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Top Audiences Last Week + Get Botany Manor... Free!

Every week, we like to take a moment to step back from everything else to recognize something just as important... you. Props to all the gamers around the world chipping in to it a better place, regardless of all the craziness going... our efforts will continue to shine in the dark.


 🏆This Week’s Top 6 Articles 

FTS: Blood Strike x EVANGELION Collaboration Now Available

FTS: MIMARU Expands Its Pokemon Rooms, Bringing Families Closer to the World of Pokemon

PIONER: Early Access Experience - Descending Into the Depths of Tartarus

Affordable Solar & Battery Kits: Power Without the Lien, Peace Without the Panic

MIO: Memories in Orbit - A Quietly Power Metroidvania Journey

Top Audiences Last Week + A Free Game!


 🌍 Top 10... Let's Go! 



1. US USA

2. GB United Kingdom

3. SG Singapore

4. DE Germany

5. CH China

6. JP Japan

7. HK Hong Kong

8. FR France

9. CA Canada

10. TH Thailand

Australia, Switzerland, and Philippines... came close!




+ A Free Game!


Illustration of RkRk with a large Afro hairstyle, wearing a red headband, and sticking out his tongue.            

Take control with the VSD-Inside Studio Controller
(Yes you can use... Gif Animations!)
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Millennium Runners Is an Arcade Speed Fest — Just Don’t Wipe Out

Millennium Runners is a futuristic arcade-style racing game built around anti-gravity speedsters, sci-fi environments, and fast decision-making at extreme speeds. Developed by Italian studio Commodore Industries, the game pulls inspiration from classic arcade racers while aiming to modernize that formula with sleek visuals, multiple race teams, and a suite of offensive and defensive powerups designed to keep races unpredictable.

At its core, Millennium Runners is about momentum management, positioning, and learning how to navigate aggressive tracks without overcorrecting. While it delivers a sense of speed and spectacle, hands-on play reveals areas where refinement is still needed for the experience to fully align with its arcade aspirations.



 Core Gameplay Overview 

Players race across nine initial tracks set on futuristic planets, piloting anti-gravity vehicles that prioritize lateral movement and precision steering. Acceleration is constant, and instead of traditional braking systems found in simulation racers, Millennium Runners relies heavily on player discipline and control adjustments.

There is a brake mechanic, but in practice it stops the vehicle almost instantly — often too abruptly to be useful in high-speed turns. Based on gameplay experience, it’s far more effective to release acceleration and rely on the left and right flaps to guide your ship through sharp corners. This approach feels more consistent, though it does require an adjustment period, especially on tighter tracks.


 Positioning and Race Feedback Issues 

One of the more noticeable frustrations during races involves position tracking. In multiple instances — particularly on the Cautics Docks track — race placement would shift unexpectedly. Situations occurred where the player moved from first to third without any visible overtakes, only for post-race results to indicate a second-place finish.

This inconsistency wasn’t isolated to final laps and appeared repeatedly throughout races once pacing stabilized. It creates confusion during competitive play, especially when positioning directly impacts strategy and powerup usage. The development team has been contacted regarding all issues we've come across.

Another issue worth calling out appears on the Toxic Turn track, where it’s possible to be launched completely off the course. When this happens, the speedster and camera enter an awkward limbo state, forcing you to wait until the game corrects itself before you can rejoin the race. If free-flight were an intentional mechanic, this might make sense — but the fact that control and camera behavior eventually snap back suggests this is an unintended bug rather than a designed feature. These moments broke race flow entirely and, candidly, had me yelling at the screen. A tighter bounding box around the track or anchoring the speedsters more securely to the racing surface would go a long way in preventing this from happening.




 Collision and Track Interaction 

Another recurring issue is wall collision behavior. While racing for optimal lines, it’s possible to end up abruptly facing a wall even when steering input didn’t seem excessive. At high speeds, these sudden collisions feel less like player error and more like an overly sensitive collision response, which can be frustrating when trying to maintain momentum.

Given the game’s emphasis on speed and flow, smoother wall interactions or clearer forgiveness zones could help maintain race rhythm without undermining challenge.

 Powerups and Combat Mechanics 

Millennium Runners includes nine powerups, each designed to disrupt opponents or create openings:

  • Turbo – A straight speed boost

  • Kamikaze – A risky explosive option that backfires if no opponent is within range. I usually drop this item because it backfires most of the time.

