Review – Geek Culture https://geekculture.co We are geeks, and proud of it. This is the place where we share all things geeky, and by visiting this page, you declare yourself one of us! Fri, 18 Oct 2024 17:07:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://geekculture.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-gc-512-32x32.png Review – Geek Culture https://geekculture.co 32 32 Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story – Review https://geekculture.co/super-man-the-christopher-reeve-story-review/ Fri, 18 Oct 2024 17:06:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=304653

A touching tribute to the (super)man who shows us what it truly means to be a hero.

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“What is a hero?”

The concept of heroism often evokes images of mythical legends, their larger-than-life exploits fueling our imaginations and shaping our ideals. We tend to view these figures as symbols of strength and resilience, their stories offering escapism and inspiration. And perhaps no hero, or in instance, superhero, embodies these qualities more than Superman, the Man of Steel who captured the hearts of millions with his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. And when it comes to the big screen, there will always be Christopher Reeve, who made the world believe that a man can fly. With his chiselled physique and unwavering gaze, Reeve first brought the Last Son of Krypton to life in Richard Donner’s Superman (1978), forever etching his image into the pantheon of cinematic heroes.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Review

Reeve’s portrayal of Superman was so convincing, so perfectly aligned with the comic book ideal, that the tragic accident that befell him in 1995 felt particularly cruel. Thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition, Reeve suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralysed from the neck down. The irony of Superman, a symbol of invincibility, becoming confined to a wheelchair was not lost on the world. It was a devastating blow, not just for Reeve and his loved ones, but for the millions who had come to see him as the embodiment of heroic ideals.

This profound irony is explored with great sensitivity and depth in Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, a documentary that chronicles Reeve’s life, inevitably focusing on the accident and its aftermath. The film allows Reeve to speak with intimate candour about his initial despair and the surreal nightmare he experienced.

“We need all the heroes we can get,” Reeve states near the beginning of the documentary, a sentiment that resonates throughout the film. Directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, known for their nuanced approach to biographical documentaries along the likes of McQueen (2018) – a documentary that shone light on British fashion designer Alexander McQueen – and Paralympic Games-focused Rising Phoenix (2020), strike a delicate balance between celebrating Reeve’s iconic status and exploring the personal struggles he faced after his accident. Unlike their previous subject (McQueen) who tragically succumbed to his demons, Reeve’s story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Review
Directors Peter Ettedgui and Ian Bonhôte with Will Reeve for Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

For those unfamiliar with the cultural landscape of 1978, it’s difficult to grasp the monumental impact of Donner’s Superman, which rose above the initial scepticism and the unexpected triumph of Reeve’s performance. Reeve was among the many who were in the running for the role of Superman, with the most notable being A-listers like Paul Newman (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Hustler) and Robert Redford (All the President’s Men, The Natural). Even Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Terminator, Predator) and singer-songwriter Neil Diamond expressed interest in donning the iconic red cape.

Superman catapulted the then-unknown Broadway actor to superstardom, his portrayal of the Man of Steel becoming the definitive interpretation for a generation. At a time when superhero movies were mainly a joke or a rarity, Reeve’s embodiment of both the bumbling Clark Kent and the awe-inspiring Superman proved to be a winning combination, captivating audiences and critics alike. Even the briefest glimpses of Reeve soaring through the skies with Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane, accompanied by John Williams’ iconic score, are enough to evoke a sense of wonder. His performance in Superman II (1980) further solidified his status, showcasing the duality of Clark Kent and Superman with remarkable nuance.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Review

While acknowledging the influence of the Superman films on Reeve’s career, the documentary doesn’t shy away from his later cynicism towards the role, touching upon his frustration with being typecast and his disappointment with the declining quality of Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987). Thankfully, the film wisely chooses not to dwell on these aspects, recognising that Reeve’s story extends far beyond his superhero persona.

Nevertheless, there’s no denying that Reeve’s image as Superman, a symbol of strength and invincibility, amplified the shock and sorrow when he reappeared in public at the 1996 Academy Awards, less than a year after his accident. The documentary featured footage of Reeve’s journey to the Oscars, revealing the logistical challenges and emotional weight of his public return. This powerful moment is further enriched by the revelation of longtime friend and Juilliard schoolmate Robin Williams’ (Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting) instrumental role in orchestrating Reeve’s appearance, showcasing the depth of their friendship and unwavering support. Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction, 101 Dalmatians), a close friend of both actors, even suggested that Williams’ own tragic passing might have been prevented had Reeve still been alive.

Beyond Reeve’s public persona and struggles, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story also delves into the deeply personal topic of family. His three children, Alexandra, Matthew, and Will, offer intimate reflections on their father, their words interwoven with heartwarming home videos and archival footage that capture the joy and love within their family. The film traces Reeve’s evolving relationships, from his ten-year partnership with British modelling agent Gae Exton, with whom he had two children (Alexandra and Matthew), to his marriage to actress-singer Dana Reeve (née Morosini), the mother of his youngest son, Will. 

Although Reeve and Exton never married and eventually parted ways – a decision that eerily echoed the marital patterns of his own parents – his subsequent marriage to Morosini displayed a profound depth of love and commitment. This relationship proved pivotal, offering Reeve a stable family life that was crucial in overcoming his bouts of depression. The dynamic within their blended family, with Dana warmly embracing Alexandra and Matthew while nurturing a strong sibling bond with Will, highlights a cohesive familial unit. Even Exton remained a part of their lives, and the film captures a particularly poignant moment as she reflects on her relationship with Reeve, along with the enduring affection they shared. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is its ability to find hope and resilience amidst tragedy. While acknowledging the devastating impact of Reeve’s accident, the film centres on his extraordinary journey of recovery (he learned to breathe, speak, and ultimately, to live a fulfilling life), and his transformation into a passionate advocate for the disabled, chronicling his tireless efforts to raise awareness and secure funding for spinal cord injury research. In doing so, Reeve stepped off his superhero pedestal and became a true human hero, his empathy and determination shining brighter than any fictional superpower. 

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles,” says Reeve in his autobiography, Still Me (1998). Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story embodies this sentiment, offering an intimate and achingly honest portrait of a man who redefined heroism. It’s a must-see documentary that celebrates Reeve’s legacy, not just as a cinematic icon, but as a beacon of hope and resilience for those facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Just remember the tissues – this narrative, rich with triumph and tearful moments, demands them.

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Smile 2 – Review https://geekculture.co/smile-2-review/ Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:00:31 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=304591

Lights, camera, b*tch smile, even when you wanna die.

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Parker Finn’s 2022 directorial debut and sleeper horror hit, Smile, introduced audiences to a truly unsettling antagonist: a malevolent entity that forces its victims into gruesome suicides while sporting a chillingly wide grin. This sinister phantom, with its contagious smile and penchant for psychological torment, tapped into a primal fear, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of unease long after the credits rolled. The film’s success, raking in over US$217 million worldwide against a modest US$17 million budget, proved that a simple yet effective horror concept could resonate with audiences, even in an era saturated with grotesque genre offerings.

Smile 2

Unsurprisingly, Smile 2 arrives with the promise of a heftier budget of US$28 million and a grander, more elaborate spectacle, offering Finn the opportunity to expand upon his terrifying creation. One might expect a sequel with increased resources to delve deeper into the mythology hinted at in the original, exploring new facets of the grinning entity and expanding the narrative’s scope but instead of demystifying the monster or venturing into uncharted territory, Finn opts to revisit familiar ground, essentially rehashing the first film’s formula, albeit with a slightly different thematic lens. While the original Smile focused on a psychologist grappling with mental health and trauma, the sequel turns its attention to the pressures of modern celebrity stardom and the unrelenting scrutiny of the public eye.

The sequel unfolds with a direct connection to its predecessor, initiating with a seamless, single-shot sequence that reminds viewers of the unresolved dread from the first film. It quickly transitions to showcase its expanded budget through an unexpected cameo by Scream (1996) alum Drew Barrymore (Charlie’s Angels, 50 First Dates), before introducing us to the glittering yet grim reality of pop star Skye Riley, portrayed with an onstage charisma and offstage vulnerability of an idol grappling with the dark side of fame by Naomi Scott (Power Rangers, Aladdin). This reality is, sadly, one that the sinister entity exploits with cruel irony.

Smile 2

Adding to the mounting tension, Riley is still recovering from a near-fatal car crash and struggling with sobriety, all while on the verge of a high-stakes comeback tour. Her carefully constructed facade begins to crumble as she witnesses a horrifying death of her friend Lewis (Lukas Gage, Euphoria, The White Lotus), triggering a series of disturbing visions that threaten to derail her career and sanity. 

Her struggles are compounded by a host of personal challenges, including a manipulative stage mother played by Rosemarie DeWitt (Rachel Getting Married, Poltergeist), a controlling record executive (Raúl Castillo, Looking), and unresolved guilt over past actions that ruined a close friendship with ex-best friend Gemma (Dylan Gelula, First Girl I Loved). Finn intertwines these personal dramas with Skye’s psychological descent, as she tries to maintain her glamorous facade while grappling with increasingly terrifying hallucinations.

Smile 2

Smile 2 truly shines when it taps into the specific anxieties of a life lived under the harsh spotlight. A standout scene features Riley, mouth smeared with blood-red lipstick, delivering an uncomfortably honest impromptu speech at a charity event after the teleprompter malfunctions. This sequence, among others (including facing a crazed stalker at a meet-and-greet), draws parallels to the struggles of real-life figures like singer Amy Winehouse and singer/songwriter Chappell Roan, whose mental health and personal struggles often become fodder for public consumption. 

Scott, a musician herself, embodies the character’s frazzled nerves and inner turmoil with impressive authenticity, making this her most alluring big-screen performance to date. One can’t help but wonder if Scott is channelling her own experiences navigating the treacherous waters of the music industry, as she delivers a poignant and vulnerable rendition of her song, titled Blood on White Satin, about the curse of fame.

Smile 2

This vulnerability is further amplified by Finn’s sophisticated approach to horror, which masterfully blends subtle unease with shocking body horror. The film’s technical execution has matured since the original, using disorienting angles and atmospheric lighting to enhance the sense of disorientation and fear. Smile composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer returns with yet another eerie score, a blend of industrial noise and distorted sounds that perfectly complements the film’s unsettling visuals, including a particularly memorable sequence with phantom backup dancers contorting into grotesque poses.

While Smile 2 delivers its fair share of jolts and its commentary on celebrity culture is sharp and insightful, the bloated runtime dilutes its impact. Clocking in at over 2 hours compared to its predecessor’s 1 hour 55 minutes runtime, Smile 2 occasionally feels repetitive, labouring its points when a more concise approach would have heightened the tension and emotion. 

This overextension is particularly evident in the film’s overreliance on the villain’s reality-bending abilities. While the initial hallucinations are effective in creating a sense of unease and paranoia, the constant shifting between reality and delusion, punctuated by increasingly graphic violence, creating a distancing effect, preventing the audience from fully connecting with Skye’s terrifying ordeal. Each plot twist, revealing yet another mere figment of Riley’s imagination, starts to feel less like a clever narrative device and more like a frustrating gimmick. 

Ultimately, Smile 2 is emblematic of the classic sequel dilemma – bigger doesn’t always mean better. The sequel may amp everything up, from Scott’s star performance to its critique of celebrity culture, but it loses some of the chilling simplicity that made the original Smile so effective. Nevertheless, Finn’s bold, untempered direction ensures that the film will find its audience, leaving many horror fans smiling – though perhaps not as widely as the first film.

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Ace Attorney Investigations Collection – Review https://geekculture.co/ace-attorney-investigations-collection-review/ Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:37:20 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=304166

No objections to another worthy addition to a beloved legacy.

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The spiky-haired, finger-pointing lawyer that is Phoenix Wright may be the face of Capcom’s Ace Attorney series, but the significance of his sharp-witted, level-headed rival prosecutor Miles Edgeworth cannot be understated. Two halves of a truth-seeking duo, the legal aces have thrown countless ‘Objections!’ at each other in court, working together on opposing sides to find the truth. 

But as longtime fans would know, that hasn’t always been the case. Miles has mellowed out throughout the games, going from Demon Prosecutor and reluctant ally to a trusted confidante, earning him a permanent spot in the list of all-time favourites. After witnessing his growth from an external lens, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection presents the chance to step into the shoes of the titular character and dive into his inner psyche. 

Instead of courtroom drama, however, players will take to the streets and engage in battles of wit at crime scenes and relevant places of interest. It signifies a heavier lean into the mystery genre and point-and-click influence, but retains the spirit of its progenitor wholeheartedly, from the over-the-top flair and eclectic personalities to dramatic twists. 

