Pearlescent Pokémon Funkos Have Arrived At Pokémon Centers Near You

June 15, 2025

---

Missing out on your Funko fixation lately? Fret no more, as a Pokécenter near you is slated to carry a new selection of three classic Pearlescent Pokémon Funkos. Let’s take a look at the three new Funkos in this article - gotta catch ‘em all!

Piplup – A Pearlescent Pop of Penguin Charm

 

For fans of Sinnoh and adorable Water-types, Piplup’s Pearlescent Funko is a must-have. This figure captures the confident little penguin in all its glory, now with a dazzling shimmer that reflects light beautifully from every angle. The soft blue hues combined with the pearlescent finish give it a fresh, almost icy glow, making it a standout piece whether you're a Gen 4 nostalgic or just a sucker for well-dressed birds. Piplup’s royal attitude has never looked so refined!

 

Flareon – Fiery Funko Figurine Goodness

 

Bringing the heat in more ways than one, Flareon’s new Pearlescent Funko makeover does justice to the Fire-type favorite. With its glossy red-orange finish and elegant pearlescent shine, this figure practically glows on any shelf. Long-time Eeveelution fans will no doubt want to snap this one up quickly, as this limited-edition version is bound to be a hot commodity.

 

Cubone – A Shiny Tribute to a Lonely Legend

 

Cubone’s story may be one of the saddest in the Pokédex, but its new Pearlescent Funko brings a sense of quiet strength and reflective beauty. This limited-edition version enhances the Ground-type’s trademark skull helmet and bone weapon with a soft, glistening finish that gives it an almost ethereal quality. It's a stunning homage to a fan-favorite Pokémon that’s long been known for wearing its heart - and its past - on its sleeve. Whether you collect for aesthetics or emotion, Cubone adds undeniable depth to any display.

 

Fortnite’s Metaverse: A History & How It’s Evolved

June 13, 2025

---

We all know of Fortnite - a video game that only seemed to grow larger as its contemporaries (PUBG, H1Z1, etc.) have shrunken quite considerably. While we’re far from the heyday of battle royale games, we’d like to offer a theory as to why Fortnite has been able to stay relevant this whole time while other games seemingly just…stayed in the shadows. Without further ado, we’ll present a history of what Epic Games calls its “Metaverse”, and how it’s evolved ever since its inception. Stick around and we’ll also answer exactly what goes on in the Metaverse and how it’s allowed Fortnite to keep ahead of the competition by tenfolds.

Topic Overview and History

 

It’s likely you’ve experienced the Metaverse, even if you don’t actually know what it is. According to Epic Games, the Metaverse is “an online social entertainment experience in real time, where people play and connect in a 3D world”. It’s really as simple as that.

This definition is pretty vague, but it also allows us to see what exactly it is that Epic considers the Metaverse (which is a lot). Some examples would include:

• User-created experiences through the Fortnite workshop

• Player-made lobbies/parties through the Epic Games social launcher

• Shared events such as the Travis Scott or Marshmello in-game concerts

• Customizing your avatar through the Item Shop

• Limited-time gamemodes such as Star Wars events

Though with such a broad concept in mind, how did the Metaverse get its beginnings? Many point to the beginnings of Fortnite’s storyline as an early example of Epic’s realization of something bigger. Shared events that tied into the lore of Fortnite paved way for greater entries into the Metaverse, such as 2023’s “Big Bang” event that unveiled quite a few changes in how players would experience Fortnite. 

Gone were the days of the tried-and-tested battle royale experience - the Minecraft-esque Lego Fortnite gamemode, Fortnite Festival (a Guitar Hero clone), and partnerships with record labels led to it being pretty hard to call Fortnite just a third-person shooter. It was more than that - the Metaverse had finally come to fruition.

With collaborations between brands like Disney, Balenciaga, and strangely enough the National Football League (yes, that is a real thing), Fortnite cemented itself as a mainstay in gaming. 

The Metaverse Now

People have come to expect lots of things from Fortnite’s Metaverse, such as new character additions, brand collaborations, and gamemodes. However, it’s been quite the case that Epic likes to keep players on their toes when it comes to speculating about new updates to the game. A Sabrina Carpenter skin in the Item Shop could be just as likely as a Darth Jar Jar skin. Both of those are in the game right now and were added within a week of each other but that’s not the point.

