Category: Gaming

  • Maverick Games Clutch: Racing, Customization & Heists

    Maverick Games Clutch: Racing, Customization & Heists

    Key Takeaway

    – Clutch is a narrative-driven open-world racing game from former Forza Horizon developers.
    – The story follows two “racing prodigies” uncovering an underworld beneath the R1K racing series.
    – Gameplay blends legal daytime racing with illegal nighttime street racing, including cop chases and gadgets.
    – Features deep vehicle customization for both interior and exterior.
    – Built on Unreal Engine 5; more details to be revealed at Summer Game Fest starting June 5.

    New Studio Reveals First Project

    Maverick Games, formed by a former Forza Horizon developer, has finally unveiled its debut title, named Clutch. This is a narrative-driven open-world racer, the team has been teazing the announcement for weeks now. They have shared some early details, with a bigger reveal planned for Summer Game Fest. The footage that’s been shown has some clips of the game, but its unclear if these represent actual gameplay moments or just pre-rendered cinematics, there is no label saying if its in-engine or real-time.

    Story and Dual Worlds

    Clutch centers on two siblings who are described as “racing prodigies”. They end up discovering a criminal underworld that lurks underneath the glitzy surface of the prestigious R1K racing series. The game appears to feature a day time legal racing environment, contrasted with a night time illegal street racing sceen. Players can expect police chases, various gadgets, car modifications, and many other features. This combination gives the game a vibe similar to Gran Turismo combined with classic Need for Speed titles like Underground and the Hot Pursuit series.

    Customization and Technical Details

    Maverick Games has also showed off the extensive customization that will be available to players, which includes both interior and exterior options for your vehicles. The game has been developed using Epic’s Unreal Engine 5. Currently, there is no release date or any platforms announced, but more information will be coming during the Summer Game Fest event starting on June 5th. The studio also posted a video on YouTube with more footage.

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  • GTA 6 Second Trailer Error: Why Fans See It as a Good Sign

    Key Takeaway

    – Small graphics glitch spotted in GTA 6 trailer 2 (floating street lamp).
    – Fans previously found other minor errors (missing mirror reflection, lighting inconsistency).
    – Errors are not seen as negative; fans take them in stride.
    – Some interpret glitches as positive sign that trailer uses in-engine footage.
    – This fuels hopes final game will match trailer visuals.

    Minor Glitch Spotted in GTA 6 Trailer

    After them Best Buy leaks, the pre-order mishap and Take-Two’s earnings call, things has quieted down a little again around the successor to Grand Theft Auto 5 (currently around $25 on Amazon). The GTA 6 subreddit, however, is still anything but silent. Reddit user u/Bullshit99 has spotted a supposed error in the second trailer, more specifically it concerns the short chase scene at the 2:29 mark, in which Lucia is behind the wheel of a convertible while Jason jumps onto the vehicle from behind, in the background a street lamp can be seen that appears to be floating in mid-air.

    Fans React to the Floating Lamp

    Rockstar is facing hardly any criticism for the supposed error, it appears to be nothing more than a small graphics glitch that made it into the published footage despite the elaborate trailer production – and it is by no means the first error fans have spotted in the two GTA 6 trailers released so far. In the first trailer, for example, fans noticed a side mirror with no visible reflection, in the second trailer there is an inconsistent moment in which Jason’s gun briefly lights up the surroundings before the actual gunshot is visible.

    Positive Interpretation of Graphics Bug

    Fans are taking these small errors in the GTA trailers in stride, in this particular case some even interpret the supposed graphics bug as a positive sign. The scene could indicate that Rockstar is showing at least some in-engine material in the trailer rather than relying exclusively on heavily post-processed render sequences, such inconsistencies would be more plausible in in-engine footage than in fully polished CGI sequences. That, in turn, fuels hopes that the final game will actually come close to the trailers visually.

     


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  • Steam Deck: Will Valve’s Handheld Slowly Fade Away

    Key Takeaway

    – Steam Deck’s original appeal was strong value for money, now undermined by price increases.
    – Community opinions split: current owners still see a capable device; potential buyers face worse conditions.
    – OLED version now costs $789 instead of $549, with no cheaper new model available.
    – Loss of value perception could threaten long-term sales and justify future hardware development.
    – Steam Deck is not “dead,” but must re-prove itself after the price hike.

