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Go fast with the right strategy.

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Since his debut in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has never stopped going fast. From the earliest days of Emerald Hill Zone to Speed Jungle, SEGA’s blue speedster has blitzed through them all, leaving opponents in the dust while collecting rings en route to the finish line. 

But sprinting on foot isn’t the only way to indulge in that need for speed, with the Sonic Racing series offering adrenaline fuel in the form of customisable race vehicles. Marking a welcome return to the race track after six years is Sonic Racing: Crossworlds, delivering the fast-paced and energetic gameplay that fans have come to love, alongside a host of new features.

The fundamentals appear as straightforward and familiar as before. In Grand Prix mode, players compete for the top spot in one of the seven cups and earn points based on their placements at the end of one lap and accumulated after three. Except there’s now a catch.

After finishing a standard course in the first lap, drivers will have to speed through a Travel Ring in the next one, revealing a CrossWorld with new challenges, including Frenzy events. The final lap returns to the original map, updated with new shortcuts, obstacles, rings, and items, complete with reimagined versions of classic Sonic stages from previous outings. 

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Giveaway

This time, the starting roster comprises 23 playable characters from the Sonic universe, including long-time fan-favourite Shadow the Hedgehog, franchise first-timers like Sage, as well as guest racers in the form of popular virtual idol Hatsune Miku, Joker from Persona 5 Royal, and Like a Dragon protagonist Ichiban Kasuga, each specialising in a particular attribute – Speed, Acceleration, Handling, Power, or Boost. Next comes vehicle customisation, allowing for tweaks to the front, rear, and tyre components to build the ideal racing machine, alongside gadget selection, which grants perks to certain types of power-ups and movesets.

The flag-off is where the chaotic fun begins. Littered along the race course are randomised items that give players an advantage in various ways, be it a speed boost, sabotaging other racers, lowering their visibility, and more. Between that and the option to ram into opponents and throw them off their game, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds promises to ignite the flames of competition in the most enjoyable way possible.

Aside from Grand Prix, four other game modes are also available: Race Park, or Party Mode, featuring support for local split-screen or online play; World Match, where players compete online to increase their global rank;  Friend Match, custom lobbies with full control over racing rules; and Time Trial, where you can test your driving skills against the clock.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Giveaway (2)

Victory still reigns supreme regardless, so here are some quick tips to get an edge over your rivals – accelerate and land the arrow in the green sweet spot just as the flag goes down to get a small burst of speed; always keep an eye out for shortcuts in a circuit, as victory can often boil down to a difference in milliseconds; drift to fill the speed metre and gain a boost depending how much it’s charged up; perform a series of air tricks for a great speed boost; and save the offensive power-ups till slightly before the finish line, then launch it ahead and revel in your opponent’s misery.

With the large number of gadgets, vehicles, and characters available, however, it can be difficult to find the right one out of over 70,000 possible combinations (yes, you read that right) for individual play styles. There’s no need to fret, as we have compiled our recommendations for the most optimal custom builds across the three categories, but some of these elements can only be unlocked at a later time. 


Machine and Character Customisation

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Giveaway (3)

Matching a character’s type to the corresponding vehicle attribute is ideal for playing safe, but there’s only so much it can do. A core element of Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is toying around with individual components and seeing how they all click together, which requires an understanding of each stat – Speed, Acceleration, and Boost are self-explanatory, while Handling refers to the vehicle’s ability to perform tight turns, and Power, its resistance to certain obstacles or collisions.

Type of BuildMachine + Character LoadoutDescription
Max Speed
(Speed: 80; Acceleration: 20; Handling: 52; Power: 60; Boost: 28)
Character: Sonic
Front: Speed Starlighting
Rear: Speed Starlighting
Tyre: Speed Starlighting
For players who want to compete in pure speed battles. Highest top speeds, but low acceleration means slow recovery after taking damage.
Speed X Acceleration
(Speed: 71; Acceleration: 38; Handling: 43; Power: 54; Boost: 34)
Character: Sage
Front: Mirror Jubrade 
Rear: Mirror Jubrade
Tyre: Mirror Jubrade
For those who want a well-balanced playstyle. Offers reasonably high top speed and decent recovery speed.
Full Acceleration
(Speed: 58; Acceleration: 80; Handling: 30; Power: 50; Boost: 22)
Character: Tails
Front: Whirlwind
Rear: Pon Caliber
Tyre: Whirlwind
For those who want consistent placements. Allows instant recovery after taking damage, but the dash boost is less effective.
Acceleration X Power
(Speed: 56; Acceleration: 68; Handling: 29; Power: 53; Boost: 34)
Character: Eggman
Front: Jamblerage
Rear: Jamblerage
Tyre: Jamblerage
For players who want to compete aggressively in the middle of the pack. Quickly re-accelerate after taking hits and can withstand collisions.
Full Handling
(Speed: 20; Acceleration: 60; Handling: 80; Power: 28; Boost: 52)
Character: Amy
Front: Pink Cabaret
Rear: Pink Cabaret
Tyre: Pink Cabaret
For those who want complete control over their vehicle. Precise navigation along desired race lines, but low speed isn’t ideal for straightaways.
Handling X Speed 
(Speed: 38; Acceleration: 52; Handling: 68; Power: 37; Boost: 45)
Character: Shadow 
Front: Hot Hatch
Rear: Hot Hatch
Tyre: Hot Hatch
For those who want to overtake opponents during corner turns. Decent speed and high handling make it ideal to cut inside.
Full Power
(Speed: 47; Acceleration: 33; Handling: 25; Power: 80; Boost: 55)
Character: Omega
Front: Road Dragoon
Rear: Road Dragoon
Tyre: Road Dragoon
For those who want to play without player interference. Can blast through opponents easily, but may drift wide on corners.
Power X Speed
(Speed: 56; Acceleration: 34; Handling: 29; Power: 67; Boost: 54)
Character: Blaze
Front: Night Tank
Rear: Night Tank
Tyre: Night Tank
For advanced players who want to master controls and aim for top positions. Makes it more difficult to be knocked around while maintaining top speed.
Full Boost
(Speed: 37; Acceleration: 50; Handling: 59; Power: 26; Boost: 68)
Character: Hatsune Miku (DLC)
Front: Diva Machina
Rear: Diva Machina
Tyre: Diva Machina
For those who want to dash through the course with maximum acceleration. Exceptional boost duration, but may not outpace the pack if caught.
Boost X Handling
(Speed: 29; Acceleration: 51; Handling: 66; Power: 25; Boost: 69)
Character: Silver
Front: Quadcopter
Rear: Quadcopter
Tyre: Quadcopter
For those who want to leverage course gimmicks to advance. Gives a boost to navigating dash panels.

Gadget Customisation

While it may be tempting to invest in a loadout that directly benefits the five attributes, the importance of racing basics in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds cannot be overstated. From performing tricks during jumps to gain a speed boost upon landing and collecting Rings to increase the top speed, to drifting through curves to charge a boost, the smallest of actions can be deadly in the right hands, especially with the right upgrades. 

  • Bumper Combo (Dash on Impact + Steal Rings On Impact) – Allows players to smash into opponents and gain an advantage when paired with a Power-type setup
  • Massive Ring Collection (Collect Rings on Dash Panels + Increase Ring Capacity) – Ideal for keeping a high ring count and maintenance of top speed
  • Ultra High-Speed Air Trick (Super Speed Air Trick + Collect Rings via Air Tricks) – Recommended for players who want to execute ticks while racing strategically
  • Acceleration Item (Deploy Double Boost Items + Increase Boost Item Frequency) – Gives a significant advantage on courses with many run-off areas
  • High-Speed Spin Knockback (Knock Back Opponents with High Speed Spins + Easier to Catch Up to Opponents) – Spin relentlessly, knock opponents away, and dominate the track with relentless disruption
  • Ultimate Drift (Charge Speed Up Level 1, 2, and 3 + Invincible on Level 4 Drift) Grants near-constant invincibility when paired with a Boost-Type that charges quickly, such as the hoverboard
  • Item Control (Swap Items + Three Items Slots) Allows complete control over the player’s items, built for holding items and racing strategically
  • God of Destruction Monster Truck (Start with Monster Truck + Collect Rings by Attacking) – Use the ultimate item right at the start and crush everyone in the player’s path
  • Front-Runner Perfect Game (Invincible for 40 Seconds from Start + Increased Defence Item Frequency) Rely on defensive items to maintain lead in first place after 40 seconds of invincibility
  • All-In On Lap 3 (Super Power-Up on Lap 3 + Reduced Damage Stun Time) – Stage a dramatic comeback victory with an overwhelming advantage in the third lap

Now that the secret to victory is out of the bag, the time has come to put the pedal to the metal and join in on the racing thrills. Courtesy of SEGA, two PC Steam codes for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds are up for grabs, with cross-play functionality allowing players to compete against their friends or other racers on different platforms (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2).

Good luck, and may the best (or most strategic) driver win!


ENTER NOW TO WIN

For a chance to win one Steam code for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, simply complete these steps: 

  1. SHARE THIS POST and TAG a friend or more** you would like to play the game with.
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  3. Fill in the form and answer the question(s) below.

Give us a LIKE below if you haven’t done so yet, so you won’t miss out on future similar giveaways!

The giveaway closes on 11 October 2025 @23:59hrs (GMT+8). 2 lucky winners with the correct and best answers will be picked and contacted via email by 13 October 2025. Good luck!

**These steps are entirely optional, but we greatly appreciate it if you choose to show some support to Geek Culture by sharing and tagging the post so that we may be able to bring more giveaways to you all in the future!

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A Guide To Variants Unleashed In ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ https://geekculture.co/a-guide-to-variants-unleashed-deadpool-wolverine/ Tue, 30 Jul 2024 09:31:07 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=298241

The real Multiverse of Madness.

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Get ready, Marvel maniacs, because Deadpool & Wolverine is a multiversal buffet of mayhem!  When the trailers hinted at a wild romp through alternate realities, fans were ecstatic at the prospect of encountering a legion of Deadpool and Wolverine variants. Marvel Studios certainly didn’t disappoint, stuffing the film with a smorgasbord of surprise cameos that had audiences gasping and cheering.

SPOILERS AHEAD. DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU’VE SEEN THE MOVIE.

If you thought Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman were enough, buckle up, because you’re about to meet a whole slew of their counterparts. From a pint-sized Wolverine to a suave, smokin’ hot motorcycle version played by Henry Cavill, this film is a celebration of everything that makes these characters so iconic. Here are some of the important Deadpool and Wolverine variants in the movie.


Wolverine Variants

1. Comic-Accurate (Short) Wolverine

deadpool and wolverine variants

In a hilarious twist, Deadpool & Wolverine introduces a delightful array of Wolverine variants, each with their own unique quirks and characteristics. One particularly memorable variant pays homage to the character’s comic book origins, showcasing a comically short Wolverine closer to his true 5’3″ stature from the funny books. While this version serves as a comedic foil to Hugh Jackman’s towering 6’2″ portrayal, it also offers a playful nod to fans who have long yearned for a more comics-accurate depiction of the character.

This comedic twist also serves as a meta-commentary on the evolution of Wolverine in film. The original casting of Jackman, while beloved by fans, deviated from the character’s canonical appearance and despite not adhering to established parameters, fans have had no issue with it.


2. Age of Apocalypse Wolverine

deadpool and wolverine variants

Deadpool’s multiversal escapades take a dark and brutal turn when he stumbles into the dystopian Earth-295, home to the infamous 1990’s Age of Apocalypse comic event. Here, he encounters Weapon Omega, a feral and enraged Wolverine driven to madness by the apocalyptic events of his reality. Sporting a wild mane and a missing left hand, this Wolverine variant is a far cry from the noble hero we’re familiar with. Their encounter is brief but intense, leaving a lasting impression of the sheer brutality and despair that defines this alternate world.


3. Uncanny X-Men #251’s Crucified Wolverine

deadpool and wolverine variants

In a chilling homage to a classic Wolverine comic cover, Deadpool & Wolverine transports Wade Wilson to a rain-soaked landscape strewn with bloodied skulls. There, crucified upon a colossal yellow X, we find a tormented Logan. This haunting tableau is a direct reference to the iconic Marc Silvestri cover of 1989’s Uncanny X-Men #251, a scene forever etched in the minds of comic book enthusiasts.

While the film doesn’t delve into the specifics of this particular Wolverine’s suffering, the image itself speaks volumes. The crucified Wolverine, a symbol of pain and sacrifice, serves as a stark reminder of the hero’s burdens and the toll that his battles have taken on him.


4. Old Man Logan

deadpool and wolverine variants

Among the diverse Wolverines unleashed, a certain grizzled variant stands out, bearing a striking resemblance to the iconic Old Man Logan from Mark Millar and Steve McNiven’s beloved comic series. Sporting a weathered appearance, a mountain-dwelling abode, and a penchant for shotguns, this Wolverine exudes the gritty aura of a seasoned gunslinger.  

Could this variant be a fusion of Old Man Logan with Clint Eastwood’s iconic cowboy persona?  The makeup, scars, and even the scrapyard setting hint at a possible homage to the legendary actor and director.


5. Patch

deadpool and wolverine variants

Stepping into a bustling casino, Deadpool encounters a suave Wolverine sporting a white tuxedo and a rakish eyepatch. Instantly recognising his alter ego, Deadpool greets him as ‘Patch’, a nod to Wolverine’s covert operations within the criminal underworld nation of Madripoor.

This dapper Wolverine variant is a fun throwback to the character’s 80s comic book adventures, showcasing a different side of Logan’s personality. The inclusion of Patch not only expands the film’s exploration of the multiverse but also serves as a delightful Easter egg for longtime fans.


