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The Power Rangers franchise has certainly withstood the test of time. The first season aired in 1993 and was extremely successful, spawning over 831 episodes, three feature movies, various comics, 17 video games, and countless toys and merchandise. However, some people might find Power Rangers a little too childish, if not mindless. Luckily, Power Rangers belongs to a large genre of shows and movies known as “tokusatsu,” so even if you don’t like Power Rangers, you will likely find at least one tokusatsu show you will enjoy. Unless, of course, you don’t like the concept of people in spandex fighting rubber suited monsters and/or can’t stand reading subtitles, but that is unlikely. But, if you enjoy watching people in brightly colored costumes trying to save the world through high kicks and posing, here is a list of five shows for you.

5: Spider-Man

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No, that is not the 1977 live action CBS version of Spider-Man; that is Toei’s 1978 tokusatsu take on Spider-Man. Back in the 70s, Marvel and Toei entered into an agreement that, had things gone according to plan, could have made Super Sentai and various other Toei properties officially part of the Marvel universe. Sadly, Stan Lee’s proposal to bring Super Sentai to the US never came to fruition, and the Spider-man show is one of the few programs Toei created with the Marvel license. Instead of focusing on Peter Parker and the powers he gets from a radioactive spider bite, the show revolves around Takuya Yamashiro and the powers he receives from a bracelet given to him by an ancient warrior from the planet Spider. Gone are classic villains like Mysterio and Doctor Octopus, replaced by Professor Monster and his Iron Cross Army. The show is what many people expect when they hear “people in spandex suits fighting guys in rubber monster suits,” except it stars a man with Spider-Man’s signature powers and his red and blue suit. And, he pilots a giant spaceship, the Marveller, that transforms into the giant robot Leopardon.

(All credit goes to Toy Bounty Hunters for making a video that introduced me to the existence of this show.)

4: Super Sentai

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I might be cheating a bit here with this entry, but while Power Rangers is based on Super Sentai, they are at heart completely different entities. The two shows share the same action sequences and costumes; however, they tend to tell wildly different stories. For example, Power Rangers In Space uses the same costumes and fights as its source material, Denji Sentai Megaranger, but they share little else. In Space is an epic space opera where the Rangers search the galaxy to rescue their mentor Zordon from the Alliance of Evil, while Megaranger takes place on Earth and focuses on high school students chosen by a combat simulation video game to fend off alien invaders. Moreover, In Space makes use of costumes from previous Power Rangers seasons to create what was originally intended to be the finale of the entire Power Rangers franchise, but Megaranger, as with most seasons of Super Sentai, is completely standalone and does not reference past events from other Sentai seasons aside from a movie of questionable canonicity. Finally, Super Sentai has been around much longer than Power Rangers, so audiences have more Super Sentai seasons to chose from.

3: Ultraman

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Not to be confused with the villainous alternate-universe Superman doppleganger of the same name, Ultraman is a franchise that stars different heroes, all of whom have titles that are variations on the word Ultraman, such as Ultraman Tiga and Ultraman Neos. Unlike other heroes, all Ultramen and Ultrawomen fight giant monsters on their terms: by growing to a gigantic size and punching the monsters in their collective faces, or at least where a face should be. The monsters in Power Rangers/Super Sentai start small and then grow huge, whereas the monsters in the Ultraman franchise are almost always gigantic. Ultraman is known for its ludicrous and inventive monster designs, including but not limited to Pestar, Eleking, Alien Baltan, and Dinosaur Tank. Yes, seriously. And, did I mention that Ultraman was originally created by Eiji Tsubaraya, the guy who also created Godzilla? The show gets more awesome the more you learn about it.