 

Fortnite is empowering its creators by giving them tools outside of the standard Fortnite Workshop arsenal, such as the ability to import maps from Unreal Engine, an Epic Games creation used by many triple-A studios to create their games. More and more brands are investing billions into Fortnite in order to stake their chunk of the wildly popular Metaverse. User-created content makes up a huge portion of the amount of playtime that people spend on Fortnite. It’s easy to see how successful the Metaverse has been, but difficult to see where it’ll be going next.

 

Conclusion

 

Fortnite’s evolution into a full-fledged Metaverse has redefined what a video game can be. What started as a battle royale has transformed into a constantly shifting digital playground — one where players, creators, and brands coexist in a shared space of creativity and entertainment. Epic Games has pushed the envelope by merging pop culture, music, fashion, and gaming into one platform, turning Fortnite into something closer to a digital lifestyle hub than just another online shooter. 

 

With user-generated content continuing to thrive and partnerships expanding in scope and ambition, Fortnite’s Metaverse is an industry blueprint for the future of interactive entertainment. Where it goes next is anyone’s guess, but if history’s any indicator, it’ll be somewhere no one expected. We're just happy we get to be Peter Griffin playing the drums to a Nine Inch Nails song and somehow everyone just accepts the fact that that's happening.

 

Xbox’s New Handheld Gaming PC Has Been Announced: Is It Worth It?

June 12, 2025

---

 

The Steam Deck has made its mark on handheld gaming history for the most part, despite how slim the pickings may be. Its compact yet dependable form factor and powerhouse ability to play most any game on Steam has cemented it amongst other market offerings. Despite other (punchy in their own right) systems like the GPD WIN, MSI Claw 8, or Lenovo Legion Go, it’s hard to beat Valve customer service and SteamOS, the Deck’s built-in operating system tailored for on-the-go gaming.

 

However, we’d like to take a moment to showcase something that’s been catching our attention lately: of all people, Microsoft has come out with a series of handheld gaming PCs, which they’ve dubbed the “ROG Xbox Ally” collection. Gone are the days of seemingly “second”- or “third”-party offerings like those mentioned above; Microsoft says they’d like to step in. 

 

Without further ado, we’ll take a look at the console and see what separates it from the other offerings on the market and tell you if it’s worth it or not.

 

Overview

 

 

In partnership with ASUS and Republic Of Gamers (ROG), Xbox recently announced their venture into the handheld gaming scene with the ROG Xbox Ally. To keep it short, there are two versions: The ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. 

 

“Developed in partnership with the incredible team at Xbox, the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X offer best-in-class ergonomics and a full-screen Xbox experience that marries the best of Xbox and PC gaming in one cohesive package.”

 

From what we can gather, the biggest difference between the two is that the ROG Xbox Ally has a less potent processor (but by our standards, still pretty fast). While the ROG Xbox Ally sports an AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor, the Ally X will be sporting the new AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor for what ASUS calls “next-level gaming performance”.

 

Additionally, we’re given a good look at what constitutes the software that the Ally series will be running. What’s exciting is that Microsoft seems to be supporting the ability to mod Ally series devices, which is mentioned a little in the text:

 

“Powered by Windows 11 underneath, this software has been optimized for the ROG Xbox Ally, reducing system overhead and offering easy joystick and button navigation. Quick access to settings and customizable widgets are available via Game Bar with a single press of the Xbox button. But with the full freedom of Windows 11 running under the hood, games and mods from other sources are still easily accessible.”

 

Other hardware to note is that both consoles come with at least 512GB of storage (with the Ally X having 1TB of storage) and at least 16GB of RAM (the Ally X again sporting a more potent 24GB of RAM).

 

What We Like

• The grips are contoured to resemble gamepad handles, which is something that we haven’t seen on very many platforms; very nice

• Familiar and dependable software (Windows 11) running underneath the hood

• Xbox Play Anywhere, seemingly Microsoft’s version of Steam, allows you to pick back up and play games that you previously played on your Xbox or PC

• Xbox Game Bar integration allows you to create clips and screenshots live, as well as chat with friends and perform other social features

What Could Use Some Work

• As a result of the much more powerful internals of the Ally X, the price will likely reflect the upgrade (to be expected, but may be higher than what others may be hoping to pay for)

• The resolution is slightly lower for both consoles (both share the same display configuration) than other options we’ve seen

• The screen is also smaller, with the Switch 2’s being nearly an inch larger (7 inch vs. 7.9 inch)

 

Verdict: Should You Purchase the Xbox Ally Series?

