It is the magic of legacy and history, transforming everyday objects into coveted treasures. And in this case, that magic bears the signature of two of the greatest minds of our time.
In an era where digital transactions and cryptocurrencies are booming, it may seem absurd that a piece of paper could fetch a price of 50,000 euros at an auction. However, this is no ordinary paper; it is the second check ever issued by Apple, signed by two visionaries who made a profound impact on the history of technology: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
It’s a slow month, where we follow what was released in July, and the little that happens is some small family release or a popular series trying to take advantage of the available space.
After all, it’s summer vacation. It’s not the best time to premiere anything. But there are a few releases, and we’ll talk about what’s available.
Baki Hanma Season 2 – Part 2
“Baki Hanma” returned to Netflix last July to do what he does best, engaging in epic brawls, with the first part of its second season. Adapting two arcs, “Tale of Pickle” and “The Pickle War Saga,” let’s be honest: they saved the best for this second part.
Adapting the “Father vs. Son” arc, starting from August 24th, we will finally get to see what we’ve been waiting for for a long time: the moment when Baki finally faces off against the most powerful creature in the world, Yujiro Hanma, the man he dishonorably calls his father. An absolute frenzy that we highly recommend not to miss.
The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh – Part 2
“If there’s one series that quietly, over the years, has become one of those extremely popular animes that may not ring a bell outside otaku circles, it’s The Seven Deadly Sins.
In the second part of “Grudge of Edinburgh,” we can expect exactly what we could imagine from a story in The Seven Deadly Sins universe: a new setting, new allies, new enemies, some intriguing mysteries, and obstacles to overcome as our protagonist, Tristan, son of Meliodas and Elizabeth, learns to master his powers. A treat for avid fans, and it’s surprising how many fans are out there. They’ll have to wait until August 23rd for its release on Netflix.”
Hibike! Euphonium: Ensemble Contest-hen
Hibike! Euphonium is getting a third season in 2024. Considering its second season dates back to 2016, it’s only logical that they want to bridge the gap between the two, as many fans are eager to know more about this series that gained fame partly due to its excellent animation and partly due to its intimate, albeit somewhat deceptive, relationships between the female characters.
This OVA will focus on Kumiko’s character during her third year of high school, where she will be appointed as the leader of the music band. Although there is no specific release date yet, it is expected to premiere sometime in August. Crunchyroll has streamed the previous seasons.
We have compiled the best games of August, among which are Baldur’s Gate 3, Blasphemous 2, Sea of Stars or Armored Core 6.
The month of August has always been characterized by not having major video game releases. Generally, it has been a trend during the summer for a long time. However, the reality is that in recent years, these months have been filled with more titles than ever before. This August 2023 continues that positive trend.
We bring you the best video games launching this August 2023 for PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Take note.
Baldur’s Gate 3 (August 3)
Does Baldur’s Gate 3 need an introduction? More than two decades later, the third installment of the popular role-playing saga arrives on PC with enormous possibilities. Developed by Larian Studios, the creators of Divinity among other games, it is said that this installment will have thousands of different endings, depending on the choices we make. The game has been in early access since September 2020, and the PlayStation 5 version won’t be available until September 6 (the Xbox Series X | S version still has no release date).
Tower of Fantasy (August 8)
After achieving great success on PC and smartphones, Tower of Fantasy is now coming to PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. This anime-style MMORPG has been developed by Hotta Studio and Level Infinite with the aim of providing players with hundreds and hundreds of hours of gameplay. And it certainly delivers on that promise.
Atlas Fallen (August 10)
Deck 13 Interactive has been making a name for themselves with substantial titles for quite some time. Following the highly acclaimed The Surge, it’s now time for Atlas Fallen, a game where existing gods are corrupt, and humanity seeks redemption. Its captivating hack & slash combat system is its strong point and defining feature. Available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S.
