Cooledtured Blog

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The Everlasting PS4

The PS5, the next step in console gaming. With its immersive controllers and amazing graphics, you truly feel like you’ve stepped into a new age. Of course, this is only what I’ve heard as I don’t have one myself. While I was always interested in it and still would like one, I just haven’t seen a good enough reason to get one. For me, the PS5 is basically what Apple does with its iPhones: give a slightly better model that doesn’t do much. And just like with iPhones, the main reason for its success is its hype.

That isn’t to say that the PS5 is pointless or anything. From what I’ve seen it is without a doubt an upgrade from the PS4. However, there just isn’t enough that sets them apart that makes me think I need one. One great thing that Sony did is have it, so that people could play their PS4 games on the PS5. Because of its cross-compatibility, people were more willing to buy a PS5 as they didn’t feel that they were losing out on anything. After all, being unable to play old games is a major turn off for some people. But, for good or for worse, Sony didn’t decide to stop there.

For most of the games they released on the PS5, they also decided to release a PS4 version. This meant that even if you still had a PS4 you could still buy new games. As of now, there are very few true PS5 exclusives with most that you can’t play on PS4 being available on PC. Due to this, there is no incentive to buy a PS5 unless said exclusives are what you’re after.

While the PS5 is indeed superior in terms of graphics and hardware, it isn’t enough that I would recommend buying one. If you really are interested in playing playstation games, then I would recommend buying the cheaper PS4. While it may be ‘weaker’, it still allows you to play a majority of the titles you would find on a PS5. So before buying one, consider if either the exclusives or hardware are deal breakers for you.

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A Spiritual Invasion

The journey of Kurosaki Ichigo continues now. Today, we are looking at the next chapter in his story as we enter Bleach’s Soul Society arc. A bit after Rukia was kidnapped, we find Ichigo recovering from his encounter with the Soul Reapers. With no way to get to where she is, and no way to use his powers now that his sword is broken, he struggles to figure out what to do. Enter Urahara Kisuke, a mysterious candy shop owner who has helped Ichigo and Rukia in the past. He tells Ichigo that he knows of a way to get to Rukia before she is scheduled to be executed. However, he also tells him that in his current state he would be incapable of saving her. So he agrees to train Ichigo so that he’ll be strong enough to save her.

From here, we spend a few days seeing Ichigo recover his strength as well as learn more about the powers that he possesses. This culminates in him acquiring a powerful technique unique to Soul Reapers known as Shikai. With his training complete, Ichigo and his friends who also acquired powers of their own join together in order to go to Soul Society and stop Rukia’s execution. And in turn make all of Soul Society their enemy.

Throughout the arc we learn more about the world of Soul Society and its role. Acting as Bleach’s version of heaven, this world is guarded by 13 squads each led by their own captain. In order to stop the execution, Ichigo and his friends must defeat them as they come to stop them. However, while they have gotten stronger, the captains they face are on another level. Not only do they possess their own Shikai, they also have an even stronger technique known as Bankai.

While Ichigo was able to become stronger through his battle in Soul Society, Yoruichi, a friend of Urahara who was sent to look after them, determines that he’s still not strong enough to save Rukia. So, she decides to train Ichigo so that he could obtain his own Bankai. And after the harsh training, he finally manages to stop the execution and save Rukia. We then have our final battle between Ichigo and Rukia’s brother Byakuya. And after a long and difficult battle between the two and their Bankais, Ichigo manages to just barely come out on top. Thus ends our second arc.

Soul Society is typically regarded as the best arc of Bleach by a lot of people. This is likely due to the fact that it builds up a lot of the world and answers a lot of questions that people have about it. From here though, we start to go into the less liked arcs. This is mostly due to them being regarded as filler to help make sure the anime didn’t catch up to the manga. Even so, there are a few arcs that I feel you’ll regret skipping out on. So until next time.

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Netflix’s Avatar: Good or Mid?

If you ever have time, then you need to watch the masterpiece that is Avatar: The Last Airbender. It is an amazing show that tells the story of a group of kids who are essentially forced to fight in a war in order to stop the evil reign of a nation. Although it has over 50 episodes, I can understand why people might be put off from watching it. Netflix must have thought the same when they decided to remake the show into shorter, condensed seasons (8 episodes). The only problem with this though… is that it is live action.

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Naruto Nostalgia - The Artistry of Fanfiction, Fan Art, and Cosplay

Naruto, a cultural phenomenon that has captured audiences around the world, continues to inspire a devoted fan base eager to explore every aspect of its universe. From fanfiction stories that reinvent iconic characters to beautifully produced fan artworks and extravagant costume productions, the Naruto fanbase is a vibrant and dynamic place where creativity knows no bounds. In this article, we'll go into the world of Naruto fanfiction, fan art, and cosplay, examining the various ways in which fans show their passion for this legendary anime series.