 

The Xbox Ally series, particularly the higher-end Ally X, represents a strong and compelling entry into the handheld gaming PC market. It brings with it the pedigree of Microsoft and ASUS ROG, blending Xbox's familiar gaming ecosystem with the flexibility and customizability of a Windows-powered device. For gamers already tied into the Xbox ecosystem, the Ally makes a lot of sense - it offers a seamless transition between console, PC, and now, mobile gaming.

 

When compared to other handhelds like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, or MSI Claw, the Xbox Ally series holds its own - especially with the Ally X's upgraded specs. If you're looking for a handheld that acts more like a full-fledged gaming laptop with true Xbox integration—and you’re okay with a slightly smaller screen and a potentially steeper price point—the ROG Xbox Ally or Ally X is well worth your attention.

We’d say go for it - our team thinks it’s easily the most exciting gaming offering that Microsoft has had in a while.

 

What did you think of this article? Let us know by reaching out to us on our social media!

Epic Games vs. Apple: Fortnite Returns to the iPhone

June 8, 2025

---

Fortnite is...back? To the Apple Store? After a lengthy legal battle spanning years, Fortnite has returned as a free download for iPhones and iPads in the United States. Its return signals a change in the type of control that Apple has over how it licenses products on the App Store and specifically how it makes revenue from that licensing. Learn about how Fortnite sparked these changes and more in this article.

The Overview

As it's likely that we all know, Fortnite is a game that subsists on the free-to-play model that more and more games have begun to adopt (see Counter-Strike 2, THE FINALS, Zenless Zone Zero, FragPunk, Splitgate, etc.). In order to make money, most of these games derive their profit from the inclusion of purchases such as digital currency or in-game cosmetics, financed by real money. The game distribution platforms that these games exist on, such as Steam or the App Store, mandate that they usually take some sum of money from each purchase made while the game is being hosted on their platform - usually, this is around 30%.

Developers and game developer studios have long argued that the 30% standard that many digital game distribution platforms (including the App Store, to the extent that they offer games) boasts an unnecessarily high takeaway. In Fortnite and the App Store's case, Epic Games (the developer of Fortnite) created a system that circumvented the automatic fee processing that Apple would undertake on every purchase - something Apple didn't like, which led it to remove Fortnite from the Apple Store until further notice.

The Lawsuit

With the removal of Fortnite from the Apple Store in 2020, Epic Games sought to file a lawsuit against Apple that same year. Epic Games alleged that Apple's policies relating to the forcing of the usage of Apple's payment processing systems (those which would take away 30% of revenue made from in-game purchases), as well as its censorship of other alternative means of payment being able to be made to the developers of the game, was unfair. 

Apple counter-sued and alleged that Epic violated the Apple Store's terms of usage and that compensation for missed revenue should be allotted to Apple due to the inclusion of the fee circumventing feature. Fast-forward to 2021: a few legal roadblocks in Apple's favor made it such that only some of the charges against Apple stuck in federal court - namely, the censorship of other alternative means (known in law as the "anti-steering policy". 

Neither Apple nor Epic Games were happy with the suit, and appealed the decision once more before the case reached the Supreme Court, where it was declined to be heard. The case was laid to rest - for now...

Outcomes

The anti-steering policy wasn't a hit in court. Apple's new policy allows developers to provide links within apps that redirect users to make purchases outside of the app, but it isn't really much better in the case of developers, as if an individual makes a purchase within 7 days of accessing that link, Apple still takes a 27% cut. Developers also must be granted permission by Apple to feature such a link in their app. Sucks.

However, this decision gave a great way to another major event within the development of the lawsuit - app creators such as Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and others alleged in court again that the leeway that Apple provided was insufficient.

With the support of these companies in court and a wholly provision against Apple of the former allegations, it was found that Apple is to be prohibited from taking cuts on payments made to developers of apps, as well as impede the redirection of alternative payments to developers of apps (such as those methods in the case of Epic Games). It was an absolute win for game and app developers, and a pretty upsetting loss for Apple who seemed to have held a market majority of the revenue share between mobile application hosting platforms for a while.

Conclusion

Fortnite’s reappearance on the Apple App Store comes after years of legal battles that challenged the foundations of mobile app distribution. With new policies now limiting Apple’s ability to control third-party payments, developers are beginning to see cracks in a system that once seemed untouchable - thanks to the combined efforts of Epic Games alongside Meta, X, and other entities generally just kind of tired of Apple, the stage has been set for a more competitive and developer-focused mobile ecosystem.

What did you think of this article? Let us know by reaching out to our social media!

