#very on brand for atreus too

[stupidrant]

HEY GUESS WHAT IT'S ✨🛍️ SHOPPING TIME ✨🛍️ WITH ANGIE. SHE WANTS TO BUY A COUPLE OF CUTE TOPS FOR HERSELF AND SOME OUTFITS FOR HER MANS BECAUSE HE SAYS HE WANTS TO CHANGE UP HIS STYLE A BIT. WHAT DOES SHE BUY?

little miss boho coquette angie getting herself this set of clothes 😋as for atreus, he dresses like a typical skater boy (i mean who wouldve guessed right) she would give him a more streetwear style (even tho theyre kinda similar, a little change is nice for him)

[certified-opinion-haver]

God of War: Ragnarok (2022)

Platform: PS5

Content completed: Main Story (Give me balance), roughly half of side content (no post-campaign content).

Synopsis: After bringing on Fimbelwinter during their fight with Baldur, Kratos and Atreus find themselves back in their life of seclusion until a mysterious stranger approaches with a peace offering. After Kratos refuses to make a deal with this stranger he and his son find themselves on a journey through the realms to deny fate.

Spoilers Ahead

The follow-up to one of 2018's biggest games had a large set of shoes to fill. Will it better? worse? the same? different?

The story is very clearly the major focus of this experience, as with the previous entry, there is a major focus on family and parent-hood. As Atreus has now entered his teen years he has started to keep secrets of his own, whereas most teenagers sneak out for beer Atreus sneaks out to talk to gigantic snakes.

I am not going to just detail all aspects of the plot as it would take away from the games major selling point but I will give my opinions you can make an informed decision before embarking on this lengthy quest. Unfortunately, even though has major strengths and some incredibly emotional scenes, it's killed by pacing (the same fate that the 2018 entry suffered). Heading into the last hours of the game I was waiting for the credits to finally roll, the game has such a smug pretense of excellence that it rarely achieves, a lot of the character writing is really poor with Atreus sounding like is straight out of an MCU project for most of the game (Sunny Suljic's performance is MUCH weaker this time around) with only Kratos talking and behaving in a way that fights the time period and setting.

Mimir is still around to deliver dull exposition during the games many travel sequences, whether it be navigating a stream or sledding across the frozen lake. These sequences are no worse than they were in the previous entry but after 4 years and a brand new console generation I don't think its too much to expect some improvement, this complaint also leads onto the games side quests. They are just as underdeveloped as in 2018 and only serve as busy work in-between main story beats.

The gameplay has had very little work done (if any at all), Kratos starts with his axe and blades this time around (and unlocks an additional weapon by the end of act 2) but it all feel very samey, as far as I can recall you don't unlock any new abilities that weren't present previously and the combat encounters all feel very similar. It's hard to feel like a powerful god of combat when exploding worms that 2 or 3 hits each. The combat is still hankered with the over-the-shoulder camera which I do not think works in the slightest in the multi-enemy combat encounters, but does really create and impressive fight during the one on one boss fights.

The boss fights are a part that I will give props towards, they are major improvement this time around and do provide exciting set-pieces and the most engaging gameplay, the absolute stand out for me was the battle with Heimdall whose fight is part puzzle and part brawl.

It's bizarre to say that a minimum 40 hour game feels like DLC, but it just does. Very little of the game feels like it's been tweaked or improved and for a game that had some really glaring faults the first time around that isn't great. If you loved GoW 2018 and just want more time with these characters then this will leave you satisfied...if not a little bloated.

6/10

[shade-without-color]

The First Tales Chapter 1: A jest of sorts

Note: Well it has been a while since I work on a long fanfic, and with God of War. I would like to thank @feedittothefish for that idea since she likes how I write Mimir so far <3 So it will be a short one which some parts are interlinked partially to my Stolen fanfic. This one is a nice challenge as I did that particular text before (Which is a Midsummer Night’s Dream) I will see if I can post more frequently as i have been busy doing up my Thronebreaker ficlets XD

If we shadows have offended//Think but this, and all is mended//That you have but slumbered here//While these visions did appear//And this weak and idle theme//No more yielding but a dream- William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

“Mimir….” the reanimated head blinked slightly. He swallowed slightly, glowing eyes looking at that young man. Sigyn since made herself comfortable to stay with Atreus (with of course Kratos’ blessing which Mimir persuaded him that she is on her side) “I remember that you told us that you are from a different land...” Mimir swallowed slightly and gave a faint grin “Yes lad, now I remember now, a jester to my king... ohohoho!”

Mimir heaved a deep breath “I say long ago, before your father entered that realm, even before I meddle with the bloody gods…before I…”He indeed stirred up a very enchanted memory of that past. “My my it came so quickly….” And before long, he imagines that cabin to be lush with trees, fairies dancing back and forth underneath that shimmering moonlight. And him, entering the new world… Laughter filled the air and one of them winking behind him cheekily. And him bowing down to a certain king (whom by now is not amused by a different faerie who did the stupidest thing by pulling faces), who laid by his throne with his train raining offerings. He picked it rather sheepishly in fear that a guard will strangle him to death.

A world which he wished that he could go back too.

Mimir was glad that he did not stay in that world, but still, moments make him nostalgic. Maybe even more since he gained his freedom is a rather unconventional manner. (Well Kratos detach his body from the tree and reanimated by old magic with the disapproval of Freya of course) but still, it is a life worth living. Mimir thought pensively.

“And I was, a merrymaker for my master…”

“You have a master Mimir…” Atreus shot back slightly “Who? Is it Odin?” as he rocked back and forth. Sigyn, too grew interested in that tale “Well that is new, so you are not an Aesir…” Mimir cleared his throat slightly and looked at Sigyn gleefully  “Yes m’lady, well I say that comparing to Odin who is a bloody prick, the King of all fairies seems a fairer master, yes he is a handler of mortal affairs, and sometimes at his worse…the weather….”

“The weather…”

Mimir closed his eyes slightly “Aye…the weather….”He coughed slightly “If I were you, I suggest you should not make a crossing with his wrath…I say it was blustering when I cross the king of fairies…Swore on my life to bring myself something warm…”

“Well, I hear rumours that the king has been jilted by a mortal lover, and I thought of amusing him. I say a tough one…” as he watched one of the fairies cover an eye with a cool leaf, all bloodied and another whispering in his mind, not to cross him. He glanced at that figure, true that he has a beauty that should be awed to the world with his shapely lips and smouldering eyes. He is something else that is why nature envied him Mimir thought quietly He should win any lady. However, he seems to dip his fingers in dew drops and swirl it around. He tried to puff up his chest slightly as he gave a bellow to the crowd “Master I am at your command….”That fairy king gazed with him with disdain. “Oh please…speak…” somehow the shrill winds seems to be still at his voice “I wasted no time for naysayers…”

“Aye sir….”

The King of Fairies glared at him fiercely, as he looked at the cloths gave by one of the fairies, it obscured his view for that new fairy “I see that you need someone to bring your amusements…”Mimir cleared his voice clearly “I have travelled far and wide on the hunt for your amusement…”

“No…I need more amusement, one moment if you become that clinging person...I am gonna leave you like that person…” as he summoned his servant to show the screaming forces of a rather unfortunate brand of people. That caused him to shudder.

“At that time I was scratching my head for something amusing to impress him….” Mimir chuckled slightly to himself as he watched Sigyn passing him some cool mountain water “At that moment I just do not know what to bloody do…”Mimir scratched his head slightly, as he pulled one of the objects he collected and follow it into fireworks. It seems that the king of fairies grew even more bemused than ever. There it follows to other tactics, like curdling milk from a maiden’s bucket, mimicking a horse’s voice, and even more. Mimir suddenly grew breathless, watching the king’s face break slightly.

"Do you have a name…”

Mimir scratched his head slightly “Well…master…” He saw a vital opportunity that he is interested in a lowly fairy.”I have none…nothing to boast but to being you jest..”

“And that is where I ascend to be on my master’s side …” Mimir’s voice dropped quietly as if telling a secret to the enticing duo“ Until I mess with the mortal world…”

Atreus interrupted abruptly “By how Mimir…"

“My king, well let’s call the king of all fairies, Oberon, for now…” He held a great pause in his lips, recalling all fuzzy memories of his past. Some clear like a summer’s breeze but others, like a shrouding fog. “I could say that he has certain limitations of mischief for mortals, whenever good or bad....” Mimir cleared up slightly, as he glanced at Atreus giving him a cup of water from the streams nearby. “Despite the fact that he is vexed by Titania’s choices, for refusing to surrender a child which belongs to a devoted friend of hers...” as he peeked through their quarrels. He watched the storms strip up in such horrors and the flowers faded into oblivion. Mimir thought that he could jump out to the nearby stump to see his master in fits of rage.

His master clenching his fist slightly and him being short of breath from the argument, glaring cruelly at his beloved Titania. Of course, Atreus has to interrupt that particular part which Mimir wanted to gloat about his master’s tantrum but he has to answer his questions “Mimir! A child is important, why take away it from its homeland...”

“We folk, are not of that world, we take what we please as long you know...”

Mimir shrugged slightly “When he is vexed, he believe in righteous retribution which itself is utter bollocks.” He nearly held a mean chortle, just thinking of him, having a childish temper. Odin has a big ego, proclaiming himself to be all knowing etcetera etcetera but Oberon....”He could hear him crashing all of the possessions onto the ground which all of the servants ran off quickly and Mimir sheepishly cowered at the distance “Master, what can I be of service?” He curtsy reluctantly, withholding his amusement of an insult of a female calling her “Painted maypole.” showed off Oberon another horror he made to please his king. He thought that act topping up of making his rather tempestuous wife a fool, by going heads over heels over an ass-headed amateur actor. Mimir thought that prank was his magnum opus is of lovers quarreling back and forth over a certain person. Oberon hissed slightly “I told you to anoint the Athenian’s lids…”

“Which one is peculiar…”

Oberon shook his head slightly “I am not in the mood of jests, did you get my message…” Seems that Mimir did not get his words. “Come on, lighten up!” Mimir shouted gleefully “The world needs right now, are not laws drawn by mortals, blind to logic and reason…”

“I SAY THAT ONE MORE TIME WHICH ATHENIAN’S LIDS YOU ANOINTED.."

“All I say that he is a royal pain in the arse... it must take me a lot of balls to stand up for him… ”

Mimir gulped slightly as he looked at the mess of the mortals, his hands all shaky as he took that flower hesitantly from his master. “But Master... could I... I mean we…” Oberon shook his head and Mimir watched him tap his foot back and forth impatiently. Seems that his sweet words did not catch his master’s temper.

“Clear this mess now."

Mimir sighed slightly as he flew by the woods, mimicking the voices of the jilted lovers. It seems that his golden age is over. “You can say that Oberon grew bored over my antics, since that quarrel…”

Slowly Mimir walked away from the enchanted forest, once lit up with laughter and fairies doing that dance. Now it grew deafened by that silence and not even a fairy bid him farewell “And there I am off that world, the time of his kind all passed into oblivion, I am unsure if Master Oberon and his Wife Titania took another name and another form. Folks of this type will figure how to survive. I wish I has that gut to do that.” Somehow it leads him wandering to the beaches which he could feel the wetness between his feet and the salty spray tinging in his nostrils. “I thought of the mortals who explored many parts, and I thought why should I. I have wit. I have courage. I have grit.” And soon he saw a small boat drifting by the seas, and he slowly stepped in."And that is what I am resolved to do that day. No matter what. To find my purpose, though unexpected… and rather frightening..”

Mimir thought quietly as he looked over the lands which slowly recede into the dark skies. And soon he was greeted with a nip by the nose. He could be anyone and any face, all he has to do is to hold that sheer luck from his wet locks to the tip of his toes.

“And lads, that is how I stumbled that land…” Mimir cleared his throat “Bloody freezing to my being, but I will make a mark… no matter what…"

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@feedittothefish

[roxaeri]

hello! your akward family is the best. i wonder... will they ever go to grace? like i belive atreus would be realy curious to know how the rest of his family is? but here are kratos deimos and caliope going into protection mode. or maybe just go there in secret without telling the rest of the horrible family. idk... akward fam vacantion? caliope guiding atreus and aloy through the old ancient city parts. having fun. atreus plactesing more his greek. kratos and deimos building sandcastle?

