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https://blacknerdproblems.com/what-is-cooler-than-cool-monster-hunter-world-ice-borne-review/
Sometimes, it takes a while to breakthrough. Leonardo DiCaprio didn’t win his first Oscar until “The Revenant” (it should’ve been “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Don’t @ me). Kofi Kingston was a top star for over a decade before this past WrestleMania where he took home his first world title. And then there’s Monster Hunter.
With its first installment dropping in 2004, this franchise was, to put it mildly, a slow-moving train. It was big in Japan, like Bobby Caldwell or corn on pizza, but didn’t cross over. That is, until 2018’s Monster Hunter: World. This title changed everything for Capcom, becoming its greatest success not only in years but, indeed, of all time. As of this writing, the game has shipped 13 million copies and with an expansion imminent, shows no signs of stopping.
On September 6, the monster hunting world will get bigger with the release of Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. I got to go hands-on with this game in beta and early release and I’m here with some Day 1 (or earlier) impressions. On the whole, the game sticks with its tried and true formula – one to four players, or hunters, get put on a map with a monster (ranging from a lizard of unusual size to a lizard of REALLY unusual size), and must use their wits and comically oversized weapons to win the day. You also employ traps, bombs, bigger traps, bigger bombs, and an army of anthropomorphic cats.
You go places and do the thing, craft new equipment, do the thing again, repeat. This is the way and this game does what the series does best: double down. More places to explore! More weapons! More cats! And MORE MONSTERS.
Your World, But with a Parka
I have lived long enough to thank god that not every game has an ice level. However, from Ducktales to Mega Man X to Devil May Cry 3¸Capcom has a rich history of engaging and, dare I say, fun ice worlds. Iceborne, thankfully, is no different. The game takes place in the original locale of Astera (itself divided into six monster zones and two human settlements), and the newly trekked lands of the Hoarfrost Reach. This area is, if I’m being honest, about as big as the whole of Astera, and has a huge amount of diversity for such a weather-limited environment. There’s new endemic wildlife, new research missions, and of course, new monsters.
On announcement, I was skeptical of introducing a single new area with only one weather condition. Monster Hunter is a series that prides itself on ecological diversity and being a hunting game before it is anything else. To that end, a wide array of environs are not only welcomed, they are expected! Worry not: even in its lone and it’s cold, the Reach has a great deal of what we’ve come to know and love. There are challenges, there are beautiful pictures, and there are booby traps on top of booby traps. For some good fun, try luring a monster to the cliffs in the northeast corner of the map. You’re welcome.
I’M ON A MASTER QUEST
Historically, Monster Hunter has been lauded for its rewarding gameplay system and backbreaking difficulty. While the latest installment in the series is known for its accessibility to new players, there was still a substantial base clamoring for that tradition and looking to get mushed by some Mons. Capcom listened, and gave these players master rank. I’m here to tell you, friends, it does not disappoint.
The original MHW has tempered and arch-tempered monsters. These are a challenge to be sure, but not one that can’t be handled solo with enough time to prep. Iceborne introduces Master Rank, this generation’s answer to the previous ones’ G-rank, a difficulty beyond the most difficult monsters in the base game. These monsters pack more punch, tank more hits, and are generally the things that keep people like Geralt of Rivia awake at night. Bring the squad. Bring potions. Bring a lunch; you’re gonna be here for a minute.
This mode is a task but never a chore. For the initiated, it will be a fun way to test skills and get a lot of sweet new equipment. For the uninitiated, there is still not only the base story, but an entire other story added with the expansion.
Something for Everyone
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne has features that are not for the faint of heart. And of course, this game is known for its somewhat unforgiving learning curve. However, there is still plenty here for the new or new-ish player.
As I said, there is a serviceable, if not mind-blowing, story to this game. IB adds to it by giving us the mythos of the Hoarfrost Reach, complete with new alpha monsters and a mysterious “Everwyrm”. The story involves solving a mystery and making new monster friends along the way. And by friends I mean mortal foes.
This balances the new Master Rank well, serving as introduction where needed and a palate cleanser where needed. I like this versatility and wish I could see it in other multiplayer-focused affair. Newer players may, however, still find the action a bit hard to get into due to difficulty.
Worth the Wait, Worth the Price?
It’s been just shy of a year since Iceborne was announced. In that time, they’ve announced a new area, new story, new difficulty, and over two dozen new and returning monsters. They also added new mechanics, with new moves and combos for each of the 14 weapons and the new universal gear, the clutch claw. I don’t have time to go into all the magic of the claw, but I will say: use it. Make mistakes. Get messy! Have fun.
