Get ready to set sail on a magical adventure! When the Disney Adventure embarks from Singapore on 15 December 2025, it will transport guests to the fantastical worlds of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. This brand-new ship promises an unforgettable cruise experience filled with enchanting storytelling and special experiences designed especially for guests in Asia.

The Disney Adventure features seven uniquely themed areas: Disney Imagination Garden, Toy Story Place, San Fransokyo Street, Town Square, Wayfinder Bay, Disney Discovery Reef, and Marvel Landing. Each area brings beloved Disney, Pixar, and Marvel’s iconic characters and stories to life. This ship boasts several firsts for the fleet, including three all-new attractions on the upper decks.

One of the newest attractions is Marvel Landing, where thrill-seekers can experience Avengers-level adventures with three new attractions. Ironcycle Test Run is a 250-meter-long rollercoaster where guests test-drive Tony Stark’s latest Ironcycle prototype. Pym Quantum Racers lets guests steer Pym Tech-modified mini-cars on an oversized toy set track. And Groot Galaxy Spin takes guests on an out-of-this-world ride aboard a Nova Corp Bass Jumper.

Toy Story Place is a new whimsical water play land where the world of Pixar’s Toy Story comes to life. Designed for families with young children, this area features a large family pool, multiple whirlpools, towering water slides, and interactive splash pads. In the all-new San Fransokyo Street, families can visit the Big Hero Arcade, where the Hiro Training Zone offers an immersive, full-body gaming experience.

Entertainment abounds on the Disney Adventure. The Walt Disney Theatre will host two spectacular productions. Remember, an all-new musical developed exclusively for the Disney Adventure, features the beloved robot duo from Disney-Pixar’s Wall-E and other Disney stars. A returning favourite, Disney Seas the Adventure, takes guests on a musical journey through beloved Disney stories.

The ship’s dining venues are an attraction in their own right, featuring rotational dining where guests can enjoy different culinary themes throughout their voyage, accompanied by Disney characters. Navigator’s Club honours the maritime tradition of exclusive ‘captain’s table’ dinners, while Hollywood Spotlight Club evokes the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden age.

Two magically animated restaurants celebrate the art of Disney and Pixar animation, transforming from black-and-white to full-spectrum colour throughout the meal. Animator’s Palate is adorned with film strips and props from favourite movies like Disney Animation’s The Little Mermaid and Encanto and Pixar’s Toy Story, while Animator’s Table showcases authentic artwork from iconic films like Disney Animation’s Aladdin and Frozen and Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

Enchanted Summer Restaurant, inspired by Tangled and Frozen, and Pixar Market Restaurant, a celebration of Pixar films, offer buffet-style breakfast and lunch, transitioning to table-service dinners in the evenings. For premium dining, Palo Trattoria offers exquisite Italian fare, and Mike & Sulley’s – Flavours of Asia presents a unique culinary adventure with Japanese steakhouse, teppanyaki, sushi, and sashimi options.

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, concierge staterooms and suites offer personalised service and exclusive access to private retreats, luxury shopping, and first-class spa and fitness facilities. The Concierge Lounge, inspired by Aladdin, provides a relaxing haven with complimentary refreshments and gourmet bites.

Adults can unwind at Senses Spa, offering indulgent treatments and a tranquil Rainforest area. The Fitness Center features state-of-the-art exercise equipment and dedicated spaces for activities like cycling and yoga. A variety of adults-only restaurants, bars, and lounges provide sophisticated escapes, each with its own unique theme and atmosphere.

Children are also treated to a world of wonder with dedicated kids’ clubs. Disney’s Oceaneer Club is a wonderland of immersive spaces for children aged 3 to 10, featuring themed areas inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories. Teens and tweens have their own exclusive retreats at Vibe and Edge, offering age-appropriate activities and entertainment.

Sarah Fox, Vice President and Regional General Manager for Southeast Asia at Disney Cruise Line, shared her excitement about the launch, “Today we unveil the spectacular new Disney Adventure to the world. Sailing on primarily three- and four night voyages designed with only dedicated days at sea, the ship will include something for everyone. From fun and interactive spaces for kids, to relaxing venues for adults to unwind, to entertaining and engaging places for families to enjoy together, guests will find endless adventures from bow to stern.”

In true Disney fashion, the Disney Adventure sets the stage for a series of unforgettable journeys, where every cruise promises adventures as expansive as the sea itself. This new ship not only continues Disney Cruise Line’s tradition of delivering magical vacations but pushes the boundaries of what guests can expect from a Disney cruise.

The Disney Adventure will launch from Singapore on 15 December 2025. Bookings will open on 10 December 2024, and pricing and sailing dates will be released on 14 November 2024. More information can be found on the Disney Cruise Line website.

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.

The post Disney Adventure Cruise Line Previews Magical Experience That Sets Sail Dec 2025 appeared first on Geek Culture.

It’s a tale as old as time — tickets for a highly-anticipated event are sold online, only to be snapped up quickly by the crowd. Hours later, listings with marked-up prices appear on web-based marketplaces, where scalpers rear their ugly heads and wait to ensnare their prey.

The latest profit-making effort comes by way of the upcoming Disney Presents: A Night of Stars event in Singapore, promising an opportunity to meet actors from several anticipated Disney films and Disney+ series, including Anthony Mackie (Captain America: Brave New World) and Korean stars like Park Eunbin, Sul Kyunggu, Yoon Chanyoung, and Park Byungeun. While admission is free, entry is limited to successful registrations on the Marina Bay Sands website, which opened this morning at 10am SGT.

And like clockwork, the scalping forces are quick to act. Two separate listings on Carousell have put out an offer of S$100 and S$150, with the former even accepting bids. “Selling 4 tickets, only selling as pairs,” reads its description at the time of writing. “PM your best quote. Current bid: [S$]110 each ticket”.

Meanwhile, the second post writes that the tickets are being let go at a fixed rate of S$150 each due to “overwhelming bids”. There’s also an accompanying paragraph that touts the seller’s ability to alter the names on the tickets:

“Marquee – scan barcode to enter. Will change to your name before sending e-tickets for ID check. Names CAN be changed. If others are saying it can’t be done, they just don’t know how to change it via the site. You cannot enter if the ticket name does not match your ID. :)”

Marquee refers to the iconic nightclub MARQUEE Singapore, located within Marina Bay Sands. Disney Presents: A Night of Stars will be held on 20 November from 5.30pm to 7.30pm SGT, but since there’s still some time leading up to the grand fan event, more listings from scalpers are expected to drop — and likely with higher prices, reinforcing once again how they continue to be the bane of everyone’s existence.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Scalpers Are Hawking Free Disney Fan Event Tickets For S$150 appeared first on Geek Culture.