  • Tsunami – Fires a frontal EMP wave, temporarily disabling opponents’ controls

  • Hellstorm – Calls in a missile strike targeting the area ahead of the leading racer

These tools add tactical variety, though timing is critical — especially with items like Kamikaze, where misjudgment can punish the user instead of the competition.



 Visual Highlights and World Design 

Visually, the game’s strongest moments come through specific tracks rather than the entire package. NEO EARTH’s “METRO3000” track stands out in particular, featuring a bustling futuristic city filled with trains, flying vehicles, and layered environmental detail. It’s here where the game’s world-building feels the most alive and cohesive.

Other environments vary in impact, but enemy presence and environmental threats ensure that no track feels completely safe. The SALTRISE BASIN is pretty, but it should've been called CRASHOUT WAY!


 Arcade Feel vs. Long-Term Identity 

While Millennium Runners does channel arcade racing sensibilities, it currently feels like a simpler framework that hasn’t fully established its own identity yet. The inclusion of multiple race teams is a promising start, but expanding on that concept — such as introducing distinct characters, rival personalities, or narrative flavor within single-player modes — could significantly increase player engagement.

Right now, you’re racing ships. Giving players a sense that they’re racing characters could elevate the experience and make victories feel more personal.



 What You’re Getting at the Current Price Point 

At its current offering, Millennium Runners provides:

  • 9 tracks

  • 6 racers

  • Multiple sci-fi teams

  • 9 powerups

  • A fast-paced arcade structure focused on momentum and precision

It’s a racer with clear potential, strong visual moments, and a solid foundation — but also one that would benefit from refinements in positioning logic, collision behavior, and personality-driven presentation.

For players looking for a fast, futuristic arcade racer, Millennium Runners delivers speed and spectacle — just be prepared to adapt to its quirks while the team continues to fine-tune the experience.



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FTS: Blood Strike × BLEACH Collaboration Now Available




Blood Strike × BLEACH TV Animation Series: Thousand-Year Blood War Collaboration Now Live

Iconic Soul Reapers and Zanpakutō descend into Blood Strike with new modes, free rewards, and exclusive skins!

 

Guangzhou, China - February 6, 2026 - Developer and publisher NetEase Games is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated BLEACH TV Animation Series: Thousand-Year Blood War collaboration event in Blood Strike, live now through February 28. Strikers around the world can channel the power of the Soul Reapers, unlock free rewards, and collect exclusive BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War-themed skins and weapons inspired by the legendary anime.

 

Featuring iconic characters including Ichigo Kurosaki, Rukia Kuchiki, Toshiro Hitsugaya, and Byakuya Kuchiki, this collaboration delivers a striking blend of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War’s spirit and Blood Strike’s high-intensity combat. A must-play experience for fans of both worlds.



 Free Rewards for All Players 

  • Players can claim a series of free collaboration rewards throughout February:
  • ETHAN - Byakuya Kuchiki (Feb 1-14): Invite friends to unlock this new look.
  • Free Gold Up to 500 ($5 Value): Log in and invite friends to claim throughout Feb 1-14
  • Off-roader - BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War: Login to get this vehicle skin for free throughout the event (Feb 1-28)
  • Playpal, Parachute Skin + More (Feb 7-28): Exchange earned tokens for collaboration items.


New Collaboration Items & Skins

Suit up with BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War’s characters and weapons, available for a limited time only:

 

  • Featured BLEACH I (Feb 1–28): Equip MCX – Tensa Zangetsu, M82 – Tensa Zangetsu, Zanpakutou – Tensa Zangetsu, ZERO – Ichigo Kurosaki, and Loot Crate – Tensa Zangetsu.
  • Featured BLEACH II (Feb 2–28): Unlock QBZ95 – Hakka no Togame, MP5 – Hakka no Togame, Zanpakutou – Sode no Shirayuki (Bankai), RAN – Rukia Kuchiki, and Parachute – Daiguren Hyorinmaru.
  • BLEACH Pass (Feb 1–28): Collect Uzi – Zangetsu, SPIKE – Toshiro Hitsugaya, and Zanpakutou – Hyorinmaru.

These items will disappear after February 28 — don’t miss your chance to claim them.


 

 Celebrate the Collaboration 


To mark this special event, Blood Strike is rewarding players with free skins, gold, and collaboration gear.

