Category: Games

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently confiscated a replica of the Call of Duty Zombies Monkey Bomb from a passenger at Boston Logan International Airport. This in-game item serves as a secondary tactical grenade that lures zombies and has been a favorite among fans since its introduction in 2008’s Call of Duty: World at War. The Monkey Bomb, known for its jingly cymbals, has become a staple in various titles, ensuring its status as one of the most effective tactical tools.

Despite its cartoonish appearance, the confiscation sparked confusion among fans. Many took to social media, questioning the decision, arguing that the Monkey Bomb does not resemble a real explosive at all. TSA guidelines clearly prohibit replica items resembling explosives or weapons, and passengers are advised to place such items in checked luggage for safety.

The incident was highlighted during TSA’s “Prohibited Items Week,” where they reiterated the importance of flight safety and restrictions on replica weapons. The reactions online also included humorous comments, with some joking that toy replicas from popular games like Minecraft could be mistaken for real explosives during security checks. According to TSA policies on toy weapons, while many items are permitted, those resembling realistic guns or explosives must be excluded from both carry-on and checked bags.

TSA reserves the right to confiscate any item deemed a potential security threat, regardless of its appearance. Historically, the TSA has maintained strict guidelines against bringing replica weapons on flights. They recommend that items like Warcraft weapons be packed in check-in luggage.

This rigorous approach is essential for ensuring safety in air travel, serving as a valuable reminder for gamers and cosplayers who may wish to travel with prop weapons.

The Nintendo Switch 2 console and its accessories, including the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, are enjoying robust sales, even amidst chaotic pre-orders in regions such as the United States. This interest is largely due to innovative features that enhance multiplayer experiences, a major selling point highlighted during the unveiling of the camera on April 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera connects directly to the console, allowing players to share video of themselves while engaging in multiplayer and co-op games. This feature fosters interaction among family and friends, enabling a more immersive experience without reliance on third-party applications.

While many fans have expressed enthusiasm for the camera, a significant portion has lamented the absence of themed designs, leading some creative fans to come up with their renditions of what special editions might look like. One notable fan design showcased a Lakitu-themed camera.

This concept features Lakitu floating on a cloud, holding a camera on a fishing pole, reminiscent of the character’s role in popular titles like Super Mario 64 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Such ideas have generated excitement among fans, urging conversations around the possibility of future themed offerings that could enhance the accessory’s appeal.

Many have voiced their desire for a more colorful design that aligns with the vibrant worlds of Nintendo franchises. Despite concerns about the camera’s aesthetics, sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 console and its accessories have exceeded expectations.

Retailers are grappling to meet high demand, defying analyst predictions regarding pricing and sales. While it remains to be seen whether Nintendo can sufficiently stock the shelves by the release date, fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their Nintendo Switch 2 consoles and cameras on June 5, hoping for the introduction of delightful special editions in the future.

Gamers are expressing a desire for the return of subcategories in Oblivion Remastered’s item menu for improved organization. The remastered version, released unexpectedly earlier this week after much speculation, has already gained significant popularity, with over four million players engaging with the game. While it features enhanced visuals created in Unreal Engine 5, many fans of the original 2006 title feel that some changes, particularly in the user interface (UI), have not been beneficial.

One notable aspect that has been missed is the categorization of items. In the original Oblivion, players could sort items by type, making it easier to locate specific goods. For instance, players could differentiate between alchemical apparatus and potions, streamlining usability.

However, in the remastered edition, all items are grouped together on the same page, leading to frustrations among players who find it more time-consuming to navigate. A post by an Elder Scrolls fan on social media highlighting this issue garnered over 3,800 upvotes, with many agreeing that reintroducing subcategories would enhance the game’s experience. Alongside these organizational concerns, players are also facing several bugs, including a significant issue in The Battle for Castle Kvatch quest, where Savlian Matius fails to recognize that enemies have been defeated.

Additionally, some Xbox Series X/S and PC users have reported losing their saved games, which has caused major disruptions, particularly for those who invested considerable time into their gameplay. Bethesda is aware of these concerns and is actively working on updates to address these bugs. A recent hotfix was released; however, it inadvertently caused new issues, such as preventing certain PC gamers from enabling DLSS upscaling.

Fans remain hopeful that these problems will be resolved so they can fully enjoy Oblivion Remastered in an optimal state.

Costco has announced a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle that will include the popular game Mario Kart World and a Nintendo Switch Online upgrade. This bundle is set for release on June 5 and will only be available to Costco members. Importantly, pre-orders are not an option, and customers are limited to purchasing one bundle per membership.

On April 26, Costco made public its plan to offer this exclusive bundle in select US locations. In contrast, other retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy had already started taking pre-orders for the Switch 2, although this process quickly turned chaotic with technical errors and long queues frustrating many customers. While some managed to successfully secure their pre-orders from Walmart and Best Buy, GameStop’s in-store pre-order system was largely effective.

