Now streaming only on HBO Max, a live action show based on the hit video game The Last of Us has released its first season starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
The Last of Us was an award winning video game with thousands of fans. Both the show and game follow the journey of a man named Joel and a teenage girl named Ellie in the midst of an apocalypse that has ravaged the world.
In my opinion, this show was great. It was perfectly cast, impeccably shot, and very well written. However, although every episode was good, some were better than others and with the bar set so high it wasn’t as satisfying when I was greeted with just a good episode rather than a great one.
No spoilers here, but I will say the final episode (and probably the most important) was a total of 43 minutes long. Comparing that to some of the earlier ones, it’s a whole 20 minutes short. For a season finale it was a bit rushed and sort of underwhelming. As I said before, it was a good episode but not great.
The show did offer a more in-depth look on characters found in the game and even incorporated more into their stories, which I loved. There were some great practical effects when it came to the creation of the monsters and the scenery which formed a great immersion into the world of The Last of Us. Basically anybody could tell that the budget for this show was used to its fullest potential.
Pedro Pascal as Joel in HBO’s The Last of Us
Overall, the show was a 9.5 out of 10. It would be perfect if it was more consistent with the quality and prioritized the end of the season. Despite that, it was a pretty solid adaptation and I would recommend it to anybody interested in apocalyptic dramas where the relationships between characters is the focal point.
Content Warning: Omori features a cute hand drawn aesthetic but the plot covers very heavy themes along with containing flashing lights. If you aren’t comfortable with heavy themes, please skip this game.
Pseudonymous artist OMOCAT released the trailer on April 21, 2014 for an upcoming project called Omori. The video gained traction very quickly as people awaited its release. After 6 years and 8 months of development for what felt like forever, Omori was released on Steam for Windows and MacOS on Christmas Day of 2020 to amazing reviews, with a Nintendo Switch port coming in the near future along with an artbook.
What originally started out as a small comic on Tumblr entitled Omori’s Story, it featured panels of a boy named Omoriboy with his friends as they play games and hang around. Later it is revealed that all of the story took place in Omoriboy’s imagination, with him drawing his “friends” and adventures in his sketchbook.
Omori is an indie Horror RPG made in RPG Maker where the player controls the character Omori exploring the world of HEADSPACE, Omori’s dreams. When your best friend Basil goes missing, your group, consisting of your closest friends, go on a big journey to find him. As the story progresses, you begin to uncover the truth behind all the horror elements of the story.
Outside of HEADSPACE, you control Sunny, a boy who became a shut-in after an incident caused him to become more isolated. Sunny is moving out in three days and the player controls Sunny as he hangs out with his friends one last time before he moves away.
The horror aspects of the game are really well made. There are a few jumpscares, as expected of anything in the horror genre. What the game does really well is how it scares players with a tense feeling. Another great aspect of the game is how the game scares those players who like to explore the areas of the game. The music also fills players with a deep feeling of dread and leaves them scared to continue playing. Omori is an amazing RPG, best played blind. The game gives multiple warnings about the themes that the story covers. If you can handle said themes, the game is a wonderful experience. Players really get connected with the characters of the story, which only makes the truth more gut-wrenching. There is a lot of replay value with the multiple endings the game features.
Originally released on the Nintendo Wii on November 10, 2010, Sonic Colors was loved by hardcore fans and newcomers alike. Ten years later, the team Blind Squirrel has remastered the video game, now in 4K/60FPS for today’s consoles and for new and old fans alike to the Sonic series. Sonic Colors: Ultimate hopes to capture what made the original great and beloved by fans with a multi-platform release. The game is available for purchase on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Epic Games Store.
Sonic Colors: Ultimate features Sonic the Hedgehog, accompanied by his sidekick and best friend Tails the Fox, as they investigate Dr. Eggman’s new interstellar amusement park believing the doctor is up to no good. Along the way, a captured alien race called “Wisps” join up with Sonic as they free the captured aliens and uncover Dr. Eggman’s true plans.
The game features a mix of 3D platforming action alongside 2D side scrolling. As with what defines the Sonic franchise, speed is a major factor of the game. Blast through the new colorful stages to reach the goal as fast as you can. New to the franchise are “Wisps” which power up Sonic, letting players discover new routes and sections to each level, giving tons of replay value to the game.
The game is a wonderful experience to play through for fans coming back to the game after ten years or new ones who don’t know what a “Sonic the Hedgehog” is. Of course for as much as the game is great, it isn’t without it’s multiple issues. The game features a couple of glitches ranging from certain music not playing when needed, to the game play’s possible ability to cause seizures.
