deerstalker

https://blacknerdproblems.com/a-multiverse-of-magnificence-ratchet-clank-rift-apart-review/

I’m not going to mince words or try to come in with a cute intro. I’m going to get right to the point. As of right now, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is this best game on the the Playstation 5. Period. Full Stop. It’s not only a must have for PS5 owners but a system seller and damn good reason to pick up a PS5… If you can find one.

Been a Long Time Coming

Ratchet confronting Dr. Naferious

The Ratchet & Clank series has been surprisingly absent for a whole generation, only having one iteration which was a soft reboot of the first game to tie-in with the movie. It’s not that Insomniac has been sitting on their hands doing nothing. The last few games they blessed us with were Marvel’s Spider-Man and Miles Morales. Both are fantastic and beautiful games. But us long time fans have been clamoring for the return of the dynamic duo and I’m happy to report it was worth the wait. One of the first things I want to address is just how gorgeous this game looks. The graphics are stunning and actually looks better than the feature length film I mentioned earlier. There are three modes of visuals to choose from including focusing on just visuals at 30 FPS but with ray-tracing and a performance mode at 60 FPS and no ray-tracing. But the sweet spot is definitely Performance RT, giving us the beauty of ray-tracing lighting with the smooth butter 60 FPS. Everything from the lighting to the lush environments to our fuzzy and shiny main characters just pop. It’s truly an experience to behold.

A Universe Full of Heart

We start our adventure in a different universe with the new Lombax on the block, Rivet. She’s leading a resistance in her universe against Emperor Naferious and is a bit of a loner. Meanwhile, our heroes Ratchet & Clank are in there universe being celebrated for being heroes. Their worlds collide when Dr. Naferious, R&C’s version, steals the dimensionator and breaks reality, launching them into Rivet’s dimension. One thing Insomniac has always crushed is the story and characters. There’s always been a lot of heart and it really shines here. From our heroes trying to find each other, to Rivet learning to open herself up to others, to learning to deal with past mistakes and forgiveness. It’s a great story accompanied by that humor the series is known for.

Rivet, the new Lombax on the block

For long time fans there is a lot of payoff. Seeing dimensional counterparts of characters we’ve known for many games was great. The lore it builds upon was also well told and it was fun seeing where some characters have grown to. You will get the most out of it being a fan. It’s not so exclusive however, that newcomers can’t enjoy it as well. With the introduction of new characters it’s a great place for those interested in the series to pick it up. Regardless of where you fall it is a solid story that just about anyone can and will enjoy.

Guns O’ Plenty

The core gameplay of Ratchet & Clank has always been the guns, and the feel just as strong here. From familiar ones like the Shatterbomb to brand new ones like the Topiary Sprinkler, they all feel tight and fun to use. The new DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers give more variety to how the guns fire. Not every gun takes full advantage, but it does give some more variety to the weapons. Another new feature is the new dodge, allowing you to dodge while strafing and gain temporary invulnerability. The guns are always fun and exciting and the new movement makes combat more fluid and fun.

A combat scene with some stunning pink electric explosions from a new gun.

What really takes advantage of the new hardware is the instant dimension hopping. There are moments when the game will shunt you into a completely different level almost instantaneous. It’s not a small area and a cheat like that but literally loads a completely different level in just a second or two. It’s pretty amazing how fast everything loads and this is what I look forward to with future PS5 games. There are also small rifts in levels that allow you to move forward instantly, which open up traversal and combat. It’s an interesting mechanic that works well with the game.

The Best Around

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the system seller right now. It’s a fun, beautiful game that takes advantage of the hardware provided. This game puts its best foot forward and makes a compelling argument to own a PS5. If you already have one then you should do yourself a favor and run out and get this game. I hope we get more adventures of the Lombax and company because this series deserves a few more iterations on this current gen. A must buy.

Rivet attacking an opponent with an electric hammer

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The post A Multiverse of Magnificence – Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

June 18, 2021

A Multiverse of Magnificence – Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Review

https://blacknerdproblems.com/a-multiverse-of-magnificence-ratchet-clank-rift-apart-review/

I’m not going to mince words or try to come in with a cute intro. I’m going to get right to the point. As of right now, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is this best game on the the Playstation 5. Period. Full Stop. It’s not only a must have for PS5 owners but a system seller and damn good reason to pick up a PS5… If you can find one.

