Sticker Mule has been a popular choice for custom sticker printing for years, but its high prices and recent controversies have led many customers to look for alternatives.

Fortunately, there are several great options out there that offer similar quality, pricing, and customer support. Here are our top picks for the best alternatives to Sticker Mule.

Based on our testing, the best alternatives to Sticker Mule are:

• CustomStickers.com
• MakeStickers.com
• RockinMonkey.com

Choosing a sticker provider depends on a few factors. There are lot’s of sticker companies out there, each with it’s own pros and cons.

If one of these three options don’t work for you, check out our detailed ranking and review roundup of the top sticker companies.

1- CustomStickers.com – Link

CustomStickers.com is a great alternative to Sticker Mule, with a similar level of quality and a significantly better pricing structure. Their vinyl material is top-notch and their print quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and sharp images. In addition, their customer support is friendly, responsive, and helpful. And perhaps best of all, their turnaround time is similar to Sticker Mule’s, so you won’t have to wait long to receive your custom stickers.

2- MakeStickers.com – Link

If you’re looking for even better pricing than CustomStickers.com, MakeStickers.com is a solid choice. While their material quality may not be quite as good as Sticker Mule’s, their print quality is fantastic and their prices are very competitive. They also offer a fast turnaround time, so you won’t have to wait long to receive your stickers. And if you have any questions or concerns, their customer support team is always ready to help.

3- RockinMonkey.com – Link

RockinMonkey.com is another great alternative to Sticker Mule, with a similar level of quality and a lower price point. Their vinyl material is top-notch, and their print quality is very good as well. Their pricing is better than Sticker Mule’s, making them a great option for those on a budget.

However, their turnaround time is slower than the other options on this list, actually much slower, so if you need your stickers quickly, you may want to consider one of the other alternatives.

StickerYou.com

StickerYou.com is a decent alternative to Sticker Mule, with a wide range of custom sticker options and high-quality materials. Their vinyl material is very durable and their print quality is average, with vibrant colors but not as sharp resolution as others. Their prices are competitive, and their customer support is helpful and responsive.

However, their turnaround time is slower than some of the other options on this list, so if you need your stickers quickly, you may want to look elsewhere. Note, too, that we’ve had a few issues with them getting our orders correct.

How to Choose the Perfect Sticker Company

Choosing the perfect sticker company for your needs can be a daunting task, especially with so many options out there. But fear not, as we’ve compiled a handy guide to help you navigate the world of custom sticker printing and find the company that’s right for you.

First and foremost, consider your budget. Custom sticker pricing can vary widely depending on the company, the material used, and the quantity you need. Determine how much you’re willing to spend, and then look for companies that fit within your budget. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best choice, as quality and customer service are also important factors to consider.

Next, consider the type of sticker you need. Are you looking for a standard shape and size, or do you need something more custom? Some companies offer a wide range of customization options, including die-cut shapes and various sizes. Consider the purpose of your sticker and how you want it to look, and then look for companies that can accommodate your needs.

Another important factor to consider is the material used for the stickers. Vinyl is a popular choice for its durability and water-resistant properties, but some companies may offer other options such as paper or polyester. Consider where the sticker will be used and how long you want it to last, and then look for companies that offer the appropriate materials.

When it comes to print quality, not all companies are created equal. Look for companies that use high-quality printing methods, such as digital or offset printing, to ensure that your stickers look crisp and vibrant. Some companies may also offer additional finishing options, such as gloss or matte coating, to give your stickers a professional and polished look.

Customer service is another important factor to consider when choosing a sticker company. Look for companies that offer responsive and helpful customer service, whether it’s through phone or email support. Some companies may also offer online chat support or a FAQ section to help answer any questions you may have.

Turnaround time is also important to consider, especially if you need your stickers by a specific deadline. Look for companies that offer fast turnaround times, but also keep in mind that faster turnaround times may come at a higher cost.

Finally, consider the reputation of the company. Look for companies with positive reviews and a solid track record of customer satisfaction. You can also check if the company has any industry certifications or awards, which can be a good indicator of their quality and professionalism.

