Gait Games

### Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 Film *Ghost in the Shell*: A Cultural Milestone and Its Departure from the Manga

Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film *Ghost in the Shell* is celebrated as one of the most impactful anime films ever created, shaping a generation of filmmakers that features prominent figures such as the Wachowskis, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron. It has received praise for its complexity and artistic value but is also recognized for its departure from Masamune Shirow’s original 1989 manga. This divergence from the source material has ignited significant debate and humor among fans, especially as new adaptations are released.

### The Divergence Between Film and Manga

Numerous fans of *Ghost in the Shell* who were first introduced to the 1995 film have recognized its divergence from Shirow’s manga. Following adaptations, like *Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex* and *Ghost in the Shell: Arise*, preserved certain elements of the original while differing in character interpretation and thematic focus. This lack of adherence has fostered a recurring joke within the fandom; for example, newcomers to the manga frequently encounter the shocking revelations of its more daring content. Scenes depicting explicit sexual scenarios sharply contrast with the film’s serious and philosophical tone.

### Science Saru’s 2026 Adaptation: A Fresh Approach

The July 7, 2026 release of *The Ghost in the Shell* from Science Saru marks a notable shift from earlier adaptations. With a vibrant, quirky, and whimsical tone, this iteration has elicited mixed responses from fans only acquainted with the 1995 film. As anime fandom expands on platforms such as Reddit and X, many viewers who are anime-only have voiced confusion and discontent regarding the more light-hearted approach of Science Saru’s adaptation, claiming it “destroys” the serious tone established in earlier versions.

### Grasping the Manga-True Adaptation

In spite of criticisms, Science Saru’s adaptation has been acclaimed as the first to genuinely reflect Masamune Shirow’s original manga. Critics who deem the new series as an affront to Major Motoko Kusanagi’s character and the narrative’s complexity often disregard the rich and diverse nature of Shirow’s work. Manga enthusiasts have started to contest these critiques, highlighting a misunderstanding rooted in past adaptations that misrepresented characters and themes introduced in the original manga.

### A Cycle of Adaptation and Misperception

The lack of fidelity in previous adaptations contributes to the bewilderment surrounding Science Saru’s version. The depiction of Major Kusanagi in Oshii’s film, portrayed as a stoic, detached persona, has established a standard for how later shows have represented her, frequently neglecting the manga’s broader spectrum of emotions and themes. Influenced by these prior interpretations, audiences may instinctively reject a new depiction that strays from the established duality of dark realism.

The 2017 live-action film featuring Scarlett Johansson exemplifies this cycle—often criticized for failing to capture the essence of the manga or its earlier anime adaptations, it instead reflects Oshii’s gloomier vision.

### A Connection Between Eras

Director Moko-chan of the 2026 adaptation insists that embracing the essence of Shirow’s manga was a central motivation behind their creative decisions. Instead of duplicating narrative points or aesthetics from previous adaptations, the goal was to encapsulate the distinctive character and humor of the original work. This refreshing perspective invites viewers to recognize the unique differences among the adaptations throughout generations, promoting exploration rather than outright rejection.

In summary, while views on the latest adaptation of *Ghost in the Shell* remain divided, there’s a significant reminder of the legacy of Shirow’s original work. As the conversation persists, both manga aficionados and anime fans have opportunities for further exploration and appreciation of the diverse influences of *Ghost in the Shell* across various formats and interpretations.

Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown, who’s currently working on open-world racer Clutch after departing Microsoft-owned Playground Games in 2023, has offered his perspective on Xbox’s current layoff-heavy pivot in direction. Despite the Xbox Game Pass push of former Xbox boss Phil Spencer and co being blamed by new boss Asha Sharma as she’s ditched studios and given devs their walking papers, Brown still believes Game Pass was a “good” concept, if clearly not one successful enough to avoid this outcome.

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**Title: Microsoft Surface Laptop 2026: A Letdown in Performance with Limited RAM**

The recent launch of the 2026 model in Microsoft’s Surface Laptop series has faced backlash for its unsatisfactory performance, especially concerning the base model featuring only 8GB of RAM. A review by *The Verge* from Antonio G. Di Benedetto emphasizes multiple performance challenges that affect the device, with these issues being credited to a mix of Windows 11’s optimization flaws and RAM limitations tied to Microsoft’s investments in AI data centers.

Retailing for $950, the Surface Laptop 2026 presents only slight updates compared to its predecessor, which was priced at $900 and included 16GB of RAM as standard. The choice to lower the RAM aimed to offer a cost-effective choice within Microsoft’s range. However, this decision has led to an inferior experience for users.