When I consider what this expansion costs ($40 USD), I feel like Capcom went above and beyond to deliver bang for that buck. I have grown to expect less, and judge new content accordingly while also appreciating a good effort. There’s months of new content here, plenty enough to bring us to whatever’s next, and they’ve already announced the first bit of post-launch DLC (Rajang, the thunder ape). For those who weren’t thrilled originally, I can honestly say there’s enough here to warrant a second look. For those that were, there’s enough here to keep you thrilled for a long while to come. This is what expansions are all about. Expanding. Making the game (even more) expansive.
With that in mind: what’s cooler than being cool?
ICE
BORNE.
I’ll see myself out.
I give it 9.3 super hardcore anime slashes out of 10. Let’s chat.
Written by friend of BNP and guest writer DJ Rogers. See his other writing here. You can follow his nerd adventures and gaming thoughts on Twitter.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
Lend a hand to new hunters and claim SWEET REWARDS with new Hunter Helper feature in both #MHWorld and #Iceborne! ? pic.twitter.com/fqg8PtkGMq
— Monster Hunter (@monsterhunter) September 5, 2019
The post What is Cooler Than Being Cool? Monster Hunter World: Ice Borne Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Sometimes, it takes a while to breakthrough. Leonardo DiCaprio didn’t win his first Oscar until “The Revenant” (it should’ve been “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Don’t @ me). Kofi Kingston was a top star for over a decade before this past WrestleMania where he took home his first world title. And then there’s Monster Hunter.
With its first installment dropping in 2004, this franchise was, to put it mildly, a slow-moving train. It was big in Japan, like Bobby Caldwell or corn on pizza, but didn’t cross over. That is, until 2018’s Monster Hunter: World. This title changed everything for Capcom, becoming its greatest success not only in years but, indeed, of all time. As of this writing, the game has shipped 13 million copies and with an expansion imminent, shows no signs of stopping.
On September 6, the monster hunting world will get bigger with the release of Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. I got to go hands-on with this game in beta and early release and I’m here with some Day 1 (or earlier) impressions. On the whole, the game sticks with its tried and true formula – one to four players, or hunters, get put on a map with a monster (ranging from a lizard of unusual size to a lizard of REALLY unusual size), and must use their wits and comically oversized weapons to win the day. You also employ traps, bombs, bigger traps, bigger bombs, and an army of anthropomorphic cats.
You go places and do the thing, craft new equipment, do the thing again, repeat. This is the way and this game does what the series does best: double down. More places to explore! More weapons! More cats! And MORE MONSTERS.
Your World, But with a Parka
I have lived long enough to thank god that not every game has an ice level. However, from Ducktales to Mega Man X to Devil May Cry 3¸Capcom has a rich history of engaging and, dare I say, fun ice worlds. Iceborne, thankfully, is no different. The game takes place in the original locale of Astera (itself divided into six monster zones and two human settlements), and the newly trekked lands of the Hoarfrost Reach. This area is, if I’m being honest, about as big as the whole of Astera, and has a huge amount of diversity for such a weather-limited environment. There’s new endemic wildlife, new research missions, and of course, new monsters.
On announcement, I was skeptical of introducing a single new area with only one weather condition. Monster Hunter is a series that prides itself on ecological diversity and being a hunting game before it is anything else. To that end, a wide array of environs are not only welcomed, they are expected! Worry not: even in its lone and it’s cold, the Reach has a great deal of what we’ve come to know and love. There are challenges, there are beautiful pictures, and there are booby traps on top of booby traps. For some good fun, try luring a monster to the cliffs in the northeast corner of the map. You’re welcome.
I’M ON A MASTER QUEST
Historically, Monster Hunter has been lauded for its rewarding gameplay system and backbreaking difficulty. While the latest installment in the series is known for its accessibility to new players, there was still a substantial base clamoring for that tradition and looking to get mushed by some Mons. Capcom listened, and gave these players master rank. I’m here to tell you, friends, it does not disappoint.
The original MHW has tempered and arch-tempered monsters. These are a challenge to be sure, but not one that can’t be handled solo with enough time to prep. Iceborne introduces Master Rank, this generation’s answer to the previous ones’ G-rank, a difficulty beyond the most difficult monsters in the base game. These monsters pack more punch, tank more hits, and are generally the things that keep people like Geralt of Rivia awake at night. Bring the squad. Bring potions. Bring a lunch; you’re gonna be here for a minute.
This mode is a task but never a chore. For the initiated, it will be a fun way to test skills and get a lot of sweet new equipment. For the uninitiated, there is still not only the base story, but an entire other story added with the expansion.
Something for Everyone
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne has features that are not for the faint of heart. And of course, this game is known for its somewhat unforgiving learning curve. However, there is still plenty here for the new or new-ish player.
As I said, there is a serviceable, if not mind-blowing, story to this game. IB adds to it by giving us the mythos of the Hoarfrost Reach, complete with new alpha monsters and a mysterious “Everwyrm”. The story involves solving a mystery and making new monster friends along the way. And by friends I mean mortal foes.
