In fact, the story stays pretty appealing all the way through its 4-5 hour runtime. The art direction is equally impressive, providing an unbelievable display of creativity. The sheer variety of creature designs once you get to space is staggering.
Is The Artful Escape a good game?
As I said up top, The Artful Escape may not sound like much on paper. Its individual pieces aren’t anything special. But mix them together, and you’ve got an amazing creation, and one of the best games of the year. The Artful Escape is a thrill.
Do choices matter in The Artful Escape?
The Artful Escape is like a downhill snowboarding title meets a gentle platformer meets a rhythm game. You can choose dialogue options throughout the game, but they won’t affect the plot in any discernible way.
What is The Artful Escape based on?
Some of the character and world designs are based on doodles that Galvatron made in his school books when he was younger. Johnson Vendetti is based on folk music legend Bob Dylan, according to Galvatron. Galvatron formed Beethoven & Dinosaur, an Australian studio, to work on the game.
Why is everyone wearing glasses in The Artful Escape?
Everyone wears glasses, presumably in homage to their fallen hero. Businesses are closing; people are leaving.
Can you save in artful escape?
There is no way to perform a manual save in The Artful Escape. Instead, the game will autosave at certain checkpoints throughout each of its 28 chapters so you don’t need to worry about it as much.
Is The Artful Escape a rhythm game?
The Artful Escape is a 2D platformer with some rhythm game features that tells a meaningful story about a boy who wants to be a rock musician. The Artful Escape can be considered one of the most beautiful indie games of recent times, and not just for its stellar music.
Is artful escape on PC?
The Artful Escape will run on PC system with Windows 7 and upwards.
What year does The Artful Escape take place?
The Artful Escape transports players to 1972 and tells the story of teenage guitar prodigy Francis Vendetti in the small town of Calypso, Colorado.
How many chapters are in The Artful Escape?
The Artful Escape contains a total of 28 chapters, each with its own unique checkpoints within and the ability to jump back to an earlier one at any time.
Is The Artful Escape linear?
As I previously stated, it’s a linear walking simulator with specific moments where the rhythm gameplay aspect comes in. Between these are tried and true dialogue bubble segments, but in The Artful Escape the excellent voice cast and stylized tone and humor make these moments entertaining and even thought provoking.
Is The Artful Escape difficult?
There are no tough puzzles, no difficult platforming challenges, and no complicated strings of notes to stretch your fingers. Instead, The Artful Escape incorporates the elements of each genre in order to emphasize the different elements of its story and the settings in which it takes place.
How long is lost worlds beyond the page?
It is a short game lasting around 4 to 5 hours, if anything that would be my only grumble about the game.
Is Ashen a 2 player?
What is multiplayer in Ashen? Ashen features passive multiplayer, meaning you’ll encounter other wanderers in the world who you can choose to complete quests with, take on dungeons or just explore the world together.
Is The Artful Escape good Reddit?
The Artful Escape is a rockin’ Space Opera but it doesn’t have much going for it besides its pretty visuals and incredible music. The platforming is basic and the plot is serviceable, but it’s nothing that audiences haven’t seen before. I’d recommend this game only if you’re a fan of rock music from the ’70s and ’80s.
How you get up there artful escape?
Is The Artful Escape on Gamepass?
THE ARTFUL ESCAPE leaves Xbox Gamepass on the 15th! That’s… like 2 or 3 days away! It’s definitely the biggest news this week.
Following on from the amazing Hyper Light Drifter, indie studio Heart Machine is trying a whole new genre with their second game: Instead of a 2D declaration of love to Zelda, Solar Ash delivers lightning-fast platformer action in a breathtakingly beautiful sci-fi world. In the test plus video, the game captivated us with its great look and smooth movement, but there were also stumbling blocks in the way.
With the fantastic Hyper Light Drifter, the small studio Heart Machine managed to become an indie darling in one fell swoop in 2016. Five years later, the second neon-soaked space trip is about to start:
Solar Ash ditches the pixelated Zelda airs of its spiritual predecessor and instead focuses on high-speed platforming in a wicked 3D world.
In the test, we will explain why this works great on the one hand, but why the game falls a little short of its potential on the other!
You take on the role of voidrunner Rei, whose home planet is in danger of being swallowed up and crushed by a gigantic black hole called the Ultravoid.
And the key to saving your homeland is, how could it be otherwise, in the middle of this black hole: An artifact called Starseed is said to be able to turn back time and push your planet out of the Ultravoid’s gravity.
Smoothie from the game world blender
Because the black hole has already incorporated so many other planets before, a wonderfully surreal, varied and often breathtakingly beautiful world awaits you in Solar Ash, which is composed of different biomes, cultures and buildings. The whole thing is held together by a sea of stable clouds on which you can surf around elegantly.
Occasionally, Solar Ash will also use the twisted gravity of the Ultravoid to conjure up some really funky and awe-inspiring environments, but there could have been a lot more. Still, the game world is clearly the star of Solar Ash, and finding out what sci-fi feverish dream you’ll be transported to next is the biggest motivating factor in the game!
Rush of colors
The extremely stylish look of Solar Ash fits this setting like a glove. The game combines the deliberately simple, reduced graphic style of a Journey or The Pathless with the strong, surreal coloring of Hyper Light Drifter.
The developer remains true to its optical line and, like in the spiritual predecessor, sends you on an almost psychedelic journey through a fascinating game world. And while we’re on the subject of psychedelic: The excellent movement of the high-speed platformer also ensures that you move through the game over long distances as if in a trance.
Hyper Light Surfer
As a void runner, you have a few useful tools at your disposal with which you can master the sloping jump passages. The most important of these is on your feet: With your inline skates you can not only grind along edges, but also otherwise surf through the area at breakneck speed.
Combined with grappling hooks, double jump and boost, this results in a lightning-fast, great controllable and fluid movement, thanks to which you simply won’t want to stand still. Because of the generous lock-on for your melee attack, you even knock out the sparsely used opponents at full speed.
The tasks that you complete in the successively unlocked areas also play well into the cards of this movement: In each zone you have to defeat a fragment, a huge monster made of slime and bone, in order to activate a node on the starseed. But first you have to wipe out all the smaller anomalies in the area.
And they always turn out to be a temporary obstacle course: With breakneck maneuvers, you destroy the nerve endings of the slime formations almost as you fly by before they can build up their protective shield and throw you down. The time limits are so tight that you have to master the movement options of your character well.
How long Solar Ash is best?
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5.
Genres: Action, Adventure.
Developer: Heart Machine.
NA: December 02, 2021.
EU: December 02, 2021.
Updated: 2.5 Hours Ago.
How long is Solar Ash game?
A full completionist playthrough of Solar Ash can last anywhere from 7 to 13 hours, depending on several factors. If a player is struggling with Solar Ash’s bosses or having trouble finding the game’s hidden caches’, then the playthrough will obviously be on the longer end of the spectrum.
What is the story of Solar Ash?
In Solar Ash, the player takes control of a female main character named Rei and journeys through the Ultravoid, a ravenous rift in space swallowing worlds. It is place of incredible danger and surreal spaces – a dream none can escape.
Is Solar Ash like Shadow of the Colossus?
‘Solar Ash’ Review: 2021’s Coolest Game Is A Sci-Fi ‘Shadow Of The Colossus’ Like the strange, ravenous rift upon which our hero Rei finds herself, Solar Ash is an ethereal and unexpected fusion of many different games and genres.
Is Solar Ash a good game?
Solar Ash has some big ideas, and while it’s not all smooth skating thanks to minor control quirks and a couple of design elements that don’t quite reach their full potential, it’s definitely a journey worth taking.
Is Solar Ash a timed exclusive?
After taking a look, it still says “Coming Soon.” So I can only assume once the game is actually released on Epic, they’ll start the timer for that annoying exclusive period. I actually confirmed with the games publisher that Solar Ash will remain a EGS exclusive game and will not see a Steam release.
Does Solar Ash have multiple endings?
Solar Ash has multiple endings, both good and bad. If you want to know how to get them and what’s in store, this guide has you covered. Though there are multiple endings in Solar Ash, much of the game follows a single critical path. You’ll enter an area, clear out anomalies, then kill the boss.
