The Emerald-Powered Potential Of Sonic Superstars

At this year’s Summer Game Fest, Sonic Superstars was announced alongside the release of a demo for guests, especially the Sonic supporters at the event [13] [29] [32]. Aside from a certain jerboa-wolf nicknamed “Nack the Weasel” on his Marvellous Queen being the most surprising reveal [22] [23], there is something deeply honourable about the debut of a four-player co-op mode [19] [31] [40] [41], yet it is humble to apologise for a misunderstanding regarding some resemblance to a talented fan artist’s work [27]. Strangely enough, Sonic Superstars is NOT just developed by Sonic Team. There is an alliance with Arzest. As promising as Rayman’s big return to 3D in a forthcoming DLC expansion for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope seems [5] [37], Sonic Superstars could be a sensational new chapter for the speedy blue rodent’s classic incarnation [18] [40] [41]. Since it has been almost a week since the announcement of Sonic Superstars [19] [31] [40] [41], let us discuss what else will occur throughout the experience, along with a few other aspects from the announcement trailer while cartoon cats continue to dine at an outdoor café in Campfire Cat Café and I wonder if a new customer in a future update or season event for the app could be as poetic and quirky as Rocky Rickaby from Lackadaisy and MC Skat Kat [3] [8] [10] [36] [38]. 

Welcome back to main Sonic game developing, Naoto Ohshima [27]! And have fun with the upcoming collaboration between Jet Set Radio and Roller Champions later this month, Jet Set Radio stars [4] [5]! [27]

What else is there to point out during the hype for Sonic Superstars [19] [31]? The adventure will take place in a brand new location known as “Northstar Islands” [18], which leads to new zones, including Bridge Island Zone and Speed Jungle Zone as some potentially refreshing alternatives to Green Hill Zone and Labyrinth Zone [24]. Another surprising new aspect is the introduction of a brand new character named “Trip” who will be another antagonist besides Fang the Sniper who debuted in Sonic Triple Trouble [21] [22] [28] [33]. There also appear to be 3D sprites of the four playable characters, which were previously revealed in the announcement trailer [19] [31]. Also previously revealed in the announcement trailer, the new abilities, including the one that enables Sonic to swim up waterfalls are called “Emerald” powers [18] [19] [27] [31]. Lastly, another type of special stage is in a third-person view [19] [31], quite like the moments of Modern Sonic soaring and wrecking floating panels at Starlight Carnival in the Wii version of Sonic Colours [15]. In a team, up to four Classic Sonic fans could have a blast with speeding up with the classic incarnations of Sonic the Hedgehog, Kilometres…ummmm…I mean Miles “Tails” Prower [20] [30], Knuckles the Echidna and Amy Rose (who can strive in her modern outfit for subscribers of the promotional website, which could look like a fusion of Classic Amy and Modern Amy) [18] [19] [31] [40] [41].

I wonder how this mysterious figure will react to Sage from Sonic Frontiers [16]. They will work for Dr. Eggman, formerly known as “Dr. Robotnik” and could be Fang’s new partner in crime [17] [27] [33]. [28]

The potential of Sonic Superstars could soon level up with the release of a second trailer revealing a little more [19] [31]. Can you imagine if Sister Sonic and Super Sonic Sisters were never cancelled back in the ‘90s [2] [25] [26]? Those would have resulted in an RPG series starring Sonic’s twin sister, along with their cousins Monica and Isabelle appearing in any of the comics from Archie and IDW Publishing [25] [26]. Nonetheless, let us count this forthcoming blessing known as “Sonic Superstars” [17] [19] [31]. And why not establish a Tamagotchi Nano starring Sonic the Hedgehog eventually, considering the ambitious amount of Tamagotchi Nano crossovers from 2017 to this year, from Eevee from the Pokémonfranchise to the loveable toys from the Toy Story franchise to Hatsune Miku [34]. As stylish as three new covers for the PlayStation 5 and the forthcoming carbon black Xbox Series X|S console look and as futuristically surreal browsing the internet with the Apple Vision Pro would seem in early 2024 [1] [12] [42], Sonic Superstars could be the next big step in cherishing Classic Sonic’s timelessness this Autumn [19] [31] [40] [41]. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to stay hidden in this cardboard box in honour of the 15th anniversary of the Metal Gear Solid franchise [11].