Currently, Switch 2 pre-orders are sold out, but additional waves of availability are expected as canceled orders are returned. The upcoming bundle at Costco, according to social media leaker Wario64, is enticing for members. It includes not just the digital version of Mario Kart World but also a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership with the Expansion Pack upgrade.

As Costco membership is required, new members can join for an annual fee starting at $65 for the Gold Star level or $130 for the Executive tier. Each membership provides two cards, allowing members to share with a friend or family member. While Costco hasn’t officially listed a price for the bundle, by combining the typical prices—$499.99 for the console and $49.99 for the subscription—it would total about $549.98.

Wario64 predicts a potential $10 discount, lowering the price to approximately $539, which could attract more shoppers to the store on June 5.

Walmart’s pre-order page for the Nintendo Switch 2 was unexpectedly taken down on or around April 26, leading to confusion among fans. While some individuals reported successfully placing their pre-orders before the page was removed, the incident highlights ongoing issues faced by major U.S. retailers since the launch of pre-orders on April 24.

The global pre-order process began on April 9, with U.S. pre-orders initially delayed due to the impact of the Trump administration’s trade policies. These policies prompted Nintendo to revise its product pricing amidst fears of future tariffs.

Although American consumers were eventually able to attempt pre-orders starting April 24, feedback suggests that the experience has been anything but smooth. The abrupt removal of Walmart’s pre-order page does not appear to stem from heavy traffic issues; rather, the entire pre-sale landing page was taken off the retailer’s site, as highlighted by a Reddit user.

Currently, searching for the “Switch 2” on Walmart’s platform yields misleading results, primarily featuring third-party listings for alternate models. However, the listing for the Mario Kart World bundle remains active, albeit marked as out of stock.

This recent removal contributes to the perception that the Switch 2 pre-order situation in the U.S. has been poorly managed. Other retailers like Best Buy and Target experienced similar technical problems at launch, with many customers left frustrated.

Complaints also arose about the design of Walmart’s original pre-order page, which failed to provide crucial information such as queue positions or notification procedures. Additionally, users encountered issues with the anti-botting mechanism, which would often malfunction, further complicating the pre-order process.

The pre-sale period is theoretically set to last until June 4, just before the console’s expected market debut.

The popular Animal Crossing LEGO sets are set to retire by the end of 2025, with the majority of them scheduled to leave shelves on December 31st. Collectors and fans are encouraged to secure their favorite sets before they are no longer available, especially with new sets rumored for a Summer 2025 release. The collaboration between Nintendo and LEGO continues to flourish with ongoing releases like Super Mario and Donkey Kong sets, but the imminent retirement of the Animal Crossing line is a cause for concern among enthusiasts. Animal Crossing, first released in Japan in 2001, has become a beloved staple in the life-simulation gaming genre, known for its engaging gameplay and charming Villager characters.

The partnership that brought Animal Crossing into the LEGO world allowed fans to recreate the game’s wholesome environment. Unfortunately, this means that many treasured LEGO sets are now on the chopping block, scheduled for retirement. Currently, several Animal Crossing LEGO sets are available for purchase. This is a perfect opportunity for fans to create their own virtual villages at home.

According to insights shared by the LEGO community on Reddit, of the 12 released Animal Crossing sets, eight will cease production by December 31, 2025, while two others, including the Able Sisters’ Clothing Shop and Leif’s Caravan and Garden Shop, are set to retire in July 2026. Additionally, the Maple’s Pumpkin Garden Polybag set has already ended its sales in December 2024, marking the start of the retirement for that collection. While the current Animal Crossing sets are approaching their end, speculation surrounds new LEGO releases linked to the franchise, with new set numbers suggesting further developments. Collectors should act fast to acquire the existing kits before they are gone.

Meanwhile, the strong collaboration between Nintendo and LEGO continues to thrive with other franchises, ensuring that fans have plenty to look forward to in the world of LEGO.

Days Gone has recently received a significant graphics update for the PlayStation 5 and PC, providing upgraded visuals and new gameplay features. Originally launched in 2019 for the PlayStation 4, the game has undergone a dramatic remaster that enhances the player experience while keeping its core narrative intact.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Days Gone centers around the character Deacon St. John, portrayed by actor Sam Witwer. Players navigate a ravaged version of the northwestern United States overrun by Freakers, a type of mutated creature born from a global pandemic.

As Deacon travels through the expansive open world on his motorcycle, he encounters various factions and must engage in survival combat against both the human adversaries and the hordes of Freakers that threaten his very existence. The latest Steam update has enhanced the game’s visuals with advanced technology, including ozone and spectral light simulations.

These improvements bring more vibrant colors and better lighting effects, allowing for a more realistic representation of outdoor settings. Additionally, night environments are darker, increasing the tension and danger, particularly as players must remain vigilant for lurking Freakers.

The update also boosts shadow map resolution, enhancing details for an immersive gameplay experience. Moreover, the game now supports full haptic feedback for players using a DualSense controller on Steam, enabling a deeper sense of connection to in-game actions.

