Top Audiences Last Week + Grab... Flotsam free for a limited time!

So the week is going great... but Halloween went by so fast. OMG it went so fast. The food, treats, backyard bbq, Halloween party, lounge party... across the weekend were awesome. That turned Friday to Sunday into a blur, but... I did meet a number of people on Sunday. Shout out to Roxanne... big ups to Dave and his I.T. crew too, Paul, Vicky and the one guy with the awesome skateboard. I don't remember your name, but that board was... awesome!

I might be done with cake and ice cream for awhile. I think that's a firm decision because it got to me.

Oh and shout out to the one guy from the UK who went crazy over the big fountain drink with the crushed ice (it looked good). You get a shout out + two thumbs up for literally grabbing the 'Cousin Larry Vs. Cucumberhead' book on Kindle... while we were chopping it up. Book fans don't mess around! Anyway, the weekend is already here again... and so are the Top Audiences Last Week!

 This Week's Top Articles 

Halloween 2026: 8 Games Worth Playing, Candy to Watch Out For, and Safer Treats for Kids

Genre Genre: What Makes Tower Defense Games So Addictive?

Eyeing the... Tech: Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro - Work, Play, Create, and Everything in Between

FTS: Probably Stolen Opens Its Cyberpunk Shop on Steam

Top Audiences Last Week + Grab... Sorry We're Closed free for a limited time!

Eyeing the... Tech: Apple HomeView - Does Your Home Need Another Screen?

 Top 10 Audiences (no changes this week) 

    My Hero Academia    

1. US USA

2. GB United Kingdom

3. JP Japan

4. CA Canada

5. DE Germany

6. CN China

7. SG Singapore

8. HK Hong Kong

9. TH Thailand

10. AU Australia

Philippines, Denmark, and Vietnam... came close!

            

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FTS: Once Human Announces Season 5, Dissonant Resonance, Launching November 19

Starry Studio has announced Once Human Season 5, “Dissonant Resonance,” launching globally on November 19. The free-to-play survival game’s next chapter turns the strange wilderness into a sound-driven apocalypse, with a colossal pipe-organ machine god looming over the world.

A living colossus watches the battlefield

The pipe-organ leviathan will remain visible in the sky, changing its expressions, movements and the atmosphere in response to players. It is more than a distant spectacle: the announcement hints that the entity will eventually descend into the world.

Turn firefights into a battle rhythm

New Anomaly Zones shaped by Joy, Rage, Sorrow and Fear will alter the wilderness. Defeated monsters scatter musical notes across the battlefield. Players can shoot the notes to trigger pitch-tuned sounds and collect them to purify corrupted scores. Rearranging the notes into melodies grants acoustic buffs, while a perfected score may open a rift to a greater threat.

Four-player raids put squads in the conductor’s seat

Season 5 adds a four-player showdown against the colossus. Squads will need to disrupt its shifting combat score by silencing Resonating Pipes in a ruined cathedral or piloting aerial vehicles through floating Resonating Cavities in stormy skies.

A new combat Deviant called the Silent Statue also arrives on November 19. It begins as a shattered gray monument, absorbs elemental activity during combat and can unfold into a winged form that grants a powerful elemental blessing to the squad.

Nailoong crossover is live now

A limited-time crossover with the animated IP Nailoong began November 5. Players can claim a Nailoong Disco Light, unlock transformation items and dance emotes through daily chat commands, join group dance parties and tummy battles on the event island, and invite friends to earn an avatar, namecard and Deviant skin.

Once Human is free to play on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Season 5: Dissonant Resonance launches globally November 19.

Source: Starry Studio and NetEase Games

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FTS: Hull Rupture Launches on Steam with Alien Waves and a sweet Discount!

Konfa Games and indie publisher tinyBuild have launched Hull Rupture on Steam. The base-management and tower-defense roguelite puts players in command of a growing spaceship as they fend off alien assaults and make difficult choices about how to keep humanity’s last vessel moving.

The game is available for $13.49, with a 10% launch discount through November 18. However, you can get Hull Rupture for $12.09 here!

Build a ship that can survive

Players control Despot, a rogue AI leading a ship toward the alien homeworld. Construct modules to generate resources, repair damage, improve efficiency and strengthen the vessel’s defenses. Humans are part of the game’s resource system, adding a darkly comic edge to the survival strategy.