Toxicity and drama in a community can be utterly aggravating but let us keep spreading kindness during Loneliness Week [7] [9] [35] [39]. I know I will as I wait for the next episode of Helluva Boss [6] [14]. [31]

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Deeper Down The Piggy Bank Hole As FIFA Points Got Pricier

Happy Pride Month, fellow gamers [29]! Nearly two weeks ago, we have previously discussed the statistics of the mind-blowing incomes of FIFA eSports players that are bigger, compared to how much footballers outside of online gaming make these days [22] [30] [31]. Recently, the price for FIFA points has been increased by a little more than 14% by EA (Electronic Arts) [21]. Moreover, according to a recent report, EA earned approximately over $1.940 billion from in-game purchases throughout the last twelve months [5], leading to the possibility of increased prices for FIFA points resulting in about £710 million more [21]. As pretty as the four shortly upcoming pastel colours for Joy-Cons for the Nintendo Switch are and as ecstatic as our loyal lombaxes and robotic rangers are for the upcoming PC port of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart [12] [15] [16] [17], it is important to be wise when it comes to purchasing in-game currency with real currency, especially when discovering price increases that seem so sudden. Furthermore, we shall reflect on some reactions to the new prices for FIFA points [21], along with the financial benefits of being a professional FIFA eSports player we discussed previously shortly after the announcement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge [18] [22] [33]. 

Specific amounts for FIFA points have gotten pricier by over 10% over a week ago [21]. As a result, some FIFA footballers may stick to buying FIFA Ultimate Team packs with FIFA coins that are earned by selling things on the Transfer Market, receiving rewards in the Squad Battles and Rivals modes, playing matches in FIFA Ultimate Team [9], but how many players are affected by the increased prices exactly [21]? [9]

Reflecting on the previous survey regarding financial flourishing involving FIFA [30] [31], the weekly salary for a professional FIFA eSports player is about $2,000 [22]. As for a recent survey regarding the increase of prices for FIFA points established by EA, over 65% of FIFA footballers claim that they are not put off by the increase in cost for FIFA points, which increases the likeliness of £710 million for EA [21]. Considering how much professional FIFA eSports players have been making these days [22] [30] [31], that claim does not really surprise me, yet I can put myself in the smaller fraction’s trainers in terms of a decision. No offence to wise and friendly Twitter Blue subscribers who have a monetised Twitter account, but £11.00 a month for a subscription? I will pass, thank you [6] [19] [28]. Even though microtransactions and subscription services are quite a convenient way for a company to remain financially stable, preferring to stick to considerably cheaper gaming subscriptions, such as Nintendo Switch Online as a consumer is understandable and a company can still be called out for signs of greed [20]. Since FIFA Coins can be earned, but not bought, according to EA SPORTS FIFA’s terms and conditions [10], the increased price for a smaller amount of FIFA points could be a decent deal for many FIFA footballers [21].

In-game purchases for DLC and microtransactions are always optional. Nearly a pound for one-hundred FIFA points or almost a fiver for five-hundred FIFA points does not sound too bad [21]. When it comes to criticism towards EA, I think there have been worse business decisions than increased prices of FIFA points [27]. Aside from that, £11.00. month for Twitter Blue would be an okay deal to some, but not for me, I am afraid [6] [19] [28]. [10]

In conclusion, while I am personally not affected by EA increasing prices for FIFA points, what matters the most is a FIFA footballer’s overall enjoyment in terms of gameplay. If you think about it, a footballer visiting a convention as a special guest in their uniform counts as cosplaying [7] [30] [31]. Speaking of cosplaying, it would be no surprise if there will be so many female cosplayers dressed up as Harley Quinn from DC who is the most popular cosplay option, according to another recent survey [4], at many forthcoming conventions to nerd out and have fun at, including this year’s MegaCon at Manchester this July [13]. In the meantime, our sinners are hyped for the forthcoming fifth episode of the second season of Helluva Boss [2] [11], our tama-caretakers are looking forward to voyaging through the Tamaverse and there is a magical new chapter of the fifth generation of the My Little Pony franchise to gallop through as our FIFA footballers continue to follow their passions for virtual footballing [3] [14] [24]. As for EA, it is sure to keep progressing beyond winning the Golden Poo Award twice in a row [1]. Regardless of the increased price for FIFA points [21], let us show respect and support for both male and female FIFA footballers [23] [30] [31]. 