To fully utilize this feature, a wired connection is recommended. Many enthusiasts were already impressed with the graphics at the game’s original launch, but the remaster offers a fresh perspective that has left a significant portion of the community excited about the future of Days Gone.

With a rich story and diverse gameplay modes, players have plenty to explore and enjoy.

April 26 marked the first anniversary of Manor Lords’ launch in early access. To celebrate this milestone, developer Slavic Magic unveiled a variety of features and updates currently in development, such as enhancements to AI and user interface, camera improvements, and new building types. These additions are expected to roll out before the game exits early access.

Manor Lords quickly established itself as a remarkable success, selling over 1 million copies on its first day and surpassing 3 million units in lifetime sales by February 2025. Its unique combination of city-building and real-time strategy elements, all underscored by a strong emphasis on realism, has attracted a dedicated fan base. Slavic Magic has also kept the momentum going with substantial updates.

Interestingly, publisher Hooded Horse encouraged fans not to feel rushed to purchase the game at launch, a rare move in the industry. Reflecting on this significant anniversary, Polish developer Grzegorz Styczeń provided a detailed status update on several features in active development. Among them is a new “Records” feature that will track regional consumption and production.

Additionally, the approval system is being revamped to reduce volatility in a player’s public rating, placing greater importance on recent events over past occurrences. Another noteworthy update is the introduction of an upkeep system, which will impose a monetary cost on running various buildings, enhancing the game’s realism. Furthermore, two new building types, quarries and lime kilns, are under development.

Quarries will provide a constant stone supply, while lime kilns will produce lime essential for advanced stone construction. Additional updates in progress include improvements to AI for village building, a records view for production data, and a rework of the progression system. These changes reflect Slavic Magic’s commitment to enhancing gameplay and visual consistency, propelled by the studio’s growth to at least eight permanent employees thanks to the game’s success.

A new mod for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been released, enhancing dodge and parry timings to different extents. This mod is compatible with the Steam, Epic Games Store, and PC Game Pass versions of the game. Players can choose from three versions that provide varying levels of ease, along with a fourth version that increases the challenge. This dodge and parry mod is freely available for download on NexusMods.

The mod’s creator also provides clear installation instructions for Windows users to help them integrate it into the game’s file directory. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 draws strong inspiration from classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and The Legend of Dragoon. In its captivating narrative, an entity known as the Paintress draws the number 33 in the sky, marking the departure of individuals aged 33 and older. Consequently, Expedition 33 embarks on a mission to defeat her and put an end to her reign of terror.

Following its launch on April 24, the game quickly gained traction, selling over 500,000 copies across various platforms and receiving a remarkable score of 92 on OpenCritic, making it the top-rated game of 2025. Following Bethesda Game Studios’ surprise release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Kepler Interactive took to social media to draw comparisons between this event and the phenomenon called “barbenheimer” that emerged in 2023. Despite the game’s reliance on timed button presses for combat, the new mod by user Caites facilitates the dodging and parrying mechanics in the PC version. The mod features three options for wider dodge and parry windows, including a version called “True Expert” for tighter timing.

Caites highlighted that standard immunity durations for dodging range from 0.22 to 0.35 seconds and 0.15 to 0.25 seconds for parrying. The mod also allows players to extend dodge timings up to a full second with the “Even Easier” option. This increased leniency enables players to more effectively deal with status debuffs like Burn, especially when combined with the game’s automatic attack timing. While initial instructions focused on the Steam version, the mod is compatible with other platforms as well.

With enthusiastic player feedback and budding mod support, Expedition 33 has begun its journey on a promising note, hinting at the potential for future quality-of-life enhancements.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is currently available on Battle.net for just $19.99, thanks to a 50% discount. This reduction marks the game’s lowest price yet, providing an excellent opportunity for fans and new players alike to dive into the adventure. However, this limited-time offer is set to expire on May 7, making it crucial for interested gamers to act quickly. Additionally, players who purchase the game will receive complimentary Totally Tubular skins, which introduce retro-themed outfits for characters Crash and Coco that can be accessed after completing the first two levels.

The Spring Sale on Battle.net, which kicked off on April 24, features discounts on various titles of up to 67%. Notable highlights include the base edition of Diablo 4, now available at a 45% discount ahead of its Season 8, as well as Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Digital Deluxe, which is priced at up to 60% off. Fans of classic real-time strategy games can also enjoy a 50% discount on the remastered version of StarCraft. Despite a successful launch in 2020, with Crash Bandicoot 4 surpassing sales expectations, the future of the franchise appears uncertain.

The game has sold over five million units, yet there are rumors that a potential Crash Bandicoot 5 has been scrapped. These rumors stem from Activision’s shift towards focusing on live-service titles rather than traditional single-player experiences, along with concerns over the series’ perceived underperformance. Developed by Toys for Bob and published by Activision, Crash Bandicoot 4 continues the beloved series, following Uka Uka, Doctor Neo Cortex, and N. Tropy as they plot an attack on the multiverse. Players are equipped with new powers through the acquisition of four Quantum Masks to aid them in their journey.