Imagine being 28 years old and playing video games for the better part of 16 years. Then you find yourself at a new job covering video games, among other things, in early September, and on the first day of work, you’re told that the company is sending you to TGS that very same month.

That’s Tokyo Game Show, the annual video game convention held annually in Tokyo, Japan. Yes, Japan – home of Nintendo, Bandai Namco, Square Enix, Sony, PlayStation, and Sega – and if you are a gamer, you’ll understand it when they say there is no video games culture without Japan, and TGS is the mecca that all gamers yearn to experience. 

So, long-time gamer, a new job, and an all-expense ticket to the ultimate video game convention, complete with full media credentials – that’s like winning the lottery and meeting the girl of your dreams that same week. Sure, there have been visits to local game events in Singapore, from GameStart Asia to the upcoming Gamescom Asia… but that’s like replacing an A5 Miyazaki Wagyu steak with one from the neighbourhood Char Grill Bar – it’s similar but definitely not the same. And there’s no way those events can be compared to TGS, and going in with little idea of what to expect (I was a first-timer, after all), what eventually awaited me was both incredible and intimidating at the same time. 

So strap in, and let me take you on a virgin TGS 2024 experience for those who are preparing for that eventual trip, and for those who realise they’ll never make it there. Never say never because you never know if the things learned along the way on this inaugural trip can help any of you potential convention attendees out there looking to make full use of your first foray into the world of gaming cons.

Day one of the convention was as hectic as it was exciting, and the first thing you learn is that TGS isn’t technically in Tokyo. The global gaming event is held at Makuhari Messe, a massive convention centre in Chiba City, just outside of Tokyo (Yeah, CGS doesn’t have that nice of a ring to it), which meant it took more than an hour by train to get there from our hotel in Shinjuku. Along the way, the sight of fellow attendees on the packed train, some in cosplay outfits, should have provided indicators of how crowded the convention space would be, but it never prepared me for just how crowded it got.

Upon exiting the station, that’s when realization, along with a massive daisy chain of people shuffling their way towards a building in the distance, set in. It was only when the crowd moved closer that the scale of the event truly hit me. TGS is spread across 11 halls and 2 separate buildings, requiring a rather substantial walk in between. Was there even enough time to make it through everything? 

The exterior of the convention centre was plastered with huge posters of upcoming games, including Doom: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Here’s a fun fact—Bethesda, one of the world’s biggest game developers and publisher of both games, isn’t even at TGS and had only bought up all the ad space outside, which is something they apparently do every year.

Once inside, and after receiving the coveted media pass, it was onwards to the halls, via the VIP media entrance, no less. Almost immediately, the chatter in the halls and all sorts of noises coming from the various booths started to overwhelm, but in a bizarre way. You start hearing familiar music overlapping one another, and while you might not be able to put your finger on it, your brain registers a level of familiarity.

In most instances, you’ll never know where the music or sound comes from but sometimes, you’ll hear the distinctive “!” sound from the Metal Gear series and upon looking up, you see the massive Konami booth at the opposite end of the hall, and catch sight of the giant LED screen playing promotional videos for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.

Alas, the iconic sound attracted almost everyone else as well, as we all made a beeline towards the booth only to realise that a substantial queue had already formed for the much-anticipated demo. And therein lies my first TGS mistake of constantly returning in the hopes of seeing a shorter queue, instead of prioritising exploring everything else TGS had to offer. 

And offer it did. Every booth at the show had some form of centrepiece to draw attention. Giant statues were the most common sights, from Bandai Namco’s giant Goku statue to Square Enix’s massive ceiling-mounted Slime. Some booths even had live shows playing, like the one at SEGA / ATLUS, which featured a live-action performance reenacting cutscenes from role-playing game, Metaphor: ReFantazio.

So what do all these booths and events have in common? My first learning point.

Prepare For Leg Day

Be prepared to walk, or at least spend prolonged hours on your feet. Once inside the various halls, you’ll realise that there are no seating areas whatsoever, and between exploring the various booths or waiting in line for game demos, you are going to be spending most of your time on your feet. To prepare accordingly, wear comfortable shoes and thick socks to prevent abrasions and blisters.

There are seating areas in the corridors outside the convention halls, but due to its layout, constantly walking in and out of the hall can be time-consuming. There are specific exit and entrance points for attendees, and these are situated on opposite ends of the building. Very much like how most shopping centres work, this means that you have to walk almost the entire stretch of the halls just to exit, and vice versa, so it makes much more sense to stay within the confines of the hall, to save both time and energy.

After exploring the halls and figuring out which game demos I wanted to try out, I made the (bad) decision to return to where it all started, Konami. Instead of the shortened queue I had previously hoped for, the crowd had ballooned to an almost impressive amount (it would turn out to be the largest crowd I encountered throughout the experience). 

As I really wanted to try out the demo for Metal Gear Solid, I reluctantly joined the seemingly never-ending queue, only to be met with learning point number two.

The Importance of Translation Apps

Language barrier is a big issue in Japan, with a majority of the folks at the event unable to speak conversational English. The evolution of TGS to cater to a global audience means that by this time, every game booth should have at least one English-speaking staff member, but to avoid the awkward situation of staff frantically scrambling to find that one person who can understand you, it’s probably best to use translation apps to help you in a pinch. 

Here’s the thing, don’t even bother with any fancy voice-to-text translation software you might have because the crowd at the convention halls are loud, and these apps will simply fail to pick up your voice amidst the chatter that constantly fills the hall. Stick with the manual way, and type out your queries.

Conversely, camera translation apps such as Google Lens are a godsend. Game booths prominently feature signs (which are entirely in Japanese) detailing important information such as queue times or availability, and having an app to translate them can help avoid disappointment. Taking my experience waiting in line for Metal Gear Solid’s demo as an example, it turned out demand was much higher than expected, resorting to them handing out tickets on a first-come-first-serve basis, subsequently only allowing ticket holders to try out the game’s demo. This was what caused the massive lines I was unfortunately right in the middle of.