Set between the third and fourth mainline entries – Trials & Tribulations and Apollo Justice respectively, to be exact – the duology marks the first official localisation of Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit, following its Japan-only release in 2011 that subsequently received a wonderful fan translation. 

The sequel joins 2009’s Ace Attorney: Miles Edgeworth, released internationally in 2010, in fleshing out the gameplay loop of examining scenes, collecting evidence, making observations, and interrogating suspects to bring them to apollo justice. A refreshing and enjoyable change in pace, the compilation is a stark reminder of its underrated nature, reinforcing the collective enthusiasm for Miles as a major recurring figure – even if it doesn’t necessarily escape the shadow of the mainline titles. 

The most distinct tweak right off the bat is the enhanced HD visual presentation, bringing a charming glint to the character designs. In a neat pivot, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection features newly-drawn iterations of the original sprites, spawning fluid animation and polished portraits that fit nicely into the 16:9 aspect ratio. Fans looking to relive the Nintendo DS experience can opt for the original graphics, but they don’t look the best on bigger displays like TVs and monitors. On the console’s 6.2-inch screen, the less crisp visuals are easier to forgive.

Navigation marks another departure from tradition. Unlike its mainline counterparts, the duology offers direct control over Miles, who can move around in a space – as opposed to jumping between different menu screens – and interact with both objects and people of interest. It’s also more grounded, eschewing the series’ recurring supernatural and mystical elements for step-by-step deductions, so don’t expect to break Psyche-Locks, summon spirits, Perceive abnormal twitches, or analyse erratic emotions. There’s only one way to solve the case here, and it’s with good ol’ logic. 

In fact, Logic comes as a new addition to Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, where players have to manually make connections between two pieces of information and draw new conclusions. Piecing them together correctly often sparks a sense of satisfaction, joining the Little Thief mechanic in spicing up gameplay.

Owned by Miles’ energetic sidekick Kay Faraday, the simulation device allows her to re-create and investigate old crime scenes to progress, with the freedom to jump between the past and present versions of them proving handy in uncovering fresh clues. It gets an upgrade in the sequel, bringing the ability to map out a crime scene at multiple moments in time, bathed in a green glow. 

Rebuttals, meanwhile, tread on familiar territory. Building on the cross-examination face-offs in court, these brief debate sequences pit Edgeworth against various opponents as he dissects testimonies, presses for more information, and shouts out objections when a contradiction appears (sounds familiar?). The signature speech bubble always makes for a welcoming sight, but like all the other entries in the series, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection suffers from the same structured linearity. 

Essentially, the game follows a single thread of logic, where the correct piece of evidence or conversational topic needs to be presented at the right time. There’s a rigidity to the process that fans should already be used to, and the occasional frustration that follows this step-by-step flow still persists, especially where far-fetched reasoning leaps (even by Ace Attorney standards) are concerned. 

The reprieve is that Miles’ reactions to wrong responses or guesses brings an entertaining touch to the whole affair – more so than playing as the Phoenix Wright, whose behavior and humour align fairly closely with his personality. Here, some of the prosecutor’s inner monologue and statements are at odds with his level-headed, composed demeanour, humanising him in a way that adds to his growth from the original trilogy.

Part of the portrayal can also be attributed to his interactions with the supporting cast, which includes series regulars Dick Gumshoe, Franziska von Karma, and Larry Butz, as well as returning side characters like Wendy Oldbag (plus, a special cameo from Phoenix and Maya and Pearl Fey). It’s his dynamic with Kay that stands out, however, softening out his stern-faced, straight-laced edges – a development that carries over to Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit.

While Ace Attorney: Miles Edgeworth makes for a good time, much of the heavy lifting is done in the subsequent outing. The first game takes a while to find its footing, so its execution is a little loose and flimsy, ending up more on the middling side of things with some less-than-memorable cases. But it walked so Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit could run, and boy, does it sprint to a gratifying high. With improved storytelling and characterisation, the sequel alone is worth playing through the lows of the original title.

For starters, Mind Chess turns Rebuttals into a more engaging affair. A countdown timer now appears at the top of the screen, and players will have to poke holes at a testimony and use logic to overwhelm opponents before it runs out. Aggression won’t always work, though, as this virtual chess space also offers the option to stay silent, allowing Miles to bide his time and wait for the subject to walk into a trap. 

The mechanic works to greater effect past the first two cases, introducing a sense of urgency to the problem-solving process that never overstays its welcome. Despite the adrenaline boost, the stakes do still feel lower as compared to the courtroom battles, sharing the same issue as its predecessor, and can sometimes lead to a tonal mismatch between expectations – descriptors like “epic” or “cool” come to mind – and reality, such as the anti-climactic interrogation of Miles’ childhood friend and bumbling comedic figure Larry.

Some may find that the cases in the collection take longer to complete, especially for the finale, and it’s nothing new. Where Ace Attorney: Miles Edgeworth tends to drag developments out for too long, however, Prosecutor’s Gambit finds a sharper edge in its tighter pacing and more streamlined storytelling. The slow-burn opening paves the way for a gripping, mind-blowing conclusion to the saga, and the mysteries, each with their fair share of twists and red herrings, are intricately woven into a cohesive narrative. Not every case is perfect, of course, but there’s often the fun element to look forward to with hardly moments of boredom, alongside interesting locations. 

Characterisation, too, feels more fleshed out here. As Miles’ dynamics with his companions have already been established, there’s a stronger and easier connection to the main cast. There’s a layered veneer to new faces, both allies and foes alike, that takes time to unravel, revealing more to them than meets the eye (in classic Ace Attorney fashion). It’s common for players to change their impression of certain characters, where some will grow on them, and others, evoking strong emotional responses. In a welcome nod to Miles’ past, one of the cases turns back the clock to feature his father Gregory, which is a nice dose of fan service. 

The callbacks can also be a bit of a double-edged sword because while they are a given for spin-offs, the nostalgia occasionally comes across as overdone and deters Ace Attorney Investigations Collection from cementing an identity strong enough to stand on its own. At least its reputation for eccentric characters and punny names remains intact, spanning groan-worthy and puzzling to genuinely witty ones. 

To that end, there’s little to complain about the localisation of Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Gambit. Admittedly, there are moments where the fan translation seems to be a better fit – such as Sebastian Debeste, the unofficial name of Eustace Winner that sparked many “I’m the best” jokes with hilarious comebacks from Miles – but it reads naturally and smoothly enough. Be it legalese or regular jargon, the information is presented in a palatable, digestible manner, even if it gets a little verbose at times. 

Like all of its re-released counterparts, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection adds a Story Mode feature that acts as a helpline for players who are stuck at any point in the game and advances the story on their behalf, from automatically playing out dialogue to choosing the right piece of evidence. It does dilute the experience, however, and disables trophies and achievements when activated, so a hint system might be more ideal as an alternative. 

Other quality-of-life improvements include an episode and chapter selection, as well as the ability to review character dialogue through the History tab and switch between the original and new soundtrack arrangements from both titles. As expected, the duology promises quality music in spades, whether it’s the thrilling, pulsating beats of the Pursuit Theme, or the chirpy and distinctive character scores.

The arrival of Ace Attorney Investigations Collection marks another exciting landmark for series veterans, now that every game in the lineup (except the Professor Layton crossover title) is available to play in English on modern hardware. Despite stepping away from courtroom drama, the bundle still wears the charming, outlandish flair of its forebears proudly, doing a great job at combining new elements with what fans loved about the original trilogy – quirks and all. The wager doesn’t always pay off, particularly in the first game, but the delight of diving into some of the best storytelling in the series makes an iron-clad argument to embark on a new adventure. 

And one with a fan-favourite protagonist to boot? No objections there. 

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Metaphor: ReFantazio – Review https://geekculture.co/metaphor-refantazio-review/ Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=303705

Metaphor: ReFantazio offers an experience that feels both nostalgic and profoundly modern.

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Metaphor: ReFantazio feels like a love letter to everything Atlus has become known for in the role-playing game (RPG) genre, while simultaneously blazing a bold path forward. Developed by Atlus subsidiary Studio Zero — comprising of industry veterans led by Katsura Hashino, the director and producer of the modern Persona games — this fantasy RPG arrives in celebration of Atlus’ 35th anniversary.

The plot centres on the protagonist who ends up a candidate in a major tournament to become the king of Euchronia. With only a few months to rally support from the kingdom’s people, players are tasked with traversing its regions, forging bonds, and facing monsters while building a movement strong enough to claim the throne.

Notably, the game wears the familiar armour of Atlus’ beloved Persona series, complete with turn-based combat, social links, and a calendar system (certain sound effects are even reused from Persona 5). That said, it also draws inspiration from several other games, including ones from Atlus’ own catalogue. For example, characters can move between front and back rows during turn-based combat to mitigate physical damage, similar to the Etrian Odyssey series (Ariadne’s Thread even shows up as a fun easter egg). Furthermore, an extension of the Press Turn system from the Shin Megami Tensei series is expertly combined with Metaphor: ReFantazio’s take on ‘Personas’ — Archetypes.

The Archetype system is a refreshing spin on job classes which allows party members (instead of just the protagonist) to take on distinct roles in battle. This system offers extensive customisation and strategic options, such as summoning a powerful knight’s skill set or combining spells from other classes. Despite the obvious Persona comparisons, the end result is something more akin to Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy, elevating traditional turn-based battles by giving each playable character the flexibility to experiment with different classes, skills, and combos.

For those concerned about the grinding nature of turn-based combat, Metaphor: ReFantazio introduces Fast Battles — an option to quickly dispatch lower-level foes in real-time on the overworld. This quality-of-life addition ensures that the action doesn’t slow down, while maintaining the excitement of strategic encounters. This can also be used to stun tougher enemies before engaging in turn-based combat, which can prove to be a useful strategy especially later in the game.

The level of challenge the game presents is a satisfying one, where more formidable opponents may require full-party strategies, which involve exploiting enemy weaknesses and pairing up party members for Synergy abilities, without being too punishing. Of course, the level of difficulty can be adjusted on the fly for more hardcore players.

Atlus has always excelled at world-building, but Metaphor: ReFantazio might be its most ambitious attempt yet. The world of Euchronia feels alive, thanks to a wide variety of non-player characters (NPCs) and diverse lands to explore. In fact, the game’s lore is richly detailed, with a compendium covering the world’s various races, their history, and social hierarchies. While the politics may feel surface-level at times, it doesn’t shy away from encouraging deeper conversations, such as debating philosophies and moral dilemmas.

Meanwhile, players may strengthen their bonds with key characters using the Follower system, a familiar mechanic drawn from Persona‘s social links. The process is streamlined here, as the protagonist gains the ability to zip around previously-visited locales and teleport directly to buddies worth talking to. Unlike typical Atlus protagonists, the hero of this story is given a voice, a decision that adds humour and humanity to the weight of the story.

Every ally’s backstory offers a window into the game’s broader themes of social strife, vengeance, and redemption. Each exchange is warm and genuine, turning these moments from straightforward game mechanics into meaningful conversations. In addition to benefits associated with the Archetype system, spending time with companions may yield rewards that boost social stats, opening up new dialogue options with NPCs.

Instead of being contained to a single environment, Metaphor: ReFantazio maintains deft pacing by changing up the scenery just often enough, regularly providing new NPCs and side activities for the player to interact with to keep things interesting. The rate at which new features are doled out lends a certain friendliness to the time management aspect of the game. While there are still defined deadlines to complete main objectives, players can freely engage with these different elements without feeling like they’re sorely missing out if they don’t commit to certain tasks.

Metaphor: ReFantazio Persona Shin Megami Tensei Evolution (3)

Visually, Metaphor: ReFantazio is striking and Studio Zero has stepped away from using a single colour palette (frequently employed in the Persona games) to convey its themes. Instead, menus and environments are splashed with a vibrant mix of styles and colours, giving a clear sense of variety when navigating between them. Though the anime cutscenes don’t always impress, the sharp character designs and in-game graphics more than make up for it with their attention to detail, texture, and atmosphere.

It’s worth noting that patches have mostly resolved the initial performance problems from the PC demo. Even if there might still be slight hitches in the frame rate in denser places, locking the frame rate to 30 can help alleviate the issue.

Shoji Meguro (Shin Megami Tensei series), a long-time Atlus composer, makes a magnificent return on the soundtrack. From soothing melodies to energetic, frenetic chants, the music is as dynamic as the world itself. Religious and political themes are woven into the soundscapes, evoking a sense of reverence and urgency and amplifying the emotional impact of both combat and exploration.