    Why the Steam Deck Debate is Heating Up

    Following the significant Steam Deck OLED price increase, the future of Valve’s handheld PC is being hotly debated in the gaming community. On Reddit, one user asked why so many gamers were suddenly acting as if the Steam Deck were “dead.” The question clearly struck a nerve. At the time of research, nearly 800 comments had been posted in less than 20 hours – with opinions sharply divided.

    A Shift in Perceived Value

    As the creator of the Reddit thread explains, the Steam Deck was long attractive above all because of its strong value for money. Buyers got an easy-to-use handheld with Steam integration, modding options and good repairability at a reasonable price. However, the Steam Deck has long since ceased to be the most powerful device in its class – and with the recent price increases, the mood in the community has noticeably shifted. According to the thread creator, comments under videos and posts increasingly describe the Steam Deck as outdated or even “dead.”

    Two Distinct Camps on Reddit

    Reddit is largely split into two camps. One consists of existing Steam Deck owners. For those who already own Valve’s handheld, it remains a capable device with a large game catalog and an active community – even if significantly more powerful handhelds such as the Asus ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go are now available.

    New Buyers Face Higher Costs

    The other camp consists of potential buyers. Anyone looking to buy a new handheld today has to evaluate the Steam Deck under very different conditions – at least the OLED version, which has cost $789 instead of $549 since the price increase. Since the standard Steam Deck is no longer regularly sold as a new device, Valve currently has no cheaper model on offer.

    The Core Question of Survival

    Reddit users largely agree on one point: due to the price increase, the Steam Deck is losing much of its original appeal – namely its strong value for money. Against this backdrop, the question is whether Valve can continue to sell enough units in the long term to justify new models or further hardware projects. The Steam Deck is therefore not “dead” right now, but after the price increase, it has to prove itself all over again.

     

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  • New Steam Machine Leak Hints at Imminent Launch

    Key Takeaway

    – Valve’s backend reveals a “Welcome to Steam Machine” onboarding process, suggesting final preparations.
    – Multilingual Steam Machine content on GitHub fuels speculation of a near-term global launch.
    – Reddit community is highly optimistic, with some predicting a release within days to weeks.
    – Valve’s official silence tempers excitement; all details remain unconfirmed speculation.
    – Recent Steam Deck OLED price hike raises concerns that the Steam Machine may be pricier than expected.

    New Steam Machine Hints Spark Excitement

    After entries related to the “Welcome to Steam Machine” introduction were discovered in Valve’s backend at the end of May, many in the community began speculating about a June launch. The excitement is not based solely on the fact that the onboarding process looks like a final stage of preparation. As previously reported, similar leaks appeared shortly before the Steam Controller’s release. A new discovery has now added further fuel to the speculation: the Steam Machine Welcome Tour has surfaced on GitHub in multiple languages. This suggests Valve might be finalising there work.

    Community Reacts With Optimism on Reddit

    The reaction on Reddit has been highly optimistic. Thread creator u/SnooDoughnuts8734 summed up the mood with the words: “Everything is ready, let’s go.” For many users, the fact that the Steam Machine introduction is now available in several languages suggests that Valve has entered the final preparation phase and is getting ready for a worldwide launch. Users also seem confident that a release is imminent, with some speculating about a launch “tomorrow” or “within the next two weeks” – either way, very soon. Its a exciting time for fans.

    Valve’s Silence and Price Concerns

    What tempers the excitement is Valve’s continued silence on official Steam Machine details. For now, everything remains pure speculation. That said, only a few days separated the official Steam Controller announcement from its market launch, so a similarly short timeline cannot be ruled out. The biggest source of skepticism at the moment is the price. Following the recent Steam Deck OLED price increase (available on Amazon for $1,420), many users now believe that the Steam Machine could be significantly more expensive than originally expected. People are wondering if it will be worth the high cost.

