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Review of ‘God of War Ragnarok’ – Lightning Strikes Twice

God of War Ragnarok, unlike its predecessor, is not a completely transformative installment in the series. It couldn’t possibly be, at least not in the same way.

The transition from the original God of War games to a totally new format with the release of the blockbuster remake in 2018 proved impossible to reproduce precisely. So Ragnarok will have to settle for being an amazing sequel to arguably one of the best games of the previous generation. And that should suffice for everyone.

The 2018 relaunch of the long-running PlayStation action franchise God of War as a more contemplative, open-world adventure raised some questions at first, but the astounding quality of the finished game dispelled any doubts. God of War Ragnarok, the sequel, is not the revelation that the original was, but “more of the same” is a nice treat when “the same” is so very, very excellent.

Following are spoilers for God of War (2018) and the first two hours of this game. If you haven’t played the first, stop right now, take a sick day, and begin!

***The transition from the original God of War games to a totally new format with the release of the blockbuster remake in 2018 proved impossible to reproduce precisely***

The original game ended on an emotionally high note and with an intriguing cliffhanger, with Kratos and son Atreus ultimately scattering the ashes of wife and mother Faye in Jotunheim while also learning that Atreus was known to the now-disappeared Giants as Loki.

This isn’t “DLC,” which was a popular criticism directed at Ragnarok in early previews by some, citing similar zones and animations. This game is just as broad and massive as the original, even if the previous game does offer it certain old realms and soaring Leviathan axe moves. My usual “Give Me Balance” hard playing lasted slightly over 30 hours, which includes a lot of exploration rather than focusing on the main story. But, because I reserved some sidequests, optional monsters, and challenges for the end, I was able to complete practically everything in 37 hours or less. A hundred percent the game would take a few minutes longer than that (there are so many dang Odin ravens to discover), and all of this would take much, much longer on higher levels.

I’ve put in around 18 hours so far, and while I’m thoroughly enjoying Ragnarok, I haven’t been as regularly shocked by the landscape, combat, or cutscenes as I was in the first game. To be sure, there have been fantastic moments and breathtaking landscapes, but I wasn’t gawking at the screen like I was when I first saw Jormungandr or Freya’s turtle house. Of course, fewer surprises are to be expected in a direct sequel, but God of War’s expanding scale from its humble beginnings, as well as the diversity of the realms you explored, was a significant part of its allure.

The good news is that as you leave the initial handful of regions, things start to differentiate, so if you think of them as a “coming up to speed” thing rather than the first actual set of pieces, you’ll have a better experience. Ragnarok has its own identity, but it takes some time to emerge.

It’s still incredibly fantastic in terms of story, concepts, and acting, yet there’s a sense of “what am I doing here exactly” that bugs me while I play, which was never really the case previously. Taking Faye’s ashes to the highest peak in the realms was a convenient movable goalpost, but everything was still in service to it – as Kratos was constantly emphasizing to Atreus, they didn’t even want to get involved in the gods’ affairs.

God of War Ragnarok does not exceed the high water mark set by its predecessor in 2018, but it also does not fall below it. And what begins as more of the (great) same eventually diversifies and addresses some of the first game’s few flaws. This stunning and innovative game is easy to suggest to any PlayStation owner (I played on PS5), and no doubt it will be among the best-selling titles this year as it makes its way into varied holiday plans.

Catch the Latest Updates on Tech and Science

iPhone 15 in 2023: Apple iPhone 15 Design Revealed by New Apple Leak

After the release of Apple’s iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro lines, there have been numerous reports about the following iteration: the iPhone 15. It’s still early, as these devices aren’t expected to be released until fall 2023, but the rumor mill never stops.

Remember, everything we know so far is based on rumors and other media stories – nothing has been official yet, and it probably won’t be until we get closer to the traditional new iPhone season in September. While you may be (rightly) suspicious of some rumors, they do point to the path Apple is likely to take with the next iPhone.

Though Apple introduced the iPhone small with the iPhone 12 lineup and continued to use it with the iPhone 13 series, the mini was discontinued when the iPhone 14 was released. It was superseded by the larger iPhone 14 Plus, which went from a 5.4-inch screen to a gigantic 6.7-inch display (same as the iPhone 14 Pro Max), with the original iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro remaining at the previous generation’s 6.1-inch size.