Metaphor: ReFantazio Persona Shin Megami Tensei Evolution (6)

At the end of the day, Metaphor: Refantazio takes established and well-loved RPG components, such as a vibrant world with multi-faceted characters, a layered combat system, and emotional storytelling, and pushes them to new limits. It’s not afraid to ask important questions or tackle challenging topics, but it does it with hope and a true affection for the genre.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred – Review https://geekculture.co/diablo-iv-vessel-of-hatred-review/ Sun, 06 Oct 2024 21:28:55 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=303318

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred builds upon the signature ominous gothic atmosphere that made the series so popular to begin with.

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Remember Sisyphus? The king from Greek mythology was condemned by the gods to painstakingly roll an immense boulder thrice his size up a hill for all eternity, only for it to roll back down every time it neared the top. It’s the ultimate exercise in futility and Diablo IV’s first annual expansion, Vessel of Hatred, is a stark reminder of what the Diablo franchise has always been about – an endless cycle of strife. There’s a reason why last year’s Diablo IV has been heralded as one of the best-ever action role-playing games (ARPG) that defined the genre as it coaches players to embrace the loot-grinding, class-building journey, rather than the outcome.

Vessel of Hatred continues immediately after the cliffhanger that the base campaign left us at, with Lilith (Daughter of Hatred, one of the three Prime Evils, Queen of the Succubi, etc) now dead, and a brave young friend Neyrelle kayaking down a sinister-looking creek, gripping on to a soulstone that contains the trapped essence of one the top most-wanted demons – Mephisto. Last seen in Diablo II (2000), the Lord of Hatred and another Prime Evil is trapped but exerts his ungodly influence throughout the roughly six-hour expansion campaign, where players will observe a familiar cycle of doom-and-gloom, mixed in with manifestation of pure evil and hopeless circumstance, along with glimmers of hope and an inevitable resurrection – basically Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey on steroids, culminating into yet another cliffhanger ending chapter (for now), after pulling up short rather unceremoniously. As an entry in a long-running serialised story, there isn’t nearly enough depth to dig your weapons deep into when it comes to the campaign though admittedly, it is challenging to top Diablo IV’s superstar villain Lilith, who is arguably one of the best aspects of the base campaign.

That said, the new trials and tribulations that you get up to during and in-between the expansion’s main campaign is heaven-on-earth for long-time fans of the Diablo franchise, or even ARPGs in general. Think of Vessel of Hatred as more than just Diablo IV 2.0 as it pulls the best environment and world of Diablo II, and combines it with the slickness and interface of Diablo III (2012), which was something that Diablo IV came close to achieving. The world-building, lore, plot developments, and characters we meet as we trudge through thick jungles and tropical marshlands reminiscent of Far Cry reminds us of what the Diablo series was always meant to represent.

On top of this, there’s an enduring sense of humanity through Diablo IV’s debut DLC. You’ll hear this motto echoed throughout your adventures in the region of Nahantu, “Where help is needed, help is offered.”. The people you stumble upon along the way are not fanatics or unbelievably passionate individuals – they’re just humans like the rest of us but also humans that come into direct conflict with their intrinsic need to help and be altruistic, especially in the face of evil.

It’s hard not to wax lyrical about Vessel of Hatred’s main stomping ground, the lush jungles of Nahantu in the Sanctuary, without mentioning Kurast, the city at the heart of Nahantu. Rather than just a token city for some much-needed respite, visiting players get moss-covered rope bridges chained to damp wooden houses, Aztec-inspired step pyramids and grandiose sculptures weathered with mould and cracks highlighting the majesty of a time long passed. Specifically, it’s non-playable characters that aren’t just vendors, but also interesting personalities that paint a captivating picture of selflessness and colour in a world that is largely selfish and monotonous.

Dungeon-wise, you’ll soon realise that there is a persistent and rather repetitive theme of forgotten ruins, limestone, and dense foliage, but it still serves as a breath of fresh air after years of dark and doomy caves filled with blood-soaked torture chambers. It’s the attention to detail and realism that truly makes you feel immersed in this new environment, especially when you’re deep into fights that involve you diving into tiny crevasses and spaces to avoid hordes of underlings. No two fights are the same but you’re likely to grow absurdly large finger muscles after just a few hours, from frenetically mashing your computer mouse, so it might be worthwhile to get a game controller, or one of those advanced gaming mice with buttons on the side.

But what good is confronting evil alone? If you want to play with your friends but none of them are online, Vessel of Hatred has a new mercenary system that allows you to recruit NPC (non playable characters) heroes to join you on your adventure. This fills the void for solo players who are feeling rather lonely, while plugging the gaps for small groups to complete bigger and grander adventures as well. You get introduced to a quartet of characters, each with their own unique stories and histories to faithfully be by your side as you stride forward. What’s more, the longer you spend time with your faithful companions, the more XP they’ll gain to unleash new abilities and rewards. Ultimately, it’s a nice touch to make the experience more personable and incentivising for those who are more utilitarian.

“So you’re saying that I need to go through 200 dungeons with you before you start providing cover fire for me Subo?”

The expansion’s premise also perfectly complements a spanking new customisable character class, a rarity from Blizzard, the Spiritborn. It was a no-brainer to select this tribalistic specimen entrenched in mythical and magical roots for this playthrough, and it is loads of fun. You rely on your connection with ghostly animals imbuing you with godlike elemental powers, each with its own sets of unique strengths and weaknesses. Think of it as a Druid 2.0, but not really (apologies in advance to all Druid mains out there). Animalistic in nature, the Spiritborn revolves around four main beasts. The gorilla spirit is a physical, brute beast that makes you a tank, while the offensive and strike-first nature of the jaguar allows you to build a Dynasty Warriors-esque hack-and-slash melee DPS (damage per second) machine. The eagle is all about soaring above your foes and being mobile, allowing you to show up where your enemies least expect you to make you incredibly hard to track and take down, and the centipede, which employs poisonous splash damage that’s coupled with vampiric life-stealing properties.

The best and worst part about it, compared to existing character classes, is that the Spiritborn class is flexible and modular. Although it may be more ideal and easier to just devote your skill points to one or two of these four spirit animals, you can mix and match any combination of the abilities that the animal quartet offers. It’s uncharted territory for Diablo, where you can actually create a build that is a jack of all trades and a master of none, or you could ignore this option entirely and create your very own King Kong. Not to mention that as a Spiritborn, you can easily reassign your skills, put on some new clothes, and instantly go from King Kong to The Flash.

Granted, there are still great advantages to playing as the old classes when focusing on depth rather than breadth, but the Spiritborn is perfect for those who want a buffet-like experience, especially for beginners that are just dipping their toes into the Diablo universe and don’t know where to start. Maybe the slight knock would be the daunting amount of in-game currency involved that come with a skill respec, which may make newcomers cave and frantically search for what the best Spiritborn build is on Google instead of experiencing it for themselves.

Perhaps one of the biggest additions to the Diablo co-op experience is the Dark Citadel, a demanding battle circuit that requires you and your best mates to overcome complex and seemingly unbeatable bosses, all while wrapping your brains around raid-like puzzle mechanics in a trio of corridors within a crumbling fortress – fending off wave after wave of double exclamation marked high-level enemies throughout the process. It was hard to spend too much time here given that the experience was largely solo in nature for the early build of Vessel of Hatred, but it could live up to the potential of one of the best endgame activities Diablo has ever had, synergising together with your friends to overcome insurmountable foes and the pot of gold at the end that makes it oh so sweet. 

For now though, it seems like the raid mechanics are somewhat rudimentary, and doesn’t require heavy coordination or strategic planning to complete. Still, it’s looking good for the Diablo community longing for an engaging and meaningful way to come and play together.

Above all, this expansion really feels like Blizzard has finally listened to its community. Its small changes like capping out the levelling at 60 instead of 100, which makes for a truncated and accelerated climb to the business end of Diablo that makes it less of a grind, especially when you want to mess around with new characters and builds after every season. It takes away the sense of being stuck on plateaus midway into the game, making it easier for everybody to enjoy the all-encompassing Sisyphean nature of Diablo IV. Another way this is manifested is the return of Rune words, allowing you to cast enchantments onto your equipment, adding yet another layer to the already rich build-crafting aspects of the base game. Lastly, it’s great to see Vessel of Hatred top it off with a new matchmaking functionality called Party Finder, which given the group nature of the game, has inexplicably never been part of the franchise until now. The ability to easily band up with a bunch of fellow demon slayers is more than welcome, especially given the inception of the Dark Citadel.

All things considered, Vessel of Hatred feels like the quintessential Diablo experience. Despite a relatively lacklustre expansion campaign and a surprisingly high amount of crashes and a mix of bugs, ranging from frustrating quests that won’t complete, or NPCs hilariously blazing across the map on foot matching your speed on horseback (which is something that you wouldn’t expect from an expansion that took a year and a half to come to fruition), you’ll end up spending most evenings glued to the character inventory and ability screens, calling up your friends on voice chat to run Dark Citadel for the umpteenth time.

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Silent Hill 2 (2024 Remake) – Review https://geekculture.co/silent-hill-2-2024-remake-review/ Fri, 04 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=303186

A masterful return to the psychological horror classic.

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In my restless dreams, I see that town, Silent Hill

In 2001, Silent Hill 2, the second installment of the survival horror series, broke ground for the genre with its top-notch atmosphere, sound design, and psychological horror elements. Together with Fatal Frame aka Project Zero and Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare, the games ignited a new millennium of horror and more than 23 years on, Konami and Bloober Team are inviting players on a trip back to the now-iconic foggy town in this 2024 Silent Hill 2 remake.

Like the original, the game follows protagonist James Sunderland who ventures to the town of Silent Hill after receiving a mysterious letter from his wife, Mary, who had died from an illness three years before, inviting him to meet her at their ‘special place’. Something is immediately off about the town, however, as he finds it almost completely abandoned and filled with roaming monstrosities. 

The story here is just as fans of the original will remember, presenting a dark but emotional tale of hope in the face of tragedy. Many elements that made the original so compelling return in the remake, such as the heavy use of symbolism, the inclusion of taboo topics, as well as the emotional depth of both the writing and vocal performances.

Storytelling in the remake is greatly improved with the introduction of real-time cutscenes, which have been reworked from the ground up using motion capture technology. The fidelity of the new cutscenes are incredible, featuring subtle facial expressions that really sell the emotions being conveyed, a far cry from the original’s rigid, almost robotic animations.

Being an Unreal Engine 5 title, the remake unsurprisingly looks leaps and bounds better than the original. It’s called a remake but it’s practically a brand-new game with the town of Silent Hill painstakingly recreated with high-resolution textures and massively improved particle effects. The iconic fog that engulfs the town has seen a major upgrade, no longer just a veil to block players, and now just obstructing most of the player’s view distance while still leaving enough visible to create a sense of eeriness and tension. when out exploring.

When indoors, lighting effects and shadows take center stage, with the dim glow emanating from the occasional light source bouncing off surfaces realistically to illuminate the surrounding area. That darkness now has a literal light, as objects under the gaze of James’ torch cast menacing shadows that might be mistaken for an approaching enemy. 

Speaking of enemies, the creature designs have also been recreated from scratch, with iconic foes like the Mannequin (a hideous monstrosity made of two mannequin bottom halves stitched together) and Bubble Head Nurse now featuring not only reworked textures but also added details like stitch lines and blood stains when receiving damage.

Apart from the obvious graphical overhaul, the remake’s biggest change is in its gameplay perspective. In a move similar to the recent Resident Evil remakes, the game now features a more traditional third-person over-the-shoulder camera angle instead of the almost top-down nature of the original. This new viewpoint adds to the overall tension by narrowing the player’s field of view, making every interaction feel up close and personal.

Structurally, the game features both indoor and outdoor segments. While exploring the streets of Silent Hill, the title adopts a more open-ended structure to its level design, as the town is filled with multiple buildings and side locations (with a large number as new additions to the remake) that James can freely enter and explore. This not only gives opportunities to scavenge for additional resources like ammunition and health items but for players to also learn the expanded backstory of the now-abandoned ghost town.

To help facilitate exploration, entry points are subtly marked with white cloth, indicating locations that can be vaulted over or squeezed through. Glass windows of buildings and cars can also be smashed through, revealing hidden items for the eagle-eyed player. In a rather neat touch, James will turn his head to look at items of interest, further adding a layer of realism while also providing players with visual assistance while exploring.

