The intro of the new Marvel series ‘Secret Invasion’ was created by an AI. The executive producer talks about the work of artificial intelligence. The community reacts divided.
What is Secret Invasion? The new series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will revolve around Nick Fury. He, along with Talos, is on the trail of a secret invasion by radical Skrull aliens. Not an easy task, considering that the Skrulls are shapeshifters.
Recently, the executive producer of the series explained why the intro was created by artificial intelligence and why he found it so fascinating.
Here you can see a trailer for Secret Invasion:
Start video
Secret Invasion – S01 Trailer (English) HD
In an interview with the American entertainment website Polygon, director and executive producer Ali Selim said that the intro of the series was created with the help of artificial intelligence.
They hired Method Studios to work on the intro, which they did using AI.
Selim stated that he does not really understand how artificial intelligence works, like many others do. However, he was fascinated by how AI captured the feeling they wanted to create for the series.
We talked with them [the team] about ideas, themes, and words, and then the computer got to work and implemented something. And then we could change it a bit by using words, and it changed.
As a reason for using AI, he explained that it would fit very well with the theme of the shape-shifting aliens in the series who disguise themselves as humans.
How does the community react? The Twitter users are divided. Some celebrate the intro, while others criticize it sharply:
gayec01:‘Honestly, with Midjourney [an image AI] they could have done it so much better.’
Youngstar99999: ‘I like the intro. It fits very well with the themes of the show. I’m just not sure what to think about the fact that it wasn’t made by human artists. Otherwise, I really liked the first episode.’
BrianLongFilms: ‘Marvel always manages to exceed their worst creative decisions.’
When does Secret Invasion start? The series premiered on June 21, 2023, on Disney +. The first season will consist of a total of 6 episodes.
Currently, you can watch the first episode. A new episode will be released on the platform weekly.
In summer 2023, Microsoft is increasing prices for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass. Only PC Game Pass users are lucky and are not affected. You can find out what the price increase means for you.
In most countries, Microsoft is raising prices for the Xbox Series X in August, apparently following Sony’s price increase for the PS5.
The monthly subscription prices for the Game Pass and the Game Pass Ultimate will also rise – starting in July, at least if you don’t have an ongoing subscription.
In an interview with The Verge, Kari Perez, Head of Communications at Xbox, stated: “We have kept console prices stable for many years and adjusted prices to reflect competitive conditions in each market.”
Game Pass Ultimate increases by €2, Console by €50
This is what you will have to pay after the change:
Product
Current Price
New Price
Xbox Series X
499.99
549.99
Game Pass for Consoles
9.99
10.99
Game Pass Ultimate
12.99
14.99
Game Pass for PC
9.99
9.99
Thus, you will have to spend €50 more for the console starting in August. Regarding the Game Pass, it will be 1 – 2 € more monthly, depending on the subscription model.
This affects users who want to sign up for a new subscription already from July 6 (via The Verge). The new prices for existing monthly Game Pass subscribers will take effect only on August 13 or September 13.
If you have a yearly subscription, the new price will only take effect with the next renewal after the period.
Since its launch in 2017, Microsoft has not adjusted the prices for the Xbox Game Pass and emphasizes that this happens regardless of the planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
According to The Verge, Kari Perez stated that the price adjustments “are not related to the Activision Blizzard deal” and “are supposed to reflect local market conditions.”
The price increase will take place in July for the Game Pass and in August for the console. Following that, the release of Starfield is expected soon, which is said to be available on release in the Game Pass.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In MMORPGs, there are always players who troll others. One player used a skill in World of Warcraft that is actually meant for PvE mode, leading numerous players to their demise.
There are many ways to tease other players in MMORPGs. Some use emotes or chat for this purpose. Others make players turn into fish.
The WoW player Zipprian uploaded a video on YouTube on June 12, where he trolls other players in PvP mode while playing World of Warcraft.
He uses a skill that distracts and confuses enemies in PvE mode. However, in PvP mode, he makes other players jump off a platform.
Here are 3 MMORPGs that are still played a lot 20 years after their release:
Start video
3 MMORPGs that are still played a lot even 20 years after release
How did he achieve this? Zipprian plays a rogue named “Dribblyfart” in WoW. In the video, he stands on a platform and makes himself invisible repeatedly. This way, the other players riding past him do not notice him.
But before they could notice him, he uses a distraction ability that he casts on an area where the players ride through. As a result, they lose control of their mounts and plunge off the platform into the depths.
The video ends with a player who seems to withstand the attack. Many users on YouTube find this particularly funny about the video.
Recommended editorial content
At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.
I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms.
Read more about our privacy policy.
“On a hardcore server, the emotional damage would be over 9,000”
How does the YouTube community respond? For most, the video seems to have provided some laughs. Grogritark writes: “Great, funny video. We need more content like this.” Others write that they had to “laugh like a toddler.”
lordtesla9538 writes: “The most important rule of WoW Classic: No matter where you are, there is always an undead rogue waiting for you.” And mattieonutube273 writes: “This is what it means to be a rogue.”
Others suggest that this should be done on a hardcore PvP server in WoW. janschaffstall8261 writes: “Imagine someone doing this on a hardcore server. Emotional damage over 9,000.”
Why would that be particularly frustrating? In hardcore mode, every character has only one life. If a hero dies on the way to level 60, the challenge is considered failed. This is quite time-consuming in WoW Classic, as the leveling phase often takes several weeks.
Fortnite has brought 2 new skins into the game with an update, stemming from a collaboration with the shoe manufacturer Nike. One of the characters is apparently designed to look as if it is made from the same material as Nike shoes. But people on the internet have a very nasty theory about it.
Trigger Warning: The article is not suitable for children.
This is the situation:
Fortnite used to be a normal shooter, but at some point, the super brains in South Carolina came up with the idea that it should be the “metaverse” and bring all sorts of pop culture-relevant characters into the game as skins through collaborations.
Therefore, you can play Fortnite, if you want and are willing to spend money, as Spider-Man, Batman, or Son Goku, as a basketball player, as a stormtrooper, as a peeled banana, as anything. Epic has released 59 Marvel skins and 23 from Star Wars in Fortnite.