Immortals of Aveum (August 22)
Developed by Ascendant Studios and published by Electronic Arts, Immortals of Aveum is a first-person game that revolves around the prominent theme of magic. From here, as one can imagine, fantasy takes center stage in this installment where players will experience wars, wizards, and political conflicts.
Fort Solis (August 22)
Developed by Black Drakkar Games and Fallen Leaf, Fort Solis is a science fiction horror adventure that boasts well-known actors Troy Baker (Joel in The Last of Us, among many others) and Roger Clark (Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2). Created with Unreal Engine 5, the game aspires to deliver more than a few scares, according to its creators.
Blasphemous 2 (August 24)
After an incredibly well-received first installment, the Seville-based studio The Game Kitchen is back with Blasphemous 2. The Penitent returns to the land of Custodia to vanquish the evil that plagues it. The game takes a huge technical leap, as well as significant changes in gameplay, featuring three weapons (instead of one) and a system more adapted to metroidvania rather than soulslike. Blasphemous 2 will be available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S. The versions for PS4 and Xbox One will be released in the autumn.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon (August 25)
From Software is back with another new title. After releasing the award-winning Elden Ring last year, it’s now time for the well-established Armored Core franchise. There’s not much to say that isn’t already known: giant mechs battling it out and unleashing all their firepower to defeat enemies. Just the kind of action we love. Armored Core will be available for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, and PC.
Sea of Stars (August 29)
For this writer, the most anticipated video game of August 2023 is Sea of Stars. Developed by Sabotage Studio, this prequel to their successful title The Messenger takes a completely different approach, offering a stunning pixel art style with RPG gameplay. Sea of Stars brings back memories of the best role-playing games we’ve played, as confirmed by the released demos. If the final product maintains this level of quality, we will be witnessing a real masterpiece. Sea of Stars will be available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, and PC.
Baldur’s Gate is synonymous with Dungeons & Dragons, but why? That is what we explain to you in this article, so that you understand why so much nostalgia.
Some games are worth the wait. They have lengthy developments, uncertain sequels, seemingly endless betas, or studios that vanish, making their return appear impossible unless a miracle happens. Sometimes, all these things happen at once. Or at least, it has happened once. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game that shouldn’t exist. It’s a miracle, an exception, and a fantasy. A video game we’ve been waiting for twenty-three years, and its own story is as fascinating as the game itself.
Baldur’s Gate was released in December 1998 for PC, developed by Black Isle Studios. Its aim was to create the most refined version yet of playing a role-playing game based on the second edition of Dungeons & Dragons. The game makes the world feel vast and alive, with our actions having consequences, and no two classes or characters feeling the same beyond the superficial. And they succeeded. Baldur’s Gate is enormous, immersive, and overwhelming to the point of being improbable. An absolutely mammoth game that even today, remains terrifying to many who view it with a mix of reverence and trepidation.
This extended to the even more popular Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, released in September of 2000. An even larger, more complex, and somehow even more fascinating game. Fully 3D, perfectly balancing the importance of combat with the density of its narrative and the vastness of its world, the game was a critical and commercial success, making it one of the great Western role-playing games.
That’s why Baldur’s Gate, in many cases, is synonymous with Dungeons & Dragons. A franchise responsible for introducing many people to role-playing, especially the game from Wizards of the Coast. Hence, it holds significant importance for role-players; it’s not just a video game. Not even just an excellent role-playing video game where exploring all the content takes between 200 and 300 hours. It’s a milestone that left a mark on an entire generation and, to a great extent, acted as a lifeline for Dungeons & Dragons at a time when it was struggling to reach a new audience – a feat it achieved with Baldur’s Gate.
The problem was that due to Interplay’s financial troubles, the parent company of Black Isle Studios, they closed their doors in 2003. While many of its key figures would later form Obsidian Entertainment, the philosophy of the two companies always felt distinctly different. Neverwinter Nights is an excellent game, Pillars of Eternity is an interesting game that looks to the past, and Tyranny has intriguing ideas that aren’t always well-developed, but none of them fulfilled what the fans wanted. None of them were Baldur’s Gate 3.