*The Apple A16 Bionic is a 64-bit ARM-based system on a chip designed by Apple Inc. and manufactured by TSMC*

Apple is likely to continue this with the iPhone 15 series, which will include an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Again, the basic iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are expected to have 6.1-inch displays, while the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max will have 6.7-inch displays.

However, the name of the iPhone 15 Pro Max may alter. According to reports, the “Pro Max” designation may be replaced with “Ultra,” akin to the Apple Watch Ultra.

Those hoping for a big change in the iPhone may be disappointed, as the iPhone 15 may look identical to the iPhone 14. While the Dynamic Island pill-and-hole cutout was previously exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro models, Apple may be spreading it to all iPhone 15 models. If this is the fact, the iPhone 15 will be the first iPhone range to do away with the notch entirely.

As previously stated, four iPhone 15 versions are expected: the 6.1-inch iPhone 15, the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max (or Ultra).

*iPhone 15 Pro Max may alter. According to reports, the “Pro Max” designation may be replaced with “Ultra,” akin to the Apple Watch Ultra.*

According to a new claim, the iPhone 15 may ditch the physical buttons in favor of haptic, solid-state power and volume controls. This would function in the same way as the iPhone 7 Home button. Instead of physically depressing when pressed, it would use haptic feedback to simulate how it would feel if a button was pressed.

If the report concerning solid-state buttons is correct, the iPhone 15 would need two Taptic Engines on the left and right sides. Such a modification would also have an impact on case compatibility; even if the iPhone 15 models were the same size and thickness as the iPhone 14 (with the camera bump), you’d need a case that allows for constant access to the haptic buttons.

In fact, I wouldn’t be shocked if the rumored delay in M2 MacBook Pro shipping isn’t related to the firm rethinking how it will position M1 models in general: continue selling them at a discount like the M1 MacBook Air and risk additional cannibalization, or replace the models totally. It’s a developing issue that Apple needs to address across several product lines.

Some questions remained, such as how cases will function (cutouts may feel weird), but it appears to be a pretty positive step overall. Combine this with reports that Apple will release an iPhone 15 Ultra with a super strong titanium chassis, dual-facing front cameras, a Thunderbolt 4-powered USB-C port, and a new design for standard iPhone 15 models in 2023 — and it appears that the excitement surrounding iPhones will return in 2023.

Catch for tech updates: TECH & SCIENCE

Nikon’s Z9 Firmware 3.0 Update Available with Nearly 20 New Features

Coca-Cola Announces a Holiday Promotion offers and Adds NaviLens Codes to Multi-Packs

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is kicking off its annual Coca-Cola Christmas countdown this month with the introduction of a new on-pack promotion to assist with the cost of memorable festive moments.

Prizes for Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Coca-Cola Original Taste include £200 coupons for Christmas feasts as well as thousands of seasonal gifts. Coca-annual Cola’s classic Christmas marketing campaign lends support.

From mid-November, festive-themed sharing packs of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and, for the first time, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry will be available, featuring the renowned Sundblom Santa Claus.

From the 21st of November, shoppers may scan QR codes on-pack for a chance to win pre-loaded £200 ‘Festive Feast’ gift cards from Love2Shop, which are accepted by supermarkets, food aggregators, restaurant chains, and other retailers.

The sale will be available on big PET bottles (1.25lt, 1.75lt, and 2lt) as well as multi-packs of cans.

In the meanwhile, Coca-Cola’s Christmas can multi-packs (24 & 30) will contain NaviLens codes on the cardboard outters for the first time, allowing partially sighted customers who have difficulties navigating traditional signage to find their desired products. Shoppers who are partially sighted will be able to scan the codes with their phone camera, and the information they require will be contextualized in the NaviLens app. They do not need to know the exact location of the codes because they can be detected at wide angles, from distances of up to four meters, and when unfocused.

“Coca-Cola has been bringing people together at Christmas for more than 130 years, and this year is no different,” said Martin Attock, vice president of commercial development at CCEP GB. We want to help buyers focus on having beautiful moments with friends and family this Christmas by giving them a little something to invest towards a special meal.”