Now, however, they entered a collaboration with Nike and it somehow went too far.
Start video
18-year-old Fortnite streamer buys a Lamborghini for 193,000 € – When he wants to show off, everything goes wrong
This is still the “normal” skin: One of the new skins is called “Maxxed Out Max”: This character is apparently made out of various sports items.
The poor character consists of shoes, tennis balls, water bottles, various football pads, is wearing a Nike cap, and is covered in Nike, making him a sort of walking billboard for Nike. He also has a basketball as a belly – because… why not?
This character is described on the internet as “practically a Nike transformer”.
The internet has nasty ideas about the new skin in Fortnite: Ariel
This is the really weird character: The “character” Ariel has no major accessories except for 2 bows around the hands. Instead, the character is apparently supposed to look as if it is made entirely of a white material. On the site Kotaku they suspect it could be rubber or something from which Nike shoes are made.
However, the internet has a clear theory about what that material is: sperm. The internet is indeed, in some corners, full of tweets claiming: This is the 1st character in Fortnite that consists solely of cum, of ejaculation.
Well, the question is whether Nike really imagined it this way when entering a collaboration with this “trendy game that teenagers today are so into”.
I’ll stick my neck out and say: probably not.
Anyone who wants to see more skins in Fortnite, including normal ones, can find it here:
For 100 million $, the star xQc is said to have switched from Twitch to the platform Kick. Now Rachel “Valkyrae” Hofstetter (31), the most successful live streamer on YouTube, is dealing with this. She says she also finds the site immoral, but for 100 million US dollars, she would switch. Everyone would switch, only the Twitch streamer HasanAbi would not.
This is the situation:
Valkyrae began streaming on Twitch in 2015 and quickly became a rising star in Fortnite. She joined the stylish e-sport team 100 Thieves as the first female streamer.
The story proved YouTube right. After initial problems, Valkyrae’s success grew during the pandemic, she surpassed her friend Pokimane, who had stayed on Twitch, won some awards, and became the most successful streamer in 2020.
Start video
Twitch streamer wants to change the perception of gaming as Miss Germany: “One should not demonize it, but also not glorify it”
Valkyrae finds gambling okay – one just shouldn’t stream it
I personally like gambling: I think it’s okay to do it when you are of legal age. You can gamble if you can afford to lose the money. Then everything is fine.
The part where it gets messy, is when you stream gambling. Some people shouldn’t gamble: people who are prone to addiction. Minors who use their parents’ credit cards. That gets really dirty, because the wrong kind of people can watch and then get addicted. Bankruptcy can happen. That’s the part that is somehow really stupid.
“No one would refuse 100 million $ – except Hasan”
But would she switch? Even though she believes that Kick is morally not okay due to “crypto-gambling”, she would still switch. Everyone would switch, Valkyrae says, almost everyone:
It’s tricky because I believe no one, except Hasan, would refuse 100 million $. Because that is – I mean – in my eyes, when I think about what I would do with 100 million $, I would be like – hm, kind of donate 90 million $ to so many people. That’s money that changes lives! So you know what I mean? So yeah, you would switch to an immoral site, probably, but I wouldn’t gamble there.
Who is the guy who doesn’t switch? HasanAbi is a Twitch streamer who comments on current events, whether they happen on Twitch or in the real world.
Although he is not an anti-capitalist, he does treat himself to a fancy car or a villa, he has vehemently opposed Kick and proclaimed that he could imagine leaving Twitch, but would never go to Kick.
Valkyrae should be able to assess him well. In parts of the internet, it is said that the two have closer contacts, although both apparently make sure that it looks friendly on the outside:
They are somehow adorable together:
Recommended editorial content
At this point you will find external content from Twitch that complements the article.
I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms.
Read more about our privacy policy.
Is she right about that? One does not know. Some German streamers have already announced that they would not switch to Kick, either for moral reasons or because they have other irons in the fire, rumored to be with the platform “Joyn”. But as far as we know, no one among them has been offered 100 million $.
Most of the time in Diablo 4, you spend fighting. Sometimes, it’s difficult to move freely there and you interact with enemies or items. With a small change in your settings, you can also move freely in the wildest combat situations, says MeinMMO author Nicole.
Everyone among us probably knows it. You walk across the map or through a dungeon, get caught in a horde of enemies, and fight them. You get frozen or slowed down, something explodes, you want to run away and attack more enemies instead of running.
A small change in your keybindings can help you move more freely in fights and not unnecessarily get killed or use potion after potion because you keep losing health.
I changed a keybinding to be able to move in every situation and now I die much less often.
Diablo 4: Do you forget to use your elixirs? This trick helps you.
Force movement with a click
Which change in the keybindings concerns this? In Diablo 4, there is the option to force a movement. The keybinding is called the same in the options in German.
You access the option via the menu – Options – Controls. You scroll down to Gameplay and can adjust the binding there.
Set “Force movement” to the thumb button far left on your gaming mouse – or to another free key of your choice that you can easily reach.
Are you still looking for a good gaming mouse? We can help:
This makes it possible to run freely in fights or escape without interacting with enemies, chests, or items.
You can now freely move through enemy hordes with the thumb button “Mouse4” – as long as you are not suffering from negative status effects that slow you down, freeze you, or otherwise.
Another option would be to uncheck “Move/Interaction/Basic Skill Slot Combine” and assign individual keys to the actions as suggested by 3DJuegos.
A well-known Destiny streamer callsDestiny 2 a“microtransaction hell” and resonates with the community. He triggered a lot of support and intense discussion about the soul of Destiny. Many players now feel betrayed and sold out by Bungie. And not just because of the many small paywalls.
This has increasingly upset the community: The monetization programs of Destiny 2 have long been criticized. Anyone who does not purchase the complete all-inclusive package for a DLC year from Bungie pays extra.
In 2021, Bungie revised its offering concept for the first time and removed the dungeons from the content pack. They were no longer included for individual buyers.