Upon entering major indoor locations such as the iconic Brookhaven Hospital, the game makes a structural shift, playing out in a similar fashion to 2019’s Resident Evil 2 remake, with James exploring multiple levels of the building, navigating locked doors and blocked passages while solving environment puzzles to progress.

These puzzles mostly involve finding items from certain locations, such as keys or miniatures, and using them to unlock doors or activate mechanisms. (again, very much like Resident Evil 2) Anyone who has experienced survival horror games should feel right at home in Silent Hill, but the game does provide an option to lower the puzzle complexity, although this choice is only presented upon starting a new game and cannot be changed midway through.

Constantly backtracking to find key items might seem like a chore, but the game makes up for it with its excellent ability to create tension. Interior sections take place almost exclusively in the dark, with only the dim light of James’ torch to help guide the way. This lack of visibility means that there’s always an overlying feeling of dread towards the unknown lurking around every corner.

Silent Hill is a dangerous place filled with all kinds of monstrosities, and when push comes to shove, James can combat foes with both melee weapons and firearms. The game’s ranged combat has seen a major improvement from the original, with aiming now functioning like any third-person shooter from this era, instead of the original’s clunky direction-based shooting. While there are guns, this isn’t a shooting game and guns have a hefty kick to them, with the game adding liberal amounts of weapon sway when James is aiming his gun, highlighting that he’s a normal person who isn’t naturally proficient with firearms.

Melee combat is serviceable, but nothing spectacular. James has access to a basic three-attack combo, with the first strike able to close the distance between him and his foe. What is a welcome addition however is a new dodge function, which can be used to effectively evade attacks, a huge step up compared to the original, where players had to clunkily maneuver around foes.

The game’s combat difficulty does feel more manageable than the original. Previously, enemy encounters took a backseat to exploration, with players needing to manage their limited ammunition resources to defeat the foes they come across but in this remake, ammunition is plentiful and there is no cap to the amount of bullets carried, allowing players to effectively stock up on ammo with a little extra exploration. 

To compensate for this, enemy encounters are far greater in number and can spawn into areas that were previously safe. Downed enemies also have a chance to reanimate and although this doesn’t happen often, it is enough to keep players constantly on their toes. The good news is that health items are also equally plentiful, especially later in the game, making the overall experience a refreshing hybrid of survival horror and action shooter.

Purists of the genre and fans of the original might understandably be disappointed at the game’s more action-focused nature but thankfully, the game provides dedicated difficulty settings for combat and puzzles, allowing players to ramp up the challenge as they wish without sacrificing their enjoyment of exploration.

Gameplay is also given a generous dose of immersion due to the excellent use of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense Controller. Haptic feedback realistically portrays in-game occurrences like rainfall and ground tremors, and the adaptive triggers help to enhance both aiming and shooting. Performance on the PlayStation 5 is solid, with the most noticeable drops occurring only during a certain outdoor section in the latter half of the game. 

Among all the remake’s improvements, sound design is by far the most impressive. The game employs a masterful use of spatial audio, especially when using the PS5’s 3D audio setting, and greatly enhances the game’s scare factor and atmosphere. From the sounds of distant crashing objects echoing across the hallway to floorboards cracking under James’ weight, the game’s audio manages to evoke a feeling of trepidation even if there is no immediate danger present.

Unlike some games of the genre, the game does not rely on cheap jumpscares and sudden loud sounds, instead making use of subtle environmental effects and its reworked musical score to heighten tension during gameplay.

One example of this is James’ radio, which emits static in the presence of enemies, a returning feature from the original. The crackling feedback not only helps to detect foes hidden from view but also effectively amps up the tension when it plays while walking along a dimly lit corridor. And like the original, this effect can also be switched off if desired.

The excellent spatial audio also extends to the movements and noises of enemies as the groans and eerie cackling from idle creatures bounce realistically off walls, helping players pinpoint the general direction in which they are lurking. Muffled footsteps of an enemy patrolling the upper floors of the building can be heard while walking directly under, providing a foreboding indication of the dangers to come.

As far as remakes go, Silent Hill 2 2024 does an outstanding job as it not only improves upon the original in every aspect, but also manages to retain and extend the same feelings of tension and dread the series is known for. Even putting comparisons aside, the game holds its own as an impressive survival horror experience that prioritises atmosphere and tension over cheap scare tactics, making it a quintessential return trip for fans of the original and newcomers alike. 

Welcome back to Silent Hill, we hope you enjoy your stay, and Konami, we want more.

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Joker: Folie à Deux – Review https://geekculture.co/joker-folie-a-deux-review/ Wed, 02 Oct 2024 01:55:54 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=303051

We’re putting on a sad face, as Joker: Folie à Deux feels less like a natural progression and more like a forced encore.

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The Joker’s enduring popularity is a curious phenomenon. While his status as one of the greatest comic book villains is undeniable, his appeal extends far beyond the pages of DC Comics, captivating audiences and infiltrating pop culture in ways that few fictional characters have achieved. He’s become an icon, a symbol of chaos and rebellion, with his image emblazoned on everything from t-shirts to tattoos. But why? What is it about this agent of anarchy that resonates so deeply with audiences?

Perhaps it’s the Joker’s embodiment of our darkest impulses, the forbidden desires and transgressive thoughts that lurk beneath the surface of civilised society. Characters like the Joker, Breaking Bad’s (2008-2013) Walter White, and Hannibal Lecter offer a vicarious thrill, allowing us to explore the shadows of human nature without consequence. The Joker’s enigmatic origins and ever-shifting persona further contribute to his mystique so with no definitive backstory or singular interpretation regarded as central to the character, he has become a blank canvas onto which audiences can project their own interpretations.

It’s these very questions of identity, morality, and the nature of evil that director Todd Phillips attempts to grapple with in his latest film, Joker: Folie à Deux, a follow-up to his critically acclaimed Joker (2019). A controversial yet undeniably successful venture, Joker ignited a firestorm of debate surrounding its depiction of violence and its potential to inspire real-world harm. Despite the controversy, the film resonated with audiences, grossing over a billion dollars worldwide and earning Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator, Napoleon) an Academy Award for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck, the troubled comedian turned psychotic killer. While Joker was conceived as a standalone film, its commercial success inevitably paved the way for a sequel, much to the chagrin of some who felt the story had reached its natural conclusion. After all, how much of a criminally insane serial killer can one celebrate?

Joker: Folie à Deux picks up where its predecessor left off, with Phoenix reprising his role as Arthur, now confined to the grim reality of Arkham Asylum and facing trial for his crimes. The depiction of Arthur’s grim existence in Arkham, punctuated by his interactions with cynical guards and the bleak routines of prison life, is captured in stark, unflinching detail. Phillips employs long, unbroken takes that pull viewers into the visceral reality of Arthur’s world, now more confined than ever. As his trial looms, his attorney, portrayed by Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich), devises a defence that separates ‘Joker’ from ‘Arthur’ – a strategy that aims to leverage his fractured identity for sympathy. Yet, the introduction of Lady Gaga’s (A Star Is Born, House of Gucci) Harleen “Lee” Quinzel throws a wrench into this already precarious plan, adding a new complication to Arthur’s internal struggle.

The film takes an unexpected turn, embracing the jukebox musical genre as Arthur and Lee connect through song during therapy sessions. Real and imagined songs, a bizarre mix of familiar ‘60s Hollywood tunes and vintage pop hits à la Bee Gees’ To Love Somebody, Frank Sinatra’s That’s Life, and Judy Garland’s That’s Entertainment!, are scattered throughout the film’s runtime, alongside Phoenix and Gaga who lend their voices to these musical interludes, their performances often accompanied by Hildur Guðnadóttir’s (Joker, Tár) eerie score. While the initial connection between Arthur and Lee is forged through song, the film’s reliance on musical numbers quickly becomes its downfall.

A musical number, at its best, is supposed to elevate a story, allowing characters to express their inner emotions and connect with the audience on a deeper level. Think of the electrifying energy of 2001’s Moulin Rouge! or the heartfelt sincerity of 2016’s La La Land – jukebox musical films that understand the power of music to transform and transcend. 

Joker: Folie à Deux Review

Sadly, this doesn’t seem to be the case for Joker: Folie à Deux, a movie that seems determined to sabotage its own potential, frequently derails the film’s momentum with underwhelming musical numbers. Dramatic scenes, such as a tense interview with a TV host played by The Trip’s Steve Coogan, are abruptly interrupted by jarring musical interludes and on-the-nose lyrical choices. It’s a gamble that doesn’t quite pay off, leaving the film feeling more like a disjointed series of performances rather than a cohesive story. 

This disjointedness is further evident in the film’s second act, where the narrative shifts from the confines of Arkham to a courtroom drama that unfortunately recycles familiar plot points without offering any fresh perspectives. Returning characters rehash past events, offering little in the way of new insight. Even the introduction of fan-favourite Gotham’s district attorney turned supervillain Harvey Dent (Harry Lawtey, Industry), while offering a tantalising glimpse into Gotham’s future, ultimately serves as a missed opportunity for deeper thematic exploration on Arthur’s psyche.

Joker: Folie à Deux Review

Amidst these retellings, a potentially insightful subplot involving returning character Gary (Leigh Gill, Game of Thrones) teases a deeper exploration of the Joker’s complex character dynamics, hinting at how Arthur’s transformation into the Joker reflects a broader commentary on responding to societal rejection with malevolence. However, this thread, like others, is abandoned too swiftly to resonate fully, leaving the audience with a frustrating sense of unfulfilled potential. Even the potential exploration of Arthur’s future with Lee and the possibility of a family is quickly dropped, suggesting potential narrative paths that are never fully realised.

The addition of Lady Gaga as Lee (Harley Quinn), an eccentric character poised to harness Gaga’s formidable musical and acting prowess, similarly falls flat. Despite high expectations, Gaga’s portrayal of Harley never quite takes flight, lacking the depth and emotional range she demonstrated as singer Ally in A Star is Born, where she commanded the screen with raw emotion and vulnerability. Gaga’s Harley feels strangely subdued, a missed opportunity to showcase her undeniable star power.

Joker: Folie à Deux Review

Despite its tonal inconsistencies and narrative flaws, Joker: Folie à Deux manages to find moments of dark humour amidst the bleakness. Phoenix, clearly comfortable in the role of Arthur, embraces the character’s blend of dark comedy and disturbing antics. Whether he’s awkwardly checking his position in the camera frame or hilariously mouthing silent curses in response to witness testimonies, Phoenix’s Arthur injects a much-needed dose of levity into the film. As Arthur oscillates between his personas, so too does his accent, shifting from British to Southern American, mirroring his internal conflict and unstable sense of self.

And, much like its protagonist, Joker: Folie à Deux wrestles with its disjointed and derivative identity. While the original Joker film presented a unified, though controversial, vision with strong visual and thematic motifs, Joker: Folie à Deux struggles to find its footing. It ventures into new territory with more polished cinematography and complex character interactions, along with a potential musical romance that ultimately fails to resonate. Visually, acoustically, and emotionally, the film does not deliver, burdened by the legacy of its predecessor and unable to break free from the gravitational pull of the original’s success.

Joker: Folie à Deux attempts to dance away from its roots, but in doing so, loses the rhythm that might have made it a worthy continuation of a complex story.

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Omnidesk Loft Ergonomic Chair – Review https://geekculture.co/omnidesk-loft-ergonomic-chair-review/ Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:22:56 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=302900

A solid blend of aesthetics and comfort, let down by a high price tag.

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A good chair is always a worthy investment, especially when seven or more hours in a day are spent at the desk. The difference between choice picks and run-of-the-mill models is, after all, similar to the tiered experience on a long-haul flight, as one leaves stiffness and sore muscles in its wake, while the other, with a proper support system, provides a first-class upgrade to what’s generally out there.

With a myriad of options, however, finding the perfect fit can be a chair-llenge. Comfort is key, but the lack of a universal, one-size-fits-all mould brings other factors into the equation, as no two body structures are identical. To that end, the Omnidesk Loft ergonomic chair ticks off the major checkboxes of ergonomics and aesthetics, serving up a fitting sitting companion to its mix of table offerings. 

Like its table counterpart, the company’s latest features an elegant design that blends nicely into any room or office space. Rather than head the route of gaming chairs with PU-covered seats, the Loft is a more traditional chair, decked out with a breathable mesh material that has become the standard with home or office chairs of its kind, ensuring a cooler sitting experience for users living in hotter climates. This minimalist touch extends to its colour options as well, of Charcoal (Black), Lunar (White), and Sage (Green), with the review unit coming in Sage. 