When aliens breach the hull, turrets, traps, barricades and automated defenses can funnel them into planned kill zones. The ship can expand as a run progresses, but every new section also creates more routes for enemies to exploit.

Every route brings new risks

Choices across the galaxy affect available resources, momentum and the projected length of the journey. Some encounters offer safer paths, while others promise greater rewards. Three ship models, multiple modes and difficulty settings provide different ways to approach each run.

Hull Rupture is developed by Konfa Games, known for Despot’s Game and Despotism 3k, and published by tinyBuild.

Source: tinyBuild

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Petit Planet vs. Animal Crossing: Is HoYoverse Coming for Nintendo's Cozy Crown?

Is HoYoverse's Free-to-Play MMO an Animal Crossing Rival?

For years, Nintendo's Animal Crossing has been one of the biggest names in cozy gaming. Whether you're fishing, collecting bugs, decorating your home, or... building relationships with your neighbors, the series has demonstrated that you don't need explosions, boss battles, or a world-ending crisis to create an enjoyable gaming experience.

What happens when the company behind Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero steps into Nintendo's neighborhood though? That's where Petit Planet comes in.

Developed and published under Cognosphere's HoYoverse brand, Petit Planet is a free-to-play, cross-platform, social life simulation game that invites players to build and nurture their own little planet. As soon as I saw this... Animal Crossing immediately came to mind, especially on PC. The people looking for alternatives possibly after switching to PC (because the numbers continue to climb)... have another addition for their library.

At first glance, it looks remarkably similar to Animal Crossing. Cute animal neighbors? Check. Fishing and gardening? Check. Decorating your home and creating a community? Bam... got it.

In addition, Petit Planet has a few tricks up its sleeve that could make Nintendo's longtime fans curious enough to explore another world.

 What Exactly Is Petit Planet? 

Instead of moving to a deserted island, players become Planet Tenders, responsible for bringing a tiny world to life. If you're thinking that it sounds just like Animal Crossing... it is what it is, free alternative!

Your journey involves planting a Luca Seed that grows into a magical Luca Arbor. As you develop your planet, its landscape, seasons, and ecosystem evolve alongside your progress.

Players can customize their surroundings, reshape terrain, create homes, grow crops, fish, catch bugs, cook meals, and welcome adorable characters known as Neighbors.

These aren't merely decorative companions. Each Neighbor has a personality and personal stories to discover. Building friendships, exchanging gifts, and sharing experiences are part of what gives your planet its character.

Beyond home, there's the Starsea, a cosmic environment containing other places to explore, resources to discover, and potential new friends to meet.

Think of it as having your own little Animal Crossing-style community, except your island is now a planet, and the universe around it is part of the adventure.

 Free-to-Play Changes the Conversation 

One of Petit Planet's biggest advantages is its price.

Unlike Nintendo's mainline Animal Crossing games, which require purchasing the game, Petit Planet removes that initial financial barrier.

That's significant, particularly for families, casual gamers, and anyone interested in trying a cozy life simulator without committing money upfront... or simply can't afford $60+. No shame, that's real... there are many people trying to maintain, and plenty dive into games for affordable fun.

However, free-to-play doesn't necessarily mean everything comes without a cost.

The Epic Games Store confirms that Petit Planet includes optional in-game purchases, including random-item purchases. Its final beta also featured cosmetic rewards, a gacha-style system, and a seasonal pass. Those systems may change before the full release.

That creates an important distinction between the two games. Nintendo primarily sells you the experience upfront, while Petit Planet uses a free-to-play model supported by optional purchases.

Whether that model remains fair and enjoyable without spending money will be one of the biggest things worth evaluating after launch. I will say this though, when it comes to any free-to-play game, if you enjoy the experience... consider dropping something on the team to keep the party going.

 Wait... Petit Planet Is an MMO? 

Yes, and this is where the comparison gets especially interesting.

The Epic Games Store officially lists Petit Planet with both MMO and Cross Platform features.

However, don't picture an enormous fantasy battlefield with hundreds of players fighting a dragon. Nope. Petit Planet approaches online multiplayer as a social experience.

Players can visit the Galactic Bazaar, a shared gathering place where they can meet others, socialize, enjoy minigames, participate in activities and auctions, and share their creations.