In 2022, the developer introduced the improved event card for its four free annual events. So if you want more cosmetics, you have to pay real money here again.
In 2023, the price of the season pass was then increased by 20%. So anyone who decides anew each season whether to play it and buy it now pays more for it. That the prices of the seasons have been adjusted was still okay. But unfortunately, Bungie did not offer corresponding silver bundles for this price increase.
Even old expansions like Forsaken, which have not been in the game for a long time, are still offered as “legacy”. Here you pay for the “Forsaken package” just to get to the exo weapons and endgame activities. There is no content.
All this has led to a lot of feedback, including from Aztecross, and much praise for finally having someone with the courage to say it and handle it so openly.
And then there’s Marathon.
Start video
Destiny 2: “Season of the Depth” lets Guardians dive into the water
“1% Innovation, 2% something new and 97% greed”
More and more paywalls are causing unrest: Even with NPCs like Shaw Han in the Cosmodrome. Anyone who comes to him as a new player and discovers the exo quest for “Arbalest” has to pay first. Because you only get it if you own the latest expansion. And this, although the weapon is actually in the general loot pool.
This is how Bungie has gradually broken down its outstanding loot shooter into many small components that can be sold individually to players if they are not all-inclusive and do not give Bungie the complete “annual advance”.
In combination with the current instability of the game and the dissatisfaction with the overall situation between bugs, cheaters, emergency maintenance, and the feeling that Bungie has left its guardians for the new IP ‘Marathon’, Aztecross spoke for many.
His video reached almost half a million views and over 10,000 comments in less than a day. Many players shared their own experiences and disappointments under the video, indicating a growing rift between Bungie and the loyal player community.
Who is Aztecross?
The Destiny YouTuber Aztecross is a veteran of the loot shooter. He has accompanied Destiny 1 and 2 for several years and thus knows many issues and problems with which Bungie is struggling in the seasons and DLCs. His videos on YouTube mainly revolve around the loot shooter, related class builds, and explanatory videos.
You can watch the full video here:
Recommended editorial content
At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.
I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms.
Read more about our privacy policy.
Aztecross criticizes Bungie’s current monetization with fitting words
The community calls for a boycott: There is also great concern about the state, the content, and innovations of Destiny 2 as well as about how Bungie is currently handling feedback. Here, players increasingly feel that their voices are no longer being heard.
So the Guardian StatementAcademic820 comments on the video on Reddit that Destiny 2 basically consists of only 1% innovation, [2%] something new and 97% greed.
I find Aztecross’ new video phenomenal as he [in it] exposes the many ways Bungie shows its greedy corporate mentality. While watching this video, I am saddened that the game I have remained loyal to since the launch has now disappointed me so much. I am tired of Bungie lying to us and treating the community so poorly. […] We will no longer tolerate the way Bungie treats us.
Aztecross also draws attention in his video to “Marathon”, the new IP from Destiny 2. The YouTuber points out the fact that the development of Marathon has also changed Destiny 2. Especially since there are things that Destiny players have been eagerly waiting for years.
The availability of dedicated servers.
Leaderboards and fresh maps, which have been in high demand by PvP players for years.
Bungie has almost completely abandoned Destiny PvP, which is still played by hundreds of thousands of people every day, and is instead putting most of that talent directly into Marathon, and if Marathon becomes a hit, it will probably only get worse.
Many players feel Bungie sacrifices Destiny 2 for Marathon
One feels abandoned and forgotten by Bungie
A concern many players have: Even though it has never been communicated that way by Bungie, many guardians currently assume that the AAA studio will abandon Destiny 2 for Marathon.
On the one hand, because they currently feel abandoned and forgotten by Bungie and on the other hand, because many of the well-known developers are now working on this new game, such as Kevin Yanes, the now former senior design lead of Destiny 2.
The player Zero_Emerald even tells Bungie: “Losing my trust now, losing my support later.”
Why should I invest in Marathon anymore? I don’t want Marathon to fail, but if the average player were a smarter consumer, it should actually be a flop. Because who would look at content vaults, broken promises, silence, Eververse, and all the other things and still have any trust? […]
And the mood on MeinMMO is no better. Millerntorian writes under our latest Weekly Reset:
[…] Triumphs are somehow only discount coupons for some overpriced collectibles due to the alignment of the Bungie store. Or a slogan above the head, after which “The Colonel” doesn’t crow in a few weeks. Too bad, I have always enjoyed Destiny; such a gradual “decline” is sad to see. I find it regrettable that this franchise feels like it is being buried so neglectfully.
A player named TheOvercusser even expresses it more bluntly, saying: “The Final Form is just a hand with an raised middle finger and the Marathon logo painted on the nail.”
Bungie’s next steps will decide much: The community is currently in a dilemma: On the one hand, they are very attached to Destiny 2 and have invested many hours into the game.
On the other hand, players are increasingly disappointed with the decisions and lack of transparency from Bungie. This conflict between loyalty and disappointment has recently created a significant rift between players and the developer team, which is clearly felt in every Destiny bubble, whether on Reddit, YouTube, or the many Discords.
While some players hope that Bungie finally listens to the community’s feedback and takes concrete steps to address the concerns, others are skeptical and seriously doubt real changes now.
The loss of trust and disappointment over recent events have already led some players to turn away from Destiny 2 forever and seek alternative games. It is up to Bungie to restore the dialogue with the community and offer credible solutions to regain trust.
How do you see the development and future relationship between Bungie and the Destiny 2 community? And do you also believe that Bungie will sacrifice Destiny 2 for Marathon? Feel free to leave your opinion in the comments.
While Aztecross will continue to provide his content on Destiny 2, another well-known Destiny 2 streamer has taken a much-needed break:
On September 6, 2023, the release of Starfield for PC and Xbox is scheduled. But one user is already so angry about the game that they gave it one of the dreaded “0-point” ratings on Metacritic in a review.
What did the user write? In a Metacritic review that has since been deleted, it read:
Bethesda – Because it’s not that important to develop games that work, but it is more important to find new ways to squeeze as much money out of the bank account as possible.
