Category: Gaming

  • Little Nightmares 3 Pre-Order Art Confuses Switch 2 Buyers

    Little Nightmares 3 Pre-Order Art Confuses Switch 2 Buyers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Physical editions of some Switch 2 games may only include a download code instead of a traditional game cartridge, such as with Little Nightmares 3 using a Game-Key Card.

    2. Pre-order images often lack important details about game formats, leading to confusion among gamers about whether they are purchasing physical or digital versions.

    3. Nintendo appears to be shifting towards a more digital future, using Game-Key Cards as a compromise between digital downloads and traditional cartridges.

    4. Game-Key Cards allow for selling, trading, and using games on different consoles without needing a Nintendo Switch Online account, but require internet connectivity for installation.

    5. The sales performance of games using Game-Key Cards is uncertain, with some titles like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition still using traditional cartridges and performing well.

    For many Nintendo enthusiasts, purchasing games for the Switch 2 can be more complex than they thought. Physical editions found in stores might just include a download code instead of an actual game. For example, titles like Little Nightmares 3 come on cartridges, but they utilize the new Game-Key Card method. This means the media has only a limited amount of data and needs an internet connection to install. Typically, the box art shows the game format, but the pre-order cover for Little Nightmares 3 does not indicate this.

    Concerns from Gamers

    It’s not unusual for pre-order images to miss out on important details, but some Switch 2 users feel that this policy should change. Gamers who are fans of traditional Game Cards often consider the format when deciding to make a purchase. Bandai Namco, the game’s publisher, has not disclosed that this puzzling platformer depends on a Game-Key Card. This leaves retailers as a reliable source for information. For instance, Amazon’s product page does not clarify the format, while Best Buy’s listing mentions, “This game has the key card delivery function.”

    A Shift Towards Digital

    Many experts think that Nintendo is slowly moving gamers towards a more digital future. The Game-Key Card serves as a middle ground between digital downloads and traditional cartridges. These Switch 2 games don’t require Nintendo Switch Online accounts, which means players can sell, trade, or use them on different consoles. However, needing online connectivity for installation frustrates those who collect physical media.

    Additionally, a Game-Key Card is advantageous for publishers, as it’s reportedly cheaper than the 64 GB cartridges. The original Switch had lower-cost options with smaller capacities. With Little Nightmares 3 Standard Edition priced at $39.99, the choice not to use a standard Game Card may have helped keep the price down.

    Sales Performance Uncertain

    At this point, it’s unclear if titles that use Game-Key Cards are moving off the shelves faster or slower than cartridges. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is using a 64 GB cartridge and has been among the more successful third-party titles for the Switch 2. Its developer, CD Projekt Red, argues that publishers should not completely give up on physical releases. Yet, unlike Little Nightmares 3, many competing Switch 2 launch titles were already available on different platforms.

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not liable for any price changes made by retailers. The discount or deal mentioned here was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time limitations and/or limited stock availability.

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  • Steam Game Theft: Indie Developers Face Valve’s Moderation Issues

    Steam Game Theft: Indie Developers Face Valve’s Moderation Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Indie games are being uploaded to Steam without the original creators’ permission, with many taken from itch.io.
    2. A specific developer, referred to as “me,” has uploaded around 70 stolen games, including titles like Hard Cop 2 and Open Star Fighter.
    3. Valve struggles to manage the influx of new games, leading to the presence of low-quality and potentially harmful content on Steam.
    4. The community has raised concerns about Valve’s hands-off approach to moderation, allowing hate speech and harassment to persist in forums.
    5. The issue of stolen and low-quality games extends beyond Steam, affecting other platforms like the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop, exacerbated by generative AI.

    Some indie game creators are discovering their games showing up on Steam. Sadly, this can happen without their permission. An article from Gamepressure reveals that one developer has uploaded many stolen games onto the platform. The recent case highlights Valve’s inability to effectively manage the ongoing influx of new games on Steam.

    Developer’s Identity

    The developer in question uses terms like “me” or “myself.” Gamepressure found out that a significant number of the nearly 70 games from this developer were taken from itch.io. This site is known for giving visibility to new game creators, with some games available for free or often priced at $5 or less. Among the games taken by “me” are Hard Cop 2 and Open Star Fighter, which were previously released on itch.io.

    Ongoing Issues

    Many of the questionable titles have been removed from Steam, yet “me” is still active on the platform. Critics have criticized Valve for allowing low-quality games, or even in some cases, malware. Publishing games on Steam is cheap, though getting visibility for them is much harder. Consequently, the platform has seen tremendous growth. However, it has also become a haven for developers with dubious motives.