Blind Squirrel rolled out day-one patches to mitigate the very damaging glitches with more patches fixing smaller glitches. Most of the issues stem from the Nintendo Switch version of the game, which forced Nintendo to give out refunds to those who bought the game digitally and want their money back (they don’t normally provide this service). This remaster is splitting the fanbase apart with some who are happy with being able to replay a fan-favorite game and others disappointed to see the Sonic franchise release yet another unfinished game.
Even with it’s issues, the game still holds up as a good, fun, and enjoyable time with a ton of replay value.
The new gen consoles for PlayStation 5 and Xbox series were released early in November, and they are a big change from the old ones, which is why everyone is so excited to get one.
The first batch of units that went out on November 12th were sold out within seconds!
As of right now it is impossible to even find a next gen console in an actual store because many people bought them online.
The PS5 consoles are limited for each household, so basically each family is allowed to buy one console due to having low supply for the system. However, people set up auto bots so they could buy more than the limited set for each household.
The PS5 launch was crazier than the PS4 because many people thought they did not need to upgrade consoles; that is, until they stopped making games for the old consoles.
The good news is that Sony said they will send more consoles to stores for people to buy before Christmas.
To learn more about IGN’s Next Gen Console Launch, clickhere.
Phasmophobia is an Indie horror game developed by Kinetic Games and was released September 18, 2020.
In the game, paranormal activity is on the rise, and it’s up to you and your team to identify the ghost by using hunting tools and gathering evidence. You can support your team by monitoring the location using cameras and motion sensors from the safety of the truck (where you cannot be hurt). Or, you can head inside and get your hands dirty with ghostly activity that will get increasingly more hostile the longer you stay. Gather three pieces of evidence to be able to identify the type of ghost you are hunting.
You can also complete optional objectives that are placed in the game to help earn more money. This game is sure to get your heart pumping and put you on the edge of your seat!
What follows are the main things you need to know and understand about the game.
Investigate Use well known ghost hunting equipment such as EMF readers that detect where spiritual activity occurs. Other tools such as spirit boxes allow you to talk to ghosts while thermometers help to monitor room temperature and the probability of being in contact with a spirit, and so much more.
Maps There are a wide range of maps that come in different sizes and elements that make them unique.
Below are lists of each type of map. The names are links that will allow you to read all about each specific map.
Unique Ghosts There are over 10 different species of ghosts you can hunt which makes each investigation new and exciting.
SpiritsA Spirit is the most common ghost you will come across, but is still powerful and dangerous. It’s most commonly found in hunting grounds after an unexplained death. It has no special strengths. Smudge sticks affect Spirits by preventing them from hunting for about three minutes.
Evidence
Ghost Writing
Spirit Box
Fingerprints
WraithA Wraith is one of the most dangerous ghosts you will find. It is the only known ghost that has the ability to fly, and has been known to see through doors and go through walls. Salt is toxic to a Wraith.
Evidence:
Freezing Temperatures
Spirit Box
Fingerprints
PhantomA Phantom is a fear-inducing ghost that drains the sanity of those who view it. Taking a picture of it will make it disappear temporarily. It is rumored to possess the living yet no ability to actually do so. It is said that it’s commonly summoned by aOuija Board. However, players cannot summon one themselves, and a Phantom’s presence does not guarantee a Ouija Board to spawn.
Evidence:
Freezing Temperatures
EMF Level 5
Ghost Orb
PoltergeistThe more infamous ghost, a Poltergeist, is noisy and can manipulate multiple objects to spread fear into its victims. However, it is ineffective in an empty room.
Evidence:
Spirit Box
Ghost Orb
Fingerprints
BansheeBanshees are described as natural hunters. They stalk and pick off ghost hunters one by one by selectively targeting one investigator at a time. Banshees fear theCrucifix, increasing its effectiveness against them.
Evidence:
Freezing Temperatures
EMF Level 5
Fingerprints
Jinn A Jinn is a territorial ghost that will attack when threatened and known to travel at high speeds when hunting investigators. Cutting off power via a fuse box will reduce its speed.
Evidence:
EMF Level 5
Spirit Box
Ghost Orb
MareThe source of all nightmares–a Mare–is a ghost that grows more aggressive when in the dark. Keeping lights on and avoiding dark areas will limit its aggression. Beware: it will try to turn lights off to become more powerful.
