Minority Mindset

It goes without saying, but this is your final warning: there will be spoilers in the list ahead.

Social media is buzzing with screenshots of strange dialogue from the new game. Players are sharing lines that don’t fit the usual tone, like one trainer boasting about feeling their Pokémon move around in their Poké Balls before a fight, and another jokingly questioning whether Water-type attacks involve “sweat or other bodily fluids.”

Bloodlines 2 was first announced in 2019, but its development hasn’t been smooth. The original development team, Hardsuit Labs, was taken off the project and replaced by The Chinese Room, though the reasons for this change weren’t shared publicly. Additionally, plans for paid downloadable content releasing on the game’s launch day, featuring two new clans, sparked criticism from fans.

I first played Bloodline’s Santa Monica when I was eleven, and I remember awkwardly navigating its unsettling environments – rooms littered with things like pill bottles and condom wrappers, which even now make me a little embarrassed to think about. I was far too young and shy to be involved in the game’s more adult interactions, like kissing characters or exploring the creepy Ocean House Hotel. But despite that, I absolutely loved it. It was the first time I realized games could be so dark, mature, and edgy.

So, I was reading TopMob’s review of the new Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and it totally makes sense that it’s basically a sequel to Pokemon X & Y! The game takes place in Lumiose City only five years after X & Y, and they’re bringing back a bunch of the same characters, Pokemon, and even Mega Evolutions. Thinking about it, it always kind of made sense – X, then Y, then Z, and then back to A! It’s a clever way to continue that storyline, honestly.

Just so you know, this controller only works with the original Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons – it’s not compatible with the new controllers that come with the Switch 2. You’ll need to connect a right Joy-Con to use it, but they’re easy to find. Right now, Amazon has a good deal on a single right Joy-Con for $29.86, down from $50. These are refurbished models. If you prefer, you can also buy a new pair of Joy-Cons for around $80.

These changes are happening now that players have noticed servers reaching their limits. Some players were joining matches filled with computer-controlled opponents (bots) to quickly gain experience and improve their character stats by fighting easier opponents than other players.

Each clan functions like a character class, offering unique passive and active skills. Clans specialize in different power types, and as you unlock more abilities for a clan, you’ll also unlock new cosmetic outfits for them.

After a long and troubled development, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is finally complete and will be released shortly. Similar to Shenmue 3, it’s moved past being just a talked-about project and is now a fully playable game.