Assembling the Loft is a straightforward process. Weighing in at 21kg and supporting up to 136kg, it is relatively easy to put together, and comes in 8 parts, excluding the optional headrest. It took two people approximately 20 minutes to assemble the chair using the carefully laid out instructions, so don’t feel daunted by the prospect of piecing one with a friend, or even on your own. Priced at S$899, the chair embodies a blend of modern design and functionality and if you’re seeking additional comfort, an optional headrest can be added for S$59.

The Loft’s backrest boasts a geometric pattern crafted from 3D knit fabric, which offers great breathability and adapts to the body’s natural contours. The chair’s intuitive controls, located at the base of the seat, feature the subtle BOCK German mechanism, allowing for up-and-down adjustments to ensure optimal comfort. It is easy to reach and fuss-free to navigate the controls.

The chair is cosy and fits snugly for extended periods, particularly for petite users. However, the experience falls short for larger individuals due to the limited armrest space, the lack of functionality to swivel, and a seat that lacks sufficient room, making it feel cramped and restrictive.

The adjustable lumbar support, located at the rear of the chair enhances overall comfort by providing tailored back support, with a design that allows for perfect contouring to the natural curve of one’s spine, promoting better posture and reducing strain. While the chair supports a recline range of 105 to 125 degrees, the locking mechanism is not as intuitive as others. Unlike chairs where you simply pull the lever while adjusting the recline and it locks when you let go, this chair requires more effort. You have to use your body weight to push the backrest against its resistance, then pull the lever to lock it. Even then, the mechanism only locks at certain angles, making it less user-friendly. If left unlocked, the backrest immediately springs back to its original upright position, which can catch users off-guard. 

Armrest functionality, too, also lacks finesse. Upward adjustments are done without buttons, but lowering them requires users to go all the way up, then down, and finally to the desired height. It’s a cumbersome process, with the somewhat flimsy build casting doubt on their overall stability. 

As for seat height adjustments, the Loft ensures a smooth and gradual affair – a great change from abrupt movements seen with other chairs. This allows for precise height adjustments without sudden shifts, and this seamless touch extends to its five wheels, facilitating easy movement. The same goes for adjusting the seat’s depth, which is effortlessly done via a lever on the left side. 

The standout feature here, though, is the soft material. Not only does the 3D knit fabric offer breathability, it feels comfortable to the touch, is never prickly, and strikes a fine balance between cushioning and firm support. The comfort is especially welcome for prolonged periods, but it brings up some humidity-related concerns.

For users in Singapore or similar warm climates, increased perspiration is inevitable without air conditioning and can seep into the mesh fabric, making it prone to developing an unpleasant smell over time. Our tests revealed that while the mesh fabric does a good job of repelling water, it still absorbs some moisture. As such, users may want to steer clear of the chair post-exercise to prevent potential sweat and odour absorption or avoid spillage in large quantities. 

The backrest’s triangular design – combined with its mesh fabric that has holes and an intricate knit with additional openings – also poses a maintenance challenge, as dirt, dust and other forms of debris can easily accumulate in the crevices.

When compared to other ergonomic options like the Ergotune Vesby and Hinomi X1, retailing for S$899 and S$799 respectively, the Omnidesk Loft is positioned at a higher price point. There are features to love, such as a sleek design, comfortable material, and effective lumbar support, marrying aesthetics with functionality. Still, the various shortcomings raise doubt about its overall value, making it difficult to justify the premium cost. 

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The Wild Robot – Review https://geekculture.co/the-wild-robot-review/ Mon, 30 Sep 2024 03:52:35 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=302817

Prepare your tissues for the best animated film of the year.

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When you hear the name Chris Sanders attached to an animated feature, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of excitement. Known for co-directing beloved films such as Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2002) and DreamWorks Animation’s How To Train Your Dragon (2010), Sanders has a proven track record of creating emotionally resonant, visually stunning animated stories. This time, he’s striking out with The Wild Robot, a DreamWorks Animation adaptation of the first book inPeter Brown’s best-selling novel trilogy of the same name. The film arrives with plenty of anticipation, especially among fans of both the book and the director’s previous work. 

The Wild Robot – Review

At first glance, The Wild Robot might evoke comparisons to animated classics including WALL-E (2008) or The Iron Giant (1999), where both tales follow an unlikely mechanical protagonist finding their place in the world. It’s easy to expect a familiar narrative, especially given Hollywood’s penchant for recycling well-worn tropes but The Wild Robot quickly defies expectations, confidently sidestepping the pitfalls of derivative storytelling and offers a wholly original narrative and animated experience. Sanders and his team demonstrate a commitment to innovation and artistic ambition, pushing the boundaries of animation and leaving viewers hoping this is just the beginning of more films in the franchise (especially considering the source material’s existing book trilogy).

The film transports us to a lush, vibrant island teeming with a diverse array of animals  – bears, raccoons, skunks, foxes, geese, the whole menagerie. Amidst this thriving ecosystem, a sleek android, ROZZUM unit 7134, voiced with endearing charm by Lupita Nyong’o of Black Panther (2018) and A Quiet Place: Day One (2024) fame, crash-lands. Programmed to serve and complete tasks, Roz, as she comes to be known, finds herself in a peculiar predicament: a technologically advanced robot stranded on an uninhabited island, devoid of human masters to guide her. 

The Wild Robot – Review

Refreshingly, the film embraces this absence of human presence, creating a narrative reminiscent of early Disney classics like 1942’s Bambi, where a diverse community of animals navigate their unique society and their interactions with this unexpected visitor. Along the way, Roz meets animals along the likes of Pinktail, an overstretched possum mother hilariously portrayed by Catherine O’Hara (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Argylle), the British-accented beaver Paddler (Matt Berry, What We Do in the Shadows), and a gruff but gentle grizzly bear voiced by Mark Hamill (Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope). Despite the animals’ clear lack of need for her “integrated multi-faceted task accomplishment”, Roz persists.

Patience, thankfully, is one of Roz’s virtues, aided by her non-biological constitution. She settles into her temporary forest home, determined to learn the various animal languages and customs of the surrounding, and now, semi-anthropomorphic creatures. While a censor on her head could activate and signal her location to her potentially nefarious human creators, Roz’s inherent curiosity and the wonders of her surroundings compel her to explore. Even after mastering the local languages, acceptance remains elusive. The animals initially recoil, branding her a ‘monster’, though she finds an ally in the cunning fox, Fink, voiced with sly charm by Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us, Narcos).

The Wild Robot – Review

Roz’s persistence pays off when she becomes the unlikely caretaker of a gosling,  Brightbill, voiced by Heartstopper’s Kit Connor. Brightbill, orphaned and alone, imprints on Roz, causing her to navigate the complexities and challenges of what is essentially motherhood, teaching him essential survival skills like eating, swimming, and flying in preparation for the upcoming migration. Brightbill, in turn, teaches Roz about the profound exploration of maternal love, an emotion Roz is unprogrammed to experience but grows into as her journey unfolds. While this might sound sentimental, the film handles these themes with sincerity and charm, avoiding excessive melodrama. A pivotal moment arrives when Roz enlists Thunderbolt, a falcon voiced by Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible series), to teach Brightbill the art of flight. 

As Brightbill flourishes and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, Roz grapples with her own identity and the limitations of her artificial existence. Doubts about her capacity to truly nurture and bond with Brightbill surface, challenging her robotic nature and sparking an internal debate about the nature of love and maternal instinct. The film cleverly navigates these themes, presenting Roz’s existential dilemma with a sensitivity that resonates deeply. Nyong’o’s vocal performance is pivotal in bringing this struggle to life, evolving Roz’s voice from the clinical tones of a machine to a timbre rich with burgeoning warmth and emotion. 

The Wild Robot – Review

This evolution is central to the film’s emotional resonance, highlighting Nyong’o’s exceptional ability to convey deep vulnerability through voice alone. Director Sanders capitalises on this strength, weaving a narrative that’s as visually striking as it is emotionally stirring. The animation eschews glossy photo realism for a more stylised approach that harkens back to the whimsical illustrations of classics like The Iron Giant and the fantastical realms of Hayao Miyazaki, adding a layer of charm and nostalgia to the visual experience.

With its breathtaking animation, nuanced storytelling, and powerful emotional core, The Wild Robot transcends the typical animated fare, offering a poignant and unforgettable story that will resonate with audiences of all ages. Dreamworks Animation has undoubtedly struck gold with this adaptation, and with a wealth of source material waiting in the wings, the future looks bright for The Wild Robot and its potential as a beloved franchise. If there is one hiccup, it’s that this film has been announced as the final film that would be animated in-house at DreamWorks, which means that any sequel will be further challenged not by the source material, but by the ability to match the visual brilliance that this film has achieved.

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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – Review https://geekculture.co/google-pixel-9-pro-xl-review/ Sat, 28 Sep 2024 19:38:36 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=302711

A supersized upgrade with solid hardware and photography capabilities.

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Looks don’t always matter, but when they do, they go a long way in cementing a design identity. For the Google Pixel series, the signature flair in recent iterations has always been the camera visor on its rear – until its latest-gen addition, that is. The Google Pixel 9 lineup, comprising a base model and two Pro iterations for the first time, represents a departure from the formula, eschewing the instantly recognisable edge-to-edge bar for a bold pill-shaped cutout. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review

As part of the refreshed roster, the 6.8-inch Google Pixel 9 Pro XL bears this mark of change. The new look brings an elevated premium touch, oozing sleek sophistication that feels right at home with its minimalist, frills-free aesthetic. The ‘G’ logo on the rear remains unchanged, though other smaller tweaks lean more into the Apple playbook: a flatter form, more rounded edges, and tighter side rails. It’s a handsome, clean-cut charmer, and the lack of a wobble when placed flat on a surface certainly helps its case, even if the slight loss in identity does come as a pity.

Pairing a silky matte glass back with an aluminium frame, the handset stays free of grease and fingerprints. However, the polished metal on its sides and glossy edges attract smudges easily, with the combined frame adding some heft to the overall build. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL tips the scales at 221 grams, the same as last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max and the heaviest in the lineup to date, so loyalists may take some time to adjust. It does feel comfortable in the hand, since the weight distribution is skewed towards the bottom half, and the package includes a matching case that offers extra grip for those who need it. 

Sitting on the phone’s right edge are the volume rocker and power button, which are responsive to the touch, if a bit stiff. A USB-C port and a SIM tray card can be found on the base, bringing support for one physical SIM and one eSIM – a welcome addition for frequent travellers. Four colour options are available here: Hazel (grey/green), Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), and Rose Quartz (Pink), with the 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro presenting an alternative for those seeking a smaller footprint and extra oomph lacking in the base model. 

Size aside though, there is little internal hardware difference between the two. Both Pro iterations pack the upgraded Tensor G4 chip, a Mali-G715 GPU, identical camera systems, and the exact RAM and storage configurations. Even the display type is the same, boasting the company’s Super Actua LTPO OLED technology, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The 6.8-inch panel on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is slightly bigger than the Pixel 8 Pro (6.7 inches), beating out last year’s flagship with a 0.5-inch display increase and a resolution of 2,992 x 1,344 pixels. 

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review (4)

As expected of a flagship device, the viewing experience proves to be highly enjoyable. Colours are striking and natural-looking, accompanied by deep blacks, strong contrast, and smooth visuals – be it watching movie trailers or X-Men ‘97 on Disney+. Users can also expect good viewing angles, though the lack of anti-glare tech means more reflections in brighter environments, such as under direct sunlight in hot, sunny Singapore.

In terms of day-to-day functionality, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers snappy performance across app-switching, social media use, texting, replying to emails, and other general tasks. Traditionally, the Tensor processors are known to fall behind Qualcomm’s equivalent chipsets when it comes to raw power, and the numbers suggest the same here. 

The difference is most apparent in mobile titles like Honkai: Star Rail or PUBG Mobile, where graphical settings have to be dialled back for fluid and responsive gameplay. Thermal management, however, proves to be a pleasant surprise as the handset runs cool even under heavy loads, suggesting improved optimisation with 16GB of RAM (versus 12GB on the base model).

A defining characteristic of the series has always been its photography prowess, and this year’s iteration continues to honour the tradition. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL houses a triple-camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel (MP) wide shooter, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and 30x Super Res Zoom – nearly identical to its predecessor’s system. Instead, it’s the front camera that clocks the biggest leap in advancement, going from 10.5MP to a generous 42MP with a wider angle view. Looking good won’t be an issue, even if selfies can sometimes produce an over-sharpened effect due to image processing. 

