Assassin's Creed Shadows: The Second Coming of Tenchu? Check it out!

Ubisoft's latest release, Assassin's Creed Shadows, marks a fresh yet nostalgic chapter in the long-running Assassin's Creed series. Shadows stands apart from its predecessors by diving deep into the covert artistry of feudal Japanese assassins, an era beloved by fans but never fully explored in this franchise... until now. But for gamers like myself... who grew up with stealth-action classics like Tenchu, Shadows feels eerily familiar in the best way possible.

Tenchu, a series that graced consoles decades ago, is remembered as the blueprint for stealth games set in Japan. It was a franchise where shadows were your allies and silence your weapon. Players infiltrated fortresses, crept across rooftops, and eliminated targets with graceful precision... all while avoiding detection. Fans of Tenchu have long yearned for its revival, and while Shadows isn’t a direct continuation, it feels like spiritual successor territory.

One thing that still cracks me up to this day... is the fact that targets would just go eat the poisoned onigiri/rice balls that you'd throw on the ground. There's a random meal sitting in the dirt, and they wander over like, "Oh great, dinner has arrived."

Anyway, Ubisoft has successfully captured Tenchu-like elegance within the expansive Assassin's Creed framework. With features such as grappling hooks, traditional Japanese weaponry like shurikens and kunai, and terrain that challenges your agility, it seems to pay homage to the classic Tenchu mechanics while modernizing them. The thrill of sneaking past patrolling samurai and infiltrating dimly lit castles will certainly ignite nostalgia for those who played Tenchu back in the day. That's coming from a Tenchu VET.

Of course, Ubisoft didn’t strip away the Assassin's Creed soul to make Shadows. Instead, it evolved the series’ signature elements to complement Japanese aesthetics. Parkour remains fluid but is adapted to steep temple roofs and bamboo forests. The immersive storytelling, filled with conspiracies and historical intrigue, intertwines perfectly with the code of the ninja. It’s a marriage of two worlds... Tenchu’s stealth and Assassin’s Creed’s vast, open-world adventure.

Additionally, Shadows dives deeper into the morality of being an assassin. Like Tenchu’s moral undertones of protecting innocents while dismantling corruption, Shadows incorporates Japanese honor and the balance between justice and vengeance. It's a thoughtful approach that fleshes out its protagonists as more than just killers.

For longtime Tenchu fans, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a bittersweet experience. It evokes fond memories of a bygone franchise while paving the way for something fresh, although I'd support a new Tenchu entry in a... heartbeat. Ubisoft has masterfully blended nostalgia with innovation, delivering a stealth game that feels timeless yet modern. If Tenchu was the Jonin of Japanese stealth gaming, Shadows may well be a Genin carrying on its legacy.

So, as players don their hoods and embrace the shadows, one thing is certain... Ubisoft has crafted not just a game, but a title that feels like an homage to the art of stealth. Assassin's Creed Shadows reminds me of why I fell in love with sneaking through feudal Japan all those years ago.

In addition to the stealth action of Assassin's Creed Shadows, you also experience the intense, up-close combat of the blade-wielding real-life legend, Yasuke. This combination adds the perfect variety to the gameplay. And if you check out the map once you venture out and you spot pictures by "Baby Fury," that's me! That said, snap some cool pictures, get creative, and add to the fun! By the way, Assassin's Creed Shadows has achieved overwhelming success right out of the gate, and I’m excited to dive even deeper into the action to take on... The Shinbakufu. Anyway, if you get your hands on the game, stay on alert... and game on! (POOF!) [Vanished leaving behind a bag of gummies]

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Parcel Corps: A Potential Sleeper Hit from 2024?

Parcel Corps... feels like Jet Set Radio meets Crazy Taxi! -  Blu 

A Fresh Take on the Gig Economy

Parcel Corps transports players to the sun-kissed streets of New Island, where three bicycle courier corporations vie for dominance. Players choose a side and engage in high-octane, two-wheeled rivalries, delivering parcels, food, and sensitive documents in a race against time. The game's narrative cleverly satirizes the gig economy, media influencers, and big tech, providing a humorous yet thought-provoking backdrop for the action.

Engaging Gameplay Mechanics

What makes Parcel Corps truly stand out is its free-flowing cycling mechanics. Players can catch air from rooftop ramps, slide under vehicles, and defy gravity by riding along walls. The game's expansive skillset allows for creative and stylish navigation through a vibrant city, making each delivery mission an exhilarating experience.