Unbeknownst to me, the ticketing period was already closed, and staff members were holding up signs conveying this information. I wasn’t aware of this fact and continued waiting until my stupidity was conveyed to me via a Google-translated conversation with staff. Translating the sign beforehand would have prevented my ensuing disappointment, and saved precious time to try out other games.

After the whole Metal Gear mishap, I moved on to check out other titles, but at this point, there were long queues at practically every booth, and with the convention’s closing hour looming ever closer, I decided to spend the rest of my time doing a little bit of recon. 

Formulate A Game Plan On Day 1

With so many booths to explore, demos to try out, and so little time, I realised it was essential to have a plan of action beforehand, to make full use of the time available. TGS 2024’s operating hours were from 10 am to 5 pm, which didn’t leave enough time to fully experience everything it had to offer. Making the decision to spend day 1 exploring in preparation for day 2 ended up being the right move, as it gave me the leeway to immerse myself in the atmosphere of TGS. Booths came in all shapes and sizes, some tucked away in corners or less travelled locations, so it became sort of an adventure navigating the various nooks and crannies trying to find a hidden gem.

And it paid off, oh it really did. Near closing time, I was wandering around aimlessly getting ready to leave, when I chanced upon a familiar sight in the corner of my eye. It was the silhouette of a character I recognised from a trailer viewed a few months prior – Phantom Blade Zero. 

Needless to say, Phantom Blade Zero skyrocketed to the top of my “to-try” list for day 2. This really goes to show that no matter how hard you try to plan, a gaming convention as large as TGS will always find ways to surprise you. Having a game plan is important but always keep an open mind and explore. Who knows, you just might chance upon something that surprises you. Like a phantom.

Prioritise Demos On Day 2

Now armed with a clear game plan, I headed into day 2 as a man on a mission, making it a point to reach just as the convention hall doors opened at 10 am. Once in, I immediately made my way to Phantom Blade Zero and was one of the first in line. Needless to say, the demo did not disappoint, and honestly, I’m still thinking about the roughly 10 minutes I spent with it, and you can share in that experience with my preview here.

Second on my agenda was Dynasty Warriors: Origins, one of the few games that shaped my gamer life. And here I was, and words can’t describe the feeling of playing the demo, and getting to experience the next evolution of my favourite game franchise ahead of everyone else. 

Next, I headed to the booth for The First Berserker: Khazan, a title I had no prior knowledge of, but I was lured to due to a massive LED screen that surrounded the entire booth. Like most other booths, this one had a rather long queue, but I had an ace up my sleeve – my media pass. One flash of my pass and I was brought to a separate counter, and one exchange of information later, I had secured a demo slot exclusively for me. Media privileges sure felt good.

One thing to note though, tailor your expectations regarding the game demos. Most of them last only 15 minutes each (with a select few being up to 30 minutes), so prepare to spend more time queuing for the demo than actually playing it. Here’s a pro tip – prioritise queues with 10 or so people versus empty ones. Game demos operate in batches, and an empty queue signifies that the previous batch has just gone in, requiring a wait time equivalent to the demo’s entire duration. Joining a line of people might seem counterproductive, but the chances of the ongoing demo reaching its end is much higher, leading to shorter wait times.

The First Berserker: Khazan marked the last of my planned titles to try, and I used the remaining time left trying demos that had shorter queues (like Dragon Age: The Veilguard), and also exploring the merchandise shop, where I acquired Silent Hill and Fallout themed pins to deck out my backpack. As just like that, two days flew by, and I was left with an experience I would never forget.

Overall, the entire game convention experience, especially for a newcomer, can be wrapped up with a single word – overwhelming. From the crowds to the sights and sounds, prepare for a literal assault to all your senses, and that’s okay, I’ve learnt that it’s all part of the experience. It can all be quite stressful for first-timers, but with proper planning and focus, your first gaming convention can be both an exciting and fulfilling adventure.

My closing advice for all you potential convention goers? Start small. Gamescom Asia 2024, held in Singapore from 18 to 20 October, might be your best bet. Baby steps people, you’ve got this.

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post TGS 2024 Was A Hectic, Eye-Opening Learning Experience For This Noob Lifelong Gamer appeared first on Geek Culture.

Since its inception in 1977, the Star Wars franchise has left an indelible mark on the pop culture scene — to such a degree that it even has a commemorative day to call its own. Taking place on 4 May (dubbed “May the Fourth”) every year, it acts as a wordplay on the catchphrase “May the Force be with you”, but is far from the only celebratory affair for fans.

Enter Star Wars Celebration, a large convention that embraces a shared love for the long-running sci-fi franchise. Held annually, barring a few exceptions, it brings the excitement to varying locations around the world, with the 2025 iteration making its way to Japan. It’s nothing short of apt that it will feature badge art designs in the style of ukiyo-e, a tradition of Japanese art that thrived in the 17th to 19th centuries.

As unveiled by the official Star Wars website, the illustrations are done by Japanese artist TAKUMI, who has created official promotional art for Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder and The Mandalorian Season 3. The first wave of designs features Darth Vader, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, and The Mandalorian and Grogu, revealing five out of 17 designs.

Explaining the connection between Japanese culture and Star Wars,” he explained, “When I was working on the badge art, I spent a lot of time revisiting the characteristics and backgrounds of each character, thinking about how to adapt their narrative into the ukiyo-e. I looked back at the stories depicted in the masterpieces by ukiyo-e artists of the past, analysing the motifs and elements woven into their compositions, and thought about which characters’ narratives would best fit with those themes. The research continued until I found the right theme for each character.”

TAKUMI continued, “Another key element was reimagining the characters’ costumes and weapons with a Japanese influence. This process required blending them with aspects of traditional Japanese clothing, decorations, armour, and weaponry, and determining the right level of modification. It was a challenging task, but once the ideal style was achieved, it was immensely rewarding.”

It’s no secret that the franchise was largely inspired by the works of Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa — 1958’s The Hidden Fortress in particular — which makes the artistic blend a nice homage to its roots.

Star Wars Celebration Japan will run from 18 to 20 April 2025 in Makuhari Messe, located in Chiba Prefecture just outside of Tokyo, with tickets currently on sale.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 Reimagines Yoda, Darth Vader, Ahsoka & More In Traditional Art Style appeared first on Geek Culture.

