Today’s Gaming News Roundup
Remember when Nintendo shook the gaming world by changing Link’s voice actor? Well, now Metroid Prime’s Samus is getting a new voice too. This shift whispers back to the days of those vocal changes and raises questions about how it will affect the beloved franchise.
Meanwhile, the controversial horror indie game, Horses, is making its own waves, and Valve’s quiet funding of open-source programs hints at more smooth mobile gaming experiences ahead. Could this be the start of a new era for gaming innovation?
Nintendo Has Replaced Samus’ Voice Actor For Metroid Prime 4, So It’s No Longer Mass Effect’s Jennifer Hale Doing the Grunts
Jennifer Hale, the iconic voice behind Samus Aran, has been replaced in Metroid Prime 4. The game’s credits, released to the public, confirm this surprising change. Fans of the Metroid series have known Hale as Samus since the series’ inception in the early 2000s. Her departure marks a big shift in the game’s voice talent lineup.
What does this mean for the game and its fans? With Metroid Prime 4 expected to release by 2025, the change could influence how players connect with Samus. Hale’s performances have been a staple, adding depth and emotion to the character.
Controversial horror indie Horses gets banned on Epic Games Store, too after Steam
Indie horror game Horses from Santa Ragione Studio faced a sudden setback. Just one day before its scheduled launch, it was pulled from the Epic Games Store. This came after a preemptive ban from Steam. The game’s removal from major platforms is a big blow to the developers.
So, what does this mean for Santa Ragione? The studio now has to navigate the challenges of distributing Horses without these key platforms. It raises questions about the reasons behind the bans and the future release strategy.
Valve Has Quietly Funded Multiple Open Source Programs Needed To Run Windows Games On Phones
Valve’s diving into emulation tech for Arm-based hardware. They’ve just announced the Steam Frame headset, their first device using an Arm chip. This bad boy uses the open-source FEX emulator to run Windows-native games seamlessly. Surprise, surprise, Valve initiated and funded FEX’s development.
Valve’s long-term commitment to emulation could mean no more waiting for ports to play your favorite PC games on Arm devices like mobiles and tablets. Why’s this a big deal? Because it’s a big change for mobile gaming and tablet enthusiasts.
After An 8 Year Wait, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Reviews Say It’s Fine
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally launched after an 8-year wait. Released in late 2023, this sequel didn’t blow critics away. Kotaku’s review summed it up as “fine. ”
Fans expected more after such a long development. Despite mixed reviews, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has maintained a loyal fan base who appreciate its intricate level design and atmospheric soundtrack.
Huge Mario Kart World update changes course layouts, Dash food reappearances, and so much more
Nintendo’s latest update for Mario Kart World is packed with exciting features. Released on October 15, 2023, the update introduces two new characters: Pauline and Diddy Kong. Players can now race through the new “Coconut Cove” track, adding a tropical twist to the lineup. Plus, the update includes a revamped item system, aiming to balance gameplay and enhance competitiveness.
So, what does this mean for gamers? These additions not only diversify character choices but also promise fresh strategies with the new track. The updated item system could shift the meta, offering a fairer experience.
Octopath Traveler 0 Review – Going From Zero To Hero
Octopath Traveler 0 is set to launch on December 4, 2025, and it’s bringing a delightful, revamped gaming experience to the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC platforms. Developed by the talented teams at DokiDoki Groove Works and Square Enix, this game serves as a prequel to the beloved Octopath Traveler series. What’s exciting is that this version ditches the gacha mechanics of its mobile predecessor, Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, transforming it into an engaging, premium title with a Teen rating. Players will start on a gripping journey with the Ringbearer, exploring the continent of Osterra and striving to revive the burned-down hometown of Wishvale, while also discovering magical rings with immense power.
This change of focus allows Octopath Traveler 0 to stand out with expanded gameplay mechanics and a stronger emphasis on storytelling, despite its extensive cast that may sometimes dilute character investment. Square Enix aims to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers alike with a game that enhances the best features of the franchise. In the enchanting world of “Octopath Traveler 0,” the story shines brilliantly with a more coherent narrative, thanks to a concentrated focus on a smaller, captivating cast.
Speed saves lives in Haste, 2025’s best game about outrunning an apocalypse
Santa needs to zip around at half the speed of light to deliver all those presents in one night. That’s a speed that would obliterate a regular sleigh. Door #3 in the advent calendar reveals a game that matches this insane pace.
It’s called Haste, a roguelite running game that’s all about going fast. The game features an intense, fast-paced gameplay mechanic, where players navigate a virtual sleigh through a series of challenging obstacles while racing against time.
Original report: Rock Paper Shotgun
Epic banned Santa Ragione’s Horses just before release, allegedly with a weird reminder that NFT games are fine though
Horses, a bizarre farming simulation by Santa Ragione, got banned from the Epic Games Store right before its release. It was flagged for “Inappropriate Content” and “Hateful or Abusive Content.” Valve had rejected an earlier version a couple of years ago.
Epic had access to the game for two months and approved it 18 days before launch. Santa Ragione claims Epic’s decision seems like a reaction to Valve’s past issues with the unfinished build.
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
What are your thoughts on the Metroid Prime recast?
Nintendo swapping out Samus’ voice actor and Valve funding open-source projects are bold moves in gaming. I know people get riled up when things change, but change can sometimes be good! Let me know what you think about today’s gaming news in the comments!