There are also opportunities to visit friends' planets, making the broader community an important part of the experience... while increasing the Animal Crossing vibes. These types of games open the doors to those who not only crave game time, but also connection... so I hope the coolest cozy gamers find each other.

Animal Crossing has multiplayer, too, so Nintendo certainly isn't unfamiliar with connecting players. In fact, Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Nintendo Switch 2 Edition supports online gatherings of up to 12 players when everyone is using that edition.

But... there's a difference between inviting friends into your community and entering a shared social hub where you can encounter other players. Petit Planet appears to be leaning more heavily into the latter.

That could make it particularly attractive to people who enjoy the peaceful activities of Animal Crossing but want more opportunities to connect with a larger gaming community.

 Cross-Platform Support Gives Petit Planet Another Advantage 

Here's another feature that deserves attention: Petit Planet isn't confined to a single gaming ecosystem.

The game launches globally on December 4, 2026, for Windows PC, iOS, and Android.

Cross-platform progression between PC and mobile means players can continue developing their worlds using the same account across supported devices.

Imagine tending your crops on your PC at home, then checking in on your planet using your phone when you're away.

That's a convenience Animal Crossing: New Horizons doesn't offer across PCs and smartphones.

And there's an interesting development: Petit Planet is also coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027.

That means Nintendo's own hardware will eventually host a game competing for the attention of Animal Crossing fans.

Specific Switch 2 cross-progression details haven't been confirmed, so players shouldn't assume every platform will share progress until HoYoverse provides more information. Nintendo may want that in-game purchase made through their platform.

Nevertheless, the reach of PC, mobile, and eventually Switch 2 gives Petit Planet substantial room to grow. If Switch 2 doesn't play well with the others... you can use that experience to play with your friends that own the Switch 2.

 Isn't This Basically Animal Crossing? 

Well... there's no denying the similarities.

Both experiences revolve around everyday activities, friendly animal characters, decorating, collecting, and building a welcoming place to call home.

Petit Planet even includes an Omni-Gallery for displaying discoveries, which will feel familiar to anyone who enjoys filling Animal Crossing's museum.

That's where some people will understandably question just how much inspiration HoYoverse has gotten from Nintendo. However, being inspired by a successful formula doesn't automatically mean another game has nothing meaningful to contribute... and Nintendo isn't all original themselves.

BUT... what Petit Planet does differently.

1. Your Entire Planet Is a Creative Playground

Animal Crossing gives players considerable freedom to customize their islands, but Petit Planet expands that concept through its planetary setting.

Players can reshape landscapes and coastlines while customizing the atmosphere and appearance of their worlds.

Its planet-building tools could appeal to gamers who find themselves spending more time designing than fishing or collecting furniture.

2. The Starsea Makes Exploration More Important

Rather than focusing almost entirely on one island community, Petit Planet encourages players to explore additional locations scattered throughout the Starsea.

These journeys provide materials, discoveries, new encounters, and activities beyond the player's home planet.

Some expeditions also allow Neighbors to accompany you and help with tasks.

That additional layer of exploration may offer more variety to players who enjoy cozy games but occasionally want a change of scenery.

3. Social Interaction Is More Central

The Galactic Bazaar gives players a place to spend time with others without requiring every interaction to begin with a private invitation.

This shared social environment is one of the clearest differences between the two games.

It also creates additional responsibilities for the developer. With strangers able to communicate in shared spaces, privacy protections, moderation, and parental controls will be important considerations, especially for younger players. The recent Parent Street Podcast, covers parental controls.

4. The Business Models Are Fundamentally Different

Animal Crossing offers a purchased experience with a familiar Nintendo identity. Petit Planet offers free entry, persistent online services, and optional purchases.

That means the games aren't simply competing on gameplay. They're competing on accessibility, convenience, and how players prefer to spend their money.

 At the end of the day... 

I don't see Petit Planet as an Animal Crossing killer, and... free-to-play games still have to focus on keeping support going in order to prevent a sunset event from happening.

I see it as an opportunity to introduce more people to a style of gaming that deserves a place alongside all the shooters, racing games, RPGs, and competitive experiences we regularly play.

Some players will prefer the comfort and familiarity of Nintendo's island communities. Others may find the idea of building their own planet, exploring the stars, and meeting people across platforms more appealing. I've talked to many gamers, some didn't even know they were gamers... until I started asking questions. Cozy gaming has been recommended to more than a few people.