A Colorful and Stylized World

The game's visual and artistic direction is another highlight. Parcel Corps features a colorful, stylized city that is both engaging and immersive. The dynamic environments and vibrant characters add depth to the gameplay, ensuring that players remain captivated as they explore the various regions of New Island.

Triumph Over Totalitarianism

Beyond its engaging gameplay and visual appeal, Parcel Corps also offers a compelling storyline. Players must thwart the maniacal plans of Rich Villainé, CEO of Polar Petroleum PLC, whose political ambitions threaten the city's bicycle messengers. This narrative element adds an extra layer of excitement and urgency to the game, making it more than just a simple delivery simulator.

Why Parcel Corps Could Be a Sleeper Hit

While Parcel Corps may not have the marketing budget of a blockbuster title, its unique blend of gameplay, humor, and social commentary has the potential to resonate with a wide audience. The game's ability to offer both short bursts of fun and deeper, more engaging play sessions makes it a versatile addition to any gamer's library. As word of mouth spreads and more players discover its charm, Parcel Corps could very well become one of the standout games in 2025. What do you think?

Whether you're a fan of action-adventure games, enjoy a good satire, or simply love the thrill of high-speed cycling, Parcel Corps has something to offer. Game on!

游戏开始！

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The 2024'ish Wishmas Guide... for the Office!

 

This guide was put on the shelf because a number of you were in holiday mode... and the thought of work (if you were lucky to have off) wasn't exactly something you wanted to think about. So here we are in 2025 serving up a list of useful + cool items... for the Office! The holidays are a wrap, but... that doesn't stop you from adding items to your wishlist to make your space even better!

 Computer Tech 

This is basically the focal point of most offices, unless your primary tool is something else. So we will start with... computer related tech!

• Video Games: I don't know if I should be recommending video games for the office, but you have plenty of options to nab for... free or even stream if you have an Amazon Prime membership. Free games + free Twitch sub + more with... Prime Gaming! This will give you options to check out here and there if you have the leeway to do so. 
  

  
  

• Graphics Card: If you're a gamer, a new graphics card is definitely worth considering if your system is struggling when it comes to the latest games. It's always wonderful to get your hands on a new game, but... it's hard to enjoy the game and it's visuals if your system is finding it extremely difficult to play it. You have AMD graphics cards, Nvidia, and Intel has also entered the arena with its Arc Alchemist series.
  
  
  

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  RAM: RAM is a given, and maxing out your RAM if it's affordable to do so... has multiple benefits. It improves your multitasking, faster performance since it's random access memory that decreases the need to pull from slower options like your hard drive. It certainly enhances your gaming experience by reducing the lag and allowing for better graphic rendering.
  
  More RAM is also great for those of you who also work with data analytics and scientific computing because it's able to process complex calculations and large datasets more efficiently than it would with the bare minimum. It's also a great way to future-proof your system.
  
  To determine the Amount of RAM your system can use on Windows OS:
  
  Check your OS: If you're working with a 32-bit Windows OS... your cap is 4GB of RAM. Yikes!
  The 64-bit version doesn't have this limit, but to determine the amount for your 64-bit system, follow these steps:
  
  Open Command Prompt with  Windows (Key) + R  and then type  cmd ... then press  Enter .
  
  Once the command prompt (window opens), type  wmic memphysical get MaxCapacity, MemoryDevices  and then press  Enter .
  
  The output will show the Max RAP capacity in kilobytes, so... divide that number by 1,048,576 to convert it to gigabytes. This will give you the answer you seek.
  
  For example, the system i'm currently writing this article on, has a MaxCapacity of 134,217,728 KB... which is 128GB when you divide it by the number highlighted in blue. It currently has 32GB under the hood, which is more than enough at this time... especially with the affordable price tag of around $50 bucks or so). No matter what route you take, if you get the protection plan, you're covered!
  
  To determine the Amount of RAM your system can use on macOS:
  
  Click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac." From there, click "More Info" to see the system specifications + the maximum RAM supported.
  
  

• 
  SSD: For some of us, you can never have enough storage space, but based on what you'll be doing with that storage space might better help you determine what you need. If you require more space for software, definitely get internal storage. Even then, if you require things like images to be readily available and you don't want to worry about connecting an external storage... this is also beneficial. If you simply want to unload pics and files, consider an external SSD option. You can grab a 500GB SSD for $25.99!
  
  There are data recover protection plans too, allowing you to score 3-years of coverage for $14.99. The protection cotsts can add up, but anything worth protecting is worth the coverage... and the cost isn't reoccuring as long as you choose the right plan.
  