((This isn’t going to go how you might have thought))(((Trigger Warning: Descriptions of PTSD symptoms. Brief explanations of memories. Correlating Health Issues.)))All Atreus ever knows about his living extended family in Greece is that even thinking about them is enough to put his dad and sister in a bad, closed off mood.But he is extremely curious. How could he not be?Mimir once told him that his aunt was super close to his dad, once upon a time, but that ended when she refused to walk away from their family when shit went down so long ago.Atreus is somewhere in his 20’s, maybe around mid-20’s, and is probably an established online entertainer. I mean, he’s been working this gig since he was 11. Over a decade of hard work.Maybe it’s a video project for a brand deal or something. Would probably be the younger half of DBPG.Atreus, Aloy, Trucy, Efi, and maybe the Brothers M&M for camera work.The idea is to reconnect them with a part of their lives they never really were part of.Like, for Aloy it’d probably be following her mom’s life before Aloy and Rost. Getting to know the people she knew and finding out more about this woman neither she nor her dad knew very well.Trucy–she’s Atreus’ manager but she is one of the public faces of DBPG. She has a half brother she’s never met and has barely spoken to.Efi hasn’t been back to her birth country since she left, but she keeps in regular constant contact with her friends and family there.M&M are there for camera work and translation help when they head north to where Atreus’ mom is from.So this big project has them traveling around discovering pieces of their lives that weren’t really there while they were growing up. A deeper look for their audience into their lives.Atreus is standing there on the island his mom was born on, taking it all in and fucking crying because he misses his mom. It’s getting close to two decades since she died. And he’s blubbering in Faroese, not hiding the fact that he’s a mess and that he’s been in pain and nauseous the whole trip.“I never had to hide this from my mom. And it’s not like I could lie to her. She just knew. She knew everything.”It’s getting towards the end of their stay on the island.“So, baby brother. Your thoughts?”“I’m entirely amazed. She was born here. It’s the first place where she spent her life before she explored the world. Before she settled back home. Before Dad. Before me. It’s easy to forget she had an entire lifetime before the life we had together.”“You’re telling me. I’ll never not be amazed by your parents’ stories. Or at least the ones I know.”“I’ve been entirely lucky with them.”“Alright. I was given this letter and instructed not to open it until today.”“Okay?”“I’m told it’s a surprise for you. Since you’re basically the main star of the show and our boss.”“Nah, Trucy’s our boss.”“Right? Anyways, let’s see what–”The shock on Aloy’s face before she shuts down her emotions has him worried. Everyone starts to worry when she signals for Magni and Modi to cut the cameras.“Aloy?”“I’m not reading this for a show.”And it takes a good while of arguing with the woman before she gives in, handing the letter to Atreus. The cameras are still rolling because even if they don’t show what happens next, their sponsors have to see why it could potentially be a horrible idea. Or it would be the most dramatic part of the series.“Atreus Loki Theodoros-Laufeyson. We would firstly like to thank you for nearly 16 years of dedicated entertainment, in sickness and in health. For all of the years we have followed along, it is obvious your wish to see the homeland of your Father and Sister. So our surprise for you is that we have booked you and company to visit Greece … As thanks for all your hard work.““You okay buddy?”“I just–I don’t know what to think.”Atreus spends their last day before they leave the next contemplating their sponsor’s offer. Magni stays with the main group, taking in the reactions.“How are you doing Aloy?”“I don’t like it. I want to be angry. Look at him. But it’s not my decision to make. Whatever he chooses, I’m there.”“So, got something against the country, or what?”Modi tries not to squirm in the uncomfortable silence as he has his camera trained on Atreus.“Whatcha thinking kid?”“I’m torn. I mean–it was offered as a gift. So I already feel bad about thinking of turning it down.”“Got a problem with the country?”“What? No! God no. I’ve wanted to go ever since I was a kid. This is the closest I’ve ever been to actually doing it.”“Then what’s stopping you? Your dad and your sister are from there.”“It’s just–it’s not my story to tell. Even if I knew that story, I wouldn’t talk about it. All I know both of them and Calliope’s mom swore to never go back. It’s kinda a learned thing for me to–avoid it. To stick to what I know about Greece. And what I know is it makes my family uncomfortable. Well, not really for uncle Deimos. He still goes back now and then.”It fuckin hits him them. Atreus needs to call Uncle Deimos.At this point Atreus is as fluent as he can be in Greek. His family has worked hard to get him to this point.“Uncle, I want to know your opinion on something. We’re recording, by the way, if that’s fine.”“Of course. And that is?”“How fucked up would it be for me to go to Greece?”He’s met with silence and that worries him. (And everyone who’s gathered nearby where they can hear him. (But they can’t understand a word of Greek themselves.))“… Is that where you’re supposed to go next?”“It’s a surprise offer. I have today to decide before we leave tomorrow. We’d be there about a week as well. But–well, you would know better than I do.”“That I do… . Listen Atreus. You’re an adult now. You can make decisions for yourself.”“I don’t want to upset–”“I know, Atreus. I know. I know better than you do about that. And as much as I love them, too, I still go. I never made the promise they did. I never lived their lives. If you can travel to where your mother was born, even with all the negatives in her life, why are you hesitating about going to Greece? What is the one thing your Father always tells you?”“‘Dammit Atreus, you need to sleep,’?”“–the next thing he always tells you.”“'You live your life for yourself. Not for me.’”“Does that help?”“Yeah. It does. But–you won’t tell them if I do it right? I’d rather not have radio silence if they find out. Which you know will happen.”“I won’t tell them. I’ll send you some suggestions on where to go.”“Thanks Uncle.”Atreus is all nerves. Jittery and bouncing and chewing hard on his lip. Atreus is a fuckin mess and when the hell are his meds going to kick in and finally work–its been a long ass flare up and while he’s held himself together pretty well, it’s made the entire project harder for everyone. But they couldn’t keep postponing it for his sake alone. And dammit he’s gonna be there for his friends.They spend the day they arrive resting and making plans for the next day, when they meet their guide who’s supposed to help Atreus with translating and knowing exactly where the places his uncle recommended are at.Atreus is in a balanced state of exhaustion and absolute excitement. He’s read up on Greece any chance he had without his dad knowing. Basically interrogating Mimir and Deimos when his dad wasn’t around to disapprove.“Hi. Atreus Theodoros-Laufeyson. Co-host of DBPG.”“Funnily enough, I know. My name is Athena Theodoros.”“… As in you know me from my work? Or you know me because you’re my aunt from my dad’s side?”“Oh fuck …““Your father is my brother, yes. I was contacted because I am your aunt and the fact that I work as a celebrity guide for all of Greece.”“As grateful as I am for meeting you and you coming out to meet us–I can’t in good conscious do anything else that would upset my family.”“I believed this might happen. I created this itinerary for you based on what you sent to me yesterday. Deimos always knew the best places. And thank you for making it possible to see how my brother is doing.”“Yeah, sure.”Atreus isn’t really sure what to make of the exchange (entirely in Greek), as he looks through the binder. It’s super high quality for being made in such a short time for an entire week.“My contact information is inside if any of you need my help as all.”Athena is nice and the vibe he gets from her tells him why she and his dad were close once. It’s the knowledge that she dropped all contact with his dad after what happened that makes him uneasy around her.Atreus spends the next few days in Greece enjoying his time, even as he struggles and is forced to sleep between destinations or even take a long break at a few.Even as everyone keeps a close eye on Atreus, Trucy and Efi keeping him between them, no one is prepared for when Atreus just fucking drops on the stairs.It’s a childhood nightmare revisited as Efi checks on him, Aloy beside them, unable to get a response. Trucy scrambles for Athena’s card for translation help because Magni and Modi can’t find a single person who speaks English well enough to give them the advice they need as they wait for an ambulance someone tells them they called in stilted English.But the time she has Athena on the phone, there’s more people who can walk them through it. A young woman–a fan that’s passing by–is the exact help they need as they plan to follow the ambulance and meet Athena at the hospital.It’s all over the internet, from fans that spotted them and followed their project quietly in Greece.Calliope can’t be mad that Atreus didn’t say anything about going there. She’s calm and collected as she talks to Aloy and the others. But she’s fucking terrified and on the verge of breaking as she calls her father.“Calliope–”“Call Aloy or Trucy. Atreus collapsed in Greece. I’m on the next flight out.”“I will be as well.”“Send me all the information I’ll need to know.”“I will.”The few hours it takes her to get there are too long. She breaks down on the plane, praying when she’s never prayed before. And it’s not to any god.“Faye, please–”Her anxiety is high and Lena doesn’t let go of her hand the entire flight. Calliope is sure she’d lose it even more if she did. The memories hard and hot and coming back too fast as they land. And she’s not sure which she would rather face: the memories, or the dread of what might be happening to her baby brother.But she doesn’t get a choice.Calliope faces both once she’s at the hospital and Aloy throws herself into her arms, with Athena shrinking away as she’s spotted.Athena isn’t what matters, or even if her grandfather or the family finds out they’re here.“Where is he?”“I don’t know,” Efi speaks up, the only one able to. “Athena said the doctor was waiting for you. Kratos said you would have Atreus’ entire health history.”“Mimir sent it while I was on the plane.”By the time she sees him, it’s obvious something is horribly wrong that they all missed.Atreus is pale–paler than when she last saw him. He’s bruised wherever he’s been handled–the worse in the areas of medical equipment. There’s also a dark bruise on his head where he hit the steps before any one could catch him.“… Calliope–”“You don’t deserve to be here. You don’t deserve to speak to him.”“I only want to help.”“Then leave! You didn’t help my father when Ares nearly killed him. You didn’t help when he set our house on fire trying to kill us! You stayed to work for the man who left us to his tender mercy. You, aunt Athena, don’t deserve to even know Atreus.”Magni’s heard enough, even if he only understands the sound of anger in the woman’s voice. The tears already falling from Calliope’s eyes. He sees how her entire body shakes, and the look on her face tells him that she’s not just seeing her brother in a hospital bed.Were it Modi, and their family, Magni wouldn’t hesitate to swing.He doesn’t say a thing to Athena before he herds her out of the room without touching her. He stays, silent, sure Atreus wouldn’t forgive him if Magni had let his sister suffer. He’s heard unedited footage of Atreus mentioning that Calliope refused to ever step foot in Greece again before he requested Aloy cut that out. The entire situation has to be absolute hell for her.“I almost died from smoke inhalation when I was eight. Both of my parents have burn scars.” He’s seen the ones on Kratos under the tattoos. “My father’s second wife died from cancer. He’s already almost lost Atreus once to childhood cancer.”“And now?”“–I-I’m scared we’re all going to lose him.”Calliope is on the edge of breaking, but holding Atreus hand keeps her together just a little bit more.“I swore I’d never come back. But if he dies, I swear I’ll be stuck here for the rest of my life.”“He won’t die. I’ve never met anyone with more fight in them than that kid.”“You don’t know that for sure.”“Neither do you.”He has to look away as Calliope rests her head on the bed, looking up at Atreus with teary eyes and a blank face, fingers running lightly along his bruised arm, kissing his fingers.“You have to stay, Atreus. Whatever’s wrong, we’ll fix it. I’m selfish. I can’t lose you when you’ve become such a large part of my life. I want to see you live out your dreams as I have. I want to still be apart of your journey. So please, be strong enough to make it through this.”In her scrambled thoughts, she sees her brother as he is, but also as the eleven year old who worked himself into a coughing fit the first time he saw her. The kid who cried the first time he saw her perform live on stage. She breaks, her body hollow and aching and burning and suffocating in more memories than the ones of actual fire.“Please Atreus. Please be okay. I need you.”

