Gait Games

### The Emergence of Intelligent Pokédexes: An Advancement in Pokémon Innovation

In a time when technological growth accelerates at remarkable speeds, Pokémon enthusiasts and developers have made considerable progress in fashioning groundbreaking gadgets that amplify the gaming experience. Among the most captivating breakthroughs is the development of operational Pokédexes that employ image recognition technology to detect Pokémon from toys and illustrations. Notably, the “World’s Smartest” Pokédex, created by BigRig Creates and Mr. Volt, distinguishes itself with its remarkable features.

#### What Makes the World’s Smartest Pokédex Unique?

This latest Pokédex not only identifies Pokémon but also offers in-depth information about them sourced directly from game databases. It acts as a voice assistant capable of responding to inquiries and presenting facts regarding each creature scanned. In contrast to conventional player interaction methods, this gadget harnesses state-of-the-art technology to forge an immersive user experience akin to the Pokémon anime.

#### Behind the Scenes: The Mechanism

At the heart of this technological wonder lies intricate programming that extracts information from the Pokémon Database, which catalogs over 1025 Pokémon. This comprehensive database provides detailed entries encompassing stats, viable attacks, and locations across various games. By merging this vast pool of knowledge, the Pokédex can offer users detailed information simply by scanning an image of the Pokémon.

The identification mechanism employs a reverse Google image search. This implies that whether aimed at a plush toy, fan art, or even a quickly sketched rendition, the device can typically name the relevant Pokémon accurately. BigRig Creates showcased this function through a 13-minute video that outlines the device’s development and capabilities.

#### Voice Technology: A Principled Perspective

Crafting a voice that closely mirrors that of the original anime’s Pokédex posed another obstacle. Instead of utilizing pre-recorded lines from voice actors Nick Stellate and Eric Stuart, BigRig Creates chose to design an AI text-to-speech model using his own voice. This choice reflects a dedication to ethical technology utilization and innovation in development, enabling him to create a voice inspired by the recognizable sound without violating trademarks or original performances.

#### Functionality and Precision

In presentations, the World’s Smartest Pokédex exhibited its competency in accurately identifying various Pokémon, including distinctive cases like recognizing a Ditto camouflaged as a Poipole. Nonetheless, like all technology, it has its shortcomings, as shown when it struggled to identify a Spinda Labubu. This detail emphasizes the continuous journey of technological growth, where perfection remains a challenging objective.

#### Conclusion

The advent of smart Pokédexes signifies yet another captivating convergence of technology and contemporary culture. The efforts of BigRig Creates and Mr. Volt not only illustrate the potential for gaming technology to advance but also display a commitment to ethical methodologies in AI development. As these devices evolve, they promise to enhance the engagement of fans with the cherished Pokémon franchise, delivering a deeper and more interactive experience for trainers from all age groups.

Anyone order a point-and-click adventure puzzle game for later this month featuring a cast of British actors that’ll make you go “oh, right, them!” when you Google them? Well, someone must have, because Earth Must Die, the next game from Lair of the Clockwork God developer Size Five Games, now has a release date. Come on, it’s getting cold!

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### Bully Online Mod Ceases Operations Following Short Launch

**Introduction**

The online multiplayer modification for Rockstar’s iconic game *Bully*, referred to as *Bully Online*, has declared its closure mere weeks after its debut on December 15. Developed by a team of passionate modders, spearheaded by content creator Swegta, the mod sought to augment the original game by implementing fresh content and multiplayer features. Regrettably, fans are now left wondering about the motivations for this abrupt termination.

**Development and Features**

Crafted by Fat Pigeon, *Bully Online* was several years in the making, incorporating features that the original game did not provide, such as mini-games, multiplayer experiences, personalized vehicles, and competitive racing. Enthusiasm for the mod was substantial among fans, particularly due to Rockstar’s hesitation to create a sequel or remaster of *Bully*. The launch sparked excitement, as players were keen to engage with the game from a new perspective.

**Announcement of Shutdown**

On January 14, a notification on the official *Bully Online* Discord server disclosed that the mod would be definitively shut down within 24 hours. The announcement specified that the modders would halt development of new content, remove the source code from their website, and erase all associated web pages. Players were urged to enjoy the mod during its final hours before the servers were entirely dismantled.

**Reason for Shutdown**

Currently, the particular reasons for the shutdown remain ambiguous. The message from the modding team clearly indicated that this decision was not their intended outcome. A statement read, “For now though, know this was not something we wanted,” which left fans with more uncertainties than clarity. Swegta is anticipated to respond to the situation in a video statement shortly.