  ***I will say this about the Asurion Complete Protect. It can prove useful if you buy a ton of tech on a frequent basis, because... one plan covers all eligible past and future purchases. So if you need such a thing, the option is there, but if its not something you need... spare yourself the $16.99/month.
  
  
  
• Monitors: There are some really nice monitors out there... and performance surely varies, one of which is the Lenovo L27i-40 27" monitor. I'm highlighting this one specifically, because one or more of these would be a nice addition to a professional office setup. This particular monitor serves up 1920x1080 resolution, 100Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync tech, etc. $149.99 isn't bad, especially if this sleek monitor is your style. Lenovo has been knocking it out of the park in this department, I'm using two of their monitors to write this article.
  
  
  

 Desktop 

• 
  AJAZZ AKP153 Desktop Studio Controller: This desktop controller... knocks it out of the park in terms of usefulness. If you're a streamer of any kind, it helps to have a studio controller. One particular reason is for the gamers out there.
  
  A number of PC users don't remember all their keyboard shortcuts and some gamers find themselves clicking out of the game just to go over to their recording software to begin the capture... where as this affordable controller can do it with the press of a button.
  
  It doesn't stop there, because you can use it for work to open those frequently used programs as needed. Work smarter, especially if there is tech available to help up your game. Grab it for 20% off ($71.99)!
  

• Large Extended Mouse Pad with Keyboard Shortcuts: This is perfect for those of you who would like to boost productivity by way of getting more familiar with keyboard shortcuts. This 27.5in X 11.8in mouse pad has short cuts for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Office, and Windows. There are other awesome designs from the same company, but... the usefulness for this mouse pad is on 10! Grab it for $16.99!
  

  
  
  

• 
  AJAZZ AJ159 Dual Mode Gaming Mouse: This 5 button programmable mouse, is lightweight, able to be used on the usb-c cable or wirelessly. To charge the mouse in wireless mode... simply sit it on the magnetic charging dock. Performance wise, the lightweight mouse feels good, especially with up to 26K DPI movement detection. Your movements will be quick and precise with a mouse like this. (Click Click!) Speaking of the charging base, it has a nice RGB light that revolves around the foot of the base. This mouse is priced at around $42.99 on Amazon, but... we'll give you the hook up for $27.19!
  
  
  

 Tech Gifts, Etc. 

• 
  JCloud Smart Scent Air Machine (HVAC Pro Waterless Oil Diffuser): This is the first time we've ever recommended a gift like this. It's more on the lines of something you'd want to keep the office fresh for up to 2 months (based on this particular model). This Bluetooth controllable product would be mounted on the wall and the hose would be inserted into the AC duct to deliver fresh scent across a 2000sqft space. Refilling the scent is as simple as pulling the 3000ML bottle out of the top of the system, opening it up, filling it with the desired essential oil... and sitting it back inside.
  
  You can grab this system for $169.99 and make a positive impact on your office, spa, or a large room. Don't sleep on the $34.99 protection plan, it will cover you for 4 years!
  
  

• Saiyin Bookshelf Speakers w/ 2" horn tweeters + 3" woofers: These speakers caught my eye because they're clean and well put together (love the woodgrain). They have simple plug-n-play connectivity for optical-in, aux-in, arc/hdmi-in... and bluetooth compatibility.
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
• Shelving: While some individuals prefer a minimal look... some of us need shelving, and not the small ones that hold a few books and a candle. Not space saving may be racking your brain with your current setup, so... how's about a new shelf or shelves? One particular area where a shelf may be placed perfectly (if the space is there)... is right against the wall near your office door. This basically hides the shelf behind your office door when its open.
  
  

  
• Anime Statues: This isn't something on the lines of productivity, but... they look bad ass and add some flare to your office. While they can be positioned on a shelf, if they're the type that looks great when suspended from the ceiling... even better.
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Mini-Basketball Hoop: This might give more of a dorm room like feel or give the impression of a dude bro, but... screw it. If you enjoy basketball, there are some nice quality mini-hoops options out there. If it relieves stress to shoot a few hoops to keep you on your A-Game... do not underestimate the power of fun! There is a fantastic option with a rebounder that sends the ball back in your desired direction for $58.75. This is a limited time discount, similar to a pro option that you might find yourself bragging about because it's not your average wall mounted basketball hoop.
  
  Both durable options are by Franklin Sports, but the Pro Hoops option you see here has an adjustable height for the rim. It has 6 different positions thanks to the steel mount, and you're able to fold the rim with the flip of the tab. You can grab this pro hoops options for $79.77!
  

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 + Sophi 

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