Catch the latest news on business trends: Dabur, an FMCG giant, plans to spice up the market by acquiring major stakes in Badshah Masala for Rs. 588 Crore

Harris will announce more than $13 billion in aid to help reduce winter energy expenses

Vice President Kamala Harris will announce new initiatives taken by the Biden administration to assist Americans to save money on energy this winter on Wednesday.

According to the White House, the US Department of Health and Human Services would provide $4.5 billion in aid to help reduce heating expenses for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

“In addition to paying home heating costs this winter and outstanding utility bills, the program will assist families in making cost-effective home energy renovations to cut their heating and cooling rates,” according to a statement from the White House.

According to the White House, LIHEAP has helped 5.3 million homes in the United States with heating, cooling, and weatherization in the last year.

The US Department of Energy will also spend $9 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funds to assist up to 1.6 million households countrywide in improving their houses to reduce energy bills. According to the White House, this will be divided into two refund programs: one for whole-house energy efficiency retrofits and another for highly efficient and electric home appliances.

According to the White House, Harris will address the measures when visiting a union hall and training center in Boston on Wednesday.

MORE: Higher heating expenditures are likely this winter due to energy market turmoil: Report

According to a recent analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly half of U.S. households rely on natural gas for heating, and their bills could jump 28% this winter compared to last winter, while bills for heating oil are projected to be 27% higher and electricity 10% higher.

According to a recent assessment by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, which represents LIHEAP state directors, energy expenses are likely to be the highest this winter in more than a decade. This comes amid surging inflation rates, with consumer prices in the United States rising to a 40-year high of 6.6% in September.

A number of reasons have contributed, including a comeback in global energy use following the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic, which has caused price hikes, and Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has increased costs and reduced supplies.

Hospitalizations in New York City are on the rise as new COVID strains spread rapidly.

US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, was attacked by suspect David Depape, who yelled “Where is Nancy?” according to a source.

Hospitalizations in New York City are on the rise as new COVID strains spread rapidly

Hospitalizations in New York City are on the rise because of the spread of novel COVID-19 subvariants that are more adept at circumventing immunity Flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, cases are also on the rise.

According to state data, approximately 1,100 COVID patients were hospitalized as of Oct. 24, up from 750 in mid-September, as reported by the New York Times. Case numbers have remained stable, albeit with many people testing at home and no data being collected, those figures are not accurate.

According to CDC data, the omicron sublineages known as BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 accounted for 42.5% of all cases in the New York region in the week ending Oct. 29, up from 37% the previous week.

This was higher than the BA.5 omicron subvariant, which accounted for 35.7% of new cases in the New York area in the previous week. The two sublineages were not even registered three weeks ago, illustrating how quickly they are spreading.

Experts are particularly concerned about a widespread outbreak of RSV, which can cause respiratory issues in young children and the elderly and for which no vaccination is presently available.

However, Pfizer Inc. reported on Tuesday that data from a late-stage trial of an RSV vaccine showed that it was beneficial in avoiding severe sickness in children as young as 6 months old.

The vaccine, administered to expectant moms, achieved a vaccination effectiveness of 81.8% in newborns from birth to the first 90 days of life in the Phase 3 trial. 69.4% effectiveness was established in the trial over the first 6 months of life.

Pfizer stated that it plans to file its first U.S. regulatory application for the vaccine by the end of 2022, followed by applications to additional regulatory bodies. It will also submit the trial results to a scientific journal for peer assessment.

Coronavirus Updates: Since the coronavirus epidemic began, MarketWatch’s daily roundup has been compiling and reporting on all the newest events every day.

Hospitalizations in New York City are on the rise because of the spread of novel COVID-19 subvariants that are more adept at circumventing immunity Flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, cases are also on the rise.

Other COVID-19 news to be aware of:

According to Reuters, Apple supplier Foxconn announced Tuesday that it has increased bonuses for workers at its Zhengzhou facility in central China in order to quell resentment over COVID limitations and retain staff at the massive iPhone assembly site. According to the official WeChat account of Foxconn’s Zhengzhou factory, daily bonuses for employees of a Foxconn unit responsible for creating electronics including smartphones have been increased to 400 yuan ($55) per day for November from 100 yuan. Workers deserted the site over the weekend to evade COVID limits after complaining on social media about their treatment and provisions.

