Happy Turkey Day + Tips + Grab Universe for Sale... Free for a limited time!

No Top Audiences today, shout out to all supporters! Whether you get together with family, friends, or a combination of the two... don't forget to enjoy yourselves and cherish the time you have together. This isn't exclusive to Thanksgiving because... everyone doesn't celebrate it, but... (but... but) make the most of the day and fun it up in the process.

Jolly X Thanksgiving | AG1

 Foodie Public Service Announcement 

By the way, if cooking isn't exactly your thing... I'm sure no one would object to you grabbing something delicious to bring to eat or drink! This can save you money on a hit or miss dish, time in the kitchen, dishes you have to wash, and your feelings as people kinda sorta tip toe around your food.

If your pan has a long running record of being mostly full because guests try a little in the name of helping you feel better, don't feel bad about doing what's more beneficial for you and your time.

If you choose to whip up something anyway, here are a few easy to handle recipes that will have them asking, "You made this?" (in a good way). Just keep in mind, it's flu season so wash those hands!:

🍠 Easy Candied Yams with Marshmallows 

Ingredients

• 2 cans of sweet potatoes or yams (about 15 oz each)

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup butter (melted)

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 cup miniature marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Layer yams in a casserole dish. If using canned, drain them first.

3. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the yams.

4. Drizzle melted butter on top.

5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the yams are hot and the sugar-butter mixture forms a glaze.

6. Top with marshmallows and put back in the oven for 5–10 minutes, until marshmallows are golden and gooey.

Why This Recipe Works for Beginners

• Minimal prep: No peeling or chopping if you use canned yams. Keep it simple, go with cans.

• Few ingredients: Just pantry basics plus marshmallows.

• Quick cook time: Ready in about half an hour.

• Beginner-friendly technique: Layer, sprinkle, bake—no complicated steps.

🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Nut & Raisin Bars 

Ingredients

• 1 package of refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough (about 16 oz)

• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work great)

• ½ cup raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare a clean pan: Lightly grease or line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

3. Mix add-ins: In a bowl, combine cookie dough, nuts, and raisins. Stir gently until evenly distributed.

4. Press into pan: Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish.

5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.

6. Cool slightly before cutting into squares or bars.

Why This Recipe Works for Beginners

• Super simple: Just mix, press, and bake—no complicated steps.

• Customizable: Swap raisins for dried cranberries or nuts for seeds.

🍍 Fruity Pineapple Ginger Ale Punch 

Ingredients

• 2 cups chilled fruit juice (orange, mango, or a tropical blend works best)

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

• 2 cups chilled ginger ale

• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Combine fruit juice and pineapple chunks in a large pitcher or punch bowl.

2. Add ginger ale just before serving to keep the fizz lively.

3. Stir gently to mix without losing too much carbonation.

4. Serve over ice in glasses.

Why This Recipe Works for Beginners

• Minimal prep: No chopping or cooking—just pour and mix.

• Few ingredients: Uses only three main items, all easy to find at the store.

• Quick assembly: Ready in under 5 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings.

• Beginner-friendly technique: Simple stirring, no special tools or skills required.

• Flexible: Works with any fruit juice you have on hand, so mistakes are hard to make.

 Fun It Up! 

Remember to laugh... a lot! Let the good times roll like... Texas Bushman!

Also... if you have a house full of people, no need to just sit around scratching your heads wondering what to do while saying... "Rubber baby buggy bumpers". Get your game on with Amazon Luna's GameNight lineup!

All you need are your cellphones to join the fun on the big screen!

• Scan a QR code on your TV.
• To scan a QR code on an Android, open your camera app and point it at the code; a notification or banner with a link will appear. If the camera doesn't scan it automatically, you can try using the Quick Settings panel by swiping down from the top of your screen and tapping "Scan QR code," or use a dedicated app like Google Lens.
• To scan a QR code with an iPhone, open the Camera app and point it at the code,
  then tap the notification that appears. Alternatively, you can add the "Code Scanner" to Control Center for quick access. For a QR code in a photo or screenshot, use the Photos app to long-press the image and open the link. 
• Your smartphone instantly becomes your controller.
• Tablets are supported too, making it easy for everyone to join in.