Is Solar Ash open world?
Both are open-world games on a budget, prioritizing platforming challenges and fast, smooth movement over combat and custom story missions. In Solar Ash, you slide around on futuristic roller skates, boosting and grinding in every direction; in The Pathless, you propel yourself forward using a magical bow and arrow.
How many worlds are in Solar Ash?
There’s a total of six worlds in Solar Ash, with a colossal boss encounter at the end of each world. In order to trigger a gigantic world boss, you must scan the world for focus points filled with black ooze.
Age of Empires 4 is getting an anniversary update. “2022 is the focus of Age of Empires: Not only does Age of Empires 4 celebrate its one-year anniversary, but the Age franchise itself is also 25 years old,” Microsoft and Relic Entertainment announced. In the course of Gamescom, the developers presented the first tangible details of the next patch for the real-time strategy game. Highlights include the two new civilizations of the Ottomans and Malians.
Two new civilizations
“With the West African Malians, you lead one of the most powerful and richest trading nations of all time and cement an economic empire on the foundation of mining and lucrative gold investments,” write the creators of the update announcement. With the Ottomans, on the other hand, you can conquer a powerful empire together with the excellently trained armed forces. The Dardanelles cannon, the largest gunpowder-powered siege weapon of all time, will help you in this.
In addition to the new civilizations, the upcoming Age of Empires 4 update also includes new maps, achievements and masteries that will appear alongside the Season 3 content. Relic Entertainment had already published a preview of the roadmap planned for 2022 in June. The new update will be released on October 25th. The patch should already be part of the Public Update Preview in September. Interested parties can register for the Age Insider program and try out the new content – including the two new cultures – in advance. By the way: Age of Empires 4 can be played for free on Steam until August 29th. If you like it, you can currently get the unlimited full version for 24.99 euros in a deal.
Is Age of Empires 4 good?
Age of Empires 4 is a good game and good PR for Microsoft’s game division, but nothing more 😉 The game would have been much better if they had focused more on the single player. This mode turns off AoE. The biggest problem with the game is the unemotional campaign.
What is the best race in Age of Empires 4?
There are these races in Age of Empires 4 (S+ tier stands for the strongest faction, C tier for the weakest race): S+ tier: French. S animal: Rus, English. A+ Tier: Mongols.
What is the best Age of Empire?
Age of Empires 2 is still considered one of the best, and for many the best strategy game of all time, and Age of Empires 4 starts right here: In its essence, it plays the same way, but brings in many new tactical and economic facets that add to the whole give more depth.
How many players does Age of Empires 4 have?
To put that in perspective, Age 4 had around 9,000 concurrent active players on Steam as of February 2022, while Age of Empires 2, originally released over twenty years ago in its HD and Definitive Editions, still has a whopping 19,000 concurrent players is played.
How popular is Age of Empires 4?
In the global top sellers on Steam, Age of Empires IV is currently number 1 ahead of Forza Horizon 5, The Forest and New World – that speaks for solid sales figures. In terms of player numbers, Age of Empires 4 reached 73,928 players simultaneously on Sunday.
When does aoe4 play?
The game progresses through the four stages Dark Age, Feudal Age, Fortress Age and Imperial Age. The languages and dialects of the units are changing for the first time based on historical models. After the game was released, the content editor was added in an update.
How to win at Age of Empires 4?
And you should make full use of it. Be sure to always send the scout traveling in the first few minutes of the game. So you keep coming across stray sheep that serve as a source of food in your village center.
How big is Age of Empires 4?
Disk space: 50 GB available disk space. Additional Notes: 4 GB of video RAM and 16 GB of system RAM.
How much does Age of Empires 4 cost?
Age of Empires IV (PC) from €37.98 (September 2022 prices)
Where to download Age of Empires for free?
The download takes you to the Steam gaming platform. Here you can buy the game and then download it.
What’s in Age of Empires 4 Deluxe Edition?
Age of Empires 4: Walkthrough with all 35 campaign missions.
What is the best race in Age of Empires 2?
Two extremely good races for beginners and advanced are the Teutons and Byzantines. They each have strong defensive capabilities, robust special units, and a broad tech tree.
What is the latest Age of Empires?
In October 2022 “Age of Empires” will be 25 years old – on this occasion “Age of Empires 4” will receive a free update with two brand new civilizations.
When is Age of Empires 4 Ranked coming?
The end of the closed beta is scheduled for January 28, 2022. In spring 2022, the ranked game mode should then be available to everyone. At the end of each season, the developers will distribute exclusive rewards to players based on their rank.
What Age of Empires are there?
Age of Empires. 2.1.1 Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome.
Age of Empires II. 2.2.1 Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings.
Age of Mythology.
Age of Empires III.
Age of Empires Online.
Age of Empires: Castle Siege.
Age of Empires: The Age of Kings.
Age of Empires: Mythologies.
When to download Age of Empires 4?
With Age of Empires IV, a new part of Microsoft’s classic real-time strategy series was finally released in October 2021 after 16 years. As in the most popular part of the series Age of Empires II to this day, the battles for world domination also take place in the new game in the Middle Ages.
The Far Cry shooter series has enjoyed great popularity for many years. If you’ve always toyed with the idea of buying the latest offshoot Far Cry 6, you’re now being offered a particularly good opportunity. At Gamesplanet, starting tonight at 7:00 p.m., a large-scale sales campaign will take place where you can grab the first-person shooter at a discount of 63%. So it only costs 21.99 euros. But this is only the beginning.
Great deals on the Far Cry shooter franchise
Not only Far Cry 6, but also many other games in the shooter series can be bought cheaply at Gamesplanet. The predecessor Far Cry 5 is even reduced by 81% and therefore only costs 11 euros. Far Cry 4 is available in the Gold Edition as an attractive bargain and only costs 13.50 euros, which corresponds to a discount of 77%. The Far Cry discount promotion runs until October 13, 2022.
Take-Two Interactive games at bargain prices
In addition to Far Cry 6 & Co., the promotional campaign for publisher Take-Two Interactive at Gamesplanet is also worth a closer look. This sales campaign also offers some attractive bargains. For example, the western action hit Red Dead Redemption 2 is reduced by 50% and thus costs just 29.99 euros. The Ultimate Edition with numerous extras is even 60% cheaper. There are also deals for the strategy game series Civilization and the tactical hit XCOM 2. GTA 5 is also on offer. There should be something for almost every taste. We have summarized some of the highlights in an overview.
More great deals at low prices
But not only Far Cry 6 and the promo for Take-Two Interactive await you at Gamesplanet, but also numerous flash deals. These are very limited-time offers so you shouldn’t wait too long. These currently include the action game Lost Planet 2 with a discount of 84%. There are also deals for Leisure Suit Larry and Golf With Your Friends. It’s worth browsing through the multitude of offers and going on a bargain hunt.
What Far Cry 6 helps with is that it’s a much faster game. You quickly get a wide variety of options to master the game situations and just have fun. There’s also a greater incentive to complete the many side objectives scattered around Yara.
Who is Far Cry 6 worth it for?
Incidentally, because of this explicit brutality, the drug issue and the sometimes rather crude humor, the video game is only suitable for adults – “Far Cry” is only released for adults over the age of 18 for a reason.
Is Far Cry 6 good?
Visually, Far Cry 6 looks and performs well, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. The venerable Dunia engine returns for the sixth installment in the Far Cry franchise – and it feels like the series is returning to its roots.
What is the goal in Far Cry 6?
Our goal: As a member of the guerrilla group Libertad, stop the unscrupulous dictator Antón Castillo. This is basically fun, but degenerates into an unfocused shooter due to some nicks. How did we test? We tested Far Cry 6 on PS5 on Action mode difficulty.
How long does it take to beat Far Cry 6?
Far Cry 6 – Playing Time Main Story: 22h 26m // All Side Quests: 58h 05m.
What is the best Far Cry?
The special feature: With the crazy psychopath Vaas, the third part of Ubisoft’s shooter series offers one of the best villains in video game history, whose crazy monologues you won’t soon forget.
What country is Far Cry 6 set in?
