PPSSPP is a dedicated PSP emulator that does not require a BIOS file to boot a game. Dolphin emulates GameCube and Wii consoles and requires newer Android versions for better performance. RetroArch is a frontend that loads separate cores for different systems, offering a wide range of emulation options.
Arc System Works identified two critical audio-system bugs that caused frame rates to drop below 60 FPS on high-end PCs for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, which launched on August 6. A patch of approximately 10 GB was released on August 10, improving the game's Steam approval rating from around 39% to approximately 46% by August 11. The PC version faced severe stuttering and input lag, leading to negative reviews, while the PS5 version received acclaim. The patch addressed three main issues: a CPU-heavy startup routine, an unnecessary audio-processing task during matches, and a polling loop for audio input devices. Players were advised to accept a shader warm-up prompt on first launch to ensure optimal performance. Despite the improvements, issues like the PSN account requirement and Linux compatibility remain unresolved.
Causality Chain is a series at PC Gamer exploring connections between history, culture, and video games.
Keanu Reeves, known for his roles in films, is linked to Buddhist teachings through a narrative that traces back to the 1590s with Xuanzang's travels, which inspired the tale "Journey to the West." In 1984, manga artist Akira Toriyama created a series influenced by this tale, introducing the character Son Goku, modeled after the Monkey King. In 1991, Toriyama introduced the Super Saiyan transformation for Goku, which featured a golden aura and blonde hair. In 1992, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced Super Sonic, a transformation reminiscent of Goku's. In 2001, Shadow the Hedgehog was created as a rival for Sonic, characterized as the "ultimate lifeform." In 2024, Keanu Reeves was cast as the voice of Shadow and claimed he could defeat Sonic, whether as a human or as a CGI character.
Players of Marvel: Tōkon Fighting Souls are experiencing performance issues on PC, leading to a Mixed rating on Steam with only 43% positive feedback. The game suffers from persistent micro-stutters during gameplay, launch failures, and significant challenges for Linux users, who are unable to access the game. A Reddit user highlighted that the game has regular micro-stutters regardless of hardware or settings, with frame-time graphs showing frequent spikes correlating to visible stutters. These issues disrupt online matches due to dropped frames. Even high-end hardware does not alleviate the stuttering, and external frame-rate limiters do not resolve the visible stutters. Steam reviews reflect concerns about performance, with some users reporting issues before launching the game. Linux users are particularly frustrated as the game blocks any attempts to launch on Linux systems, unlike another title from the same developer. The game is also not compatible with the Steam Deck due to similar Linux-related issues. Arc System Works has released a day-one patch aimed at improving performance, including reducing CPU load and addressing performance drops associated with overlays, but players are still awaiting feedback on its effectiveness.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls has received mixed reviews on Steam, currently holding a "Mixed" rating from 1,565 reviews. Players have reported issues related to the PC port, including the requirement of a PlayStation Network login that limits access in some regions, as well as technical difficulties like micro-stutters and dropped frames during online play. Arc System Works has acknowledged these performance issues and is investigating them. Additionally, the game has faced criticism for being incompatible with Linux systems. Meanwhile, the Marvel franchise remains successful, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day becoming the highest-grossing movie of the year and potentially surpassing the all-time box office record held by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Companies are increasingly focusing on seamless user experiences in digital engagement, particularly with video content. The integration of user-friendly sign-in processes, such as passive sign-in features on platforms like YouTube, enhances viewer accessibility and satisfaction. This simplification encourages prolonged interaction with content and fosters viewer retention and loyalty. Organizations must adapt to changing user preferences to create a frictionless experience, which is becoming a fundamental shift in digital engagement strategies. Prioritizing user experience is essential for businesses to remain competitive in the digital landscape.
This week, the Free Play Days lineup includes Crisol: Theater of Idols, Planet Zoo, and Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members from July 16 to July 19. Grand Theft Auto Online and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 are available for all XBOX members from July 14 to July 21 without a Game Pass subscription. After the Free Play Days, players can purchase the games at a limited-time discount while retaining their Gamerscore and achievements.
Crisol: Theater of Idols offers a survival horror experience optimized for XBOX Series X|S. Planet Zoo: Console Edition allows players to create and manage their own zoos. Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports features classic sports in a chaotic 4-player local co-op format. Grand Theft Auto Online allows up to 30 players to collaborate or compete in a dynamic universe, while Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 lets players train with iconic characters and tackle raid missions online.
The Steam Summer Sale for 2026 has started and will run until July 9, 2026, offering discounts on a wide range of games and downloadable content. Users may experience server instability during the event. Notable discounts include popular titles such as Clair Obscur Expedition 33, Split Fiction, Red Dead Redemption II, Battlefield 6, Dispatch, Baldur's Gate 3, Resident Evil Requiem, Anno 117, Arc Raiders, Black Ops 7, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. The "Deep Discounts" section features games with price reductions of at least 85%, with some up to 95%, including titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Watch Dogs 2, Far Cry 4, Wreckfest, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, The Quarry, Ghostwire Tokyo, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. A feature on Weekend PC Game Deals will provide insights into the best bargains of the sale.
Minecraft Dungeons, released in 2020, has attracted over 25 million players by 2023 and has received updates that include new biomes and endgame activities. The original Minecraft continues to thrive as it approaches its 15th anniversary, supported by regular updates and spin-offs like Minecraft: Story Mode and Minecraft Legends. A Minecraft Movie has grossed over 1 million globally. The franchise has collaborated with other franchises, such as Dragon Ball Z, and has a presence in games like Super Smash Bros.