This balances the new Master Rank well, serving as introduction where needed and a palate cleanser where needed. I like this versatility and wish I could see it in other multiplayer-focused affair. Newer players may, however, still find the action a bit hard to get into due to difficulty.
Worth the Wait, Worth the Price?
It’s been just shy of a year since Iceborne was announced. In that time, they’ve announced a new area, new story, new difficulty, and over two dozen new and returning monsters. They also added new mechanics, with new moves and combos for each of the 14 weapons and the new universal gear, the clutch claw. I don’t have time to go into all the magic of the claw, but I will say: use it. Make mistakes. Get messy! Have fun.
When I consider what this expansion costs ($40 USD), I feel like Capcom went above and beyond to deliver bang for that buck. I have grown to expect less, and judge new content accordingly while also appreciating a good effort. There’s months of new content here, plenty enough to bring us to whatever’s next, and they’ve already announced the first bit of post-launch DLC (Rajang, the thunder ape). For those who weren’t thrilled originally, I can honestly say there’s enough here to warrant a second look. For those that were, there’s enough here to keep you thrilled for a long while to come. This is what expansions are all about. Expanding. Making the game (even more) expansive.
With that in mind: what’s cooler than being cool?
ICE
BORNE.
I’ll see myself out.
I give it 9.3 super hardcore anime slashes out of 10. Let’s chat.
Written by friend of BNP and guest writer DJ Rogers. See his other writing here. You can follow his nerd adventures and gaming thoughts on Twitter.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
Lend a hand to new hunters and claim SWEET REWARDS with new Hunter Helper feature in both #MHWorld and #Iceborne! ? pic.twitter.com/fqg8PtkGMq
— Monster Hunter (@monsterhunter) September 5, 2019
The post What is Cooler Than Being Cool? Monster Hunter World: Ice Borne Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Afronerd Radio airs 9.4.19
Instead of a long drawn out diatribe, let's just get to the pulp, shall we? Check out our latest episode of The Mid Week in Review (MWIR) podcast, fueled by the mighty Afroned Radio STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts & Math) engine-airing this Wednesday at 7pm eastern. The topics to be discussed are: the dissolution of the Amazon rainforest; this IS America....the Odessa shooting; more environmental destruction and it's called Dorian; more on the WB's Joker and its possible DC Black Label branding and there's Robert Pattinson's (Batman) comments; comedic legend, Dave Chappelle ruffles some PC feathers with his new Sticks and Stones Netflix special (0% RT score./.really?); a Black Batman?; actor, Malik Yoba (New York Undercover, Alphas) discloses not only his sexual preferences but also his participation in a upcoming National Trans Visibility March (what happened to the Undercover reboot?); And lastly, could we see the return of Iron Man at Disney Plus a la an Ironheart streaming series? And still MORE! Call LIVE at 646-915-9620.
Do you remember being in school and your backpack’s zipper broke, out spilled out all your folders, notebooks, and writing utensils? Making sure you have the best diaper bag for your money is just like picking out that awesome bookbag as a twelve-year-old.
Before we jump into our favorite ones, let’s explore the different types of diaper bags on the market.
What Are The Different Types of Diaper Bags?
Here are the four common types of diaper bags, but keep in mind that any bag can be repurposed to carry those baby essentials.
Traditional Bag – This style of diaper bag is specifically designed for storing everything a baby needs. Lots of pockets, compartments, nooks, and crannies. For many parents, it doubles as a purse, suitcase, magical bag of holding. That’s a bag that has endless storage for those not in the know. It’s huge, heavy, bulky, and the most practical. Basically, this bag holds not just baby supplies, but your phone, wallet, and small pets.
Tote – Very similar to the traditional bag, but with larger, rather than smaller compartments. Made for wearing over the shoulder due to having a long strap. Doesn’t look quite as “mom” as a traditional bag. However, things can get lost in their giant pockets.
Messenger Bag – The most versatile bag next to a backpack. The messenger bag has a fold-over flap, one or two compartments, and is made for wearing over the shoulder. While you can easily fit a small laptop in its main pocket, it’s still small than a tote. It’s good for carrying the main necessities for your little one.
Backpack – Remember being a kid and dragging that 40lb backpack back and forth to school with you every day? It’s probably the reason why your back aches every once in a while as an adult. Yup, you can use backpacks, or as we called them bookbags, for a diaper bag. Some backpacks are specifically made to be used for carrying all your little one’s essentials. Two straps, a couple of big compartments, and a smaller zippered pocket in the front.
Those are the four common types of diaper bags. Honestly, a diaper bag can be anything that you stuff baby supplies with. It’s not on our essential items you need to purchase when having a newborn, but it’s definitely something you can’t live without.