Far Cry 6 is set on Yara, a fictional island in the Caribbean where “El Presidente” Antón Castillo reigns as dictator.
When is Far Cry 7 coming?
The latest installment in the series will be available on October 7th for PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Where does far cry 6 take place?
Plot. Far Cry 6 takes place in 2021 in Yara, a fictional Caribbean island nation inspired by Cuba and ruled by the dictator Antón Castillo (Giancarlo Esposito). A 1967 guerrilla revolution that toppled the presidency of his father led to Yara’s isolation from the rest of the world.
Is far cry 6 co op?
Far Cry 6 once again features a full co-op campaign, allowing you to explore Yara with a buddy from the start of Dani Rojas’ journey until the end.
Is far cry 6 cross platform?
No, Far Cry 6 is not cross-platform compatible.
Is far cry 6 on steam?
Ubisoft’s upcoming game Far Cry 6 will not be releasing on Steam, though it can still be purchased on PC through various other outlets. Here’s why. The gameplay reveal for Far Cry 6 was released by Ubisoft on March 28, following a teaser trailer that generated significant hype among fans of the franchise.
Where is far cry 6 set?
Plot. Far Cry 6 takes place in 2021 in Yara, a fictional Caribbean island nation inspired by Cuba and ruled by the dictator Antón Castillo (Giancarlo Esposito).
Is far cry 6 good?
Developed by Ubisoft Toronto, Far Cry 6 is undoubtedly the best looking and feeling game in the series to date. While it doesn’t have the same narrative hooks as the best Far Cry game of all time, it does do an excellent job of getting you lost in a truly gorgeous open world.
The Turn 10 Studios development team has kept its word and released the extensive Series 7 update for the racing game Forza Horizon 5 for Xbox and PC today, Tuesday. The patch is now available for download and contains a variety of new features, content and optimizations. We provide you with the most important information here.
This is what the Series 7 update offers for Forza Horizon 5
The extensive update prepares everything in the racing game for the festivities around the “Cinco de Mayo”. It is a traditional Mexican holiday that takes place on May 5th every year. Matching this, there are some new items of clothing inspired by Mexico. You’ll also spot festive decorations around Guanajuato, even a giant T-Rex sculpture making its way into the game.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg: More than 200 new Horizon Tour Championships and over 50 additional racing events await you as part of the update. In addition, there is a large number of dewy cars from Ferrari. Specifically, you can look forward to five (modern) classics such as the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso or the Ferrari 512 TR, which you can unlock in Forza Horizon 5 through events. Below is the full list of improvements in the Forza Horizon 5 update.
Accolades
New Horizon Tour events allow “Power Trip” Accolade to be completed
Fixed “Now we’re talking” Accolade
Fixed “It’s go time” Accolade
Fixed “Prophet of Regret” Accolade
Fixed “Seven Day Wonder” Accolade where completing any dailies outside of the current season would not complete this
Festival Playlist
Fixed issue where Series Rivals was awarding 4 points per season instead of 4 points per Series
Fixed issue which could cause the Treasure Chest not to appear after solving the clue
Fixed issue where the Forzathon Weekly wouldn’t register the required car being owned and driven in the first chapter
Online
Added over 200 new Horizon Tour events
Added specific Drivatar names to Horizon Tour and The Trial
Improved the UI flow when leaving the Badges screen
Improved the Custom Racing UI logic when choosing PI and Type
Fixed crash when playing an Open Championship when at a Horizon Open level of 1000
Fixed scenario where a Convoy joining a complex EventLab event could result in the Convoy not making it into the event
EventLab
Added Series 6 collectables to EventLab props
Added new conditions “get torque scalar” and “get gravity scalar” to EventLab rules of play
Added new low and medium strength Bounce Pads in addition to the existing Bounce Pad in EventLab props
Updated Apex Wall Prop to not have invisible collision above it in EventLab
Fixed broken UI when creating a different race type Event from the base Event type in EventLab
Fixed issue where players couldn’t turn traffic on even if there were no props
Cars
Updated Morris Minor to reflect correct year
Fixed Volvo V60 Polestar left wing mirror was showing the right mirror’s projection
Fixed livery mapping on the 2008 BMW M3 when using certain body kits
Fixed issue where an auto upgraded Unimog couldn’t be driven in Manual w/ Clutch
PC
Fixed stall when engaging in a Head to Head both in Freeroam and during Eliminator
Fixed issue when moving the game to a second monitor and making it full screen
When does forza horizon 5 come out?
November 5, 2021
Is forza horizon 5 on game pass?
Play Forza Horizon 5 and hundreds of high-quality games for one low monthly price with Game Pass.
Is forza horizon 5 cross platform?
Yes, Forza Horizon 5 does offer cross-platform play and cross-play support. The feature is available across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Cloud Gaming through Game Pass, and PC on both Steam and the Microsoft Store.
How to play forza horizon 5 early
Where is forza horizon 5 located?
Forza Horizon 5 is a racing video game set in an open world environment based in a fictional representation of Mexico.
Where to buy forza horizon 5?
Available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, Windows PCs, and Steam.
While in the recent past cosplay from the Witcher universe has been particularly popular, there is a nice costume to see at the start of the new year that is based on another well-known game brand. It is about the action-adventure series Metroid and the closely related heroine Samus Aran.
Who is the cosplay by?
The must-see work is the work of Reddit user and cosplayer “Spacebabecosplay”. She had gone to the trouble of making a costume for Samus Aran that was as detailed as it was true to the original. The focus was logically on the striking armor of the space heroine.
The replica looks amazingly similar to the template from the games and boasts many small details. This ranges from the branded shoulder pieces, over the red helmet to the ray gun as a weapon. The cosplayer even thought of LED lighting in the breastplate and leg armor. It’s just a pity that the photo was probably taken in the living room at home and not in front of a thematically more suitable backdrop. That would certainly have reinforced the illusion.
What are the fans saying about the Samus Aran cosplay?
As the comments below the photo impressively prove, the other Reddit users are really enthusiastic about the cosplay. They not only praise the costume in general, but above all its details in particular. Above all, the LED lighting and the loving elaboration of small details are very well received by the community.
Game description:
Samus Aran, heroine and bounty hunter, sets off for the planet ZDR on behalf of the Galactic Federation after the events of the predecessor Metroid Fusion. Here she encounters a powerful life form that poses a serious threat to her, giving her a clear objective. Samus must try to get back to their ship unscathed in order to escape the planet. Not only the native flora and fauna lurk on the way, but above all the E.M.M.I robots, which for inexplicable reasons are after them. Samus must now use skill, speed and a variety of collectible upgrades to make his way to the spaceship to save him.
Pedagogical assessment:
DREAD!
Metroid Dread is based on a dark mood. That’s not surprising, because “Dread” (translated fear) is already written on the game cover and is therefore, to a certain extent, an integral part of the game. This atmosphere is particularly noticeable at the beginning, but fades into the background over time. Not because this part of the Metroid series doesn’t value ambience, but because other aspects demand great attention. The soundtrack supports the depressing atmosphere and is especially powerful in boss fights. The 2.5D graphics embellish the world of the planet ZDR in the background with additional animations without affecting or complicating the gameplay of the classic 2D platformer. It also causes enemies and characters to be animated in 3D, making them look more realistic than their 2D counterparts.
On the run
Skills are hard-earned and may open up new pathways in an earlier part of the story that must then be revisited. However, the game doesn’t overwhelm you with a flood of tasks, the goal is clear from the start: find your way back to the spaceship to escape! Anyone who wants to have fun with Metroid Dread should like challenges and have a high frustration limit. Acting under time pressure and good coordination for tricky movement passages are necessary. Especially when fleeing from the dangerous E.M.M.I. It is not always easy for robots to keep a cool head. Time-sensitive trading and navigating are particularly important in these passages, and momentarily increase the pressure tremendously as players are reset to the last save point if they are caught and liquidated by the large, dog-like machines. Although there is a way to ward off the attack, if the timing is right, there is still only a 1% chance of successful defense, according to the game. The quality of the controls is particularly noticeable in relation to the timing of defensive actions or filigree navigation using special abilities. This was criticized by some players as somewhat cumbersome and unintuitive.