Valve’s Open-Source Steam Deck vs. Nintendo’s Closed-Off Switch 2: A Philosophical Review

June 6, 2025

---

Two gaming industry titans walk into a bar. Valve orders an IPA with extra hops while Nintendo orders apple juice - chilled, on the rocks. 

We’re well and truly fans of both companies, with Valve releasing cult classics such as Half-Life and Team Fortress 2, while Nintendo has provided us with absolute gaming mainstays such as the Mario and Legend of Zelda series of video games. However, what we’re here to talk about (as we find appropriate, since the Switch 2 is hot off the presses) is that while many people compare the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch(es) in terms of hardware and playability, we’d like to take a moment to compare the philosophies that Nintendo and Valve encompass and how that affects their end products. Stick around - this one is interesting.

 

Audience

Firstly, we need to talk about what kind of audience both companies gear themselves towards. Let’s look at Valve first.

Steam:

• Population-wise, typically focuses on the adult gamer with games like Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS dominating the Steam Charts

• Largest gaming distribution platform on the market by far; despite player counts being dominated by “core” gamers, most people do in fact shop on Steam for games

• Overwhelmingly PC gamer-oriented, especially male PC gamers

Nintendo:

• Focuses on gamers of all ages, though there is a strong child-leaning approach due to the emphasis on accessibility and family-friendliness

• “Family” approach is crucial to the Nintendo image, as many of their consoles promote being shared amongst family.

• Gender is no matter, as the fanbase is pretty split between male and female

End-Product Comparison

Now that we have that out of the way, the easiest way to see the difference within this audience philosophy is to create a comparison between the Switch 2 and Steam Deck. Really, it’s mostly about how while the Steam Deck and Switch 2 are pretty similar from a high level, the choices that Valve and Nintendo have allowed to manifest in the development of each is what makes the difference between them.

Steam Deck and Steam:

• Very open-source, with the operating system being built on Linux and modification being encouraged by Valve.

• “SteamOS is an Arch Linux-based Linux distribution, and all of the base operating system components are open source.” (SteamOS page)

• Built with right-to-repair in mind

• Valve has partnered with third-party companies (such as iFixIt) to provide replacement parts and teardown guides on how to fix a malfunctioning or faulty Steam Deck

• Steam is more than a platform for developers to launch games off - Steam is a fully functioning ecosystem for developers that Valve is dedicated to supporting

• In general, Valve is just more open to usages of their products in creative ways than Nintendo is

Being built by a company founded on modding (see how Counter-Strike was a mod of Quake, how Half-Life was a Quake mod, etc.) and seeing how they’re very open to community reworks of their products, it’s easy to see how Valve was a company founded by gamers for gamers, which reflects in the way the Steam Deck is built. If you can think of a way to do it with the Steam Deck, you probably can.

Now, onto the Nintendo Switches and their Nintendo eShop:

• Completely closed-source, from the internal operating system to modifications on hardware with massive sanctions on those who do

• Nintendo reserves the absolute right to render one’s device "unusable in whole or in part" if their devices aren’t used within the limits of their user agreement.

• Store focuses on first-party games, with a much more rigorous and closed-off ecosystem that tends to not promote innovation

• Most best-sellers are games that Nintendo has developed, with an emphasis on renewing well-known IPs by introducing new technologies such as physical control schemes or mechanics

We’re not saying that these are bad things at all - in fact, Nintendo is well-known for making products that just work. Products like the Nintendo DS and Wii may have been known for their lacking in features or functionality than similar products like Sony’s PSP or the PlayStation 3. However, Nintendo products have never really been criticized for not being seamless and memorable experiences. This is a result of their focus on quality control, and the company’s belief in the significance behind making games and products that just work.

 

Conclusion

At first glance, the Steam Deck and Switch 2 might seem like comparable devices: handheld gaming consoles aimed at delivering high-quality gaming experiences on the go. But beneath their similar appearances and functions lies a fundamental difference in philosophy.

Valve’s Steam Deck is an embodiment of the open-source, community-first ethos, inviting tinkerers, modders, and developers alike to take part in shaping how the device is used. Nintendo’s Switch 2, by contrast, is a product of careful curation and tight control—built with the intention of creating a unified, accessible experience that aligns with its broader family-friendly brand.

Neither approach is inherently better than the other. Valve appeals to the experimental, tech-savvy gamer who values freedom, customization, and community empowerment. Nintendo courts players of all ages by delivering polished, intuitive experiences that put fun and nostalgia front and center. 