The Starfield Super Special 76 Edition includes the expected disappointment. It comes with a shot glass so you can participate in the most famous internet drinking game in the history of the internet: Drink a shot every time Todd Howard lies.
But you better not do that; you would be dead from alcohol poisoning within the first 5 minutes of the 20-minute presentation of the “masterpiece,” which will ultimately turn out to be another disaster for Bethesda.
Start video
Starfield – Official Gameplay Trailer
What happened to the review? As the French site Millenium knows, it was only possible to write a review for Starfield for about 48 hours and that well before the game’s release.
Metacritic then closed this possibility; the review was deleted. It is said that the user was apparently banned.
Angry Tester is Apparently Still Traumatized by Fallout 76
Why is the user so angry? It seems to be lingering effects from Fallout 76: The game was criticized at the time for Bethesda bringing an online service game instead of another story-driven Fallout single-player RPG, which many fans had wished for.
Additionally, there was a major controversy surrounding the Collector’s Edition of Fallout 76: A bag that was supposed to be made of canvas turned out to be just nylon.
Todd Howard is considered a figure of hatred online by some, who reportedly promises more than he can deliver.
To be fair, it must be said that Bethesda is notorious for introducing microtransactions in online games (the famous horse armor), although there are certainly “worse offenders,” especially in Asia. And that Bethesda’s games, especially because they are so open, do have some issues with bugs, Todd Howard would probably admit.
This time, Xbox wants to ensure that as few bugs as possible are in the game by assigning every available QA tester to Starfield.
In Pokémon GO there is a new limited research available if you have a ticket for the GO Fest. It brings you the new monster Rocara and other rewards.
What kind of research is this? It is research for “Early Birds” of the ticket for the global Pokémon GO Fest 2023. It is called “In The Rough” and can be obtained by purchasing a ticket for the GO Fest by July 5.
If you have done this, it will be available in the game starting Wednesday, June 21 at 5:00 PM. It will then run until Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10:00 AM, writes the well-known Pokémon GO leaker Leek Duck.
What is included in the research? The most exciting part of the research will likely be the encounter with the new Pokémon Rocara, which is making its debut in Pokémon GO. You are also supposed to be able to encounter it at the GO Fest itself. Early birds can get to the monster a bit faster.
Rocara thematically fits with the new season “Hidden Gems”:
Start video
Pokémon GO shows the new season ‘Hidden Gems’ in the trailer
We will show you the further steps and rewards of the research here.
Limited Research In The Rough – All tasks and rewards
Where does the information come from? Due to different time zones, the research is already available in some countries. With the overview from Leek Duck (via Twitter), we summarize all rewards for you here.
The research has only one step, so it can be completed quickly:
Task
Reward
Play 5 times with your buddy
1 Incense
Open 5 gifts
10 Ultra Balls
Make 10 great throws
500 Stardust
Upgrade 10 Rock or Fairy Pokémon
Onix encounter
Catch 25 different species of Pokémon
1 Lucky Egg
Stage reward: Once you have completed the entire research, you will also receive three additional rewards:
Besides Rocara, you can also secure a Lucky Egg and an Incense in the research. Since the research does not cost anything extra, players who already want to buy a ticket for the GO Fest might take advantage of it.
Additionally, there will be another limited research that you will receive if you play between July 15 and August 1. Here you could get another preliminary research if you have a ticket.
In Pokémon GO Prime Gaming users can once again regularly expect gifts. We at MeinMMO show you what it is all about and which 4 items are included in the first bundle.
What gifts are available? Pokémon GO and Amazon Prime Gaming already had a multi-month collaboration in 2022, providing Prime Gaming users with free items for Pokémon GO regularly.
As Niantic announced on the evening of June 20, 2023 via Twitter, there will again be such cooperation between the game developer and Amazon Prime Gaming in 2023.
Recommended editorial content
At this point you will find external content from Twitter that complements the article.
I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms.
Read more about our privacy policy.
When you will receive the gifts, what you need to do for them, and what is included in the first bundle, we have summarized for you below.
These 4 items you will receive now in the first bundle
When will there be the packages? The first bundle has already been released with the announcement of the collaboration and can be accessed on Prime Gaming. Afterwards, further gifts should follow monthly on Prime Gaming.
What is included in the first bundle: The first gift has already been activated and includes the following 4 items:
2 golden razz berries
2 mysterious components
These are items that are currently perfect for use during the Rocket takeover as well as the Day and Night event. You need mysterious components to assemble a Rocket Radar and finally to track down the bosses of Team GO Rocket. With the golden razz berries, you can especially catch legendary monsters better.
Start video
Pokémon GO: Finding Rocket Bosses – How to Collect the Rocket Radar and Track Them Down
How can you pick up the items?
Who can receive the gifts? To secure the gifts, you need to have an account with Prime Gaming, meaning you must be a Prime member at Amazon. If you do not have a Prime membership yet, you can alternatively test it for 30 days. Trainers without such a membership unfortunately do not have access to the gifts.
How do I get the promo code? To get the gifts in the game, you must first generate a corresponding promo code through Amazon Prime Gaming. This is done as follows:
The items will now be credited to you in Pokémon GO. Whether the credit was successful can be found in your in-game journal entry.
Easier option for Android users: If you are using an Android device, you can skip the route through the rewards page and enter the code directly in the game. In this case, simply switch to the game after copying the promo code and open the in-game shop. Now scroll down to the bottom and enter your code in the corresponding field.
How long do you have to pick it up? The current bundle is active for a total of 30 days. So you can still pick it up on the Prime Gaming page until July 20, 2023. Your generated promo code can be redeemed once.
Based on experiences from last year, it is to be assumed that the next gifts bundle will be activated directly afterwards.
How do you like the new collaboration with Amazon Prime Gaming? Will you secure the free items? Or were you hoping for better gifts? Feel free to let us know here on MeinMMO in the comments and exchange ideas with other trainers.
On June 22, 2023, Final Fantasy XVI will be released. MeinMMO editor Marie Friske was able to test the latest installment of the popular game series. She is thrilled with the breathtaking medieval adventure that finally makes up for the disappointing finale of Game of Thrones.