Conclusion:
Metroid Dread is loaded with excitement, a variety of unlockable skills, boss fights, and platforming passages. In order to navigate successfully through ZDR, time-critical action and good hand-eye coordination are important. As the story progresses, the sense of direction is required more and more, since it is part of the genre to revisit certain areas. Finding the exact location and path can be challenging. If something doesn’t work out, it has to be repeated, which can quickly have a demotivating effect on players with a low frustration threshold. The coloring, graphics and soundtrack convey an unhomely mood that fits the plot. The introduction is text-heavy, then during the later cut-scenes, conversations are rendered both verbally and with subtitles.
Is Metroid Dread good?
Technical check: We were able to test Metroid Dread on the Switch OLED and had no problems with bugs, resolution or frame rate. The game appears in excellent technical condition and also looks really chic.
Is Metroid Dread heavy?
Difficulty is part of the concept behind Samus Aran’s adventure, but some players find Metroid Dread just too hard. In an interview with Famitsu (translated by Nintendo Everything), producer Yoshio Sakamoto spoke about the game’s difficulty.
How many times has Metroid Dread sold?
The action-adventure is the fifth installment in Nintendo’s Metroid series and was released exclusively for Nintendo Switch. The game has sold over 2.9 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling Metroid game.
How many hours of play does Metroid Dread have?
While completists should come to about 10 hours, you can play through the main story in about 7.5 hours. If you want to collect the extras, plan a little more game time. Here the first graduates came to around 8 to 9 hours.
These unlocked traits persist even after death. The only weapon that cannot be upgraded this way is the indispensable sword. You can use it to shatter enemy shields and stagger larger opponents, and small enemies often only withstand one hit. So the blade is pretty damn powerful, but unfortunately it can’t be modded like the firearms – and that feels like an oversight. Why can’t you tinker the only melee weapon in the game into an alien spear or some kind of energy whip, why aren’t there any cool bonus effects or combos here? The developers are giving away a surprising amount of potential here.
Mobil dank Upgrades
In addition to the fighting, there is also plenty of exploration. You spend a lot of time exploring the levels, collecting clues and bagging loot. The improvements for Selene’s suit, with which she can then explore new level areas, are particularly important. For example, she learns early on how to use teleporters, with which she can get from A to B quickly and which also serve as a practical fast travel system. This is also so important because it is often worth going back to old rooms and getting any leftover items.
Most importantly, however, is the grappling hook, which Selene can use to pull herself up from anchor points similar to Batman: Arkham Asylum. With it, she casually reaches distant platforms, for example to collect hidden upgrades. On top of that, the device is also very useful in many fights, because Selene can use it to change positions at lightning speed and get out of the danger zone – this significantly improves your chances of survival.
Prey at risk
In virtually every room, Selene will find locked treasure chests, useful Aether (a rare alien resource), or valuable resins that expand the life bar. However, you should be careful when collecting them, because some resins or boxes are contaminated and give you harmful effects. If you are unlucky, you will then, for example, take damage every time you pick up an object – pretty annoying! In order to remove these disadvantages, you then have to solve short tasks, such as defeating several opponents with the sword, crafting an item or collecting a certain amount of resources. You are constantly busy weighing risk and benefit against each other.
The many artifacts that you regularly capture are also typical of roguelikes. They give Selene powerful bonus properties such as more fighting power, additional healing, extra lives and much more. In addition, there are parasites that give Selene a permanent bonus, but also come with a noticeable disadvantage – you have to be careful here and really only take the parasites with you that suit your own play style. In addition, Selene collects a kind of alien currency from defeated opponents. With this she can then increase her status values at special crafting stations or tinker new artifacts and consumables.
The many collectibles and the passive effects provide variety, but unfortunately there are no really crazy synergies such as in Binding of Isaac or such striking upgrades as the powers of the gods in Hades. As a result, it is simply not possible to build as diverse and powerful builds in Returnal as you might know and expect from other roguelikes. Here, too, the developers leave a number of opportunities unused – and of course this also has an effect on long-term motivation.
Save on computer? It does not work!
In general, more could be gotten out of the roguelike formula. It starts with the level generator: the random rooms just repeat themselves too quickly. You discover a few new environments with every run, but most of the time you just march through many sections that you already know inside out. Even opponents, traps and treasure chests are often in the same places and are only slightly varied. After a while, this creates a déjà vu effect, which can never be completely avoided with roguelikes, but is more pronounced in Returnal than in some competing titles.
The second criticism concerns the storage system. There is only one saved game and you cannot create different profiles in the game. What’s even more annoying is that your progress is never saved during a run. That means: If you want to interrupt the game, you basically only have the option to put the PS5 into sleep mode. But that only works as long as you don’t start another game afterwards or if the console installs a system update – because then you have to start your run all over again. In each level there is the possibility to create a kind of checkpoint on a special alien machine, but that costs you a lot of ether. So all in all, the storage system isn’t a good solution, especially when several people in the household want to share the console.
Goosebumps thanks to Astronaut
Despite such points of criticism, the game keeps motivating us to start a new round. This is also due to the dark story, which initially revolves around the alien planet, but then quickly becomes more personal and profound. Selene’s fears and memories keep coming to the fore, blending into the game world and thoroughly fooling us in the process. This even culminates in several scenes in which you just wade through an alien swamp and suddenly discover an old house from Earth that actually has no place there. You can enter this house six times, these special PT-style sequences are then played entirely from the first-person perspective. So you can walk through the creepy house, discover ambiguous messages and get to know the probably scariest astronaut in gaming history: the faceless astronaut. It runs like a red thread through Selene’s fearful fantasies, a deeply disturbing phenomenon that leaves us cold more than once ran down his back. Housemarque manages to build up a dense atmosphere with few resources, which is also carried by Selene’s German voice actress, who is passionate about the matter. Bravo!
With its cryptic clues, disturbing audio logs and ambiguous symbolism, the plot is anything but easy to digest, but invites you to happily puzzle along: the question of what Returnal is all about is what makes the game so appealing. Playing through it once is not enough! With a bit of luck you may have cracked the last level early, but even after the credits have rolled there are still many story snippets waiting to be discovered as you once again search the locations for six special key parts. (You need this to unlock the last house sequence.) If you really want to find out everything, you not only have to be patient, but also be willing to simply piece together some of the answers yourself. And of course not everyone has to like that.
Roguelike in next-gen guise
Technically, Returnal is absolutely impressive, the graphics shine with atmospheric backdrops, fantastically animated monsters and beautiful light and fog effects. The design is undeniably snazzy, but much of it probably would have been possible on the old PS4 as well. The only exception: the nice ray tracing effects, which, for example, reflect energy beams in surfaces. But the real highlight of the next-gen title are its impressive particle effects. In the levels, for example, there are many pillars and statues that burst into their individual parts when shot at. When Selene enters a teleporter, her body dissolves into a whirl of small balls. And some enemies are left as a bunch of little gray cubes – a visually stunning dig at Housemarque’s previous games. Tip: If you ever enter an alien museum, you should definitely take a closer look at the blue glowing figures, which consist of countless particles. If you fire a weapon here, the glowing particles whirl credibly through the area – an impressive effect.
It is all the more important that Returnal runs at a smooth 60 fps despite everything, a value that is maintained almost consistently in our test – even in 4K resolution. The loading times are also very positive, as they are so short that you hardly notice them. Even if Selene marches through a portal to the next level, the new environment loads almost instantly. This provides a next-gen feeling that the old consoles can only dream of.
Point hunting instead of multiplayer
However, there is no co-op mode or classic multiplayer in Returnal. You only occasionally find dead bodies of other players in the world. You can then avenge the fallen if you wish, spawning a dangerous elite enemy that drops a load of loot when slain. Or the corpse just gets up on its own and goes on the attack. A nice scary effect, playful but rather insignificant, since the Selene zombie can be shot down quickly.
