everything that’s loose. Scuttling through a vibrant void, you can undertake quests, navigate traffic, and create chaos while trying to stuff your dumpster with a selection of looted treasures. In an interview with creator Cí Malone [in one of my zines last year](https://funland.itch.io/funland-zine-no-3), the Irish developer had minimal direct interaction with the infamous trash thieves, viewing them as “mythical rare beings.” Based solely on the reputation of these creatures, as an Ontarian whose camp treats were swiped straight from the cabin by some audacious raccoons, I’d say the game is spot on.

### Glasses Cleaning Simulator
**Developer**: VOLE.wtf
Relish the satisfaction of cleaning something, yet desire a more low-key task than vigorously scrubbing the side of a building? *Glasses Cleaning Simulator* offers the chance to wipe down something smaller while still maintaining the irritation involved. Available free on your browser, this game incorporates a meter to gauge your smudged eyewear. As anyone who wears glasses knows, there isn’t a terry cloth on the planet that can make this task easy, with each swipe and circle seemingly undoing two steps for every one you manage to take forward.

### Oeuf
**Developer**: increpare games
Increpare, the renowned puzzle creator of *Stephen’s Sausage Roll*, returns with breakfast-themed challenges, tackling a punishing platformer this time. Climbing a fortress in soggy conditions, you must guide the egg through treacherous architecture and snares. While not a delicate little egg, its off-kilter weight will be sufficiently challenging in this nest.

### Haunted Lands
**Developer**: alevgor
Finally, two notoriously difficult retro gaming styles merge in *Haunted Lands*. The relentless monster bashing and sidescrolling thrills of *Castlevania*, combined with the unforgiving nature and vibrant color schemes of EGA classics like *Duke Nukem* and *Monster Bash*, create a formidable demon-slaying experience. Select from six unusual heroes, each possessing unique combat styles and supernatural traits, to navigate a gauntlet emerging from the most daunting vintage crypts.

Marathon has entered its second week of existence, even if it somehow feels like it’s already been around forever (perhaps that’s the discourse I’m remembering now that I think about it), and Bungie have been ticking away at updates bit by bit. Just this week an update was introduced that made UESC enemies a tad weaker, and now Bungie have outlined what you can expect from update 1.0.5 which is coming to the shooter next week.

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**Title: Examining the Debate Around 1348 Ex Voto: An In-Depth Analysis of Financing and Representation in Gaming**

Launched on March 12, 2023, *1348 Ex Voto*, created by Sedleo and published by Dear Villagers, has generated significant controversy within gaming communities. Despite achieving a Metacritic score of 54 and an alarmingly low user rating of 1.1, the public’s response may stem from a backlash against the incorporation of lesbian romance within its storyline. This backlash has ignited conversations concerning funding sources, particularly with regard to the game receiving around €656,131 in government subsidies from the Italian Ministry of Culture’s Video Games Tax Relief program.

Set in 14th-century medieval Italy, the game has been unjustly categorized by some critics as a medium for “propaganda” due to its portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes. This claim has prompted intense examination on social media, where certain users assert that taxpayer money is being utilized to further a “woke” agenda, connecting the funding to the game’s content without credible evidence.

Those critiquing the funding of the game frequently disregard the specific requirements needed to qualify for the Italian Video Games Tax Relief program. To be eligible, a game must achieve at least 70 points across various categories like cultural heritage, originality, and linguistic diversity. These standards are broad and do not focus specifically on themes of sexual orientation. Consequently, the association between the funding and the game’s LGBTQ+ aspects remains highly speculative.

Additionally, the depiction of LGBTQ+ representation in *1348 Ex Voto* has been deemed minimal. Commentary from gaming analysts has pointed out that the game does not prominently feature explicit or extensive portrayals of lesbian relationships, casting doubt on the validity of claims regarding the game being excessively “woke.”

Moreover, the criticism directed at *1348 Ex Voto* is not an isolated issue within gaming discussions. Similar funding has been awarded to various other games, some of which have only vague connections to Italian culture and heritage. For example, *TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3* and *Star Wars Outlaws* received notable tax relief despite their lack of intrinsic ties to Italian culture, raising questions about the coherence and direction of the funding criteria itself.

The primary objective for the Italian government in offering such financial assistance is not to endorse particular ideological narratives, but rather to support the growth of the nation’s video game industry. By investing in local game developers, the government seeks to foster job creation and economic advancement in the tech sector, ultimately benefitting the national economy through higher taxation and employment rates.