To get more updates on Healthcare Industry: Dermal fillers market rise up to USD 9.45 billion by 2030

Russia deploys MiG-31 fighter jets to Belarus with ballistic ‘Killjoy’ missiles, according to UK intelligence.

Western defense sources on Tuesday warned that Russia had “probably certainly” deployed two MiG-31K Foxhound fighter jets and an AS-24 Killjoy ballistic missile in Belarus.

according to the United Kingdom’s defense minister, the deployment of the missile, which has a range of up to 1,200 miles, is the first time Moscow has used one of its restricted Killjoy weapons in Belarus.

DURING A TENSE AID PHONE CALL, BIDEN Shouted AT UKRAINE’S ZELENSKYY: REPORT

The MiG-31K is “suited to carry” the ballistic missile, but defense experts contend that deploying the weaponry to Belarus will do little to help Russia’s strategic interests in Ukraine.

The intelligence briefing stated that “it continues to waste its advanced long-range weapons against targets of minimal operational importance.” “By basing KILLJOY in Belarus, Russia gains no benefit in terms of attacking additional targets in Ukraine.”

Since first invading Ukraine in February, Moscow has relied on Minsk, utilizing its borders to deploy thousands of troops, firing missiles from Belarusian airspace, and regrouping its forces after being forced to retreat from northern Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pose for a photograph during their meeting Friday, March 11, 2022, in Moscow. Photo by AP of Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, and the Kremlin Pool

Western defense experts have been keeping a close eye on Lukashenko’s military plans for months, as he has stationed troops alongside Russian forces on the Ukraine-Belarus border.

Kyiv, on the other hand, has stated repeatedly that it does not expect Minsk will completely engage in the fight alongside Moscow by unleashing invading forces.

Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have frequently requested improved air defense systems and airplanes from Western partners, as Russia increasingly depends on air-based attacks.

According to Ukraine’s Operational Command South, Russian forces have targeted settlements along the front lines in Mykolaiv and Kherson, where the fierce battle continues.

According to Ukrainian news outlet Pravda, the military stated that “the enemy is conducting aerial surveillance, including the use of combat drones that return to base.” “When Lancet drones are employed for surveillance missions, explosives are also dropped on their target.”

Mikoyan MIG-29: **Fulcrum, jet fighter aircraft are presented at the air show during the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Salon**

In recent months, Ukraine has kept operational information from the southern regions to a minimum, and strategic progress remains hazy.

On Tuesday, Ukrainian air defense troops shot down two Russian attack helicopters in Kherson and utilized a high-precision hit on a “cluster” of Russian forces in Mykolaiv, according to the southern command.

Catch daily world new updates here: Russia deploys MiG-31 fighter jets to Belarus with ballistic ‘Killjoy’ missiles, according to UK intelligence.

The NFL Community Reacts to Tom Brady’s Post-Divorce Photo

Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen announced their divorce on Friday afternoon. After 13 years of marriage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and Brazilian top model Gisele Bündchen announced their divorce last Friday. It seems like an eternity since the last time they had public words of affection, but in an era where memory is not the best feature, we are dedicated just to remembering the last happy birthday messages that this couple dedicated to each other on social media.

NBC2 tweeted, “Tom Brady was spotted handing away food in Englewood.”

While Brady has had a difficult week (a loss to the Ravens, a divorce), he isn’t letting it interfere with his important weekend.

Brady, 45, spent the weekend helping with hurricane assistance.

One supporter described him as “a man of the people.”

“He recently divorced, his football team is currently underperforming, and he’s out in the streets of a natural disaster zone handing out food…… Please explain to me why people despise this man “one supporter commented

“I’d love to see it! I’m not going to bet against him “another fan was added

Tom Brady made a great move there.

Tom Brady’s message on Gisele Bündchen’s 42nd birthday:

On July 20, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel turned 42, and on the same day, Brady posted a publication, also on Instagram, in which his then-wife is seen with an extraordinarily sensual position and a large smile; before that image, the former New England Patriots player wrote:

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Lakers fans apologize to Russell Westbrook After an explosive performance off the bench: “The Brodie Can Still Play!”