The worlds of gaming and aviation are set to collide, as travel brand AirAsia and gaming icon Atlus, a subsidiary of Sega, have joined forces to spice up air travel. The first-time collaboration between both parties features two aircraft themed after Sonic the Hedgehog and Persona 5, bringing the iconic franchises to the skies.

Hailing from the AirAsia X fleet, the Airbus 330 livery welcomes the company of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, and Amy Rose against the iconic Green Hill Zone backdrop. The Phantom Thieves will adorn AirAsia Malaysia’s Airbus A320 aircraft, sporting a striking and stylish splash of red that matches the company’s signature colours. Additionally, Morgana and Joker can be found on the right and left sides of the plane respectively, rounding out the Persona 5 experience.

Both models also boast special designs on the interior, with limited-time goodies and a themed menu included as part of the partnership. Sweet-toothed guests can look forward to Sonic’s Golden Ring Cake, a golden-glazed donut with Sonic-themed toppings available for pre-booking on all AirAsia Malaysia and AirAsia X flights.

As for exclusive merchandise, sales will begin in the first quarter of 2025. The catalogue includes official replicas of both planes, key rings, and Persona 5 bag tags, which are open for purchase on all AirAsia Malaysia and AirAsia X flights, as well as the AirAsia MOVE Duty Free store.

AirAsia has yet to announce the schedule for its Sega / Atlus aircraft, but confirmed that they will fly routes across major cities in Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific, such as Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, and Sydney.

The crossover between pop culture and low-cost carriers isn’t new, with Singapore Airlines subsidiary Scoot launching their Pikachu jets back in 2022. More recently, full-service carrier All Nippon Airways created a Pokémon-themed safety video for their Pikachu Jet NH and Eevee Jet NH liveries, featuring fan-favourite critters like Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Lucario, and more.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post AirAsia X Sega / Atlus Tie-Up Brings ‘Persona 5’ And Sonic Flair To The Skies appeared first on Geek Culture.

For nearly 40 years, Studio Ghibli has shown that the charm of animation is timeless. The industry giant is a veteran at pushing the limits of imagination, crafting heartfelt stories that continue to trap hearts and captivate audiences, from the earlier days of My Neighbour Totoro (1988) and Spirited Away (2001) to last year’s The Boy and The Heron.

Starting 4 October, fans will be able to relive the magic at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore. The country’s first-ever official Studio Ghibli exhibition brings 16 large-scale, immersive theatrical sets to 11 galleries spanning two levels, each handpicked by the animation powerhouse. Led by films featuring strong female protagonists like Princess Mononoke (1997), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), and Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), it also rounds out the attraction’s ‘Year of Extraordinary Women’ lineup for 2024.

The World of Studio Ghibli experience begins even before stepping into the museum. A giant sculpture from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008) greets visitors by the entrance, setting the mood leading into Basement 2. On the outside, a display montage plays snippets of the studio’s works, accompanied by a description of the exhibition and an illustration depicting its logo. Entering the space unlocks a trip down memory lane, where movie posters line both sides of the walls and are categorised into their respective era.

Kicking off the journey is Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), which lists the film’s synopsis, character profiles, and other relevant information — a presentation that carries over to all showcases. An impressive, moving recreation of the titular castle cuts a magnificent figure, paving the way to Howl’s living room and revealing Calcifer.

Transitioning seamlessly into Castle in the Sky (1986), the space breathes life into the iconic scene of Pazu and his encounter with Sheeta as she falls from the sky. The photo spot is joined by installations modelled after other notable moments, including Pazu’s rescue of Sheeta and the pair’s escape along the tracks of a mining railway.

My Neighbour Totoro (1988), meanwhile, spices up the immersion with a box art installation spotlighting the Catbus, a peek-hole experience and photo spot featuring Totoro, and hands-on activities, where visitors can try their hand at folding origami and creating a commemorative thaumatrope.

Moving on to the third level, the galleries boast more original sculptures and the splash art of The Boy and the Heron on its outer wall. Hanging down from the ceiling is Nausicaä on her glider, charting a natural continuation into another flight-based adventure: Porco Rosso (1992). Fighter jets take centrestage here, but enthusiasts can look forward to a recreation of Porco Rosso’s remote island hideout that promises great detail and authenticity.

The next segment, paying tribute to Pom Poko (1994), basks in a retro aesthetic. An old-school television set evokes feelings of nostalgia, with a box art setup offering some interactive fun — simply spin the wheel to see the tanuki, or a Japanese raccoon dog, shapeshift.

The lighthearted tone takes a subtle turn when wandering through the lush forest of Princess Mononoke (1997), aligning with its theme of environmentalism. While Ashitaka and San are the stars of this exhibit, a projection display keeps things fresh with a clever presentation format.

As for Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), visitors can check out a glorious recreation of Gütiokipänjä bakery, where Kiki and her cat Jiji work, and insert themselves into memorable scenes from the animated feature. Much attention has also been poured into showcasing the smaller-scale installations, serving as a nice nod to the source material.

Topping off the World of Studio Ghibli journey is Spirited Away (2001), which takes visitors through the bathhouse, Yubaba’s office, and Chihiro’s train ride with No-Face. An activity corner invites them to unleash their artistic abilities and draw soot sprites introduced in the movie.

Before exiting the exhibition, there will be a retail store where fans can swing by and grab some keepsakes. It offers a wide range of official merchandise, from art books and toy plushes to bags and clear folders, so be prepared to summon your wallets.

As part of the programme, ArtScience Cinema is organising free screenings of two documentaries on the fourth level: Kazuo Oga – Ghibli’s Image Artisan – The Artist Who Made Totoro’s Forest (2007) and The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013), directed by Mami Sunada. A film festival spotlighting several Studio Ghibli films will also be screened in cinemas islandwide.

The World of Studio Ghibli runs from 4 October 2024 to 2 February 2025, with ticket prices as follows:

• Peak: S$39 (adult, local) / S$34 (concession, local) / S$49 (standard) / S$44 (concession, standard)
• Off Peak: S$29 (adult, local) / S$24 (concession, local) / S$39 (standard) / S$34 (concession, standard)
• Family Package of 4 (Peak): S$28 (local) / S$35.50 per pax
• Family Package of 4 (Off-Peak): S$20.50 (local) / S$28 per pax

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post The World of Studio Ghibli At ArtScience Museum Singapore Brings Totoro-lly Magical Experience To Life appeared first on Geek Culture.