Conclusion

While Sticker Mule has long been a popular choice for custom sticker printing, there are several great alternatives out there that offer similar or better quality, pricing, and customer support.

Whether you choose CustomStickers.com for their excellent vinyl quality, pricing, and service, MakeStickers.com for their competitive pricing and fast turnaround time, or RockinMonkey.com for their high-quality vinyl, you can rest assured that you’ll receive top-notch custom stickers that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

In the end, it all comes down to your priorities and budget. While Sticker Mule may have been the go-to choice for many in the past, the controversy and high prices have led many customers to explore other options. And with the top-quality alternatives we’ve outlined here, you’re sure to find a custom sticker printing service that meets your needs perfectly.

So don’t hesitate – start exploring your options today and find the perfect custom sticker printing service for your needs!

The post The Best Alternatives to StickerMule appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

Casting Anakin

Let’s travel back a few years. In 1993 George Lucas, the creative mastermind behind the epic Star Wars franchise, embarked on a worldwide quest to find the perfect actor to play the pivotal role of the young Anakin Skywalker. Lucas had big plans for his upcoming sequel trilogy and was determined to utilize cutting-edge computer-generated imagery to bring his vision to life.  Jake Lloyd, who was just eight years old, played a young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace.

Beverly Strong, a seasoned Hollywood manager, represented the talented young actor Jake Lloyd. Despite his young age, Jake had already achieved significant success in his role in the hit movie Jingle All the Way.

To ensure that Jake was fully prepared for his audition for the pivotal role of Anakin Skywalker, Beverly enlisted the help of acting coach Dennis LaValle. Dennis trained and coached Jake through the entire process, and many say his audition was flawless. Below are Jake’s agents and coaches. Dennis LaValle is on the far left, Beverly Strong is in the middle with the green shirt.

Over 3,000 actors auditioned for the part, and ultimately, Jake Lloyd was chosen for the role.

Over 3,000 actors auditioned for the part, and ultimately, Jake Lloyd was chosen for the role. George Lucas was impressed by his enthusiasm and energy. Below is Jake signing his contract at age 9.

Dennis LaValle was an integral part of Jake Lloyd’s preparation for his role in The Phantom Menace. So much so that he was supposed to accompany Jake to the shoot and coach him every step of the way. However, to the surprise of many, the producers decided against having LaValle on set.

Jake’s performance during the audition ended up being vastly different than what was ultimately seen in the film. Indeed, Jake’s performance in the Phantom Menace was widely panned. Lloyd was just 10 years old when The Phantom Menace was released in 1999.

Aftermath

While he was nominated for a Young Artist Award, he also received two Razzie nominations for Worst Supporting Actor and Worst Screen Couple with Natalie Portman.

The Phantom Menace was a departure from the traditional Star Wars formula, focusing on political intrigue and trade disputes rather than epic battles between heroes and villains. To make matters worse, the introduction of the CGI character Jar Jar Binks was universally panned. Ahmed Best, who voiced the character, revealed in an interview that he was so affected by the negative feedback that he contemplated suicide.

But perhaps the most reviled aspect of the film was the portrayal of a young Anakin Skywalker, who failed to capture the essence of the iconic villain he would eventually become.

Although Jake attempted to put the movie behind him, he was the object of mockery for years.

Despite being just ten years old at the time, Lloyd received hate mail bullying from fans who were disappointed with the film. With the rise of the internet, the online harassment only made things worse. Fans vented their frustrations about the movie by targeting Jake with crass songs and hurtful comments. No one seemed to come to his defense, and he, a child, was left to deal with the fallout of a film that was widely panned. Although Jake attempted to put the movie behind him, he was the object of mockery for years.

Jake was perfect for the part. He’s enthusiastic, very energetic, and exudes a lot of self-confidence, which is important for the character. And he has a certain charm that really comes across on the screen. He’s a joy to work with and a very talented young actor.

In an interview with the New York Times in 1999, Director George Lucas spoke about Jake Lloyd’s performance in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” saying:

In a 2017 interview with New York Magazine, Mark Hamill expressed his disgust with the way Star Wars fans had treated Lloyd. Hamill defended the young actor, saying that he had simply done what George Lucas had wanted him to do, and that the backlash against him was unjustified. Hamill even went so far as to say that the treatment of Lloyd was one of the reasons why he would never let his own children go into show business, as he believed that it could lead to a lifetime of rejection, ridicule, and unemployment.