There’s also a challenge mode in which Housemarque relies on old arcade virtues: Here it’s all about getting the highest score in a given scenario. Points are awarded for defeated opponents, collected loot, discovered secrets and so on. Time isn’t an issue, but you’ll have to deal with a set weapon and specific advantages and disadvantages. This is entertaining and, in contrast to the main game, is also good for a small round in between. You will then be rewarded with a few bonus resources, and you can also compare your scores in an online ranking list.
High price
So Housemarque has definitely made the leap into the AAA category: the third-person action plays excellently, the controls slip and the search for new artifacts is just fun. Opinions are likely to differ on the fragmentary story, for some the experience might be too cryptic and cerebral, others will love it for exactly that – Returnal is anything but ordinary. As a typical roguelike, Returnal could add a few shovels of variety, but the bottom line is that it’s still a very good representative that can get involved at the top of the genre.
But is the game really worth 80 euros? In the end, it’s up to the buyer to decide, but for our taste, Sony has simply reached too high here: Returnal offers decent replay value and you’ll be easily entertained for 30 to 40 hours, but dozens of cheaper games had a lot more to offer. For that reason alone, we’d appreciate it if Housemarque would drop a few more free updates in the future that improve the save system and expand the content. As a roguelike, Returnal is the perfect choice for this.
Returnal will be available exclusively on Playstation 5 from April 30, 2021. Soon we will also have practical tips for beginners. Do you have any other questions about the game? Then off with it in the comment section!
Can you save in Returnal?
And without any detours via the sleep mode. You press the pause button on your controller to open the menu. There you will find the settings for the game, the credits or tutorials – and the “Suspend cycle” function.
Arcade games are dead. That might sound like an empty claim, but when it’s coming from a studio like Housemarque, it’s saying something. After all, the Finnish team grew up with effect orgies like Resogun or Nex Machina! Because such games are no longer financially worthwhile for the developer, Housemarque officially announced a change of course four years ago: They now want to concentrate primarily on large AAA productions. A clear announcement that is now being followed by action: Housemarque’s first major project is the eagerly awaited Returnal. In the test, the PS5 exclusive title turns out to be a high-quality action ride that interlocks a dark sci-fi story with effect-packed third-person combat, crazy bullet-hell inserts and robust rouge-like mechanics. The result: An atmospheric, often captivating action highlight that you have to get involved with – because Returnal also has a few avoidable weaknesses that depress the rating.
Returnal doesn’t need any explanations, there isn’t even a real start screen. Instead, the adventure starts right away: as soon as you start the game, you experience how the astronaut Selene crash-lands on the distant planet Atropos. Who is this woman, what is she looking for – and why is she all alone in this hostile world? Housemarque deliberately raises one question after the next, you have to work out the answers: Returnal only delivers its story in tiny bits and pieces, which only gradually come together like a dark puzzle.
And the alien greets you every day
Atropos literally turns out to be a death trap. As Selene trudges through overgrown ruins, she discovers ancient machines and mysterious artifacts, among them the countless remnants of an alien civilization Selene calls “the Sentients”. Even more terrifying: Selene also comes across a human corpse – her own. Before she can think about it (panic might be the better reaction), she meets a vicious species that looks like a cross between a dog and an octopus. After a few minutes, the inevitable happens: Selene dies. And that’s fine too, because in Returnal you’re caught in a kind of time sleep, here every death stands for a new beginning: Selene then wakes up again at the crash site and just gets up again, with all her memories, but without their collected gear. The majority of our loot is lost with every death, which should already make it clear what a notch Returnal hits: Housemarque’s new work is neither Metroidvania nor a simple action platformer, but a genuine roguelike.
Explore at random
As is typical of the genre, the game world is reassembled from prefabricated rooms with each new attempt, and the game also randomly distributes opponents and loot. Returnal consists of a total of six levels, of which you only play two or three at a time, at the latest then the cycle is over. But because the locations are very extensive, a successful run can take quite a lot of time. If you want to explore and collect a lot, you can easily plan two hours per round.
All six locations basically consist of ruins embedded in different settings. Sometimes you are in a city-like citadel, sometimes in an overgrown swamp, sometimes in a picturesque desert. Some of the levels are beautifully designed, but basically they are completely empty: Apart from enemies and deadly traps, you don’t meet a single soul, there are no dialogues and the developers have also dispensed with side tasks. After all, Selene regularly finds glyphs and records of the ancient alien civilization, and she keeps coming across more corpses of herself on which she finds disturbing audio messages. Together with the extremely successful sound effects and the atmospheric optics, a dense, oppressive atmosphere quickly develops that runs through the entire game.
Housemarque outdoes itself
Fluid, precise 2D action has been developers’ bread-and-butter business for years. For Returnal, the Finns are staging a spectacle in the third-person view for the first time, an experiment that they have definitely succeeded in: after just a few seconds, Selene is being shooed through the levels wonderfully smoothly, whether it’s running, jumping, dodging or shooting, the grippy one Action is great. An intelligent camera also ensures that you can keep an eye on the action as well as possible, even in narrow sections of the level. Housemarque knows his craft!
As a PS5 exclusive, Returnal also makes extensive use of the Dualsense controller, so you can feel every hit, every jump, every fall. Even raindrops make the gamepad vibrate slightly in your hand. Unusual: With the left trigger you can not only zoom, but also use a secondary fire mode by pressing the button even further. A cool effect in theory, but quite impractical in practice because it leads to incorrect entries. Fortunately, you can change the key assignment in the options menu.
Another highlight is the atmospheric enemy design: in addition to a wide variety of tentacled creatures, you also have to deal with deadly drones, robots, turrets, flying swamp monsters, mutated poison launchers, giant octopuses and much more. Not only do the enemies look great, they also pose a real threat right from the start: many enemies have multiple attack patterns, are nicely mobile and put a lot of pressure on Selene. You have to jump, flee, seek cover and, above all, dodge with lightning speed. If you stop, you can pack up. A nice detail: Successful kills increase Selene’s adrenaline level, which gives her useful buffs, which she also loses with every hit she takes. This causes a lot of stress, but in a good way.
Tricky, but mostly fair
There is only one level of difficulty, which is high, but mostly fair: In the test, for example, we grabbed every boss on the first try, we saw the credits for the first time after 15 to 20 hours. Occasionally, however, the enemies spawn a little too close to our heroine, and these are moments when the balancing sometimes falters. We found the most difficult room in the sixth level, in which several elite opponents spawn at once – we had to give up several times there. Of course, the chance of survival also depends on the equipment you have collected: As in every roguelike, you can simply be unlucky, for example with the choice of opponent, the level structure or the random loot – so you should bring a bit of frustration resistance with you. Since you don’t unlock any permanent status improvements like in Hades or Rogue Legacy, Strictly speaking, Returnal doesn’t go through as a roguelite either. But if you’re careful and perfect your dodges, you should be fine most of the time. Returnal is miles away from the claim of a Dark Souls.
Fantastic hail of bullets
Housemarque’s unmistakable handwriting shines through again and again in the fights: As soon as the enemies throw beautiful patterns of deadly energy waves and glowing balls at you, quick reactions are required. Anyone who likes bullet hell games and feels comfortable even in the heaviest hail of bullets will quickly fall in love with Returnal. This is especially true for the smartly staged boss fights that await you at the end of (almost) every level: Insane amounts of projectiles fly towards you here, a tidal wave of bright colors and shapes that pours out spectacularly over you. Ironically, some of the game’s most spectacular bosses are surprisingly easy to master once you get the hang of it. That’s also why we would have liked a little more variety in the bosses, but still: most of the big chunks can be easily avoided in later runs.
What the gun cabinet has to offer
Selene collects ten different weapons over time, including a pistol, shotgun, machine gun, grenade launcher, and so on. At first glance, the offer seems a bit ordinary. At least there are a few crazy guns, such as the electropylon driver, which shoots arrows into the environment, from which a deadly energy network is then spanned. This is not always practical, but at least it looks great. Each weapon also has a random special attack that needs to charge up before it packs a punch. There are, for example, mines, homing projectiles, a slingshot or an energy ball that grills nearby enemies with lightning. (The BFG-9000 says hello.)