“Game of Thrones” was one of my favorite series until the last season came and ruined everything. The finale still leaves a bitter aftertaste, and I wish the stories of the dragon queen Daenerys or Jon Snow had ended differently.
But now Final Fantasy XVI has helped me get over the frustration of the series and delivered the perfect medieval fantasy package in the style of Game of Thrones, including dragons.
Here you can see a trailer for Final Fantasy XVI that delivers Game of Thrones vibes:
Start video
Final Fantasy XVI – State of Play June 2022 Dominance Trailer | PS5 Games
I have already written some film and series analyses during my studies, so I always particularly enjoy good cinematic implementations in games and good storytelling.
Those looking for detailed reports with more focus on gameplay aspects will find here:
The story of Final Fantasy revolves around the so-called Dominants. These are chosen individuals who bear the power of the mighty Eikons.
Eikons are the deities like Ifrit, Shiva, or Ramuh that you know from previous Final Fantasy games.
It is precisely in the deities that the game finds a great strength. Similar to the dragons or the epic battles in Game of Thrones, they provide breathtaking visuals.
The scenes with the Eikons are absolute highlights
I often sit there with my mouth open, admiring the spectacular appearances and battles of the deities against each other.
These are also the moments when I am sad that the games do not come to cinemas. The scenes simply have enormous potential for the big screen. And the great music adds to the goosebumps.
Morally Ambiguous Characters Who Are Relatable
While I play, I experience all the emotions: I laugh, I cry, I am shocked, and I feel creepy.
The game captivates me primarily through the interesting characters and their interactions.
Final Fantasy XVI manages to present the various characters convincingly and gives even the antagonists personality, so I can understand their actions just as well as those of the hero.
Moreover, the characters undergo exciting developments or must confront their inner demons to grow. My personal favorite of the story was Dion Lesage from the first moment.
The crown prince of the Holy Kingdom of Sanbreque makes an epic entrance right away and reveals more and more of his exciting character as the story progresses.
Dion Lesage
That is also a great strength of Game of Thrones. In the series, even morally ambiguous characters receive complex backstories, or characters change over the course of the story. One of the best examples is probably Jaime Lannister, who undergoes a positive transformation through Brienne of Tarth.
At first, I am still sure I know exactly where the narrative journey is heading. But time and again, ruthless actions, sudden revelations, and unforeseen twists in the plot throw me off balance.
For example, there is a small revelation that I never expected in my life, but I find very clever.
There is no trace of the pink, idealized world view known from some fantasy stories in Final Fantasy XVI. Instead, I dive into a dark medieval world where I must be wary of power-hungry people.
Like in Game of Thrones, there is no hesitation in spilling blood and facing cruel fates. And like in the series, you feel that no one is safe from death.
It is a completely different style than the previous Final Fantasy games. But that alone provides variety and has already been praised by the community before the release.
Pros
Gripping story with great moments
There is a cool dragon
Action-packed and versatile gameplay in battle
Interesting and complex character(-relationships)
Medieval world provides the fitting atmosphere
You have a cute dog as a companion
You can pet the cute dog
Cons
It takes some time to get into the story
Side quests are somewhat monotonous (but they are optional!)
Final Fantasy XVI Finally Comforts Me Over Game of Thrones
With great cutscenes and animations, Final Fantasy XVI brings cinematic quality to the PS5. On the journey, you learn to love and hate various characters.
Unlike its predecessors, Final Fantasy XVI impressively portrays the cruelty of reality but also creates an exciting, magical world where you can lose yourself as a player for many hours.
For those looking for a visually stunning medieval adventure that captivates with spectacular battles and an exciting story, I can only warmly recommend the game.
Especially if, like me, you have never gotten over the ending of Game of Thrones, Final Fantasy XVI offers the perfect consolation.
Even the world of Final Fantasy XVI could come straight out of Game of Thrones
With a similar setting, equally exciting characters, and breathtaking visuals, the game not only steps into the footsteps of the successful series but even surpasses it.
Through the gameplay elements, I am the main character Clive Rosfield and experience the story much more intensely than I could while watching a series. I also find the ending of the game significantly more rounded than the finale of Game of Thrones.
All of this makes Final Fantasy XVI my new medieval epic number 1, which finally offers me the complete package I wished for from the series.
The 25-year-old American Turner “Tfue” Tenney (25) is something of a child star among gaming influencers. He has been seen on YouTube since childhood, later building a successful career on Twitch with Fortnite. Now, Tfue bids farewell in an emotional video.
What kind of streamer is he? Tfue was already seen in his brother’s YouTube videos as a child and started uploading his own gameplay content at 16. In 2018, he exploded with Fortnite: he began the year with 193 average viewers and ended it with over 45,000.
By 2019, Tfue was the most-watched streamer on Twitch and was also considered the best Fortnite player in the world. The now 25-year-old is currently in 6th place among the most followed streamers. However, he has not been on air since April 2023.
Now he has checked in with his fans in an emotional video to say goodbye for now.
The younger, more aggressive Tfue replaced Ninja as the leading Fortnite streamer on Twitch at that time.
Start video
Through Fortnite to the largest streamer on Twitch – Who is Ninja and what is he doing today?
Gaming is just work now
What does Tfue say now? In a nearly 40-minute YouTube video, the streamer checks back in with his fans on June 20, 2023, and also says goodbye. After initially reflecting on his career, he eventually announces that he wants to step back from content creation and gaming.
As a reason, Tfue states that he has had little time for anything else in recent years. On average, he was on air 6 days a week for 7 hours (via TwitchTracker). Now he feels trapped in the endless content grind:
I used to use gaming to escape reality. Now I use reality to escape the damn work. I just feel kind of trapped, you know.
Despite everything, saying goodbye is visibly difficult for Tfue, and he repeatedly has to pause to collect himself. You can watch the entire video here in the original English:
Recommended editorial content
At this point you will find external content from YouTube that complements the article.
I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms.
