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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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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Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2: A Return to the World of Darkness

Epic | Steam | Console

The long-awaited sequel to the cult classic Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is finally here. Developed by The Chinese Room and published by Paradox Interactive, Bloodlines 2 brings players back into the World of Darkness, a setting where supernatural politics, personal horror, and moral choices collide in a modern gothic Seattle. The politics grabbed my interest outside of my climb to rule the night. It gives me a mafia vibe.

Before diving deeper, check out the first 30 minutes of pure gameplay below—no commentary, no distractions. This video gives you an unfiltered look at how the game begins, letting you decide if this immersive RPG is the right fit for you.

 A Legacy Reborn 

The original Bloodlines (2004) became a cult favorite thanks to its branching narrative, memorable characters, and the freedom it gave players to shape their vampiric journey. Bloodlines 2 builds on that foundation, powered by Unreal Engine 5 for a richer, more atmospheric experience. Players step into the role of Phyre, an elder vampire navigating the dangerous politics of Seattle’s undead society. This is my Phyre... and you can figure out your desired look before you set out to own the night!

Fun Fact: Speaking of Legacy... did you know that the video game franchise came from a table top board game?

 Clans and Choices 

At launch, players can choose from six clans—including fan favorites like Brujah, Tremere, Toreador, and Lasombra. Each clan offers unique disciplines and playstyles, from brute-force combat to subtle manipulation. These choices don’t just affect gameplay mechanics; they shape how NPCs react to you and how the story unfolds. I went with the Ventrue so that I can get an extra set of hands when needed.

Which bloodline will you represent? Choose wisely or... try them all. (Replay value up!)

 The City of Seattle 

Seattle serves as the backdrop for this tale of intrigue and survival. Its neon-lit streets, shadowy alleys, and corporate towers create a perfect stage for the Masquerade—the fragile pact that keeps vampire society hidden from humanity. The city is divided among factions, each vying for power, and players must decide who to ally with, betray, or outmaneuver.

 Gameplay Experience 

Bloodlines 2 blends action RPG combat with deep narrative role-playing. Players can expect:

• Dialogue-driven storytelling with branching paths.

• Exploration of richly detailed urban environments.

• Combat and stealth systems that adapt to your chosen clan powers.

• Moral dilemmas that test how far you’ll go to maintain the Masquerade.

Speaking of gameplay experiences... one I'm not too crazy about is following the blood scent for the most part. I get that they want us to figure things out in certain areas, but it can be annoying when you have to backtrack. It's helpful in terms of letting you know where you have to go, but to follow it fully can be annoying if you want to keep the stealth on full tilt.

There have been reports of bugs that I have yet to experience like NPC's disappearing, but... the development team is  actively working on patches based on known issues. Anything that's "high priority", they've tackled or they're currently tackling, while others they're knocking out as they move down the list.

 Developer Response 

• Acknowledged Issues – Paradox Interactive and The Chinese Room have confirmed these bugs and labeled some as “high priority.”

• Workarounds Provided – Temporary fixes include reloading earlier saves, adjusting graphics settings, or restarting the game to restore missing NPCs.

• Patches in Progress – The team has stated that multiple updates are planned to address stability, performance, and quest-related problems.

So don't crash out, patches are being sent to pounce on unsuspecting bugs.

 Expanding the Story 

Paradox confirmed post-launch Story Packs, including Loose Cannon and The Flower & The Flame, which expand on key characters and factions. This ensures that the narrative will continue to evolve. If you enjoy lurking through the night, progressing through the political world of darkness, and taking down your foes with supernatural powers... Bloodlines 2 just might be the game for you.

 + Sophi 

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FTS: 3D Realms' "Painkiller" Launches Today (PC, PS5, XSX)

PREPARE FOR PAIN! PAINKILLER BLASTS ONTO PLAYSTATION 5, XBOX SERIES X|S & STEAM TODAY

Check out the launch trailer and grab your friends for a brutal co-op action shooter experience!

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Oct. 21, 2025 – Painkiller is back! Saber Interactive’s 3D Realms label and developer Anshar Studios are excited today to launch this over-the-top, adrenaline-fueled, reimagined action shooter video game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Painkiller stays true to the franchise’s origins with fast-paced action, brutal enemies, diverse weapons of punishment, and towering gothic environments, all while pushing the series forward in bold ways with a heart-pounding campaign designed for co-op multiplayer and a challenging new roguelike game mode.

So what are you waiting for? We’re all going to Purgatory!

The Standard Edition of Painkiller is available today for $39.99|£34.99|€39.99. Players can also grab the Deluxe Edition of Painkiller for $49.99|£44.99|€49.99, which includes the base game plus the Season Pass featuring three additional post-launch DLCs, each including six weapon skins and four character skins.

Blast through hordes of demons in brutal, fast-paced combat with an array of infernal weapons that can be upgraded and customized in multiple ways with devastating results in Painkiller! Battle across gruesome gothic levels to stop the fallen angel Azazel’s invasion of Earth and earn your salvation – solo or in online co-op for up to three players.

Key Features

• Purgatory Is Your Playground: Jump, hook and dash across vast, spine-chilling biomes while fighting nightmarish enemies in bloody, fast-paced combat with a host of new and classic Painkiller weapons.
• Three-Player Online Co-op: Play online with up to two friends, exploring diverse locations, uncovering secrets and facing off against terrifying enemies.
• Grotesque Terrors Await: Challenge a variety of horrifying foes, from hordes of demons to titanic terrors like the monstrous children of Azazel - the Nephilim.
• Unleash The Pain: Upgrade and customize your weapons to expand your arsenal, use tarot cards to power up your abilities, and team up with friends to obliterate all foes.
• Choose Your Character Wisely: Play as one of four distinct characters - Ink, Void, Sol and Roch - with unique perks to boost your energy, health, power and damage.
• Rogue Angel Mode: Survive a brutal roguelike mode, separate from the main campaign, where you and your friends will advance through handcrafted arenas and take on epic bosses while collecting tarot cards, weapons and items along the way.

Painkiller is available now, so grab some friends and get it in!

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