[anjcolumna]

Atreu wants sweets so much though it makes her hyperactive, I give in and make her a dessert that am sure she will enjoy. I decided to make Graham Silvanas. In this recipe, I use MY San Graham. This is my brand because it has the right taste (not too sweet and not too bland) it does blend well with any other ingredients that I put in it. With this, I am sure that I can make creative yummy desserts for the family that is affordable and delicious, too. Oh and did I mention that this is just Php99 dessert recipe? Very affordable indeed for Hobbyists like me. Please swipe left for easy instructions Only With MYSanGrahams. You may purchase M.Y. San Grahams here: Lazada: https://bit.ly/MYSanGrahamsLazada Shopee: https://bit.ly/MYSanGrahamsShopee #OnlyWithMYSanGrahams #EasyAsOneTwoTreats #PwedeKangKumita #BBCooks #BBMommas #BrandBuzzPh @brandbuzz_ph https://www.instagram.com/p/CVB9vDTBmPw/?utm_medium=tumblr

[egoldenretriever]

Cute Golden Retriever Names For Your New Puppy

A listing of Golden Retriever names made exclusively for this cheerful and loyal breed of dog is shown below. We certainly have looked for best Golden Retriever dog names and will as Golden Retriever puppy names to suit that cute furry ball you simply adopted.

Identifying your new best friend is definitely a trigger for celebration. Once you discover the perfect puppy names, collect the family members around and make it an unforgettable party too.

The very best dog names are sharp and short, something which calls your dog’s special attention. Additionally, it is critical that the name has a unique meaning and establishes your puppy apart. That unique meaning might be something one of a kind to your story, or perhaps something about a newly purchased dog.

There exists a broad range of names for Golden girls and Golden boys to select from. We separate the names in various groups for making it simple for you to identify the best fitting name for your new member of the family. Soon after choosing your Golden Retriever’s name, teach your puppy its name with their standard training.

Greatest Male Golden Retriever Names

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In the following, there are 15 best male Golden Retriever names with their meanings for different types of Golden Retrievers.

NameMeaningColor VariationCategory BuddyClose friendGoldenClassic DukeLeaderCreamTraditional LeafPart of a plantGoldenUnique CooperBarrel makerDark goldenTraditional CopperA red brown metalDark goldenUnique BlakePallid, light coloredCreamTraditional MaxGreatestCreamTraditional CharlieFree manGoldenClassic ScoutTrackerGoldenClassic EnzoRuler of the householdCreamUnique BarleyKind of cerealGoldenUnique HarleyWood, clearingDark goldenClassic WhiskeyAlcoholic drink; water of lifeDark goldenFun SashiMoonbeamCreamUnique LeoLion, braveDark goldenClassic

Best Golden Retriever Names For Male Young puppies

Male Golden Retrievers make exceptional domestic pets, and perhaps they are the first choice for many individuals who are looking to obtain a dog as pet. In case you have a brand new male Golden Retriever, make an effort to choose a masculine name which will reveal his physical or personality characteristics.

Remember that training a puppy on his new name would have been a bit easier in the event the name is short and straightforward to pronounce.

NameMeaningColor VariationCategory AceNobleGoldenPopular BoomerLarge, loudDark goldenFun OliverPiece offerCreamClassic DexterDryerCreamPopular BrunoShieldDark goldenClassic GeorgeTilter of the soilDark goldenTraditional MarleyFrom a book or movie, Marley and MeCreamPopular TuckerWalkerCreamClassic GrahamKind of cookieGoldenClassic RustyRuddy complexionDark goldenPopular NuggetAs in a gold nuggetGoldenFun BobbyFunny personGoldenFun TuckerAll heartDark goldenPopular LokiNorse god of mischiefDark goldenUnique OtisFortuneDark goldenUnique ChaseHunt, trailDark goldenFun MiloPeaceful, calmCreamFun BoltMove rapidlyCreamFun GusMajesticGoldenPopular RexKingDark goldenPopular AmigoFriendGoldenFun GuyFellowGoldenFun CodyHelp fullCreamClassic AndyBraveGoldenPopular JasperTreasurer Dark goldenUnique HenryHome rulerCreamTraditional LiamStrong willedGoldenClassic Billy Resolute protectorCreamPopular BlazeLike a fireGoldenUnique MurpheySea warriorCreamTraditional

Brave And Loyal Golden Retriever Dog Names For Males

Golden Retrievers are extremely brave, loyal, and make amazing domestic pets, and these types of characteristics, among others, are behind that bread’s huge attractiveness.

Let us check out some names which will boost these great characteristics inside your new Golden Retriever.

NameMeaningColor VariationCategory AkinsBraveGoldenVintage HuddBrave rulerCreamClassic HartmutBrave mindGoldenVintage YongBraveDark goldenUnique MinionPeople pleaserCreamRare BaronSon of strengthGoldenPopular KoenBraveDark goldenPopular KekoaThe brave oneCreamRare LealiFatefulDark goldenUnique ShahKingDark goldenRare FidelLoyalDark goldenPopular AtreusFearlessGoldenRare HumamCourageous and generousCreamRare GunnerBold warriorGoldenPopular LeonardLion heartedGoldenClassic ZufarBrave like a lionCreamUnique

Greatest Female Golden Retriever Dog Names

Let us check out the 15 greatest female Names for golden retrievers and their explanations. All of the names are divided according to the color of the coat as well as , the category.

NameMeaningColor VariationCategory GoldiePrecious metal, goldGoldenClassic LucyBorn of lightCreamFun AmarisChild of the moonCreamUnique MollyRebelliousGoldenTraditional SadiePrincessCreamClassic BellaBeautifulGoldenVintage NalaSweet, belovedDark goldenFun DonaLadyGoldenClassic CookieSweet biscuitDark GoldenFun SophieWisdom, intelligenceDark goldenTraditional StellaStarGoldenClassic PennyBronze coinDark goldenPopular LunaMoonCreamClassic PearlHighly prized gemCreamUnique GingerLight reddish yellow colorDark goldenFun

Best Golden Retrievers Names Just For Female Young Puppies

In case you are bringing a female Golden Retriever in your house, this is actually the perfect chance to choose her new name. Make use of dog’s looks and charm as drive to find Golden Retriever names that best illustrate her.

NameMeaningColor VariationCategory AmberJewel GoldenClassic TandyFlowerCreamUnique MinervaGoddess of wisdomCreamUnique LuluRemarkable or wonderfulGoldenVintage JulieVivaciousDark goldenPopular NellieSillyDark goldenPopular AryaNobleGoldenPopular PhoebeBrightCreamPopular MaceyWeaponDark goldenVintage SadieLady likeCreamFun BrandyBurned wineDark goldenPopular AddieNobleDark goldenClassic Emma WholeGoldenClassic RoxyStarGoldenClassic GoldilocksFairy tale heroineGoldenFun SunnyHappy, cheerfulGoldenPopular BonnieMeans beauty in GaelicCreamPopular BlondieSoft, delicateGoldenPopular DoryGiftCreamClassic HeidiOf noble birthDark goldenClassic LuzMeans light in SpanishCreamUnique LuciaLightCreamVintage HoneyCute and sweetGoldenTraditional AudreyStrong and nobleDark goldenTraditional ZoeyLifeGoldenFun ChloeBloomingCreamTraditional SkyeFree spiritedDark goldenUnique LexieDefenderDark goldenFun VickyConquerorCreamFun LeiaWearyDark goldenPopular

Brave And Loyal Golden Retriever Dog Names For Female

Female Golden Retrievers are not any less loyal and brave than their male equivalent and are worthy of a name which will reflect these personality characteristics.

Here are some names that effectively reveal these characteristics:

NameMeaningColor VariationCategory AltheaWith healing powersGoldenRare ValoraCourageousDark goldenClassic KelsiVictoriousGoldenTraditional VirikaBraveCreamRare MarciaWar likeDark goldenVintage CaseyVigilant, watchfulGoldenPopular Isis ThroneDark goldenClassic KerenRay of lightCreamPopular BriannaStrongCreamVintage KyraLord of the sunGoldenVintage ValentiaCourageDark goldenTraditional AnyaGraceCreamClassic LionaLionessCreamRare BraveFearlessGoldenUnique

Conclusion:

Deciding on the best name for your Golden Retriever might seem like a challenging activity, but do not worry, you simply need to do it once! There exists a broad range of names for Golden girls and Golden boys to select from, therefore I showed them within the list previously mentioned so you can easily select from.

source https://egoldenretriever.com/cute-golden-retriever-names-for-your-new-puppy/

[press-a-repeatedly]

Zul’s Top 9 Games of 2018

By Zul Edwards

Heyyy it’s me. I’m back! What a year! 2018 has come and gone and many awesome games have been played by everyone here at PAR. The votes were tallied, the results are in, and I am included in that bunch. However, some of the games I played and loved this year were no-shows on our list. Some AMAZING games that I think deserve a little love on our corner on the internet.  So, I thought, if you out there reading this were interested, (spoiler alert, nobody is) here is my OWN personal top nine games of 2018.

So, let’s get this thing started with my number 9!... oh yeah, I only played 9 games in 2018. heh.

9) No Man’s Sky – So I was one of those gamers who was excited for NMS when it was first announced a few years back. Thought the idea of exploring a quintillion planet was awesome. Then the game came out, I heard it sucked, and I ignored it. Enter a couple years later when it was on sale, had a ton of updates and new features: true online with friends, customizable characters, base building, and a brand-new story. However, it wasn’t enough to keep me hooked. Don’t get me wrong, I liked exploring the various galaxies and doing various side quests, engaging in dogfights with pirates and mining for space gold, but overall it just still felt so empty, so repetitious, and so… blah. I guess I still prefer quality over quantity, even if the quantity is in the quintillions.  

8) The Alliance Alive – The first on the list of “Games only Zul played this year”. The Alliance Alive is a 3DS game from the creators of the classic “Legend of Legacy”, literally a game I borrowed from Justin, played for all of 30 minutes, then promptly returned to Justin never to be spoken of again. So, to my surprise when he told me the same studio was making another game, The Alliance Alive, but it was helmed by one of the writers of the Suikoden franchise, I was cautiously optimistic. Much to my (pleasant) surprise, the game was good! A blend of classic JRPG turned based battles with flairs of modernization: skills learned through fighting, increased stats based on the location of fighters in battles, and a darker story not usually found in those classic SNES/PS1 RPGs this seems to emulate.  While the main characters fall into some pretty cliché tropes, the side characters really shine. From giant axe-wielding lizard men that remind me of my own D&D character, to a demon-dog-man butler, to a mad child genius scientist who rides a duck robot, this game has a lot of flavor. I really should go back and finish.

7) Chasm – While it’s no secret that I love Castlevania games, I think it’s fair to say I’m not really a giant fan of Metroidvania games. I prefer the simpler side-scrolling action of Castlevania, constantly moving forward towards a goal of smacking Drac in the face with a metal whip, to the backtracking and map completing chore of most Metroidvania games. With that said, something about the less intense and simpler format of Chasm kept me hooked till the end. I didn’t mind backtracking and completing the map in Chasm because it wasn’t as vast or complicated as other games in the genre. It was colorful, had great music, stellar pixel art and a fun yet challenging battle system and platforming. Overall it was a blast to play, but it just got overshadowed in a year filled with superior games.

6) God of War – “WHAT THE FUCK?” I hear you slam on your keyboards as I place the unrivaled GOTY in a paltry 6th place. Don’t get me wrong, this game is good. In fact, it’s VERY good. However, for whatever reason, I guess this game didn’t hook me like it did for everyone else. I only have a passing familiarity with the GoW series. Even though I’m a diehard SonyBoy, I only ever played GoW 1 and never beat it. Kratos and Atreus are some of the best written and best-acted characters to come out of a video game in this year or any year. Hell, if we had a “best new character” category again this year, I would struggle to not put Atreus in the top 3. The music is amazing, the writing is fantastic, the scope, cinematography and the constant one camera perspective were all stellar achievements in the medium of gaming, not to mention I’m pretty much obsessed with all things Norse… BUT. I dunno. Little things kept taking me out of it. Atreus’s sudden, jarring mood swings. The poor pacing in certain parts. The sudden introduction of major characters and/or story elements, that felt kind of brushed over and/or rushed. The lackluster side content, the padding and the empty worlds. The game is good. But it never felt great to me. Most games that I love, I think about when I’m not playing them, then I rush home from work to play them because I want to complete them, either for the story or because the gameplay is addicting, but this game felt more like a chore sometimes. I didn’t even buy it, I just borrowed it from Butch earlier in the year when it came out. I’m sorry Cory. I tried but I just didn’t love this game.