The device further cements itself as a reliable and solid everyday-carry when spurred into action. Images often retain great detail, with accurate, punchy colours accompanying well-balanced contrast levels and a fast shutter. Night shots can occasionally be inconsistent, revealing splotchy areas and muddied elements, but are decent enough to get a pass. 

Alas, the macro functionality falls short of expectations. Lacking polish and sharpness, close-up images make for a rough sight at times, with imprecise subject separation leading to blurring errors around the edges. While the Google Pixel 9 Pro is well-suited for casual photographers, these slight missteps may not sit well with more serious enthusiasts, especially since there are more value picks on the market that promise better performance. The latest-gen member is certainly no slouch by any means, but still has some ways to go before reaching the standards of its Chinese counterparts like Oppo and Xiaomi, both mobile photography heavyweights in their own right.

Naturally, artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of user experience. The tech giant’s latest flagship builds on traces of magic from the Pixel 8 Pro, such as object removal and Best Take in photo taking, to deliver a suite of AI-powered capabilities – some more useful than others. For starters, Google’s Gemini Advanced has grown from being a basic AI assistant to a beefed-up personal helper that can execute various complex tasks, including following nuanced instructions, coding, logical reasoning, and more.

Gemini Live adds a conversational touch, allowing users to interact with the AI in a more natural way. Essentially, this means they are able to interrupt the flow of information by asking follow-up questions or even ask unintentionally absurd queries, which can yield amusing results. The feature is a hit-or-miss, however, as misinformation or contradictory findings still pop up more regularly than one would expect. For instance, Gemini correctly listed the badminton players who represented Singapore at the 2024 Olympics, but stated that local hawkers “do not receive Michelin stars” despite giving the following response to a prompt about crowned hawker stalls in the country:

“In 2016, Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle Stall became the first-ever hawker stall in the world to receive a Micheline star. This stall is known for its affordable and delicious Cantonese-style chicken rice. While it lost its star in 2021, it remains a popular destination for food lovers in Singapore.”

Certainly, the ability to clarify and ask follow-up questions does make the process more intuitive than before, but there’s still a strong reliance on contextual terminology or keywords. In another example, Gemini was able to recognise Bencoolen as the deepest MRT station in Singapore, and that’s only because the descriptor proved more specific than other lexicon holding similar connotations, such as “tallest” or “highest”. 

Rather unsurprisingly, admin tasks make better use of AI talents, as the AI tool turns menial work, like itinerary planning or gathering recommendation picks into a straightforward, fuss-free affair, cutting down on research time and increasing efficiency. Again, the pitfalls will kick into effect here – namely outdated information – but it’s always easier to work off a base than an empty slate. 

All things considered, it’s a good move on Google’s part to bundle in a complimentary one-year subscription to Gemini Advanced for its Pixel 9 Pro models. In a typical scenario, the premium service charges an extra of US$20 per month, which at this stage, doesn’t feel quite worthwhile since more refinement is needed. There won’t be support for offline use either, as it relies on Internet connection to function. 

The AI prowess spills over to imaging and photography functionality as well, bearing the same inconsistent notes. Add Me, touted as the marquee entry, allows users to combine two separate photos in one group shot, such that the designated photographer(s) can be part of the picture. It’s a neat feature that comes with clear, detailed instructions for setting up both shots through augmented reality.

The feature works best in well-lit conditions and with consistent posing in between frames, requiring some getting used to. At its best, Add Me is able to insert subjects seamlessly and realistically into the scene; otherwise, expect to catch some perspective-scaling errors, marred edges, or blotchy and overlapping elements. Zooming in also reveals fuzzy details and a lack of sharpness. 

Likewise, Magic Editor has its own share of new features. Auto Frame automatically zooms in or out to reframe an existing image, and uses AI to fill in the blank spaces in a way that’s similiar to the Generative Fill feature in Adobe Photoshop. As is often the case with AI-generated images, there’s bound to be some weird and unnatural traces. 

The other new addition is Reimagine, serving more as a fun gimmick than a functional tool. Instead of simply removing subjects or moving elements around, it invites users to select part of a visual and add some modifications by entering a text prompt. Reimagine works to great effect, sacrificing realism to produce a stylised effect, and can be a little bit of an overkill for those seeking minor edits.

Additionally, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with two new preinstalled apps – Pixel Studio and Pixel Screenshots. The former generates images through a prompt, which are then presented in various predetermined styles, including “3D cartoon”, “video game” and “cinematic”, while the latter leverages AI to gather information from screenshots and annotate them with metadata for easy retrieval. It’s particularly handy for individuals who don’t usually organise their content (guilty as charged), saving them the hassle of sifting through the clutter.

Across the board, the AI suite still feels rough around the edges. Some features are nifty, others flashy, but there isn’t really a good balance between the two as the technology continues to mature. It may be better to hold off on these AI upgrades until there’s more polish, especially since the hardware is already impressive enough to cover all non-AI-related bases. 

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL packs decent battery life, at least. Equipped with a 5,060mAh cell, it can power through a typical nine-to-five workday with juice to spare on heavy use – so long as gaming is left out of the equation. Honkai: Star Rail drained its tank a lot more quickly than say, doing a simple edit on Capcut, which makes it unsuitable for prolonged periods under duress. Quick charging is supported, but Google has curiously left a fast-charge cable out of the box. 

At a starting price of S$1,599, Google’s biggest flagship is hardly the wallet-friendly pick it was before. The sticker bump is justified, however, when users take into account the reliable day-to-day performance, the improved battery life, and the highly competent camera system. AI remains its weakest link, but the phone’s greatest enemy is itself – the ‘Pro XL’ nomenclature is supposed to offer all the bells and whistles that are lacking in the less powerful models; yet, they aren’t impressive enough to stand on their own. 

Not to mention, there’s not a big jump in performance between the two Pro iterations, which begets the question: why pay more when you can get almost the same value? For those who are taken in by the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL’s allure nonetheless, the compact powerhouse promises to impress with some party tricks. 

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Agatha All Along (Disney+) – Review https://geekculture.co/agatha-all-along-disney-plus-review/ Sun, 22 Sep 2024 16:30:06 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=302306

Down, down, down The Road, down the Witches' Road…

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This review is based on the first four episodes of Agatha All Along.

Marvel’s television offerings have been a mixed bag since its first series, Disney+’s WandaVision (2021), set a high bar way back in 2021, dazzling audiences with its genre-melding format and gripping weekly mystery. The dynamics between Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany’s Vision served as the show’s beating heart, and their strong presence – especially the former – breathed life into a limited series that defied expectations. But there was also no denying that it was another character who ended up stealing the spotlight – Agnes, Wanda’s nosy neighbour played by the always excellent Kathryn Hahn, who turned out to be the mastermind Agatha Harkness, well, all along. 

Agatha All Along Review

In a bid to flesh out the crafty, intriguing, and charismatic individual comes Agatha All Along, a spin-off that aims to recapture the innovative spirit of its predecessor. Leveraging the nostalgia and narrative groundwork laid by Jac Schaeffer – who also helms Agatha All Along – in WandaVision, this new outing revisits familiar themes and styles by focusing on the titular Harkness, portrayed with delicious villainy by Hahn of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) and Glass Onion (2022) fame. Hahn’s prowess in dramedy shines through yet again, with her performance embracing the grandeur necessary for a larger-than-life character. However, the series isn’t completely able to break free of WandaVision‘s shadow, and doesn’t ooze enough personality to chart a new path down the MCU’s Yellow Brick Road… at least, not in the first four episodes.

Set three years after the finale of WandaVision, Agatha All Along finds an amnesiac Harkness under a punishing spell cast by Wanda, trapped in a fabricated reality without her powers and memories. Hahn’s portrayal of the evil witch, who sardonically navigates a Mare of Easttown-inspired existence as ‘Agnes of Westview’, is a highlight, showcasing her adeptness at melding dark humour with a nuanced depiction of entrapment. The series cleverly uses a murder mystery as a conduit for Agatha to dissect her peculiar predicament, merging elements of popular crime dramas à la True Detective (2014–present) with its own eerie narrative fabric.

Agatha All Along Review

Initially, Agatha All Along seems poised for a slow burn, mirroring series creator Schaeffer’s preferred pop culture homage approach. However, it swiftly shifts gears from the outset and dives headfirst into the world of witchcraft, perhaps acknowledging the need to move beyond its predecessor’s gimmick. With Hahn reprising her role, Agatha’s past as a pariah in the witch community is explored in depth, setting her on a desperate quest reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz (1939) as a new coven travel along the mystical Witches’ Road to reclaim her powers, and the coven’s desires. 

Seeing as how she is now all alone, Agatha begrudgingly assembles her own motley crew of witches, each bringing a unique flavour to the cauldron. American Horror Story (2011–present) veteran Patti LuPone revels in her role as the eccentric fortune teller Lilia Calderu, while actress-comedian Sasheer Zamata (Woke, Saturday Night Live) brings a modern touch as the wellness guru Jennifer Kale. Ali Ahn (Orange Is the New Black, Billions) rounds out the coven as the stoic Alice Wu-Gulliver, a former cop with a hidden connection to the supernatural. As the witches navigate a series of bizarre, trial-filled landscapes, the show offers a visual and thematic homage to a pantheon of witch-centric classics, including Hocus Pocus (1993), Practical Magic (1998), The Craft (1996), and modern witchy tales (The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and American Horror Story: Coven) alike.

Agatha All Along Review

However, there are times where the show’s quirkiness comes across as excessive and lets its ‘rag-tag team’ formulaic trope detract from its charm. The introduction of Teen, Agatha’s eager goth fanboy portrayed by Heartstopper’s Joe Locke, aims to add mystery and a youthful touch, but his role often serves more as a heavy-handed expository device than a fully-realised character. The occasional struggle to balance world-building with narrative momentum also leaves viewers wondering if Agatha All Along trusts them to connect the dots on their own.

Amidst a stacked cast, it’s Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation, The White Lotus) as eccentric witch Rio Vidal who shines brightest. Plaza, no stranger to Marvel projects after her turn as supervillain Shadow King in 2017’s Legion, injects humanity into her complex character – a feat made even more impressive by the potential for one-dimensionality in lesser hands. Though underutilised in the early episodes, her magnetic presence commands attention when things start to pick up. 

In particular, her relationship with Agatha makes for an interesting study as the pair exhibit electrifying chemistry, crackling from the first encounter in the series with an intoxicating blend of sexual tension and echoes of a toxic past, making each scene they share rich with potential. While claims of Agatha All Along being the “gayest” Marvel show to date are bold, early episodes with both characters offer a tantalising preview of what could be a spellbinding relationship in the next five episodes.

Of course, with only four of nine episodes available for review, it’s difficult to fully gauge the show’s potential. So far, the series flirts with a lighter, almost campy tone reminiscent of The Addams Family (1991) or Death Becomes Her (1992), leaving one to hope for a darker, more compelling narrative in the remaining episodes. 

While parts of the story may feel predictable and underwhelming, Agatha All Along thankfully steers clear of the heavy-handed lore and multiverse references that often bog down Marvel projects, focusing more on character development instead. Still, not all characters are built the same, so some will inevitably receive less attention or be less fleshed out. 

As a whole, the show remains a breezy watch that’s perfect for those who revel in the spooky spirit of the Halloween season – humorous and far from feeling like Marvel homework, though some names and references are fun to catch if you’re a fan. Perhaps the series will transcend its current limitations and truly enchant its audience with a deeper dive into its magical cauldron of mischief as it continues to unfold.

Agatha All Along is now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes releasing weekly.

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EA Sports FC 25 – Review https://geekculture.co/ea-sports-fc-25-review/ Sun, 22 Sep 2024 09:36:10 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=302270

The attention on fan-favourite game modes is a step in the right direction, but the focus on Ultimate Team makes this year more of the same.

The post EA Sports FC 25 – Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

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It’s that time of the year again. The beer is poured as anthems are fervently chanted and people from all walks of life get sucked into full-capacity sports stadiums as everyone enjoys the world’s biggest sport, association football (apologies in advance to all the Americans reading this review). And it’s no different for the die-hard sports/gaming fans of the popular virtual version of the beautiful game – EA Sports FC (switching its name from FIFA a couple of years ago after they lost the licence to get football’s largest governing body on its game title).