Di Benedetto’s observations indicate that multitasking on the 8GB version proves to be challenging. He noted that during a Microsoft Teams call while trying to operate several applications—like 10 Chrome tabs, Slack, and Signal—the laptop often encountered noticeable lag. Occasions where the device stalled for several seconds on tasks that should be straightforward were frequent, affecting both productivity and usability.

The limitations of RAM are especially troubling since a considerable portion is utilized just to run Windows 11. At startup with few applications, the Task Manager revealed that around 4.2GB of RAM was in use, highlighting the limited availability for extra tasks. This situation severely hinders the laptop’s ability to manage daily operations seamlessly, including running applications such as Google Docs without encountering freezing problems.

The issue is worsened by the current RAM market, which is experiencing strain due to rising demands from data centers, many of which are supported by Microsoft’s substantial investments—totaling hundreds of billions of dollars. These investments encompass not only the construction of AI data centers but also collaborations with companies like OpenAI, resulting in a constrained supply of RAM for consumer electronics.

From a broader viewpoint, the criticism goes beyond the hardware specifications. Di Benedetto noted that Microsoft’s recent job cuts in its Xbox division and its strategies to reduce costs have raised concerns regarding the company’s dedication to providing quality products. The decrease in RAM, coupled with related performance troubles, has left consumers feeling exasperated, perceiving themselves as receiving a less capable device at a higher price compared to earlier models.

In summary, the Surface Laptop 2026 featuring 8GB of RAM seems to be a disappointing option for those in search of a dependable and efficient device. As demands for multitasking and fundamental operations escalate, the decision to downgrade RAM raises serious questions about the laptop’s suitability for daily use, leaving numerous consumers wondering if this is genuinely the best that Microsoft can deliver.

“Wreckreation wasn’t actually an attempt to recreate Burnout,” former Criterion Games studio head Fiona Sperry says as she and her team reveal their latest arcade racer, Wreckreation 2. “I think some people thought it was. But it was actually an exploration of freedom and creativity in racing games, and that was really a continuation of unfinished work at the end of [Burnout] Paradise and also the game we were making before we left EA. It was really about asking the question, ‘What if we gave players an enormous amount of freedom?'”

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**Nintendo vs. Customers: Understanding the Tariff Refund Lawsuit**

In April 2023, a collective of Nintendo customers launched a class action lawsuit against the gaming corporation, asserting that they are entitled to refunds after the company increased hardware prices due to tariffs enacted during the Trump era. The lawsuit, initiated by Gregory Hoffert and Prashant Sharan, contends that since Nintendo was able to reclaim the tariff payments from the U.S. government, they should also reimburse customers who overpaid for items, including the Nintendo Switch and its accessories.

The plaintiffs’ legal representatives argue that Nintendo essentially gained financially from the tariffs by charging customers inflated rates. They maintain that since the Supreme Court has ruled these tariffs as illegal, customers who experienced these price hikes should not only receive compensation but are also entitled to the difference between the amounts they paid and what should have been charged without the tariffs.

In reply, Nintendo has submitted a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming that customers are not legally owed a rebate due to adjustments in tariff regulations. The company indicated that its pricing was based on a variety of market factors, and consumers agreed to those prices upon purchase. They emphasized that customers received precisely what they paid for, which encompassed the games and consoles at the agreed-upon rates.

Nintendo further asserts that while it did increase prices, this was not exclusively a result of tariff hikes. The company refers to a mix of issues impacting pricing, such as global memory shortages and escalating shipping expenses, which also played a role in the decision to alter prices for their products.

The filing reveals that the main argument of the lawsuit centers on fairness, implying that it is unfair for Nintendo to not adjust prices retroactively once tariff litigation has reached a conclusion. However, the company counters this by claiming that it is customary for prices in commercial transactions to remain unchanged once a sale is finalized, regardless of later market fluctuations or legal decisions.

As this legal dispute continues, it raises important questions regarding consumer rights and corporate pricing practices. The notion of companies being obligated to issue retroactive rebates following legal or regulatory shifts is relatively unexplored, prompting analysts to contemplate the wider consequences for the retail and technology industries.

In conclusion, as Nintendo aims to have the lawsuit dismissed, the outcome is still uncertain. The intricacies of the case underscore vital discussions at the intersection of consumer protection and business practices, and the ultimate ruling could influence perceptions of corporate responsibility within the gaming sector.

The Raijin boss must be summoned with Divine Sparks.