2: Kamen Rider

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Kamen Rider is, in many respects, Super Sentai’s big brother. Unlike Power Rangers, Kamen Riders tend to fight alone or alongside one or two partners. While some seasons star multiple Kamen Riders, these Riders are usually involved in a war or contest of some variety. Many Kamen Riders have multiple forms, usually because of a gimmick or two. Furthermore, some seasons of Kamen Rider can get rather dark, or at least dark for a show primarily aimed at Japanese kids. One season in particular, Kamen Rider Agito, starts with several people killed when their bodies are shoved into tree knots. The audience only sees the aftermath, but an arm dangling out of a tree knot is still rather gruesome when you think about it.

1: GARO

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All of the shows on this list so far have been aimed at children, but GARO sets itself apart from the rest of the crowd by catering to an adult audience. The show is dark, gritty, and focuses on the titular knight Garo. As with Ultraman, Garo isn’t a name but a title, this time handed down from father to son. All who wear the golden wolf armor inherit the title and responsibilities of Garo, i.e., kill demonic creatures known as Horrors. Horrors tend to possess humans, but while most heroes save a human host by exorcising their demons, Garo has no such opportunity. Horrors subsist on a diet of souls, which leaves their hosts as empty husks animated solely by a Horror; nothing remains of the original human to save. This dark atmosphere combines with stylish, gravity-defying action sequences and a killer soundtrack (with opening songs by JAM Project) to create what might arguably be the best alternative to Power Rangers, period. Oh, and did I mention that the first Garo the show introduces, Saezima Kouga, looks like a more-angry version of Seto Kaiba? Good luck getting that thought out of your head.

Honorable Mention: Fujiyama Ichiban

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I know I just said GARO is the best alternative to Power Rangers, but I would be remiss if I did not mention this indie passion project. Fujiyama Ichiban is caught halfway between Power Rangers and Kamen Rider, and it features some absolutely gorgeous samurai-inspired costumes and decent fight choreography. Furthermore, it is one of the few tokusatsus that do not require subtitles. This show did not make it into the list (mentioning it here as an honorable mention notwithstanding) because it has a nonsensical plot and abysmal acting that gives Tommy Wisseau’s The Room a run for its money. However, the people who make Fujiyama Ichiban are obviously passionate for the tokusatsu genre, and I highly recommend watching the episodes on the official Fujiyama Ichiban YouTube page regardless of the “so bad it’s good” acting.

All you have to do to get my attention is talk about video games, technology, anime, and/or Dungeons & Dragons - also people in spandex fighting rubber suited monsters.

Gaming

Will Stellar Blade be available for PC?

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It’s quite possible. Fans all over the world are interested in Shift Up’s highly anticipated action-adventure game, Stellar Blade. With its captivating post-apocalyptic setting reminiscent of Nier and a compelling protagonist named Eve, it’s no wonder the game has generated such widespread attention.

The game consistently impresses with its stunning visuals and high-octane action, leaving players in awe with each new trailer.

Yet, just like other noteworthy second-party and third-party game releases, fans are pondering: Will Stellar Blade be available on PC?

In this article, we delve into the details to determine the platform availability of the highly anticipated title.

Will Stellar Blade be available on PC? Allow me to provide you with the answer.

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Unfortunately, Stellar Blade will not be available on PC, at least not initially. Currently, the game is only available on PlayStation 5 starting on April 26, 2024.

Regrettably, it appears that there is no indication of a potential PC release for Stellar Blade in the future. In most cases, trailers for PlayStation timed-exclusive titles conclude with a disclaimer that specifies the duration of their exclusivity.

In the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launch trailer, it is explicitly stated that the game will only be accessible on other platforms starting on May 29, 2024.

Regrettably, when it comes to the stellar blade, there is no indication of such.

It’s important to note that Sony Entertainment Interactive published Stellar Blade, unlike Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This means that the chances of it being released on PC or other platforms in the near future are even slimmer.

However, it is worth noting that there is a chance the game might be released on PC in the future, given PlayStation’s track record of bringing their exclusive titles to the platform. However, it could be a while before this comes to fruition.

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Gaming

A Review of Fallout 4

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After nearly ten years since its initial release, Bethesda has brought Fallout 4 to the PS5, offering enhanced technical performance that one would anticipate from a leap to a new generation. Does the open-world RPG still hold up in 2024?