The special thing about the weapon system is not the guns themselves, but their bonus properties, which you gradually unlock. A weapon can have up to four passive effects at the same time, which have a strong impact on the way you play. For example, the rocket launcher then fires fully automatic salvos, the rifle subtracts life points from opponents or the pistol fires homing projectiles. This brings variety to the action and increases the replay value, if only because it takes quite a while to level up a weapon effect like this.
Can you play Returnal with two people?
The PS5 roguelike Returnal (Opens in a new tab) will receive a free expansion on March 22nd, adding two-player co-op to the slow-motion sci-fi shooter.
How long does Returnal take?
That’s because Returnal isn’t your classic story-driven AAA game. Rather, it is a so-called roguelite. With this you go on a kind of “run” and do everything you can to get as far as possible.
How hard is Returnal?
Returnal is the next PS5 exclusive and at least as difficult as the Demon’s Souls remake.
How to play Returnal?
Integrity is rewarded in Returnal. The more enemies you kill while remaining unharmed, the higher Selene’s adrenaline levels will rise. This gradually unlocks various buffs that make you stronger.
How many bosses are there in Returnal?
There are a total of 5 boss fights in Returnal. This Returnal Boss guide will walk you through the best strategies to defeat every boss in the game. It is important to know that if you die during a fight, you spawn at the beginning of the act.
How many biomes are there in Returnal?
In total you fight your way through 6 biomes. You have successfully completed most biomes as soon as the boss there is defeated.
What happens when you die in Returnal?
Returnal is a so-called rogue-like: The game world is generated randomly with each attempt, and there is no save option. If you die, you start all over again. The aim is to stay alive for as long as possible and to make it as far as possible.
Does Returnal have an end?
However, the game is far from over after defeating the last boss and the credits. There is one additional act where you can unlock a secret ending in Returnal. To achieve this, you need two full passes.
The fighting in Kena is fierce. Okay, they don’t reach Dark Souls level. But after the boss has sent you to the loading screen for the thirteenth time, you’d better turn the difficulty down before your gamepad or poor mouse flies through the screen.
How many hours of play does Kena have?
On HowLongToBeat, the average for the main story is around eight hours. This means that all those who have played through the action-adventure have only limited themselves to the bare minimum to get to the end.
How much is Kena?
For Kena: Bridge of Spirits, the cheapest price in the price comparison is currently €39.99. This is the lowest price in the last 61 days. We last checked this price 2 hours ago. Please note any shipping costs that may apply.
is kena good
There’s more to Kena: Bridge of Spirits than cute animations and a beautiful soundtrack. The combat system is simple and challenging at the same time, the stories are emotional and beautifully staged, and exploring the game world is richly rewarded.
How long does Kena Bridge of Spirits go?
Basically, you need about 10 to 15 hours for the action of the game. The exact playing time depends primarily on two factors. Difficulty level: You can initially choose between three levels of difficulty.
What do you give the rotts in Kena?
For this rott you need the bow. You have to use it to pull yourself up to a nearby flower. You can reach the Rott at the marked point via a few platforms. There is a small waterfall where the tree towers over the river.
What to give to the reds from Kena Bridge of Spirits?
The Rott amplify your attacks at a certain point in the story. So you can use even more powerful staff hits or arrow shots.
In addition, Rott can attach themselves to opponents and keep them in check, giving you free play for your attacks.
On September 27th, 2022 the game “Kena: Bridge of Spirits” will be released in its PC version also on the Steam platform. The game was released over a year ago for the current PlayStation models, as well as for the PC via the Epic Game Store.
When is Kena Bridge of Spirits coming?
Kena: First anniversary brings a lot of new things. That’s what it’s all about: On September 27, 2021, Kena: Bridge of Spirits was released for PC and PS5. A year later, fans get an anniversary update and there is also a Steam release (Kena was previously exclusive to the Epic Games Store).
How much will Kena Bridge of Spirits cost?
Kena: Bridge of Spirits (PS5) from € 34.95 (2022) | Price comparison skinny Germany.
Is Kena Bridge of Spirits Open World?
So “Kena” actually has an open world, but overall it’s quite linear. On her journey, the spirit guide gets support from the so-called “Rott”, small forest spirits, of which you can find a lot on your journey.
Where to buy Kena Bridge of Spirits?
“Kena: Bridge of Spirits” from November 2021 for Playstation 5/4 and PC – Update. Update – 10/08/2021 The game is now also available for pre-order on Amazon. Maximum Games will release the game “Kena: Bridge of Spirits” in November 2021 in physical edition for the Playstation 4 and the Playstation 5.
How many rotts are there in Kena?
The Rotts are collectibles in Kena: Bridge of Spirits. There are exactly 100 of these creatures in the game.
How to sprint in Kena Bridge of Spirits?
Movement: L
Adjust Camera: R
Jump: X (press again for double jump)
Sprint: L3
Interact: Triangle (when icon appears)
Lock on: R3
Photo mode: D-pad up↑
Use Mask: Left D-Pad (after purchase)
Sitting with Red: Right D-Pad
Dissolve Rot Cloud: D-Pad down
Why is Kena: Bridge of Spirits so cheap?
The most obvious reason for why Kena: Bridge of Spirits is so cheap is that it is the very first game released by developers Ember Lab. This means that the team doesn’t have as much history or previous games to add weight behind they’re title.
Is Kena: Bridge of Spirits worth playing?
There’s also plenty of side content and challenging trophies or achievements for completionists. We believe that Kena: Bridge Of Spirits is definitely worth the purchase if you’re someone who enjoys traditional platformers and heartfelt stories.
Is Kena: Bridge of Spirits open-world?
“Kena: Bridge of Spirits” is a solid open-world action-adventure, and hopefully the first of many visual spectacles to come from Ember Labs.
Is Kena: Bridge of Spirits PS5 exclusive?
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a timed exclusive on PlayStation, which means that an Xbox release could still be coming in the future.
What should I play after Kena?
10/10 The Horizon Series.
9/10 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild.
8/10 Tales Of Arise.
7/10 Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
6/10 It Takes Two.
5/10 Lost In Random.
4/10 The Last Guardian.
3/10 Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
How long is Kena a timed exclusive?
The game is a timed console exclusive, and the Windows release was exclusive to the Epic Games Store for one year; it will be released on Steam on September 27, 2022. Players who purchase the PlayStation 4 version are able to upgrade for free to the PlayStation 5 version.
London. Hamlet recites what is probably the most famous monologue in literary history (act 3, scene 1), expressing both his longing for death and his world-weariness: “To be or not to be; That is the question here: / Whether nobler in spirit, the arrows, and slingshots / Endure the raging destiny or / Arming themselves against a sea of plagues / Through resistance they end? die—sleep—”
The beginning has become a dictum. But many more sentences from his plays have become wisdom. Shakespeare has now become a kind of global literary brand. His level of popularity can hardly be surpassed: 123 million Google hits can be found for his name. Much research has been done on his work. Down to the last detail: “Shakespeare’s work contains 138,198 commas, 26,794 semicolons, and 15,785 question marks,” says author and Shakespeare expert Bill Bryson.
But above all his sentences continue to have an effect. A selection of the best-known:
“A fall often leads to greater happiness.” (“Cymbeline,” Act Four, Scene Two)
“Everything has its time.” (“Comedy of Errors”, second act, fourth scene)
“But no one heals his harm by whining.” (“Richard III.”, second act, second scene)
“Well hung is better than badly married.” (“What You Want”, Act I, Scene Five)
“Better a wise fool than a foolish sage.” (“What You Want”, Act One, Scene Five)
“To be or not to be; that is the question.” (“Hamlet”, Act III, Scene 1)
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” (“Hamlet, Act I, Scene Four)
“Hollow pots have the loudest sound.” (“Henry V.”, fourth act, fourth scene)
“Life is but a walking shadow.” (“Macbeth”, fifth act, fifth scene)
“Poor and merry is rich and over-rich.” (“Othello”, Act III, Scene 3)
“How poor are they that have no patience!” (“Othello”, second act, third scene)
“Where words are scarce, they carry weight.” (“Richard II.”, second act, second scene)
“There are more things in heaven and earth than your school wisdom dreams of.” (“Hamlet”, Act One, Scene Five)
“For nothing in itself is neither good nor bad; thinking makes it so.” (“Hamlet”, Act Two, Scene Two)
“We know well what we are, but not what we can become.” (“Hamlet”, Act Four, Scene Five)
“Hamlet”, the first
Hamlet
To be or not to be; that is the question:
Whether nobler in spirit, the arrows, and slingshots
Endure the raging fate or,
Armed against a sea of plagues,
By resistance, they end? die – sleep –
Nothing else! And knowing that a sleep
The heartache and the thousand thrusts end,
The inheritance of our flesh is a goal
To be wished sincerely. die – sleep –
Sleep! Maybe dream too! Yes, there it is:
What dreams may come in sleep,
When we loosen the earthly entanglement,
That forces us to stand still. This is the consideration
Misery makes one grow old.