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  • Rayman Legends Retold Bundle Leak: 2 Games, Low Price

    Rayman Legends Retold Bundle Leak: 2 Games, Low Price

    Key Takeaway

    – Rayman Legends Retold announced today at Sony’s State of Play, featuring 2.5D and 3D gameplay segments.
    – New skins inspired by Astro Bot and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, plus new levels included.
    – Online multiplayer removed; only local couch co-op for up to four players.
    – Requires internet for installation; physical Switch 2 and PS5 versions are partial, Xbox Series X is digital-only.
    – Package includes free Rayman Origins Enhanced Edition; release date October 1, 2026, price $39.99/€39.99.

    Rayman Legends Remake Announced for Sony State of Play

    According to the latest information from leaker @billbil_kun, Ubisoft will be announcing a remake of Rayman Legends today as part of Sony’s “State of Play” event. This will not only be a modified version with improved graphics, as Rayman Legends Retold will reportedly receive both 2.5D and 3D gameplay segments, new skins inspired by the games Astro Bot and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and new levels. However, Ubisoft is said to be planning at least one downgrade: The game allegedly only supports local couch co-op multiplayer with up to four players, and the online mode of the older game is to be dropped.

    Installation Requirements and Pricing

    This is surprising, not least because Internet is absolutely necessary for installation, as Rayman Legends Retold is to be released as a game key card for the Nintendo Switch 2 ($449 on Amazon), and the version for the PlayStation 5 is also not supposed to store all the necessary data on the disk. The version for the Xbox Series X will only be available digitally. Anyone who buys Rayman Legends Retold will receive Rayman Origins Enhanced Edition for free, although this is likely to be just a graphically improved version of the game from 2011.

    Release Date and Package Deal

    Even though the remake is to be announced today, the release is reportedly not planned until October 1, 2026. Ubisoft is said to be offering the package of both Rayman games for $39.99 in the US or €39.99 in Europe. The image in the tweet embedded below from @billbil_kun already shows what the cover of the game will look like.

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  • Intel warns of “crazy” price: Arc G3 Extreme tramples AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme for expensive price

    Intel warns of “crazy” price: Arc G3 Extreme tramples AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme for expensive price

    Key Takeaway

    – Intel Arc G3 Extreme delivers 42% higher 1080p performance than AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme at 35W, and 37% better FPS at 12W.
    – “Endurance Gaming” mode can extend battery life from ~2.8 hours to nearly 6 hours in Forza Horizon 6.
    – Arc G3 Extreme uses a full 12 Xe-core iGPU; the standard Arc G3 uses 10 Xe-cores.
    – Pricing for G3 Extreme handhelds is expected to be “crazy” high, partly due to Intel 18A yields and memory/storage costs.
    – AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme consoles will likely be significantly cheaper than Intel Arc G3 Extreme handhelds.

    Intel’s New Handheld Chip Brings Big Performance

    Since Intel dropped the Panther Lake APUs featuring the powerful Arc B390 iGPU, people have been wondering if we would see that same graphics tech inside a chip made just for handheld gaming consoles. Leaks from earler this year confirmed Intel was indeed cooking up two new processors for this exact purpouse, known as the Arc G3 and the Arc G3 Extreme. Now, Intel has offically shown off what the top-tier Arc G3 Extreme can actualy do in real world tests, and the numbers are pretty striking.

    Comparing the Arc G3 and G3 Extreme Specs

    Both of these new handeld chips, the Intel Arc G3 and the Arc G3 Extreme, share an identical CPU layout which includes 2 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and 4 low-power efficiency cores. The main difference between them is the iGPU configueration. The Arc G3 Extreme uses the full 12 Xe-core Arc B390 iGPU, making it the more powerfull option. In contrast, the standard Arc G3 only gets a slightly cut down 10 Xe-core iGPU, which is still likely to be quite capable for the target devices.