5) Moonlighter – Now here’s a game I absolutely adored. Flew under my radar and was recommended by Nick. By day you’re a humble shopkeeper, selling various wares and curios. By night, (by… MOONLIGHT) you explore dungeons ala Link to the Past style in a top-down view, into randomly generated maps. Each area has different items to collect & new materials to find, which you bring back to the shop to sell, which with the money you earn, can craft new weapons, which will get you further into dungeons, which will mean you find more items to sell which means you make more gold to spend on armor and weapons, which means you can get better materials to keep delving deeper, WHICH MEANS… ahem. Ah yes. That classic feedback loop. It sucked me in. It’s simple but effective in keeping me engaged. Coupled with a great art style, fluid beautiful pixel graphics and a surprisingly good amount of story for this type of game, Moonlighter took a nice chunk of my time early in the year.

4) Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom – Another entry in “Games only Zul played this year”, NNK2 was a surprise hit for me. I never played NNK1 and heard rather negative things about it from Nick over the years. I bought NNK2 on a whim months after it came out because it was on sale and I was craving a good JRPG, and it did not disappoint. I loved pretty much everything about this game. The music, the story, the beautiful not quite Ghibli, but practically Ghibli art style, the characters, the mechanics, the town building, the combat… it was everything I was looking for. There were certainly parts in the middle that lagged a bit, and the general “go to town > solve town’s problem > make an alliance with the town” could be considered cliché or predictable, but every town felt unique and its inhabitants all felt genuine. Recruiting citizens into your kingdom and assigning them all a role in your castle was a time sink I didn’t realize I would be so into, but I think I spent more hours on that than anything else in the game. And it also gets marks for being the other child in a video game besides Atreus, King Evan, that I didn’t want to strangle, and in fact by the time the credits rolled, he’d probably be #2 or 3 in Best Character of the Year for me.

3) Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Now as far as JRPGS go, Dragon Quest is the ultimate grand-daddy, even more so than Final Fantasy, but it was a series I never really got into. I played some previous games in the series and found passing enjoyment in a couple titles but never enough to ever want to complete a game or seek out other entries in the series. That all kind of changed when I played DQ 11. DQ has never really strayed too far from its classic turn-based JRPG roots. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” would be their mantra I assume, and I love it. In a time when the turn-based system is all but gone from genre giant Final Fantasy, DQ has instead chosen to stick with it, and fully master the dying style. It was hands down the best JRPG I’ve played all year, and probably one of the best I’ve played in several years. It has everything: a great story, compelling characters, awesome music, amazing art style, engaging combat, fun side quests, a challenging yet fair difficulty curve, and it’s actually, really funny on top of all that. While the length might scare people away, (I clocked in right around 120 hours after getting the platinum trophy for 100% completion of the game) it’s some of the best time I spent gaming in a long time. It’s a classic in a modern era. It’s weird, if you said to teenage Zul “one of your favorite JRPGs ever will be Dragon Quest 11, and one of your least favorite JRPGs will be Final Fantasy 15”, he would never have believed you… but here we are.

2) Monster Hunter World – Ah yes. The one oddball in my gaming repertoire. I think we all have one of these, right? That one game/series that for whatever reason, sits outside your normal gaming habits, yet you love it, nonetheless. Maybe you love Halo and FPS games, but you also really like Animal Crossing for some reason. Or maybe you’re a diehard Dark Souls series fan but just can’t get enough of Cooking Mama as well. Variety is the spice of life they say, and while I’m primarily a “character & story first, RPGs, video games are art” kind of dude, something about smashing Monsters in the face with a giant hammer has kept me hooked on the Monster Hunter series for nearly 10 years. I love the challenging but fair battles, the deep customization, the various weapons and armors for both male and female hunters, the varied and unique monsters that all have their own ecology, musical themes, and battle styles you must learn and adapt to if you want to survive. It’s also linking up with friends (or even strangers online) and tackling a beast as a team. For all these reasons and so much more, this series sunk its claws in me from the very first time I played it, and it hasn’t let go. Monster Hunter World is the next-gen, beautifully realized game I’ve wanted for years; and it took the story, art, gameplay, and fun I’ve come to expect from this series to another level.

1) Red Dead Redemption II – I honestly don’t know how to write about this game. I can say all the other things I’ve said up until now about how great the music is (it’s amazing), how varied and alive the characters feel (they’re amazing), how stunningly awe-inspiring the scenery is or how fluid and lifelike the character animations are (they’re amazing), how the story and personal journey of Arthur Morgan literally brought me to tears more than once (he’s #1 in Best Characters btw. And they’re amazing), how rich every side quest is, how fun the mini-games are, how great the dialogue is, or any of the other truly breath-taking aspects of the game, but I don’t think I could do them justice. Hell, I don’t even know how to put them into words myself inside my own head. To me, this is one of those games that surpasses all of that. Yea, it has flaws, every game does, everyTHING does, but to me, it’s perfect, warts and all.  I can’t give it much higher praise than that, and it is absolutely the best game I played in years. When a game can give me an extensional crisis during some of its final moments, I think it’s safe to say that It’ll stick with me and has undoubtedly set a very high bar for all future games. The team at Rockstar outdid themselves and have my thanks for bringing this game into the world.

PHEW. Well, that’s it. Top 9 games of 2018 according to Zully Boy. Another great year in gaming for me personally and here’s to another great year in 2019! Lots to look forward to, and hopefully some hidden gems that’ll surprise me along the way. Happy Gaming everyone!

[plug2game-blog]

2018's finest video games from 'God of War' to 'Super Smash Bros.'

Tech columnist Marc Saltzman offers his take on the very best family-friendly computer game of the year. USA TODAY

Parents who feel they're combating a losing battle against Fortnite are turning to dependency treatment programs.(Image: Impressive Games)

CONNECT TWEET LINKEDIN REMARK E-MAIL MORE"Fortnite" and the pattern of"battle royale"may have commanded much of the attention paid to video games in

2018, however lots of other releases got here to occupy lovers of the interactive medium.From multiplayer fighters to single-player role-playing games, 2018 had video games for everyone and every kind of gamer. We

even saw a couple of popular franchises release some long-awaited new titles. With the calendar turning toward 2019 and the video game market preparing yourself for its next generation of consoles for the next decade, U.S.A. TODAY's Eli Blumenthal, Brett Molina, Marc Saltzman and Mike Snider use an appearance at a few of their preferred computer game of the year that was."Fortnite" (Free to have fun with in-game purchases, ranked T for teen ages 13-up, for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and mobile phones)Technically, it launched more than a year earlier, however 2018 has actually unquestionably been the year of"Fortnite."It presented the masses to the "fight royale "-- a competitive match where the last individual standing wins-- combining it with"Minecraft"- like constructing to reach a mainstream audience couple of computer game accomplish. And it kept reeling in new gamers and veterans alike with fun occasions including the Might meteor striking the video game's island landscape in Season 4." Fortnite"likewise sneakily taught a generation how to dance. See those kids at a wedding doing "the floss"? Thank "Fortnite."

In the Sony PlayStation 4 video game, 'God of War," Kratos and his child, Atreus, explore the land of Norse mythology.(Picture: Sony Computer System Home Entertainment)"God of War" ($39.99, ranked Fully grown for ages 17-up, for Sony PlayStation 4). Combating divine being Kratos has a make over, brand-new weapons and a brand-new addition to the family, child Atreus, in the current in this action-adventure series. The video game's brand-new video camera angle frames a larger-scale Kratos, who wields a magic ax that returns when flung, as Thor's hammer does. The scale itself is enormous, too, and longtime fans will require to discover brand-new combating techniques to conquer some enormous opponents. Thankfully, Atreus wields a bow and arrow and is a valuable partner. And the story between him and Kratos brings another remarkable aspect to a dazzling game.In the computer game 'Beast Hunter: World,' you should unite to remove giant beasts.( Image: Capcom)

"Beast Hunter: World"

$30 and up, ranked T for ages 13-up, for PS4, Xbox One and PC).

While a much bigger offer in the East-- previously-- the "Monster Hunter" franchise has actually lastly gotten the industrial and crucial praise it deserves in the West, thanks to the current in the series, "Beast Hunter: World." The action-heavy role-playing video game does not avoid what made its predecessors so buzzworthy-- banding with others to remove huge beasts, by using various strategies depending upon the job at hand-- but this newest video game adds a compelling narrative, better weapon crafting and looting opportunities, smooth online multiplayer assistance and excellent graphics.NBA 2K19 is the

latest version of the popular sports video game franchise. (Picture: Take-Two Interactive)

Sports video games

($40 and up, "FIFA 19," "Madden 19," "NBA 2K19" and "NHL 19"; "MLB The Show 18," $20 and up; ranked E for different consoles, except "NHL 19," ranked E 10+ for 10-up).

Every year, sports games see roster updates to add a layer of freshness to their predecessors, perhaps with a visual refinement or brand-new game mode as well. In 2018, nevertheless, all five of the major sports titles produced a few of their best work to date, particularly in the area of gameplay to make each appear like its most practical and refined variation yet.

Select your favorite fighter and bet the game's A.I. or a friend, to see who rules supreme. This animation fighter is a blast.(Photo: Nintendo)"

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate "($ 59.99, rated E10 + for the Nintendo Change)

. Nintendo constantly has a high bar to beat when it comes to new additions of its most popular franchises such as "Zelda," "Super Mario" and "Mario Kart." In December, it included the long-awaited next title to its "Super Smash Bros." line, and "Ultimate" not only lives up to that bar but exceeds it. "Ultimate" unites characters from the battling game's almost 20-year history. From the renowned characters to the HD animation fights, "Ultimate" is one of the very best Change games yet and a great tip that not every multiplayer game requires to be a "Fortnite"-like "fight royale" to be fun.

There's lots of chances to see out cover during fight in 'Red Dead Redemption 2.'( Picture: Rockstar Games )"

Red Dead Redemption 2 "($ 60 and up, rated Fully grown for ages 17-up, for PS4 and Xbox One).

This open-world explorable video game from the makers of the "Grand Theft Auto" games lets you rob, cheat and steal your method through the turn-of-the-century Wild West as part of a hooligan gang. You can likewise hunt, fish and play poker, in addition to bounty hunting. And as soon as you complete the massive video game, there's a "Red Dead Online" game that owning this gives you open door to.Feel like a superhero with Sony and Marvel's Spider-Man computer game for the PlayStation 4.(Photo: Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC.

)"Marvel's Spider-Man "($ 40 and up, rated Teenager for 13-up, for PS4).

Not because the Batman "Arkham" series has a video game better depicted life in superhero leggings. The most recent undertaking from Insomniac Games ("Cog and Clank," "Sunset Overdrive") includes a knowledgeable Peter Parker balancing his personal life with his responsibility as New York's friendly community hero. You'll encounter enemies such as Physician Octopus and Kingpin, separate local criminal activities and joyfully swing all over downtown New York City. However the surprise feature is a photo mode where gamers can catch their experiences in stunning information. He actually does whatever a spider can.

"Tetris Impact," which is playable in 4K on PlayStation 4 and in virtual truth on the PSVR headset, and adds a brand-new level of immersion to the timeless puzzle formula.(Photo: Sony Computer System

Home Entertainment )"Tetris Impact "($ 20 and up, all ages, for PS4 and PlayStation VR)

. It's a brand-new spin on an old game, however, boy, is it enjoyable. And at less than $20, it's a take. Released by Sony Computer System Entertainment America, "Tetris Impact" is playable in 4K on PlayStation 4-- or better yet, in virtual truth through a PSVR headset-- and adds a new level of immersion to the traditional puzzle formula. You know the drill: Turn the tetrominoes so that they produce (and then ruin) a solid line, so you do not increase the accumulate too expensive. In between its available, easy-to-pick-up-but-hard-to-put-down gameplay and enchanting visuals to its pulse-pounding music and several modes, "Tetris Result" might be the very best video game of 2018 (you never played).