I still get livid at the toxicity and offensiveness that still lurk around on Twitter and other social media platforms [6] [19] [26] [28], which is no wonder why I refuse to pay for an upgrade to Twitter Blue and makes me miss the simpler times of playing games like The Sims Social and Pet Society [25] [32], but I am grateful for your support, and I know there are good people in this world. Moreover, let us show our compassion and support for all the LGBTQIA+ gamers out there throughout the rest of this Pride Month and so on [29], along with both male and female FIFA footballers in honour of equal opportunities [23] [30] [31]. [8]

 
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What To Expect In A Tomb Raider Game With Sign Language

Nearly two years ago, we discussed what can make a spin-off of the Tomb Raider franchise accessible and entertaining for gamers with hearing impairments, primarily in the United Kingdom with a very specific new element [51] [52]. If you are familiar with the game Moss and how its adorable protagonist communicates [26], you may get the idea. As someone who gained an interest in learning sign language and earned a Level One and Level Two qualification in Makaton [54], I still strongly believe a concept could work with carefully selected and crafted aspects, considering how I can further develop my skill in Makaton by learning even more signs and continue to support the Tomb Raider franchise. In the meantime, Tomb Raider Reloaded is yet to be released globally later this year after its soft launch in 2021 [30], so the idea of another spin-off involving sign language can be planned out for the future. I am always up for new and interesting ideas that would expand on how accessible a game can be in quite a unique way, which could include a spin-off of the Tomb Raider series starring a brand new character who primarily communicates with sign language.

As rather fascinated I am at the art style of Tomb Raider Reloaded, in spite of how off-putting it seems to some tomb raiders [57] [58], I am once again honoured to discuss how a spin-off involving sign language can excel, especially for a more niche crowd [51] [52]. [48]

Celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Tomb Raider franchise in 2021 was awesome, including the time three memorable incarnations of Lady Croft were welcomed to the world of Fortnite [59]. But when it comes to a forthcoming global release and hopes for something unique in another spin-off, there is no going home. For a new spin-off game that involves sign language, a new protagonist who is deaf and skilled in sign language can potentially make deaf gamers feel more welcome to play a Tomb Raider game, much like how Lauren Ridloff portrayed Makkari in Marvel’s Eternals, expanding on the wide diversity of superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe [4] [10] [22]. I am also up for her to also be either lesbian, bisexual or pansexual, making her the next LGBTQ+ character in the Tomb Raider franchise [7] [40] [41]. She might as well have the occupation of an archaeologist too, giving her a legitimate reason to raid a tomb and prove that those with hearing difficulties can succeed in archaeology too. To further assure that she will be safe throughout her journey, she ought to follow the rules of Ms. Croft’s RPG book, don’t you think [38]?

A special thanks to ArtsyMii for this lovely artwork of what I briefly imagine a new deaf protagonist would look like she drew back in 2020. How about the option to change her tank top from green to yellow, quite like the recent change of a certain logo in 2022 [54]? [2]

It would be essential to not mistake signs in ASL (American Sign Language) for signs in BSL (British Sign Language) [20] [57] [58]. Besides BSL, there is also Makaton and SSE (Sign Supported English) to communicate with those with hearing impairments in the United Kingdom. While BSL is pretty much its own language with certain grammatical differences, SSE follows spoken English word-for-word [5] [17] [25]. While Makaton can be helpful for people who can hear but have other learning or communication difficulties [5], it is also available to learn in Australia and New Zealand since BSL is primarily used in the deaf community with its own regional differences in the United Kingdom [36]. There are a few different signs for Makaton, compared to BSL and there are some exclusive signs for SSE to follow the grammatical structure of spoken English, yet all three sign languages share a lot of similarities [16] [17] [25] [37]. It would be mindful to portray a deaf protagonist’s skill in sign language reliably by taking the small differences between BSL, SSE and Makaton into consideration, quite like how it would be important to know the differences between Mandarin and Cantonese when seeking employment in Hong Kong to avoid saying a word or phase in the wrong form of spoken Chinese [6] [14] [15].