    • Intel Arc G3 Extreme: 12 Xe-core iGPU (full Arc B390)
    • Intel Arc G3: 10 Xe-core iGPU
    • Both chips: 2 P-core + 8 E-core + 4 LP E-core CPU

    Performance Numbers and Efficiency Claims

    Intel gave a complete breakdown of the Arc G3 Extremes performance over on Gamers Nexus, where they made some huge claims about power efficiency. Intel is saying the chip brings a massive 44% “gen-on-gen” gaming performance uplift when compared to the Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 258V found in the MSI Claw 8 AI+, while also delivering 2x upscaling. The company also directly compared it to AMDs chip, calling the Ryzen Z2 Extreme a “dated platform” during the presentation.

    At a sustained 35 watts, Intel showed the Arc G3 Extreme beating the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme in the ROG Xbox Ally X by a huge 42% at 1080p with upscaling enabled. The Arc G3 Extreme also delivered 37% better FPS at just 12 watts compared to the Ryzen Z2 Extreme. Because of this, Intel claimed that you can get nearly the same performance as the Z2 Extreme while using only half the power, which would be great for battery life in a handheld device.

    Endurance Gaming Feature for Better Battery

    On the subject of battery life, Intel showcased a new feature they are calling “Endurance Gaming.” This feature will dynamically adjust the processor’s power usage and automatically cap the frame rate to optimise the battery. For example, in Forza Horizon 6, using Endurance Gaming at 1080p/low settings reportedly extends the battery from 2 hours and 47 minutes to almost 6 hours. This is a pretty bold claim from Intel, and its something that will need to be tested extensively by reviewers before we know if it can really shake up the handheld gaming landscape as they suggest.

    Price and Market Positioning

    Even though the performance and power efficiency of the Arc G3 Extreme look incredibly impressive, the potential price of the consoles it will power, like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, could be brutal for consumers. Intel didnt say anything concrete about the pricing, but Tom Peterson did let slip that the “price point is going to be crazy,” and that the Arc G3 Extreme MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ will only be for people who “really really want that.”

    A big part of this “crazy” price is the current cost of RAM and storage. We have already seen Valve implement a massive $300 price hike on the 1 TB Steam Deck OLED, which was directly due to the same prevailing market conditions for memory components. However, Intel’s Panther Lake architecture is also playing a role in the high cost, as we know these chips are not cheap, which is evident in the price of laptops using the latest Core Ultra 300 processors. Intel is working hard to improve the yield of the Intel 18A process node, which should eventualy drive these costs down.

    So, while the Intel Arc G3 Extreme is expected to beat the socks off the Ryzen Z2 Extreme in terms of raw performance, the consoles using the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme will likely be much cheaper for the average buyer. Its a trade off between top tier performance and affordability.


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  • 007 First Light: Why Stealth Fails in James Bond Game

    Key Takeaway

    – Stealth is an option, not a requirement; combat is rarely punished
    – Players often abandon stealth because melee and shootouts are more fun
    – Failed stealth attempts usually don’t ruin the mission
    – Inability to hide bodies suggests stealth isn’t the real goal
    – Hitman comparisons highlight that 007 First Light is more forgiving than pure stealth games

    How James Bond’s Stealth Often Fails in 007 First Light

    As the term “secret agent” implies, James Bond is supposed to work in the shadows. He often chooses to slip past foes instead of leaving a trail of bodies. Players can take that approach in the new Bond game 007 First Light also. In practice, however, stealth rarely seems to maintain for long. As Reddit user u/TitleSuccessful7393 reports, he really does attemt to proceed as quietly and inconspicuously as possible. But in 90% of cases, a room ends up looking “like this” after he exits – with a screenshot showing Bond in front of a glass door and, behind it, a room full of downed enemies. Many players admit that their own missions tend to play out in much the same way.

    Why Players Prefer Fists and Firearms

    The Reddit discussion reveals several reasons why players often prefer to fix problems with fists or firearms. The main one is simple: melee combat and shootouts are fun – and the game apparently allows players to punch or shoot their way through most situations without much punishment. One player writes, for example, that after a failed stealth attempt, he simply beat up every enemy in the area without feeling penalized for it. Apart from special challenges such as “Pacifist” or “Ghost,” the game does not seem to strongly reward stealth. Also, the gameplay loop encourages aggresive tactics over careful planning.