6. Cavillrine (Henry Cavill’s Wolverine)

deadpool and wolverine variants

As the Merc with a Mouth enters a dimly lit warehouse, he finds a mysterious figure clad in a white vest, tinkering with a motorcycle. With a playful jab at the actor’s resemblance to the fan-favourite casting choice, Deadpool quips, “You look like Henry Cavill.” To his surprise, the figure turns around, revealing none other than Cavill himself, embodying a rugged and intense Wolverine.

This unexpected cameo is a delightful treat for fans, acknowledging the widespread desire for Cavill to don the adamantium claws. The scene not only serves as a playful nod to fan casting but also as a cheeky jab at DC’s handling of the actor’s Superman tenure. Marvel Studios, it seems, is eager to showcase the potential that was left untapped in the DCEU. With bulging biceps and a smoldering cigar, Cavill’s Wolverine exudes a rugged charm and a hint of danger, leaving audiences hungry for more. 

Oh, and watch Cavill cocking his arms in the scene to release his claws. SATISFYING!


7. John Byrne’s Brown & Yellow Wolverine

deadpool and wolverine variants

Deadpool & Wolverine pays homage to a beloved era of comics by featuring a Wolverine variant sporting the classic brown and tan costume designed by John Byrne in the 1980s. This nostalgic nod, complete with a shout-out from Deadpool himself, delights fans who fondly remember this iconic look from the pages of the Uncanny X-Men comics.

The scene is further enriched by a clever visual reference to the Todd McFarlane and Bob Wiacek cover for 1988’s Incredible Hulk #340, with the Hulk’s reflection shimmering in Wolverine’s claws. Though brief, this encounter is a delightful Easter egg that leaves a lasting impression, fueling speculation about potential future showdowns between these two iconic characters.


Deadpool Variants

1. Nicepool

Deadpool & Wolverine not only showcases a plethora of Wolverines but also introduces fans to a hilarious and heartwarming variant of the Merc with a Mouth himself: Nicepool. This long-haired, gentler version of Wade, played by Ryan Reynolds, initially owns Dogpool and serves as a guide to the original Deadpool and Wolverine in their journey through the treacherous Void, though it does annoy Deadpool.

However, Nicepool’s journey in the multiverse takes a tragic turn as he meets a hilarious yet heartbreaking demise. Yet, his legacy lives on, not just through his beloved Dogpool, but also through the original Deadpool, who now wields Nicepool’s weapons.

We think that since Wade is scarred, actor Ryan Reynolds cannot show his handsome face on screen, unless Nicepool, who never wears a mask, serves as the proxy. You would want to as well if your co-star is the ever charming and handsome Hugh Jackman.


2. Dogpool

Introducing a delightful variant that steals the show: Dogpool, also known as Mary Puppins, a canine companion with a mischievous personality and an undeniable charm. Initially the pet of Nicepool, Dogpool quickly forms a bond with the original Deadpool, adding a heartwarming element to the film’s chaotic multiverse adventures. Dogpool’s presence not only provides comedic relief but also serves as a catalyst for genuine emotional connection between Deadpool and Wolverine.


3. Lady Deadpool

The reveal of Lady Deadpool was a surprise that had fans buzzing with excitement. While many speculated about the identity of the masked mercenary (from Taylor Swift to Ryan Reynolds in a wig), the film cleverly concealed her true face until the credits rolled, establishing that Blake Lively, Reynolds’ wife, is the voice of the character and er hope, actress behind the mask.

Stepping into the role of the fearless warrior, Lively brings a commanding presence and lethal skills to the Deadpool Corps, leading the charge against our protagonists with a fierce determination and dual mini machine guns. This casting choice adds a delightful layer of meta-humour to the film, referencing Deadpool’s earlier quip about his attraction to Lively’s character in Gossip Girl


4. Headpool

Deadpool & Wolverine doesn’t shy away from embracing the absurdity of the multiverse, as evidenced by the introduction of Headpool, a zombified, floating Deadpool head voiced by MCU veteran Nathan Fillion, who portrayed various characters such as Karja in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

This peculiar variant, a fan-favourite from the comics, brings a quirky and macabre energy to the film’s chaotic ensemble. While his backstory remains shrouded in mystery, Headpool’s presence is undeniably entertaining, his disembodied head spewing insults and hurling itself into battle with reckless abandon.


5. Kidpool

A pint-sized variant that packs a punch (and a potty mouth), Kidpool‘s presence is unforgettable. While fans speculated that Walker Scobell would take on the role, the film surprises us with a delightfully unexpected casting choice: Inez Reynolds, the daughter of Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Her foul-mouthed outburst, a stark contrast to her innocent appearance, perfectly encapsulates the film’s irreverent humour and R-rated charm.


6. Babypool

While Kidpool, a foul-mouthed pre-teen variant, adds a layer of youthful rebellion to the Deadpool Corps, Babypool takes the concept of alternate realities to a whole new level. Babypool, played by Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s own child, Olin Reynolds, may not possess the combat skills of his adult counterparts, but his innocent babbling and endearing antics provide a much-needed dose of levity amidst the chaos.


5. Cowboy Deadpool (Deadpool Kid)

Deadpool & Wolverine saddles up for a wild ride through the multiverse, introducing a rootin’ tootin’ variant that’s sure to lasso fans’ attention – Deadpool Kid. Voiced by none other than Matthew McConaughey, this sharpshooting sharpshooter brings a Southern drawl and a Wild West swagger to the Deadpool Corps. 

Decked out in a classic Deadpool suit with all the cowboy trappings – boots, spurs, hat, and belt buckle – this variant stands out from the crowd with his quick-draw skills and a twangy attitude. While his screen time is limited, Deadpool Kid’s presence is a delightful surprise for fans. McConaughey’s iconic voice perfectly complements the character’s rugged charm, adding a touch of Texas flair to the already chaotic ensemble. 

Although he meets a grisly end in the final battle, his brief appearance leaves a lasting impression, suggesting that even in the vast multiverse, there’s always room for a little bit of cowboy swagger.

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Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: Everything You Need To Know In 3 Minutes https://geekculture.co/elden-ring-shadow-of-the-erdtree-everything-you-need-to-know-in-3-minutes/ Tue, 25 Jun 2024 08:48:51 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=295337

Gearing up for another adventure in a new yet familiar land.

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Arise again, ye Tarnished! More than two years after its release, Elden Ring is bringing players back to the Land Between with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, which launched on 21 June. The thrills and pains are a familiar sight, but what’s not is the expanse of a new area: the Realm of Shadow, where unforgiving — even more than before, mind you — hostile forces lay in wait.

But first, a recap. The highly-anticipated DLC begins after tugging on Miquella’s lifeless body in Mohg’s palace, granting access to the land where Marika, the mother of Malenia and Miquella, became a god. It traces the latter’s journey, with a third ‘M’ in the lineage, Messer the Impaler, bearing a significant presence in his journey, offering more story bits for lore enthusiasts to chew on.

Embracing the spirit of exploration, the Realm of Shadow will feature new environments that are teeming with life. The new land is roughly the size of Limgrave, already sprawling on its own, and packs new menacing enemies and bosses like the Divine Beast Dancing Lion. It’s fair game, because there are now more weapons to equip, including reverse grip swords, a rapid-firing crossbow, and more.

Geek Preview – Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (3)

Check out everything to know about this new chapter in the above video, from lore developments to new gameplay mechanics. For all Tarnished returning to the world of Elden Ring, godspeed and may you prevail in your endeavours.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is now available on PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

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Zaddy Alert: Your Guide To The Rise of The Internet Daddy Who Makes Both Sexes Swoon https://geekculture.co/zaddy-alert-your-guide-to-the-rise-of-the-internet-daddy/ Mon, 03 Jun 2024 08:10:18 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=293705

These Daddies are home!

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Forget Hollywood heartthrobs – the internet has a new crush, and it’s the ‘Internet Daddy’. These captivating figures aren’t just another pretty face as they’ve conquered our social media feeds, fueling a frenzy of TikTok thirst traps and dedicated fan pages. 

Think of internet daddies as distinguished and attractive, often seasoned with a dash of silver fox appeal. They exude charm and style, effortlessly commanding attention. While some may be actual fathers, the title transcends biology or fatherhood, and is more of a badge of honour bestowed upon those who embody a certain irresistible allure. After all, in the words of fellow ‘internet daddy’ Pedro Pascal, “Daddy is a state of mind.”

Many internet daddies like Pascal have graced our screens as beloved characters from pop culture, wielding their badass vibes with aplomb. They’ve amassed a legion of adoring fans, spanning generations and transcending traditional demographics, and are the antithesis of toxic masculinity, representing a new era of admired figures. Silver fox? Check. Every word, every action? Instant swoon.

What Is An ‘Internet Daddy’?

Internet Daddy

But, what exactly is an ‘internet daddy’? Think of it as the evolved version of the classic Hollywood hunk. While Brad Pitt and his ilk once adorned our bedroom walls, these new icons dominate our digital lives. The term ‘Daddy’ itself is nothing new, but the ‘Internet Daddy’ is a unique breed.

First things first: it’s not about being a father, though it can be about the father figure. Rather, It’s a term of endearment reserved for male celebrities who’ve captured the adoration of the online masses. These men exude confidence, power, and a rugged charm that’s hard to resist and more often, they are the kinder, older and wiser guys who’d safeguard your drink at the club and lend a listening ear to your woes. 

Unlike their heartthrob predecessors, ‘Internet Daddies’ aren’t defined by romantic roles, and are more likely to be found playing the lone wolf bounty hunter or the gruff-but-lovable father figure. 

The truth is, there’s no single mould for an ‘internet daddy’. It’s more a vibe than a checklist. They might be in their older years, charismatic, empathetic, and protective, oscillating between the tough guy and tender heartthrob. The love for these figures can be platonic, but often, it’s not. Just ask the fans of British heartthrob Henry Cavill, for example…

Origins Of The Term

Internet Daddy

Believe it or not, the ‘internet daddy’ phenomenon didn’t start with Pedro Pascal, of The Last of Us and The Mandalorian fame. Five years ago, a New York Times columnist dubbed 2018 the ‘Year of the Daddy’, and while the term has skyrocketed in popularity since then, its roots run deep. The origins are murky, but one theory traces it back to 1681 when prostitutes used ‘Daddy’ to refer to their pimps or older clients. By the 1920s, the term ‘Sugar Daddy’ emerged, describing older men who financially supported younger partners. 

The gay community later embraced the term, coining ‘Leather Daddy’ in the late 1970s for dominant figures in the leather subculture. Over time, the term ‘Daddy’ evolved to encompass any attractive older man. This meaning isn’t far off from today’s ‘Internet Daddy’, though the digital age has amplified its reach and resonance.

Difference Between ‘Dad’, ‘Daddy’ & ‘Zaddy’

Internet Daddy

Alright, let’s break down the ‘Dad’, ‘Daddy’, and ‘Zaddy’ hierarchy as it’s more nuanced than you might think!

With ‘Dad’, this one’s pretty straightforward. ‘Dad’ is usually reserved for your actual father, used a term of endearment with zero romantic implications. It can also be a compliment used by fans for their favourite celebrities, suggesting a sense of admiration and trust with zero romantic undertones. This term suits Sterling K. Brown – a respectable dad figure, no doubt, but not exactly setting hearts aflutter.

Things get a bit spicier with ‘Daddy’, and the term is rarely used innocently by anyone over 12. It has a long and colourful history, from its early associations with pimps to its adoption by the gay community as a term for an older, dominant figure. Nowadays, it’s used online to describe attractive older men who evoke a certain heart-fluttering, palm-sweating feeling. Jon Hamm, Idris Elba, or Gerard Butler fit this term.

‘Zaddy’ is a newer addition to the lexicon, thanks to rapper Ty Dolla $ign who released a song with the same name. While a ‘Daddy’ might be an attractive older man, a ‘Zaddy’ is all about swag and style. Think less about age and more about the it factor. Zayn Malik and Oscar Isaac – these guys ooze zaddy energy. 

That said, here are our list of the top Internet Daddies out there – do you have Daddy issues with our list?


Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller

Known for: Joel Miller in The Last of Us, Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones, Din Djarin in The Mandalorian

The unkempt beard, the 80s moustache, the look of a gruff, yet soft-hearted man… Pedro Pascal is the quintessential ‘cool, slutty daddy’ of the internet. His breakout role as Joel Miller in HBO’s post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us solidified his status as the internet’s favourite protector. Whether he’s fiercely guarding Bella Ramsey’s Ellie in The Last of Us or tenderly caring for Grogu in The Mandalorian, Pascal’s fatherly instincts tug at our heartstrings.

And let’s be real, the man seems to revel in his newfound ‘internet daddy’ fame. From his playful interactions with fans to his hilarious interviews where he embraces the chaos with open arms, Pascal’s genuine nature shines through. Whether he’s cracking jokes about being a ‘zaddy’ or gushing over his co-stars, his infectious enthusiasm and undeniable charm have us completely smitten. We can’t help but love him for it, further cementing his position as the reigning King of Internet Daddies.

As for why he’s on top? Well, we mentioned earlier that fatherhood isn’t a requirement, but if you look at his roles in The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, being a father figure is a huge element of both shows, and no one else comes close.


Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia

Known for: Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, Superman in the DC Extended Universe, Sherlock Holmes in Enola Holmes

Henry Cavill isn’t just a pretty face, though it definitely helps, but he’s a bona fide ‘internet daddy’, having conquered the hearts of geeks and normies alike. As Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, Cavill wields his superhuman strength and brooding intensity, making monster slaying look downright dreamy. 

He’s also donned the iconic red cape, embodying the Man of Steel with a chiselled jawline and a heart of gold. Even as Sherlock Holmes in Enola Holmes, Cavill exudes a captivating charm and intellect that leaves us weak in the knees. 