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Future? No Thanks! is a jolly and acerbic open world city game from seasoned satirist Paulo “Molleindustria” Perdicini. It’s about a bitter old boomer trying to enjoy his final day in an ecosocialist paradise. There’s a demo on Steam that gives you 30 minutes access to a realm of sentient toilets, cricket burgers, ornamental park guillotines, and cannabis vending machines. Speaking as a bitter old millennial, I found my 30 minutes delightful.

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### The Enduring Charm of Hexcells: A Puzzle Game Trilogy to Cherish

From 2013 to 2014, Matthew Brown, an independent developer, stepped into the limelight to debut the *Hexcells* trilogy—three distinct puzzle games that enthralled players with their inventive mechanics, outstanding quality, and demanding gameplay. Each installment built upon its predecessor, crafting an unparalleled experience that has not been replicated in the years since their debut.

#### The Attraction of Logic Puzzles

As a dedicated fan of logic puzzles, the importance of *Hexcells* rests not solely on its captivating gameplay, but also on its capacity to present a gratifying mental challenge without the need for external knowledge or intricate mathematics. In contrast to Sudoku, which may sometimes be less appealing, games like *Picross*, *Slitherlink*, and *Kakuro* depend solely on clear, logical reasoning. *Hexcells*, with its distinctive combination of elements from popular titles like *Minesweeper* and *Picross*, emerged as a thrilling addition to the genre, providing an ongoing sense of accomplishment as players uncovered solutions.

#### Gameplay Features of Hexcells

At its essence, *Hexcells* comprises a grid of hexagonal tiles, primarily in orange, interspersed with guiding numbers. These figures indicate how many of the surrounding cells should be colored blue; for instance, a tile labeled with a ‘3’ signifies that three adjacent tiles need to be marked blue, while a ‘0’ shows that all neighboring cells must be cleared. The challenge lies in the requirement to synthesize information from multiple clues to ascertain the proper placements—an intellectual pursuit that guarantees a fulfilling experience.

As players navigate through the puzzles, new mechanics come into effect. Rules reminiscent of *Picross*, such as numbered hints along the edges of rows and intricate bracketed conditions, introduce layers of complexity that enhance the gameplay. The necessity to strategize becomes progressively vital as players confront these varied elements.

#### A Treat for the Senses

One of the most notable characteristics of *Hexcells* is its captivating audiovisual experience. The game operates solely on digital platforms, using the removal of hexagonal tiles to dynamically reveal new information. Each interaction is paired with a harmonious tone that melds perfectly with the ambient soundtrack, while its visually striking art is complemented by gratifying visual effects like polygonal shattering. This engrossing atmosphere augments the comfort of players as they delve into solving intricate puzzles.

#### The Trilogy’s Progression

The inaugural game, *Hexcells*, launched in September 2013, creating substantial excitement for its refined presentation and engaging gameplay, although some players deemed it a bit straightforward. Just three months later, *Hexcells Plus* was introduced, adding 29 new puzzles that heightened the challenge and complexity, swiftly becoming a favorite among enthusiasts.

The apex of the trilogy came on September 1, 2014, with the release of *Hexcells Infinite*. This installment pushed the limits of difficulty, presenting players with grids that were not only larger but also cleverly conceived. It creatively reintroduces concepts through demanding scenarios rather than explicit instructions, highlighting Brown’s remarkable game design talent and ability to craft compelling puzzles that feel like a delightful challenge.

#### An Ongoing Legacy

After the triumph of *Hexcells*, Matthew Brown created similar titles such as *SquareCells* and *CrossCells*. However, some of his more ambitious projects, like *Cypher* and *Alchemia*, ventured into difficulty levels that alienated even the most devoted fans. After a six-year break from puzzle design, Brown made a comeback in 2024 with *Epigraph*, a challenging game focused on decoding a new language.

While many games have offered enjoyment over the years, few have matched the sheer excellence of *Hexcells*. For those not yet acquainted with this puzzle trilogy, the entire collection can be acquired for just $9, representing an incredibly worthwhile investment for puzzle enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The lasting appeal of *Hexcells* stands as a testament to Matthew Brown’s creativity and the potential of digital logic puzzles.

Immaculate views from up here.

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Unity have announced Unity 7, the latest incarnation of their game creation platform. In a pleasant shock for people who’ve been keeping up with Unity’s doings these past couple of years, it doesn’t appear to ruin anything. Aside from more routine promises of “speedier workflows” and tastier graffix, the company are promising a more “open” approach whereby collaborators using third-party tools can contribute more easily to Unity projects, without using the full Unity editor. This being the year 2026, there are of course some new features for genAI fans, though Unity appear interestingly guarded on this front, stressing that these can be ignored.

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