Last but not least... I can't forget about the Free Game!

Available Nov 27 - Dec 04!

            

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Free Version | Kindle Version

Nacon MG-X Pro | Cloud Gaming w/out the price tag!

FTS: "Of Ash and Steel," tinyBuild's Open-World Fantasy RPG, Out Now (PC)

 

OF ASH AND STEEL – TINYBUILD’S NEW OPEN-WORLD FANTASY RPG – LAUNCHES TODAY ON PC

Experience a modern spin on classic RPGs featuring deep combat, rich exploration, and meaningful choices in a world with no quest markers!

SEATTLE – Nov. 24, 2025 – Video game publisher tinyBuild and indie developer Fire & Frost are proud today to release Of Ash and Steel, the immersive, third-person, open-world RPG inspired by the golden era of exploration and role-playing, available now on PC via Steam and GOG for $23.99 with a 20% discount for two weeks after launch (standard price $29.99)! As Tristan, a humble cartographer thrown into a life-changing adventure, you’ll travel the vast island of Grayshaft, a world with no quest markers tethering you from one objective to the next. Discover your own journey organically in a game that blends the classic RPG spirit of storytelling, combat, and decision-making with modern design and gameplay!

Let curiosity be your one and true guide in Of Ash and Steel! Learn to survive in an unforgiving realm, exploring the land, honing your combat prowess, and forging alliances with different groups to shape your story. Many corners of Grayshaft contain hidden secrets and events that will only reward those with the skill and determination to seek them out.

Experiment with skill trees and professions, craft a variety of gear and items, and train with different weapons and combat stances to unlock powerful abilities and become a force on the battlefield. Wield two-handed weapons like axes for colossal damage and sweeping strikes, agile weapons like the rapier for mobility and bleeding damage, or one-handed weapons like the mace for something in between. True gladiators can also prove their worth in Arena Master Mode, where your skills are put to the test in fast-paced battles for experience, gold, and fame.

Key Features

• Heroes Are Forged: You aren’t born a legendary hero in Of Ash and Steel. You must fight your way to the top! Learn the ropes, grow your character, and prove your might in battle by mastering your weapons and combat stances. Discover ancient knowledge unlocking long-lost powers to devastate your enemies.
• Shape Your Story with Allies: While many of your choices impact the world, none are as impactful as the friends you make. Choose to align with the Order of the Seven to navigate the path of Knighthood, fight for what's right even when it’s hard as a member of the Free Hunters, or seek an alliance with a guild to earn some coin.
• A Land of Many Legends: Of Ash and Steel is full of unique and well developed characters, each with a story to tell. Every conversation helps you dive deeper into the world and understand it better. Learning about Grayshaft will help you find the right solutions to quests, many of which have different answers to discover.

Grab Of Ash and Steel on Steam or GOG and begin your legend on the isle of Grayshaft today!

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Why play for free when you can get paid to play?

Dear Developers: Did TopSpin 2K25 sabotage TopSpin 2K26?

TopSpin 2K25 may look polished, but its long-term success hinges on one thing: intuitive, responsive controls. Without them, frustration overshadows presentation, and players remember the struggle more than the fun. This is something we've pointed out before, but TopSpin 2K25 is a prime example.

 The Promise of TopSpin 2K25 

After more than a decade away, the TopSpin franchise returned with TopSpin 2K25, promising authenticity, sleek visuals, and the thrill of competitive tennis. Reviews highlight its strong presentation and realistic atmosphere, but beneath the surface lies a critical issue: controls that feel more like a barrier than a gateway.

Games like this thrive when players can pick up a controller and immediately feel connected to the sport. Tennis is about rhythm, timing, and instinct. If the controls demand excessive memorization or punish players with inconsistent mechanics, the immersion collapses.

 When Controls Become a Roadblock 

Players have voiced frustration with TopSpin 2K25’s timing-based system. Even with an in-game coach guiding newcomers, the learning curve is steep. Worse, mechanics like the swing meter don’t always respond to button release as expected. Landing in the “perfect” zone but watching the shot misfire isn’t just disappointing—it’s discouraging.

This isn’t a matter of difficulty alone. It’s about trust. When players feel the game doesn’t respond to their inputs reliably, paranoia sets in. They remember the frustration, and future titles inherit skepticism before they’re even played.