In summary, while *1348 Ex Voto* has become a point of contention for certain online groups, this narrative seems to arise from a broader discussion surrounding representation in media rather than any significant misuse of taxpayers’ money. The game’s financial support is in harmony with governmental approaches to promoting cultural output and invigorating local economies, challenging critics to reevaluate their perceptions regarding the ties between video games, funding, and representation. The concerns raised by critics remind us of the ongoing conversations about inclusivity in entertainment, underscoring the importance of well-informed discussions rather than impulsive reactions.

Broadly speaking accessibility features still have a long way to go in most games, however, one that has been cropping up more and more are phobia-sensitive options. It cannot be understated how many don’t like spiders! So the increase in such features is welcome as someone who perhaps doesn’t have a phobia but would still like the option to not look at the eight-legged devils. And according to March’s Slay the Spire 2 newsletter, sorry, neowsletter, a phobia accessibility mode is on the way.

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### Slay the Spire 2: A Promising Beginning

**Introduction**

*Slay the Spire 2*, the eagerly awaited follow-up to the popular deckbuilding roguelike, has made a notable impression in its inaugural week since launch. Crafted by Mega Crit Games, the latest installment has surpassed its predecessor and attracted the interest of both loyal fans and new players.

**Early Success Metrics**

Within just a week, *Slay the Spire 2* has reached impressive milestones, with 3 million copies sold, equating to around $75 million in revenue before Steam’s cut. The game has demonstrated a remarkable engagement rate, with players undertaking over 250 million runs, resulting in an average of 80 runs per player. Mega Crit Games has shared their excitement and appreciation for the community’s support, with community manager Demi remarking that “our journey is just beginning.”

**Early Access and Future Content**

Now available in Early Access, *Slay the Spire 2* has players buzzing with anticipation regarding upcoming content and updates. Although Mega Crit has yet to reveal a detailed roadmap, they have identified key focus areas for the near term, including:

– A revamp of the badge/scoring system and the addition of a friends-only leaderboard filter
– The introduction of a Phobia accessibility mode
– Improvements in art and visual effects (VFX)
– Ongoing balance adjustments
– Support for Steam Workshop
– Quality of life (QOL) enhancements for multiplayer features
– Incorporation of an official Twitch plugin

**Public Beta Testing**

A public beta testing branch has been introduced on Steam, enabling players to participate in testing forthcoming changes ahead of their official release. This includes a balance patch that rectifies a previously noted exploit that allowed players to attain excessively high hit points. The latest patch notes affirm that “players, enemies, and pets can no longer exceed 999,999,999 HP.”

**Ongoing Development and Bug Fixes**

Beyond significant updates, the development team remains committed to addressing bug fixes, particularly in the multiplayer mode that permits players to combat alongside friends while executing card commands simultaneously. They are also diligently resolving various softlock issues and progressively adding any card art that might have been excluded at launch. It’s essential to recognize that while *Slay the Spire 2* is already a captivating experience, the game is still a work in progress.

**Conclusion**

*Slay the Spire 2* has launched strongly with robust player excitement and impressive sales figures. With a dedication to ongoing enhancement and community interaction, Mega Crit Games is well-positioned to refine and broaden the gameplay experience in the forthcoming weeks and months. As the development team strives to tackle player feedback and roll out new features, fans of the genre can anticipate an exhilarating journey ahead in the realm of *Slay the Spire 2*.

### The Omnipresent Nature of Doom: Playing It Everywhere

You can experience *Doom* on a lawnmower, within the Windows Media Control panel, directly on a CPU, and even on a pregnancy test—kind of. Since its debut in the early ’90s, adapting *Doom* to a variety of devices has transformed into a meme, visible across assorted gaming consoles. The retro gaming revival of recent years has propelled the occurrence of *Doom* showing up on multiple platforms.

The allure of playing *Doom* on unforeseen devices is varied. Although none of these adaptations are officially endorsed, the unofficial versions of the game have garnered a devoted fanbase, particularly among those who were enveloped in the game’s atmosphere during their upbringing. One of the most noteworthy efforts to port *Doom* was its 1995 adaptation for the Super Nintendo, led by developer Randal Linden along with Williams Entertainment. Interestingly, Linden’s methodology exemplified an impressive technical accomplishment, despite the significant hardware constraints of the SNES compared to the PCs that originally operated *Doom*.