Dive into an extraordinary underwater adventure with the Teyvat SEA Exploration 2024 at Singapore’s S.E.A. Aquarium, where the enchanting marine world meets the beloved in-game universe of Genshin Impact. This exciting collaboration promises a unique journey for fans of the globally popular mobile game and marine enthusiasts alike, blending immersive experiences with interactive activities from 12 September to 28 October 2024.

Harnessing the charm of Genshin Impact‘s new 5-star character, Sigewinne, the event invites guests to explore both the mystical realm of Teyvat, and the real-world marine wonders of the aquarium. 

The campaign features a host of engaging activities, including embarking on a quest collecting stamps across five themed stations, dynamic 3D installations that merges the real and game world, a mesmerising projection mapping journey dubbed Scylla’s undersea journey, and the first-ever Blubberbeast outdoor inflatable.

This adorable and bouncy aquatic creature from Genshin Impact‘s watery Fontaine region will capture hearts with its massive 3-metre width and 1.5-meter height. Located near the S.E.A. Aquarium Guest Services Counter, this charming Blubberbeast promises to be a must-see attraction and the perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

The aquarium will also debut a larger-than-life display of the Ruin Guard, a formidable and iconic automaton enemy from the game. Towering over visitors, this Southeast Asian debut of the Ruin Guard will leave a lasting impression on all who encounter it.

Visitors will have the opportunity to take pictures and interact with their favourite Genshin Impact characters, as popular local cosplayers will be making scheduled appearances throughout the campaign. Engage with character-themed setups for memorable photos, featuring lightboxes and Genshin-themed digital overlays.

Visitors can also indulge in Genshin-inspired bites like character-inspired 3D ice cream and rainbow macarons, alongside collaboration-exclusive merchandise available for purchase. 

To mark this spectacular collaboration, Geek Culture is running a special giveaway from 13 to 27 September, where lucky participants have the chance to win one of four exclusive Genshin Impact X S.E.A. Aquarium exploration packs which include:

• 1 x Stamp Rally Passport
• 1 x Laser Commemorative Ticket ​
• 1 x Character Enamel Pin with Display Stand ​(exclusive to S.E.A. Aquarium only)​

Genshin Impact enthusiasts and marine life lovers should not miss this chance to be part of an amazing experience and win some exclusive merchandise. Visit the Teyvat SEA Exploration to step into a world where fantasy and reality converge in the most enchanting ways. More information can be found on the Resorts World Sentosa website.

ENTER NOW TO WIN

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The giveaway is open to all residents of Singapore. The giveaway closes on 27 September 2024 @23:59hrs (GMT+8). 4 lucky winners with the correct answer will be picked at random and contacted via email by 30 September 2024. Good luck! 

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Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.

The post Geek Giveaway: 4 Exclusive Genshin Impact X S.E.A. Aquarium Fan Kits appeared first on Geek Culture.

While Nintendo Direct livestreams typically showcase the company’s upcoming games, the latest presentation shifted its focus to the world’s first Nintendo Museum. Hosted by company legend Shigeru Miyamoto himself, it gives a tour of the completed attraction in Kyoto, Japan, now due to open its doors on 2 October.

The Super Mario creator begins by sharing the history of the museum site, which previously housed the company’s original playing card factory and was later used for quality checks during the Famicom (Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES) era. A Mario-themed plaza with pipes, a question block, and more occupies the entrance, leading into a space reminiscent of a Japanese apartment in the 1970s.

Visitors can expect various interactive elements on the inside, including a giant Wii Remote, a digital card display, and upsized controllers. A total of eight areas can be found on the ground level, with the official website listing the following:

• Shigureden SP
  • Explore Hyakunin Isshu poems using smart devices and the giant screen on the floor.
• Zapper & Scope SP
  • Experience shooting using the Zapper and Super Scope in the world of Mario that spreads out on the giant screen in front of you.
• Ultra Machine SP
  • A batting-cage experience inside a room. Hit the balls pitched by the Ultra Machine.
• Ultra Hand SP
  • Use the Ultra Hand to grab the balls rolling down the lanes, and drop them into the pipes.
• Love Tester SP
  • Two people join hands and work together on tests that measure their Love Level.
• Game & Watch SP
  • Play Game & Watch games using your own shadow.
• Nintendo Classics
  • Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo 64. Choose from over 80 games to play.
• Big Controller
  • Controllers from past hardware generations made giant. Two people must work together to take on challenges in games released back in the day.

There’s a catch, though. A single ticket won’t grant access to all eight exhibitions, as the interactive exhibitions require digital coins to play — only 10 are granted upon entry, with no way to purchase additional ones when they run out. Meanwhile, the second floor serves as a gallery of products created and published by Nintendo, set up in eras and consoles from the NES days to now.

The Nintendo Museum also has a café that offers visitors the chance to make their own burger out of a possible 270,000 combinations, and a shop selling exclusive merchandise. Both spaces are only open to ticket holders, with a Hanafuda card-making experience available at an extra cost: 2,000 yen (US$14 / S$18) for the “Let’s Make Hanafuda!” workshop, and 500 yen (US$3.50 / S$4) for “Try Playing Hanafuda!”.

Tickets for October and November 2024 are currently available to apply for through a lottery system on the Nintendo Museum website, costing 3,300 yen (US$23 / S$30) each for adults. Balloting for later months will open when the time comes around.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Nintendo Museum Finally Opens This Oct In Kyoto, Japan appeared first on Geek Culture.

Travelling with All Nippon Airways (ANA) is about to get a little more fun for Pokémon fans. The Japanese airlines has partnered with the pop culture juggernaut to create a themed in-flight safety video featuring popular critters like Pikachu and Jigglypuff, spicing up a traditionally mundane and repetitive affair.

Available in both English and Japanese with a sign language interpreter, it’s equal parts adorable and informative, coming in especially useful for the younger ones. All the guidance in the five-minute video is pretty standard, from buckling up to emergency procedures and prohibited behaviour. The difference is that Pokémon across multiple generations are here to lend their assistance, with Farfetch’d demonstrating how to load up the overhead baggage bin by placing a giant leek in it. Elsewhere, Pikachu and Pichu appear to help a flight attendant. while Mr. Mime acts out the process of wearing oxygen masks. Cute.