Follow our press reporters on Twitter: @eliblumenthal, @brettmolina23, @marc_saltzman and @mikesnider

CONNECT TWEET LINKEDIN REMARK E-MAIL MORE Check out or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2018/12/28/2018-best-video-games-god-war-super-smash-bros/1893284002/

[seven-oomen]

I mean, when I first thought of the trail mix thing, I was definitely thinking of Stiles and Jackson.  Then I thought, wait, that whole family is made up of dumbasses, assholes, and dumbass assholes.  It really could work for any combo of them.  Hence the more open-ended suggestion.  And I mean, some of the dog treats we carry could easily be mistaken for regular snacks anyway (hell, there’s one brand looks like a Teddy Graham, but is all bland fruit flavors.)  Also, now you’ve got me super nervous with that latest hint.  Doubt about what, exactly?…  There are so many potential options, some of them definitely more fraught than others.  Should I stock up on more coping consumables?

Hope you enjoyed your movie.  Today I’m opting for Winter Soldier, because while I may not be able to muster up any patriotism for America right now, I can always manage it (among myriad other emotions…) for America’s Ass.  And that movie is not only amazing, but comes with a bonus of 3 total Caps in it (technically.)  Though I can literally never watch it without my brain at least once going “hey, that’s the nurse from American Werewolf in London!” (the Security Council lady), which is apparently only entertaining to me, but I don’t care.

Had another thought brought on by too many Tasty videos (I know, I have a problem, I’m just not ready to deal with it yet.)  I know we’d discussed Chris kinda being the main cook of the three, as well as making the occasional fancy pastry and probably the more regular desserts.  Peter I can see being the one to make the more elaborate, fancy cakes and pies for special occasions, because he has a better grasp of how to extra, but classy about it.  Like, Chris will handle it if they need bulk amounts of things made for a bake sale (though others may chip in to help), while Peter will make it if they need something attention-grabbing for like a raffle or something.  Now, normally Noah doesn’t bake much outside a few handed down holiday recipes (he can very rarely be convinced to make some ridiculously delicious triple chocolate chunk cookies that he refuses to share the recipe for, but it takes a lot of convincing to outweigh Stiles’ potential tantrums about healthy eating.  [Mostly Stiles is mad because he REALLY wants the recipe, but clings to the easiest excuse]), but the idea occurred to me that maybe while he’s stuck at home more during the latter part of his pregnancy, he develops an interest in bread-making.  He already has some experience with dough from his family’s pierogi recipes (and he has a babka one he’d loved to try if he felt more confident, so), he can take rests while the dough is proving, he finds the kneading very meditative (and he certainly has the arm strength for it), and just mostly finds he rather enjoys it.  And the family certainly enjoys the fruits of his labors.  After the twins are born, he starts branching out into different, fancier kinds as the mood strikes him, and Peter gets very used to coming home to a house that smells of fresh baked bread and home cooked food, underlined with the scents of his mates and pups.  He finds he adores it on an almost spiritual level.

I…I think that was everything?   I’ll probably think of something as soon as I submit this, I usually do.  I hope you’re feeling better, and that writing has gone well today (and that you found some good games.  I had a number of friends talking about Steam’s sale [they apparently like to look through all the super cheap stuff for the so-bad-they’re-good kinds of fun.])  Did you know Keahu Kahuanui does/has done cosplay for Assassin’s Creed?  And Cody Christian and Tyler Hoechlin both did voices for the FF7 remake?  (You probably did, but the fact that Derek Hale voiced Sephiroth will never not be funny to me, so.)  Actually, there’s another costume idea - video game characters (I admit you probably have a far better repertory of known characters to pull from than I do.  I’m a casual gamer at the most generous.)

But anyway, hugs to you and Mo, good vibes and (hopefully) helpful inspiration!  Can’t wait to see what kinds of hints we get next!

Ok it’s 3 am, and I just finished some Detroit become Human on PC so whoops. (Already owned it on Ps4 but the Steam sale was too good. Three games for the price of one) Ah well, it’s Saturday (Sunday now?) and I have today off too.

I mean, that’s fair. A lot of dog treats honestly look like something I could eat when I’m not paying attention and just shoveling snacks into my mouth. (Also on another note, I may have eaten the dog’s kibble as a young child and my brother pulled a prank on me when I was an older child and fed me kibble without me knowing.) So I can definitely see how this family filled with dumbass assholes would pull it on one another. And it’s a fantastic image! XD

I debating on what kind of warning I should give this. Because I’m hoping it’s a bit impactful/emotional, but it’s not about the boys. I think that’s the best warning I can give it. It’s about a character in the main story that isn’t the main ship. But it has unforeseen consequences/implications? So maybe getting some good snacks is not a bad idea. Is that vague enough while also being considerate enough?

Huh actually, I might put in the set up for another reveal about another character. I’ve been working on that one for a while. (Nothing bad, just one of those, huh okay neat! things. I hope.)

Sully was so good, holy shit. I definitely enjoyed that one! Can highly recommend it actually. And yeah, as far as the MCU goes, WInter Soldier is one of my absolute favorites. I think for me it’s Thor Ragnarok, Black Panther, Winter Soldier. In that order. They’re just really good movies and definitely some of the funnier/better movies in the MCU. Although with Black Panther I did go: Lion King did it! a couple of times. But that’s okay, I loved the 90′s version of that too, so.

And Winter Soldier is def worth it for America’s ass, hmmhmm.

I love that headcanon, I can just see Peter coming home after some grueling day at the office, the house smells like fresh bread and pastries and freshly cooked lasagna, there’s the soft arguing of Stiles and Noah over recipes, Chris is just pulling dinner out of the oven. Allison has set the table with Lydia. Danny and Jackson are watching over the twins while Scott and Malia are keeping Ben entertained. And Derek is helping Chris with Dinner.

Their house has never been more lively and Peter’s living for it. Makes his entire day filled with dumb businessmen worthwhile because this is what he gets to come home to.

Did you know Keahu Kahuanui does/has done cosplay for Assassin’s Creed?  And Cody Christian and Tyler Hoechlin both did voices for the FF7 remake?

I did not actually, on both! (I’m terrible at voices/names, it’s honestly a thing.. I ain’t proud of it.)

But that explains why Sephiroth sounded so low key familiar to me. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Will definitely have to revisit that now. And I will say, Cody does a great job as Cloud.

Oooh that’s a good one though. Hmmm I feel maybe the FF franchises would have enough characters to do group cosplays. Or Kingdom hearts. The Witcher might have a few. 

Oh! Or a bunch of ‘adventurers’ for the group. Like Peter could be Nathan Drake. Chris could be Joel Miller. Noah could be Arthur Morgan. Jackson could be Cloud. Malia could be Lara Croft. Allison could be Clementine (TWD). Stiles could be Sora (KH). Lydia could be Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn).  Ben could be Atreus (God of War). Scott could do Link (Zelda). And they could go as this rag tag group of adventurers.

There are probably better ideas, but it’s almost 4 am and my sleeping pills are kicking in. So I’m gonna go catch some sleep.

But this was fun! <3

[gamingtipsandtrickshacks]

God of War Review -- The Best God of War Ever

The brand new chapter of the God of War saga is finally here, but if you expect it to have much in common with Kratos’ tribulations from the past, you’ll probably be disappointed, or at least extremely surprised. It’s time to clear our mind of all preconceptions and embark into a brand new adventure.

The most obvious difference is the setting: gone is Greece, replaced by the cold North. Kratos is still going to meet and fight gods, but this time around it’s Norse mythology to form the base for the story, and it does so for the better. The good folks at Sony Santa Monica didn’t just adopt Scandinavian myths and legends but forged them into one of the most vibrant and interesting fantasy settings I have seen in a long time.

The story begins with Kratos and his son Atreus as they burn the body of the boy’s mother. Her last wish dictates that the two scatter her ashes from the highest peak in the realms. Before they can depart, a strange tattooed man appears at the door of Kratos’ hut, seemingly aware of his divine nature.

Our short-tempered hero doesn’t like to be questioned, so a titanic battle ensues. After finally dispatching the rather resilient opponent, Kratos and Atreus depart for their adventure, which will definitely be a lot more complicated than expected.

The change in setting is just the tip of the iceberg, as Kratos himself is quite far from the consistently raging character that we left at the end of the previous game. While he still struggles to keep calm and collected, his newfound role as a father gives him new responsibilities, forcing him to hold his nature at bay or to find a new one within himself.

Of course, being the son of the God of War isn’t exactly easy, especially if said god isn’t willing to tell you squat about his own nature and yours. This is the conundrum that Atreus will have to face, as the two men, old and young, struggle to get closer to each other possibly without this resulting in too many bruises. The generational gap is the least of the problems that Kratos and Atreus will have to face, and the way they grow together as characters is probably one of the most charming aspects of this game.

This is probably the biggest innovation brought to the table by God of War. The previous games of the series were fun despite their characters. Exhilarating action gameplay and fantastic graphics (for the time) were the main attraction, while the story was pretty much an accessory. It’s a bit difficult to have compelling and nuanced storytelling when your main character has two states of mind, angry and angrier.

On the other hand, the new title comes with a cast that is rich in charm and depth. Kratos himself has grown into an extremely compelling character with plenty of emotional depth and his share of vulerabilities. His guff manners should not deceive, as there is definitely a lot to discover beneath the thick hide of this veteran father-warrior. As a matter of fact, in some aspects, he has turned into the geometric opposite of who he was. His abrupt speech patterns and unfriendly mannerism used to make him annoying. Now, thanks to the exceptional writing and the presence of Atreus as a perfect counterpart, they have become endearing traits, and definitely enjoyable.

Atreus himself is a great co-protagonist. Kratos’ son is depicted as flawed and immature. Yet, that’s done in a way that masterfully avoids turning him into a nuisance and indeed encourages the player to grow attached to this fledgling would-be warrior who struggles to live up to his super-stern father’s expectations, while dealing with his own mysterious and often uncomfortable nature.

The rest of the cast is equally well written and designed, and I can honestly say that for the first time I truly enjoyed the story of a God of War game. Until a couple of years ago, I would have never, ever, thought this possible.  The God of War series is all grown-up now, and I say this with the most positive sentiment possible.

For the first time in the story of the franchise, the strong narration and writing spark a wide range of feelings, going from deeply moving movements to absolutely hilarious skits, and the best part is that it all feels perfectly natural.

The story and characters are supported by absolutely superb voice acting, and the continuous dialogue between Kratos and Atreus is interesting and enjoyable all the way through the game.

Speaking of audio, every single aspect of the production is top-notch, from the sound design that perfectly sets the atmosphere of the imperious Norse landscape, to the score by Bear McCreary, which is hands-down one of the best soundtracks I have heard in a game of this genre in a long time.

One of the few aspects sticking to the tradition of the series is the graphics. I tested the game on PS4 Pro, and I have to say that the game looks truly spectacular. I am always amazed by the visual results that Sony’s top first-party studios manage to achieve on a console, and this is no exception.

Those playing on PS4 Pro like I did will have the chance to choose between a “favor resolution” mode that renders the game at 2160p checkerboard or a “favor performance” mode that renders at 1080p, with better frame rate.  The game is a true joy for the eyes in both modes, but it’s certainly good to have options (you can check out the difference in our dedicated article).

It’s actually difficult to judge which element looks better between the rich environments and the beautifully detailed character models. The world is brought to life masterfully, even thanks to advanced lighting and effects.

Amazing texture work is probably the best aspect of the characters, and rarely I have seen gameplay models so close to cutscene quality. They’re super-detailed, expressive, and fantastically animated.

Speaking of animation, it feels extremely visceral thanks to the combination with proficient camera work and the awesome sound design I mentioned above. You will “feel” every impact of Kratos’ axe directly in your stomach, and even something as simple as opening a chest has an “oomph” that is rarely seen in games.

Of course, the true king of the God of War franchise has always been gameplay, and that still holds true with this new game. Yet, this is not to say that it’s similar. As a matter of fact, it really isn’t. The new God of War is closer to an extremely stylish action-RPG than to a pure hack-and-slash.