 Why Controls Matter More Than Graphics 

No matter how stunning the visuals or how authentic the animations, controls are the foundation of player experience. A game can look like Wimbledon in 4K HDR, but if swinging a racket feels like wrestling with the controller, players won’t stick around.

Good controls:

• Empower instinctive play. Players should feel like they’re reacting to the ball, not fighting the interface.

• Encourage mastery. A learning curve is fine, but it should reward practice, not punish persistence.

• Build loyalty. When controls feel natural, players return for more matches, more seasons, and more sequels.

 A Plea for Accessibility 

This was meant to be a review at the time of the release, but the controls turned it into a letter. Developers, if you want the TopSpin 2K franchise to thrive beyond its launch window, make the controls a partner, not an obstacle.

• Simplify mechanics so timing feels fair and responsive.

• Ensure meters and release points behave consistently.

• Offer scalable difficulty that teaches without overwhelming.

Players don’t need hand-holding, but they do need confidence that their inputs matter. Without that, the game risks being remembered not for its revival, but for its frustration.

TopSpin 2K25 had the potential to be the definitive tennis game of this generation. But success isn’t about graphics, authenticity, or even career modes—it’s about controls that invite players in and keep them engaged in the action. If the controls remain a stumbling block, the franchise risks alienating the very audience it worked so hard to win back. Having an option for arcade-style controls would've even helped those who wanted in on the fun without the complication. The only way I see them winning back some supporters is for them to release a demo ahead of the next release to showcase improved controls.

Want to try the game yourself? Play for free for a limited time, now!

 + Sophi 

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Learn Skills At A Fraction Of The Cost!

FTS: Blood Strike × EVANGELION Collaboration Now Available

 

Blood Strike × EVANGELION Collaboration Now Available

Iconic EVA units, pilots, and weapons descend into Blood Strike with new modes, free rewards, and exclusive skins!

Guangzhou, China - November 3, 2025 - Developer and publisher NetEase Games is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated EVANGELION collaboration event in Blood Strike, live now through November 30 on Android, iOS and PC (Beta). Strikers around the world can face EVA Angels on the battlefield, unlock numerous rewards, and collect exclusive EVANGELION-themed skins and weapons.

Download the game for free: https://www.blood-strike.com/

New Limited-Time Mode - Angels Invade

The battlefield has changed: Angels from EVANGELION have appeared in Blood Strike. Take on these fearsome enemies to earn powerful upgraded gear and valuable loot. This mode brings the intensity of apocalyptic battles straight into the heat of Blood Strike.

Free Rewards for All Players

Players can claim a series of free collaboration rewards throughout November:

• SCAR - EVA 08 (Nov 1-30): Free event-tier weapon with avatar frames, charms, and titles.
• Katya EVA-02 Skin (Nov 14-30): Invite friends to unlock this fiery new look. MCX – EVA-00 (Nov 14-30): Earned by inviting friends during the event.
• Free Gold Up to 500 ($5 Value): Log in and invite friends to claim.
• Parachute Skin + More (Nov 1-16): Exchange earned tokens for collaboration items.
  
  

New Collaboration Items & Skins

Suit up with EVANGELION’s characters and weapons, available for a limited time only:

• Rei & Asuka Skins Arrive (Nov 1–30): Get collaboration skins for EMT (Rei Skin) and Katya (Asuka Skin).
• EVA Featured Valor 1 (Nov 1-30): Equip AK47 – Asuka, AUG – Rei, AR97 EVA Mk.06, and Playpal EVA-02.
• EVA Featured Valor 2 (Nov 2–30): Unlock QBZ95 EVA-01, Ethan - EVA-01, and the legendary Spear of Longinus.

These items will disappear after November 30 - 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, making this November one of the biggest months yet for Strikers.

Blood Strike is free-to-play and available on Android, iOS, and PC (Beta). To learn more about it and download the game, visit: https://www.blood-strike.com/

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Simon the Sorcerer Origins – A Hand-Drawn Return to Classic Adventure

EPIC | Steam | Switch | Playstation | Xbox

Shout out to the team at Smallthing Studios and ININ for providing a copy of this game for me to check out. Before diving into my thoughts on Simon the Sorcerer Origins, let’s rewind a bit to bring you up to speed on the franchise and why this new release carries the subtitle Origins.