Other fan favourites are incorporated in creative ways, such as Greedent accidentally obstructing an aisle with the bundle of berries that it dropped, and Jigglypuff reprimanding a passenger for vaping on the plane. Rowlet, Machoke, and Lucario show up to highlight the proper way to fasten a seatbelt, with Ludicolo, Rotom, Emolga, and Floragato also getting their share of screen time.

The ANA Pokémon-themed safety video will be played aboard the Pikachu Jet NH and Eevee Jet NH starting 15 August. These two aircraft are part of the company’s collaboration with The Pokémon Company, donning themed décor on the inside and outside. Where the former design spotlights Latias, Latios, Rayquaza, Rowlet, Togekiss, and Vivillion, the Eevee iteration celebrates Pikachu and the entire Eeveelution chain: Eevee, Espeon, Flareon, Glaceon, Jolteon, Leafeon, Sylveon, Umbreon, and Vaporeon. The seats, paper cups, and napkins in both vessels feature Pikachu (naturally).

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Japanese Airlines ANA Takes To The Skies With Pokémon In-Flight Safety Video appeared first on Geek Culture.

August may just be another month for most, but HoYoverse fans will beg to differ. The company’s annual celebration of all its titles, HoYoFest 2024, has kicked off in Southeast Asia, with the Singapore leg playing host to various booth activities and exclusive merchandise.

From 12 to 18 August, visitors will be greeted with four zones in Suntec City Mall that are dedicated to Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Zenless Zone Zero, and Honkai Impact 3rd (sorry, Tears of Themis enthusiasts). Each themed space promises different online and offline events, which yield free gifts upon completion, including hologram tickets, scratch cards, in-game rewards, and more.

Before moving on to the next booth, do remember to grab a stamp — completing the stamp rally, comprising three unique designs, grants the chance to take an exclusive polaroid at the HoYoFest photo booth. Adding to the infectious energy are two-hour stage events for the four featured games, and multiple appearances by everyone’s favourite train conductor from Honkai: Star Rail, Pom-Pom.

While fans are free to roam around the space, stepping foot into the merchandise area requires a queue ticket and is confined to the stipulated time window. As entry is subjected to a first-come-first-served basis, it’s highly recommended to swing by as early as possible.

Here’s a guide to the mechanics and rewards for each booth, as well as a sneak peek at the merchandise available for HoYoFest 2024 in Singapore.

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact was arguably responsible for pushing HoYoverse into the spotlight, so it’s only natural that the action role-playing game remains an event staple. Here, aspiring Travellers can walk away with a random headpiece featuring both the male and female Traveller (Aether and Lumine respectively), Paimon, or a Primogem by showing their UID to on-site staff.

As for the 3D paper display, the redemption process involves taking a picture with Genshin Impact elements and sharing it to their social media with the hashtags #GenshinImpact #HoYoFEST #HereIAm.

Lore enthusiasts can also put their knowledge of Teyvat to the test with a quiz, where answering correctly grants a luck draw code for in-game rewards. Rounding up the haul is a special hologram ticket, given to those who meet any of the following requirements:

• An Adventure Rank of 60
• Cosplay as any Genshin Impact character
• Reach 100% exploration in any region

Honkai: Star Rail

Sporting visually striking and eye-catching decor, the Honkai: Star Rail booth welcomes Trailblazers in style. Simply flash your in-game account page to earn a postcard, and grab hold of an additional Pom-Pom or Wubbaboo balloon by following the official game account on any platform and reposting the HoYoFest 2024 promotional post.

Likewise, taking photos at the event and adding designated hashtags promises another treat in store. Those who do so and share them on their social media accounts with the #HonkaiStarRail #HoYoFEST2024 #HoYoFEST tags will receive a foil ticket featuring both Trailblazers (Stelle and Caelus), March the 7th, and Misha.

The last activity on the list should be easy enough for most — spell the name of the character(s) correct on the spot, and an in-game scratch card is yours to keep. Take note, though, that the redemption items may vary, so there’s no escaping the gacha RNG.

Honkai Impact 3rd

Here’s one for the OG players! The Honkai Impact 3rd space offers some spin-the-wheel fun and the chance to win some goodies, including a foil ticket, a postcard, and a mystery merch limited to 10 copies. Here’s what players need to do:

• Foil ticket: Share and comment the year they started playing Honkai Impact 3 on the event post on Facebook or X/Twitter
• Postcard: Take a picture with the game elements and share to their social media with the hashtags #HonkaiImpact3 #HoYoFEST
• Mystery merch: Dress up as any Honkai Impact 3rd character and share photos taken at the event venue on their social media accounts with the hashtags #HoYoFESTHI3 and #HonkaiImpact3

Zenless Zone Zero

A new addition to the list, Zenless Zone Zero marks its HoYoFest 2024 debut with a test play area that allows 10 minute of hands-on action. Stickers are given out once time is up, alongside a foil ticket for participants who took pictures with elements from the game and posted on social media with the hashtags #zzzero and #HoYoFEST. Again, cosplayers will enjoy a special bonus — this time in the form of a character badge.

Saving the best for the last, this year’s merchandise range comprises event-exclusive offerings, identified by the ‘HoYoFest’ labelling, and standard merchandise from every HoYoverse game, including Tears of Themis. Expect usual fare like acrylic stands, character badges, and plushies, as well as practical items like luggage tags, and more.

HoYoFest 2024 takes place 12 to 18 August in Singapore at Suntec City Mall (L1 Atrium, Tower 1 & 2), with free admission from 10am to 10pm.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post HoYoFest Singapore 2024: How To Score Freebies At Each Booth + Exclusive Merch appeared first on Geek Culture.

Summer is synonymous with travel, and Wanderlog is here to enhance your travel experience. This comprehensive travel planning app is perfect for anyone looking to organise trips effectively, offering a suite of tools designed for everything from road trips to group adventures. Wanderlog makes it easy to craft detailed itineraries, organise flights, hotels, and car reservations, set your budget, and manage every detail of your journey, all within a user-friendly interface.

Wanderlog’s real-time collaboration feature stands out, allowing friends to plan together much like they would in Google Docs. You can set permissions for editing or viewing, ensuring that planning is a collaborative effort. Moreover, all your plans are accessible offline, which is particularly useful for road trips or international travels where internet access may be limited.