    Comparisons to Hitman and Bond Factor

    Comparisons with the Hitman series, also developed by IO Interactive, come up frequently. Unlike the studio’s assassin simulation, 007 First Light apparently does not turn a failed stealth attempt into a major problem. Once discovered, players can usually still complete the mission successfully. For many, that is exactly the Bond factor: James Bond may begin by sneaking elegantly through enemy territory, but sooner or later he often has to escape using his fists, gadgets or firepower. This difference makes the game feel less punishing and more action orientated.

    No Body Hiding and Stealth as an Option

    The fact that players cannot hide bodies is even seen by some as a sign that full stealth was never the real goal. In short, 007 First Light is not a classic stealth shooter. Apart from a few story passages, stealth is more of an option than a requirement – and most players seem perfectly fine with that so far. The game focuses on flexibility rather than forced quietness, which suits many fans expectations of a Bond adventure.


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  • Deal: Cozy City Builder Like Settlers Hits Steam Low Price

    Key Takeaway

    – Fabledom is a cozy, fairy-tale city builder currently 70% off on Steam ($6.30).
    – It offers simpler resource management and less emphasis on combat than *The Settlers*.
    – A unique romance system with neighboring rulers unlocks quests, rewards, and buildings.
    – The game is best for short sessions; appeal reportedly fades after 10-15 hours.
    – Rated 7/10 by PC Games, but has 85% positive Steam reviews; lacks official controller support.

    A Pleasant Alternative for Shorter Sessions

    Anyone who feels that The Settlers: New Allies no longer has much to offer may find Fabledom to be a pleasant alternative for shorter sessions. The city builder follows a similar basic formula of settlement building, resource management and economic growth, but presents it in a much cozier, more fairy-tale-like way. Anyone interested now has the best opportunity yet on Steam: according to SteamDB, Fabledom is 70% off for the first time, bringing the regular price down from around $21 to $6.30.

    Living in a Storybook World

    Instead of placing players in a historical setting, Fabledom drops them into a living storybook. Flying pigs, gnomes, giants, dragons and witches are part of everyday life here. A small settlement gradually grows into a magnificent kingdom. Along the way, players build relationships with neighboring rulers. One special feature is the romance system: depending on which ruler players form a bond with, new quests, rewards and buildings are unlocked.

    Players gather resources, set up production chains, expand residential districts and look after the well-being of their inhabitants – much like in The Settlers. However, Fabledom largely does away with complex economic chains and the strong focus on military conflict and conquest. Battles and defense do play a role, but they are far less central. In terms of depth, Fabledom cannot keep up with The Settlers. German gaming magazine PC Games also criticized this, awarding the game only 7 out of 10 points in its review. Anyone looking for a relaxed building experience, however, should still feel right at home.

    Critics Praise Its Charm but Note Limited Longevity

    The review praised the charming fairy-tale look and the modular building system, which allows some buildings to be customized. The diplomacy elements were also well received. Overall, however, Fabledom still seems more suited to short sessions. According to PC Games, the city builder loses a noticeable amount of appeal after 10 to 15 hours. Steam players have so far submitted around 7,500 reviews, 85% of which are positive. Steam Deck compatibility is listed as “Playable.” Due to the lack of official controller support, however, the controls may prove somewhat difficult.

    A Few Important Notes About This Deal

    Disclaimer: Not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.

    • Regular price $21
    • Discounted price $6.30
    • 70% off for the first time
    • Steam rating: 85% positive from 7,500 reviews
    • Steam Deck: “Playable” but no controller support


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  • Steam Machine: Why June 2026 Launch Is Expected

    Key Takeaway

    – Valve added a Steam Machine “Welcome Tour” to its backend, suggesting device setup content is ready.
    – This follows Valve’s pattern with the Steam Controller, where backend assets preceded a quick launch announcement.
    – Fans predict official details (price, launch date) could arrive around Summer Game Fest 2026 (June 5).
    – Skeptics note the Welcome Tour may just be file prep, and some leaked assets might be from other Steam hardware.
    – Overall, evidence is circumstantial, but the leak aligns with Valve’s stated first-half 2026 launch window.