**Fan Backlash and Speculations**

Fans have swiftly directed their blame toward Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive, recognized for their history of targeting fan-created projects and mods through cease and desist actions. Although there is no solid proof linking the companies to this shutdown, suspicions persist within the gaming community.

**Conclusion**

The fleeting existence of *Bully Online* highlights ongoing friction between game developers and modding communities. As many look forward to further updates from Swegta and any official statements from Rockstar or Take-Two, this occurrence serves as a reminder of the obstacles confronting fan projects within the gaming sector. For the time being, players can only contemplate what might have been as the modders get ready to close down the servers and erase their digital presence.

A position I take that is quite hard to explain in any way that is actually helpful is that for a game to catch someone’s attention it must have aesthetic sensibilities that no other game has. To truly get someone’s attention anyway, enough marketing budget can undo that, but for an indie game, a vibe (mysterious, unquantifiable) that I haven’t felt before will pull me in quicker than listing off genre conventions it follows. This is how Hypnos, a first-person adventure and exploration game “set in a lovecraftian megastructure fever dream,” got me to pay attention.

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Sony has unveiled the thrilling roster for PS Plus Extra in January 2026, featuring a standout title that appeals to enthusiasts of Capcom’s renowned survival horror franchise. Leading the list is the highly praised *Resident Evil Village*, which is being added to the PlayStation subscription library just in time for gamers hoping to get up to speed before the launch of *Resident Evil Requiem* on February 27.

For those who aren’t acquainted with *Resident Evil Village*, it showcases unforgettable characters, notably the widely talked-about Lady Alcina Dimitrescu, who has become a cultural phenomenon in the gaming world. While engaging with *Village* is not a prerequisite for enjoying *Requiem*, it acts as an excellent avenue to dive into the ambiance and mythology of the series.

Alongside *Resident Evil Village*, another significant title debuting this month is *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth*. This turn-based RPG signifies a major step for the *Yakuza* series as it expands its horizons beyond Japan, delivering a new viewpoint to the cherished franchise.

Here’s the complete list of games included in the Extra and Premium tiers for January 2026:

### PlayStation Plus Extra And Premium
– *Resident Evil Village* | PS5, PS4
– *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth* | PS5, PS4
– *Expeditions: A MudRunner Game* | PS5, PS4
– *A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead* | PS5
– *Darkest Dungeon II* | PS5, PS4
– *The Exit 8* | PS5, PS4
– *Art of Rally* | PS5, PS4
– *A Little to the Left* | PS5, PS4

### PlayStation Classics (Premium Only)
– *Ridge Racer* | PS5, PS4

Among the newly introduced titles, *Darkest Dungeon II* and *Art of Rally* capture attention. While *Darkest Dungeon II* deviates from some of the expectations set by its forerunner, it offers an enthralling crisis-management experience intertwined with roguelike elements akin to *Slay the Spire*. On the other hand, *Art of Rally* presents a visually spectacular, minimalist top-down racing adventure that is both soothing and captivating.

Another noteworthy title is *A Little to the Left*, which provides a laid-back gaming experience ideal for those who might not usually partake in video games. In this game, players arrange items in imaginative ways to reveal delightful easter eggs, adding a charming twist to gameplay.

As January progresses, these titles are set to ensure an engaging month for PS Plus Extra subscribers, whether they are in search of heart-pounding horror escapades, tactical RPG confrontations, or leisurely puzzle enjoyment.

If you’ve ever wanted to spend somewhere in the region of $67/£50 to turn GTA 5 into a fishing simulator, today’s your lucky day. Rockstar-partnered GTA roleplaying server operators Cfx.re – the folks behind FiveM and RedM – have launched the Cfx Marketplace, a store where you can buy a bunch of GTA roleplaying mods, some of which are free and some of which seem pretty damn expensive.

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**Ryan Hurst Selected as Kratos in Upcoming Live-Action God of War Series**

Sony and Amazon are poised to adapt the highly praised video game series “God of War” for television, and the latest casting news has fans thrilled. Actor Ryan Hurst, famed for his performances in “Sons of Anarchy” and “God of War: Ragnarök,” will assume the legendary role of Kratos in the forthcoming live-action show.

Hurst is well-acquainted with the gaming sphere, having voiced Thor in the 2022 “God of War” title. This distinctive link to the series equips him with a thorough grasp of the character he is about to portray. “God of War” narrates the Norse mythological adventures of Kratos, a former Greek deity searching for redemption while confronting various adversaries, accompanied by his son Atreus. At present, the actor chosen for Atreus has not been disclosed, but there is speculation regarding Sunny Suljic possibly reprising his role from the game series. Although Suljic may have aged a bit beyond the character’s age in the original game, he still possesses a youthful look that fits Atreus’s representation in “Ragnarök.”