Answering that question is quite challenging, I must say. While opinions may vary, it’s worth noting that Fallout 4 has its fair share of critics. However, one cannot deny the allure of its captivating gameplay loop, which keeps players hooked with its constant exploration, mutant battles, and character progression. The loop in question has undoubtedly stood the test of time, and Fallout 4 continues to captivate players with its addictive character development mechanics. From acquiring loot to distributing perk points, the game offers a truly engaging experience.

Fallout 4’s post-apocalyptic Boston is yet another example of Bethesda’s talent for creating immersive worlds that captivate and divert your attention from your intended path. This map is incredibly dense, providing adventure at every corner. This open world is incredibly immersive, captivating players for hours on end. The various character progression systems add depth and complexity to the experience.

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However, this is where the game begins to show some weaknesses, especially when compared to more contemporary standards. Technical limitations that were already dubious when Fallout 4’s release in 2015 hinder the gameplay experience. It’s quite disappointing to encounter a loading screen every time you enter or exit an interior location, which feels incredibly outdated, even with the significantly improved load times of the PS5 version.

Additionally, comparable restrictions limit the game’s overall scope. Now, it’s clear that one wouldn’t anticipate a radiation-soaked wasteland to be bustling with life, but Boston can’t help but come across as lacking ambition. As you journey through different locations, you’ll notice a noticeable lack of action. Even well-known settlements such as Diamond City and Goodneighbor, which are supposed to be bustling hubs of activity and trade, feel disappointingly empty with a population of only around 30 NPCs.

This illusion may have been somewhat passable back in 2015, but after almost a decade, it’s clear that the game’s outdated engine is to blame for many of its glaring flaws. It’s undeniable that some aspects of Fallout 4’s design haven’t aged well, especially considering how much the open-world genre has evolved in the past decade. While it’s not fair to expect a complete remake in the 2024 re-release, there are certain aspects that could have been improved upon.

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Fallout 4 undeniably possesses an alluring atmosphere, capturing that eerie sense of wonder that has become synonymous with the series. There is a unique experience in scaling the remnants of a decrepit skyscraper and surveying the desolate landscape, immersing oneself in the inherent solitude while the game’s subtly captivating music softly plays in the distance.

When it comes to immersion, let’s delve into Fallout 4’s take on role-playing. Upon its release, numerous dedicated Fallout fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the game’s decision to introduce a fully voiced protagonist, along with the limited dialogue choices that accompanied this change. Truly, the absence of morally ambiguous decisions in this game is quite noticeable, especially when comparing it to titles such as Fallout: New Vegas or even Fallout 3. The side quests often guide you towards two predictable options, where you can either embody a beacon of hope or a deranged maniac, and the latter option never truly feels authentic, given the protagonist’s predetermined, almost heroic role in the story.

Emerging from a two-century cryogenic sleep, the protagonist must navigate the treacherous landscape of post-apocalyptic America to save their kidnapped infant son, who was taken from the very same cryogenic facility. In this particular situation, deviating from the main questline may not contribute to the overall narrative coherence. However, it must be acknowledged that the story presents significant opportunities for making impactful decisions that can greatly influence the game world, especially when aligning oneself with pivotal factions.

Once again, it’s worth noting that there is limited opportunity to delve into your character’s personality and motivations in Fallout 4. As a result, the game can be seen as a regression compared to its predecessors. Furthermore, the side quests tend to be quite forgettable. The main plot of Fallout 3 had its fair share of issues, but it managed to find balance by incorporating some wild and unpredictable misadventures. The sequel, on the other hand, lacks personality, featuring one-dimensional characters and unremarkable dialogue. It heavily relies on self-referential storytelling, which can be immersion-breaking.