Read more about our privacy policy.
What does the future hold for Tfue? First of all, the streamer wants to take a break and gain some distance: he says he will now drink a beer somewhere on an island, chill, according to Tfue.
I have been making [content] since I was 8 years old. I just need to go and live my life. […] I am 25 and feel like most of my life has taken place in front of a screen.
However, the streamer also emphasizes that he would not take back the time as a content creator for anything. He thanks his family, his fans, and other streamers for their support over the years.
The video at least ends with a small glimmer of hope for fans: “I will return one day.”
The streamer ProfessorBroman already explained in 2017 that Twitch encourages self-exploitation. Many large content creators are constantly “grinding,” allowing themselves few days off or even vacations until they can no longer go on.
The Disney classic Mulan was released in 1998. Yet even 25 years later, the warrior remains one of Disney’s best protagonists. A reddit user explains why.
On June 19, 1998, the animated film Mulan premiered in American theaters. The story is based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan.
It is about a young woman who disguises herself as a man and joins the army in place of her father to defeat the Huns.
Here is a trailer for Mulan:
Start video
Mulan – Trailer (English)
“Mulan proves herself through hard work, sheer determination, and her intelligence”
On reddit, user u/Boss452 posted yesterday, on June 19, 2023, a thread titled “Mulan (1998) turns 25 today! Mulan is one of the best Disney protagonists of all time”.
Recommended editorial content
At this point you will find external content from Reddit that complements the article.
I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms.
Read more about our privacy policy.
The user explains that he admired the film from the first viewing and still finds it great every time he watches it again.
Thus, Mulan has one of the best plots of all the animated Disney films, as it mixes classic Disney stories with elements of an action war film.
The strong protagonist also impresses and is a true role model due to her qualities:
At its core, Mulan is a beautifully crafted feminist story about a woman who joins the Chinese army to defeat the Huns against all rules and expectations.
Mulan proves herself through hard work, sheer determination, and her intelligence. She is not the “chosen one” or blessed with something special. It is simply about striving and being smart. This is a great message to convey to young viewers.
Particularly, the user also highlights an aspect at the end of the film that he liked: Despite Mulan gaining fame through her deeds, she declines a place in the royal council. Instead, she returns to her family with gifts to show her father that she has brought honor to their name.
However, the gifts do not interest her father; he “is just happy to have his daughter back, which is the greatest gift for him.”
What do other users think about it? Many agree with the praise the reddit user gives to the film and comment on what they like about Mulan:
alanpardewchristmas: “I like that the antagonist is one of the few who does not underestimate her just because she is a woman. When he identifies her, he is not surprised but just says: ‘The soldier from the mountains…’
LeeroyTC: “Also a very good message for children about overcoming adversity, overcoming external prejudices and one’s own perceived limits through character strength, courage, and perseverance. It shows that a normal peasant girl who was only expected to be someone’s wife can become a hero for all.”
If you love Disney movies, you might also enjoy this magical animated film:
The HBO series “Lovecraft Country” was cancelled immediately after the first season, even though the series received critical acclaim.
The horror series Lovecraft Country premiered on August 16, 2020, on HBO and was broadcast in Germany starting August 17 on Sky.
What is Lovecraft Country about? The series is based on a novel by Matt Ruff and was adapted by Misha Green. Its content draws on the mythology of horror author H.P. Lovecraft.
The story takes place in the 1950s and revolves around Atticus Freeman, who travels across America to claim his family’s inheritance. There, all sorts of horrors await him.
Here you can see a trailer for Lovecraft Country:
Start video
Lovecraft Country – S01 Trailer (English) HD
Despite the series’ success, it had a sudden end
How successful was the series? Although the series was not as well known in Germany, it achieved great success in the USA. Critics praised Lovecraft Country, and there were a total of 18 Emmy nominations in 2021 (via imdb).
Why was the series cancelled? The decision to discontinue the series came from HBO Max. Although work on Season 2 had already begun, the abrupt cancellation took place.
In September 2021, HBO’s content chief Casey Bloys explained the situation to Variety:
When the decision is made not to continue a show, it is usually a combination of several factors. And that was the case here. It has to be something we believe makes sense for us. In this case, we could not achieve that […]
I don’t think it would be fair to point at any specific thing. I think the work that Misha did and the recognition she received does not change that.
So no specific reason is given as to why the series was cancelled despite its success. One obvious factor could be the source material.
The first season fully exhausts the novel. A continuation would therefore have to proceed without a reference point, while also doing justice to the first part. There was already a concept for Season 2, but it seems this did not convince the decision-makers at HBO Max.
More about the sudden end of the series can be found here from our colleagues at Filmstarts.
In the meantime, there is even another problem that would have complicated the continuation of the series. Currently, the main actor of Lovecraft Country, Jonathan Majors, is making negative headlines.
He was arrested at the end of March this year on charges of domestic violence. The court proceedings on this matter will take place in August 2023.
Another acclaimed series, on the other hand, will soon receive a second season:
Team Rocket is in Pokémon GO and is now also bringing Crypto-Kaumalat. You definitely need to secure this.
What’s happening in Pokémon GO right now: In Pokémon GO, the Day and Night-event, which has been running since June 21, also includes a new Rocket takeover.
Additionally, there are also some new Crypto-monsters available in the game. And one of them you should definitely secure: Crypto-Kaumalat.
Where can I find Crypto-Kaumalat? You need to search a bit for this, as the monster can currently be found with the Dragon-type Rocket Grunt. You can recognize the Dragon Rockets by the phrase “Well roared is half the battle”.
Finding the Dragon Grunts won’t be easy, as you can’t see from afar what type the Rockets have at the stop or in the balloon. You need to click on them and challenge them first.
Also, as of the current status, it is not guaranteed that you will get Kaumalat at the end of the battle – there are still a few alternative monsters that can be caught. But it’s worth searching if you find a Crypto-Kaumalat.