 

Blood Strike is free-to-play and available now on Android, iOS, and PC (Beta).





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FTS: MIMARU Expands Its Pokémon Rooms, Bringing Families Closer to the World of Pokémon

MIMARU, Japan’s leading apartment-style hotel brand designed for families and groups, has officially announced the renovation and expansion of its beloved Pokémon Rooms. Operated by Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., these refreshed accommodations bring an even deeper level of immersion, transforming hotel stays into unforgettable Pokémon adventures. Reservations are now open through November 2026, welcoming travelers from around the world.

Originally launched in 2019, MIMARU’s Pokémon Rooms quickly became a favorite among families, Pokémon enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a stay that goes beyond the ordinary. The newly renovated rooms build on that success with two guiding principles: more Pokémon and more fun for the whole family. The result is a lively, thoughtfully designed space where Pokémon feel like they’ve leapt straight from their Poké Balls and into everyday life.

 A Pokémon-Filled Experience From Floor to Ceiling 

Each renovated Pokémon Room features over 100 Pokémon integrated throughout the space. From walls and ceilings to furniture, kitchens, and bathrooms, the environment is designed to feel fully alive with familiar faces from across generations.

The rooms are thoughtfully divided into themed zones. Bathrooms are adorned with calming Water-type Pokémon, creating a tranquil atmosphere, while kitchens highlight food-loving Pokémon that add charm to meal preparation. One of the most beloved features remains the giant Snorlax plushie, sprawled comfortably across the bed and serving as a perfect photo opportunity for guests of all ages.

Poké Ball-inspired details extend the theme even further, with custom dining tables, themed tableware, mugs, and bed linens ensuring that every moment—from meals to rest—feels connected to the Pokémon world. Children are encouraged to explore through hidden Pokémon details, while adults enjoy nostalgic nods to both classic and modern generations.

 Designed for Families, Built for Comfort 

Unlike traditional Japanese hotel rooms, MIMARU’s apartment-style accommodations are built with space and comfort in mind. Guests enjoy fully equipped kitchens, separate sleeping areas, and dedicated dining spaces, making them ideal for multigenerational families or groups traveling together.

This home-like setup is especially popular with international visitors who appreciate the ability to cook their own meals and relax in a spacious environment after a full day of sightseeing. It’s a balance of playful immersion and practical comfort that sets MIMARU apart.

 Locations Across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka 

The renovated Pokémon Rooms are now available at 10 MIMARU properties across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, including new additions such as MIMARU TOKYO HATCHOBORI and MIMARU TOKYO IKEBUKURO.

Travelers looking to book a stay at specific Tokyo locations can explore the following properties:

Each property is conveniently located near major tourist attractions, shopping districts, and transportation hubs, making it easy to explore Japan by day and return to a Pokémon-filled sanctuary at night.

 Exclusive Merchandise and Lasting Memories 

As an exclusive perk, every Pokémon Room stay includes special-edition MIMARU-original merchandise, such as themed fabric bags and collectible items. These souvenirs serve as lasting reminders of a stay that feels more like living inside the Pokémon world than simply visiting it.

Guest feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with families, young couples, and longtime Pokémon fans praising the experience. Many describe it as “living in the Pokémon world,” a sentiment that reflects MIMARU’s success in turning themed accommodations into meaningful memories.


For families planning a trip to Japan, Pokémon fans seeking something special, or travelers looking for comfort without sacrificing fun, MIMARU’s renovated Pokémon Rooms offer a unique way to experience the journey—one Poké Ball at a time.


 A Missed Opportunity… That Doesn’t Have to Be 

We’ve also reached out directly to MIMARU’s PR team with a suggestion that feels like the next obvious step. If you’re already creating Pokémon-themed rooms that feel like living inside the Pokémon world, why stop there?

Designated spaces for Pokémon Trading Card Game battles, casual video game tournaments, or even small family-friendly Pokémon events would take this experience from great to unforgettable. Big families travel together. Kids play. Parents play. Cousins play. Giving them a place to actually play Pokémon together—not just sleep next to it—makes perfect sense.

Exclusive tournaments, themed play areas, or scheduled Pokémon nights would turn these hotels into community hubs instead of just themed accommodations. That’s how you elevate an already strong idea into something people talk about long after the trip is over.

If the goal is to create lasting memories, this is how you do it.



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