He was only 10 years old, that boy, and he did exactly what George wanted him to do. Believe me.

Mark Hamill on Jake Lloyd’s role as Anakin

Jake officially retired from acting at the young age of 12. In interviews, he has revealed that he even burned his Star Wars merchandise and can never watch the movie again because it makes him uncomfortable.

Jake eventually began studying film at Columbia College in Chicago, but only lasted one semester.

What happened to child star Jake Lloyd after Star Wars?

Mental Health and Legal Issues

he Phantom Menace, Lloyd was cast by George Lucas to portray the role of Anakin Skywalker, which, unfortunately, received a lot of criticism. Since the Star Wars actor was so young at the time, this affected his well-being and completely changed his world.

It’s difficult to imagine what it must have been like for Lloyd to go through such a traumatic experience at such a young age. But clearly the vitriol took a toll on Lloyd’s mental health.

It was revealed that Jake had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

In 2015, Jake Lloyd is known for his role as the young version of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise. He was arrested in his hometown after an altercation with his mother. She claimed that he had verbally and physically assaulted her, but did not press charges. It was revealed that Jake had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was off his medication at the time.

Later that same year, he found himself in even more trouble when he was arrested in South Carolina for reckless driving, driving without a license, and resisting arrest. He led police on a high-speed car chase in which he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree.

For reasons that remain unclear, he was held in jail for an unreasonably long 10 months before finally being transferred to a psychiatric facility for treatment. It was a difficult time for the troubled former child star, who was struggling to cope with his illness.

In 2018, Jake’s younger sister Madison passed away in her sleep at the age of 26. The news was devastating for the family. Jake’s mother Lisa said that she and Jake were both ‘shattered’ by the loss of Madison.

Recent Update

In 2020 his family shared an update on his mental health:

We would like to thank everyone for their kind words, their support, and goodwill. Jake has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, but unfortunately, he also has a symptom called anosognosia which causes a lack of insight into his illness. This only adds to the struggle he faces, which has been very difficult after the tragic loss of his younger sister, Madison. He has moved closer to his family and we are all working hard to help him with this. He is still a kind and caring person, and we hope to have him back to his fun and entertaining self as soon as possible. Jake will continue to make progress with the love and support you continue to show.

Lloyd Family

After years of struggles and setbacks, Jake Lloyd has finally found some peace.  He is still a kind and caring person and we hope to have him back to his fun and entertaining self as soon as possible. He has been living a quiet life and focusing on himself, which is exactly what he needs to do. It’s clear that Jake is in a much better place now, and we can only hope that he continues to find happiness and success in the future.

The post Jake Lloyd and the Tragic Aftermath of The Phantom Menace appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

This fan made video alone illustrates just how impactful the game was. You can’t question the affection and effort that went into a short film like this.

Majora’s Mask Design Philosophy

This three-day system in Majora’s Mask introduced players to a variety of events that occurred at the same time. Over this period of three days that the player played through multiple times. Once all the puzzles were solved, then the hidden goal would appear. With this system, it was possible to make the game data more compact while still providing deep gameplay.

Eiji Aonuma – Game Director

This design philosophy, of extending the games length but reducing data, was the impetus behind the entire experience. The three day cycle present in Majora’s Mask wasn’t just to differentiate it from Ocarina of Time. It was implemented to create a completely different type of Zelda experience.

image source – Eiji Aonuma himself

A Different Approach

The time mechanic also aimed to expand on Ocarina of Time, not just surpass it. Aonuma states in the same interview that the aim with the Zelda franchise is to continue iterating on previous instalments. To do this they took the time travel system from Ocarina, where Link goes from being a child to an adult, and iterated on it to make it more interesting. Aonuma calls these “inevitable changes”.

In an Iwata Asks interview with Aonuma, it becomes clear that this change forced a different perspective on the player:

[Aonuma] you had to remember all sorts of things so that the world wouldn’t be destroyed. “Oh, there was something here, and something else over there, things like that”.