Wizards of the Coast was not comfortable entrusting the Baldur’s Gate franchise to anyone until around September 2017. That was when Larian released Divinity: Original Sin II, an excellent game heavily inspired by Baldur’s Gate II. In the past, Larian had shown interest in reviving the Baldur’s Gate brand, but Wizards of the Coast deemed them too inexperienced. However, after witnessing what they achieved with Divinity: Original Sin II, a game that mechanically could be considered a spiritual successor to the essence of the legendary Baldur’s Gate franchise, they decided it was time to collaborate.
That has led to the story we all know. Its presentation at E3 2019. Its early access release on September 30, 2020, which had to be delayed until October 20. Its upcoming launch on August 3 on PC and September 6 on PlayStation 5, with a yet-to-be-announced date for Xbox Series X and Series S.
Therefore, even though we had to wait 23 years since we played that legendary Baldur’s Gate 2, the wait is about to come to an end. Baldur’s Gate 3 promises to be an exceptional game, a true masterpiece, and we are now almost within reach of it. Wizards of the Coast took time to decide, Black Isle never managed to make a trilogy, and Larian had to create two huge games to earn the opportunity. But if that’s the price for what sounds like an epic feat from the Forgotten Realms, perhaps it was all worth it after all.
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In 2021, he created a video reacting to another video of someone cutting too many slices of pizza, and it went viral with nearly six million likes. And here the trouble begins.
We thought the 21st century would bring us incredible and crazy inventions, but instead, it has given us headlines and technology that we can’t fully comprehend or don’t want to use. This news, which some of us could understand in less than a minute, would be nearly impossible for people of a considerable age. Beware, because five years ago, none of this would have made any sense.
It all started with Anthony Fantano, a YouTuber specializing in music reviews on his channel, The Needle Drop, with nearly three million subscribers. Like any content creator, Fantano opened a TikTok account to experiment with the format. In 2021, he created a video reacting to another video of someone cutting too many slices of pizza, and it went viral with almost six million likes. And here’s where the trouble begins.
At the end of the video, Fantano shouted, “It’s enough slices!” It became so popular that he added it to TikTok’s library of commercial sounds, where several people used it to do the typical thing that happens on the video-sharing platform: repeatedly copy something that has become popular. I feel old, and I don’t understand anything.
And a couple of months ago, Activision decided to use the said shout to promote some ‘Crash Bandicoot’ shoes. The thing is, Fantano felt that they were using him to promote the game without explicit permission, so he asked for over one million dollars as compensation. The problem is, there was no theft involved: by adding “It’s enough slices!” to TikTok‘s commercial library, permission is granted for its use in advertisements.
So, Activision and Anthony Fantano have ended up in a lawsuit where the video game company believes that the YouTuber is only trying to make money by bending the law in his favor. On the other hand, what is Activision seeking? They want Fantano to pay their legal costs and are preventing him from suing TikTok users for using his clip.
Indeed, in today’s world, it may seem crazy that you don’t need to give consent or support a product for them to use your voice in an advertisement. Explaining all of this without pausing to describe TikTok, Crash Bandicoot, and the concept of “commercial audio” to someone who might not be familiar with these terms can be quite a challenge, especially in 2023, where technology and internet culture are constantly evolving.
He became so fond of him that in the end they decided to make him the protagonist and call him, from a list of possible names, Kirby.
If we talk about Kirby, you’ll immediately imagine a pink ball with two eyes and a mouth that eats enemies and gains their powers. Since its debut on Game Boy in 1992 with ‘Kirby’s Dream Land,’ it has starred in nearly forty games, had its own one hundred-episode anime, and even had 25 volumes of its own manga. There’s just one problem: Shigeru Miyamoto didn’t imagine it that way.
When Masahiro Sakurai was creating ‘Kirby’s Dream Land,’ the design for the main character wasn’t finalized yet. So, he put a ball with eyes as a placeholder, intending to replace it with the actual protagonist later on. He named it Popopo, and gradually grew fond of it. Eventually, they decided to make it the main character and named it Kirby, choosing from a list of possible names.