The development team adopted a rather deep system involving plenty of loot, equipment and upgrades, alongside multiple skill trees, and this works as a very solid base for the new battle mechanics.

Combat itself has plenty of depth and nuance, discouraging button mashing even at the normal difficulty setting, and spurring the player to learn his “tools of the trade” in the forms of combos, blocks, dodges, and magical abilities. It’s definitely more tactical and complex than what God of War fans are used to, without losing one bit of its exhilarating nature.

The game presents the player with a good variety of enemies, each of which requires a different approach to be fought effectively, keeping you on your toes and ensuring that battle never gets old all the way throughout the adventure.

Things are made even more interesting by the fact that you don’t fight alone. Atreus acts as an adventuring companion and as the perfect distraction to allow you to unleash that devastating and extremely satisfying combo. Like his father, he can be customized (even if to a lesser extent) in order to further adapt him to your favorite playstyle or to the situation. His presence adds another layer of depth to the already engaging battle system.

The true star, at least for me, is Kratos’ new axe. It’s powerful and visceral, turning combat into a brutal and immersive activity. Upgrading and customizing it is satisfying and rewarding, and it comes with an extremely cool feature: not only it can be thrown with various effects depending on your skills and customization, but it can also be recalled by pressing triangle. When you do that, it won’t just reappear in Kratos’ hand, but it will actually fly back to it, hitting unsuspecting enemies in the back. It’s actually difficult to describe how cool this feels before you try it yourself.

Once mastered, God of War’s combat is one of the most rewarding I have tried in a long time. Kratos becomes a hurricane of death and destruction, blocking, shield bashing, slicing, dicing, spinning around and throwing his axe at an enemy further away, while pummeling closer monsters with punches and kicks, and then recalling the weapon to catch two more draugr in the back, before going in for one of the several spectacular finishers. It’s fast, complex, addictive, and exhilarating, but I never once felt like I wasn’t in control.

As a matter of fact, I have never felt so much in control in a God of War game, and the sensation this gives is fantastic.

The axe is also used extensively to solve quite a few puzzles scattered across the landscape. One particular kind requires you to strike some bells in order to unlock a chest. It may sound banal, but it often isn’t, and fluidly hitting your targets while calling your weapon back will feel definitely satisfying the first time you manage to pull the stunt.

Another extremely pleasing aspect of God of War is just how much content it packs. It’s not an open-world game, but there is a lot of real estate to visit, and plenty of room for exploration and for hunting secrets on top of the long and meaty story. Every realm that you visit looks and feels very different, and it’s really amazing that Sony Santa Monica managed to include this much gameplay while keeping the overall level of quality so consistently high. There is even an enormous amount of lore that can be collected to immerse yourself deeper into the setting.

Ultimately, God of War is the perfect example of how it’s possible to revolutionize a beloved series while improving it massively, in a way that does not feel unnatural. Mechanical improvements add up on top of a compelling story and impressively solid and likable characters.

Cory Barlog and his team managed to reinvent the wheel, and while they added more pieces, it rolls smoother than ever before, providing the best God of War experience of the history of the franchise.

[walters21santiago-blog]

IOS 9 Video Game Development Basics

If you're trying to find your video gaming repair and absolutely nothing on the App Store is piquing your interest, you need to give soft-launched games a shot. And the thing is by now we don't have any working Macs left to do development deal with, and we 'd effectively have to update stuff Lords Mobile hack and buy brand-new Apple package to evaluate on and spend time going back and revamping all the video games to make them work again and ... offered just how little we left them in the first place, and how skint we are and dedicated to other work, we simply can't validate supporting them any more. That said, I doubt anyone is purchasing mobile devices specifically to play parlor game. Without a doubt, it's one of the most ingenious puzzle games to get here in recent times. In June 2017, lords mobile cheats represented ten percent of the time U.S. mobile users spent with apps, that made video gaming apps the third most popular category at that time. This guide information a list of the best offline iPhone games. Apps or video games that produce a favorable impact in communities all over the world (concentrated on health, education, crisis reaction, refugees, monetary health and fundraising functions). Depth: When getting a new iPad game, you'll mainly Lords Mobile tips want to search for video games that have hours upon hours of gameplay readily available. A lot of the video games on this list are meatier fare, but Pigeon Wings completely nails its bite-sized, arcade-style technique. There's no scarcity of charming, color-matching puzzle video games on the App Store, but Tiny Bubbles still finds an unique hook in a very familiar category. The great feature of the integration on iOS is that you don't need to go back to the Mixer Create Lords Mobile Hack app to do anything. While it expands the 'œpuzzles, except scary' visual of the first 3 video games, it's really simply the latest in a series that we believe you must check out in its entirety. The social aspect is often lost in the translation, as the majority of digital parlor game rely greatly on asymmetric turn-based play. That will not occur for some time though - the games have the tendency to go on for too long, unless you're paying no attention whatsoever. The Riptide GP Lords Mobile Cheats are possibly the best racers offered in all of Android video gaming. In iOS 12, you'll have the ability to produce characters that have your very own appearance, selecting skin color, hairdo, and equipping your Memoji with accessories. Hamish Black produced a video praising the video game's companion, Atreus And Bullet Points Regular monthly published its own series of fascinating critiques God of War feels like a video game we'll keep in mind as a distinctly Lords Mobile Hack 2018 item: a glossy testimony to the impressive artistry and craft of video games at this moment, and a tip of what does it cost? room the medium still has to grow. On iOS, Adventure has no in-app purchases (IAP) other than a physical gear shop that is unassociated to gameplay. The Room is a series of escape puzzle video games. AR Dragon lets you hatch your own dragon egg and take care lords mobile hack of it. With each passing day of you playing this AR app for iOS, your little dragon grows. This post will be routinely updated to make sure you have the conclusive word on which Gameloft video games you can use your 64-bit OS. There are actually hundreds of countless iPad and iPhone video games on Apple's App Shop, crossing all genres, from small designers to global publishers. 3 years ago, we set out to bring people together around games. If Android isn't even recognised as a vide lords mobile cheats platform, it's practically as. The sad thing is that if just there 'd been a couple of more users, if only we 'd had the ability to charge a number of quid instead of a pittance, I might have been rather happy doing more of those little games indefinitely. We have actually picked these games on the basis of download rate, release rate, graphics quality, user rankings and a few of the individual experience of our group. IOS video games are supposed to be time-wasters: digital trinkets Lords Mobile Cheats to sidetrack and amuse for a couple of commutes. You'll have to take down ships and cities and play mini-games in order to earn gold pieces and lots more. There's a very wide variety of Android devices that we want to support," Impressive Games' Nick Chester told Forbes We want to make certain Android gamers have an excellent experience, so we're taking more time to obtain it right. The trio of Galcon video games by Phil Hassey is rather more instinctive Lords Mobile hack, with its easy prod-based gameplay; Galcon takes Threat into area, sets it in real-time and then, to contribute to your issues, massively speeds everything up - it's not uncommon for an entire dispute to be over within minutes.

[the-elite-gamer-blog]

God of War Review

When we last saw Kratos in God of War 3, he had single-handedly taken out all the gods of Olympus, ending his furious rampage throughout Ancient Greece by killing his father Zeus in brutal fashion. Now, God of War takes place many years later in a new Norse mythology realm, featuring Kratos in a way he has never been seen before. The game is an incredible work of art that pays close attention to detail, making it feel like something straight out of a movie. The game is framed with one continuous camera shot that keeps all the focus on Kratos and his new son Atreus. The relationship between these two constantly evolves throughout the story, and we see Kratos as a vulnerable father for the first time in the game's history. The story begins as Kratos and Atreus mourn the loss of Kratos' wife, and set out on a journey to the tallest peak in all the realms to fulfill her last wish. A number of obstacles stand in the way of completing the journey, the most troublesome are the Norse gods. Baldur, Odin's son, has been sent after Kratos for reasons that are unclear until the very end of the game. Throughout the journey, you are constantly troubled by Baldur and Thor's sons, as you try to uncover what they want with Kratos and Atreus.

The relationship between Kratos and Atreus is one of the game's most alluring aspects. From what you can tell at the beginning of the game, Kratos does not seem to have the best relationship with his son, as the boy clearly favored his mother. This is a father and son with two strikingly different personalities, Kratos a warrior with a heart of steel, and Atreus still young and innocent. As the game progresses it is clear Kratos loves his son and would strike down anyone who threatens him, but he is cold to Atreus and is unsure of how to relate to the boy. For most of the game, Kratos calls Atreus "Boy," and hardly ever touches or looks his son in the eyes. It becomes clear that Kratos is hard on the boy because he is teaching Atreus how to survive, yet also fears that Atreus may one day turn out like the monster Kratos views himself as. Their dichotomy makes for a dynamic, and successfully developed relationship that feels realistic, and lays the base of their intense adventure. This complexity and character development is completely new to Kratos and sets him apart from previous games where he was just a bloodthirsty animal out for revenge. Now, Kratos only kills for survival and to protect his son, and the wisdom that comes with Kratos' older age has transformed him into an outstanding protagonist.

The game's continuous single-camera style makes for some intense and emotional moments throughout the story. With the camera constantly by Kratos' side, it makes for some awe-inspiring moments that really captures the intensity of giant enemies and the beautiful landscapes and locations throughout the Norse realm. We also get to see the full range of Kratos' emotions and mindset, at some of the most gut-wrenching and heartfelt moments in the game. The intimacy of the camera angles and positioning, gives Kratos' emotions more of an impact, feeling real, powerful and relatable. The camera also allows the power Kratos possess to shine when he takes down his enemies, and there are still plenty of brutal fights. The game has intense and enjoyable combat that carries on the brutal and bloody customs of the past games in the series. With a new realm comes a brand new weapon of choice, the Leviathan Axe, and is truly a joy to use in combat. Like Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, the Leviathan Axe returns to your hand after you throw it, allowing for new combat not previously seen in the God of War series. The axe also has the ability to freeze its enemies when lodged inside of them, letting you take out enemies with Kratos' lethal fists. At a later point in the game, Kratos' iconic Blades of Chaos make a triumphant return that hits you with nostalgia, as you can perform a lot of the combo attacks from the previous games.

You can combine a number of attacks with Atreus, as he will help battle enemies for you with his bow and arrows. Kratos now has a retractable shield that allows you to parry some incoming attacks, and do massive amounts of damage with special attacks. One of the biggest variables in the new combat system is the ability to change the armor you are wearing. There are chest, waist and wrist armor, that alters strength and defense to cooldown rates and runic magic, that can have effects on how you choose to do battle. There are also upgrades to the axe that will allow it to perform different types of attacks and combos. I have to say that the armor options are a bit odd because Kratos has never needed much armor before. I personally wanted to stay true to character and went with less bulky armor, because Kratos would never wear bulky armor. Throughout the game you will encounter enemies that take no damage from the Leviathan Axe, forcing you to adapt and change your play style. There are also enemies that must first be stunned by Atreus' bow in order for you to hit them because they move too quickly. The diversity of enemies will have you learning different battle techniques up to the very end of the game. Bigger enemies put up worthy fights, especially at higher difficulties, and the boss battles show off the power that makes Kratos a god.

THE VERDICT God of War is a thrilling and captivating journey and is a masterpiece that delivers on all fronts. The game looks absolutely stunning on the PS4 Pro with its 4K abilities, you can see every ounce of detail that went into making this game stand out from the rest. The game has a compelling storyline that gives Kratos the complexity he has always needed. The game offers a whole new world to explore, with the freedom to maneuver the map however you please. There are plenty of side quests, puzzles and gear to unlock, with interconnected and diverse locations to explore. There was a lot of care that went into making this game a reality, and whether this is your first time playing any God of War game or if you are a long time fan of the series, this is a must buy title for the PlayStation.

[nazih-fares]

Whether it is the movies, books or games, the task to reboot an established franchise is never an easy thing for any developer or publisher. With some much expectations from the series’ fans, on top of making sure they are not forgotten while trying something new, the new God of War was definitely a gamble. To achieve this reboot of a flagship PlayStation brand, it took over five years of hard work and dedication from the iconic producer Cory Barlog and the team over at Santa Monica, carefully dissecting the franchise and putting everything back into something new, from the gameplay mechanics to the general artistic direction of the game.