But there’s more to this ‘internet daddy’ than meets the eye. Cavill is a self-proclaimed nerd, passionate about video games, Warhammer, and all things geeky. He even built his own gaming PC! This relatable side adds another layer of appeal, making him not just a fantasy on screen but a genuine, down-to-earth guy we can’t help but adore.


Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac as Leto Atreides

Known for: Poe Dameron in the Star Wars franchise, Miguel O’Hara (voice) in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Marc Spector in Moon Knight, Leto Atreides in Dune

Oscar Isaac, the charismatic actor who stole our hearts as the roguish pilot Poe Dameron in the Star Wars sequels, has secured his place as a beloved ‘internet daddy’. With his boyish grin, soulful eyes, and undeniable talent, he effortlessly captures our attention in every role he takes on. 

From the galaxy far, far away to the animated world of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, where he voiced the enigmatic Miguel O’Hara, to playing the tormented Marc Spector in Moon Knight, Isaac’s versatility knows no bounds.

It’s not just his iconic roles that make Isaac an ‘internet daddy’. He’s known for his sharp wit, playful sense of humour, and undeniable sex appeal. Isaac possesses a magnetic energy that draws us in, whether he’s wearing a tux on the red carpet or channelling his inner silly during interviews.  He’s the kind of guy you’d want to grab a beer with, while simultaneously fantasising about him reciting Miguel O’Hara’s most iconic lines in your ear.


Mads Mikkelsen

Mads Mikkelsen as Grindelwald

Known for: Hannibal Lector in Hannibal, Kaecilius in Doctor Strange, Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Cliff in Death Stranding

With a preference for captivatingly dark characters, Mads Mikkelsen, the undeniably sophisticated Danish actor, has cemented his place as an online favourite. Mikkelsen has a magnetic charisma that leaves us both intrigued and slightly terrified, whether it’s his threatening turn as Kaecilius in Doctor Strange or his terrifying depiction of Hannibal Lecter in the TV series Hannibal.

His portrayal of the conflicted Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore also showcases his versatility and ability to bring depth and humanity to even the most morally questionable characters. This ability to captivate audiences with both charm and intensity is what solidifies Mikkelsen’s status as an ‘internet daddy’, especially for those who appreciate a touch of darkness and a whole lot of charisma.


Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry

Known for: Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, Arthur Curry in the DC Extended Universe, Duncan Idaho in Dune 

Jason Momoa, the Hawaiian heartthrob who burst onto the scene as the fierce Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, has solidified his place as a beloved ‘internet daddy’. It’s hard to miss the raw, primordial energy he emanates from his tattooed physique, flowing locks, and rugged good looks. Momoa’s commanding presence and irresistible personality make him an instant fan favourite, whether he’s fighting sandworms in Dune as Duncan Idaho or holding a trident as Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

Momoa’s playful personality and down-to-earth nature shine through in interviews and social media, making him relatable and endearing. Whether he’s rocking a pink scrunchie or advocating for environmental causes, his authenticity and passion are undeniable. It’s no wonder he’s earned the title of ‘internet daddy’, leaving fans swooning over his unique blend of rugged charm and genuine warmth.


Idris Elba

Idris Elba as Heimdall

Known for: Solomon Reed in Cyberpunk: 2077, Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad, Heimdall in The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Idris Elba, the British actor with a voice that could melt butter, has effortlessly cemented himself as a beloved ‘internet daddy’. He’s graced our screens in a variety of geeky roles, from the suave and mysterious Solomon Reed in the video game Cyberpunk: 2077 to the stoic antihero Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad. His deep, resonant voice and undeniable charm have us swooning, and his ability to bring complex characters to life keeps us coming back for more.

Alongside his acting accolades, Elba is a talented DJ and musician, adding another layer of coolness to his already impressive resume. With his magnetic presence and effortless style, he’s the perfect embodiment of the ‘internet daddy’: a man who can do it all and looks damn good doing it


Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves as John Wick

Known for: John Wick in the John Wick franchise, Neo in The Matrix franchise, Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk: 2077

Keanu Reeves, the eternally youthful actor with a heart of gold, has captured the internet’s adoration as the ultimate ‘nice guy internet daddy’. He’s dodged bullets as the legendary hitman John Wick, bent reality as Neo in The Matrix, and even lent his voice to the rebellious rocker Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk: 2077, solidifying his place in pop culture history. With his signature long hair, leather jackets, and stoic yet soulful demeanour, he’s become a symbol of cool for multiple generations.

Reeves is also known for his kind demeanour, genuine humility, and philanthropic endeavours off-screen. He’s the guy who gives up his seat on the subway and shares his wealth with those in need. This rare combination of talent, charm, and kindness has solidified his status as a beloved ‘internet daddy’, inspiring countless memes and fan tributes. 


Daniel Dae Kim

Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai

Known for: Fire Lord Ozai in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Ben Daimio in Hellboy, Masataka Ebina in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Daniel Dae Kim, the multi-talented actor with a career spanning decades, has recently embraced his status as an ‘internet daddy’. He’s not just a veteran of the screen, having played iconic roles like the imposing Fire Lord Ozai in Avatar: The Last Airbender and the tough-as-nails Ben Daimio in Hellboy. He’s also a self-aware charmer, acknowledging and even encouraging the ‘daddy’ label with a playful wink.

And let’s be honest, it’s easy to see why fans can’t get enough of him. With his sculpted physique, piercing gaze, and undeniable talent, he’s been turning heads for years. He’s even been named one of PEOPLE’s Sexiest Men Alive not once, but twice! Now, with his recent role as the quirky Masataka Ebina in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Kim continues to prove that he’s not just a heartthrob, but a versatile actor who can conquer any genre.


The internet’s love affair with ‘daddies’ shows no signs of slowing down. These charismatic figures, from Hollywood stars to lesser-known gems, have captured our hearts and ignited a social media frenzy. 

Whether you’re crushing on a seasoned silver fox or a charismatic newcomer, there’s no denying the power of the internet daddy. They remind us that age is just a number, that confidence is sexy, and that a little bit of humour goes a long way. 

So go ahead, indulge in those thirst traps, share those memes, and celebrate these extraordinary men who make us melt. After all, who doesn’t love a good daddy?

The post Zaddy Alert: Your Guide To The Rise of The Internet Daddy Who Makes Both Sexes Swoon appeared first on Geek Culture.

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Geek’s Guide to Toy And Comic Shopping In London 2024 https://geekculture.co/geeks-guide-to-toy-and-comic-shopping-in-london-2024/ Wed, 29 May 2024 06:30:44 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=292963

The geek shopping experience in London is pretty different yet still strangely familiar.

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While the crown has changed hands, most of London still remains the same as we would expect. The biggest change now is the wider acceptance of anime and manga into the fold. Apart from that, Harry Potter fever has hit a tipping point, transforming(or devolving) into a tourist souvenir; that said, there are still plenty of cool sights to be found.

Not quite as densely packed as other cities in Asia we’ve covered in the past, the geek shopping experience in London is pretty different yet still strangely familiar. There’s a good emphasis on the retail experience here that welcomes folks from all walks of life. If you’re looking to get into the hobby, London is by far one of the best experiences with non-stereotypical inclusions of geek culture.

Focusing on one of the more touristy spots in London, this geek guide is much shorter than our previous coverage, but it should give a good cross-section of what London’s mainstream geek scene has to offer. If you’re headed there for a holiday, Leicester Square is definitely one of the places to check out, serving as the basis for our guide.


LEGO Store Leicester Square

3 Swiss Ct, London W1D 6AP, UK

Toy and Comic Shopping in London

The LEGO store at Leicester Square is still a great place to start the geek journey, and it has receieved a few upgrades over the years. Having started with the mosaic maker, the store has added a full section which includes a Minifigure Factory.

Depending on when you’re visiting the store, the Minifigure Factory has seasonal elements to keep things fresh. Unique store offerings have been expanded to include LEGO and London-themed luggage tags as one of the many items you can pick up for friends back home!


Gosh! Comics

1 Berwick St, Soho, London W1F 0DR, UK

Toy and Comic Shopping in London

No words can accurately describe the feeling of flipping through a fresh graphic novel or comic, but GOSH! Comics help anyone feed that need!

The store is a great retail experience for anyone looking to browse and pick up an indie comic book title. There’s plenty to browse here so it might take a bit more time; plus, it’s nice to see the shelves changing with the times, especially the renewed interest in X-Men.


Mega City Comics

18 Inverness St, London NW1 7HJ, UK

If you’re planning a visit to Camden Market, be sure to check out Mega City Comics. They have a decent collection of current and old comics, graphic novels, some T-shirts and a small collection of manga titles. Who knows, you might discover a gem or two if you’re lucky.


Orcs Nest

6 Earlham St, London WC2H 9RY, UK

Board gaming is bigger than ever before, and Orcs Nest continues to be well stocked with all the staples anyone needs to start their collection.

Prices still come at a premium, but the store has expanded its selection towards the tabletop RPG genre that is not Dungeons & Dragons. Given its central location, this is a store to check out, especially with how it captures the hobby’s growth in feeding social gaming for the Internet age.


Forbidden Planet

179 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8JR, UK

Toy and Comic Shopping in London

If there was a place in London that gave a pulse on the ever shifting landscape of geek and comic book pop culture, Forbidden Planet would be it. The store finds its strength in all forms of western content, even as consumer tastes have been steadily changing.

Heading into the lower floor, you’d be surprised at the number of shelves dedicated to anime and manga content, with even a segment for Japanese horror manga artist Junji Ito. Star Wars and Marvel continue to make a good run and it’s good to see Japanese influence in the wider geek space thriving in London.


The Noble Collection

Ground Floor, 26-28 Neal St, London WC2H 9QQ, UK

Toy and Comic Shopping in London

When it comes to high-end licensed products, The Noble Collection is where it’s at. With Harry Potter-related products still dominating the space, the store has expanded even more into Warner Brothers’ related IPs as well. There are even more Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and DC comics products on the shelf angled to the more well-heeled clientele looking for display pieces to place in their homes.

While it’s the norm to visit this store and pick up gifts for friends back home, seeking out that final ornamental object to complete your home’s aesthetic is a common practice as well. The addition of The Last Airbender merch is surprising to see, but those who grew up with the series are well into their twenties and can now afford to treat themselves to something more upmarket.


Bubble Pop

60 Neal St, London WC2H 9PP, UK

Toy and Comic Shopping in London

If Forbidden Planet represents all things Western, then Bubble Pop starts stronger from the Eastern geek lens with a cross-section of all things anime, Sanrio,and everything in between.

Once again, it’s hard to escape Harry Potter in London, but Bubble Pop balances it out with all things cute and squishable. This is a place that one should check out especially if Japanese IPs are your thing — it’s no Akihabara, of course, but offers a good case study of how such content are curated overseas.



Bonus: Dark Sphere Shepherd’s Bush

Unit 8 W12 Shopping Centre, London W12 8PP, UK

Toy and Comic Shopping in London

As the sole surviving Dark Sphere branch in London, this store has plenty of weight on its shoulders. It’s one of the biggest trading card game (TCG), board gaming, and tabletop gaming store we’ve seen in our travels with an active community.

Toy and Comic Shopping in London

It can be quite a journey to get to this location, but the presence of the nearby massive Westfield shopping mall makes it easier to pop by for a quick peek. Prices for Warhammer miniatures remain competitive here, but the highlighting of picking up a store-exclusive model is a strong strong reason to visit this locale during your travels!

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Hong Kong’s Hidden Gems: 2024 Geek’s Guide To Toy, Tech & Pop Culture https://geekculture.co/hong-kong-2024-geeks-guide-to-toy-tech-pop-culture/ Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:27:54 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=288894

Level up your next Hong Kong trip with these must-visit spots!

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There’s more to Hong Kong than great food and culture as the city renowned for its dazzling skyline and vibrant street life harbours a multitude of hidden gems that beckon the geeks at heart. 

From unique dining experiences that transport you into the worlds of your favourite franchises, to speciality stores packed with collectables waiting to be discovered, the city is much more than meets the eye and a treasure trove of tech and pop culture fun. Whether you’re delving into the meticulous world of toy model making, exploring thematic eateries, or hunting down exclusive action figures and memorabilia, 2024 Hong Kong offers an eclectic array of experiences guaranteed to elevate your visit. 


HONG KONG ISLAND

Hung Hing Toys

Address: 311 Gloucester Rd, Windsor House, Level 3, Causeway Bay

Nestled in the heart of Causeway Bay, Hung Hing Toys offers a delightful haven for collectors and casual shoppers alike. Established in 1994, this Hong Kong mainstay specialises in a vast selection of character toys and car models, particularly those hailing from Japan. 

But Hung Hing Toys doesn’t stop there. They also develop their own unique products, ensuring a diverse and ever-evolving collection.  For fans of classic Japanese animation, Hung Hing Toys boasts a collaboration with Tezuka Productions Company Limited, granting them the right to produce and sell licensed figures from Osamu Tezuka’s iconic works, like the beloved Astro Boy. Whether you’re seeking the latest Japanese imports or a nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic characters, Hung Hing Toys promises a joyful shopping experience filled with treasures waiting to be discovered.

@geekculture

Get your toy fix at Hung Hing Toys located on level 3 of Windsor House @ Causeway Bay when you next visit Hong Kong! 📍Address: Shop 316-317C, 311 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 🕚 Opening hours: 11am to 8pm #toys #toyshopping #whattobuy #hongkong #travel #geek #fyp #fypシ

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The toy shopping doesn’t end here. Windsor House has a high concentration of toy stores starting from level 2 onwards, with a Tomica/Takara Tomy dedicated store, May Toys which carries Gunpla, Tamashii Nations, QPosket, Funko and more, as well as Bricks House for brick lovers, that not only carries LEGO, but also a bunch of third-party brick products.