Ryan Hurst’s professional journey features an impressive collection of performances. Besides his role as Opie in “Sons of Anarchy,” he has also had notable roles in the “Walking Dead” franchise, portraying Beta in both the flagship series and its offshoot, “Fear the Walking Dead.” His recent portrayal of Miles in Netflix’s Western series “The Abandons” highlights his range as an actor.

While discussions about possible casting options for the series have circulated, including speculations around Christopher Judge, known for voicing Kratos in the Norse “God of War” titles, these rumors have been largely refuted by Judge himself via social media posts.

The series is under the skilled direction of Ronald D. Moore, who acts as the writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Moore is recognized for his work on “Star Trek” and “Battlestar Galactica,” indicating that he will bring a rich background in storytelling to this adaptation.

As excitement rises for this new exploration of the “God of War” realm, fans are keen to witness how Ryan Hurst will portray the fierce and intricate character of Kratos, as well as how the storyline will connect with both longtime gamers and newcomers.

Right at the end of last year, Cyberpunk and Witcher developer CD Projekt Red sold off its game distribution company to its original co-founder, Michał Kiciński (who is also the co-founder of CD Projekt itself, so, go figure). With this sort of new owner, the plan is generally to stick to what it knows best, i.e. sprucing up old games and making sure any game on the platform is DRM-free. But in a new interview, Kiciński also shared his interest in the platform doing some publishing.

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**Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – The Meltdown Map Debate**

Recently, *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7* (BLOPS7) launched its Season One Reloaded update, bringing a wealth of content influenced by the *Fallout* series, along with new multiplayer maps, including Meltdown. This latest version of Meltdown has ignited considerable discussion among gaming communities due to its notable contrasts with the original rendition first introduced in *Black Ops 2*, released back in 2012.

The January 9 update introduced numerous advancements to the game. For *Fallout* enthusiasts, the update features cosmetic skins reminiscent of characters from the Amazon series, demonstrating Activision’s dedication to merging popular culture into their gaming ecosystem. The update also unveiled an abundance of new features, which can be thoroughly investigated on the official blog [here](https://www.callofduty.com/blog/2026/01/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-warzone-season-01-reloaded#Maps).

The revamped Meltdown, located in a nuclear power plant facility, was anticipated by many to embody the spirit of the cherished original map. Nevertheless, players have voiced their discontent with the new map’s visual style, critiquing it for seeming cleaner and more polished than its forerunner. YouTuber Replay Mode emphasized this disparity in a comparison video, pointing out the lack of the original’s textures and details, such as puddles and exposed wiring, which contributed to the gritty ambiance of the classic Meltdown.

The debates online indicate a divide among players. Many contend that the previous version features a more dynamic setting with a “messier aesthetic,” which they believe enhances the gaming experience. Others favor the modern update for its clarity and improved visibility, proposing that it aligns more closely with modern gaming benchmarks. Feedback from Twitter users echoes these sentiments, with critiques about the “drab and lifeless” look of the new map, and accolades for the “better art direction” of *Black Ops 2*.

Critics have pointed out that while *Black Ops 7* adopts superior graphical fidelity, it compromises the unique art style and atmosphere that rendered the original Meltdown map legendary. Players have noted that the lighting in the updated map can cast harsh shadows, diminishing the immersive experience cultivated by its predecessor.

The change in map design seems to favor competitive balance over environmental storytelling, removing the details that lend character and depth to the in-game world. This trend parallels observations in other gaming franchises, where simplicity for competitive reasons frequently results in the erosion of artistic expression.

As the gaming environment transforms, so do player expectations. While some embrace the drive for clarity and fairness, others mourn the absence of the intricate design features that enlivened the maps of prior generations. This ongoing discourse signifies a wider conversation in the gaming community regarding the balance between competitive gameplay and aesthetic depth—an issue that will remain crucial in forthcoming updates and releases.

It is not news to anyone that Nightdive Studios’ System Shock remake took a while to make. The remake started development in 2015, with a successful Kickstarter project held for it the following year. After a few engine changes and attempts at making the thing, it finally released back in 2023, a good eight years after development had started. But such a long wait is absolutely not worth calling the FBI over, folks, are we being serious right now? Which is, apparently, a thing that happened to Nightdive.

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