    As first reported by leaker Brad Lynch, Valve recently added the Steam Machine Welcome Tour to the Steam backend. The Welcome Tour appears to be a short introduction that guides new users through the device’s features and controls during initial setup. The discovery is currently being discussed on Reddit, where fans are pointing to several reasons why the Steam Machine may be close to launch.

    Evidence from Past Leaks

    The strongest argument comes from comparisons with earlier Valve hardware leaks. One Reddit user pointed to similar backend discoveries involving the Steam Controller. In late April, Valve added three GIFs to the Steam backend that demonstrated the controller’s operating concept. SteamDeckHQ reported on the discovery on April 25. Just two days later, Valve officially confirmed the controller’s price and launch date, before releasing it on May 4.

    Patterns in Backend Activity

    The leaked content is not identical, but both cases suggest that Valve is already onboarding hardware-related assets at the backend level. If the company follows a similar pattern with the Steam Machine, details such as pricing and a launch date could be revealed soon – perhaps even around Summer Game Fest 2026, which begins on June 5. As many Reddit users note, that timing would also fit Valve’s previously stated target of releasing the Steam Machine in the first half of 2026.

    • Pricing: Not yet confirmed, but expected to be competitive with other handheld PCs.
    • Launch date: Possibly around Summer Game Fest 2026 (June 5).
    • Specs: Likely similar to Steam Deck, with possible upgrades to processor and storage.

    Skeptical Viewpoints

    Not everyone is convinced. Several users point out that a Welcome Tour in the backend does not automatically mean that the hardware is about to go on sale. Valve may simply be preparing files while work continues elsewhere. There is also debate over certain details in the leaked images. Some users question whether all of the elements shown actually belong to the Steam Machine. References to a microSD card or keyboard shortcuts such as “Shift + Tab” appear more closely associated with other Steam hardware and may have come from existing templates rather than the Steam Machine itself. For now, the evidence remains circumstantial. Still, the combination of the Welcome Tour leak, Valve’s previous hardware rollout pattern and the company’s first-half 2026 launch window has convinced many fans that an official announcement may not be far away.

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  • Forza Horizon 6: Reddit Mocks Absurd Barn Finds

    Key Takeaway

    – Barn Finds in *Forza Horizon 6* are criticized for a comedic mismatch between loving dialogue and the cars’ dilapidated condition.
    – Treasure Cars are explained in-game as being hidden by a Japanese businessman, but this lore is easily missed if players skip radio dialogue.
    – The Reddit community finds the mechanic unintentionally funny, but does not consider it a game-ruining flaw.

    Barn Finds in Forza Horizon 6 Draws Mixed Reactions

    The Forza Horizon 6 community on Reddit recently criticized the deserted Car Meets, but now theres something more light-hearted to talk about. The current conversation revolves around the well-known Barn Finds, in which players track down rare vehicles in abandoned barns or remote hiding places. What is actually one of the series’ charming collectible mechanics comes across as unintentionally funny to some fans. The criticism is not meant entirely seriously, however. The poster makes it clear that the mechanic does not ruin the game by any means (Forza Horizon 6 is also covered in Notebookchecks benchmark test).

    Dialogue Contradictions and Vehicle Condition

    Specifically, thread creator u/Patient_Life_9900 takes aim at the discrepancy between the dialogue and the condition of the vehicles. In the game, it is sometimes emphasized that a previous owner apparently loved a car – while the vehicle itself looks as though it has endured decades of neglect and rough treatment. This seems particularly absurd with extremely rare models such as the Nissan R390 or historic racing cars.

    Treasure Cars and Community Mockery

    The so-called Treasure Cars in FH6 (currently available on Amazon for around $70) also come in for some mockery. Several comments joke that some finds feel less like forgotten classics and more like spontaneous car theft. However, one user points out that Treasure Cars are explained in the game via radio dialogue: according to that explanation, they come from the collection of a generous Japanese businessman who had the vehicles hidden for the festival. Some Reddit users were not even aware of this.

    Missable Background Details

    Anyone who does not listen to the right station or skips the presenter segments can apparently easily miss this small piece of background information. Incidentally, the same also applies to entertaining Pokémon references.

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