This is how Team GO Rocket works in Pokémon GO:
Start video
Pokémon GO: Finding Rocket Bosses – How to Collect the Rocket Radar and Track Them Down
Crypto-Kaumalat evolves into Crypto-Knakrack – And that is really strong
What makes Crypto-Kaumalat so exciting? In short: Its final evolution, Crypto-Knakrack. After all, its normal variant is already an extremely strong attacker in Pokémon GO, both in ground and dragon areas.
The Crypto variant now gets a damage boost of 20%. Even a Crypto-Knakrack with terrible attack stats does more damage than a normal Knakrack with ideal attack stats.
While the Crypto variant also receives a hard nerf to its defense, this is less impactful for Knakrack than for other Crypto candidates. The ground dragon has a very good defensive stat to begin with and can take a lot – even if the defensive value is weakened.
Depending on the need, you can catch a real monster here.
As a ground attacker, you should use Mud Shot and the Community Day move Earth Powers, for which you need a Charged TM. Otherwise, use Earthquake.
As a dragon attacker, Knakrack needs Dragon Tail and Outrage.
Now during the event, you also have the opportunity to give Knakrack its suitable moves, because during the takeover, Crypto-monsters can simply forget the move Frustration. This is crucial.
And last but not least, it’s also worth finding a powerful specimen that you might want to purify, at least visually. Because Knakrack also has a Mega Evolution that will likely land in the game at some point.
All waypoints in Diablo 4 clearly displayed on the map. This way, you can quickly see which port points you need to get to travel comfortably to different locations on the map.
What locations are there? We can divide Sanctuary into 5 regions. In each of them, you will find between 6 and 8 waypoints that you can teleport to. Useful, because this saves you a lot of time that you would otherwise have to walk.
However, not all waypoints are easy to find. In our overview, we show you all the waypoints on the map for each area. This way, you can easily see where you can unlock the port points and whether you have already collected them all.
All waypoints in Scosglen (Locations)
You can find the region Scosglen in the north of the map, where it stretches across a large area. There are a total of 8 waypoints with two fortresses to discover. In the following map, we show you the waypoints and describe below whether there are prerequisites for unlocking them.
Firebreak Manor
Cerrigar
Marowen
Braestaig
Tirmair
Under the Fat Goose
Tur Dulra (Unlock by completing the fortress in the west)
Corbach (Unlock by completing the fortress in the north)
In the region Dry Steppes, you will find, just like in Scosglen, 8 waypoints with two fortresses. In the following map, we show you the waypoints and describe below whether there are prerequisites for unlocking them.
Ked Bardu
Fate’s Retreat
Ruins of Qara-Yisu
Jirandai
Alzuuda
The Onyx Watchtower (Unlock by completing the fortress southeast of Ked Bardu)
Hidden Overlook (Unlock this waypoint after completing Act 3)
Farobru (To unlock this waypoint, you need to complete the fortress found at Ked Bardu)
All waypoints in Kehjistan (Locations)
In the region Kehjistan, you can unlock 6 waypoints and find one fortress there. In the following map, we show you the waypoints and describe below whether there are prerequisites for unlocking them.
Tarsarak
Denshar
Gea Kul
Iron Wolves Encampment
Imperial Library (To unlock, you must complete Act 6 of the campaign)
Altar of Ruin (Complete the fortress directly east of the sign Kehjistan to receive the waypoint)
In the region Hawezar, you will find 6 waypoints for fast travel, of which one is a fortress. In the following map, we show you the waypoints and describe below whether there are prerequisites for unlocking them.
Wejnhani
Backwater
Zarbinzet
The Tree of Whispers (Unlock after completing Act 4 in the campaign)
Vyeresz (Unlock this waypoint by completing the fortress in the south near the coast)
Ruins of Rakhat Keep: Inner Court (Unlock this waypoint after completing Act 4 in the campaign)
All waypoints in Fractured Peaks (Locations)
In the region Fractured Peaks, you can expect a total of 7 waypoints, of which one is a fortress. In the following map, we show you the waypoints and describe below whether there are prerequisites for unlocking them.
Bear Tribe Refuge
Kyovashad
Menestad
Nevesk
Margrave
Yelesna
Nostrava (Complete the fortress west of Kyovashad)
If you skip the campaign with a new character, you will have the waypoints to all the capitals as well as to the Whispering Tree already unlocked and can travel to them. All others must be activated anew.
If you are already on the map and unlocking the various waypoints, you should also visit other important places.
You have a powerful hero with rare armor in Diablo 4, but your damage to enemies makes demons burst into laughter? Then you have most likely not paid attention to the Damage Buckets. We will show you what these buckets are, why they are so important, and how they work.
What are Damage Buckets?In Diablo 4, there are many different ways to deal damage, but not every method can convince effectively. Therefore, to explain how you can actually deal massive damage, you essentially use buckets, known as Damage Buckets.
If used correctly, these can multiply your damage several times over. As a result, you can end up with damage numbers in the tens and hundreds of thousands. However, there are several things to be considered.
Many players cobble together a build, throw themselves into battle, and then wonder why the damage dealt is so bad. This is most likely due to the fact that your stats for damage are added instead of multiplied.
Now you will learn how to turn your hero into a monster slayer who is truly deadly.
Start video
Diablo 4: With this trick, you save inventory slots
That’s why your damage in Diablo 4 is so bad
How do Damage Buckets work? The goal is to activate several of these mentioned buckets, i.e., to stack different effects. These then act multiplicatively and significantly increase your damage. All current Damage Buckets that you can use are as follows:
Main Attributes
Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Willpower
[X]% Damage
Attack Speed (does not increase your damage, but your DPS if you can activate more attacks)
Critical Hits
Additive Damage
[+]% Damage, Damage VS = Damage against, Damage by, Damage with
Vulnerable
More detailed information about the buckets for all classes can be found in this community spreadsheet: Damage Buckets – Overview.
The listed points are considered buckets and must be taken into account in combat to gain more damage from them. However, if you only focus on one of the points, you will not receive damage that increases exponentially.
Within a category, the bonuses are merely added rather than multiplied. Additionally, bonuses on items with an x are subsequently added to the damage.