As previously stated, sign language is not universal as there is also American Sign Language, Spanish Sign Language and more [1] [3] [5]. [8]

I personally think the best choice for a new hearing-impaired tomb raider’s language would be SSE as the way it follows spoken English word-for-word will make it easier for players who can hear to follow along [5] [17] [25]. The protagonist ought to sign in SSE directly to the player most of the time in a way that would make some fourth-wall breaking welcoming, but not overly patronising like Dora the Explorer’s fourth-wall breaks [31] [32]. [25]

Just because someone who is skilled in gunnery has hearing difficulties, does not mean their capability will be affected. Besides, as I previously stated, there would be a flash at the tip of a gun if a bullet is fired, just as long as the flashes at the ends of the protagonist’s guns will not be too flashy and bright to help the game remain accessible for those with photosensitive epilepsy [51] [52]. To bring the vibes of the well-received reboot that began back in 2013, there can also be an archery mechanic, which is what I would definitely be up for in terms of honouring the acclaim of the younger Lara Croft in the reboot timeline [29]. No matter how accessible a spin-off game can be to a gamer with hearing impairments or epilepsy, there still would need to be the same amount of violence and puzzling solving from the main games to prevent the experience from becoming rather patronising, whether the game will consist of highly similar graphics to the Lara Croft GO app [13], the same art style of Tomb Raider Reloaded or similar visuals to Lara Croft: Relic Run [28] [46] [48].

Surely, you cannot go wrong with some classic virtual shooting. [43]

Last but not least, there ought to be some underwater sections to increase the variety of experiences in the gameplay and further show that a new deaf protagonist can be just as capable as Lara Croft has always been. [45]

The environments in a new spin-off of the Tomb Raider franchise might as well be gritty with realistic textures and quite big with a lot of space to voyage through [9]. I strongly suggest that there can be a country or county that has not been established in the franchise before or could be given further exploration [39]. One location could be an ancient castle in Wales, quite like Gwrych Castle where the most recent series of I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here is set in [12] [56]. Another location could be in a building in South Korea where the protagonist can attend a formal party to gather some clues and bond a supporting character who is also skilled in BSL or SSE [17] [25]. A new wintery landscape could be the mountains in Vancouver with a mysterious volcanic area [19], like the one in the Snow Resort in Go Vacation [23] [24]. There can also be a summery landscape in a county in Australia or New Zealand, which could lead to the hearing-impaired protagonist wearing sunglasses, just like how the classic Lara Croft wore hers. Establishing new interpretations of real-life countries can increase the credibility of a new Tomb Raider with quite a twist [39].

It would take quite a lot of research to accurately portray new real-life locations. Aside from how a new playable character whose unique skill is communicating with sign language ought to be female to honour the female empowerment that keeps on blooming throughout the run of the Tomb Raider series [51] [52], there ought to be some new interpretations of real-life locations to increase the credibility of the series’ notability for being set in the real world [39]. [42]

In conclusion, the idea of BSL or SSE in a new spin-off of the Tomb Raider series might not happen, but it is fun to discuss how new instalments can work exceptionally [51] [52]. Similarly, there could be a new human character in the future of the Blinky Bill franchise who communicates with Auslan, which is short for Australian Sign Language due to being deaf [3] [27] [53]. Ultimately, there can always be relied on subtitles as an eventual patch for Spyro Reignited Trilogy provided subtitles for the cutscenes [11] [50]. To other terms of accessibility in the future of gaming, I would also be up for a new Dance Dance Revolution arcade machine to feature a control system that is similar to the DK Bongos [33], requiring a player’s hands instead their feet to make the series accessible for gamers who are unable to use their legs [18]. Moreover, I am always up for gaming franchises trying something new, much like how Talking Angela got into karate back in late 2021 [35] [36]. As for the main Tomb Raider series starring the one and only Lara Croft, how about a stunning HD remake of the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions of Tomb Raider Legend for the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X in the near future of gaming [44]?

There would be a lot to expect in an HD remake of Tomb Raider Legend, such as a glamourously updated model of Lara Croft in her “Legend” look [45] [46]. Care to demonstrate an example, Konrad Majewski [21]? As for the concept of a spin-off involving sign language, especially for players with hearing impairment, I enjoyed further expanding on how such an idea will work with my fellow tomb raiders [51] [52]. [44]

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