Each September, its fans gather with a renewed sense of optimism, hoping that the familiar laundry list of buzzwords, with this year’s being FC IQ and Rush, actually translates into innovative and novel gameplay, and not just a fresh coat of paint over a video game franchise that’s been milking the uninspired formula that has been working for them for the last decade (no, we’re not talking about Call of Duty). Unfortunately – it seems like more of the latter for EA Sports FC 25, which continues as a series of surface-level improvements far from the virtual sports revolution that fans have been dying for.

Yes Zizou, could you relay this to the folks over at EA Sports Vancouver too?

Perhaps the biggest change in gameplay would be the introduction of FC IQ. Effectively replacing the old system of custom tactics, team setups and player movements are now determined by their “role” and “focus” assigned to them within that role. For example – a striker can be assigned roles like poacher, or false 9, among others, with verbal descriptions and heat map representations of how this would affect their behaviour during a match, which would leave you tinkering with tactics and formations for much longer, to get the three plus points that you desire, rather than just replicating the same old 4-3-2-1 meta that all the pros were using last year.

Additionally, for those who prefer to be more meticulous and tactical in their approach, players are introduced to some 50-over combinations of roles that can be assigned. This new level of tactical customisation does feel significant in some scenarios, and it’s nice to see the likes of English professional footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold dictate play and stray into the midfield when you set him as a Falseback. One way that FC 25 made sure that players don’t exploit this, to have tall strikers run as your fullbacks to stop all headers, is to lock these advanced roles and behaviours to positions. This means that sure, you could have the Portuguese footballer and record goal scorer Cristiano Ronaldo run your defence but only be given limited roles and responsibilities that prevent you from going too crazy. However, it remains to be seen how much role familiarity and the plus symbols matter. Even after going against the grain, Argentine icon Lionel Messi still managed to bag goals at a record pace as a Target Forward.

FC 25 is also going towards the less arcade-like and more simulation style of game, by making adjustments made towards passing and shooting. Players no longer make pinpoint accurate passes on the swivel with their backs faced against their intended targets, and you’ll see balls stray far wayward, especially if those players aren’t particularly known for their exceptional passing. Shooting also has a nice new realism to it, with new animations added to the lower half of players’ bodies, which can result in off-balance shots. Also, goalkeeper animations aren’t as predictable anymore and players can score in between the keeper’s legs this year, which is considered a huge step for any EA Sports FC fan who has grown sick of green-timing shots at the near and far posts to score every single time.

And making for a more realistic football field, the game has turned up the realism by enabling wind and weather effects in offline modes, bringing back the skidding effects in snow and rain, and seeing the ball abruptly roll to a halt when it hits a water-logged part of the pitch. Turning the wind effects up high will send you on a trip back to the 2010 South African World Cup, where players can see their long lofted passes and shots move and dance in the air like the Adidas Jabulani ball. It’s these wild instances that add the much-needed layer of unpredictability and variety in the game, which itself is an ingredient to what makes football the beautiful game.

BELLIGOAL!!!

However, this same amount of variety can’t be said about defence. No matter how much EA Sports tries to downplay pace in their games, speedsters often breeze past defenders of all calibres, making defending feel extremely infuriating. Seeing Kyle Walker stuck in quicksand with his two left feet when trying to defend a diagonal run in on behind him is a tough sight to behold.

Moreover, these defensive liabilities get compounded with the new FC IQ tactical options or rather lack thereof. In the past one could control how the team behaves overall without the ball, by toggling pressing after losing possession, or pressing after the opponents have a heavy touch, which greatly benefited those who prefer playing a tight brand of Jurgen Klopp-inspired Gegenpressing football. This year you’re limited to playing a low, medium or high-aggression style, which is too brief and only results in the same slow and deep defensive line. The famous phrase “Defence Wins Championships” didn’t seem to apply to FC IQ, even though your eleven players spend arguably half the time chasing and defending the ball. Here’s to another year of waiting for EA Sports to reward good defensive positioning and awareness in FC.

On a brighter note, FC 25 nails its presentation. During matches – new scoreboards, broadcast-style overlays, and team-specific graphics packages indicate the attention to detail the development team has paid to making this game look as close to the real thing. Seeing a bird’s eye view of Old Trafford and the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand gleam under the spotlights during UEFA Champions League nights – is enough to make any Manchester United fan emotional. It’s comforting to know that they’ve taken notes from its competitors Pro Evolution Soccer and made players with facial scans look closer to how they look in real life. Additionally, opting for quantity over quality, the new ‘Cranium’ system which aims to make generic players look more natural alongside the game’s all-stars, is a welcome step in the right direction as even unscanned players look a little more like their real-life counterparts rather than just generic player faces. The biggest caveat is that newer players like Spanish phenom Yamine Lamal look more like a wax figure from Madame Tussauds, accurate but inexplicably lifeless.

Speaking of new features – the biggest addition in years is probably FC 25’s Rush. The new, futsal-inspired 5v5 mode combines the best of various sports in a fast-paced, chaotic format. A big fan of foosball and dodgeball? The ball is launched into the centre from the sidelines just like Rocket League, seeing players engage in an all-out drag sprint for the ball. Love the idea of temporary penalties in ice hockey? Red cards have been replaced with blue cards, where players spend 1 minute in a sin-bin reflecting on their mistakes after a horrid tackle. The biggest significance is FC 25’s effort to integrate Rush into its bigger, flagship game modes. First, if you don’t have enough players to fill a full squad of 11 in a Clubs match, play Rush with your mates instead. Second, Rush has been included in Ultimate Team as well, making FC 25’s most popular game mode even more social beyond the co-op seasons in past years’ iterations. Last, Rush has also been included in Career Mode through the introduction of youth tournaments, adding some variety and playability to the youth system experience in Career Mode. I guess it’s worth mentioning that you won’t see 6 foot 5 tall 15-year-olds with full-grown beards frolicking your training grounds anymore – EA Sports has thankfully added realistic growth spurts to your club’s youngsters.

Is this Rocket League?

Going more in-depth into Career Mode, EA Sports has listened, and FC 25 has given Career Mode the attention it deserves. The biggest improvements this year would be the unparalleled level of customisation in how you want your Career Mode experience to pan out. There’s more flexibility across the board (forgive the pun), allowing you to set how strict you’d want your directors to be and even disabling the option for them to sack you altogether. There’s also the ability to customise training plans down to each individual player, deciding how hard they train and which roles suit them best, adding a greater, much-needed layer of detail when managing youth talent and squad depth.

Great job Jordan! You’ll look like a fully grown man in no time.

Small additions such as the integration of a social media feed featuring the omnipresent, almost-psychic football journalist Fabrizio Romano coming up with “Here We Go” every time you make a new transfer, the addition of several major women’s leagues, as well as the option to start a player career save as one of FC’s many icons, and spend hard-earned wages to improve any player’s reputation and personality type. These all add towards the role-playing element that FC 25 is trying to push towards, but the lack of depth and apparent actual significance within the game makes these additions feel rather gimmicky and half-baked rather than fully satisfying. Ultimately, the novelty of having R9 himself terrorise League 1 defences as the latest signing in Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny’s Wrexham, wears thin after a few matches.

Still, the most frustrating aspect here is a lack of consideration towards how all these new features and integrations might ruin the game’s interface and user experience of FC 25. Granted, there are now a myriad of tactical options, but all the additional menus feel like they were designed for a touchscreen interface rather than a controller. To reduce visual clutter, pages seem to display far less information than before, making it feel like an endless chain of opening folders on Google Drive before finally getting to what you want. Don’t be surprised at spending two hours just trying to get through your first Career Mode summer transfer window, before your players even touch the grass. What was meant to be an intuitive navigation system has now seemingly buckled under the weight of all the new content added, making it feel like a one-step forward, two-step back scenario.

One second EA, let me painstackingly use my controller to have custom settings for each of my 24 players.

The biggest downside of them all would be that FC 25’s most popular game mode and cash cow, Ultimate Team, has remained largely unchanged. Since every player gets ridiculous amounts of boosts, weather and wind conditions are toggled off to maintain the competitive fairness of FC 25’s most try-hard mode, which means a lot of FC IQ and realism features get negated because Ultimate Team gameplay transcends into the same, unrealistic, fast-paced sprint meta that every series fan has grown so accustomed to. FC 25 didn’t even bother making cosmetic changes to Ultimate Team, aside from the introduction of the Season Pass, which is essentially a new way of packaging Seasons in past editions. It’s as if EA  simply took FC 24 and changed it to FC 25. One can only expect that EA creates and dishes out insanely juiced player cards, which would help make Ultimate Team the quintessential pay-to-win experience once again.

More of the same please! (Note the sarcasm).

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Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis – Review https://geekculture.co/persona-3-reload-episode-aigis-review/ Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:37:34 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=302128

A bittersweet conclusion to an emotional journey.

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Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis serves as a poignant and emotionally complex epilogue to the main game, exploring the aftermath of grief and the search for closure. A remake of The Answer, the epilogue chapter of 2006’s Persona 3, which was remade as this year’s Persona 3 Reload,  it may not be a gameplay revolution, but it masterfully ties up loose ends and expands upon the story of Persona 3 Reload, giving players more time with the beloved SEES crew while shining a spotlight on the android Aigis as she grapples with loss and leadership.

From the get-go, it’s important to note that while Persona 3 Reload is required to access this DLC (downloadable content), Episode Aigis is a standalone experience that can be launched without having completed or even started on the base game. However, diving into it before finishing the main story is ill-advised, as this DLC directly picks up where it ends, filled with significant spoilers and a continuation of its story.

At its core, Episode Aigis isn’t just about the dungeon-crawling role-playing game experience (though there’s plenty of it), but about how the characters process their grief. In fact, the story beats in Episode Aigis are the DLC’s strongest elements — Aigis, the female android, and her companions are stuck in a time loop, forced to confront their sorrow again and again, until they can finally find the answers they seek. The story unfolds through cutscenes at the end of each dungeon block, offering glimpses into critical moments from the characters’ pasts.

Placing Aigis in a leadership role provides a fresh perspective on the SEES team’s emotional journey. Aigis’s arc is especially compelling as she wrestles with the weight of her loss while simultaneously stepping up to guide her comrades. In addition, her relationship with Metis, a mysterious android newcomer, adds layers to the narrative. While Metis herself remains somewhat underdeveloped, her role as a foil to Aigis helps drive home the DLC’s emotional stakes, showcasing the internal conflict of grief in a deeply personal way.

While the narrative is moving, Episode Aigis is not without its flaws, particularly when it comes to the gameplay. The turn-based combat system remains largely the same as in the base game; the calm and cool Mitsuru muses about a couple of hours into Episode Aigis, “It’s like Tartarus all over again,” referencing the expansive dungeon from the main game.

Battles are still enjoyable and appear to be more challenging than the base game, catering to players who enjoyed the turn-based mechanics but craved a higher difficulty. However, the monotonous grind can feel repetitive, especially without the time management or social sim elements that balance out the combat in the main game. As a result, the dungeon-crawling can sometimes feel like padding to extend the game’s runtime. That said, the emotional payoff in the final hours is well worth the effort, delivering some of the series’ most powerful moments.

Visually, Episode Aigis shines thanks to Persona 3 Reload’s upgraded graphics and quality-of-life improvements. The art is crisp with fluid animation, even on the pause screen. The dungeons are beautifully rendered, battles are slick and dynamic, and the new remixes of the original soundtrack breathe fresh life into familiar tunes. The presentation elevates the story’s emotional weight, making the experience all the more immersive.

In the end, Episode Aigis is a fitting conclusion to Persona 3 Reload’s already bittersweet ending. It may not revolutionise the gameplay, but its deeply affecting narrative, strong character development, and emotional resonance make it a rich experience for fans. Those willing to push through the repetitive dungeons will be rewarded with a moving and meaningful story about grief, healing, and finding a way to move forward.

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Apple iPhone 16 Plus – Review https://geekculture.co/iphone-16-plus-review/ Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=301934

A Plus-sized proposition.

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If Size and Price had a meeting to discuss the best dimensions for a large screen device without breaking the bank, Apple’s Plus range would be the outcome. The iPhone 16 Plus marks the third year of Apple’s reintroduction of the Plus model, currently in its second iteration, that started with the iPhone 14 series. 

iPhone 16 Plus

It’s a larger screen device, currently at 6.7-inch, for those who want the real estate, but not necessarily the souped up camera and processor capabilities of the Pro Max model. Priced from S$1,399,  the Plus models bridge the gap between the standard iPhone 16 and the now slightly larger, 6.9-inch, iPhone 16 Pro Max, but with enhanced battery life and the new, base A18 chip. For the pragmatic majority whose iPhone usage centres around everyday tasks rather than professional-grade videography, the non-Pro models often prove to be the more sensible choice. 