This created a very different approach for the second 3D Zelda game. The player’s interaction with the world changed, the stakes of saving the world of Termina were given a real time frame. One that could be reversed, sure, but it forced the player to care about the characters. Interacting with them as they changed with the world around them. The design of Majora’s Masks time mechanic changed everything about how the game was consumed, and created.

It’s Been…

Funnily enough, the three day time mechanic was originally supposed to last a whole week. However this was met with plenty of issues…

There was just too much going on. How on earth was the player supposed to remember the weekly schedules of so many characters? To combat this overwhelming amount of information juggling they reduced the time. Aonuma has said:

We felt it would be best to make it a three-step process, and we compressed all sorts of things we had planned for over a week into three days.

Playing Majora’s Mask reveals why this was a better decision. Not only does it make everything easier to keep track of, but the short few days also adds to the sense of urgency. A whole week as opposed to three days is an astronomical difference. Giving the player a long weekend to save the world makes the game much harder than you’d think.

Only having real world hours (unless they speed it up or slow it down) is what a Financial Post article says “threatens the very idea of adventure”. They mean this in the best way possible, because that’s exactly what it does. There’s no time to go slow, of course you can reverse back to the start, but you’ll lose plenty of items. Key items from dungeons, bosses and the story remain, but any sort of wasted time can mean lost rupees and having to retry certain challenges or quests.

Forcing the player to consider all of this changes the way they examine the world and the tasks set out before them, in a completely different way to Ocarina of Time.

Informing the Experience

As mentioned, the time mechanic from the design of Majora’s Mask bled into the rest of the game. A translated interview on Zelda Dungeon shows us just what that means.

The basis of the game came from Miyamoto wanting to make a short Zelda game. Something that could be completed more quickly than in the past. But inspired the player to replay the game over and over getting a more in-depth experience each time. Kind of “like a movie.” Because of this, Majora’s Mask was limited on dungeons (having only four, compared to the eight main dungeons in Ocarina of Time), and had much more side quests and extra experiences that would be discovered with subsequent play-throughs.

The restriction of time in Majora’s Mask made sure that the game had to be interesting. If the player was to see characters and environments over and over again, there had to be more to uncover. They’d need to be learning more, and uncovering story elements each time. So whilst the design of Majora’s Mask was physically smaller, it had to be much larger in scope.

image source

Clock Town as the Centre

With that said, something most players may have subconsciously noticed is that most time based events actually take place in Clock Town. That was a very deliberate choice. Yoshiaki Koizumi was the man in charge of Clock Town and he planned out all the quests and character movements over the three day cycle. Koizumi was restricted to Clock Town because both he and Aonuma knew that if the whole game was placed under the time framework, not only would it not get done in time, but it would also restrict the player.

Placing most time based events in one location (except Romani Ranch) meant the player could easily orientate themselves with most of the time-based content. Of course not everything outside off Clock Town is static, but keeping most of it in the centre of the games world makes it easier for the player.

Time is Money

Majora’s Mask is about time, so it’ll come as a surprise to some to hear that the mechanic was mostly based off a bet. You see originally Shigeru Miyamoto wanted Aonuma to develop a flipped Zelda, which would later become Ocarina of Time Master Quest. A game where Ocarina’s dungeons were all remixed.

As Aonuma designed those dungeons in the original, he didn’t want the work load.

So Miyamoto gave him an ultimatum. If Aonuma could develop a new Zelda game in the span of one year he wouldn’t have to remix the dungeons. Surprisingly, Aonuma took him up on it. A Gamasutra article then reveals that’s why the three days were introduced at the start, to help ease some of the development. Building around that mechanic meant the game could be done in the small timeframe, and everything else came from that.

The Design of Majora’s Mask’s… Masks

Being the namesake of this game means I’m of course going to dedicate time to talking about them.  Majora’s Masks… masks, are such a huge part of the game, so where did they come from and why were they used?