    Community Concerns

    Valve has faced backlash for permitting hate speech and harassment in the Steam forums. Taking a mostly hands-off approach, the company counts on players to report any rule-breaking behavior. The indie games sourced from itch.io were probably only removed after users complained.

    Broader Implications

    The issue of low-quality games, imitation titles, and stolen games isn’t limited to Steam. On platforms like the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop, gamers encounter numerous dubious listings. The rise of generative AI has added to the problem, as these tools can quickly produce generic game assets. Many of these games try to cash in by mimicking popular titles with misleading names.

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    Steam Game Theft: Indie Developers Face Valve's Moderation Issues

     

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  • 8BitDo macOS Software Update: Supports Ultimate 2, Ultimate 2C

    8BitDo macOS Software Update: Supports Ultimate 2, Ultimate 2C

    Key Takeaways

    1. 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 is compatible with Windows and macOS for firmware updates and controller customization.
    2. The Mac version has more compatibility issues compared to Windows, but a new update (version 1.0.4) improves device support.
    3. Users can remap buttons, adjust vibration settings, and create gaming profiles with the software.
    4. The updated macOS version supports more devices, including controllers, receivers, and mice.
    5. Users can modify keys, adjust RGB lighting, and perform firmware updates after installing the new software.

    The 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 is one of the trio of software options designed for 8BitDo devices. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS, allowing users to update the firmware on their compatible controllers. Additionally, it enables button remapping, vibration settings, and the creation of various gaming profiles.

    Compatibility Issues

    However, it’s important to note that not every 8BitDo game controller and accessory is compatible with this software. In fact, the Mac version seems to support even fewer devices compared to its Windows counterpart. The good news is that 8BitDo has announced the release of a new macOS version, which now supports a wider range of devices, including controllers, receivers, and a mouse.

    New Devices Added

    The updated macOS software is version 1.0.4 and can be downloaded from the link provided below. After the installation, users of the newly supported devices will have the ability to modify and disable keys, adjust RGB lighting for products that support it, and perform firmware updates.

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  • MSI Katana 17 HX with RTX 5070: Issues with 8GB VRAM

    MSI Katana 17 HX with RTX 5070: Issues with 8GB VRAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle struggles with higher settings due to limited VRAM, causing performance issues.
    2. The MSI Katana 17 with RTX 5070 achieves 32.4 fps at 2560 x 1440 resolution, which is considered low.
    3. The RTX 5080 shows a 150% performance improvement over the RTX 5070, reaching 82.5 fps.
    4. The RTX 5090 performs nearly 200% better than the RTX 5070, achieving 99.5 fps.
    5. For a better gaming experience, users should consider upgrading to RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 models.

    When selecting higher settings or resolutions, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle continues to struggle due to a limited amount of VRAM. For instance, the MSI Katana 17, equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop featuring 8GB GDDR7, can handle 2560 x 1440 pixels without crashing, a problem that plagued the action-adventure game upon its release in December last year. Yet, achieving an average of 32.4 frames per second is not very good, especially when compared to stronger graphics cards.

    Performance Comparison

    In our detailed examination of the MSI Katana 17 HX, we found that a GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop with 16GB GDDR7 shows about 150% improvement, delivering 82.5 fps on the MSI Vector A18 HX. On the other hand, the GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop with 24GB GDDR7 performs nearly 200% better, reaching 99.5 fps on the MSI Raider A18 HX. However, in other titles, the performance gap is much less noticeable. When we look at all the games we’ve tested so far, the RTX 5080 is “only” 60% faster than the RTX 5070 in QHD resolution.

    Summary of Findings

    The findings from Notebookcheck’s review of the MSI Katana 17 HX highlight these differences. While the RTX 5070 can manage certain settings, the overall gameplay experience falls short compared to more advanced options. Users looking for better performance should consider the more powerful RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 models for a significant upgrade in their gaming experience.

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  • Get Free PlayStation Plus Access for a Limited Time

    Get Free PlayStation Plus Access for a Limited Time

    Key Takeaways

    1. PlayStation Plus is celebrating its 15th anniversary with free online gaming for everyone from June 28 to June 29.
    2. PlayStation Plus is essential for online gaming, with most titles requiring a subscription except for some free games like Fortnite and Genshin Impact.
    3. There are three subscription plans: PlayStation Plus Extra, Premium, and Essential, each offering different benefits and costs.
    4. Premium members can play WWE 2K25 and Monster Hunter Wilds for free during the promotion.
    5. Other subscribers can enjoy significant discounts on games like Sniper Elite: Resistance, Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII, and Star Wars Outlaws.

