Save State Examines the Cute Charm Glitch in Generation IV Pokemon Titles
Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney returns to Pokemon Platinum to explore the Cute Charm glitch in Generation IV Pokemon titles, a strange bit of RNG manipulation that can dramatically raise shiny encounter rates and make old DS adventures feel fresh again.
Fresh Look: Pokemon Makes Gaming on the Go Feel Magical
After a whirlwind trip left him jet-lagged, Fresh Look’s Neal Sayatovich found comfort in portable gaming, revisiting Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Pokemon Legends: Z-A while remembering why the Legends formula works so well on the go.
Save State: Star Ocean The Second Story R Remains a Stellar Remake
Save State’s Vincent Mahoney returns to Star Ocean: The Second Story R and finds that its gorgeous HD-2D visuals, faster combat, improved Private Actions and smart quality-of-life upgrades still make it the best way to experience one of the greatest Star Ocean adventures.
Fresh Look: Palworld 1.0 Makes Monster Catching Better Than Ever
Fresh Look’s Neal Sayatovich returns to Palworld for its 1.0 release and finds new Pals, helpful quality-of-life upgrades, better base management and plenty of chaotic monster-catching fun waiting inside Pocketpair’s full release.
ImmerseCon 2026 Levels Up With Esports Tournaments, Robot Battles and Geek Culture
ImmerseCon 2026 offered a packed mix of esports tournaments, robot battles, tabletop gaming, chess, STEAM activities and community showcases, creating a lively convention experience with plenty for competitors, families and fans to enjoy.
Save State: Why Losing Physical Games Will Negatively Impact Players’ Wallets
Digital games may be convenient, but Save State’s Vincent Mahoney argues that physical media still gives players important advantages, from lower prices and resale options to ownership rights and long-term preservation.
Fresh Look: AAA Gaming Is Following the Hollywood Blockbuster Playbook
As budgets climb and development cycles stretch, Fresh Look’s Neal Sayatovich worries that AAA gaming is adopting Hollywood’s safest habits with fewer enormous bets on new projects and less room for unusual ideas that might become tomorrow’s cult classics.
Save State: 7 Days to Die 3.0 Makes the Sandbox Wilder
Save State’s Vincent Mahoney and his friends returned to 7 Days to Die for its 3.0 update and found a new version of the zombie survival staple that adds multiple endgame hooks, fresh customization options and a lot more room for crazy chaos.
Fresh Look: EA’s Latest Sports Ad Plan Raises Bigger Questions
Fresh Look’s Neal Sayatovich takes a look at EA’s new advertising platform and argues that even if the company says the changes are aimed at sports titles, the bigger concern is what more in-game ads could mean for players and across the industry.
Save State: Celeste Has More to Offer Than Tough Platforming
This week Save State columnist Vincent Mahoney writes about how Celeste combines tight controls, optional high-level challenges and a touching story into one of the most rewarding indie platformers of the past decade.