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If you’re interested in seeing faction plotlines come to a conclusion, you’ll have to go through a plethora of ‘radiant’ filler quests. These are the types of games that provide little context and simply place a procedurally generated objective marker on your map, instructing you to “go here, do something.” While the prospect of embarking on an adventure and uncovering hidden treasures is certainly enticing, the overall experience feels somewhat lacking in depth and emotion. It’s hard to ignore the excessive filler content that hinders your progress towards important narrative milestones.

However, it is worth mentioning that the gameplay loop of Fallout 4 is incredibly captivating, and combat plays a vital role in this experience. While it may not boast the most polished shooting mechanics compared to other games on the market, it undeniably stands out as the most enjoyable Fallout installment to date. The action in the game is filled with a satisfying and almost comical bloodlust. Whether you’re sniping super mutants with precision or hacking raiders to bits with modified chainsaws, the result is a spectacle of skulls popping and limbs flying.

The standout feature of the game is undoubtedly V.A.T.S., which grants you the power to manipulate time and execute visually stunning attacks on specific body parts. Even after nearly ten years, there is still no other system quite like it. The version of V.A.T.S. in Fallout 4 truly stands out, offering moments of pure chaos and excitement. Experiencing the exhilarating thrill of a deathclaw’s head exploding mere moments before its talons make contact with your face; being rendered speechless as a mini nuke hurtles directly towards you; obliterating grotesquely mutated wildlife with your beloved energy weapon, all captured in flawless slow motion. This is an exceptional experience.

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Regrettably, not everything that Fallout 4 does is met with universal acclaim. Despite being largely overlooked, the game’s settlement system continues to be a topic of heated debate. During your adventure, you’ll stumble upon small communities that you can nurture by collecting various items and utilizing specific materials to construct a wide range of structures. These include essential defenses like walls and gates, as well as intricate computer networks and ingenious mechanical contraptions.

The system itself is undeniably impressive, providing an immense amount of depth for players who truly want to immerse themselves in the experience. If you’re looking for a classic Fallout experience, settlements might come across as unnecessary baggage, adding unnecessary weight to an already content-packed game that can sometimes feel like busywork. It’s quite frustrating how settlements don’t immediately prove their value. The initial phase involves the monotonous task of collecting a vast amount of resources, and that’s just for the basic needs such as shelter, food, and water.

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While certain aspects of Fallout 4 may not have stood the test of time, it’s worth noting that the PS5 port does indeed deliver on its commitment to enhancing the game’s technical performance. The game’s performance mode, running at 60 frames per second, is impressively smooth overall, with only occasional minor hitches lasting for a fraction of a second in crowded areas. The smooth frame rate greatly enhances the gunplay, which can sometimes feel a bit twitchy. Additionally, the dynamic 4K resolution significantly improves the overall visual experience, making everything look better than ever.

From an artistic standpoint, this video game can be visually unappealing. It’s safe to say that the visuals were less than impressive back in 2015, and unfortunately, they haven’t aged well. The human character models leave much to be desired, with their lackluster facial features and lifeless expressions. The lip-syncing and facial animations are particularly disappointing.

In summary

The core gameplay loop of Fallout 4 remains strong, despite the fact that the surrounding adventure is starting to show its age, nearly ten years after its initial release. The addition of a smooth 60-fps performance mode will surely please many returning players. Roaming through post-apocalyptic Boston can still provide some enjoyment, especially with the reliable V.A.T.S. system at your disposal. However, it is undeniable that open-world games have made significant progress since the release of Fallout 4, which some may argue already felt outdated even at its launch in 2015.

Pros:

  • The open-world design is both dense and engaging
  • Engaging progression systems that keep you hooked
  • V.A.T.S. continues to impress
  • The performance on PS5 is impressively smooth
  • Significantly decreased loading times
  • Several poignant narrative moments
  • The soundtrack creates a captivating atmosphere

Cons:

  • Shows signs of significant deterioration in various aspects
  • Unremarkable side quests and forgettable characters
  • Lacking depth in the realm of role-playing
  • An abundance of mundane tasks
  • The character models are visually unappealing

Good 7/10

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Gaming

Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game

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Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.

Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.

Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.

What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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