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From President to Otherworldly Bodyguard

What would you do if you suddenly found yourself young again surrounded by animal people in the middle of a rebellion? Would you run away or choose to protect the kid put into the middle of it all? Well in this game, you figure that out yourself.

Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom tells the story of Evan, a young prince who is training to become king after the death of his father, and Roland, a president from another world who was brought here after an explosion. After a coup launched by the royal advisor, Evan and Roland flee the kingdom. Together the two decided to create a new nation where everyone can be happy and eventually take back Evan’s old kingdom.

Ni no Kuni 2 is a somewhat open-world RPG game. While players are able to explore the world as they please, they are ultimately required to complete quests to progress through the game making it more linear. As with most RPG titles, Ni no Kuni has its own form of combat. Combat takes place in real-time meaning that you must be constantly aware of what is happening or suffer the consequences. Battles are in third-person, three member teams with you being able to only control one member at a time. You are able to give instructions on how other members will act, but can’t control their exact actions.

What really makes this game unique is its nation building aspect. As you continue to grow your kingdom by completing quests and recruiting citizens, you also gain access to many facilities. For example, while you can buy equipment from other nations, you can instead develop your kingdom so that you can buy better quality equipment at lower costs. Choosing for yourself what facilities to develop when can greatly affect your gameplay experience.

Ni no Kuni 2 is a great blend of your typical RPG experience and a nation builder. With an engaging coming of age story as well, it’s sure to be an experience you’ll never forget. So pick your sword and get ready to build your own land of happiness.

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The Netflix Effect: Gen Z's Netflix Obsession

In the age of streaming, Netflix has emerged as a prominent player in molding Gen-Z's entertainment preferences. With a massive library of binge-worthy series and movies at their disposal, Gen-Z viewers have adopted the site as their primary source of entertainment and cultural impact. Netflix's content ranges from captivating dramas to quirky comedies, catering to the preferences and interests of the younger generation. In this article, we'll look at some of the popular shows and anime on Netflix that characterize Gen-Z entertainment.

Netflix has an abundance of binge-worthy shows that have won the hearts and minds of Generation Z fans. One major hit is "Stranger Things," a nostalgic sci-fi series set in the 1980s about a group of teenagers who discover supernatural secrets in their small town. "Stranger Things" has become a cultural phenomenon, receiving global recognition and a devoted fan following among Generation Z viewers all throughout TikTok and Twitter.

Another popular series is "The End of the Fing World" a dark comedy-drama about two teenage outcasts who go on a road journey full of unexpected twists and turns. "The End of the Fing World" has captivated Gen-Z audiences with its unusual comedy, advanced visuals, and heartbreaking storytelling, keeping the younger generation on the edge of their seats.

In the world of superhero dramas, "The Umbrella Academy" has been established as a fan favourite among younger viewers. Based on Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá's comic book series, the program follows a dysfunctional family of adopted siblings with extraordinary abilities as they try to solve the mystery of their father's death and avoid an oncoming catastrophe. "The Umbrella Academy" has received critical acclaim for its varied cast and imaginative storytelling, which combines action, humour, and dysfunctional family dynamics.

Nostalgic anime classics

Anime has seen a comeback in popularity among Generation Z viewers, thanks in part to Netflix's huge catalog of classic and modern releases. One legendary series that has won the hearts of fans is "Naruto," a coming-of-age narrative about a teenage ninja named Naruto Uzumaki who sets out on a journey to become the strongest ninja in his village and earn the admiration of his peers. With its mix of action and touching moments, "Naruto" has become a cultural touchstone for older Gen-Z viewers who grew up watching the show.

Another great anime that has been given new life on Netflix is "Death Note," a thriller about a high school student who has the ability to kill anyone whose name he writes in a mysterious notebook. As he struggles with the moral consequences of his newfound ability, he gets involved in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a clever detective out to stop him. Known for its dense plot, and captivating characters such as Light, "Death Note" has a devoted fanbase and is a revered classic among Gen-Z fans.

Ultimately, Netflix has established itself as a cultural powerhouse in shaping Generation Z's entertainment scene. With a wide range of binge-worthy shows and anime classics, the platform caters to the diverse tastes and interests of today's youth. From intriguing dramas and  to nostalgic anime classics, Netflix continues to define Gen-Z entertainment by providing a platform for creativity, variety, and narrative that appeals to viewers all around the world. 