How To Choose a Diaper Bag
Before we get to our list of favorite diaper bags there are a few things you should consider. First, give some thought to how you want to carry this extra bag. Do you have a bad back or shoulder? How do you currently carry a purse? Does your stroller accommodate a certain size for a diaper bag? Should you purchase a bag for each parent? Give some consideration to purchasing a large bag and a small one for quick trips. Make a list or layout all the items you want your diaper bag to carry.
Once you’ve established the size and type, you need to set a budget. Prices for these things can vary wildly. We discuss making a budget for a newborn in our baby checklist article. Whether you’re replacing an older bag or buying your first one, you should try to keep it in your budget. However, this doesn’t mean buying the cheapest on the market. You want a diaper bag that will last you well into the toddler years, so plan on needing it till your child is 3 or 4 years old.
You might want to consider keeping a second smaller bag always packed with necessities in your closet. This makes it easy if there’s an emergency or just a quick trip to the grandparents, friend, or grocery store. Having a ready-to-go back up is a great idea. Don’t worry, non-traditional diaper bags can easily be repurposed to other useful carrying bags.
We’ve listed our favorite diaper bags below. Keep in mind, that any bag can be used for a diaper bag. We’ve tried to list a mixture of both because we’re not thrilled with boring designs.
Our Favorite Diaper Bags
Muse Bebe Traditional Diaper Bag
If you’re traveling or looking for a larger traditional bag that can be worn as a backpack then the Muse Bebe diaper bag is exactly what you want. This thing holds 5 baby bottles, has two front pockets, a wipes dispenser, and a large compartment. This is the SUV of diaper bags.
For those of you who want a diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag. The Ruvalino Tote diaper bag is fairly spacious for its size. It includes insulated pockets and a collapsible metal frame to keep it’s shape when you’re rummaging through.
Marvel Comics Messenger Diaper Bag
If you’re a fan of Marvel then this messenger diaper bag is calling your name. This bag has a total of four pockets and comes with a waterproof diaper changing pad.
Star Wars Messenger Diaper Bag
This bag is exactly the same as the Marvel bag above, but it uses Star Wars fabric. Yes, it comes with a changing pad.
Doctor Who Diaper Messenger Bag
For those of you who can get by on a more traditional messenger bag, this Doctor Who bag is awesome. The print is colorful and fantastic. You can always purchase a cheap changing pad if you really need it.
Harry Potter Interchangeable Diaper Bag
Here’s another example of a versatile diaper bag that can be worn on the shoulder or as a backpack. Sure, it’s not a traditional bag, but if you are only interested in carrying a few items then this might be perfect for you.
Some parents want a small diaper bag just to carry a few things with them. Sometimes, this is the extra diaper bag you keep filled with just the necessities. Easily storable under most strollers.
Alien Invasion Backpack Diaper Bag
The truth is out there and it might come in this alien backpack diaper bag. This diaper bag has a lot of the same features as a regular backpack, but it includes eight small shelters in the main compartment for better organizing.
Stark House Game of Thrones Diaper Bag
We can’t stress enough that you should seriously consider a diaper bag that’s not necessarily made as a diaper bag. Take, for instance, this Game of Thrones diaper messenger bag with its wide compartment. These make perfect smaller backup bags as well.
The post Best Diaper Bags For 2020 appeared first on Geek Baby Clothes.
Two Mississippi hunters recently caught an enormous, 13-foot male alligator that may break a state record.
Jarrod Davis and Derrick Saucier were enjoying the opening day of alligator season in Mary Walker Bayou, a river located in Gautier, Mississippi, on August 30, the Clarion Ledger reported. At approximately 11:57 a.m. local time, the pair noticed the massive alligator swimming in the water. According to Saucier, the giant reptile was well known by locals in the area.
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“He was a nuisance. He’d eaten a few pets,” Saucier said. “One of the trappers hooked him a month ago. I could still see the scar on him where the hook came out. People had been chasing him for years.”
At around 12 p.m. CDT, Davis and Saucier hooked the big animal and spent a hour and a half trying to capture it. According to Davis, the alligator dragged them across the river back and forth and almost jerked him out of the boat three times. The hunters were having trouble getting the reptile in their boat and had to tow it to a nearby boat launch to get help.
“We tried to get him in the boat with four men and couldn’t do it,” Davis explained. “Finally we gave up and decided to pull him on the bank. It took six men.”
The alligator, which measured 13-feet, 6-inches long with a 72-inch girth and a 48-inch tail base, could break a state record for the heaviest male alligator taken in Mississippi’s public waters. The current state record is 822 pounds for a previously captured alligator that was about 13-feet-long and had a 65-inch girth and a 48-inch tail base.
More on Geek.com:
- Enormous 360-Pound Alligator Captured After Chasing Kayaker
- Watch: 7-Foot Alligator Struts Across Green Near Golfer in Florida
- Alligators Spotted ‘Swimming’ in Road, Climbing Fences in Florida