For who endures the mockery and scourge of the times,
The pressure of the mighty, the abuse of the proud,
Scorned love torment, delay of justice,
The arrogance of the offices and the disgrace,
Which proves worthless silent merit,
If he could retire himself
With just a needle? Who bears burdens
And groaned and sweated under the hardships of life?
Only that the fear of something after death
The undiscovered country of the district
No wanderer returns, the will errs,
That we prefer the evils that we have
Endure than flee to unknown.
So consciousness makes cowards out of us all;
The innate color of the resolution
The paleness of thought is sickened;
And the company, highly targeted and valuable,
Distracted by this consideration,
Thus losing the name of the plot. – Quiet!
The lovely Ophelia! – Nymph, close
Include all my sins in your prayers!
This is happening right now:
Hamlet thinks he is alone somewhere in the castle of the Danish royal family. So whenever this famous monologue is recited and Hamlet holds a skull in his hand, it’s just a symbol of transience – and not stolen from an open grave. In short, Hamlet’s power-hungry uncle Claudius murdered his brother, the king, and then married the widow. That’s quite a lot for a young man.
What is that supposed to tell us today?
Apart from the fact that the scenario sounds damn like “House of Cards” or CDU/CSU intrigues: Hamlet is often portrayed as an indecisive youth who mourns and is not quite himself. But it all becomes much clearer when you look at it from a medical perspective: The whole thing is an endless list of depression symptoms. The hole in which Hamlet was sitting was so deep that he would certainly be shot with psychotropic drugs today.
“Hamlet”, the second
Hamlet
O host of heaven! Earth! –
What else? Am I calling hell?
Oh fie! Stop, stop, my heart!
Ye my sinews, do not grow old at once,
Hold me up! commemorate your
Yes, you poor spirit, as long as memory lives
In the destroyed ball here. commemorate your
Yes, I want from the Tablet of Remembrance
erase away all foolish stories,
From books all sayings, all pictures,
The traces of the past, which there
The youth enrolled and observation;
And your commandment shall live all alone
In the book of my brain, unmixed
With less worthy things.
This is happening right now:
Hamlet, the good prince of Denmark, converses with a ghost. His father’s spirit. Vulgo: He remembers his father. And wants to make sure, like everyone who mourns someone, that these headshots don’t fade. The whole thing with the “tablet of remembrance”, “erase away”, “write in” is to be taken literally: In ancient times, notes were scratched into wax-coated clay tablets, then the next layer of wax was applied, voilà, tabula rasa. The smartass reference: Plato has Socrates and Theaetetus talk about these clay tablets to explain how memory works (here).
What is that supposed to tell us today?
It is still the perfect description of how memory and remembering work “in this distracted globe” called the brain: Moments are saved as traces of the past. And we prioritize what is important and what isn’t, repress “foolish stories” and burdensome things, and remember the beautiful more easily.
“The storm”
Prospero:
“As for this creature of darkness/
so I must confess that it belongs to me.”
This is happening right now:
The whole thing has a Robinson Crusoe setting: Years ago, Prospero and his daughter were stranded on some island and made the actual ruler of the island, Caliban, his slave. Because that’s what you do when you invade somewhere as a colonial master. In the end, everyone sails back to Milan.
What is that supposed to tell us today?
It’s a classic case that shows how much the perspective on a piece changes when the social context changes. “The Tempest”, today, can actually only be read as an image of a colonial drama – staging Caliban as a “noble savage” (Shakespeare read Montaigne), even as a monster (Caliban is an anagram of cannibal), is yesterday’s news. In the original, Prospero says: “This thing of darkness I / acknowledge mine” – skin color and slave belong together here. That was not only the case in colonial times: everyday racism is nothing else.
“Romeo and Juliet”
Julia:
what is a name What rose means to us
Whatever it was called, it would smell sweet;
So Romeo, even if his name was different,
He would have the delicious salary
Preserve what his is untitled.
O Romeo, discard your name,
And for the name that is not your self
take mine whole!
Romeo:
[ stepping closer. ] I’ll take your word for it.
Call me darling, that’s how I’m newly baptized
And no longer wants to be Romeo.
This is happening right now:
Yes, you guessed it, it’s the balcony scene in the Capulets’ courtyard. Juliet up at the window, Romeo down in the bushes. One knows. (Fun fact: The word balcony doesn’t even appear in Shakespeare’s text. Not even in the stage directions. Apparently, the Italian “balcone” didn’t even exist in his day. Why then does everyone make a pilgrimage to this balcony in Verona? Good question.)
What is that supposed to tell us today?
We live in an era of constant self-invention. Instagram, Twitter, all this is pure self-marketing. A name? Pff, it’s an image thing. And at worst fraught with prejudice. As Romeo Montague you would have bad chances today ( ). This dialogue is a feast for friends of semiotics: which sign is used to designate something is ultimately arbitrary.
Where to quote it:
Want to get past some bouncer and insist on being on the guest list? Now please declaim: “What is a name? What we call rose / Whatever it would be called would smell lovely.” You are welcome.
“Sonnet 18”
Should I compare you to a summer day?
He is not so lovely and gentle like you;
After a short time its splendor must fade,
And even in May buds the wind is raging.
Often the eyes of heaven look down too warmly,
His golden course is often darkened,
Because all beauty blooms and fades again,
Is subject to changing fortunes.
Your eternal summer should never run out,
Never flee the beauty that is your own
Death can never gain power over you,
If you’re immortal in my song!
As long as people breathe, eyes see,
Live my song and protect you from offense!
This is happening right now:
His lines are immortal: Shakespeare declares with wide legs that he is so good. You have to do it first. And ok, he was right.
What is that supposed to tell us today?
If a guy comes along today and asks this incredibly rhetorical question: “Shall I compare you to a summer’s day?”, to immediately explain how ephemeral the weather is, and look, it’s getting dark over there again, and anyway, I write such great poetry, that lasts longer than your youthful freshness, and are you really only 35? there can only be one answer: is it still okay?
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, the first
Pyramus :
O night so black in color, o wrathful night! O night that is always as soon as the day is over. O night! O night! O night! Oh! Oh! Oh! Heaven! Oh!
Thisbe :
O wall, you’ve often heard my sigh, my most beautiful Pyramus, because you’re so separating from me; My red mouth has often kissed your stone, your stone, covered with clay and hair in you.
Pyramus :
A’ voice I see tu; I want to go to the rift and see if I can’t hear my Thisbe’s face clearly. Thisbe!
This is happening right now:
It’s a piece in a piece. The actors perform Ovid’s love story of Pyramus and Thisbe (How, watt? Here: ) for Theseus and Hypolita (Duke of Athens and his bride) for evening entertainment. And yes, the wall has its own cast member. Theseus previously viewed the list of suggestions as if he were on Netflix, repeated comment: oh no, not that, what else is there? If the dialogue sounds familiar, Shakespeare wrote “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Romeo and Juliet” around the same time.
What is that supposed to tell us today?
Nobody is more sovereign than artists who can poke fun at themselves. What is kitsch today was already kitsch back then, and Shakespeare knew that. To this day there has not been a better parody of the love-sighing “Romeo and Juliet”.
Where to quote it:
At the cinema, please. Right in the middle of the most clichéd kitsch scene in the next romantic comedy. Catharsis and stuff helps. Oh, and why did you end up there again?