However, everything in this “reboot” of  God of War is actually a balance between retaining the essence of the franchise will creating something new. Beyond the obvious technical and the artistic aspect that comes from a switch to next generation, the game still pays a tribute to its legacy in all sorts of ways. While it would have been easier to start from a clean sweep to reboot this franchise, there’s a certain genius behind Santa Monica’s studio to switch to another lost mythology and yet keep Kratos at the center of it. You see, I personally wasn’t a big fan of the original God of War series, even if I admire the lore of ancient Greek myths, but it’s this episode that changed my mind, as we now venture into the Norse realm, with Odin on its throne, paired with other deities and creatures.

Despite his divinity – Kratos is, after all, a demigod and one of Zeus’ many sons – it made sense for the developers to do something similar to other iconic franchise reboots, and be interested in the human side of the character. Like it was the case with the reboot of Tomb Raider, Hitman and many others, the game is focused on Kratos’ inner struggle, as well as the desire to tell a deeper and equally intense story through his quest for redemption as a father, in a journey of initiation with his son Atreus, following the death of his wife. While this sounds a bit like a recipe a la “The Last of Us“, the similarities end here, as the script is done so well that it flows naturally even interspersed with very numerous clashes against ogres, trolls and other legendary Norse creatures.The narrative is intelligent in its structure, swinging back and forth between emotional, brutality and humor, with excellent conversation playing mostly on the Atreus’young innocent and playful reactions, contrasting those more contained a battle and life hardened Kratos.

And so in the rough 20-25 hours of gameplay to reach the end, the story of God of War contrasts with that of the other opus, because it’s all about Kratos finally teaching his son Atreus to not fall in the same mistakes he sadly did. For the rest of you, if you hope to discover a story of vengeance and treachery between gods, like the previous games, then you’re probably be disappointed. While these are present, however, they are not the central element of the story despite the journey of our heroes punctuated by clashes against some of these Norse gods. If you’re coming with the expectation of the previous games, then the sooner you realize God of War is indeed an entire story, the better. This 2018 game is dedicated to the Spartan and his son, his new life and being more human than ever, despite his divinity, and that is not an easy thing to do. Constantly struggling with this rage and anger slumbering in him, Kratos is looking for redemption by teaching Atreus to become a better man than he ever was, hiding his past for a better future. Everything makes sense and you’ll notice how the boy’s reactions remain credible, both in his burst of childish joy or uncontrolled anger, on top of his natural tendency to stand up to his father.

Between Kratos and Atreus, there’s also enough room in the game for some secondary characters, notably the first you’ll meet such as Brok and later on his brother Sindri, both dwarves with quite opposite personalities. The award for best-supporting actor though will probably go to Mimir. An important figure in Norse mythology, this god of knowledge and wisdom will be saved from Odin’s torture by our pair of heroes, forming an interesting trio with perfect chemistry. In addition to becoming the brain of the group, both literally and figuratively, Mimir will constantly give interesting tidbits about the game’s world, and several Nordic legends, helping Atreus – and the player – perfect his knowledge. This whole coherence of the universe is one hell of a blast for a history nerd like myself, as everything in God of War makes sense, or is interconnected for a purpose, including making the game even more fun.

Without presenting fooling anyone of being an open world – in comparison Horizon Zero Dawn, the last Action Adventure game from the publisher – God of War offers a huge map which you’ll truly enjoy. The set is built in a way that urges you to discover every nooks and cranny, revisit areas, and from time to time appreciate the beauty of its digital brush, as you enter a majestic cave or dock on a river bank still acting as a witness to a forgotten war. Although the system of traveling portals could’ve been better thought of, there’s never a feeling of too much backtracking, with even minimal touches of Metroidvania as you’ll end up opening new areas in the map, once you gain new powers and skills.

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Inspired obviously by Norse mythology, the Santa Monica team created one hell of a visual canvas, filled with sumptuous landscapes and confined sets embellished by a neat work on lighting effects. Whether you are in Midgard, Helheim or Muspellheim, the setting will take your breath away, as you cross an icy expanse in front of a giant that has been lying down for centuries. You thus find all the strengths of the saga’s visual strength, now help with a much more contemplative camera angle – behind the shoulder – to travel at your own pace and enjoy the panorama. But I’m a bit annoyed by the lack of variety in terms of the bestiary, which is smaller than those of other games, with barely any major changes or visible upgrades on most creatures, whether it is the trolls or just mere wolves. Thankfully, this lack of variety is completely forgotten when you see how devastating and visually complex Kratos’ attack are on those creatures. Adding the special effects and motion blur, with some subtle use of slow motion, the fights are staged so well that every monster or enemy will in a way feel different.

Remember when I spoke about the new camera angle? If you played the previous God of War games, then you probably are trying to figure out how that old gameplay system works with a behind-the-shoulder angle, correct? Well, the developers have only improved what was already well made, with the new a closer camera angle literally plunging the player into the action. While it’s might seem surprising that it works, playing God of War that way feels almost natural, thanks to Atreus or Mimir’s warning of incoming dangers (a bit like Senua’s inner voices). You’ll then have to fight in a traditional hack and slash – similar to the old games – but with extra mechanics like a switch to hand to hand and shield combo, a parry, and secondary skills. All of this will be confusing for the old veteran of the series, but enjoyable, especially after a few hours of play when we start to unlock more of the skill trees.

You will also need to learn the new weapon and gear system, which are linked to both Kratos and Atreus’ skill tree opening more branches and nodes. To start with, most of your weapons and gear will need to require a key amount of materials and money acquired from chests, completing quests or eliminating enemies. It is regrettable that some materials are sometimes difficult to find because of a lack of guidance, especially when it comes to crafting some legendary loot pieces and unlock more awesome abilities and combos for Kratos, or passive and supportive attacks for Atreus. On that front, I’m actually glad that it wasn’t another “The Last of Us”, as Kratos’ son is not imposed on your, and its usefulness in combat is quite well, especially when he gets the opportunity to bring you back to life with a resurrection stone.

Finally, we got the Rage mode, which builds up with effective combat skills like proper parry or dodge, as well as successfully chaining combos between Kratos and his son. While that mode is recurring from previous games, it was also tweaked for this new game, switching the Spartan into a berserker, with boosted punching attacks. The latter can become quite devastating when unlocking more nodes in its dedicated skill trees, such as a blasting area of attack ground stomp, or even the ability to pick up a large boulder and throw it at enemies. So yes, you get the gist of it, the gameplay has evolved and will be difficult to get used to for hardcore fans, however, it does not deny its true essence: the savage ferocity in each of Kratos hits.

Before we end this, there are two things that might be important for some of you to know. While I tested the game on two different consoles, both the vanilla and original PlayStation 4 (not even second generation slimmer model) and the Pro version, I totally suggest the latter. If you don’t have a PlayStation 4 Pro by now – even without a 4K TV – this game is a totally viable reason to upgrade your console, because you can feel the normal suffering with its intense fan sound. While there might not be damage visually on the screen in terms of performance, the game is visually better looking on the PlayStation 4 Pro. In both cases, the game runs at a locked 30fps, but it’s the HDR that really turns this game into one colorful digital canvas, full of crisp details and rich textures. Sadly, while there’s one thing that I truly like in the original series, it was the soundtrack, but this episode feels a bit hushed or not as epic as the original game music. Don’t get me wrong, It’s not bad, but it’s maybe not as powerful as the first titles.

God of War was reviewed using a PlayStation 4 digital download code of the game provided by PlayStation Middle East. We don’t discuss review scores with publishers or developers prior to the review being published (click here for more information about our review policy).

With this new God of War, Santa Monica Studios managed to perfectly refresh the franchise without losing its essence, making it the best entry ever made. While veterans might feel overwhelmed by all the changes, they will easily get used to it, and will play one of the top 5 best looking games on the console. Whether it is the movies, books or games, the task to reboot an established franchise is never an easy thing for any developer or publisher.

[gamingtipsandtrickshacks]

God of War Review -- The Best God of War Ever

The brand new chapter of the God of War saga is finally here, but if you expect it to have much in common with Kratos’ tribulations from the past, you’ll probably be disappointed, or at least extremely surprised. It’s time to clear our mind of all preconceptions and embark into a brand new adventure.

The most obvious difference is the setting: gone is Greece, replaced by the cold North. Kratos is still going to meet and fight gods, but this time around it’s Norse mythology to form the base for the story, and it does so for the better. The good folks at Sony Santa Monica didn’t just adopt Scandinavian myths and legends but forged them into one of the most vibrant and interesting fantasy settings I have seen in a long time.

The story begins with Kratos and his son Atreus as they burn the body of the boy’s mother. Her last wish dictates that the two scatter her ashes from the highest peak in the realms. Before they can depart, a strange tattooed man appears at the door of Kratos’ hut, seemingly aware of his divine nature.

Our short-tempered hero doesn’t like to be questioned, so a titanic battle ensues. After finally dispatching the rather resilient opponent, Kratos and Atreus depart for their adventure, which will definitely be a lot more complicated than expected.

The change in setting is just the tip of the iceberg, as Kratos himself is quite far from the consistently raging character that we left at the end of the previous game. While he still struggles to keep calm and collected, his newfound role as a father gives him new responsibilities, forcing him to hold his nature at bay or to find a new one within himself.

Of course, being the son of the God of War isn’t exactly easy, especially if said god isn’t willing to tell you squat about his own nature and yours. This is the conundrum that Atreus will have to face, as the two men, old and young, struggle to get closer to each other possibly without this resulting in too many bruises. The generational gap is the least of the problems that Kratos and Atreus will have to face, and the way they grow together as characters is probably one of the most charming aspects of this game.

This is probably the biggest innovation brought to the table by God of War. The previous games of the series were fun despite their characters. Exhilarating action gameplay and fantastic graphics (for the time) were the main attraction, while the story was pretty much an accessory. It’s a bit difficult to have compelling and nuanced storytelling when your main character has two states of mind, angry and angrier.

On the other hand, the new title comes with a cast that is rich in charm and depth. Kratos himself has grown into an extremely compelling character with plenty of emotional depth and his share of vulerabilities. His guff manners should not deceive, as there is definitely a lot to discover beneath the thick hide of this veteran father-warrior. As a matter of fact, in some aspects, he has turned into the geometric opposite of who he was. His abrupt speech patterns and unfriendly mannerism used to make him annoying. Now, thanks to the exceptional writing and the presence of Atreus as a perfect counterpart, they have become endearing traits, and definitely enjoyable.

Atreus himself is a great co-protagonist. Kratos’ son is depicted as flawed and immature. Yet, that’s done in a way that masterfully avoids turning him into a nuisance and indeed encourages the player to grow attached to this fledgling would-be warrior who struggles to live up to his super-stern father’s expectations, while dealing with his own mysterious and often uncomfortable nature.

The rest of the cast is equally well written and designed, and I can honestly say that for the first time I truly enjoyed the story of a God of War game. Until a couple of years ago, I would have never, ever, thought this possible.  The God of War series is all grown-up now, and I say this with the most positive sentiment possible.

For the first time in the story of the franchise, the strong narration and writing spark a wide range of feelings, going from deeply moving movements to absolutely hilarious skits, and the best part is that it all feels perfectly natural.

The story and characters are supported by absolutely superb voice acting, and the continuous dialogue between Kratos and Atreus is interesting and enjoyable all the way through the game.

Speaking of audio, every single aspect of the production is top-notch, from the sound design that perfectly sets the atmosphere of the imperious Norse landscape, to the score by Bear McCreary, which is hands-down one of the best soundtracks I have heard in a game of this genre in a long time.

One of the few aspects sticking to the tradition of the series is the graphics. I tested the game on PS4 Pro, and I have to say that the game looks truly spectacular. I am always amazed by the visual results that Sony’s top first-party studios manage to achieve on a console, and this is no exception.