What did you think of this article? We sure had fun writing it as both fans of Nintendo and Valve. Did we miss anything or did you feel like we didn’t bring something up we should’ve? Let us know by reaching out to us on our social media!

The History of Scalping in Pokémon

June 5, 2025

---

Though we at Cooledtured may all be fans of Pokémon - or, hopefully we all are - there’s been a significant amount of discourse online about the seemingly recent uptick in the presence of “scalping” amongst hobby enthusiasts. No matter where you are in the hobby, there’s never been an opportunity not taken by an enthusiast to share their opinion on the scalping matter. But what actually is scalping? How did it get to this point? What can be done against scalpers? In this article, we’ll answer all your questions and more. Stick around and see if you learn anything new from us!

What Scalping Really Is

As Pokémon gears up to release highly in-demand card series (known as “TCG Expansions”) into physical retailers such as Walmart and Target, profit-minded individuals known as scalpers have made it clear that they’re in it to win it. What they do is simple - they attempt to buy large quantities of hotly desired Pokémon-related items such as card expansion blister packs and boxes, therefore both decreasing the available supply to others and increasing the demand amongst everyone. They then either sell them immediately for a massive profit - this is what’s known as the “scalping” in question.

For example, a scalper might buy a large number of the newest expansion items (such as Destined Rivals or Scarlet & Violet) when they are first released and then resell them individually at a higher price on platforms like eBay or online marketplaces. The pressure is on the individual to purchase from the scalper at these high markups as it’s unlikely that there are any marketplaces left where scalpers haven’t already purchased all of their supply from.

Why Scalping Is Bigger Than Ever

It’s easy to see why Pokémon is such a well-beloved franchise - from the core memories that are made from a young age playing the games and watching the infamously well-produced television and movie installments, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever meet someone who didn’t have a Pokémon  card collecting phase when they were young. Unfortunately, those same reasons can also be linked as to why the practice of scalping is more popular than ever as of now. It’s easy to see that demand for Pokémon cards is at an all-time high - therefore, scalpers are free to target Pokémon card fanatics as they please.

Additionally, the effects of COVID-19 have had a long-lasting effect on every industry of production and Pokémon cards hold no sanctity against that trend. Increased demand, coupled with manufacturing and shipping disruptions caused by the pandemic, have led to supply shortages and price increases for Pokémon cards.

Due to the pandemic, massive stores that used to sell Pokémon merchandise such as Pokémon Centers Mega Tokyo, Osaka and Osaka DX, and Kansai Airport have also closed indefinitely. With physical stores under attack and with no other clear options, enthusiasts have severely limited their options as to where they can go to get their fix.

What Can Be Done Against Scalping

Fortunately, many physical retailers have taken up defense against scalpers by implementing policies that include the limitation of sales to one expansion set per person. Online stores are beginning to implement lottery systems that ensure that the selection of who gets to purchase items is random. Many enthusiasts are vowing not to purchase from the secondhand market as to deny scalpers a market to sell to. 

Conclusion

In the end, it’s important to remember that scalping is a particularly human issue. From concert tickets to other in-demand items like clothing and shoes, Pokémon is not privy to immunity from the same issues that these forms of consumption suffer from. As both companies and communities respond with new policies and practices, the conversation around scalping continues to evolve. Understanding the factors that drive it, from global supply chain disruptions to the enduring popularity of nostalgic franchises, is key to being an informed consumer.

What do you think about scalping? Have you ever personally been affected by scalping when trying to purchase Pokémon cards in-store or online? As collectors and enthusiasts ourselves, it’s safe to say that we’ve had our fair share. Let us know how we did writing this article, or if you have any other comments!

 

Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld Overview - No Spoilers (Should You Watch?)

June 1, 2025

---

Disney’s Star Wars has been host to numerous exciting additions to the Star Wars universe, including but not limited to the Bad Batch and Rebels animated cartoon series, as well as the live-action Mandalorian and Book of Boba Fett shows. It seems that Disney has no chance of slowing down with new releases, seeing that we were once more recently spoiled by the overlords as we receive a new look into previously unexplored parts of two fan-favorite characters in the all-new Star Wars animated series Tales of the Underworld.

However, with other IPs and creative ventures swarming about for your attention lately (see other exciting media news, such as the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 or the Oblivion remaster, to throw in some gaming hype for you), we thought we’d make this blog post to help you decide whether or not you decide to throw some hard-earned free time in the can in exchange for some intergalactic outlaw action.