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, the second
Puck:
If we shadows offend you,
O so believes – and well defended
Are we then -: you all just
Just snoozed here
And looked in night visions
your own brain poetry.
Do you want this childish
that vanished like empty dreams,
Dear sir, don’t despise
Should you see something better soon?
When we mean snake hiss
undeservedly escape,
So promises on honor Droll
Our thanks soon to you;
Is a rogue willing to be called,
If not, how cheap.
Well good night! to end the game
Greet us with warm hands!
This is happening right now:
This is the final scene, a monologue by Puck the troll. After that: curtain. Directly preceding: the little play about Pyramus and Thisbe, seen by Theseus and Hypolita, the Duke of Athens and his almost-married wife. By addressing the audience, Puck tears down the (yes, invisible) “fourth wall” between audience and actors, Motto: Hello, it was all just fake. What happens on stage are only “shadows”, i.e. an image of reality. Nice also: the request for applause.
What is that supposed to tell us today?
This self-referential gimmick, pointing out the fabrication of a work of art in order to blur the lines between original and copy, reality and fiction, is pure pop culture. That meta-meta crime scene “Who am I?” with Ulrich Tukur after Christmas? One-to-one exactly the same choice.
Where to quote it:
At the next conference in the office. Oh come on, there’s only one show here, we all know it.
“King Lear”
King Lear:
Blast, wind, and blast your cheeks! Rage Blast! –
You cataracts and cloudbursts, spew,
Until you drown the towers, drown the roosters!
Ye sulphurous, thought-quick flashes,
Lead the thunderbolt that splits oaks
Singe my white head! you thunder blaring,
Smash the mighty round of the world flat; break
Destroy the forms of nature at once
The germ of creation of the ungrateful man!
Rattle to your heart’s content! Spit fire! flood, rain!
Not rain, wind, lightning, thunder are my daughters:
I will not scold you cruelly, you elements:
I didn’t give you crowns, didn’t call you children,
You are not bound by obedience; atone for it
The horrid lust: Here I stand, your slave,
An old man, poor, miserable, ailing, despised:
And yet I call you servants’ helpers,
Her in league with two wicked daughters
Tower your high battle ranks on one head
As old and white as this. Oh, oh, it’s shameful! –
This is happening right now:
King Lear of Britain takes a breath of fresh air, out and about on the moors. He wants to retire, divide his empire between his three daughters, but he doesn’t know how. He devises a plan to test their loyalty. Stupid: Turns out he can’t rely on his brood. Lear’s state of mind: sour. The right background noise all the time: storm.
What is that supposed to tell us today?
Lear is suffering from old age, rickety, senile – that is the common interpretation. At least that’s how his daughters and co. treat him. The fact that people of retirement age are often treated as if they are not very close or at least not a relevant part of our society is so normal that there is a technical term for it: “Ageism”, discrimination based on age. It’s a miracle that people don’t freak out and yell screaming and screaming murder like Lear.
“Macbeth”
Lady Macbeth:
Even the raven
Duncan’s fateful entrance croaks
Under my roof, it’s hoarse. – Come, you spirits,
You who listen to thoughts of murder profane me,
Fill me from head to toe, full to the brim
With wild cruelty! thickens my blood
Block every way and entrance to mercy,
That no knocking reminders of nature
Paralyzes the grim resolution, still peacefully inhibits
From murder the hand! Come to the woman’s breast,
Drink gall instead of milk, you murder demons,
Wherever you wait in invisible beings
To nature’s calamity! come black night
cloud you with the thickest steam in hell,
That my sharp knife does not see the wound
who struck it, nor the sky,
Seeing through the curtain of darkness, call:
Stop stop! –
This is happening right now:
Macbeth isn’t doing what his wife told him, dammit. Then she has to take action herself to get to the top and replace King Duncan.
What is that supposed to tell us today?
Forget the murder thing: Lady Macbeth’s entire attitude is a #cry for equality. In the original it says “unsex me”, which in German was translated as “desecrate me”, well, rather loosely. Man, woman, these categories simply shouldn’t matter for your career. The ravens have been croaking for so long that they are hoarse.
Where to quote it:
At the next salary negotiation. Otherwise: In this café in Berlin-Mitte, which expels breastfeeding mothers from the house. Gladly with the following postscript, also from Lady Macbeth:
“I suckled and I know
Sweet is it to love the child that I drink;
I should have, while it smiles at me,
The chest torn from the soft jaws
And smashed his head against the wall
I would have sworn it like you swore that.”
“All’s well that ends well”
Now a thousand loved ones of your Lord are waiting,
A mother, a friend, a bride,
A phoenix, an enemy and monarch,
Goddess and leader and queen, counselor, traitor and lover,
Humble ambition and ambitious humility,
Harmonic dissonance, out of tune unison,
And faithful, and sweet disaster: and that’s what he calls
a multitude of good, lovely love children,
Who baptizes Cupid… Now he will…
I don’t know what he will become … God bless him.
This is happening right now:
Skirmishes between Helena, Duchess of Roussillon, and Parolles. She actually has her eye on someone else, but hey, Parolles starts chatting to her about her supposed virginity, well, good: sex talk. For a better understanding: The decisive two lines do not exist in the German version. After Parolles has explained full-bodiedly that sexual inexperience doesn’t get worse over time, he asks very directly: “Will you anything with it?”, ie: “How about it?”. Helena promptly: “Not my virginity yet – /”, so roughly: “Schaumermal”. Then the above passage follows.
What is that supposed to tell us today?
It’s a monologue like a middle finger stretched out. There’s even a verb for what Parolles does. In other words: when men want to explain to women how they have to be, what is right and what is wrong, want to pin them down to a stereotype (mother/girlfriend/bride/counsellor), this is called “mansplaining” today. As long ago as Shakespeare was dead.
What is Shakespeare’s most famous play?
Shakespeare’s most famous plays include the tragedies Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Hamlet, King Lear and Macbeth, as well as the comedies A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing «.
What was so special about Shakespeare’s plays?
Shakespeare has received several awards for his variety of topics and is highly praised as a linguistic genius. He possessed the ability to write down his stories in poetic images. He also turned to poetry. His most famous, the sonnets (sound poems), were later published as a volume.
What makes Shakespeare so famous?
Shakespeare became famous for his plays, which are still performed all over the world today. Some are funny, like the comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Why are Shakespeare’s works still well-known today?
On the one hand, he used European influences in his dramas, without which his work would be unthinkable. On the other hand, one can read about ways of thinking and acting in Shakespeare that belong to the cultural core of modern Europe. “Even after 400 years, Shakespeare has not lost its topicality.
Should Shakespeare be read in school?
But there are good reasons to keep reading Shakespeare: Hardly any other literary work is as profound and comprehensive when it comes to the human condition. Above all, Shakespeare’s tragedies reflect almost all the abysses and suffering of human existence.
Should Shakespeare be taught in schools?
Shakespeare – actually compulsory in English lessons. At least that was how it was seen for a few centuries. But in the meantime, numerous American educators are questioning the “bard”.
Why is Hamlet still relevant today?
Hamlet is the first modern intellectual on the stage. His ontological doubts are with us to this day and will continue to be with us. Maybe he really is a world figure: not just a white man from the cultural West, but a global figure of thought.
Is Romeo and Juliet still relevant today?
The story of the two lovers is not fictitious, but is based on a true story in the broadest sense. William Shakespeare was the model of the Strikers and Drangers. Even today, his work has not lost its relevance.
Why is Hamlet timeless?
William Shakespeare was a prolific writer and a gifted theatrical practitioner. His work is timeless because it illuminates the eternally human.
How old is Hamlet?
He is the main character and the title giver of the play. His age is estimated at around 30 years. His father, called “Old Hamlet”, is murdered by Claudius before the story begins. His mother, Queen Gertrude, then married his uncle, Claudius.
Is something rotten in the state of Denmark?
Meanings: something is wrong, something is wrong. Origin: This figure of speech comes from the first act of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet.
Why doesn’t Hamlet become king?
After Hamlet’s murder of Polonius, Claudius banishes his nephew to England, accompanied by his childhood friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. They receive a letter from Claudius to the English king, in which Claudius asks him to behead Hamlet.