For road trip enthusiasts, Wanderlog offers robust tools that allow you to add unlimited stops, optimise your route, and view the distance and estimated travel times between locations. This helps ensure that your travel plans are both realistic and enjoyable. The app displays your route on an interactive map, with lines connecting each destination for easy visualisation.

Integration is also seamless with Wanderlog. You can automatically import reservations by forwarding confirmation emails or connecting your Gmail account. Each destination in your itinerary is detailed with descriptions, user ratings, opening hours, and contact information, sourced from top travel guides and platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Travel.

Additionally, the app not only helps you organise your trip, but also inspires your next adventure. Wanderlog features a rich selection of travel guides and user recommendations, enabling you to discover popular attractions and hidden gems. With just one click, you can add suggested activities directly to your itinerary, enriching your travel experience.

Whether travelling solo or with friends, managing finances is crucial. Wanderlog provides tools to set a budget, track every expense, and even split bills among your group, simplifying financial management throughout your trip. After your journey, you can create and share a travel guide to inspire other travellers, making Wanderlog not just a planning tool but also a platform for sharing experiences.

Wanderlog is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for free, with an optional Pro subscription that offers additional features such as exporting trips to Google Maps and linking your Gmail account.

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.

The post App Of The Month: Wanderlog (July 2024) appeared first on Geek Culture.

Bello! In 2025, Universal Studios Singapore (USS) at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is set to dazzle Southeast Asia with the grand opening of Illumination’s Minion Land. Inspired by the Despicable Me and Minions franchise, Minion Land promises a world of immersive experiences and rides. Watch the introduction below:

Minion Land, a collaborative creation between Universal Creative, the award-winning creative team from Universal, acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination, and RWS is designed to draw guests into the vibrant worlds of the movies. The area will be divided into three main zones: Minion Marketplace, Gru’s Neighbourhood, and Super Silly Fun Land.

At Minion Marketplace, visitors will discover a colourful array of storefronts where the Minions showcase their creativity. The marketplace will be a one-stop shop for all things Minions, featuring stores like Sweet Surrender, a candy-themed store topped with a giant jawbreaker vending machine, offering a variety of Minion-themed apparel, plush toys, and other souvenirs. The Pop Store will blend Minions with modern design and street-art style, providing the latest fashion items with a Minion twist, while the Fun Store will be filled with accessories and toys galore, all curated by the beloved Minions.

Adjacent to this shopping haven is Gru’s Neighbourhood, where guests can visit the home of the former supervillain Gru, now living peacefully with his family. Beneath their home, in Gru’s Lab, the adventure continues with the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. This immersive motion simulator ride offers guests a heartwarming and humorous journey through Gru’s super villain laboratory.

Just across the street lies Super Silly Fun Land, a seaside carnival brought to life with a Minion twist. This area features rides like the Silly Swirly, where guests can soar through the sky, and the all-new restaurant, Super Hungry Food Stand, offering themed foods in a setting reminiscent of the waterfront snack stand from the films. Additional attractions include Pop-A-Nana, a snack kiosk with Minion-inspired popcorn flavours, and Space Killer, a game booth where guests can win prizes.

The first-ever Minion dance party-themed carousel, Buggie Boogie, will make its debut here, allowing guests to hop aboard and boogie to popular songs remixed by the Minions. This carousel promises to be a highlight, with DJ Carl at the helm spinning tracks that will get everyone dancing.

Minion Land will also offer numerous photo opportunities with the mischievous Minions, including a courtyard fountain scene, adding to the myriad of surprises awaiting guests. This enchanting new land is sure to ignite the imaginations and joy of all who visit, making it a must-see destination in 2025.

More information can be found on the RWS website.

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.

The post Universal Studios Singapore Unveils New Details Of Illumination’s Minion Land, Opening 2025 appeared first on Geek Culture.

As the countdown to the AFA Creators Super Fest (AFA CSF) Singapore 2024 intensifies, festival organizers SOZO is set to transform Singapore Expo Hall 3 into a vibrant hub of creativity on 27 and 28 July. This year’s fest is brimming with activities for all, from an art exhibition by the celebrated Japanese digital artist Wataboku to an Open Mic corner designed for emerging talents, and a dazzling array of performances by special guests from Japan and top regional talents.

This year, AFA CSF is expanding its offerings to over 20 acts on the Super Akiba Stage and providing a wealth of educational opportunities through workshops, panels, and demonstrations spread across 14 dynamic segments at the Creators Lab stage. 

Check out the floor plan below:

Although two-day ticket bundles are already sold out, limited single-day tickets remain available online starting from S$19. For those seeking to dive into a world where passion and creativity intersect, AFA CSF 2024 offers a unique chance to witness the synergy of traditional and contemporary arts in one dynamic setting.

Here are 5 highlights we’re excited to see.

Wataboku Art Exhibition

Japanese illustrator Wataboku will captivate audiences with his dreamlike artistry at the AFA CSF Art Exhibition Gallery. Known for his surreal and haunting visuals, the exhibition will include a chance to purchase unique memorabilia and meet the artist at exclusive signing sessions for attendees who spend a minimum of S$60. 

Wataboku has gained international acclaim through social media with his iconic character SAI, a young girl in a school uniform. Since his first art book release in 2016 and his recent book ‘VSI’ in 2023, he has expanded his reach into contemporary art, involving diverse projects from TV commercials to apparel collaborations.

Super Akiba Stage

The Super Akiba Stage at AFA CSF promises a thrilling lineup of over 20 acts, featuring a blend of international and regional talent. Additionally, the event will spotlight renowned DJs from Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore, offering two nights packed with energetic performances.

Some special performances on 27 July include VTuber Dokibird, followed by an engaging talk show with illustrator Wataboku, and the pulsating beats of ANiBEATS, featuring D.WATT (IOSYS), REDSHIFT, and Sasuke Haraguchi. 

The excitement continues on 28 July, with a dynamic schedule including a talk show and live performance by Japanese idol, voice actress and YouTuber Amaki Sally, a special appearance by VTuber ASTRALINE, and sets by Goldenmix and DJ SOBA.

Open Mic

At the Open Mic segment, a collaborative effort between AFA CSF and music equipment retailer City Music, attendees will have the opportunity to witness fresh musical talents. This unique busking corner allows solo artists and groups of up to three individuals to engage with a live audience, demonstrating their musical skills. 