Story Overview

According to our very own Star Wars expert Drew Minerva (we have a lot on the team), Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld (mostly) focuses on the escapades of legendary bounty hunter Cad Bane and Jedi padawan turned Sith assassin Asajj Ventress roughly three years after when the movie Revenge of the Sith takes place in-universe. The six-episode show is divided into two equal halves: three episodes showcasing Ventress’s escape from the law alongside an unexpected new ally, and three episodes showcasing Cad Bane’s confrontation of a childhood acquaintance-turned-long arm of the law. 

Without revealing any major plot points or spoilers, we asked Drew what he likes and dislikes most about the show. Here’s what he said:

Likes:

• “Ventress’s design totally represents who she is now - she has no master and allows herself to follow what she wants to do.”

• “The new character revealed in Ventress’ storyline and her relationship to Ventress is awesome.”

• “Ventress’s ending was awesome and felt very Star Wars.”

Dislikes:

• “I couldn’t get into Cad Bane’s story.”

• “There were other characters that I felt deserved a mention in the storyline.”

• “Normally the characters in the series are force-sensitive, but there weren’t many in Tales of the Underworld.”

Overall:

• “For the ideal Star Wars fan, it’s a great show.”

Conclusion

So, should Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld earn a spot in your watchlist? If you're a fan of deeper dives into lesser-known corners of the galaxy, particularly through the lens of complex, morally gray characters like Asajj Ventress, then this series delivers a worthwhile six-episode journey. It offers a fresh visual style, character-driven storytelling, and moments that feel genuinely "Star Wars" in tone and theme. 

While Cad Bane's arc may not land as strongly for everyone and the series leans away from the Force-heavy narratives some fans might expect, there's enough here—especially for long-time fans of The Clone Wars and Rebels—to justify a watch. In the ever-expanding galaxy of Star Wars content, Tales of the Underworld stands out as a bold and gritty side quest worth exploring.

Anime and Music: The Iconic Usage of Sound in Japanese Animation

May 30, 2025

---

Ever heard a song while watching an anime episode and been like “hey, I know that song”? We have too. We’re all aware of (or at least should be) Duvet by Bôa being featured in Serial Experiments Lain and the legendary drum fills and bass lines associated with Cowboy Bebop’s intro (Tank! by Seatbelts), but we thought we’d introduce a few more niche picks from some of our favorite shows at Cooledtured. From Radiohead to Duran Duran, it’s no surprise that some of our favorite animes have been host to some of our favorite music picks as well.

Ergo Proxy (2005): Paranoid Android by Radiohead

A Japanese sci-fi rendition of events that focus on Earth post-ecological apocalyptic disaster in the second half of the 21st century, humanity is reduced to just under 20% of its prior population size and is pitted against Cogito virus-infected newly conscious androids, whom they cohabitate cities with. The “Proxy” in question is a humanoid (read: robotic) species who is deployed in response to a series of murders that the androids are suspected to be tied to. 

It’s reported that Radiohead initially declined when asked for permission from the Ergo Proxy studio to use their work, though they changed their mind after they reviewed the script. We’re pretty glad they did because in our opinion, Paranoid Android is very reflective of the anime in more ways than one. Both media are bleak, gritty, and artistically very in-tune with each other - we wouldn’t want it any other way. 

What's that? (I may be paranoid, but no android)

FLCL (2005): Soundtrack by The Pillows

FLCL is a hugely musically-inspired anime - from the names of the installments being christened after music genres such as Alternative, Grunge, Shoegaze, etc., we can be at least partially aware of at least a few of the bands that inspired the writers. After the main character Naota is run over (yes) by Haruko, he’s then hit in the head (yes) by Haruko. Her weapon of choice? A Rickenbacker 4001 bass guitar. Somehow this causes a portal to be opened by which giant robots can materialize from. It gets weirder but we’ll skip that for now because you should honestly just watch the series.

Anyways, Japanese band The Pillows wrote and performed the entire 6-part soundtrack for the show - five insert songs and one closing theme - including two entirely new songs, "Ride on Shooting Star" and "I Think I Can”. The popularity of FLCL in the Western hemisphere allowed The Pillows, a band we can confidently say was pretty much unknown by then, to go on tour in the United States. Pretty cool.

“I found out about your irreplaceable dream - now I can't fool anyone anymore. Sleeping or waking, I'm repeating 'I can'.”