Marks Toys is a Western-skewed movie props and collectibles store, with a heavy focus on all things Marvel and DC Comics. Tiny World is a unique store that sells plenty of miniature vehicles and buildings, and it mostly carries its own “Tiny” brand of products. This is definitely worth checking out if you are into collecting miniature vehicles, with a touch of local HK flavour. And finally, there is a Toys “R” Us located on the 7th floor of the mall.


Hong Kong Tram Store

Address: 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central

Tucked away in the Central Market, the Hong Kong Tram Store (formerly the Ding Ding Old Hong Kong Branch) is a treasure trove for tram enthusiasts and nostalgia seekers alike. This shop offers a delightful mix of tram-themed merchandise, from model trams and nostalgic snacks to household items and even old records.

Historical photos, tickets, and toys adorn the walls, whispering tales of old Hong Kong and its iconic tram culture. Whether you’re a local resident reminiscing about childhood days or a tourist searching for unique souvenirs, the Hong Kong Tram Store promises a delightful experience filled with quirky finds and a touch of Hong Kong history.

Central Market, where the Hong Kong Tram Store resides, is a modern marvel reborn from a historical gem. Originally a fresh food market built in the 1930s with a Streamline Moderne architectural design, it has been revitalised to house a vibrant mix of shops, cafés, and restaurants. Explore artisanal and independent stores alongside familiar brands, or grab a bite to eat while soaking up the atmosphere. This unique space seamlessly blends heritage with modern offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting a taste of Hong Kong’s dynamic culture.


Tamiya Plamodel Factory

Address: H110-112 1F, Block B, PMQ, Central, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central

Hobbyists and model enthusiasts can fuel their passion for creation at Tamiya Plamodel Factory, a haven located in PMQ Central. This flagship store by the renowned Japanese model maker Tamiya boasts a treasure trove of static models, R/C cars, and their iconic Mini 4WD racing kits. Tank enthusiasts will find meticulously detailed replicas, while aviation aficionados can explore intricate model aeroplanes.

What sets the Tamiya Plamodel Factory apart is not just its vast selection but its commitment to fostering a community. The store is equipped with a dedicated workspace, complete with all the necessary tools to breathe life into models. This commitment to the craft extends to the adrenaline-fueled Mini 4WD racetrack, inviting builders to put their creations to the test in a thrilling show of speed and skill.

The Tamiya Plamodel Factory shares space with independent shops and studios brimming with local fashion, art, and homeware in PMQ Central, which isn’t your typical mall. This trendy spot pulsates with creativity, having undergone a cool transformation from a historic police married quarters (PMQ) built in the 1950s. Events and exhibitions add to the buzz, making PMQ Central a must-visit for those seeking a unique blend of heritage and modern design.


Victoria Peak

Address: 33 Garden Road, Central

Soak in the breathtaking panoramas of Hong Kong’s skyline from Victoria Peak, but don’t stop there. This iconic location offers a thrilling double dose of entertainment for pop culture enthusiasts.

First, rub shoulders with the rich and famous (well, almost) at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.  Here, lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical icons, and local stars come alive. Imagine snapping a selfie with your favourite K-pop idol, like a member of BTS or Blackpink, or posing alongside Hollywood royalty like Robert Downey Jr. or Angelina Jolie. Interactive exhibits and themed galleries, like scenes from blockbuster movies, let you become part of the action.

Craving a playful twist? Hong Kong now hosts the world’s first Monopoly-themed attraction at The Peak, offering a unique experience for visitors. Monopoly Dreams takes you inside Mr Monopoly’s world with holograms and 4DX technology that bring the classic game to life. Guests can engage with interactive elements like the Fortune Board and explore themed areas, including a vault. 


Transformers: The Ark

Address: 38 Russell St, Causeway Bay

Calling all Autobots! Transformers: The Ark offers a unique blend of dining and fanfare, setting itself apart as the world’s first Transformers-themed restaurant. It transports diners straight into the universe of the iconic franchise, with decor inspired by the Autobots’ spaceship, The Ark, and immersive 3D projections.

Guests can indulge in a variety of American comfort food while surrounded by an environment that feels like stepping into a live scene from the series. Whether you’re a lifelong Transformers fan or just looking for a unique dining experience, Transformers: The Ark serves up a memorable adventure.

@geekculture

Let’s check out the world’s first Transformers-themed restaurant in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. #transformers #morethanmeetstheeye #transformerstheark #optimusprime #hongkong #hasbro #fastfood #geek #geekculture

♬ Cyber Attack – Balang_3go

KOWLOON

Mong Kok Toy District 

Address: West Kowloon, Yau Tsim Mong District

Venture into the heart of Mong Kok and discover a paradise for toy enthusiasts – the Mong Kok Toy District. Here, two distinct shopping experiences await. In’s Point pulsates with a frenetic energy, offering a dazzling array of toys for every interest. Anime aficionados will unearth figurines from their favourite series, while action figure hunters can track down superheroes and villains from every comic book universe. Keep an eye out for popular LEGO sets and Gundam models waiting to be assembled into miniature masterpieces.

For a more upscale experience, head to Sino Centre. Here, discerning collectors can browse high-end, limited-edition figurines and meticulously crafted replicas. Gamers will find a treasure trove of video game merchandise, while stores brimming with the latest Japanese imports ensure you’ll discover the hottest new toys before anyone else. For those whose interests lie beyond anime, the true gem is the Hot Toys Secret Base outlet, perched on the 20th floor. Here, visitors will be mesmerised by an impressive array of premium figures spanning the Marvel, DC, and Star Wars universes.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, Mong Kok Toy District promises an exciting adventure filled with pop culture gems waiting to be unearthed. For more shopping points in Mong Kok, check out our guide.


Avenue of Stars

Address: Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui

Cinephiles with an affinity for Asian cinema will find a visit to Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars not just compelling, but essential. This waterfront promenade serves as a heartfelt tribute to the luminaries of Hong Kong cinema, echoing the Hollywood Walk of Fame but set against the stunning vista of Victoria Harbour. Spanning 440 meters, the promenade is adorned with over 100 plaques dedicated to the stars who have played pivotal roles in elevating Hong Kong’s film industry to global prominence.

The Avenue of Stars offers more than a mere enumeration of Hong Kong’s cinematic elite, it provides a tangible connection to legends such as Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh through their handprints, inviting visitors to brush up against greatness in its most literal sense. 

Beyond the celebratory plaques, the promenade is punctuated by significant installations, including a majestic bronze statue of Bruce Lee poised in mid-action, captivating martial arts enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The experience is further enhanced as evening falls, with the Symphony of Lights illuminating Victoria Harbour in a spectacle of colour and light, ensuring the Avenue of Stars offers a memorable backdrop to honour the giants of Hong Kong cinema.


A Path to Glory – Jin Yong’s Centennial Memorial

Address: Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin

This year commemorates the 100th anniversary of Dr. Louis Cha, famously known as Jin Yong, a monumental figure whose martial arts novels have become cornerstones of Chinese literature. The World of Wuxia exhibition at Edinburgh Place, highlighted by Ren Zhe’s sculptures of Jin Yong’s characters, including a Mongolian yurt from The Eagle-Shooting Heroes, enables visitors to immerse themselves in iconic scenes using audio guides and AR technology. This is complemented by a broader exhibition at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, showcasing Ren Zhe’s creations alongside seminars, immersive experiences, and manuscript displays from 16 March to 7 October.

Recognising Hong Kong as the birthplace of Jin Yong’s wuxia novels, the centennial celebrations also involve collaborations with international institutions and foreign consulates to create interactive experiences that promote Jin Yong’s novels as a means to appreciate Chinese culture and share Hong Kong’s narratives. These events aim not only to rekindle the cherished memories associated with Jin Yong among older generations, but also to introduce his legendary works to younger audiences, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire and entertain.


HONG KONG ISLAND & KOWLOON

Hot Toys

Addresses:

  • Secret Base: 20/F, Sino Centre, 582-592 Nathan Rd, Mong Kok
  • Rebel Base: Tsim Sha Tsui, Canton Rd, Harbour City, Ocean Terminal, SHOP OT G52, G/F
  • Echo Base: Causeway Bay, Great George St, 華登大廈 Fashion Walk, 地下12-14舖

Hong Kong isn’t just a haven for casual toy shoppers – it also caters to high-end collectors with the prestigious Hot Toys. This Hong Kong-based manufacturer has gained a global reputation for its stunningly detailed, 1/6th-scale collectable figurines. Hot Toys meticulously recreates iconic characters from pop culture franchises like Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Star Wars.  

Hot Toys boasts dedicated stores across Hong Kong, including Secret Base in Mong Kok, Rebel Base in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Harbour City, and Echo Base in Causeway Bay’s Fashion Walk.  Here, collectors can browse through an impressive selection of these premium figures, each a work of art that brings their favourite characters to life.


LANTAU ISLAND

World of Frozen (Hong Kong Disneyland)

Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland is now home to a new attraction for fans of Disney’s Frozen – the World of Frozen. This immersive area stands as the first and most extensive recreation of Arendelle (the beloved kingdom from the film) anywhere in the world. Visitors stepping into this space are greeted by stunning Nordic-inspired architecture that vividly brings the animated movie to life, with the majestic Arendelle Castle and its iconic spires becoming even more breathtaking at night.

The World of Frozen isn’t just about the sights, it’s also about the experiences. Guests can enjoy two thrilling rides: Frozen Ever After, a musical boat journey that might have you singing along with Elsa, and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, a ride inspired by Oaken’s Trading Post that promises a fun-filled adventure. Additionally, the Playhouse in the Woods offers a unique blend of meet-and-greet and interactive theatre, where guests can step into Elsa and Anna’s secret childhood hideaway for an enchanting experience powered by physical sets, projection mapping, and a few surprises.

@geekculture

For the first time in forever, live the best Frozen life at Hong Kong Disneyland! ❄ Arendelle is even more magical in person. ✨ Anyone else obsessed with this kingdom? #HongKongDisneyland #HongKong #Disneyland #HKDisneyland #Travel #Geek #Disney #Frozen #WorldOfFrozen #DiscoverHongKong #fyp #fypシ

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Beyond the rides and attractions, visitors can warm up with a meet-and-greet with their favourite characters, savour Frozen-themed treats and meals at the Golden Crocus Inn or the Northern Delights sweet shop, and hunt for souvenirs at Tick Tock Toys and Collectibles


From nostalgic trinket shops echoing the city’s tram heritage to the immersive worlds of Disney and cinematic legends, the exploration of Hong Kong’s eclectic geek havens illustrates the city’s rich tapestry of pop culture and technological marvels. 

These hidden gems, each with its own unique allure, invite enthusiasts, collectors, and adventurers alike into a realm where imagination meets tangible experiences. Whether it’s through the lens of a camera, the pages of a comic book, or the joy of a newly discovered collectable, Hong Kong continues to be a vibrant playground for tech and pop culture fun in 2024 and beyond.

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: How To Romance Tifa, Aerith, Barret, And More https://geekculture.co/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-how-to-romance-tifa-aerith-barret-and-more/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:20:38 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=286511

Love is in the air!

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The world of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is charming in many ways, breathing more excitement into Cloud’s adventures. There’s plenty to do and see in this expanded sequel, including going on a date with one of his companions – an iconic moment from the original Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Romance

Making a return here as Bonds of Friendship, the romance system sets aside some one-on-one time for players to spend at the Gold Saucer in Chapters 8 and 12. Like the 1997 classic, the spiky-haired warrior will have a selection of dating prospects, from the all-too-popular Tifa to the bromance-set Barret. 

This time, though, there are other factors to consider. Choosing the right dialogue option is just the beginning, with side quest completion and the execution of synergy skills and abilities contributing to the outcome. 

Here’s how to romance each available character in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.


Basic Mechanics

To unlock intimate scenes with a character, their affinity points with Cloud need to be higher than the others and above a certain score. Having conversations is the easiest way to increase affinity level, with each response earning one, two, or three stars (the higher, the better). These can be easily missed, so it’s always good to check in on your companions whenever possible, especially if there’s a speech bubble present. 

As for parts of the main story, completing hidden prerequisites will improve the bond between Cloud and his companion. Do note this only determines who becomes your Gold Saucer date, and won’t affect the overall narrative in any way. Scoring at least a light blue emoji leads to an intimate cutscene for the Skywheel Date; otherwise, the standard cutscene triggers. 

Should the first date prove unsatisfactory, or if curiosity for the other routes strikes, completing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth at least once unlocks the option of manually choosing the player’s companion for both Gold Saucer dates and their nature (Intimate or Standard). 


1) Tifa Lockhart

The childhood friend of Cloud and resident brawler, Tifa’s feisty-yet-shy personality and kind-heartedness makes her an all-time popular pick. The complete guide is as follows:

Dialogue options

Dialogue promptBest response
“This tank remind you of anything?” (Chapter 2)“The place I made that promise to you.”
“Do you remember a guy named Emilio?” (Chapter 4)“Only person I remember from the village is you.”
“Feels like it’s been ages since Seventh Heaven.” (Chapter 6)“Lot’s happened since then.”
“What sorta thing would you go for?” (Chapter 9)“Gonna go with pot roast.”
“Did I sound as awkward as I felt?” (Chapter 10)“You did good.”
“It was taking a toll… Then you turned up.” (Chapter 11)“Have I helped you get through it at all?”

Side quests

  • A Rare Card Lost (Grasslands)
  • Dreaming of Blue Skies (Junon)
  • Calling All Frogs (Junon)
  • Gold Cup or Bust (Corel)
  • Bodybuilders in a Bind (Corel)
  • My White-Haired Angel (Nibel)

Synergy skills and abilities

  • Slip and Slide (skill)
  • Soaring Flurry (skill)
  • Heavenly Ascent (skill)
  • Relentless Rush (ability)
  • Synchro Cyclone (ability)

Main story segments

  • Inauguration Parade (Chapter 4): Obtain a higher score than the opposing team in all three formations.
  • Same Taste in Beach Wear (Chapter 6): Tifa’s outfit must match Cloud’s, Aerith’s, or both.
  • Beach Fight Partner (Chapter 6): Choose the party setup with Tifa and Red XIII. 
  • Loveless (Chapter 12): Get a high score.