    Recently, PlayStation has given exciting news for all its PlayStation Plus members. Free games for July have been revealed, featuring some well-known titles. But there’s more to it! In honor of the 15th anniversary of this beloved service, multiplayer gaming will be available for free to everyone. Just keep in mind, this offer lasts only for a short while.

    Importance of PlayStation Plus

    Understanding PlayStation Plus is key, as it is crucial for playing online with friends or gamers around the world. Most games on the PlayStation Store require a subscription to access their online options. There are a few exceptions like Fortnite and Genshin Impact, which don’t need a subscription.

    Different Subscription Options

    There are several subscription plans to choose from, including PlayStation Plus Extra, Premium, and Essential. Each plan provides different advantages and the costs vary as well.

    If you own a PlayStation account and have a PS4 or PS5, there’s a special treat waiting for you for a limited time. To mark 15 years of PlayStation Plus, Sony is allowing free online gaming from June 28 at 12:01 a.m. until June 29 at 11:59 p.m.

    Take Advantage of This Offer

    If this fantastic offer catches your eye, make sure to seize the opportunity! Plus, it’s a great chance to explore all the features this service has to offer. Don’t forget about the numerous online games you can dive into, letting you explore new realms and tackle different challenges while having a blast.

    On top of that, if you have a PlayStation Plus Premium membership, you can play WWE 2K25 and Monster Hunter Wilds for free. If you’re subscribed to a different plan, don’t worry! Sniper Elite: Resistance, Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII, and Star Wars Outlaws are all part of significant discounts that you shouldn’t miss out on.

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  • Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS vs Windows Resource Usage Issues

    Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS vs Windows Resource Usage Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo Legion Go S performs better on SteamOS than on Windows, showing higher FPS and better battery life.
    2. In testing, the Legion Go S achieved significantly lower performance on Windows, especially in demanding games like Returnal.
    3. Windows background processes are believed to consume CPU resources, negatively impacting gaming performance compared to SteamOS.
    4. Lowering resolution and graphics settings on Windows improves FPS, but SteamOS still outperforms it at all settings tested.
    5. Microsoft is working on a specialized version of Windows for gaming devices that minimizes background tasks to enhance performance.

    Back in May, we shared that the Lenovo Legion Go S performed better in games when using SteamOS instead of Windows. According to testing by Dave2D, SteamOS not only boosted FPS but also enhanced battery life for the handheld gaming device. Ars Technica also did their own benchmarks comparing Legion Go S on SteamOS with the Windows version, and the findings are quite surprising.

    Testing Details

    Ars Technica evaluated both the Legion Go S with SteamOS and Windows, using graphics drivers from Lenovo and Asus. They found that the performance of the Legion Go S on Windows was consistently lower than on SteamOS, sometimes by significant amounts.

    Among the five games tested, Returnal struggled the most on Windows. The Legion Go S could only achieve an average of 18 FPS and 24 FPS at a resolution of 1920×1200 with “High” settings when using Windows with Lenovo and Asus drivers, respectively. In contrast, it managed to run the game at 33 FPS with the same settings on SteamOS.

    Performance Comparison

    When the resolution was decreased to 1280×800 and graphics settings were lowered to “Low,” the FPS increased to 30 on Windows and 47 on SteamOS. Ars Technica observed a similar trend in Cyberpunk 2077 and Doom: The Dark Ages, though the difference in performance between the two operating systems was not as significant.

    So, what could be causing this?

    It looks like the many background processes running on Windows are stealing CPU time from the games, leading to these performance discrepancies. Windows is known for its numerous background tasks, such as managing the Desktop, which takes away valuable CPU resources. The kernel assigns a block of CPU time to handle these processes.

    Understanding the Bottleneck

    At lower resolutions and settings, the CPU performance tends to be the main limitation for most games. Therefore, Windows is using critical CPU resources that could be better spent on gaming, creating a noticeable drop in performance. In contrast, SteamOS appears to be less demanding in terms of CPU-intensive tasks, which may explain why it outperforms Windows in some situations.