Those playing on PS4 Pro like I did will have the chance to choose between a “favor resolution” mode that renders the game at 2160p checkerboard or a “favor performance” mode that renders at 1080p, with better frame rate.  The game is a true joy for the eyes in both modes, but it’s certainly good to have options (you can check out the difference in our dedicated article).

It’s actually difficult to judge which element looks better between the rich environments and the beautifully detailed character models. The world is brought to life masterfully, even thanks to advanced lighting and effects.

Amazing texture work is probably the best aspect of the characters, and rarely I have seen gameplay models so close to cutscene quality. They’re super-detailed, expressive, and fantastically animated.

Speaking of animation, it feels extremely visceral thanks to the combination with proficient camera work and the awesome sound design I mentioned above. You will “feel” every impact of Kratos’ axe directly in your stomach, and even something as simple as opening a chest has an “oomph” that is rarely seen in games.

Of course, the true king of the God of War franchise has always been gameplay, and that still holds true with this new game. Yet, this is not to say that it’s similar. As a matter of fact, it really isn’t. The new God of War is closer to an extremely stylish action-RPG than to a pure hack-and-slash.

The development team adopted a rather deep system involving plenty of loot, equipment and upgrades, alongside multiple skill trees, and this works as a very solid base for the new battle mechanics.

Combat itself has plenty of depth and nuance, discouraging button mashing even at the normal difficulty setting, and spurring the player to learn his “tools of the trade” in the forms of combos, blocks, dodges, and magical abilities. It’s definitely more tactical and complex than what God of War fans are used to, without losing one bit of its exhilarating nature.

The game presents the player with a good variety of enemies, each of which requires a different approach to be fought effectively, keeping you on your toes and ensuring that battle never gets old all the way throughout the adventure.

Things are made even more interesting by the fact that you don’t fight alone. Atreus acts as an adventuring companion and as the perfect distraction to allow you to unleash that devastating and extremely satisfying combo. Like his father, he can be customized (even if to a lesser extent) in order to further adapt him to your favorite playstyle or to the situation. His presence adds another layer of depth to the already engaging battle system.

The true star, at least for me, is Kratos’ new axe. It’s powerful and visceral, turning combat into a brutal and immersive activity. Upgrading and customizing it is satisfying and rewarding, and it comes with an extremely cool feature: not only it can be thrown with various effects depending on your skills and customization, but it can also be recalled by pressing triangle. When you do that, it won’t just reappear in Kratos’ hand, but it will actually fly back to it, hitting unsuspecting enemies in the back. It’s actually difficult to describe how cool this feels before you try it yourself.

Once mastered, God of War’s combat is one of the most rewarding I have tried in a long time. Kratos becomes a hurricane of death and destruction, blocking, shield bashing, slicing, dicing, spinning around and throwing his axe at an enemy further away, while pummeling closer monsters with punches and kicks, and then recalling the weapon to catch two more draugr in the back, before going in for one of the several spectacular finishers. It’s fast, complex, addictive, and exhilarating, but I never once felt like I wasn’t in control.

As a matter of fact, I have never felt so much in control in a God of War game, and the sensation this gives is fantastic.

The axe is also used extensively to solve quite a few puzzles scattered across the landscape. One particular kind requires you to strike some bells in order to unlock a chest. It may sound banal, but it often isn’t, and fluidly hitting your targets while calling your weapon back will feel definitely satisfying the first time you manage to pull the stunt.

Another extremely pleasing aspect of God of War is just how much content it packs. It’s not an open-world game, but there is a lot of real estate to visit, and plenty of room for exploration and for hunting secrets on top of the long and meaty story. Every realm that you visit looks and feels very different, and it’s really amazing that Sony Santa Monica managed to include this much gameplay while keeping the overall level of quality so consistently high. There is even an enormous amount of lore that can be collected to immerse yourself deeper into the setting.

Ultimately, God of War is the perfect example of how it’s possible to revolutionize a beloved series while improving it massively, in a way that does not feel unnatural. Mechanical improvements add up on top of a compelling story and impressively solid and likable characters.

Cory Barlog and his team managed to reinvent the wheel, and while they added more pieces, it rolls smoother than ever before, providing the best God of War experience of the history of the franchise.

[gamingtipsandtrickshacks]

God of War Review -- The Best God of War Ever

The brand new chapter of the God of War saga is finally here, but if you expect it to have much in common with Kratos’ tribulations from the past, you’ll probably be disappointed, or at least extremely surprised. It’s time to clear our mind of all preconceptions and embark into a brand new adventure.

The most obvious difference is the setting: gone is Greece, replaced by the cold North. Kratos is still going to meet and fight gods, but this time around it’s Norse mythology to form the base for the story, and it does so for the better. The good folks at Sony Santa Monica didn’t just adopt Scandinavian myths and legends but forged them into one of the most vibrant and interesting fantasy settings I have seen in a long time.

The story begins with Kratos and his son Atreus as they burn the body of the boy’s mother. Her last wish dictates that the two scatter her ashes from the highest peak in the realms. Before they can depart, a strange tattooed man appears at the door of Kratos’ hut, seemingly aware of his divine nature.

Our short-tempered hero doesn’t like to be questioned, so a titanic battle ensues. After finally dispatching the rather resilient opponent, Kratos and Atreus depart for their adventure, which will definitely be a lot more complicated than expected.

The change in setting is just the tip of the iceberg, as Kratos himself is quite far from the consistently raging character that we left at the end of the previous game. While he still struggles to keep calm and collected, his newfound role as a father gives him new responsibilities, forcing him to hold his nature at bay or to find a new one within himself.

Of course, being the son of the God of War isn’t exactly easy, especially if said god isn’t willing to tell you squat about his own nature and yours. This is the conundrum that Atreus will have to face, as the two men, old and young, struggle to get closer to each other possibly without this resulting in too many bruises. The generational gap is the least of the problems that Kratos and Atreus will have to face, and the way they grow together as characters is probably one of the most charming aspects of this game.

This is probably the biggest innovation brought to the table by God of War. The previous games of the series were fun despite their characters. Exhilarating action gameplay and fantastic graphics (for the time) were the main attraction, while the story was pretty much an accessory. It’s a bit difficult to have compelling and nuanced storytelling when your main character has two states of mind, angry and angrier.

On the other hand, the new title comes with a cast that is rich in charm and depth. Kratos himself has grown into an extremely compelling character with plenty of emotional depth and his share of vulerabilities. His guff manners should not deceive, as there is definitely a lot to discover beneath the thick hide of this veteran father-warrior. As a matter of fact, in some aspects, he has turned into the geometric opposite of who he was. His abrupt speech patterns and unfriendly mannerism used to make him annoying. Now, thanks to the exceptional writing and the presence of Atreus as a perfect counterpart, they have become endearing traits, and definitely enjoyable.

Atreus himself is a great co-protagonist. Kratos’ son is depicted as flawed and immature. Yet, that’s done in a way that masterfully avoids turning him into a nuisance and indeed encourages the player to grow attached to this fledgling would-be warrior who struggles to live up to his super-stern father’s expectations, while dealing with his own mysterious and often uncomfortable nature.

The rest of the cast is equally well written and designed, and I can honestly say that for the first time I truly enjoyed the story of a God of War game. Until a couple of years ago, I would have never, ever, thought this possible.  The God of War series is all grown-up now, and I say this with the most positive sentiment possible.

For the first time in the story of the franchise, the strong narration and writing spark a wide range of feelings, going from deeply moving movements to absolutely hilarious skits, and the best part is that it all feels perfectly natural.

The story and characters are supported by absolutely superb voice acting, and the continuous dialogue between Kratos and Atreus is interesting and enjoyable all the way through the game.

Speaking of audio, every single aspect of the production is top-notch, from the sound design that perfectly sets the atmosphere of the imperious Norse landscape, to the score by Bear McCreary, which is hands-down one of the best soundtracks I have heard in a game of this genre in a long time.

One of the few aspects sticking to the tradition of the series is the graphics. I tested the game on PS4 Pro, and I have to say that the game looks truly spectacular. I am always amazed by the visual results that Sony’s top first-party studios manage to achieve on a console, and this is no exception.

Those playing on PS4 Pro like I did will have the chance to choose between a “favor resolution” mode that renders the game at 2160p checkerboard or a “favor performance” mode that renders at 1080p, with better frame rate.  The game is a true joy for the eyes in both modes, but it’s certainly good to have options (you can check out the difference in our dedicated article).

It’s actually difficult to judge which element looks better between the rich environments and the beautifully detailed character models. The world is brought to life masterfully, even thanks to advanced lighting and effects.

Amazing texture work is probably the best aspect of the characters, and rarely I have seen gameplay models so close to cutscene quality. They’re super-detailed, expressive, and fantastically animated.

Speaking of animation, it feels extremely visceral thanks to the combination with proficient camera work and the awesome sound design I mentioned above. You will “feel” every impact of Kratos’ axe directly in your stomach, and even something as simple as opening a chest has an “oomph” that is rarely seen in games.

Of course, the true king of the God of War franchise has always been gameplay, and that still holds true with this new game. Yet, this is not to say that it’s similar. As a matter of fact, it really isn’t. The new God of War is closer to an extremely stylish action-RPG than to a pure hack-and-slash.

The development team adopted a rather deep system involving plenty of loot, equipment and upgrades, alongside multiple skill trees, and this works as a very solid base for the new battle mechanics.

Combat itself has plenty of depth and nuance, discouraging button mashing even at the normal difficulty setting, and spurring the player to learn his “tools of the trade” in the forms of combos, blocks, dodges, and magical abilities. It’s definitely more tactical and complex than what God of War fans are used to, without losing one bit of its exhilarating nature.

The game presents the player with a good variety of enemies, each of which requires a different approach to be fought effectively, keeping you on your toes and ensuring that battle never gets old all the way throughout the adventure.

Things are made even more interesting by the fact that you don’t fight alone. Atreus acts as an adventuring companion and as the perfect distraction to allow you to unleash that devastating and extremely satisfying combo. Like his father, he can be customized (even if to a lesser extent) in order to further adapt him to your favorite playstyle or to the situation. His presence adds another layer of depth to the already engaging battle system.

The true star, at least for me, is Kratos’ new axe. It’s powerful and visceral, turning combat into a brutal and immersive activity. Upgrading and customizing it is satisfying and rewarding, and it comes with an extremely cool feature: not only it can be thrown with various effects depending on your skills and customization, but it can also be recalled by pressing triangle. When you do that, it won’t just reappear in Kratos’ hand, but it will actually fly back to it, hitting unsuspecting enemies in the back. It’s actually difficult to describe how cool this feels before you try it yourself.

Once mastered, God of War’s combat is one of the most rewarding I have tried in a long time. Kratos becomes a hurricane of death and destruction, blocking, shield bashing, slicing, dicing, spinning around and throwing his axe at an enemy further away, while pummeling closer monsters with punches and kicks, and then recalling the weapon to catch two more draugr in the back, before going in for one of the several spectacular finishers. It’s fast, complex, addictive, and exhilarating, but I never once felt like I wasn’t in control.

As a matter of fact, I have never felt so much in control in a God of War game, and the sensation this gives is fantastic.

The axe is also used extensively to solve quite a few puzzles scattered across the landscape. One particular kind requires you to strike some bells in order to unlock a chest. It may sound banal, but it often isn’t, and fluidly hitting your targets while calling your weapon back will feel definitely satisfying the first time you manage to pull the stunt.

Another extremely pleasing aspect of God of War is just how much content it packs. It’s not an open-world game, but there is a lot of real estate to visit, and plenty of room for exploration and for hunting secrets on top of the long and meaty story. Every realm that you visit looks and feels very different, and it’s really amazing that Sony Santa Monica managed to include this much gameplay while keeping the overall level of quality so consistently high. There is even an enormous amount of lore that can be collected to immerse yourself deeper into the setting.

Ultimately, God of War is the perfect example of how it’s possible to revolutionize a beloved series while improving it massively, in a way that does not feel unnatural. Mechanical improvements add up on top of a compelling story and impressively solid and likable characters.

Cory Barlog and his team managed to reinvent the wheel, and while they added more pieces, it rolls smoother than ever before, providing the best God of War experience of the history of the franchise.