Evidence:
Freezing Temperatures
Spirit Box
Ghost Orb
RevenantA Revenant is a violent ghost that attacks indiscriminately, as it’s capable of switching its target mid-hunt. Hiding will cause it to move slower, but it travels faster than any other ghost in the game when a victim is in its sights!
Evidence:
EMF Level 5
Ghost Writing
Fingerprints
Shade A Shade is considered a “shy ghost”. A Shade is less likely to attack if there are multiple people nearby, so the best way to gather evidence is to remain in groups. This is rather difficult, but if you want to witness a Shade, you’ll have to be as in sync as possible.
Evidence:
EMF Level 5
Ghost Writing
Ghost Orb
DemonA Demon is one of the worst ghosts to encounter! Being highly aggressive, it attacks more often compared to any other ghost, so a crucifix is recommended to preventhunts. However, asking the demon questions from theOuija Board does not drain the player’s sanity.
Evidence:
Freezing Temperatures
Ghost Writing
Spirit Box
Yurei A Yurei is a ghost who slowly drains a player’s sanity (most ghosts drain your sanity rather quickly). Smudging a room where a Yurei is found will prevent it from wandering from the location for a long time.
Evidence:
Freezing Temperatures
Ghost Writing
Ghost Orb
Oni An Oni is an aggressive ghost who scales its activity level with the number of nearby investigators. This is its greatest weakness, as it will likely reveal itself early in the round. It is also likely to wander around near theGhost Room.
Evidence:
EMF Level 5
Ghost Writing
Spirit Box
Full Voice Recognition The ghosts are listening! Use your actual voice to interact with the ghost through Ouija Boards and talking sessions through the Spirit Box. So cool!
Sanity There is a sanity meter in the truck. The lower your sanity, the more the ghost will want to attack. When your sanity reaches 0% it is said that you die instantly! To avoid this, buy and take sanity pills when it is low!
Amongst all the new games released during this pandemic, Genshin Impact rose above and caught the attention of many gamers. This new Chinese-based action RPG was released on September 28, 2020 and has since then released a couple of updates to make the game appealing to those looking for a new game to play. The game’s developer and publisher, miHoYo, is a small Chinese company based in Shanghai, China and known for its mobile gacha games. When it comes to gameplay, Genshin Impact does not disappoint with its high quality graphics and exquisite plot, including 4 different language options. It is currently available on PS4, Mac/Windows, Android, and IOS, but is soon to be released on Nintendo Switch.
As for content of the game, the characters each have their respective element which can be Anemo (wind), Cryo (frost), Electro (lightning), Geo (earth), Hydro (water), or Pyro (fire). The game starts off with you choosing a twin, either a boy or a girl. Whichever one you choose, you lose the other and end up on a beach where you meet a traveling guide who floats, Paimon. You travel through Mondstadt with your emergency food and meet the Knights of Favonius who are all characters you can obtain as you play or, if you’re lucky enough, roll in the gacha. In the most recent update, a highly anticipated Geo character by the name of Zhongli was released along with a new Pyro character, Xinyan. These two characters are obtainable through the gacha, but most of the time you will get 3 star weapons as a 5 star character/weapon has a 0.7% rate and a 4 star character/weapon has a 5.1% rate. May not be ideal, but you never know when you will get lucky.
As for my review on the game, Genshin Impact is definitely a game I have been playing a lot and I don’t see that changing any time soon. It’s fun to collect the characters, weapons and upgrade them to make them stronger to defeat bigger bosses. Genshin Impact comes with a tutorial in the beginning which makes the game easy to understand right away. If your friends give you their User ID (UID), you are able to add them in the game.
At adventure rank 16, the game gets more interesting as you can now play with friends who are also rank 16 or above. 16 does seem like a high number, but if you play more often than I did then you can easily level up within 3 days or so. As for obtaining characters, the party you’re given are fairly manageable, but I managed to roll a Geo character called Noelle who has improved my team immensely. The game does reward you with a currency called “Primogems” which can be used to roll in the gacha, so it is only a matter of how lucky you are.
The characters themselves have distinct personalities which brings to me my favorite which is Diluc, a scarlet-haired winery owner whose element is Pyro. I have not been able to obtain him, but he’s known as an S tier character which is the highest, better set of characters. The types of characters deal a massive amount of damage or provide the best support. Next best are A tier then B tier, C tier, and then D tier; who belongs in each tier differs as there are no bad characters, it’s just a matter of if you know how to use that character.
Overall, Genshin Impact is definitely an interesting game you should check out if you have storage and a system that can actually run the game. I probably missed a few things but that’s what Google and YouTube is for.
The Shoemaker Bugle 