2) Aerith Gainsborough

The flower girl of the team, Aerith’s playful, spirited, and chaotic energy acts as an interesting foil to Cloud’s stoic character. The complete guide is as follows:

Dialogue options

Dialogue promptBest response
“Wanna climb the clock tower together?” (Chapter 2)“Sure. Let’s.”
“Do you remember the first time we met?” (Chapter 4)“You shoved a flower at my face.”
“I start thinking things so dark and ugly it scares me.” (Chapter 6)“They’re just thoughts.”
“Pretty selfish, huh? Waltzing in there, stirring up memories…” (Chapter 9)“They didn’t seem to mind.”
“So what – we sit here and ‘theorize’?”(Chapter 10)“No, we fight.”
“We gotta do something, right?” (Chapter 11)“Hell yeah you’re right. Screw them.”

Side quests

  • Flowers from the Hill (Grasslands)
  • Stuck in a Rut (Junon)
  • Beneath Still Waters (Junon)
  • Rendezvous in Costa del Sol (Corel)
  • The Spice of Life (Gongaga)
  • Woodland Virgil (Gongaga)
  • Absence of a Sign (Cosmo Canyon)

Synergy skills and abilities

  • Combat Saviour (skill)
  • Bodyguard (skill)
  • Spellbound Blast (skill)
  • Firework Blade (ability)
  • United Refocus (ability)

Main story segments

  • Inauguration Parade (Chapter 4): Obtain a higher score than the opposing team in all three formations.
  • Same Taste in Beach Wear (Chapter 6): Tifa’s outfit must match Cloud’s, Aerith’s, or both.
  • Beach Fight Partner (Chapter 6): Choose the party setup with Aerith and Barret.
  • Loveless (Chapter 12): Get a high score. 

3) Barret Wallace

The metal-armed mercenary has proven himself a loyal comrade, coming a long way from his rocky beginnings with Cloud. A fun fact – in the original game, going on a Gold Saucer date with Barret unlocks the ‘Bromance’ trophy. The complete guide is as follows:

Dialogue options 

Dialogue promptBest response
“Not gonna have a drop till Seventh Heaven’s back up and running” (Chapter 2)“First one’s on me.”
“What do you think Yuffie wants with us?” (Chapter 4) “Your autograph.”
“I couldn’t do a damn thing for those poor bastards.” (Chapter 6)“You tried. That’s all that matters.”
“Wonder what kinda stuff we’d end up growin’.” (Chapter 9)“Mushrooms.”
What would you do? (Chapter 10)Encourage her.
“You never came up here hopin’ she’d wave?” (Chapter 11)“Sounds like something I’d do.”

Side quests

  • Lifeline in Peril (Grasslands)
  • Hustle and Grind (Grasslands)
  • When Words Won’t Do (Junon)
  • Missing: Mr Birdie (Corel)
  • The Pursuit of Perfection (Gongaga)
  • Escape from Endless Writer’s Block (Gongaga)
  • Lament of the Damned (Nibel)

Synergy skills and abilities

  • Mad Dash (skill)
  • Iron Defence (skill)
  • Partners in Pain (ability)

Main story segments

  • Beach Fight Partner (Chapter 6): Choose the party setup with Aerith and Barret.
  • Corel Minecart Route (Chapter 7): Leave the minecart track as it is (facing left). 
  • Corel Prison Shootout (Chapter 7): Complete the Anuran Suppressor boss fight, where players take control of Barret from the back of a truck. Happens automatically.
  • Loveless (Chapter 12): Get a high score. 

4) Red XIII

An honourable, wolf-like beast, Red XIII lends a sense of calm and maturity to the group’s ragtag dynamics. The complete guide is as follows:

Dialogue options 

Dialogue promptBest response
“One can never be too careful with Shinra.” (Chapter 2)“I knew I could count on you.”
“I doubt I’ll smell Shinra till it’s too late.” (Chapter 4) “We’ll manage.”
“I know I should strive to maintain my composure around him, but…” (Chapter 6)“Don’t sweat it.”
Select the Patch you believe to be Gongaga Mushrooms. (Chapter 9)
“Just forgot I said anything.” (Chapter 10)“I’ll lend an ear.”
“No one wants to hear people badmouth their hometown.” (Chapter 11)“This isn’t my hometown.”

Side quests

  • Lifestock’s Bane (Grasslands)
  • The Hardest Sell (Junon)
  • Of Robed Men and Ransoms (Corel)
  • O Chicken, Where Art Thou (Gongaga)
  • From Whence the Life Flows (Gongaga)
  • Promises to Keep (Cosmo Canyon)

Synergy skills and abilities

  • Phantom Fang (skill)
  • Wild Charge (skill)
  • Savage Assault (ability)

Main story segments

  • Shinra-8 Queen’s Blood Tournament (Chapter 5): Win the card game tournament. 
  • Beach Fight Partner (Chapter 6): Choose the party setup with Tifa and Red XIII.
  • Welcome Brawl with Dio (Chapter 8): Finish the 3D Brawler tutorial match. Happens automatically. 
  • Gold Saucer Queen’s Blood Rematch (Chapter 12): Emerge victorious against Red XIII. 
  • Loveless (Chapter 12): Get a high score. 

5) Bonus: Cid, Vincent, and Cait Sith (Others) 

Coasting through the whole game without fulfilling any of the demands will lead to a date night with Cid Highwind, Vincent Valentine, and Cait Sith. What could go wrong, you ask? Well, let’s just say having two anti-social individuals in an enclosed space certainly won’t help matters. 

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is out now on the PS5. 

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The Ultimate Guide To Building Gundam Plastic Models AKA Gunpla https://geekculture.co/the-ultimate-guide-to-building-gundam-plastic-models-aka-gunpla/ Fri, 03 Nov 2023 05:10:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=277150 Gunpla Guide

Want to build a Gundam Plastic Model (or Gunpla) but don't know where to start?

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Gunpla Guide

If you’ve ever been captivated by the epic clashes of colossal robots, chances are you’ve heard of Gundam. Throughout its enduring legacy spanning decades, this franchise has steadily expanded from its anime origins into a multifaceted world of movies, video games, and more importantly, dominated the model kits space.

Bandai’s Gundam plastic models, lovingly known as Gunpla, present fans of the franchise with the opportunity to build and customise their very own scale models of the many iconic mobile suits. At its most intricate level, master crafters utilise paints and unique customisations to turn model kits into contenders for global tournaments, making the Gundam universe more immersive than ever.

If you’re looking to dive into the delightful world of Gunpla, here’s what you need to know to get started.


Essential tools of the trade

Basic model tools kit

Before you start assembling your Gundam model, you’ll want to gear up with the right arsenal of tools. Thankfully, you can easily acquire these essentials from your local building supply and art stores. Decently-sized pliers and a precision hobby knife will become your trusty companions as you delicately trim any excess plastic from each part on a runner tray.

Beginners might want to consider a basic model tools kit, which packs all the right gear in a convenient container. In a model tools kit, you’ll find pliers for precise part handling, a hobby knife complete with spare blades for surgical precision, tweezers to handle delicate components, and a selection of sanding tools for that polished finish.


Understanding different Gunpla grades

Gunpla offers challenges suitable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned artisans. If you’ve never built anything before, it’s crucial to have an understanding of the different grades of model kits in Gunpla, as they represent different types of builds and difficulty levels.


High Grade (HG)

Gundam Aerial High Grade Gunpla

High Grade kits are solid, easy builds with substantial detail and articulation that are great for beginners. They are typically 1:144 scale models, although there are larger HG models with less detail than what you would find in more challenging Grade models.

The vast majority of HG kits rely heavily on polycaps — rubber polymer pieces used to create smooth joints or to keep something in place without glue. Polycaps are temperature-sensitive and get looser with friction or over time. Bandai has since taken a bold step forward by breaking away from this tradition with the launch of their Witch From Mercury kits, which favour techniques like C-Clips or moulded ball joints to enhance stability and functionality.

High Grade Earthree Gundam Gunpla

Younger Gundam fans may also find lots of enjoyment in the relatively new High Grade Build Divers’ Planet System line. This range brings to the table a unique concept where you can create stumpy Gundams with interchangeable armours, allowing builders to explore their creativity by mixing and matching different armour sets. When the armour isn’t attached, it morphs into a sleek flight mode, serving as a stylish vehicle for the Core Gundam to hop on.

Price range: S$18 – 38


Real Grade (RG)

Real Grade Gundam Gunpla

If you’re more confident in your skills, you can check out Real Grade kits for something a little more complex. Like High Grade kits, RG kits are typically 1:144 scale models, but they set themselves apart in several remarkable ways.

For example, they boast near-perfect colour accuracy, eliminating the need for those pesky colour-correcting stickers. They also come with a full inner frame, extensive part counts, advanced articulation, and a wealth of decals. Enhanced surface detail, impeccable colour separation, and intricate mechanical features help elevate this Gunpla experience.

The older RG kits have a reputation for being fragile nightmares, but the latest from the past few years are all stellar, such as the RG Nu Gundam, RG Sazabi, and RG Crossbone. Outside of the Gundam franchise, there are even kits like the RG Eva Unit 01 from Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Price range: S$44 – 75


Master Grade (MG)

Gundam Wing Master Grade Gunpla

The real greats are in the Master Grade line. At a 1:100 scale, MG models are bigger and have even more complex internal structures. As such, they require more time and investment, but the result is worth it. MG models come equipped with a movable inner frame system, with joints that bend and flex in remarkable ways, which allows for a wide range of movement. What’s more, these kits often include miniature figures of the pilots who command each Gundam model, adding an extra layer of detail and realism to your build.

For fans of the classic anime Gundam Wing, the Master Grade version of mobile suits from the series are some of the best looking in the category. The Wing Gundam itself isn’t great, with poor articulation and grip along with pieces that are prone to falling apart, especially its large wings. However, the mobile suits from the supporting cast — such as Heavyarms, Altron, Deathscythe Hell, and Sandrock — are all spectacular choices.

Unicorn Gundam Ver Ka Master Grade Gunpla

If you’re looking for a Gunpla challenge that’s as mind-bending as it is awe-inspiring, the “Ver. Ka” subline is a worthy choice. These kits, expertly reimagined by the legendary designer Hajime Katoki (who has worked on Virtual On and Policenauts, in addition to the Gundam series), are a visual feast for any serious Gunpla enthusiast.

Meanwhile, the Master Grade Extreme (abbreviated as MGEX) subline, which launched in 2020, is designed to amplify the most iconic features of the featured mobile suits through “Extreme Points”. For example, the Unicorn Gundam Ver. Ka, features a captivating LED light strip that transitions between its standard Unicorn Mode and formidable Destroy Mode.

Price range: S$55 – 133


Perfect Grade (PG)

RX-78-2 Gundam Perfect Grade Gunpla

Perfect Grade kits are the highest tier of Gunpla construction. PG kits aim to bring the Gundam universe to life with remarkable precision. These colossal 1:60 scale projects, though time-consuming, offer unparalleled levels of detail that are far greater than what you would find in lower grades. Hallmarks of the PG series include metal joints, intricate plastic moulding, superior plastic quality, operable hatches, and LED lighting kits.

For the most definitive take on the formative RX-78-2 Gundam from the original Mobile Suit Gundam anime, the Perfect Grade version is the way to go — with glorious metal parts, ornate inner workings, and beautiful detailing.

Price range: S$318 – 480


Super Deformed (SD)

Super Deformed Gundam Gunpla

On the opposite side of the difficulty spectrum is the Super Deformed line. These chibi-fied Gundam models may not look like the fully-formed, battle-ready mobile suits from the anime, but they’re cute and super simple to build. That said, they typically offer very limited articulation.

To enhance the SD experience, go for the SD Cross Silhouette subline, which uses a simple inner frame for better articulation. Another subline, the Master Grade SD, launched this year. This takes Master Grade detail and articulation and combines it with Super Deformed designs, giving fans of the chibi look something more detailed and challenging to contend with.

Price range: S$13-17


Non-Gundam kits

Figure-Rise Standard

Apart from the Gundam franchise, Bandai also makes reliably good kits based on various other franchises. Its Figure-Rise Standard line includes models based on properties such as Digimon, Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump, Kamen Rider, and Ultraman.

Kotobukiya

When you venture beyond Bandai, there’s many other model kits out there. Kotobukiya has kits based on Zoids and the Metal Gear series, as well as their original series Hexa Gear. While fun, they can be a bit fragile. Other lines from Kotobukiya include the customisable Frame Arms mecha, and its sister line Frame Arms Girl which features moé reimaginings of detailed mecha. These are great but might demand some extra effort.

Dougram and Moderoid model kits

Meanwhile, the Dougram and Moderoid (which includes mechs from Patlabor and SSSS.Gridman) lines from Good Smile Company and long-time collaborator Max Factory share a resemblance with High Grade Gunpla.

Overall, Bandai’s kits tend to feature better plastic quality, articulation, colour separation, and more.


Assembling your build

Assembling your Gunpla build

When you crack open your Gunpla kit, you might notice that the instructions are all in Japanese. But don’t let that intimidate you! The instructions are picture-heavy, with very little text to decipher. To assemble your Gunpla, you simply follow the visual guide, recreating what you see with the parts in front of you. Each piece is cleverly labelled, with a letter indicating the specific plastic runner it’s on, and a number signifying the part itself.

Your trusty pliers from the toolkit will make snipping each piece off the runner a breeze. As Gunpla are designed to be snap-together kits that use little pegs and notches to connect the pieces, no glue is necessary.