Speed Grapher (2005): Girls on Film by Duran Duran

Former war photographer Tatsumi Saiga performs an investigation on the underground taboo club known as the Roppongi Club when the mysterious captive mistreated goddess Kagura spares him, while also giving him the ability to destroy anything he photographs. In an attempt to gain favors from Kagura, club members often vy for her attention and attempt to become as “worthy” as possible to also gain powers from her. However, when Saiga attempts to free Kagura from captivity, members who were granted powers by Kagura are deadset on stopping this from occurring by any means possible.

Again, similarly to how Ergo Proxy employs the Radiohead song Paranoid Android in its credits, we like how Speed Grapher chose a song that is lyrically quite related to the context of the show. The Genius annotation states that the Duran Duran song’s lyrics are meant to portray the exploitation of models in fashion and adult industries, which is a good fit for the character Kagura.

“There's a camera rolling on her back, and I sense a rhythm humming in a frenzy - all the way down her spine”

Conclusion

In conclusion, anime has long been a powerful medium not just for storytelling and visual innovation, but also for its bold and evocative use of music. From globally recognized hits to hidden gems, the synergy between sound and scene in Japanese animation often elevates a show from memorable to iconic. 

Whether it’s Radiohead’s haunting introspection in Ergo Proxy, The Pillows’ chaotic energy in FLCL, or Duran Duran’s provocative glamour in Speed Grapher, these musical moments do more than just complement their respective series—they become an inseparable part of their identity. So next time you watch an anime, listen closely. You might just discover your new favorite song wrapped in a scene you’ll never forget.

Games Radar: Newest Game Releases We Love

May 29, 2025

---

It’s been a pretty exciting year for games thus far. From the Switch 2 being announced to events like The Witcher 3’s 10th anniversary alongside rumors regarding the release of games like Half-Life 3 and Resident Evil 9, we thought it’d be fair game to recap some of the games that we’ve been playing and loving lately at Cooledtured. 

Doom: The Dark Ages

Finally being revealed as a prequel game to both Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal (2020), we follow the Doom Slayer (or Doomguy as you may know him) slay his way through hellish hordes medieval-style. Occurring in an arc previously unexplored of the Doom universe timeline, we befittingly see the addition of multiple new medieval-themed game features that we can’t stop thinking about. 

Though we loved the Crucible in Doom Eternal, new melees such as the gauntlet and flail are pretty addicting. The shield is a great addition too, as it adds a lot of depth to the run-and-gun mechanics that Doom is mostly known for. Overall, we’re pretty pleased with how much Bethesda has innovated, but even more impressed with how true-to-character that they’ve kept the newest Doom release.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

A roleplaying game created by French developers Sandfall Interactive, Expedition 33 follows the titular 33rd Expedition as they venture to slay the Paintress, an entity who has the ability to annually “disappear” all humans at or above an age that decreases year by year. It’s weird, we know, but we’ve had a lot of fun playing it.

As Japanese culture fans, what we really enjoy about it is the inspiration it takes from Japanese games such as the Final Fantasy and Persona series. Probably most directly inspired by these games is the choice to start the game over but with an added option to play with New Game Plus on, which allows you to keep your items - it’s a no-brainer for those who don’t want to grind items or skills just to enjoy the story.

Tales of Seikyu

Tales of Seikyu is a game that operates within a niche filled with heavy-hitting games like Stardew Valley and Slime Rancher. Since you've probably played at least one of these games (they're pretty popular - not to mention good), we'll keep it straightforward: you are tasked with renovating an inn and creating a profitable business model for it. Sounds pretty easy, but the game becomes more charming as you progress and get more situated into the resource management gameplay loop. The game also introduces shapeshifting mechanics, allowing players to transform into animals like boars and slimes. 

It’s a cute little game that is clearly inspired by its peers and predecessors though still allows itself room to breathe with fun mechanics and anime-inspired aesthetics. 

Conclusion

From brutal demon-slaying in Doom: The Dark Ages to the emotionally rich RPG journey in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the cozy, creative charm of Tales of Seikyu, 2025 is already shaping up to be an unforgettable year for gamers. Whether you're into fast-paced action, deep story-driven quests, or relaxing sim-style adventures, there's something fresh and exciting to dive into right now. 

If we were you, we’d make a note to stay tuned to the Cooledtured blog for our gaming picks as we plan to cover lots more in the gaming world very soon - but for now, tell us how we did writing this article! Any games you love on the list? Already played through? Skipping for now? Feel free to let us know!