### The Difficulty of Adapting Doom to Super Nintendo

Although the SNES boasted a strong library of games by the late ’90s, it was deficient in processing capability to replicate the complete experience of *Doom*. The innovative combination of *Doom*—a title frequently linked with the violent video game moral panic—with a family-oriented Nintendo console creates an interesting contrast. Linden’s port, despite its appeal, encountered major hurdles; players faced unplayable framerates and forfeited graphical detail, including modified levels and absent textures.

Looking back on his contributions, Linden reflected on the initial excitement of crafting the original port, stating, “I had this idea to create a development kit out of a Star Fox cartridge.” This homemade system gave him the freedom to experiment with and assess games without restrictions. The objective was ambitious: to develop a version of *Doom* that would function within the SNES’s limitations while preserving the game’s essence.

### The Comeback of Doom: Enhancing the SNES Version

Three decades after, Linden returned to the original *Doom* port with the aim of upgrading it. This time, he utilized modern technology, incorporating a Raspberry Pi to bypass hardware restrictions. These advancements enabled Linden to add extra features while keeping the deep-seated nostalgia connected to the SNES rendition.

The excitement surrounding this endeavor originated from a collective love for gaming history, fostered by fans who appreciated Linden’s previous accomplishments. Audi Sorlie, a prominent figure at Limited Run Games, ignited Linden’s motivation for the refreshed release by revisiting the original source code and proposing enhancements.

### The Outcome: A Fresh, Enriched Experience of Doom

The newly polished version of *Doom* for the SNES signifies a significant advancement from the original attempt, integrating enhancements such as a smoother gameplay flow, new content, and even rumble features. For players who have valued the quirky, imperfect nature of *Doom* on the SNES, this update symbolizes a unique blend of historical gaming and contemporary technology.

What makes this project special is its inventive necessity, reminding gamers of the creativity sparked by early gaming constraints. In a time when gaming technology has evolved remarkably, revisiting gaming’s roots—while also innovating—infuses new energy into the experience for both new players and longtime enthusiasts.

### Conclusion: The Spirit of Doom Endures

*Doom* has transcended being merely a game; it has infiltrated culture so profoundly that its essence allows it to find a place in unexpected locations. As Linden revisits his earlier work, the community eagerly anticipates an experience that not only captures the nostalgia of what *Doom* symbolized but also highlights its potential for evolution. The ultimate version of *Doom*, as it appears, is one that constantly evolves while honoring its rich legacy. While nostalgia holds a cherished spot in many hearts, the ever-changing nature of *Doom* suggests that there is always potential for enhancement.

The games industry is undeniably grappling with substantial hurdles at present. Prominent studios are consistently executing large-scale layoffs, irrespective of their games’ achievements. This environment of unpredictability has resulted in greater risk aversion, impacting both AAA creators and indie publishers, rendering it progressively challenging for smaller studios to obtain financial backing.

In spite of these challenges, inventive games continue to surface, reflecting the creativity and enthusiasm of developers. A fresh initiative, Computer Worlds, has been introduced to highlight these distinctive titles that might otherwise remain overlooked.

Computer Worlds is a dedicated showcase that honors the “finest in games: the stunning, the unusual, and the exceptional.” Organized by independent game developers in collaboration with Noclip, a platform centered on indie game coverage, Computer Worlds seeks to spotlight creativity amid a difficult market.

The inaugural Computer Worlds showcase recently took place and featured 15 new and forthcoming game trailers, along with a montage of 16 additional released games, many of which are presently available at reduced prices during a related Steam event.

Gil Lawson, a game developer and founder of Computer Worlds, noted, “These games find themselves in a peculiar position currently. On one side, they could represent the healthiest niche within the medium, a realm where passionate developers are producing intriguing work sustainably for eager, supportive audiences. Conversely, these games struggle to fit into the mechanisms of the contemporary internet…Computer Worlds is our effort to address this.”

Below is a compilation of games highlighted in the Computer Worlds showcase:

### Ultimate Drummer (PC Demo)
An action-platformer where you assume the role of a drummer on a mission to rock with the music gods. The demo is accessible now on [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3646020/Ultimate_Drummer/).

### Queen’s Domain (PC Demo)
An action RPG set on an enigmatic island where you seek your missing father. The demo can be located [here](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1799840/Queens_Domain/).

### Metamorphosis (PC Demo)
A 2D action-exploration game featuring a sinful nun in search of redemption. Request access to the demo [here](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3470140/METAMORPHOSIS/).

### GoblinAmerica (PC Demo)
A surreal 3D movement shooter filled with bizarre visuals and shadowy locales. The demo is live [now](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1944040/goblinAmerica/).