Gunpla instructions icons

Throughout the instruction manual, you might come across symbols that you might not recognise. Thankfully, fans have taken the liberty of translating these icons, so that fellow builders can have an easier time with the hobby.

Over the course of the assembly, you might want to cut away stray plastic bits with a sharp knife or clipper, and sand away marks and scuffs. You can use a fine metal file or polished bar on straight edges, and sandpaper or polishing cloth for curved sections.

Once you’re done assembling your first Gunpla, you’ll either realise it’s not your thing, or be pulled into its addictive embrace. What’s more, Gunpla isn’t just about building, it’s about collecting too. As your collection grows, you’ll uncover the universal connectors that allow you to mix and match Gunpla parts between different kits — a practice known as kitbashing.

May the model kits be ever in your favour!

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Best Card Sleeves For Lorcana -Dragon Shield / Gamegenic / Ultimate Guard Sleeves Compared https://geekculture.co/best-card-sleeves-for-lorcana-dragon-shield-gamegenic-ultimate-guard-sleeves-compared/ Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:05:22 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=272799

Giving your precious cards the best care possible!

The post Best Card Sleeves For Lorcana -Dragon Shield / Gamegenic / Ultimate Guard Sleeves Compared appeared first on Geek Culture.

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As the hottest trading card game to hit the market, Lorcana welcomes a fresh batch of players to the scene. However, getting the basics right in caring for your cards can go a long way, especially if players are fortunate enough to pull some extremely rare cards.

We’ve had the opportunity to take a look at the top sleeves in the market from Dragon Shield, Gamegenic, and Ultimate Guard to give you an idea of what might fit your preferences.

Dragon Shield Dual Matte Sleeves (Amazon / Lazada / Shopee)

As the go-to brand for card sleeves, Dragon Shield is a safe recommendation. But not all their sleeves are made equal – our pick would be the Dragon Shield Dual Matte Sleeves for your Lorcana needs. Armed with a clear window, and a great shuffle feel, Dragon Shield sleeves come in a huge variety of colours to bling out your deck.

However, among all the sleeves compared Dragon Shield is the priciest of the lot as well. But when it comes to card protection, it goes a long way not to skimp out and this would be our recommendation among all the sleeves compared.

Gamegenic Matte Prime Sleeves (Amazon / Lazada / Shopee)

While not always the top-of-mind consideration, Gamegenic sleeves surprised us with their quality. Smoother to the touch compared to the alternatives featured here, the Gamegenic Matte Prime Sleeves does the job but it would not be our first pick despite it being one of the most affordable sleeves out there.

The key weakness of the Gamegenic Matte Prime Sleeves for Lorcana would be its lack of opacity. This means that you may be able to see the back of the card through the sleeve which is something we’ve observed with this set. In a tournament setting it would be a cause for concern as it allows cards to be marked. However, if you’re planning to use the sleeves for casual use, it would be of little concern.

Ultimate Guard Katana Standard Sleeves (Amazon / Lazada / Shopee)

If Dragon Shield sleeves are not available, the Ultimate Guard Katana Standard Sleeves are a solid alternative. In comparison, both brands offer great clarity when it comes to viewing card art and have a similar shuffle feel as well.

The biggest cause of concern with Ultimate Guard Sleeves would be how they stand the test of time. In our experience, Ultimate Guard sleeves then to have their corners bending a bit too easily. This would be a concern once again when it comes to card marking in general.

Overall, these remain a solid pick and we would love to see more sleeve colours available in the market.


As we see more Lorcana products hitting the shelves eventually, it would always be a good idea to pick up a set of sleeves together with your purchase. Taking good care of cards is a good pro-tip and if things go well it might spell a minor windfall as well!

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6 Essential Things To Know About Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon Before You Play https://geekculture.co/6-essential-things-to-know-about-armored-core-vi-fires-of-rubicon-before-you-play/ Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:06:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=270834 6 Essential Things To Know About Armored Core VI Fires Of Rubicon Before You Play

Prepare yourself to enjoy the trials and tribulations on Rubicon 3.

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6 Essential Things To Know About Armored Core VI Fires Of Rubicon Before You Play

With FromSoftware getting ready to revisit the Armored Core franchise in over a decade, there will be many who will be taking their first steps in this mech action game. Just like many of the Japanese studio’s games, it can be difficult to understand everything that’s required to succeed in Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon.

To get you up to speed, consider this a starter guide with the 8 essential things to know about Armored Core VI before landing on Rubicon 3.


6 Essential Things To Know About Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon

#1. Linear Structure, Smaller Worlds

6 Essential Things To Know About Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon Before You Play

As opposed to the gigantic open world of Elden Ring, Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon is on the other end of the spectrum. Sorties can be as short as a combat encounter against just a few enemies, while more involved ones will obviously include more fights and daunting bosses, together with objectives to accomplish.

Exploration is also optional, with certain collectibles to be found in the form of combat logs and parts, but don’t expect any alternate dungeons and the like that can be discovered.


#2. Combat is Frenetic, But Strategy Matters

6 Essential Things To Know About Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon Before You Play

Piloting the Armored Cores (ACs) can feel immensely powerful, especially when you have the engines boosting and all four weapons firing at once. Add to that opposition forces that can do the same or even better, and a fight can easily become a spectacle.

That said, it is not just about packing the biggest guns. Knowing the right counter to enemy builds is the only way to success, and learning how to manage all the various systems of your Armored Core, like ammo, energy, and overall health, is absolutely vital. Don’t go rushing in; that’s just asking to fail.


#3. Boss Battles Galore

6 Essential Things To Know About Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon Before You Play

Speaking of bosses, the freedom of Armored Core VI means FromSoftware has more room to experiment when it comes to scale and complexity. Rival ACs are but the tip of the iceberg, especially when there are building-sized contraptions awaiting any unfortunate pilot.

Expect bosses to possess some of the craziest weapons in the game, and they are not afraid to use their power, size, and speed to make you pay. As such, it is always wise to remember that preparation is the avenue to success.


#4. There is no Best Build

The art of preparation in the game comes down to the many parts that can make up an AC. From the different body parts of your mech down to the weapons and even the energy generator, the mech building portion is an entire world on its own.

Each part has various benefits and drawbacks, and the unique characteristics can change how you play drastically. The huge amount of variety goes a long way in keeping invested players engaged, similar to a levelling system in roleplaying games, but instead of XP, you are trying to get more efficient components as part of your setup. Finding a nice balance will keep you up and fighting much longer compared to trying to create the beefiest or fastest AC there is.


#5. Take Your Learning Seriously

Armored Core VI offers several ways to help players get acquainted with its different mechanics, including a robust training section as well as the Arena. For the former, each section will focus on a key part of the combat experience, ranging from using different weapon and damage types to the mobility options afforded by different legs. Completing them all not only bolsters your knowledge, but there are also rewards of additional parts to use in customising your AC.

As for the Arena, they offer excellent opportunities to train up against other notable ACs and their pilots, and earn you valuable OST Chips, which can be used in the OS Tuning portion of the game to unlock more advanced features, such as manual aiming and a boost kick. Passive buffs to other vital stats like overall kinetic damage or your health can also make a huge difference.


#6. Accessible Refinements

6 Essential Things To Know About Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon Before You Play

While the studio is well known for punishing players, this game is surprisingly accessible in a couple of ways. For starters, repair kits allow players to regain health during missions, a luxury that wasn’t present before in previous titles.

There are also supply sherpas that can come in during certain missions to replenish your health and ammo, and acts as checkpoints before the next portion. Meeting your demise also allows you to restart from a checkpoint, but more importantly, it also provides a chance to tweak your current build, albeit limited to the parts you already have, to change up the strategy before jumping in again.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is now available for all major console platforms and PC.

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‘Genshin Impact’ Lyney Guide: Best Build, Weapons, Artifacts, Materials https://geekculture.co/genshin-impact-lyney-guide-best-build/ Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:44:22 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=270532

Stealing hearts with an enchanting set of magic skills.

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Just mere months after opening up the vast region of Sumeru, the world of Genshin Impact is set to welcome yet another new setting – and underwater, to boot. But Fontaine isn’t the only thing to look forward to in the 4.0 patch, with the highly-anticipated Lyney making his debut as the region’s first limited 5-star playable character.

First revealed in 2020 alongside his sister Lynette in Genshin Impact’s Tevyat Chapter Storyline Preview: Travail, players have waited three long years to finally obtain the charming magician as a playable character.

The fanbase has been beyond excited with the release of his official demo and trailer, even with aggressive comments on his design from a small fraction of the Korean fandom. These comments on Twitter show just how hyped the fanbase has been for his arrival, further heightened with Genshin Impact’s callback to his original preview on Travail.

https://twitter.com/ShortieLu/status/1691301658909986816?s=20
https://twitter.com/dailyftwins/status/1691305623894237184?s=20
https://twitter.com/lyneyarchive/status/1691441162890973184?s=20

As the Pyro character unveils the tricks in his hat to entice players to spend all their primogems on him, here’s our ultimate guide to building Lyney


Ultimate Guide to Building Lyney

Lyney is a Pyro Bow character mainly scaling off attack (ATK), relying on Charged Attacks (CA) to maximise his damage potential. He benefits and strengthens a team that comprises mainly Pyro characters (mono-Pyro), with his ideal role as an on-field DPS character. More about his rotations further down the guide – first, a look at his talents.


Talent Breakdown

Aside from his magically designed normal attack (NA) animations, his NA and plunging attacks are similar to other bow users. But, his charged attack comes with a special quirk: different effects occur based on the time spent on charging the shot in aim mode. Level 1 is a normal Pyro-charged attack, while Level 2 fires a Prop Arrow dealing Pyro damage, and summoning a Grin-Malkin Hat on hit.

Prop Arrow

  • Above 60% HP:
    • Consumes 20% of his max HP for 1 Prop Surplus stack (up to 5 stacks). 
    • After 30 seconds out of combat, this effect is removed. 
    • Lyney’s HP cannot drop beyond 60% of his max HP.

Every 6 seconds, Prop Arrow drops a Spiritbreath Thorn (49.6% damage at Skill Level 10), dealing Pneuma-aligned Pyro damage.

Pneuma is a new mechanic for Fontaine characters that is used to unlock Ousia-affiliated puzzles in Fontaine.

Grin-Malkin Hat

Grin-Malkin Hat inherits a portion of Lyney’s max HP and taunts nearby opponents. Only 1 Hat can be on-field.

When destroyed or its duration expires, it fires a Pyrotechnic Strike (381.6% damage at Skill Level 10) at 1 nearby opponent, dealing Pyro damage.

Skill (E): Bewildering Lights

With a 15-second cooldown, Bewildering Lights allows Lyney to clear all existing Prop Surplus stacks and deals area-of-effect (AoE) Pyro damage to opponents in front of him. It regenerates Lyney’s HP based on his max HP (20% per stack at SL10), with any Grin-Malkin Hat on-field exploding and dealing AoE Pyro damage. The damage is equal to a Pyrotechnic Strike, and is considered Charged Attack damage.

Elemental Burst (Q) — Wondrous Trick: Miracle Parade

Lyney turns into his cute Grim-Malkin Cat (not Hat!) that scampers around fast! It has a 15 second cooldown, and deals one instance of Pyro damage to each opponent when close to enemies. After 3 seconds, Lyney dismisses this state and ignites Explosive Fireworks (deals AoE Pyro damage, 745.2% damage at SL10), summons 1 Grin-Malkin Hat, and gains 1 Prop Surplus stack. This cat can be actively cancelled.

With the majority of his damage stemming from charged attacks, it is recommended to give priority to his Normal Attack talent level as his charged attacks scale from this talent. His Skill and Ultimate, meanwhile, can be levelled according to your needs – if you want his Ultimate to charge faster, focus on his Ultimate talent; if not, focus on levelling his Skill talent.

Passives

1st Ascension Passive (A1): Perilous PerformanceWhen HP is consumed firing a Prop Arrow, a Grin-Malkin Hat is summoned, and when it hits opponents:
Restores 3 Energy to Lyney
Lyney’s damage dealt increases by 80% ATK

This helps Lyney’s energy recharge (ER) needs while increasing his damage. However, the HP depletion means Lyney will need a healer.
4th Ascension Passive (A4): Conclusive OvationWhen Lyney deals damage to opponents affected by Pyro:
Damage dealt increases by 60% ATK
Each Pyro party member other than Lyney increases his damage by 20%
Maximum damage increase through this passive is 100%

While he cannot utilise Vaporize or Melt reactions, this passive gives him a major damage increase should he run with a mono-Pyro team.
Trivial ObservationsDisplays the location of Fontaine-related resources on the mini-map.

In a brand-new region, this is extremely helpful in scouring an area for materials to ascend all your new characters!

Constellation Overview

Constellation 1 (Whimsical Wonders)– 2 Grim-Malkin Hats can be present on field
– Prop Arrows summon 2 Grim-Malkin Hats and gives +1 stack of Prop Surplus

A more lacklustre constellation as it only quickens Prop Surplus stacks and gives slightly more damage with the explosion of Grim-Malkin Hats.
Constellation 2 (Loquacious Lure)

Most cost-effective for damage constellation
When on field, Lyney gains a stack of Crisp Focus (max 3 stacks) every 2 seconds. Each stack increases CRIT DMG by 20%. All stacks are cancelled when Lyney leaves the field.

This gives a quality-of-gameplay improvement since it increases Lyney’s damage output the longer he is on-field.
Constellation 3 (Prestidigitation)Increases the level of Lyney’s NA talent by 3.

As the damage of Lyney’s CA is reliant on his NA talent, this gives a significant increase in his overall damage.
Constellation 4 (Well-Versed, Well-Rehearsed)After an opponent is hit by Lyney’s Pyro CA, the opponent’s Pyro resistance (RES) decreases by 20% for 6 seconds.