The story behind Kirby’s name is quite intriguing: In 1982, Universal sued Nintendo for similarities between King Kong and Donkey Kong (quite creative, right?). The lawyer who defended the Japanese company was none other than John Kirby, who ultimately won the case. When Shigeru Miyamoto saw the name “Kirby” on the potential list of names for the character, he didn’t hesitate to pick it, paying homage to the lawyer who played a role in Nintendo’s victory.
They couldn’t get their way, especially when it came to Kirby’s color. Since the Game Boy could only display white, black, and shades of gray, Sakurai envisioned Kirby as pink. As it turns out, he was the only one at Nintendo who imagined it that way, as mentioned in a 1993 interview. In contrast, Miyamoto insisted that Kirby should be yellow. The debate over Kirby’s color went on, and in the midst of it, Nintendo America ended up releasing the ‘Kirby’s Dream Land’ box in… white. Neither one’s choice prevailed, leading to a general mess.
In the end, Miyamoto won partially, and Kirby appeared as a yellow character for the secondary character, Keeby, whenever needed or in the variations of ‘Super Smash Bros.’ In later interviews, Miyamoto corrected his stance and remained as kind as ever, saying, “Normally, a character like Kirby would be yellow, like Pac-Man. That’s why when I saw it with a different color, I felt that it was fresh.” As long as it wasn’t white…
A piece of bad news has just arrived from Hollywood. Actor Paul Reubens has passed away at the age of 70, as confirmed by his team on their official social media pages. Reubens was a major star in the 1980s and gained worldwide fame for his portrayal of the iconic television character, Pee-wee Herman.
“Paul fought bravely and privately against cancer for years, with the tenacity and wit that characterized him. Talented and prolific, he will live forever in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a cherished friend and a man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit,” confirmed the statement issued.
Goodbye Pee-wee
Despite already being a star in the early 1980s thanks to “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” the actor became even more famous when he debuted in his own film, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” directed by Tim Burton in 1985 (Burton’s directorial debut) and available on Apple TV+.
Thanks to this successful movie that showcased Burton’s talent as a promising director in Hollywood, the character became even more well-known, and Paul Reubens established himself as a significant name in the industry. Beyond his iconic character, Reubens appeared in various films and television shows.
With Reubens’ passing, Hollywood loses one of its most iconic figures from the 1980s. Undoubtedly, as Pee-wee, he created a character that was both substantial and peculiar, delighting the childhoods of kids who grew up during that time. Many other artists have already expressed their support through social media.
With Netflix, you never know what to expect with their adaptations and live-action projects. In the case of ‘The Sandman,’ everything went smoothly. Its premiere in the past summer of 2022 was met with excellent reviews and it became a huge success for the platform.
Despite some rumors suggesting otherwise, Netflix has seized the opportunity and renewed ‘The Sandman’ for a second season. For now, this is everything we know about it.
Release date?
An “accidental” post through DC Comics’ Twitter profile gave the first hint that there would be more of “The Sandman.” Shortly after, Neil Gaiman himself confirmed that there would indeed be a second season of “The Sandman.”
However, the release date for the second season is still unknown. The filming for the first season began in the fall of 2020 and concluded in August 2021. It is now expected that production for the next season will start at some point during this summer. Considering these time frames, it is most likely that “The Sandman” will return in 2024.
Additionally, the episode distribution might be different. In an interview with Variety, Peter Friedlander, an executive at Netflix Television in Canada and the US, explained that the platform is considering how to release the episodes. One of the prominent rumors is that we might receive multiple batches of episodes divided into “volumes,” as seen in “Stranger Things.”
Moreover, there may be more to come from “The Sandman” on Netflix. Allan Heinberg confirmed in NME that he desires to adapt as much material as possible from “The Sandman” in future seasons, even considering potential spin-offs.