City Music enhances the experience by supplying essential equipment such as speakers and keyboards, ensuring that each performer has what they need to deliver a compelling 30-minute set. With only a few slots left, aspiring musicians are encouraged to sign up quickly here to secure their spot on stage.

Guest Cosplayers

Fans are in for a treat with the appearance of renowned guest cosplayer Knite at the Infold Games booth (A17). Infold Games, known for their engaging interactive game Love and Deepspace, the latest addition to the popular Mr. Love series, offers players a dive into a sci-fi universe where emotional connections transcend all barriers. The game features immersive cutscenes and 3D storylines that bring the concept of interstellar romance to life.

Knite, a professional cosplayer, model, and streamer originally from Greece and now residing in Australia, brings over 13 years of expertise in costume making, wig styling, and makeup to the event. Their international experience includes notable appearances as the official character actor for characters like Kaito Kid from Detective Conan at Universal Studios Japan, Joker from Persona 5, Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle, and Kishibe Rohan from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.

Fashion Hub

AFA CSF’s Fashion Hub is set to dazzle attendees with a diverse array of wearable crafts, accessories, and apparel, each piece infused with the essence of Japanese culture and meticulously crafted by talented designers from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond. This vibrant showcase will feature the latest trends in fashion, offering a glimpse into the innovative and evolving styles that continue to influence the global fashion scene.

As AFA CSF Singapore 2024 draws near, be sure not to miss this extraordinary celebration of creativity and culture, spanning the worlds of art, cosplay, music, and fashion. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the stunning visuals of renowned artists, interact with top cosplayers, experience electrifying musical performances, or explore the latest fashion trends, this festival is your gateway to a vibrant spectacle. 

Sign up for AFA Creators Super Fest (AFA CSF) Singapore 2024 tickets at the Ticketmaster website. Visitors may check AFA’s website for more information.

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.

The post AFA Creators Super Fest Singapore 2024: 5 Exciting Highlights appeared first on Geek Culture.

Prepare to step into the enchanting realms of Studio Ghibli as ArtScience Museum in Singapore unveils The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition, opening on 4 October. This marks the studio’s first-ever showcase in Singapore, offering fans a deep dive into its legendary animation and storytelling that has charmed global audiences for nearly four decades.

Since its inception in 1985 by Isao Takahata, Hayao Miyazaki, and Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli has crafted films celebrated for their magical narratives and profound thematic depth. The studio’s influence is palpable, with seven of its films receiving Academy Award nominations and two winning Best Animated Feature: Spirited Away (2001) and The Boy and the Heron (2023). In 2024, the studio was honoured with an Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes, acknowledging its significant impact over the past 40 years.

ArtScience Museum is transforming significantly forThe World Of Studio Ghibli, dedicating 11 galleries over 2,400 square meters to the exhibition. Visitors will journey through scenes from iconic films like My Neighbour Totoro (1988), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001) and Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), among others. The exhibition is designed to be immersive, featuring 16 theatrical sets that recreate memorable movie moments, allowing fans to experience these cinematic worlds firsthand.

Additionally, The World Of Studio Ghibli exhibition will include 16 unique art installations that offer insights into the studio’s creative process. These installations, alongside a specially designed retail shop at the exhibition’s conclusion, will sell exclusive Studio Ghibli merchandise and souvenirs.

This year’s exhibition is part of the museum’s Year of Extraordinary Women slate and will highlight the strong, independent female protagonists that are a staple in Ghibli films, reflecting themes such as environmentalism, self-discovery, and resilience. The World of Studio Ghibli not only celebrates the studio’s historical achievements but also invites visitors to engage directly with the artistry that has made Studio Ghibli a cornerstone of animated cinema.

The World Of Studio Ghibli exhibition runs from 4 October 2024 to 2 February 2025, promising an unforgettable experience for both longtime enthusiasts and new fans alike. Tickets will go on sale next week, with an exclusive pre-sale for Sands Lifestyle Members starting on 29 July. General sales will commence on 3 August, on the Marina Bay Sands website.

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.

The post Step Into Singapore’s First-Ever Studio Ghibli Exhibition This Oct appeared first on Geek Culture.

Are you ready for some button-mashing nostalgia? Nintendo has just announced new controller capsule toys on X/Twitter. Video games are often classified as strictly audio/visual mediums, but there’s a tactile element to gaming too. A console’s controllers can bring back memories of dramatic boss fights and emotional endings.

So it was a nice dose of nostalgia a few years back when Nintendo released its Controller Button Collection capsule toy series. These toys were replicas of its Famicom and NES controllers.

Of course, the company’s hardware legacy consists of much more than its 8-bit console, and so now they’re back with round two of the Controller Button Collection, featuring the next three Nintendo home-system generations: the Super Famicom/Super NES, Nintendo 64, and GameCube!

Like with the Famicom and NES controllers, which component you’ll get in the new Controller Button Collection Vol. 2 is up to chance, as all six of the new items share space inside the same capsule toy machine. However, whereas the 8-bit controllers had their entire form factors chopped into three pieces, this time the designs are more complex, so the focus is on recreating each controller’s most iconic features.

For the Super Famicom/Super NES, that means the diamond-layout four-face buttons. It was the first system to use what’s now become nearly a universal standard across the video game industry.

For the Nintendo 64, we get a replica of the company’s first analogue stick, accompanied by the big red start button. Since the Nintendo 64’s digital D-pad wasn’t particularly unique, the second capsule toy is for its face button array.

Lastly, for the GameCube, the focus is on the right half of the controller, with its secondary analogue stick and distinct golf course aerial view-like face button cluster.

The new Vol. 2 Controller Button Collection lineup, alongside the original Famicom/NES capsule toys, are on sale at the Nintendo Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto speciality stores, as well as the smaller Nintendo shop at Narita airport. Each capsule toy will cost 600 yen (S$5.40), bumped up from the original price of 500 yen.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for retro-style Nintendo controllers that you can play actual games with, Nintendo of Japan has finally relaxed its policies for who’s allowed to buy the Famicom Switch controllers.

Marcus

When Marcus is not trying to full combo a song on his favourite rhythm games, he’s either reading or watching some obscure Japanese mystery show/novel. Don’t ask him how much his Arkham Horror collection costs either, it’s his most closely guarded secret.

The post Relive Gaming History With Nintendo’s New Controller Capsule Toys appeared first on Geek Culture.