Well as discussed, Aonuma and the team at Nintendo wanted to elaborate on Ocarina of Time. One way they did this outside of the time mechanic was with masks. In Ocarina they’re a small, limited, part of the experience. So in Majora’s Mask they were expanded upon. Another Iwata Asks interview really helps to flesh out this decision:

[Iwata] By the way, why masks?[Aonuma] The development of Ocarina of Time was so long, we were able to put in a whole lot of different elements into that game. Out of those, there were ideas that weren’t fully utilized, and ones that weren’t used to their full potential. One of those was the mask salesman.

Why Do Masks Work So Well?

This is all well and good on its own, but there’s a reason it works. Aonuma explains, saying that Link has many abilities (think the hook shot or the bow) and he thought it would be interesting if the Masks allowed Link to transform and give him more abilities. They became a way to “expand the gameplay”.Deku Link offered flight, Gordon Link offered rolling, and Zora link offered swimming. Each of these facets of the design of Majora’s Mask are drastically different. Allowing the player to have different gameplay styles all on hand. Aonuma even mentions how this was a blessing. Due to the games short development time it meant all the pieces quickly fell into place in terms of design.The whole game revolves around the Masks, meaning so did development. Even Aonuma’s own dreams did too, as he had a nightmare where he was being chased by a Deku.

The Reward

It’s no secret that Nintendo love to challenge and reward their players. So much so that Majora’s Mask was a  drastic jump from Ocarina of Time – in what Iwata called “Hospitality to Challenge”. The design of Majora’s Mask, and collecting the games 24 Masks, offers an extra level of challenge, on top of saving Termina.

What’s the reward for this challenge, you are rewarded with the Fierce Deity Mask of course! The developers designed an incentive that ties right back into the world. You can beat the final boss of the game with ease if you collect all the masks. So this means the new challenge of Majora is tied directly to the Masks themselves.

The Dark Tone of Majora’s Mask

Why does Majora’s Mask have such a dark tone? Why is the game visually and thematically distinct over most other Zelda titles?

This is partly because Majora’s Mask was to cater more towards adults. Notice how the game doesn’t have a tutorial? Well that’s because you’re expected to have beaten Ocarina of Time. The audience for this game was to be slightly different than the original. I think that shines through in how this game was to be more of a challenging experience than a hospitable one.

Of course that’s not just it though. Aonuma mentions in a Gamespot interview how the design of Majora’s Mask is more distorted than Ocarina. Which lends itself to the darker tone:

[Aonuma] Our goal, was to create something familiar that has been warped in a very unusual and interesting way.

That’s part of the reason you see a lot of the same character models and reused assets. Of course this was due to resource and time constraints too, but it helps orientate the player into a familiar experience. One that’s just different in presentation.

This is all summed up when Gamespot ask this question:

So the goal was to make this a more frightening, supernatural experience than the other Zelda games?

[ Aonuma] There were some opportunities to do rather dark and scary things in Ocarina as well. You know you had the “seven years later” version of the world that Ganon had wrecked. But in the case of Termina, we’re really doing something a little bit different. We’re changing the entire game world around this concept. And what we were going for here was trying to age-up the demographic of Zelda a little bit. We were thinking about a world that might be particularly appealing to adults who would play this game.

It also doesn’t hurt that Aonuma was apparently watching Twin Peaks at the time.

But that darker tone really seems to have stemmed from a point of difference. They wanted Majora’s Mask to be as different to Ocarina of Time as possible. To help achieve that they took dark ideas from that game and dialled them up to eleven.

The Design of Majora’s Mask Remake

Considering Majora’s Mask got itself a remake on the 3DS in 2015, I think we should at least touch on where that came from. If you read this Iwata Asks interview you’ll see just what type of philosophy was adopted in its development.

The core idea was to design new ways to play. So Aonuma played through the original again, at the behest of Miyamoto. So he picked out as many things that could be added or improved upon in the design of Majora’s Mask. Aonuma the gave Grezzo a ‘what in the world list’ – Nintendo had essentially assigned the new developer all the things that didn’t make sense in the original, and needed changing.

Aonuma even said in the interview:

I wrote in a bunch of comments on where I thought things weren’t good. Like, “I’m sorry that this comes from the one that made it this way, but…”

He says these content apologies came from a good place. They wanted the game to be better, and because he’d made it and played through it again, Aonuma knew exactly what was wrong.