However, all these plans could be disrupted due to the strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA. Neil Gaiman stated that the series would not use non-union writers, resulting in the official suspension of production for new episodes.
What will the second season of The Sandman be about?
The first season focused on the first two collections of “The Sandman.” Now, Neil Gaiman has confirmed that part of the second season will delve into the story of ‘A Game of You.’ However, it’s also likely that this plot may be delayed in favor of volume 7, ‘Brief Lives.’ Will we finally get to see Destruction?
For now, there are several unresolved matters, such as the conflict between Lucifer and Morpheus. Lucifer’s thirst for revenge will be a crucial point in the future of the season.
If you don’t know what’s opening this month on the most popular streaming services, don’t worry, we’ll bring you all the news.
If you’re here, it’s because you either have or want to subscribe to one of the most popular streaming services – the ones that everyone has and release movies and series every week.
For this reason, today we bring you this article, where we’ll talk about all the television series premiering on streaming platforms this August 2023. It’s a fantastic month for everyone.
If you’re unsure about what to watch during your vacation, we’ve got you covered. Surely, more than one of these premieres will catch your eye, making you want to sit in front of the TV with the sound of the sea in the background.
The series arriving this August 2023
True Lies
CBS series based on the legendary film of the same name. Just like in the movie, the main character Harry will be an amiable father and computer salesman who is, in reality, an international spy.
His unsatisfied wife, Helen, will be thrust into a life of dangers and adventures when recruited to work alongside him to save the world while trying to rekindle their passionless marriage. It premieres on August 2nd on Disney+.
The Lincoln Lawyer (Season 2)
Los Angeles lawyer Mickey Haller resumes his career, after a long time without practicing, by accepting a complex murder case.
Mickey is an iconoclastic idealist who runs his law practice from the back of his Lincoln Town Car… a series based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling novels. It premieres on Netflix on August 2nd.
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart
At the age of 9, Alice Hart tragically loses her parents in a mysterious fire, after which she goes to live with her grandmother June at Thornfield, a flower farm. There, she discovers that there are more secrets surrounding her past and her family’s.
Set against the natural landscape of Australia, with wildflowers and native plants serving as a means to express the inexpressible, this family drama spans several decades. As she grows up, Alice’s journey will reach an emotional climax, as she finds herself fighting for her life against the man she loves. It premieres on August 4th on Prime Video.
Moving
Kim Bong-Seok, Jang Hee-soo, and Lee Gang-hoon all attend the same high school. They may seem like ordinary students, but they have special abilities inherited from their parents.
Kim Bong-seok has the ability to fly, while Jang Hee-soo possesses excellent athletic skills and can quickly recover from injuries, such as gunshot wounds or stabbings. Lee Gang-hoon has astonishing power and speed.
These three students try to hide their special abilities from others, while their parents struggle to prevent them from being exploited by others. It premieres on August 9th on Disney+.
Painkiller
Explore the Opioid Crisis in the US in-depth through the eyes of those responsible, the victims, and a truth-seeking researcher.
In the United States, there is a very serious problem with opioids as they were introduced through common medications into society, leading to millions of people becoming addicted. Even today, the problem persists stronger than ever. It premieres on August 10th on Netflix.
Mala Fortuna
It tells the story of two broken souls making one last attempt in search of glory. They reunite under false identities, carrying resentments and remnants of their love, while competing for control of Mexico’s wealthiest family’s bank account.
Both have endured financial hardships, surviving social exile, and struggling to make ends meet. The only way out of this mess is by changing their identities and seeking a better future. Premiering on August 18th on Prime Video.
Ahsoka
One of the most anticipated series of the year, this show is a must-perform for Disney+ if they want to succeed this summer after the disappointment of their last Marvel universe venture.
As for Star Wars, things haven’t been going perfectly, but they are holding on. With ‘Ahsoka,’ a series starring Rosario Dawson, they have a golden opportunity to prove that the saga still has potential and hasn’t run dry. It premieres on August 23rd on Disney+.