So, if HoYoverse delivers, Petit Planet could become a legitimate contender in the cozy gaming space.

For Nintendo, the coast isn't entirely clear. But there's room in this galaxy for more than one great cozy game. And someone unable to afford Animal Crossing... wouldn't have been a customer lost to Nintendo in the first place, but the door to a similar experience is opening. When?

Petit Planet launches December 4, 2026, for PC, iOS, and Android, with Nintendo Switch 2 planned for 2027. Pre-registration is available now on the Epic Games Store, so check it out and... game on!

 Sophi 

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Eyeing the... Tech: Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro — Work, Play, Create, and Everything in Between

Amazon may not have its own laptop lineup, but apparently somebody over there decided that doesn't mean they can't give us something to get some work done on! 😄

Meet the Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, a 12-inch Android tablet designed to move between work, reading, drawing, entertainment and gaming. Attach its optional keyboard for documents and email, pick up the Pro Pen for sketches and notes, or use Amazon Luna when it's time to relax.

With a starting price of $499.99, the real question isn't how many jobs Amazon says this tablet can do. It's whether the hardware and accessories match the things you need to accomplish—and whether you would be better served by a laptop.

 First, This Isn't Another Fire Tablet 

If you're familiar with Amazon's older Fire tablets, you'll appreciate the biggest change: the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro runs Android 16 and includes the Google Play Store. That opens the door to familiar apps for documents, streaming, web browsing, communication, design and more without relying solely on the former Fire-tablet app experience.

The tablet has a slim aluminum body and a 12-inch, 2800 × 1840 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 3:2 aspect ratio. That taller shape is useful for reading, reviewing documents and keeping two windows on screen.

Its hardware includes the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, four Dolby Atmos speakers, an 8MP front camera, a 13MP rear camera, and a power-button fingerprint sensor. Amazon rates battery life at up to 16 hours of video playback, although actual endurance varies by task and settings.

One detail to pay attention to: 128GB models have 8GB of RAM, while the 256GB Nanomatte configuration offers 16GB. That difference is worth considering if you regularly keep several apps open.

 Standard Display or Nanomatte? 

Amazon offers the 12 Pro with a standard glossy display or a Nanomatte anti-glare screen developed using precision-etched glass technology. Both versions offer the same general high-resolution, high-refresh-rate viewing experience; Nanomatte is intended to reduce bothersome reflections.

If you read beside a window, work under bright overhead lights or use a pen frequently, the less reflective surface may be especially appealing. It also provides a more paper-like feeling for handwritten work. Just remember that this is IPS LCD, not OLED, if deep OLED contrast is one of your priorities.

 Put on the Keyboard and Get to Work 

The optional keyboard and pen make the 12 Pro more flexible for work and creative tasks. Image: Amazon.

Amazon's Pro Keyboard attaches magnetically without Bluetooth pairing and includes a trackpad. Android's windowing and multitasking features let you work with email, documents, browser tabs and compatible apps together.

Students could review course material while writing assignments. Business owners could answer email and check inventory. Writers could draft articles away from their desks. The tablet's screen size and keyboard give those lighter workloads a more laptop-like feel.

But let's keep one thing straight: a keyboard doesn't automatically make a tablet a Windows or Mac laptop. If you need desktop-only applications, full professional development environments, demanding editing workflows or specialized workplace software, check app compatibility before spending the money.

There's a 128GB standard-display keyboard bundle for readers who want typing capability without necessarily paying for the higher-end configuration.

 Take Notes, Mark Up Documents and Draw 

The Pro Pen supports handwriting and artwork in compatible applications. Image: Amazon.

The separately sold Alexa Tablet Pro Pen supports USI 2.0, 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, magnetic attachment and wireless charging from the tablet. That's useful for class notes, document annotations, sketches, presentation markups and supported creative apps.

And yes, I'm a fan of getting ideas out of my head before they vanish somewhere between one task and the next. We've all had that moment where a brilliant idea becomes, "What was I about to do?" 😄

The Pro Pen is listed separately at $89.99, or it can be purchased in select bundles.

See the Alexa Tablet Pro Pen.

 It Can Also Be Your Kindle 

Amazon's Kindle Sanctuary reading experience quiets notifications, adjusts the display for reading and offers warmer or grayscale reading themes. Amazon estimates up to 20 hours of reading under its test conditions.