Been a Long Time Coming

Ratchet confronting Dr. Naferious

The Ratchet & Clank series has been surprisingly absent for a whole generation, only having one iteration which was a soft reboot of the first game to tie-in with the movie. It’s not that Insomniac has been sitting on their hands doing nothing. The last few games they blessed us with were Marvel’s Spider-Man and Miles Morales. Both are fantastic and beautiful games. But us long time fans have been clamoring for the return of the dynamic duo and I’m happy to report it was worth the wait. One of the first things I want to address is just how gorgeous this game looks. The graphics are stunning and actually looks better than the feature length film I mentioned earlier. There are three modes of visuals to choose from including focusing on just visuals at 30 FPS but with ray-tracing and a performance mode at 60 FPS and no ray-tracing. But the sweet spot is definitely Performance RT, giving us the beauty of ray-tracing lighting with the smooth butter 60 FPS. Everything from the lighting to the lush environments to our fuzzy and shiny main characters just pop. It’s truly an experience to behold.

A Universe Full of Heart

We start our adventure in a different universe with the new Lombax on the block, Rivet. She’s leading a resistance in her universe against Emperor Naferious and is a bit of a loner. Meanwhile, our heroes Ratchet & Clank are in there universe being celebrated for being heroes. Their worlds collide when Dr. Naferious, R&C’s version, steals the dimensionator and breaks reality, launching them into Rivet’s dimension. One thing Insomniac has always crushed is the story and characters. There’s always been a lot of heart and it really shines here. From our heroes trying to find each other, to Rivet learning to open herself up to others, to learning to deal with past mistakes and forgiveness. It’s a great story accompanied by that humor the series is known for.

Rivet, the new Lombax on the block

For long time fans there is a lot of payoff. Seeing dimensional counterparts of characters we’ve known for many games was great. The lore it builds upon was also well told and it was fun seeing where some characters have grown to. You will get the most out of it being a fan. It’s not so exclusive however, that newcomers can’t enjoy it as well. With the introduction of new characters it’s a great place for those interested in the series to pick it up. Regardless of where you fall it is a solid story that just about anyone can and will enjoy.

Guns O’ Plenty

The core gameplay of Ratchet & Clank has always been the guns, and the feel just as strong here. From familiar ones like the Shatterbomb to brand new ones like the Topiary Sprinkler, they all feel tight and fun to use. The new DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers give more variety to how the guns fire. Not every gun takes full advantage, but it does give some more variety to the weapons. Another new feature is the new dodge, allowing you to dodge while strafing and gain temporary invulnerability. The guns are always fun and exciting and the new movement makes combat more fluid and fun.

A combat scene with some stunning pink electric explosions from a new gun.

What really takes advantage of the new hardware is the instant dimension hopping. There are moments when the game will shunt you into a completely different level almost instantaneous. It’s not a small area and a cheat like that but literally loads a completely different level in just a second or two. It’s pretty amazing how fast everything loads and this is what I look forward to with future PS5 games. There are also small rifts in levels that allow you to move forward instantly, which open up traversal and combat. It’s an interesting mechanic that works well with the game.

The Best Around

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the system seller right now. It’s a fun, beautiful game that takes advantage of the hardware provided. This game puts its best foot forward and makes a compelling argument to own a PS5. If you already have one then you should do yourself a favor and run out and get this game. I hope we get more adventures of the Lombax and company because this series deserves a few more iterations on this current gen. A must buy.

Rivet attacking an opponent with an electric hammer

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The post A Multiverse of Magnificence – Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.


June 18, 2021

Some Disney World and Disneyland Updates!

https://www.thenerdelement.com/2021/06/15/some-disney-world-and-disneyland-updates/

Hi everyone! Today I have some interesting news that I want to discuss with y’all! So, let’s get started, shall we?! At Walt Disney World, the fireworks there are going to return mainly at Magic Kingdom and Epcot on July 1 just 3 days before the 4th of July. The firework displays had been suspended since the theme parks reopening following a months-long closure due to the pandemic. “Happily Ever After” will transform Cinderella Castle with lights, projections and pyrotechnics, as moments from favorite Disney stories encourage you to grab hold of your dreams and make them come true,” Disney said on its blog. “And as part of the ongoing transformation of EPCOT, “EPCOT Forever” will produce a spectacle of fireworks, music and lighting effects over World Showcase Lagoon, highlighting the themes of innovation, exploration, imagination and celebration at the core of the park’s past, present and future.” Disney officials said fireworks have been a tradition at Disney theme parks since 1957.