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Diving Into Amazon’s Newest Superhero

We are currently drowning. While the MCU has given us many great movies, its success has unfortunately led to gaining an over abundance of superhero media. As such, people have begun to dub this phenomenon as superhero fatigue. However, I don’t think that it exists. Instead, I feel that the problem is we just haven’t gotten enough good superhero stuff in a while. Now it’s more likely for superhero media to be bad than good. That’s why when we get some truly good superhero content, people talk and praise it a lot. If you don’t believe me, then look no further.

Invincible follows Mark Greyson, your everyday highschool kid who also happens to be the son of the most powerful hero on the planet Omni-Man. All his life he wanted to be a hero just like his father. So when he finally got his powers, he was absolutely ecstatic and rushed to tell his parents. From here, we see Mark struggle to balance his life as a regular human and a superhero also needing to figure out what is more important to him. What really sets the tone for the show as a whole is the first episode. From here, we learn just what type of show it is that you should be prepared to watch. If you are interested in watching the show for yourself, I recommend leaving now, as I am about to get into spoilers. You’ve been warned. Seeing Omni-Man just brutally murder the Guardians for seemingly no reason was a major shock. We assume that they are going to be a major part of the story, so to see him single-handedly take them out serves both as a display of his power and an awakening of sorts. The looming threat that Omni-Man poses as the government struggles to figure out a way to stop him, should he strike again, was very interesting to watch. And the final confrontation between Mark and his father was truly heart wrenching, even if it somehow became a meme.

Invincible isn’t your typical superhero show. Much like The Boys, it offers its own take on the superhero genre as a whole. With two seasons under its belt and a third on its way, you are sure to have an amazing time watching it.

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In the Spotlight - Analyzing Fan Reactions and Critical Reception of J. Cole's Album Release

The release of a highly anticipated album frequently results in a rush of reactions from both fans and critics. J. Cole is one of the most well-known and respected hip-hop artists today and with each new album, he continues to captivate audiences with his contemplative lyricism and moving storytelling. His latest album is no exception, eliciting a flood of emotions and opinions across social media channels. Today, we'll look at the fan reactions and critical reception to J. Cole's latest musical release.

Fan Reactions

Social media has become the focal point for instant fan reactions to new music releases. Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit are virtual platforms where fans can join in spirited discussions, post their favorite songs, and study every phrase. Following the release of J. Cole's album, 'Might Delete Later' hashtags relating to the project trended internationally, indicating the passionate expectation and desire of his fan base.

One recurring topic among fan replies is admiration for J. Cole's poetic talent and storytelling ability. Many listeners praised his ability to write storylines that are deeply personal and relevant to some contemporary issues. Older tracks like FRIENDS struck a connection with listeners, who applauded the artist for addressing topics ranging from mental health difficulties to racial injustice with compassion while his new work is more confrontational and raw.

However, despite the wave of praise, there were also voices of disappointment and discontent, particularly in response to several contentious lyrics. One such incident is diss lyrics aimed at fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar. While hip-hop has a long history of lyrical sparring and competitive spirit, several fans were offended by the perceived disrespect to Lamar, who is widely recognized as one of the genre's finest artists. The diss provoked intense conversations on Twitter and mixed opinions among fans, with some backing J. Cole's artistic freedom while others condemned the move as unnecessary and egotistical.

Critics also criticized the album's tempo and coherence. Some fans believed that certain tracks broke the album's flow or failed to meet the high standards set by previous releases, sounding too much like other artists than J. Coles's own voice. These criticisms highlighted the vagueness of musical preferences and the difficulties of matching artistic experimentation with fan expectations.

Critical Reception

In addition to fan reactions, critical reviews provide essential information about an album's creative worth and influence. J. Cole's album has received generally excellent reviews, with many applauding its conceptual depth and lyrical intricacy. However, commentators have taken note of the debates surrounding specific diss lines, recognizing the polarizing nature of the lyrics and their possible impact on album reception.

Some critics contend that, while artistic expression is important in hip-hop, there is a delicate line between healthy rivalry and unneeded animosity. Some consider the diss to Kendrick Lamar to be an error that detracts from the album's overall message as well as its creative integrity. Others have backed J. Cole's right to free expression, pointing to the genre's lengthy history of rap wars and lyrical feuds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the release of J. Cole's new album has elicited a range of reactions from fans and critics alike. While the album has been praised for its lyrical depth and storytelling prowess, it has also faced criticism for its controversial content and divisive lyrics. As the discourse surrounding the album continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in artistic expression and the nuances of navigating controversy in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop.