That could be useful for students tackling lengthy material, book lovers enjoying a new novel, and anyone who wants to read without every notification asking for attention. The Pro Pen adds annotation options in supported content.

For someone who only reads, a dedicated e-reader may still be lighter and less distracting. But if reading is one part of a day filled with work, entertainment and communication, there's more reason to consider a multipurpose tablet.

 Gamers, Amazon Luna Is Part of the Picture 

With Google Play access, the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro can run compatible Android games. Amazon also integrates Amazon Luna, its cloud-gaming platform, which streams supported games rather than requiring the tablet to render every console-level title locally.

That distinction matters. Luna's performance depends on a stable internet connection, game availability, compatible controls and the access included with your membership or subscription. You shouldn't buy this tablet expecting every console game to install and run natively.

Still, a 12-inch screen, 120Hz refresh rate and quad Dolby Atmos speakers could make this a convenient gaming companion at home or while traveling with a suitable connection. For SDGT readers who want to jump between work and play, that's part of the appeal.

 Alexa+ Adds an Assistant to the Experience 

Alexa+ can assist with information on the screen when the relevant permissions are enabled. Image: Amazon.

Alexa+ is built into the tablet, bringing voice assistance, smart-home controls, planning help and an optional On-Screen Intelligence feature. When enabled, it can help interpret information you're viewing and respond to related questions without making you start from scratch in another app.

Amazon says screen-aware access is off by default and requires the user's permission. That's worth checking in Settings, particularly if you handle private or work-related information.

Some Alexa+ services may depend on Prime membership or a separate subscription, so factor any ongoing costs into the purchase decision.

 Models, Prices and Bundles 

Now we get to the part where I compare the features against my actual routine—and my budget. Here's the pricing for the configurations under consideration:

Configuration	Listed Price
128GB Standard Display (8GB RAM)	$499.99
128GB Nanomatte (8GB RAM)	$549.99
256GB Nanomatte (16GB RAM)	$679.99
256GB Nanomatte + Pro Pen	$769.98
256GB Nanomatte Productivity Bundle (Keyboard + Pen)	$799.99
128GB Standard Display + Keyboard Bundle	Check Listing

U.S. listing prices are subject to change. Bundle contents and selected storage should be checked again on the retailer's page before checkout. The standalone Pro Pen is listed at $89.99.

That 256GB Nanomatte productivity bundle is the one I'd look at if I already knew I wanted the keyboard and pen. Compared with the listed standalone prices for the 256GB tablet, $149.99 keyboard and $89.99 pen, the $799.99 bundle is roughly $120 less than purchasing everything separately.

But spending almost $800 is a pretty penny. That's laptop money, so I'd strongly consider which apps, accessories and tasks you genuinely need before committing. That advice applies to any expensive technology, not just this tablet.

 Who Is the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro For? 

• Students: Research, reading, handwritten notes, class assignments and video calls.
• Mobile professionals and writers: Email, documents, meetings, scheduling and lighter multitasking.
• Artists and hobbyists: Sketches, annotations and compatible drawing apps with the Pro Pen.
• Readers: Kindle books, articles and study materials, particularly on the Nanomatte model.
• Gamers: Compatible Android games and streaming through Amazon Luna.
• Households already using Alexa: Smart-home control, reminders and easy access to Amazon services.

There are trade-offs. Storage isn't expandable by microSD, accessories add to the total cost, the display isn't OLED, and desktop-only software may rule it out as a laptop replacement. Independent reviewers have also reported occasional slowdowns with heavier multitasking, despite praising the overall display and battery endurance.

 Could This Be the Right Tablet for You? 

What makes the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro interesting isn't that one feature changes everything. It's the ability to type a document, mark up a PDF, read a book, watch a show and enjoy a game without immediately reaching for another device.

But I wouldn't let a long feature list make the decision for me. If you need Windows-specific applications, get the right computer. If you're mainly reading and streaming, you might save money on a simpler tablet. And if you'll truly use the keyboard, pen, Nanomatte display and extra memory, the higher-end bundle has a clearer purpose.

The best tech purchase is the one that fits your needs—not the one that comes with the most accessories. I enjoy having options, but I enjoy keeping some money in my account too. 😄

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