Witcher 3’s 10th Anniversary Overview: Trailer Analysis & Anniversary Notes

May 25, 2025

---

CD Projekt Red (developers of other story-oriented roleplaying games such as Cyberpunk 2077) have released a 10-year anniversary retrospective trailer for the cult-classic medieval roleplaying game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, as well as announced some other exciting upcoming events to celebrate the game’s anniversary in general. Explore with us as we ride into town to take a look at the news and see what’s up.

In this article, we’ll:

• Discuss and note some key announcements regarding the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Examine the trailer for secrets and possibly upcoming information about new The Witcher installments or news

Witcher 3 10th Anniversary Announcement Notes

It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since The Witcher series’ last installment, as Geralt of Rivia embarks on yet another band of quests involving returning characters such as Yennefer, Ciri and Vesemir. We’ll assume you’re pretty up to speed with the Witcher, so we’ll jump into some pretty exciting stuff coming up.

So far, CD Projekt Red has officially announced these events occurring in celebration of the game’s 10th anniversary:

• Anniversary Trailer: A new trailer for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt celebrates the game's legacy and thanks its community.

• Doug Cockle Interview: Doug Cockle, the voice actor for Geralt of Rivia joined a special REDstreams episode to reflect on his role.

• Borys Pugacz-Muraszkiewicz (English adaptation director for The Witcher) joined in on the fun as well.

• The Witcher in Concert: Anniversary concerts will take place in Boston and Poznań, with a full tour starting at gamescom in August.

• Boston on May 31 and Poznań on June 15, official tour kickoff at gamescom in Cologne on August 20

• Additional Celebrations: These include 10 new artworks by veteran Witcher artists, the release of The Little Witcher, and a collaboration with Embody on the Immerse Gamepack, with more to come.

• Most excitingly, The Little Witcher is a comic book series that expands upon some of the events that we see in the introduction to The Witcher 3, such that we observe Geralt of Rivia as he raises young Ciri in Kaer Morhen.

We also shouldn’t forget that it’s likely that more will be announced not only in terms of content adjacent to The Witcher 3, but also the upcoming Witcher 4 game also being developed by CD Projekt Red. It’s gonna be a pretty exciting ride for Witcher fans in the next few upcoming months!

Trailer Analysis

As fans of The Witcher 3, we didn’t really notice too much that stood out about the trailer in terms of new content. 

However, it’s pretty clear that Witcher/CD Projekt Red fans are still easily convinced that The Witcher 3 is one of the best games of all time. The outpouring of support for the game has led developers to respond to a lot of comments talking about how the game has helped them through some rough times in their life, as well as just general praise for the series.

In honor of the life-changing game’s 10th anniversary, we’d like to take this section in highlighting some of these super heartfelt comments on the trailer’s YouTube page and awfully thoughtful responses from a game studio we already know and love - it genuinely is really cool seeing this sort of interaction happen. 

 

“After a brain surgery that lasted more than sixteen hours, I woke up unable to walk and with difficulty moving my left hand. [...]. At first, I could barely control Roach and had to relearn how to play using the joystick. With time, I started to get better, began walking again, and almost one year later, I got the platinum trophy on PS4. When the PS5 version was released, I earned the platinum again. Playing it all over again made me remember the pain, the challenges, and most of all, the victories. It may not be the best game in the world for many people, but for me, it is the greatest of all.” -@samaronee 

CD Projekt Red’s reply: “Congratulations on your recovery and the platinum. We're honored to be a part of it.”

 

“10 years of killing monsters , 10 years of how about a round gwent , 10 years of wind's howling , 10 years of team Triss or Yen , 10 years of Roach spawning in random places , 10 years of looking for Ciri , 10 YEARS OF THE GREATEST RPG EVER MADE !” -@sujandhar6613

 

“10 years. Still one of the greatest video games ever made” -@tornado6911

 

Well said.

Conclusion

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, it's clear that the game has left an enduring legacy—not just as a critically acclaimed RPG, but as a deeply personal experience for countless players around the world.

From touching community stories to exciting new events like The Witcher in Concert and The Little Witcher comic series, CD Projekt Red is honoring the game’s decade-long journey in meaningful ways. While the anniversary trailer might not tease much in terms of new content, the heartfelt exchanges between fans and developers serve as a powerful reminder of the impact this game has had over the years. 

And with whispers of The Witcher 4 on the horizon, the path ahead looks just as thrilling as the one we've walked with Geralt so far. Here's to ten years of monster-slaying, Gwent-playing, and unforgettable storytelling—and to many more yet to come.