    Luckily, Microsoft seems to be addressing this problem, as seen with the ROG Xbox Ally handheld console, which runs a specialized version of Windows. This “Xbox” edition of Windows reportedly minimizes background tasks, like loading the Desktop, enhancing performance and energy efficiency. As this gaming-focused version of Windows is likely to appear on more portable consoles, we hope Microsoft will resolve these issues permanently.

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    Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS vs Windows Resource Usage IssuesLenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS vs Windows Resource Usage Issues
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  • Civilization Games Under $1: Up to 95% Off in Steam Sale

    Civilization Games Under $1: Up to 95% Off in Steam Sale

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Steam Summer Sale offers significant discounts on the Sid Meier’s Civilization series.
    2. Sid Meier’s Civilization III Complete is priced at $0.99, an 80% discount from $4.99.
    3. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is available for $2.99, a 95% discount from $59.99.
    4. Sid Meier’s Civilization IV is discounted to $5.99 from $19.99, providing a more relaxed gameplay experience.
    5. Sid Meier’s Civilization V is now €7.49, a 75% discount, while Civilization VII is offered at 15% off.

    The Steam Summer Sale is here at last, bringing a ton of great deals on a variety of games, including those from the renowned Sid Meier’s Civilization series. This series is considered one of the most impactful turn-based strategy games ever made. The motto, “Build an empire to stand the test of time,” captures the essence of its gameplay. Players take charge of a civilization, leading it on an incredible adventure from the Stone Age right up to exploring outer space.

    Great Deals on Civilization Games

    The lowest-priced game in the current Civilization sale is Sid Meier’s Civilization III Complete, which holds a “very positive” rating on Steam. It is now available for only $0.99, down from $4.99, marking an impressive 80% discount. Not far behind, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is priced at just $2.99 instead of $59.99 — a staggering 95% off!

    Explore More Civilization Titles

    Another title to consider is Sid Meier’s Civilization IV. Its regular price of $19.99 has been slashed to a mere $5.99. For those who find Sid Meier’s Civilization VI a bit too tough, this game offers a more laid-back experience.

    Furthermore, the well-loved Sid Meier’s Civilization V, which has earned “extremely positive” feedback, is currently discounted by 75%, now costing just €7.49 instead of the typical $29.99. The latest installment, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, is available for 15% off. All the discounted games in this series can be found on Steam, where they are neatly organized for browsing.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Adds 3 New Titles, Featuring 2 AAA Games

    Xbox Game Pass Adds 3 New Titles, Featuring 2 AAA Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Pass subscribers received three new games between June 24 and 26, including a notable real-time strategy title, and additional content for Call of Duty: WWII was introduced at the end of the month.
    2. Call of Duty: WWII focuses on classic “boots-on-the-ground” gameplay, featuring historically accurate firearms and a strong emphasis on teamwork, with no automatic health regeneration.
    3. Little Nightmares II is a horror-themed puzzle-platformer that follows Mono and Six in a disturbing world, utilizing 2.5D mechanics and requiring stealth and cooperation to navigate challenges.
    4. Rise of the Tomb Raider sees Lara Croft exploring Siberia for the hidden city of Kitezh, featuring a mix of combat, survival elements, and a crafting system to enhance gameplay.
    5. Each game offers unique gameplay experiences, from intense shooting action in Call of Duty: WWII to eerie exploration in Little Nightmares II and adventurous survival in Rise of the Tomb Raider.

    Between June 24 and 26, gamers who subscribe to Game Pass got a treat with three new games, including a well-known real-time strategy franchise. To wrap up the month, Call of Duty: WWII introduces fresh content for shooting game enthusiasts. On July 1, both Little Nightmares II and Rise of the Tomb Raider will be added to the collection.

    Call of Duty: WWII Overview

    Call of Duty: WWII, which is the 14th main title in the franchise, made its debut on November 3, 2017. The single-player campaign transports players to the Western Front during World War II, allowing you to step into the shoes of Ronald “Red” Daniels, a young soldier from the U.S. 1st Infantry Division. The narrative covers major events from the D-Day landings in Normandy to the liberation of Paris and the ultimate confrontation at the Rhine, showcasing critical moments of the war from the perspective of an ordinary frontline soldier.