Note that these are still theories. They are currently examining how exactly the damage is structured, but the current theory seems plausible and is largely regarded as correct by many experts.
Why are Damage Buckets important? You can also roam through Diablo 4 slaying monsters without considering Damage Buckets, but you will quickly realize in the endgame that you will be missing the disastrous damage. Therefore, to avoid despair, you should definitely have a good build that makes your life in Sanctuary easier.
Niklot “Tolkin” Stüber is considered one of the toughest German pros in League of Legends, with nerves of steel. The 25-year-old also has a Twitch channel where he mostly showcases LoL, but not always. Now, he has discovered a new game available for €10 on Steam, and he is really struggling with it. Both Trymacs and Papaplatte are also having a hard time with “Only Up!”.
What kind of game is this?
“Only Up!” was released on May 24, 2023, on Steam. It costs €10. The game has only 64% positive reviews on Steam. It has been criticized in the reviews for bugs and for primarily selling NFT outfits.
It is similar to “Jump King” or “Getting Over It”, a patience game with a high chance of frustrating players.
The player must constantly move upwards by jumping. His goal is to reach the top of the world. If he makes a mistake, he falls and has to climb back up again.
Here you can see a trailer for “Only Up!”:
Start video
Only UP! – Official Game Trailer
Who is failing here? Tolkin (25) is a former LoL pro who didn’t quite make it into the super league LEC, but dominated the German regional league “Prime League” instead.
In 2022, he was technically in professional retirement and had started a “normal job”, but then played with a team of “LoL retirees” so strongly that he achieved promotion to the first league. However, he couldn’t play there because Riot’s rules clashed with his stream.
After a €100 donation, Tolkin wants to make his viewer proud
This is how Tolkin fails at Only Up!: The streamer seems to be in good spirits. Just now, 50 subs came in as a donation, so around €100, which he wanted to repay with a particularly great jump.
Tolkin calls out, “Ben, I want to make you proud. Ben, are you watching? Ben, are you focused?”
Of course, he messes up the jump, crashing past every saving ledge and corner while desperately calling out “Ben” and grappling with his fate.
In the end, somehow, it’s Ben’s fault.
This is the most popular clip of Only Up! in Germany from last week.
Recommended editorial content
At this point you will find external content from Twitch that complements the article.
I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms.
Read more about our privacy policy.
Netflix recently released the new action movie Extraction 2. Some fans of Call of Duty: Warzone are reminded of the battle royale.
What kind of movie is this? Since June 16, 2023, the new action-packed Extraction 2 has been available on Netflix. Marvel’s Thor actor Chris Hemsworth fights against all odds and plays a presumed-dead mercenary who, along with his team, rescues a group of people.
The sequel to the comic adaptation runs for just over 2 hours and has received decent ratings – 7.2 on IMDb and 76% on Rotten Tomatoes.
A small discussion has also developed in the Call of Duty: Warzone subreddit. Comparisons are being drawn between the battle royale and the extraction mode DMZ.
You can watch a trailer for Extraction 2 here:
Start video
Extraction 2: Trailer for the action movie on Netflix
What do Warzone viewers say about it? In a thread on Reddit, CoD fans discuss the movie and players who have seen it see many parallels to a match in CoD’s battle royale – especially to the DMZ mode (via Reddit.com).
For example, thread starter C4ptainchr0nic writes: ‘In many ways, there are similarities to DMZ.’ HartyFL agrees: ‘I kept thinking, this is live-action CoD.’
There are also exaggerated comparisons to gameplay. ARM7501 writes: ‘Extraction 2 is literally like a round of DMZ. Someone is surrounded by 100 guys throwing Molotovs, and you have to hit the bad guys (Tier 3 AI) about 10 times to kill them.’
The focus on the action of Extraction 2 is often praised. The film is said to be for uncompromising action fans who appreciate when fast-paced scenes take center stage and the story runs alongside it.
The most upvoted comment comes from wittiestphrase and sums it up: ‘The setup of the movie took 10 minutes, and the rest was essentially made up of two set pieces held together by the tape version of exposition.’
How can I watch the movie? Extraction 2 is available on Netflix. If you have a subscription, you can check it out anytime.
If you feel addressed and want to see how Tier 3 AIs of the DMZ are taken down by a Marvel hero, then check out Extraction 2.
The new MMORPG is working under the title “The Lord” and is being developed by the Korean company NX3. Smilegate, the company behind Lost Ark, has secured the worldwide publishing rights (except for China).
What kind of game is this? The Lord (previously known as Project L) is intended to be an MMORPG that offers you as much freedom as possible. Classes are omitted. Instead, you can choose from 8 different weapon types and a total of 200 skills. Players are expected to be able to “constantly change” their playstyle.
To ensure particularly beautiful maps and environments in the game, a special 3D scanning technique is used.
For the endgame, only large Realm-vs-Realm battles have been presented so far. In these, up to 600 players can fight simultaneously and in real-time to gain advantages in the world. However, what these advantages specifically are is not known.
When will the game be released? So far, there has been no statement on this. Generally, many details are still missing and gameplay has not yet been shown. It is only known that the MMORPG is to be released for both PC and mobile devices.
Start video
3 MMORPGs that are still played a lot even 20 years after release
NX3 is known for mobile, but now wants to conquer PC and consoles
In June 2022, the studio announced a whole series of new games, including
Project Z, an AAA MMORPG for PC and console. They plan to release it worldwide and have brought in developer veterans from EA and Disney.
Project T, an MMORPG with Nordic mythology, aimed more at “casual players”, which is only intended for PC.
However, with Project M5, there is also a new mobile MMORPG with side-scrolling gameplay and with Project Avatar a “blockchain hardcore MMORPG” in which NFTs are expected to play a major role.
Smilegate itself has announced that “soon” further details about The Lord will be shared. There may be information about a worldwide release, along with initial gameplay.
What do you think about The Lord? Are you also waiting for a game with a lot of freedom and large RvR battles? Or are you not interested in the concept at all?
With Wonderers: Eternal World, Smilegate is also working on another MMORPG that is to be released worldwide:
