In the end, his princess was indeed in that castle. And it’s because Niftski, the renowned Super Mario Bros speedrunner, has set a new world record by completing the “any%” category in a time of 4:54.565 using a PC emulator. And believe us when we say that it’s no small feat. This phenomenon, who has dominated multiple speedrunning categories, has demonstrated his mastery in an iconic game that, in case you’ve been living in a cave for several years, has become a timeless classic of 2D platformers. Mamma Mia! Niftski’s impressive achievement stands out not […]
In the end, his princess was indeed in that castle. And Niftski, the prominent Super Mario Bros speedrunner, has set a new world record by completing the “any%” category in a time of 4:54.565 using a PC emulator. And believe us when we say that it’s no small feat. This phenomenon, who has dominated multiple speedrunning categories, has demonstrated his mastery in an iconic game that, in case you’ve been living under a rock for several years, has become a timeless classic of 2D platformers.
Mamma Mia!
Niftski’s impressive achievement stands out not only for the time achieved but also for the complexity of the run, especially in level 8-4, known for its fast enemies and the need for precise execution filled with strategies. Throughout his attempt, the streamer interacted with his audience while performing perfect jumps and nearly impossible maneuvers, culminating in an explosion of joy once he reached the finish line.
Despite the intense pressure involved in speedrunning, Niftski managed to control his nerves, reaching a heart rate of 188 BPM at the end of the run. Because yes, he was also measuring it, of course. He clarified, however, that he is in good health and that these reactions are typical of the game’s frenetic pace. The speedrunner said he was excited and later shared that his goal is to further improve his record and aim for a time of 4:54.4xx in the near future.
Niftski also defended his choice to use an emulator and keyboard, explaining that this is a legitimate option in the world of speedrunning. According to him, the emulator accurately reproduces the original game and the use of the keyboard is a personal preference. With these achievements and an unwavering focus, Niftski continues to make his mark in the Super Mario Bros. speedrunning community, accumulating records in categories such as Glitchless and Warpless All-Stars, in addition to being the world record holder in The Lost Levels.
Something dies in the soul when a friend leaves. In this case, it’s Corinne Busche, the director of the game Dragon Age: The Veilguard, who has left BioWare after nearly two decades at the company. Her departure marks a turning point in the recent history of the developer, which has faced a good number of challenges with the launch of this new title. Busche joined EA in 2006 and moved to BioWare in 2019, becoming the game director in 2022. You’d expect her to retire there. No more Dragon dragons […]
Something dies in the soul when a friend leaves. In this case, it is Corinne Busche, the director of the game Dragon Age: The Veilguard, who has left BioWare after almost two decades at the company. Her departure marks a turning point in the recent history of the developer, which has faced a good number of challenges with the launch of this new title. Busche joined EA in 2006 and moved to BioWare in 2019, becoming the game director in 2022. One would expect her to retire there.
There Are No More Dragons
Dragon Age: The Veilguard has received mixed reviews, with a score of 79 from critics, and has been considered inferior to previous installments like Dragon Age: Inquisition and Dragon Age: Origins. In fact, and as is often the case in this fragmented society we live in, the game has been the subject of heated debate among fans, some of whom consider it “bland” while others, unfortunately, express increasingly lamentable racism in the 21st century. This reception has sparked reflections on the creative direction and evolution of the Dragon Age world.
Although there are rumors about the possible closure of BioWare Edmonton, it has been confirmed that the company will not face issues due to Busche’s departure. According to various sources, his departure is not related to the commercial performance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, suggesting that the reasons behind his decision might be more personal or strategic. The game, which had a long and problematic development phase over a decade, has faced multiple changes in its approach, including the removal of live service elements. Fortunately.
Despite the setbacks, Busche leaves behind a product that, although it did not meet the expected standards of the series, is not considered a complete failure either. The challenges faced during its development have been significant, and the gaming community remains divided about the future of the franchise. Busche’s departure could open new opportunities for the BioWare team and the future of the Dragon Age universe. Make no mistake: sooner or later, one way or another, we will return to this franchise. They won’t let it slip away so easily!
If you are a fan of Path of Exile 2 and missed something more after finishing the game, you’re in luck. Grinding Gear Games has announced a new patch for Path of Exile 2, which includes a series of improvements focused on the endgame experience, thus addressing the most requested demands by fans of this popular action RPG. Among the new features are new maps, checkpoints in various areas, and adjustments to the monsters inhabiting the game. These modifications are designed to enrich the content and make the […]
If you are a fan of Path of Exile 2 and missed having more to do after finishing the game, you’re in luck. Grinding Gear Games has announced a new patch for Path of Exile 2, which includes a series of improvements focused on the endgame experience, thus addressing the most requested demands by fans of this popular action RPG. Among the new features are new maps, checkpoints in various areas, and adjustments to the monsters inhabiting the game. These modifications are designed to enrich the content and make the experience more accessible for players.
A Truly Tough Game
Despite these improvements, the developers have decided not to modify the harshness of death penalties, an aspect that has generated controversy within the community. Jonathan Rogers, director of Path of Exile 2, emphasized in a recent interview that “death really matters” and is essential to maintain the challenge and importance of the game, especially in the endgame phase. Note that “death really matters” works for a video game and for an indie movie that makes you cry a lot. The loss of experience points upon death is considered vital to balance the player’s progress and ensure they are prepared to advance in the game’s content.
However, some team members acknowledge that the current rigidity of these penalties might be excessive. Mark Rogers, another developer, commented that there are too many axes of penalty and that the initial difficulty of the new maps could create new frustrations for players. The fact that he acknowledges it suggests that, although the philosophy of severity remains, there is an internal debate on how to adjust the level of difficulty without compromising the essence of the game.
Looking to the future, Grinding Gear Games is committed to closely monitoring community reactions and suggestions following the implementation of the new patch. This could open the door to future gameplay adjustments, allowing developers to find a balance between difficulty and player experience in Path of Exile 2. And as a complete klutz, I can only say “Thank you.”
We all know who won the battle between David and Goliath, right? Well, it seems that Google might need to step up and not turn a blind eye to that sling, because Mob Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against them, claiming that the company has not removed fraudulent copies of its popular game Poppy Playtime from the Google Play platform, despite multiple requests. The company claims to have identified fake versions titled Poppy Playtime: Chapter 3 and Poppy Playtime: Chapter 4, which aim to deceive users by offering an experience similar to the original game. But worse, supposedly. Cloning without […]
We all know who won in the battle between David and Goliath, right? Well, it is possible that Google might want to get its act together and not overlook that sling, because Mob Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against them, claiming that the company has not removed fraudulent copies of its popular game Poppy Playtime from the Google Play platform, despite multiple requests. The company claims to have identified fake versions titled Poppy Playtime: Chapter 3 and Poppy Playtime: Chapter 4, which aim to deceive users by offering an experience similar to the original game. But worse, supposedly.
Cloning Without Control
These clones not only mimic the appearance of the game, but also entice users to purchase a kind of “guide” for prices ranging between -mind you- 30 and 95 dollars. A PS5 game or the guide to a bad version of Poppy Playtime? A tough decision. And when buying the guide, buyers are redirected to an inactive page, suggesting that, surprise, it’s a scam. Despite Poppy Playtime: Chapter 3 having accumulated over a million downloads, Chapter 4 has registered only 50,000, highlighting the significant impact of these clones on the market.
In the lawsuit, Mob Entertainment argues that Google has the responsibility to remove infringing content, especially after receiving specific requests. Although Poppy Playtime: Chapter 3 was removed on December 9, it quickly reappeared in the store. This pattern has generated frustration for the developer, who believes that Google should be considered equally culpable alongside the creators of the fraudulent games, as it retains a percentage of the profits generated through downloads.
The company seeks not only financial compensation for the violations of its copyright and trademark, but also a court order prohibiting Google and Daigo Game 2020 Inc. from repeating such infringements in the future. This case highlights a significant issue in the industry, where the popularity of a game often attracts unscrupulous developers looking to capitalize on someone else’s success. How? Prappy Bird wasn’t the original and a man is profiting at home? What a situation…
It is well known by everyone at this point that Netflix not only wants to be your trusted streaming service for series and movies: it also aims to be a place where you go to play. It’s an ambitious plan, of course, but they are acquiring a few mobile game licenses that make it a real alternative. Wonders like World of Goo, Sonic Mania Plus, Civilization VI, Shredder’s Revenge, or Twelve Minutes are hidden among the free titles (if you pay your monthly subscription, of course) on the platform. All of that is great, but Netflix also hides another type of titles: […]
By now, it is well known that Netflix not only wants to be your trusted streaming service for series and movies: it also aims to be a place where you go to play. It’s an ambitious plan, of course, but they are acquiring several mobile game licenses that make it a real alternative. Wonders like World of Goo, Sonic Mania Plus, Civilization VI, Shredder’s Revenge, or Twelve Minutes are hidden among the free titles (if you pay your monthly subscription, of course) on the platform.
All that is very well, but Netflix also hides another type of titles: those produced by themselves with blood, sweat, and, as we will see later, a lot of staff. The games about Netflix franchises. Those that have been created to try to stretch the gum and for people who are already fans of things like Sex Education or Stranger Things to stay a little longer trying them. And believe me. There are many, many more than you expect, on the most unexpected (and less innovative) topics. Let’s take a look!
There are two games based on one of the trending series on the platform that are surprisingly good. The first, Stranger Things: 1984, is a classic adventure filled with pixelated graphics from a top-down perspective where our protagonists have to navigate paths while riding bikes, fight against enemies, and use their powers to reach the end. The other is Stranger Things 3: The Game, which has an isometric perspective and where your task is to make your way to the end in a kind of graphic adventure that recreates the third season. It’s not a masterpiece, but it will satisfy your craving until the next installment arrives.
Money Heist
In this case, and as it could not be otherwise, it is a cheap narrative game in which you will play as Sydney, a new character who is involved in the Dalís heist and who, while talking with the protagonists of the series, will have to solve small puzzles of extremely simple difficulty levels. Your decisions will influence the plot, yes, but at the end of the day, by now you already know how things end, so the excitement is relative.
Sex Education
Well, more of the same: a conversational adventure in Moordale where you will be someone new in their class and you can meet the protagonists of the series, giving them advice about their love life and influencing the plots of the series. It gives the impression of being made in a week from start to finish, so, no matter how much of a fan you are, don’t expect much.
Narcos
How ethical is it to make a video game about Pablo Escobar building his drug empire? Very little. But that doesn’t matter when it comes to Narcos, apparently! This is a strategy game where you can build and construct your own cartel, assemble a group to kill your enemies, and ultimately seize all the power, becoming one of the greatest villains Latin America has ever known. And all from your mobile! Wow, pure fun!
The Squid Game
Participate in the events of Squid Game by just wasting time (and not your life)! Use your skills, survive new challenges, die a few times, let the rest do it. It’s a battle royale style game where all players will fight against each other. The only problem is, after the excitement of season 2… Will there be enough people to set up a game and try to be the only one to survive? Honestly, and considering what’s coming next, it’s one of the best in the catalog. Yes, seriously.
The Queen’s Gambit
It is true that it has some innovations based on the series, but basically, the Queen’s Gambit game is -oh surprise- a chess. You can learn to play, relive matches from the series, find hidden aids, discover various puzzles, and go through the series’ storyline, but at the end of the day, it’s that: a board, some pieces… well, that’s it. A chess game. At least it has multiplayer, you can customize your experience and… Hey, it’s free, what more do you want?
Perfect Match
We enter the zone of filth. You have been warned! Are you hooked on Netflix dating reality shows? Yes? Really? Would you like them to last forever? Well, you’re in luck, because now Perfect Match is also a video game where you can create your character, flirt with pixels that resemble the type of people who go on these types of shows, answer seemingly spicy questions and, in the end, leave there with a partner. Virtual, of course. When you turn off your phone, the only thing you’ll see in the reflection is your face sighing for a fictional love.
The Perfect Couple
A game that revisits the plot of the miniseries starring Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber: there’s a wedding and a murder on the beach, and only you, a bridesmaid, can become a detective and find out who committed the crime. How, you may ask? By collecting clues, looking at photos, and talking to people before reaching your final deduction. The game promises us that every time we play there will be new twists and secrets to uncover. Another option is to watch the series and find out what really happened, but of course, what a hassle.
Love is Blind and Playing with Fire
Did you want to discover the cyber love of your life on Perfect Match? You’re in luck, because Love is Blind and Too Hot to Handle have their own games (well, actually Too Hot to Handle has three, absolutely identical to each other) where the mechanics are more or less the same. Create your character, start flirting, hook up, turn off the phone, discover that this incredible person is not sitting next to you giving you warmth and that instead there is a cold emptiness on the other side of the bed. The true gamer experience!
Outer Banks
While its creators prepare the final season of Outer Banks, which will premiere in 2026, you can relive the series in the official game, where you can create your own character to join the group, make choices that affect the plot, uncover mysteries, maybe fall in love, who knows. Is a cheesy conversational game the best way to discover a series of 40 episodes for the first time? Probably not, but you’ll have to try it to find out.
Emily in Paris
Ninety percent of Netflix games are overwhelmingly the same, yes. Choose your character, talk to others, make dialogue choices, find love. At this point, it seems quite clear that they make them in bulk, but hey, as long as it keeps working…
Other “choose your story” games
I don’t want to bore you, so I’m just going to list the rest of the “games” that are made with a template, just in case you find your favorite series: Sunset: The Golden Mile; Virgin River; Virgin River (Christmas Edition); Shadow and Bone and The Ultimatum. But don’t worry, because they have already announced that there will be many more like these in thenear future. Phew, what a relief!
It might surprise you, but I believe the Internet is not exactly a place of peace. Call me intuitive if you want. And the perfect proof is in Deep Silver, which has implemented a new code of conduct in the Steam forums of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 with the aim of creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for players. This code explicitly prohibits any form of discrimination, hate speech, and harmful ideologies, and warns of possible permanent bans for those who violate these rules. I’m sure you won’t guess what happened right after. Koffing used Toxic! It’s very effective! […]
It may surprise you, but I think the Internet is not exactly a place of peace. Call me intuitive if you want. And the perfect proof is in Deep Silver, which has implemented a new code of conduct in the Steam forums of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 with the aim of creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for players. This code explicitly prohibits any form of discrimination, hate speech, and harmful ideologies, and warns of possible permanent bans for those who violate these rules. I’m sure you won’t guess what happened right after.
Koffing used Toxic! It’s very effective!
The developer thanked the vibrant and passionate discussions of the community, highlighting the importance of keeping the forums as a welcoming place for everyone. “Occasionally rude language is accepted”, it is stated, but users are urged to stay on topic and avoid political or religious debates.
The game’s release, scheduled for February 4, has generated great expectations, especially after the criticism the original installment received for its lack of diversity and the stance of creative director Daniel Vavra regarding Gamergate. This time, the sequel promises a broader representation regarding ethnicities and characters, something that, as it could not be otherwise in the society we are in, has met with a mixed reaction among people who want progress and those who are comfortable living in the medieval era. In fact, some sectors criticize the inclusion of a romantic scene between people of the same sex and the presence of characters of various races. And they don’t realize how ridiculous it sounds to complain about this.
Despite the controversies, the first impressions of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are positive. PC Gamer has compared the game to a mix of historical drama and humor, while other reviewers have highlighted its design embedded in the emergent gameplay experience, similar to the best aspects of Stalker. However, the noise on social media about inclusion and content has captured the public’s attention, reflecting the polarization that remains present in the gaming community. And in the world, in general. Sigh.
It’s not that Disney is exactly in crisis, but when in doubt, it has decided to cut its losses with what doesn’t work. And frankly, it’s a shame. Disney+ has decided not to renew its original British series ‘Extraordinary’ and ‘Shardlake’ for new seasons. The decision comes after the conclusion of the second season of ‘Extraordinary,’ a daring superhero comedy that has captured viewers’ attention with its unique narrative and charismatic characters. Super-canceled! ‘Extraordinary,’ starring Máiréad Tyers and Sofia Oxenham, focuses on the lives of two roommates in a world full of […]
It’s not that Disney is precisely in crisis, but when in doubt, it has decided to cut what doesn’t work. And frankly, it’s a shame. Disney+ has decided not to renew its original British series ‘Extraordinary’ and ‘Shardlake’ for new seasons. The decision comes after the conclusion of the second season of ‘Extraordinary’, a daring superhero comedy that has captured the attention of viewers with its unique narrative and charismatic characters.
Super Canceled!
‘Extraordinary’, starring Máiréad Tyers and Sofia Oxenham, focuses on the lives of two roommates in a world filled with superpowers. The series has been acclaimed for its blend of comedy and chaotic situations, offering a fresh and fun take on the superhero genre. It’s not good news for fans, as its second season ended with a cliffhanger that has left the audience in a state of uncertainty and has generated considerable discontent among the show’s followers.
The cancellation of both series represents a significant change in Disney+’s content strategy, particularly in the realm of British productions. Although the platform has invested in a variety of original titles, the lack of continuity in series that have found a niche among viewers could raise questions about its approach to developing local content in the United Kingdom.
Although ‘Shardlake’ has also been canceled, its impact on the platform has not been as pronounced as that of ‘Extraordinary’, which in a very short time, and rightly so, had already created a loyal fan base. This announcement of non-renewal may contribute to a broader debate about the sustainability of series on streaming platforms, where cliffhangers and continued storytelling are increasingly common, leaving aside the traditional procedurals, but they can frustrate fans when left unresolved… Which is, sadly, becoming more common.
Something good had to come out on Netflix from the hundreds of deals it made with the leading figures in the audiovisual industry a few years ago. Some have flopped, but others, like Tyler Perry, deliver what was expected of them. In particular, the movie Six Triple Eight has become a phenomenon on Netflix, reaching 52.4 million views in its first four weeks. This achievement not only highlights the popularity of the director and producer but also sets a new record as his most-watched movie on the streaming platform. Perry (is not a […]
Something good had to come out on Netflix from the hundreds of deals it made with the most prominent figures in the audiovisual industry a few years ago. Some have flopped, but others, like Tyler Perry, deliver what was expected of them. In particular, the movie Six Triple Eight has become a phenomenon on Netflix, reaching the mark of 52.4 million views in its first four weeks. This achievement not only highlights the popularity of the director and producer but also sets a new record as his most-watched movie on the streaming platform.
Perry (is not a platypus)
The impact of Six Triple Eight goes beyond its individual success. According to Netflix, the release of this film has significantly contributed to the increase in visibility and the number of views of at least four other Perry films on the service. This suggests that the intense and emotional narrative that characterizes this new work (and which is not usually common in the director’s cinema, it must be said) has resonated deeply with audiences, creating a domino effect in the general interest for the filmmaker’s catalog on Netflix.
The plot of Six Triple Eight, which addresses themes of history and resilience, has captured the attention of a wide range of users. This increase in visits could also reinterpret Perry’s trajectory in the realm of digital entertainment, where his unique style and focus on African American narratives should find a perfect home.
The positive response from audiences towards Six Triple Eight underscores not only Perry’s relevance as a contemporary storyteller but also the growing desire for diverse and meaningful content on streaming platforms like Netflix. As subscribers seek stories that reflect varied experiences, Tyler Perry is in a prime position to continue expanding his influence in the film industry.
In a tribute to animation and the legacy of master Hayao Miyazaki, Cinesa has announced a series of screenings celebrating the 40th anniversary of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and the 20th anniversary of Howl’s Moving Castle. This event, which will take place from January 17 to February 14, will offer fans the opportunity to enjoy some of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic works on the big screen. The series has been designed to pay tribute to the genius of Miyazaki, a central figure in animated cinema, and each week will be dedicated […]
In a tribute to animation and the legacy of master Hayao Miyazaki, Cinesa has announced a series of screenings celebrating the 40th anniversary of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and the 20th anniversary of Howl’s Moving Castle. This event, which will take place from January 17 to February 14, will offer fans the opportunity to enjoy some of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic works on the big screen.
The cycle has been designed to pay tribute to the genius of Miyazaki, a central figure in animated cinema, and each week will be dedicated to a specific film. Among the titles to be screened are classics like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and The Boy and the Heron, among others. Although the exact dates of each screening have not been detailed, attendees can expect a unique experience in selected cinemas throughout Spain.
It won’t be the first time we see these movies on the big screen
Tickets are now available through the Cinesa website, which allows users to select cinemas in various cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and more. The schedules and availability to watch the movies in their original version will depend on each theater. It is worth noting that this cycle represents an excellent opportunity for those who could not attend the summer 2024 celebrations, where the anniversaries of Nausicaä and Howl’s Moving Castle were commemorated.
With this initiative, Cinesa not only aims to bring Miyazaki’s work closer to the public, but also to revitalize interest in Japanese animation, a genre that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. This cycle is expected to attract both new viewers and those who have grown up admiring these cinematic gems.
Robert Downey Jr. has been a central figure in the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since the release of Iron Man in 2008, transforming a initially unpopular character into the franchise’s icon. His portrayal of Tony Stark not only cemented his career but also helped elevate Marvel to a dominant status in Hollywood, generating billions at the box office and extensive merchandising. However, the relationship between Downey Jr. and Marvel has not been without tensions. Robert Downey Jr.: an actor with demands As the popularity […]
Robert Downey Jr. has been a central figure in the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since the release of Iron Man in 2008, transforming an initially unpopular character into the franchise’s icon. His portrayal of Tony Stark not only cemented his career but also helped elevate Marvel to a dominant status in Hollywood, generating billions at the box office and extensive merchandising. However, the relationship between Downey Jr. and Marvel has not been without tensions.
Robert Downey Jr.: an actor with demands
As the actor’s popularity grew, so did his salary demands and his influence over the company’s creative decisions. Various sources indicate that his behavior began to complicate the development of new installments, including a fourth solo Iron Man movie, as the rising popularity of other superheroes led Marvel to rethink its narrative strategy.
Particularly, his participation in Captain America: Civil War became a critical point. The inclusion of Iron Man as a rival to Captain America generated internal tensions, almost putting the project at risk. The intervention of Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, was key to consolidating the direction of the film, which set a precedent in the collaboration between Marvel and Disney.
The death of Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame not only marked an emotional closure for fans but also freed the studio from the creative challenges associated with Downey Jr.’s character. Now, Marvel is in a phase of exploring new narratives and characters, demonstrating that, while Iron Man will always hold a special place in the hearts of followers, there is a vast universe to discover beyond Stark.