Walt Disney World Imagineers are currently testing and developing a new firework show at EPCOT called “Harmonious.” The show will be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever produced at a Disney park when it’s complete.

The new show does not have a premiere date at EPCOT.

The news about fireworks comes the same day Walt Disney World updated its mask guidelines for guests, allowing those fully vaccinated to go maskless in the parks. While fully vaccinated guests will be allowed to go maskless within the parks, all guests will still be required to wear masks on Disney transportation — buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner. So, guests who are unvaccinated as of now will still be wearing masks.

Over at the Disneyland Resort, the fireworks there are also returning with the show called “Mickey’s Mix Magic on July 4th to start off the fun. It is presented nightly throughout the summer. State-of-the-art projections, show lighting and lasers will transform Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle and the façade of “it’s a small world” into a dance party with fireworks to celebrate the leader of the club, Mickey Mouse. that sparkler of a sky show has remained on hold since March 2020.

Disneyland today has officially reopened to out of state guests as they drop temperature checks, social distancing as the restrictions is being lifted. Mainly because most people are being vaccinated which is great news! Guests who have not been vaccinated will still be required to wear masks. But overall, Disneyland is back for everyone!

They also have announced when some more rides are going to reopen, but some of them will quite make it yet because they have not announced anything else yet. Here are the rides that are reopening today and the further ones as well:

Today: Golden Zephyr in California Adventure and the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough in Disneyland

June 18: Davey Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
June 25: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (closed for refurbishment)
July 2: Matterhorn Bobsleds (closed for refurbishment)
July 9: Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
July 16: Jungle Cruise (closed to remove insensitive depictions)

However, the rides that they do not have an announcement yet:

Disneyland Monorail
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage 
Sailing Ship Columbia
Star Wars Launch Bay
Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Main Street Cinema
Mickey’s House, Minnie’s House, Goofy’s Playhouse, Donald’s Boat, and Chip and Dale Treehouse
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
The Bakery Tour
Red Car Trolley

All of this information came from the news I looked at today.

What do you guys think about the Disney parks lifting the Covid-19 rules? (Finally!)

I would love to hear lots of comments, thoughts, opinions, concerns, or questions down below!

Stay tuned for Disney updates.

The post Some Disney World and Disneyland Updates! appeared first on The Nerd Element.


June 17, 2021

Introducing SOSS: The Grooming Brand Your Man Will Be Obsessed With

https://www.essence.com/beauty/soss-profile/

Introducing SOSS: The Grooming Brand Your Man Will Be Obsessed With Courtesy of SOSS By Blake Newby ·June 16, 2021June 16, 2021

Over the past few years the surge in Black men embracing flourishing, lush facial hair has been astonishing. With the men loving it and the ladies arguably loving it more, the trend, which has become more of a life target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Vernon Yancy (opens in a new tab)">Vernon Yancy and Jeremiah Regis, two HBCU graduates who make up the dynamic duo at the helm of men’s grooming brand SOSS.

An acronym for “So Organic So Suave,” SOSS was born of Yancy’s own personal experiences faced upon graduating from Howard University. “Once I entered the workforce in corporate America, it became a whole process of figuring out who is Vernon authentically and organically,” he tells ESSENCE. “I asked myself what my passion and purpose was, and what impact did I really want to have not only on myself, but on everyone around me. I realized ultimately that I shouldn’t be afraid to be who I am.” That realization led to Yancy deciding to grow out his beard, but the decision presented some obstacles. “I needed to maintain it,” he says. “But being a Black man I couldn’t use most of the products that were in big retailers and drugstores. So I ended up creating a product myself and it garnered a lot of attention.”

Courtesy of SOSS

Shop some SOSS favorites ahead.

01Fearless Beard Growth Duo Courtesy of SOSS available at SOSS $44 02SOSS Brush Courtesy of SOSS available at SOSS $15 03Blessed Body Butter Courtesy of SOSS available at SOSS $30

TOPICS: 

The post Introducing SOSS: The Grooming Brand Your Man Will Be Obsessed With appeared first on Essence.


June 16, 2021

New Details and Image from ‘The Suicide Squad’ Explode Online

https://thenerdsofcolor.org/2021/06/16/new-details-and-image-from-the-suicide-squad-explode-online/

We’re inching closer to the release of James Gunn’s high octane film, The Suicide Squad! And in a recent interview, Gunn spoke with Entertainment Weekly about what we can expect about the film, and revealed a new image through the …


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