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The Loving Defender’s Return

Yubel. A somewhat notorious archetype known for a lot of potential, but stopped by its own nature. While they have powerful effects, they were unfortunately not enough to warrant creating entire decks around. Thus Yubel fell into obscurity with the only thing keeping it alive being nostalgia. However, that changes now.

One of Yubel’s biggest downsides was its summoning requirements. Due to being level 10, you would need to sacrifice two monsters just to bring it out. This meant that you would need to waste at least two turns on it when you could instead spend that time doing something else. This combined with its maintenance cost made it almost pointless to summon. ‘Samsara Regenerating Lotus’ addressed both of these issues. With the ability to tribute itself to bring out Yubel and to then bring itself back again to pay for Yubel’s maintenance, it made actually using it a none issue.

For those times when you find yourself with an open field, ‘Spirit of Yubel’ is there for you. Summoning itself for free upon an attack from your opponent as well as a searcher for your Yubel Spell/Trap makes it a great starter. This card, as well as Yubel in general, work especially well with their newest spell Nightmare Pain. Thanks to this card your opponent can longer pass their turn without attacking as they are now forced to attack a Yubel monster if they can. This combined with the other effect of ‘Nightmare Pain’ essentially doubles any damage they would receive upon attacking one. This essentially makes Yubel less reactionary as you can now attack into monsters and deal actual damage with Yubel.

One of Yubel’s best effects allows it to grow stronger once it is destroyed. However there hasn’t been a consistent way to trigger this before. This changed though with Nightmare Pain’s final effect which allows you to destroy Yubel in order to search for even more Yubel related cards. When combined with the other new spell Mature Chronicle, you can eventually search out the powerful ‘Super Polymerization’. This will allow you to clear the board by summoning Yubel’s newest boss monster ‘Yubel – Das Ewig Liebe Wächter’. Thanks to having generic materials, it is possible to get rid of your opponent’s monsters as well as burn them for each one used.

Each of these new cards helps to address a problem that Yubel needed help with as well as giving benefits to doing so. This has made it so Yubel no longer has to rely on outside cards and can instead focus on its own playstyle. So watch out for if you’re not careful, you might fall victim to the loving defender.

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Sword Art Online and Unnecessary Hate

Everyone has something that they hate. Live long enough and you’re bound to find something that you just can’t stand. However, it’s not often that people universally agree on something being bad. In those instances it is usually because that something has so many faults that people can’t help but criticize it. At the same time though, there are cases where the hate for something just seems to be much greater than the source deserves. And in the anime community, Sword Art Online is the perfect example of this.

On paper, SAO doesn’t seem like an anime that should get as much hate as it does. The main plot is about people trapped inside a video game who are struggling to survive and hopefully escape it. Throughout the series we see their lives and how they’re managing in the game. This is a plot that many shows have had since SAO, and yet they have never gotten the kind of criticism that it has. So what makes SAO different from these shows?

Some of the main criticisms that SAO faces is the fact that people feel that the protagonist of the show, Kirirto, just has girls falling in love with him for no reason. They feel that he is a bland character and doesn’t deserve the attention that he is given. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. For one thing, the characters who fall in love with him actually spend time and bond with him. This naturally evolves into them falling in love with him rather than seemingly coming out of nowhere.

Kirito himself is also far less bland than people give him credit for. He is not the most exciting character, however, he is still fairly complex. Throughout the series we see his struggle to survive and achieve his goals as well as how the events of the show have impacted him. At one point, he actually breaks down due to him seeing members of his party die in front of him. We even see how because of his experiences in the game he feels more comfortable in that world than he does in the real world. When people call him bland they’re often looking at the surface instead of actually looking at him as a whole. This still brings us to the main question: why all of the hate? Well, it’s really very simple; people hate the shift in tone. While it is true that SAO as a whole is hated, when these same people are asked what their favorite part is, they’ll usually say that it was the first half of season 1. To them this part of SAO packed full of action was the best and everything after was bad. And I think this is where the trouble lies. People came into SAO prepared to watch a show about surviving in another world where everything they do is life or death. Once that stopped being the case though, people started to lose interest.

To these people they felt almost ‘tricked’ as they were now watching a more slice of life anime than an action anime. This in turn caused them to feel hatred towards what happened and thus have them start nitpicking, despite there being plenty of anime like it. Had it not been for this sudden shift, there is a good chance that SAO wouldn’t receive as much hate as it does. In fact, I can even see people praising it if it were released today. However, it being released when it was in combination with people echoing the sentiment has led to SAO being known as a horrible anime, showing that sometimes people want less.