This allows the entire team to deal increased Pyro damage if Lyney is running on a mono-Pyro team.
Constellation 5 (To Pierce Enigmas)Increases the level of Lyney’s Elemental Burst by 3.

Not a very good constellation as his Elemental Burst does not provide as much damage as his CAs.
Constellation 6 (A Contrary Smile)

Best constellation
When Lyney fires a Prop Arrow, he fires a Pyrotechnic Strike: Reprised, dealing 80% of a Pyrotechnic Strike’s damage.
This damage is considered a CA.

With many multipliers for his CA in his kit, this is a huge improvement in Lyney’s overall damage output.

Ascension and Talent Materials

With a new region comes more farming for all the new specialities and talent books. For Lyney, his new local speciality ascension material is the Rainbow Rose, found mainly in the Beryl Region. It can also be found outside the Court of Fontaine, around Marcotte Station, and near the Fountain of Lucine.

The flower map pins contain the rough location of the Rainbow Roses.

His required boss material is the Emperor’s Resolution, dropped by the new boss Emperor of Fire and Iron. Players will have to dive underwater to locate the boss, just outside of the Belleau Region.

For his talent upgrades, he requires the Equity talent books, obtainable every Monday, Thursday and Sunday in Fontaine’s talent book domain Rhyming Rhythm. Players will have to dive underwater and locate the domain near Salacia Plains.

Below is a brief breakdown of the other materials required.

Total Level Up CostMora x 1,672,530
Hero Wits x 421 / Adventurer’s Experience x 1,676
Total Ascension CostMora x 420,000
Gems1x Agnidus Agate Silver
9x Agnidus Agate Fragment
9x Agnidus Agate Chunk
6x Agnidus Agate Gemstone
Boss Materials46x Emperor’s Resolution
Local Speciality168x Rainbow Rose
Common Material (Fatui Insignias)18x Recruit’s Insignia
30x Sergeant’s Insignia
36x Lieutenant’s Insignia

Best Weapons

The best 5-star but premium choice will be his best-in-slot (BiS) 5-star bow, The First Great Magic. Tailor-made for his kit, it gives CRIT DMG%, increases CA damage and ATK% with every Pyro unit in the team. As discussed above, these stats directly increase his damage-dealing prowess and works well with his passives.

Other premium 5-star bow choices include Aqua Simulacra, Thundering Pulse, and Skyward Harp. Their passives don’t work well with his kit, but the CRIT DMG% secondary stat of these 5-star bows is too hard to ignore.

The best 4-star weapon choice will be Song of Stillness, forgeable when Fontaine is released. Its secondary stat ATK% works well with him, and its passive allows for a sizable damage increase (16% at weapon refinement 1) when Lyney is healed. Since Lyney needs a healer to maximise his Prop Surplus damage, this bow works best amongst all 4-star weapons.

The next best 4-star weapon is Prototype Crescent, another forgeable bow. Its secondary stat is also ATK%, but players need to hit an enemy’s weak point with CAs to make full use of the bow’s passive.


Best Artifact Sets And Substats

4-piece Marechausse Hunter

Fontaine’s new artifact set available in Fontaine’s new artifact domain, Denouement of Sin. The 2-piece bonus increases his CA damage by 15 percent, while the 4-piece bonus increases his CRIT Rate by 12 percent for 5 seconds (up to 3 stacks) when his HP increases or decreases.

As Lyney will mainly be using CAs and needs a healer for his fullest damage potential, this artifact set further stretches that damage window.

4-piece Vermillion Hereafter

This set requires players to constantly start with Lyney’s burst when he is on field, and use his CAs, to fully utilise this artifact set. Its 2-piece bonus helps in increasing his ATK%. The 4-piece bonus only increases ATK by 16 percent after using an Elemental Burst, with an additional 10 percent ATK when he loses HP (up to 4 stacks).

2-piece Marechausse Hunter / 2-piece Crimson Witch of Flames / 2-piece ATK+18% sets

2-piece Crimson Witch of Flames increases Lyney’s Pyro damage bonus, and the other artifacts will contribute to his CA and damage output.

Substats

As Lyney scales off ATK%, players should aim to get an ATK% Sands, Pyro damage Goblet and CRIT DMG or CRIT Rate Circlet.

As for substats, players should prioritise CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG, followed by ATK%, then Flat ATK. ER% (Energy Recharge) will be a good additional substat if you need to continually use his Elemental Burst.


Recommended Playstyle

The ideal rotation for Lyney will be 3 to 4 CAs, followed by his Elemental Burst, but cancelled early by Elemental Skill, before swapping to another character. His Elemental Burst does not give as much damage as his Elemental Skill or CAs.

However, if Lyney is using the 4-piece Vermillion Hereafter set, his ideal rotation will be to use his Elemental Burst first, cancel it early with his Elemental Skill, followed by 3-4 CAs, before swapping to another character.


Recommended Team Compositions

Lyney best runs on a mono-Pyro team with a healer, an offensive character that increases his damage output, and a shielder that allows his CAs to remain uninterrupted by enemy attacks.

Hence, his best teammate is Bennett, who provides healing and an ATK% boost with his Elemental Burst while being a Pyro character. With the healing required by Lyney, it is best for Bennett to run HP% artifacts to increase his healing output. The quick cooldown of Bennett’s Elemental Skill also helps with ER to upkeep the Elemental Bursts of characters in the team. 

Lyney’s options for shielders include Zhongli and C4 Yanfei. Zhongli provides a 20 percent Elemental Resistance (RES) decrease in enemies, and his shield is able to hold up for the 15-second cooldown of Lyney’s Elemental Burst and Elemental Skill. Meanwhile, C4 Yanfei provides a shield after using her Elemental Burst and is able to contribute to Lyney’s output by being a Pyro character. 

For offensive support characters, it is recommended to use Anemo crowd-control characters equipped with the 4-piece Viridescent Venerer artifact set, such as Kazuha, Venti or Sucrose, to optimise the AoE of Lyney’s CAs. Kazuha is an especially powerful option, given that his kit will increase Lyney’s personal damage. 4-piece Viridescent Venerer will decrease the RES of opponents to the element infused in Swirl.


The Genshin Impact fanbase has long awaited Lyney since he first started charming the hearts of players in 2020. Built as a strong on-field DPS, players who obtain him can further upgrade the damage of their teams and find more play styles that enrich their gameplay experience.

Sprinkled with a touch of Lyney’s magic, the gorgeous look on his animations and skills demonstrates the game’s improvement with each new patch.

For Lyney to magically appear in the accounts of players worldwide, the primogems of players will also have to magically disappear into Fontaine’s first character banner, just like the card magic by the sleight of his hands in his character demo. The character is now available in-game, with Zhongli and Childe returning for Phase 2 of Version 4.0’s limited character banner.

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Pikmin 4: 8 Tips To Enhance Efficiency The Dandori Way https://geekculture.co/pikmin-4-8-tips-to-enhance-efficiency-the-dandori-way/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 08:26:52 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=268537 Pikmin 4: 8 Tips To Enhance Efficiency The Dandori Way

Become a true master of the Dandori way.

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Pikmin 4: 8 Tips To Enhance Efficiency The Dandori Way

Now that Nintendo‘s Pikmin 4 is available for all who aspire to explore the stars and save some Castaways, this might be the very first time some players are coming into close contact with the series. While the Pikmin franchise has not always been as popular as Nintendo’s other flagship games, it does deliver a unique experience hard to find elsewhere. If you happen to be a newcomer, here is a list of important tips and tricks to remember before starting Pikmin 4.


8 Tips For Making Pikmin 4 Even More Enjoyable

#1. Oatchi’s Everyone’s Best Friend

Pikmin 4: 8 Tips To Enhance Efficiency The Dandori Way

A new addition to the series, the rescue pup known as Oatchi will prove to be an invaluable ally throughout the adventure in Pikmin 4. Not only can it rush to attack enemies and stun them, but Oatchi is also an excellent transport option for all Pikmin across all manner of terrain.

Once it is fully upgraded with various skills, it becomes even more of an asset when it comes to combat, carrying stuff, and sniffing out precious treasures and rare Pikmin. Always have Oatchi by your side, and things will be much easier.


#2. Time is on Your Side

Unlike the previous title, there is simply no reason to rush at all. One of the most important tips to remember in Pikmin 4 is that being thorough is much better than rushing everywhere without a clear strategy. There is no limited number of days to complete the game, and in caves, time passes even slower, so players can take their time on each day to fully explore.

For completionists, the absence of that pressure to keep moving fast is an excellent change made for this game, and it benefits all kinds of players as well.


#3. Maximise Your Pikmin Army

Pikmin 4: 8 Tips To Enhance Efficiency The Dandori Way

The worst thing you can do in Pikmin 4 is not to do anything, and that goes for your group of Pikmin as well. There is always going to be something that demands your attention, and it is much more efficient to send the colourful creatures on different tasks than to wait for one thing to be done.

This is a core Dandori principle, which will also come in handy when dealing with the various Dandori Battles and Challenges. While the overall game doesn’t demand swiftness, these scenarios do, and the sooner players can learn which Pikmin are best for what tasks, the better.


#4. Find a Good Fit

Speaking of tasks and Pikmin, knowing your Pikmin is probably one of the most important tips to kind in mind for Pikmin 4. While the Red, Yellow, and Blue Pikmin are pretty easy to find, the rest of the crew is not. The White, Purple, Rock, Pink, and Ice Pikmin only come in limited numbers, at least at the start, and losing them can make things unnecessarily hard.

Sure, you can always head into specific caves to increase their numbers, but why go through the hassle? Make sure you are using the Pikmin correctly, and life will be much better. Here are some tips for matchups in Pikmin 4:

  • Red Pikmin – Perfect for attacking and dealing with fire.
  • Ice Pikmin – Use to freeze bodies of water and enemies.
  • Yellow Pikmin – Great diggers and are impervious to electricity.
  • Blue Pikmin – Can work underwater.
  • Rock Pikmin – Immune to being squashed, use them to break crystal items and deal significant damage to enemies when thrown.
  • Winged Pikmin – Use them for airborne enemies and to carry stuff without any impediments.
  • Purple Pikmin – With a strength of 10 Pikmin, they can easily carry heavy objects and are immune to wind and bubble attacks.
  • White Pikmin – Best used to deal with poisonous situations.

#5. Survey the Surroundings

Pikmin 4: 8 Tips To Enhance Efficiency The Dandori Way

Instead of being distracted by everything you find at first glance, it is always a good tip to explore and see what’s up first being committing to a task. Clear out all the enemies you can find, explore and open up every shortcut, and remove all obstacles in your way.

With that done, every task you send your Pikmin to do becomes worry-free, and they will be able to get it all done in the fastest, safest way possible.


#6. Always Be Upgrading

As the Rescue Command gets more crowded with Castaways and other crew members of the Rescue Corps, be sure to speak to everyone to open up more options to enhance your abilities. This can be in the form of new Gear and Items at the Lab, training for Oatchi, or sidequests that can provide useful Raw Materials.

Whenever possible, help Oatchi become better at its job, and equip your character with useful gear like a Treasure Tracker or increased health. The world is perilous out there, so don’t take any chances.


#7. Pikmin Are Expendable

As dark as it is to say it, another great tip to keep in mind for Pikmin 4 is that your adorable creatures can always be replaced. Losing them is an inevitability of the journey, be it through a mistake or a lapse in concentration. Keep your overall goal in mind, and worry less about the more commonly found Pikmin.

It is all part of the game, so remember, you are not a monster.


#8. Rewinding Time

Last but certainly not least, Pikmin 4 allows players to rewind time to certain junctures during the day to remedy any mistakes that have been made. Perhaps losing half of your Pikmin army to an annoying enemy is too much to bear; bring up the Options menu, and rewind time to try again.

There is no shame in making full use of a mechanic put in Pikmin 4 to help players, and that’s probably the most vital tip there can be. Use everything you have in the arsenal to make your mission a success.

Pikmin 4 is available on the Nintendo eShop for US$59.99.

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How To Install Google Play Store On Your Oppo Find X6 Pro https://geekculture.co/how-to-install-google-play-store-on-your-oppo-find-x6-pro/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:20:00 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=266957 Oppo Find X6 Pro

It's easy to get the Find X6 Pro up and running with Google Play Store.

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Oppo Find X6 Pro

You’ve heard and read great things about the excellent all-around flagship smartphone, the Oppo Find X6 Pro, but it was unfortunately only released in the China market in March 2023. However, if you want to be able to take pro-level photos thanks to its amazing triple-lens rear camera system, there is always Amazon, Lazada and Shopee to help out.

Oppo Find X6 Pro

However, being a China-only release, the phone won’t come with Google Play Store and Google Services out of the box. But installing Google Play Store and getting it up and running is actually easier than you think, and you should be all set within minutes with these simple steps:

  1. Download the latest Google Play Store APK from APKPure’s site.
  2. You will receive a Install Unknown Apps prompt, just go ahead and give it all the necessary permissions to proceed and install the APK. Once it’s done, you should have the Google Play Store app installed and ready to go.
  3. Google Services should also be installed along with the Google Play Store APK package but if for some reason it isn’t, you can download it manually from APKPure too.

You can occasionally update the Google Play Store manually too, by simply opening the Google Play Store, tapping your profile picture on the top right corner and heading to Settings > About and tap on the Update Play Store button.

Once you’re done installing the Google Play Store, you can go about logging in to your Google account and installing all your favourite apps. While you’re at it, don’t forget to go ahead and uninstall most of the pre-installed China-based apps which you won’t be using anytime soon. You’ll be glad to know that pretty much every app can be uninstalled, so have fun customizing it to your needs!

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Geek’s Guide: 7 Tips To Get Better At Final Fantasy XVI’s Combat https://geekculture.co/geeks-guide-7-tips-to-get-better-at-final-fantasy-xvis-combat/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 09:12:06 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=266921

Combat doesn't have to be a challenge.