    Gameplay Experience

    In Call of Duty: WWII, the gameplay shifts away from the advanced technology seen in Advanced Warfare and Infinite Warfare, bringing back the classic “boots-on-the-ground” style of combat. You run, slide, and take cover behind various obstacles like sandbags and barricades—no jetpacks or wall-running involved, just raw, realistic action. The game features genuine World War II firearms such as the M1 Garand, MP-40, and Thompson, providing a satisfying and impactful shooting experience. Unlike many modern shooters, health does not automatically regenerate. Instead, you must depend on your squad—requesting bandages from medics, collecting ammo from teammates, or receiving cover fire when needed. This fosters a strong sense of teamwork. The multiplayer mode introduces a division system that influences your gameplay, along with objective-based modes like “War,” where players must build bridges or escort tanks. For those looking for a more sinister challenge, the survival mode Nazi Zombies provides a tough and chaotic experience.

    Little Nightmares II Details

    Little Nightmares II is an eerie puzzle-platformer with significant horror elements, recognized for its disturbing ambiance and cinematic presentation. You take on the role of Mono, a young boy with a paper bag on his head, who awakens in a bizarre world full of grotesque adult monsters. Together with Six—the girl in the yellow raincoat from the original game—you traverse from a decaying forest cabin through a nightmarish school and into the neon-lit Pale City, ultimately reaching the Signal Tower, whose haunting radio waves distort reality. The narrative unfolds without any spoken words, crafting a poignant story about manipulation and loss, with the evolving bond between Mono and Six at its heart.

    Navigating the Dark World

    In Little Nightmares II, you explore the unsettling environment through classic 2.5D side-scrolling mechanics, climbing, sneaking, and solving various puzzles. The challenges often depend on physics, timing, and cooperation—Six may hold a ladder steady while Mono lifts her to a higher ledge. Encounters with foes like the insane teacher or the unsettling surgeon require stealth and caution, as direct confrontations usually end poorly. Occasionally, Mono can defend himself using objects found in the environment, such as hammers, to break barriers or fend off enemies like porcelain children. Although the checkpoint system is reasonable, every encounter remains tense—one misstep can result in having to restart.

    Rise of the Tomb Raider Synopsis

    Rise of the Tomb Raider, the eleventh main installment in the Tomb Raider series and the second chapter of the reboot trilogy that started in 2013, was launched on November 10, 2015. This time, Lara Croft ventures into the icy wilderness of Siberia in search of the fabled city of Kitezh, believed to be hidden beneath the ice. She aims to discover the “Divine Source”—a legendary artifact thought to bestow eternal life. Throughout her journey, Lara battles fierce snowstorms, menacing wildlife, and the merciless secret organization Trinity, which seeks the same power. To endure, she wields a diverse range of weapons: pistols, shotguns, and assault rifles for open combat, along with bows and climbing axes for stealthy or close-range attacks.

    Game Mechanics and Features

    The game combines open-world hubs with light survival elements, receiving acclaim from critics for its immersive depiction of the Siberian landscape. In addition to intense firefights, Lara explores hidden tombs, tackles challenging climbing sequences, and solves physics-based puzzles. A comprehensive crafting system enhances the gameplay experience. By collecting resources, players can upgrade weapons, create ammunition, and craft vital gear—all of which improve Lara’s chances of surviving in the harsh, frozen environment.

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  • Action Pi: Retro Gaming Handheld with Linux Launching in July

    Action Pi: Retro Gaming Handheld with Linux Launching in July

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Helegaly Action Pi retro gaming handheld will be available for purchase starting July 5th at a budget-friendly price of $59.99.
    2. It is powered by an Allwinner A527 ARM SoC with 2 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and a Mali G57 GPU, offering decent performance for gaming.
    3. The device features a 4.02-inch IPS display with a resolution of 960 x 720, providing vibrant colors and high pixel density.
    4. It includes a 5,000 mAh battery for long usage, dual USB-C ports, mini HDMI, microSD, audio jack, and supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
    5. The base model comes with 16 GB of EMMC storage and includes a 64 GB microSD card, with a 128 GB microSD option available for an additional $5.

    Helegaly has introduced its Action Pi retro gaming handheld earlier this year. This device runs on the Linux-based Batocera operating system and comes with quite capable internals. The company has now announced that the Action Pi will be available for purchase starting the 5th of July, with a price that is quite budget-friendly.

    Hardware Features

    At the core of the Action Pi is the Allwinner A527 ARM SoC. This is the same chip used in the Cubie A5E SBC and offers decent performance due to its octa-core architecture, which features Cortex-A55 cores running at speeds of up to 2 GHz alongside 2 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. For graphics, it utilizes a Mali G57 integrated GPU.