### Brush Burial: Bruiseland (PC Demo)
The third installment in the Brush Burial series, this immersive simulation is set in rich, gritty environments. Check out the demo [here](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4423030/Brush_Burial_Bruiseland/).

### All Living Things (PC Demo)
A clay stop-motion puzzle game that unravels the mysteries of the philosopher’s stone. Play the demo [here](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3681340/All_Living_Things/).

### Dread Delusion (PC)
An open-world RPG centered on the bizarre, mystical, and occult themes. Available now on [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1574240/Dread_Delusion/).

### Loading… (PC Demo)
An RPG addressing themes of loss, maturity, and video gaming. The demo is up for grabs [now](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2163660/Loading/).

### 500 Caliber Contractz (PC Demo)
A Y2K-themed 3D platformer about a hired assassin. Explore the demo [here](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2571410/500_CALIBER_CONTRACTZ/).

### Hyperbeat (PC)
A high-energy rhythm game featuring customizable characters, available now on [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2263360/HYPERBEAT/).

### Erulean Angel: Fantasy Commander (PC, Mac Demo)
A strategic autobattler set in a hand-crafted universe. The demo is currently available [here](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3767110/Erulean_Angel_Fantasy_Commander/).

### Soul Injector Commando (Coming Soon)
An anti-capitalist movement shooter that focuses on injecting billionaires with souls. Wishlist the game on [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3220370/Soul_Injector_Commando/).

### Titanium Court (PC, Mac Demo)
An acclaimed narrative puzzle game. Play the demo [here](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2364580/Titanium_Court/).

### Vholume (PC Demo)
From the creators of Babbdi and Straftat, this game is a

Saturday. We meet again. I see you’ve brought your old friends Blustery Wind and Chill In The Air with you. I expected better of you, you know those two just bring you down. You’ve so much potential. What don’t you hang out with T-Shirt Weather and Gosh, That’s Bright anymore? They’ve got their personified heads screwed on right.

No? We’re stuck with this chilly winter for one more weekend? Fine, I didn’t want to go outside anyway. I’m happy to stay in and play videogames.

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### Automation Innovations in Pokémon Pokopia: Boosting Gameplay Effectiveness

In the vast realm of **Pokémon Pokopia**, players have assumed the essential duty of nurturing a lively town brimming with diverse activities and systems. From guaranteeing that generators operate smoothly to irrigating fields and meeting the demands of local Pokémon, the game presents numerous elements that need ongoing oversight. In their quest for efficiency, players have already started investigating inventive methods to automate these tasks, leading to thrilling developments just weeks after the game’s launch.

#### The Function of Laser Sensors in Automation

At the heart of the automation initiatives in **Pokémon Pokopia** are laser sensors, made from a unique substance known as PokeMetal. These motion-detecting devices can be strategically placed to interact with the surroundings, triggering a sequence of movements. Players who are resourceful and diligent can utilize these sensors to design automated systems that simplify various in-game activities.

For example, a significant contribution from Reddit user nin10Donuts illustrated the possibilities of laser sensors in engineering a water channel system. This approach enables water to flow to crops autonomously, removing the necessity of manually watering each section of plant life. With accurate positioning of lasers, doors, and water, players can drastically cut down the time devoted to farming, which is a remarkable advantage when managing larger plots.

#### Ingenious Use of Water Physics

In addition to robust automation frameworks, players have also found straightforward yet effective methods to leverage the existing water physics within **Pokopia**. One favored technique involves utilizing a waterbed garden situated in the Rocky Ridges area. By merely opening a gate, players can allow water to cascade over their crops, efficiently soaking multiple rows of vegetables without the tedious task of applying Water Gun on each individual plot. This type of inventive problem-solving showcases the ingenuity and adaptability of the player community.

#### Insights from Other Games

Numerous players credit their proficiency in these automation techniques to their experiences with similar titles, like **Minecraft**. The capability to build intricate systems using in-game materials translates well, enabling advanced logic operations that execute tasks automatically. While **Pokémon Pokopia** may not support the same level of constructions as **Minecraft**, such as creating a playable version of **Doom** with Redstone, the enthusiasm for the potential of self-sustaining towns and efficient resource management is evident.

#### Looking Forward

As players persist in exploring and exploiting the mechanics of **Pokémon Pokopia**, the creativity evident in these automation strategies hints at a promising future for the community. Whether through the innovative application of laser sensors or clever water management tactics, participants are embracing the challenge of maintaining their towns while striving to enhance their gameplay experience. With each week that goes by, it will be fascinating to watch the strategies that develop and the new opportunities that players unveil.