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The world of Final Fantasy XVI is now open for exploration, but some JRPG veterans may find it isn’t the easiest undertaking – and understandably so. Square Enix’s latest offers plenty of new gameplay features and mechanics, but the most prominent change is its shift to an action-RPG approach, which calls for a different kind of expertise.

Final Fantasy XVI Combat Guide

Between chaining combos, managing skill cooldowns, combining various abilities, and commanding Torgal, protagonist Clive’s loyal canine fighting companion, there’s a lot to keep up with when the action kicks into high gear. Combat can, as such, become overwhelming at times, and the individual boss and mini-boss fights, with their increased difficulty, are likely to pose a daunting challenge. 

Still, Final Fantasy XVI is designed to be accessible to genre newcomers, so there are some built-in options that ease the transition to new territory, such as a Story-Focused Mode and equippable accessories that simplify combat in some way – whether by executing dodges automatically, or assigning automatic commands to Torgal. But beyond that, it’s pretty much a learning experience, and here are seven tips you can check out to shine brighter in combat. 


1) Master the precision dodge, and prioritise it over perfect parry

Final Fantasy XVI Combat Guide (2)

Precision dodge is your best weapon in Final Fantasy XVI, so it’s important to nail the timing for execution, particularly in hard-hitting boss encounters. Depending on the build and nature of the enemy (fast vs slow, far-reaching attacks vs close range), it’ll be easier to grasp the time window for some than the others. The key here is to use ranged attacks to observe and understand the attacking pattern and reel in the trigger finger, until the silver of opening appears. 

To make the dodge more efficient, equip the Berserker Ring – rewarded for reaching 85 Renown, obtained through completing side quests – that temporarily increases attack proficiency with each precision dodge. Perfect parry is also an option in the game, but the lack of i-frames (a single frame, or some window of time otherwise, during which the player character is invincible and cannot be hurt) means players can still get hit in the middle of parrying or immediately after, which isn’t ideal. 

2) Customise the loadout that best fits your fighting style 

Geek Interview: Final Fantasy XVI Hiroshi Takai (3)

Final Fantasy XVI offers deep customisation, from combining move sets on the battlefield to upgrading abilities on the skill tree. Since Clive can equip three Eikon styles and two abilities from each at any one time, there’s a lot of room to play around with different configurations and combos. The training area, accessed via the Arete Stone, is particularly useful for such trial-and-error endeavours. 

It should be noted that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all loadout, because it depends greatly on an individual’s play style. Defensive players, for instance, will likely favour Titan’s Titanic Block, which lets them pull off a powerful counter following a perfect block (the only Eikonic ability to feature a perfect block), while air combo enthusiasts may lean towards Garuda’s Deadly Embrace. From one highly aggressive player to another, abilities that allow Clive to close in on enemies (e.g. Phoenix’s far lunge and Phoenix Shift), crowd control / mobility skills (Shiva’s Cold Snap), and fast, heavy-hitting strikes (Odin’s Zentetsuken) are particularly useful. 

Final Fantasy XVI Combat Guide (3)

In general, understanding the strengths of each Eikon and their skills comes highly recommended, even if you aren’t necessarily a fan of a specific style. Ramuh’s kit does decent damage, with Blind Justice working wonders against a sea of weak enemies, whereas Deadly Embrace is great at singling out spellcasters that use healing or buffing spells. The mix-and-match flexibility gets an upgrade along the way, where certain amulets and skill mastery allows abilities to be equipped interchangeably, without being limited to just one Eikonic style or aspect.

3) Make use of the free respeccing

The process of customisation is made easier with free respeccing. Like most RPGs, the skill tree in Final Fantasy XVI offers a mix of cheap upgrades and expensive abilities that players can invest in, and eventually master. 

Here, they are able to get their ability points back from any skill at any point – as long as they aren’t in combat – and re-distribute them as desired. This makes it very convenient to play around with different playstyles, though it’s not possible to max out all of the abilities in the first playthrough. A word of advice? It may be tempting to save up your points and unlock the skills with the highest costs, but it’d be better to upgrade and master existing ones first, then re-allocate the points later. 

4) Distinguish between HP and Stagger damage

Final Fantasy XVI Combat Guide (5)

Every ability on the skill tree comes with two ratings: one for raw damage, and the other for Stagger potential. Despite the seemingly insignificant difference, knowing the best time to use them can actually make combat easier, as damage output can be maximised. Triggering abilities with high Stagger potential leads to faster depletion of the Stagger metre, which lands the chance to stack 150% damage modifiers with strong HP damage abilities. In contrast, activating moves that primarily deal Stagger damage when the opponent is already Staggered would be less effective.

This is especially handy in the first half of the game, where the pool of Eikonic abilities is still relatively scarce, and can be ignored as your play style evolves. 

5) Craft upgraded weapons and increase potion potency 

With a total of 76 side quests, it can be difficult to determine which ones are worth the extra time and effort. As a general rule of thumb, players should look out for quests involving the blacksmith, Blackthorne, and the head botanist, Nigel, because the completion rewards for these will prove very much useful in combat. 

More specifically, finishing the Blacksmith’s Blues questline unlocks powerful craftable armour and weapons, while Nigel’s “The Root of the Problem” quest enhances potion potency. Do note that there are some prerequisites to accomplish before these side quests can be completed, with both potion capacity and potency able to be upgraded twice. 

The equipment upgrade is crucial, because damage output and absorption in Final Fantasy XVI is largely dependent on Clive’s gear. Unfortunately, the crafting process isn’t always straightforward – it often requires specific materials and monster parts that can only be obtained from bounty hunts. As a bonus, the “Weird Science” side quest should also be completed, so players can bring along more potions, on top of enjoying their increased healing. 

6) Unleash Limit Break for self-healing in a pinch

Consumables aren’t the only source of healing on the battlefield. Limit Break, the empowered state that Clive enters when his Limit Gauge is full, grants some HP recovery with every hit, and serves as a viable alternative when health is running low. The other best time to unleash it is on a Staggered opponent, allowing players to inflict more damage than usual and heal at the same time. 

Those running the Phoenix build have an extra helpline in the form of Flames of Rebirth. Costing 1695 Ability Points, it damages a number of enemies around Clive and heals him at the same time. The skill can be upgraded for 2390 Ability Points, with Mastery requiring 4,250 Ability Points. 

7) Keep an eye on the lighter green health bar

In Final Fantasy XVI, there are two health bars – the bright green line, and a lighter-toned one. The latter indicates the maximum healing players can restore with non-potion healing, such as through Torgal’s Cure Command, Limit Break, or the Flames of Rebirth ability, so don’t be surprised when none of those fills up the whole bar. There are only two ways to heal beyond that: use a potion, or wait for a level up.

BONUS: Ride chocobos to skip trifling combat

While combat is a core gameplay element of Final Fantasy XVI, it’s entirely possible to evade the trifling mobs and avoid fighting altogether. Sprinting works, but the best way to go about it is to ride Clive’s chocobo, obtained by completing “The White-Winged Wonder” side quest that can be easily missed out. 

Apart from Notorious Marks – subjects for bounty hunts – and essential fight sequences, chocobo-riding presents an out for players traversing from one place to another without having to be constantly locked in battle. Besides, every moment spent with a chocobo is always a good moment. 


For genre newcomers and longtime JRPG enthusiasts, the change to an ARPG play style may be extremely daunting and overwhelming. With new undertakings, however, come new experiences, and there’s plenty of that to go around in Final Fantasy XVI. Between its accessibility offerings, this list of tips, and practice, combat will soon grow from a difficult, trying experience to a fun, manageable task. 

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Guide To Building Genshin Impact’s Kirara: Weapons, Ascension Materials, And Artifacts https://geekculture.co/guide-to-building-genshin-impacts-kirara-weapons-ascension-materials-and-artifacts/ Fri, 26 May 2023 02:52:19 +0000 https://geekculture.co/?p=264371

Kirara’s delivery service!

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Dive into the magical world of Teyvat as we embark on a comprehensive journey to build one of Genshin Impact‘s newest characters, Kirara.

Phase 1 of Genshin Impact’s 3.7 update has arrived, and we’re all excited to meet Kirara, the lovely kitty delivery girl from the Komaniya Express, the famous delivery company in Inazuma, who possesses a Dendro sword. She will be one of the featured 4-star characters on Yoimiya’s and Yae Miko’s banners.

Kirara possesses an elemental skill that offers a high capacity for damage absorption, specifically with respect to Dendro damage, as its efficiency is directly proportional to her maximum health points (HP). This makes her one of the best shield supports in the game.

Navigating the landscapes of Teyvat also becomes notably easier with Kirara’s distinct exploration skill. She can transform into a cat-themed parcel, which remarkably reduces stamina usage and effortlessly scales walls, making it an exceptionally handy ability for exploration.

From weapons to ascension materials and artifacts, this guide offers step-by-step instructions, tailored strategies, and expert advice to turn Kirara into a durable Dendro shielder for your team.

Character Ascension Materials

LevelMoraMaterials
2020,0003x Amakumo Fruit, 3x Spectral Husk
4040,0003x Nagadus Emerald Fragment, 15x Spectral Husk, 10x Amakumo Fruit, 2x Evergloom Ring
5060,0006x Nagadus Emerald Fragment, 12x Spectral Heart, 20x Amakumo Fruit, 4x Evergloom Ring
6080,0003x Nagadus Emerald Chunk, 18x Spectral Heart, 30x Amakumo Fruit, 8x Evergloom Ring
70100,0006x Nagadus Emerald Chunk, 12x Spectral Nucleus, 45x Amakumo Fruit, 12x Evergloom Ring
80120,0006x Nagadus Emerald Gemstone, 24x Spectral Nucleus, 60x Amakumo Fruit, 20x Evergloom Ring

Talent Ascension Materials

LevelMoraMaterials
212,5003x Teachings of Transience, 6x Spectral Husk
317,5002x Guide to Transience, 3x Spectral Heart
425,0004x Guide to Transience, 4x Spectral Heart
530,0006x Guide to Transience, 6x Spectral Heart
637,5009x Guide to Transience, 9x Spectral Heart
7120,0004x Philosophies of Transience, 4x Spectral Nucleus, 1x Everamber
8260,0006x Philosophies of Transience, 6x Spectral Nucleus, 1x Everamber
9450,00012x Philosophies of Transience, 9x  Spectral Nucleus, 2x Everamber
10700,00016x Philosophies of Transience, 12x  Spectral Nucleus, 2x Everamber, 1x Crown of Insight

Where To Farm Kirara’s Materials

Amakumo Fruit

For those aiming to enhance Kirara, Seirai Island proves to be a fruitful region to farm for Amakumo Fruit. The vicinity surrounding Amakumo Peak, the habitat of Thunder Manifestation, is an ideal location to harvest these necessary fruits.

Spectral Husk, Spectral Heart, Spectral Nucleus

Collecting the Spectral set involves defeating Specters, a prevalent foe within Inazuma. To efficiently locate their spawning points, it is highly advisable to utilise the Genshin Impact interactive map. Farming Specters can be challenging with melee characters since these foes possess the ability to levitate and recuperate health. Hence, incorporating characters with long-range attack abilities, like those equipped with bows, into your party will be beneficial.

Evergloom Ring

Acquiring this mystical weapon involves defeating the Four-Armed Envoy of Dark Tidings, also known as an Iniquitous Lustrators, a new boss introduced in the Genshin Impact 3.6 update. 

Nagadus Emeralds

Any Dendro character must ascend using the Nagadus Emerald jewels. These jewels are dropped by the Jadeplume Terrorshroom and Dendro Hypostasis, but players can also purchase Dust of Azoth from the Stardust Exchange and convert other kinds of jewels.

Talent Ascension Materials

Kirara’s ascension books are Teachings of Transience, Guide to Transience, and Philosophies of Transience, all of which are available from the Violet Court domain on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

The Everamber, a new weekly boss drop from the Dragon of Verdure: Apep is also required. Do note that you will have to finish Act 2 of Nahidah’s Story Quest to unlock this boss.

A Crown of Insight is needed for each level 10 talent, which can be obtained during limited-time events.

Best Kirara Weapon

Our emphasis on Kirara’s HP% stems from the fact that her shield scales with her HP. To achieve higher HP, it’s crucial to prioritise a weapon with a high HP%.

Kirara’s optimal weapon of choice is the Key of Khaj-Nisut. While this weapon is primarily associated with the five-star Hydro character Nilou, it is also a remarkable match for Kirara.

The sword significantly boosts health, fitting Kirara’s abilities ideally, and enhances elemental mastery, enhancing her supportive role.

The Key of Khaj-Nisut carries the “Sunken Song of the Sands” capability, which bolsters the wielder’s health points by 20 percent and features health points as its upgradeable statistic. Upon successful impact of an elemental skill on an opponent, the Grand Hymn effect comes into play for a duration of 20 seconds.

Best Kirara Artifacts

Kirara’s optimal artifact configuration is the Tenacity of the Millelith set. The two-piece effect boosts the wearer’s HP by 20 percent, and the four-piece effect enhances the attack of all party members by 20 percent, and amplifies their shield strength by 30 percent for 3 seconds once an elemental skill lands successfully on a foe. This effect can be triggered every 0.5 seconds, even if the wielder isn’t in active combat. 

Generally, players will prefer to stick to the two-piece configuration of this set, unless the four-piece configuration aligns with a particular Kirara build. Considering Kirara’s HP scaling, combining the two-piece Tenacity of the Millelith set with another HP-focused two-piece set, such as Vourukasha’s Glow, is highly recommended.

Kirara is now featured on the first banner of the 3.7 update, which went live on 24 May 2023. Alhaitham will be featured in the second phase, and you can refer to his guide here.

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