    Display Quality

    The display is one of the key features of any good handheld. The Action Pi comes with a 4.02-inch IPS screen that has a resolution of 960 x 720, providing an impressive pixel density nearing 300 PPI and vibrant color representation, as noted by Retro Dodo.

    The device also includes a standard set of physical buttons and Hall-effect joysticks. According to reviews, the joysticks perform fairly well, although the L1/R1 trigger buttons are said to be somewhat “narrow,” as also reported by Retro Dodo.

    Battery and Connectivity

    The Action Pi is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery, which should provide several days of use on a single charge, thanks to its efficient internals. It offers a variety of ports, including dual USB-C, mini HDMI, microSD, and an audio jack. For wireless connectivity, it supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The base model, which includes 16 GB of EMMC storage and comes with a 64 GB microSD card, is priced at $59.99, while the 128 GB microSD option is just $5 more.

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  • Free on Steam: Sega JRPG Spin-off Hits #1 on Charts

    Free on Steam: Sega JRPG Spin-off Hits #1 on Charts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Persona 5: The Phantom X (P5X) is a new game developed by Black Wings Game Studio, in collaboration with Atlus and Sega, launched on June 25-26, 2023.
    2. P5X features a different story set in an alternate world, with a new main character named “Wonder” and a plot involving corrupted wishes and a group of Phantom Thieves.
    3. The gameplay retains classic Persona elements, including school life, part-time jobs, and turn-based battles, alongside a gacha system for acquiring new allies and personas.
    4. The game has received mixed reviews on Steam, praised for its design and combat but criticized for aggressive monetization and mobile-focused user interface.
    5. P5X is free to play with optional microtransactions, contrasting with the $60 price of Persona 5, making it appealing to JRPG fans.

    The Persona series has been an interesting mix of turn-based JRPGs and the daily lives of Japanese students since it started in 1996. Originally a part of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, it was created by Atlus, which has been owned by Sega since 2013. Persona 5, which came out in 2017, really put the series in the spotlight. Now, there’s a new game called Persona 5: The Phantom X (or P5X) that was developed by Black Wings Game Studio with help from Atlus and Sega. This game launched on June 25 and 26, depending on where you are. You can play it on PC through Steam, as well as on iOS and Android. A cool feature is that your game progress syncs between PC and mobile.

    A New Adventure Awaits

    P5X isn’t exactly a sequel; it tells a different story in an alternate world. The main character, who goes by the codename “Wonder,” wakes up after a scary nightmare in a dark version of Tokyo. He’s joined by Lufel, a wise owl, and Igor, a character familiar to long-time fans, along with his new helper Merope. As they dig deeper, they discover a creepy plot: someone is taking people’s wishes and turning the shared unconscious, called “Mementos,” into a wasteland. To fight back, Wonder gathers a new crew of Phantom Thieves to solve the mystery. They aim to heal corrupted hearts by stealing the “treasures” of the villains, helping to restore the city’s hope.

    Gameplay Elements

    When it comes to gameplay, The Phantom X follows the classic Persona style we know and love. You’ll spend your days in school, taking part-time jobs, or hanging out with friends, referred to as Synergy Links here. These activities not only improve your stats but also grant helpful bonuses for battles. At night, you and your team will enter palaces or the endlessly twisting Mementos, where you’ll face off in traditional turn-based battles. You can gain new allies and monsters (called personas) using a gacha system. The game includes optional microtransactions: you can buy in-game currency to get more gacha pulls or recover stamina, which limits your exploration time in dungeons. While P5X is free to play, players who don’t spend money will need to take breaks because of stamina limits. Even though it doesn’t strictly fall into the pay-to-win category, many players criticize this monetization strategy.

    Mixed Reviews on Steam

    Persona 5: The Phantom X has been praised on Steam for its faithful design, enjoyable combat, and smooth gameplay. However, player opinions are a bit divided. While many reviews commend its authenticity and how well it’s made, they also point out issues with aggressive monetization, including expensive microtransactions and frequent prompts to buy. The user interface has been noted as being too focused on mobile use, and there are complaints about the lack of proper controller support.

    Because of these reasons, the game has received mixed feedback on Steam, where it has around 1,900 reviews with a 72% positive score. It remains at the top of the “Trending Free” list, making it an attractive, no-cost option for JRPG fans and Persona lovers. For comparison, Persona 5 is priced at about $60 on Steam, though it’s currently discounted to around $24 (‑60%) until July 10. In contrast, P5X is free to start, but has optional purchases within the game.

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