Elon Musk is considering making verification a Twitter Blue perk.

According to Platformer Casey Newton and The Verge, with Elon Musk in control, Twitter plans to raise the price of its Blue subscription plan from $5 to $20 per month and make it mandatory for verified users. If the plan is launched, verified users (celebrities, politicians, journalists, etc.) must sign up for the service within 90 days or lose the blue check mark. Employees working on the project have reportedly been told they will be fired if the improvements are not implemented by November 7th.

Twitter introduced Blue in the United States late last year for $3 a month but raised the price to $5 in July. It provides subscribers with benefits such as top articles, unique icons, and, most recently, the ability to modify tweets. The firm has not disclosed membership counts, revenue, or other statistics regarding Twitter Blue, but according to Investopedia, the great majority of its revenue (89 percent) comes from advertising.

Musk indicated the change in a tweet yesterday, saying that “the entire verification procedure is being rebuilt right now.” As Newton pointed out, Twitter’s @verified now follows approximately 428,000 accounts that have the blue check, representing a small percentage of the site’s 206 million daily active users.

Many of them have tweeted about the change, and many would not pay $20 to maintain their verified status. At the same time, users have expressed concern that the new approach may exacerbate Twitter’s bot and spam concerns, which Musk appears to despise. “The objective of Twitter verification is… to be able to verify their assertions are coming from them,” cosmologist and writer Katie Mack tweeted.” It’s meant to combat misinformation, not to be a status symbol.”

Musk has been very busy in his short days as “chief twit.” According to The New York Times, he has ordered company-wide layoffs. On Saturday, the SpaceX and Tesla CEO reportedly instructed managers to begin compiling lists of staff to lay off.

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Big names are leaving Twitter under a week after Elon Musk took over, and rising hate and strict regulations are said to be the reason

Elon Musk closes a $44 billion Twitter deal, bringing an end to a months-long saga.

Big names are leaving Twitter under a week after Elon Musk took over, and rising hate and strict regulations are said to be the reason

That didn't take long at all. Elon Musk's $44 billion takeover of Twitter is only four days old, and he's already facing backlash from celebrities, lawmakers, and advertisers concerned about how the social network may alter under his leadership, even as many conservative voices applaud.

She said of the man who attacked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband this week. “He was tweeting antisemitic tropes, he was exhibiting memes that depicted violence, and all of this election-denying, pro-Trump, MAGA-crowd stuff,” That’s what we’re up against here… I just don’t think that any individuals should be getting money off of spreading a lot of misinformation.”

She noted that whereas TV networks are required to filter advertising for incorrect information before they have been shown and published, companies such as Twitter are not subject to the same rules.

“We need to modify the requirements for these companies,” she explained. “They’re profiting from us.” They are profiting from the violence.”

Meanwhile, NBA superstar LeBron James said yesterday that the increase in N-word usage on Twitter since Musk’s takeover was “scary AF,” and he hoped Musk “and his staff takes this very seriously.”

This came to know after the Network Contagion Research Institute, a social media research organisation, reported that use of the N-word on Twitter increased 500% in the 12 hours after Musk took control.

“Freedom of expression.” “Liberal tears,” Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan tweeted on Friday. Jordan is a close ally of former President Donald Trump, whom the previous Twitter administration barred from the platform—and whom Musk may invite back.

According to Dataminr, which also analyses social media, antisemitic memes increased, as did the term “plandemic”—shorthand for a conspiracy theory in which elites use the pandemic to obtain power and profit from vaccinations.

Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz told Fox News on Friday, “I think Elon Musk buying Twitter is one of the most momentous moves in modern times for free speech.”

“I am extremely delighted that Twitter is now in sane hands, and will no longer be ruled by Radical Left Lunatics and Maniacs who actually detest our country,” Trump tweeted on his alternative social site Truth Social.

Podcaster Joe Rogan, for one, praised Musk, a self-described “free-speech absolutist,” on Saturday for seeking to restore a “reasonable exchange of ideas” on the platform.

“I think we have a serious problem with Twitter discourse,” he continued. “Some would like to quiet those who hold opposing views, and then you get all this great feedback from everyone who agrees with you.”

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Elon Musk closes a $44 billion Twitter deal, bringing an end to a months-long saga.