🧙 Who is Simon the Sorcerer? 

Back in 1993, the very first Simon the Sorcerer game introduced players to a sarcastic, teenage wizard who stumbled into a magical world full of puzzles, humor, and eccentric characters. While the series became a cult classic in the UK—spanning eight games (that include spinoffs)—many players in the States never crossed paths with Simon.

That’s where Origins comes in. Released on October 27, 2025, this vibrant entry takes place just weeks before the events of the original 1993 adventure, serving as both a prequel and a fresh + entertainment entry point for new audiences. For me, this was my very first time stepping into Simon’s shoes, and I can see why the franchise has endured for three decades.

🎨 First Impressions: Hand-Drawn Charm 

What immediately caught my eye was the hand-drawn animation style. As an artist, I always appreciate when developers take the time to craft visuals that feel alive and personal. The game’s look is a refreshing change of pace in today’s market, and it pairs beautifully with the point-and-click puzzle adventure format.

Playing on Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch will feel natural, especially with touchscreen support. The humor is sharp and sarcastic—true to the series’ roots—but I do wonder if younger players (10 and up) will catch all the jokes and punchlines throughout your adventure.

🎮 Gameplay: Puzzles, Patience, and Payoff 

In my first 30 minutes of gameplay, I quickly realized that Origins is unapologetically a point-and-click adventure. That means:

• Puzzle-solving is the core mechanic. You’ll need to think creatively, combine items, and pay attention to dialogue to progress.
  
  
• Patience is rewarded. Unlike fast-paced action games, this genre teaches players to slow down, observe, and problem-solve. For parents, that’s an underrated perk—kids can build patience and critical thinking while still having fun.
  
  
• The payoff feels earned. Solving a tricky puzzle and unlocking the next step in Simon’s journey delivers a genuine sense of accomplishment.

The story sets you against the villainous Sordid, whose sinister ambitions you’ll work to foil—all while enjoying the game’s witty banter and gorgeous art.

🕹️ Accessibility and Play Options 

Whether you prefer touchscreen, keyboard and mouse, or controller, the game adapts well. If you’ve never played a point-and-click before, the pacing may feel slower than other genres, but if you enjoy games that challenge your inner detective, Origins is a great entry point.

💰 Price and Value 

At $24.99, this is a solid pickup for fans of narrative-driven adventures or anyone curious about the genre.

• Nostalgia - The intro alone feels like a time capsule. Having original voice actor Chris Barrie return is a huge win for longtime fans.
  
  
• Art Style - Hand-drawn animations shine, even if some backgrounds feel less fleshed out. The style intentionally nods to the past, which older fans will appreciate.

• 33 Hidden Achievements - For achievement hunters, you will have to get your search on to nab these achievements because they're not easily presented to you.

👨‍👩‍👧 Passing the Torch 

To me, Origins feels like it’s designed for parents who grew up with Simon and now want to introduce their kids to a game from their childhood (in a new way that they'd also want to partake in). That’s not a bad thing—it’s a tried-and-true approach. Just keep in mind that the humor leans older, and the pacing may test younger players’ patience.

Still, if your kids enjoy movie franchises like Harry Potter and shows like The Investigators, and you want them to flex their problem-solving skills, Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a fun and affordable way to do so.

Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a lovingly crafted indie adventure that balances nostalgia with accessibility. It may not be for everyone, but for those willing to shift and embrace the puzzles, it’s a rewarding journey worth taking. There are a number of point-and-click games being made today, so there is an audience and one feather I can put into the wizard's cap of this game is that some don't allow you to use controllers.

Overall, I recommend giving different genres a whirl, because you never know what you’re missing out on—or the skills they can ultimately help you develop. I also believe it can work in the USA because more gamers from the States have watched enough content from the UK to understand more of the comedy. If you have children who enjoy shows like The Investigators, or you want to encourage them to think more critically and challenge themselves to figure things out (a great skill for life overall), then a game like Simon the Sorcerer Origins can help with that while delivering a solid experience at the same time without breaking the bank.

 + Sophi 

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