While the allure of advanced video features might tempt some, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus make a strong case for those who prioritise practicality, especially with the introduction of new features like the Camera Control and Action Button that bridge the gap between standard and Pro, offering features like macro photography capabilities, and spatial photo and video recording previously exclusive to the high-end Pro models.

iPhone 16 Plus (left) and iPhone 16 (right).

When deciding between the iPhone 16 and its larger counterpart, the iPhone 16 Plus, the choice largely hinges on size preference. Weighing in at 203 grams, the 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm iPhone 16 Plus feels bulky in smaller hands such as mine, similar to its predecessor. Users with smaller hands may find it unwieldy, and even those with larger hands might notice its heft after extended use, like holding it up to take videos at a concert. This bulk, however, is expected and comes with the territory of its larger display. The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR screen, with 2796 x 1290 pixel resolution at 460 pi (pixel per inch) is ideal for those who love to immerse themselves in videos, games, or productivity tasks, though it is also a point of contention. 

Stuck at a low 60Hz refresh rate, it trails behind less expensive competitors including the Samsung Galaxy A55 and Google Pixel 8a, which boast higher refresh rates  of 120Hz, and at a fraction of the cost. This continued adherence to 60Hz is baffling and frustrating for users expecting current standards in display technology from a semi-flagship device. 

iPhone 16 Plus

Still, it’s just one feature in a sea of factors that impact the display and the iPhone 16 Plus does offer improved brightness, matching the Pro models with a peak of 2,000 nits HDR and a minimum of 1 nit. If you dial up the brightness, you can still view the display along with the Dynamic Island while out in direct sunlight, though it has its limits and cannot match some of the brighter screens out there, such as the impressive 2,700 nits on the Google Pixel 9. Perhaps its to keep the distinction with its Pro Max counterpart, which has the same Super Retina XDR OLED screen, but at 120Hz. 

Outdoor visibility remains a challenge for the iPhone 16 Plus, particularly under direct sunlight where screen performance still lags despite improvements. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to use your phone under the harsh afternoon sun. 

iPhone 16 Plus (left) and iPhone 15 Plus (right).

In terms of design, Apple’s philosophy has remained steady since the iPhone 12 series, with minor tweaks rather than sweeping changes – until now. The iPhone 16 Plus introduces a significant design shift from the typical square camera bump to a sleek, vertical dual camera system, harking back to the iPhone X but with notably larger lenses. This subtle yet meaningful design update complements the introduction of a new Camera Control button, located alongside the Power button on the right edge of the device. 

iPhone 16 Plus

This capacitive, pressure-sensitive button invites users to interact with the camera in a more intuitive way, functioning as a dual-action shutter button, with support for swipe gestures for zoom and exposure adjustments. A simple press while the phone is  locked activates the camera, and another captures the shot. The camera hardware itself remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, featuring a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens with an improved f/2.2 aperture for better low-light performance. The selfie camera also remains the same 12MP, f/1.9 unit. 

iPhone 16 Plus

The Camera Control button also recognises varying pressure levels, mimicking but not duplicating the physical shutter button found on mirrorless cameras. It takes some getting used to when you physically press down on the button to turn on the camera, but apply slight pressure to toggle between zoom distances, photo modes, depth and aperture.

Our initial thought was that we already have enough trouble navigating the existing buttons, so must there be more? But after testing it out, the button serves as a way to zoom the camera in and out. It’s a welcome addition that makes the iPhone feel more like a dedicated camera. A press captures a photo, a press-and-hold initiates video recording, and swipes adjust settings like zoom and exposure. While this new button offers exciting possibilities, it currently lacks access to more advanced controls like shutter speed and ISO, which would be appreciated by photography enthusiasts. 

iPhone 16 Plus

On the audio front, the iPhone 16 Plus inherits the Audio Mixing feature from their Pro counterparts, allowing users to adjust audio levels in various formats, such as In-Frame, Studio, and Cinematic. after recording a video – a boon for videographers seeking greater control over their projects. 

Looking beyond the screen and camera, the iPhone 16 Plus boasts considerable hardware advancements. The base A18 processor, coupled with a uniform 8GB of RAM across all models this year, ensures ample power for Apple’s suite of new  and  upcoming generative AI features. Despite not being the most advanced model, the iPhone 16 Plus does not compromise on performance, capable of handling everything from the dual ultrawide cameras to the demanding requirements of upcoming Apple Intelligence features.

iPhone 16 Plus

Sadly, Apple Intelligence will only debut with iOS 18.1 next month so we’re unable to test it out now, but these features will leverage the A18 chip’s capabilities, which is manufactured using a new 3nm process and offers a 30% faster CPU performance than its A16 Bionic predecessor. This enhancement ensures that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus can smoothly manage AAA gaming titles, support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and maintain responsiveness in daily tasks such as launching apps and taking photos.

What’s even more surprisingly is that, Apple Intelligence which includes a range of AI-driven tools like a new Siri, Writing Tools, and ChatGPT integration with OpenAI, will be available across all iPhone 16 models, though it remains to be seen if the 5-core A18 or the 6-core A18 Pro offer any discernible differences in hardware performance. This includes practical utilities like Mail Summary, which succinctly summarises emails, and a Call Recording and Summary feature that not only records calls but also generates transcripts and summaries directly in the Notes application. 

As for battery life, Apple is never known for disclosing the size and capacity of its batteries, though they have always touted improved performance. Apple promises all-day endurance, and real-world testing backs this claim. From morning pilates classes to a night out playing Dungeons & Dragons, the battery dropped only from 100 per cent to 50 per cent, despite heavy use of Google Maps for navigation, Grab for ride-booking, and squeezing in side quests in the mobile game Love and Deepspace amidst frequent social media doomscrolling on Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok. 

Further enhancing its appeal, the iPhone 16 Plus supports 25W MagSafe charging and the new Qi2 standard, ensuring faster wireless charging than its predecessors. However, it appears there have been no advancements in USB-C wired charging speeds, which is a minor disappointment in an otherwise impressive package.

Apple has also upped its game in the aesthetics department. The available hues, including a striking Pink and a unique Ultramarine – a nuanced blend of blues – along with Teal, Black, and White, are enhanced in natural light, showcasing a vivid, shimmering finish. These bold colours (especially the Pink that makes us feel like we’re a Barbie girl, living in a Barbie world…), coupled with the phone’s sleek design, might even tempt users to ditch the case altogether. The phone is also noticeably lighter and more durable than its predecessors, thanks to an aerospace-grade aluminium body and a smooth finish that resists smudges. This lightness, combined with the vibrant colours, makes for a truly premium feel in the hand.

This year, Apple has blurred the lines between its standard and Pro models more than ever, making the choice between them increasingly challenging for consumers. The iPhone 16 Plus shares many of the same advancements as the iPhone 16 Pro models, including the new ultrawide camera, Camera Control button, and the powerful A18 chip, all while retaining their previous price points. This parity extends to Apple Intelligence features, suggesting that the standard iPhone 16 Plus offers exceptional value, providing high-end features without the Pro price tag.

Apple’s strategic move to equip the iPhone 16 Plus with some Pro-level features, combined with its attractive design and impressive battery life, makes it a compelling option for those seeking a premium iPhone experience without the premium price. While the 60Hz display remains a point of contention, the overall package is hard to ignore. The iPhone 16 Plus may not be the most groundbreaking iPhone, but it’s undoubtedly a smart choice for those who value practicality, performance, and a touch of luxury.

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Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation – Review https://geekculture.co/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review/ Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:04:27 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=301742

So which will it be? ANC or not?

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Apple calls them the best selling earphones in the world, and since its debut in 2016, Apple has released three versions of the range – the entry-level AirPods with the latest AirPods 4, the AirPods Pro currently in their second generation, and the AirPods Max headphones.

What’s the difference between the AirPods and the AirPods Pro? The Pro models comes with Active Noise Cancellation or ANC, and are in-ear, while the AirPods are on ear, where there isn’t a snug fit and it’s design to rest on the crevice of your ear. Given Apple’s preferred terminology, they call it an open-ear design vs an in-ear design (with silicone tips).

At S$199, these are one of the most affordable earphones from Apple and not that much more expensive when you compare it to other similar brands. These are also wireless and in 2016, it basically introduced the design that all brands have since copied, of a monitor connected to a stem that hung from your ear hole. 

The AirPods 4 follows in that same design and comes in two versions – the regular and now, with ANC and the ANC model comes with a case that charges wirelessly, and both with a USB-C, and not a Lightning connector.

Apple has also used their latest H2 chip, current in its Pro models, on the AirPods 4, bringing greater adaptability to listening environments, while providing sharper audio while listening to music and taking calls. And all of it in a slightly smaller case ever, which not only charges faster but also lasts longer with up to 30 hours of listening time with the case, or put to 20 hours if you use it with ANC turned on. That’s 5 hours of listening time with the AirPods on a single charge, and 4 hours if ANC is turned on. 

So you’re thinking, ANC with an open-ear device? How does that work? ANC technology basically reduces unwanted sound by using a second sound to cancel out the first, and it works well in a sealed environment that an in-ear earphone provides, as the seal already limits unwanted external audio from getting into your ear. It’s that feeling of a vacuum in your ear, where external audio around you is naturally eliminated and further enhanced by ANC.

The thing about open-ear earphones is that the seal is pretty much dependent on genetic lottery, where your ear shape will either agree or disagree with the seemingly one-size fits all design of the AirPods. If you’re lucky and both sides fit well, then ANC here will work like a dream, as the fit means there are very little gaps for audio to leak into your ear when the AirPods are worn. 

In my case though, the right bud fits perfectly, but the left one is a bit loose. Which brings me to the ANC, where it was tested at an above ground train station and because one side didn’t have that desired fit, you can detect, feel and hear the ANC’s pressure from the counter soundwave fighting for its life because I couldn’t get a good fit. Again the way Active Noise Canceling works could be one of two methods, where either the microphones try to match external sounds in a method known as feedforward, or otherwise, it measures the sound heard through the earphones, and inverts and plays back the noise. The pressure you feel are those soundwaves from either of those two methods and while it’s not clear which method the AirPods are using, you’ll definitely feel and hear something that’s slightly present and somewhat uncomfortable.

While using them underground at 50 per cent volume and listening to easy stuff like TOTO’s I’ll Be Over You or Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, you’re still going to be able to hear train announcements and the sound of the train moving on the tracks, and sounds on the higher frequencies will cut through quite easily, including voices directly around you. However most other ambient sounds, like the train doors closing, people talking and the rustling of bags when people fiddle with them beside you are nicely canceled out. 

If you raise the volume past 50, to about 70 – 90 per cent, you can easily get everything drowned out (duh!) though in my case, the sensation and sound of the ANC cutting in and out was still there in my right ear (again depending on your fit). But other than that, they are comfortable to wear, and it’s likely that like Apple’s other Airpods, you’ll probably quickly forget you’re wearing them too. 

They’re not amazing at ANC because these aren’t in-ear devices that complement ANC, but Apple has done its best and those with a preference to not use in-ear earphones will find a lot of utility in this. Now, I may be going too hard on Apple for the one-size fits all design here, but it’s a genuine concern of mine and for many out there. My ears can also be an outlier and these would likely fit the majority of people out there so the recommendation is to visit and Apple Store and try it out if you can. Otherwise, it might be worth paying a little more, for the AirPods Pro Gen 2 and be on your way.  

And, there are two reasons why I used my commute to test earbuds out, The first is that a majority of people use the train daily, and it’s an almost universal experience. Secondly, I can only experience pressure changes when underground and because I’m in Singapore, the deepest train line we have is the Downtown Line and parts of the Thomson East Line, and we’re talking like 30 to 45 meters underground. That’s around 98 to 147 ft, for those still on the Imperial System. 

As much as the small case makes this easy to bring around, there’s also the concern of the smaller AirPods and they are as slippery as ever when you try to take them out of the case. It’s always better to empty them onto an open palm, instead of trying to pick them out on by one, especially if you have big fingers.

But they do sound great, with both the regular and the ones with ANC offering a warm soundscape with great details. Now there is definitely a difference between on and in-ear earphones, and it wouldn’t be fair to say that one sounds better than the other, especially since both the AirPods and AirPods Pro are using the same H2 chip for their audio performance. While the AirPod 4’s lacks punch because they are on-ear, both handle calls effectively, with the ANC contributing to clearer dialogue on the AirPods. It all boils down to personal comfort levels and preference, and price.

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