The Challenge

Thus Grezzo were presented with a challenge. Nintendo saw their work on Ocarina of Time 3D and thought ‘they can do this, so Majora’s Mask should be a fun challenge’ – thus entrusting another N64 remake with them.

Later that the team leaders at Grezzo were called to Kyoto to see the New 3DS midway through development. They had new hardware and features to work with, but because it was all ‘hush-hush’ most of the team didn’t even know the console existed. Aonuma even wanted the extra C-Stick to be used as a camera, because of the freedom that had allowed since it was introduced to Zelda.

Only 24 Hours Remain…

There is undoubtably something special about Majora’s Mask – it’s a time travel game that’s somehow timeless! Aonuma put’s really well into words as to why this game is in such a special place for so many people.

When I finished creating Majora’s Mask for the Nintendo 64, I assumed that other companies would be releasing games similar to this one. But in reality, no one did. Even 15 years after the Nintendo 64 version of this game released, no one created a game like this. Because of this, the unique taste and feel of this game seems to exist for a long time…

Majora’s Mask isn’t like anything else before it, or after it. The aesthetic, world, characters, mechanics, and design all come together to make something truly special. From outside it honestly looks quite surprising that this game is so cohesive. In isolation all the elements would be interesting, but together they elevate each other.

This game was truly incredible and groundbreaking for its time, and many still hold it high as a cult classic. So of course we’re going to celebrate it as it turns 20 years old. Happy birthday Majora’s Mask, you deserve it.

So that’s our look at the design of Majora’s Mask! To help celebrate this anniversary we also have some other Majora’s Mask themed content that you can find here! Why not leave us a comment or a follow on Twitter @thecognnetwork? As always, thanks for reading COG!

The post Majora’s Mask – Game Design Spotlight appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

This is a frustratingly low number. However, in recent years, there have been a few notable black female protagonists in video games.

In today’s article, we’ll take a look at the top 7 black female video game characters.

Aveline de Grandpré – Assassin’s Creed: Liberation

Assassin’s Creed: Liberation, released in 2012, stars Aveline de Grandpré, a French-African assassin in 18th-century New Orleans. The game takes place during the time of slavery in the United States, and Aveline uses her covert cover as an assassin to fight for the oppressed and battle against the Templars who attempt to gain control of New Orleans after the end of the French and Indian War.

Aveline is an intriguing character who defies traditional gender and racial roles, making her stand out among other female video game characters. She is portrayed as an intelligent and skilled fighter, who has a unique blend of the refined grace of a high-society woman and the daring tenacity of an assassin.

Assassin’s Creed: Liberation also addresses the issue of slavery in the game, as Aveline fights against the institution and uses her cover as a slave to gain information and free other slaves. Her story highlights the historical struggle for freedom and equality, making it a powerful and thought-provoking addition to the Assassin’s Creed franchise.

Overall, Aveline de Grandpré is a unique and memorable black female protagonist in video games, and her story is an important contribution to the representation of diverse characters in gaming.

Clementine – The Walking Dead

Clementine is the main protagonist of The Walking Dead video game series, developed by Telltale Games. The game’s first season features the young Clementine, who, following a zombie apocalypse, is left to fend for herself. Over the course of the series, players guide Clementine as she grows from a vulnerable child to a strong and capable survivor.

Clementine’s character is one of the most well-crafted in video game history, with her personality and growth throughout the series being expertly written and executed. She is portrayed as a compassionate and intelligent individual who quickly learns to be independent in a fallen world. Her strength and resilience are inspiring, and her struggles with grief and trauma make her relatable to players.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Clementine’s character is that her race is not the defining factor of her character. Instead, it is just one of the many facets that make up her identity, which is a refreshing departure from the stereotypical portrayals of black characters in media. Clementine is simply a well-written and well-rounded character whose race does not define her.

D’arci Stern – Urban Chaos

D’arci Stern is the main character in the 1999 video game Urban Chaos, a third-person action-adventure game. She is a tough and resourceful police officer who spends most of her time fighting crime on the dangerous streets of Union City.

As the player, you control D’arci as she takes on brazen gang members and criminals with her bare fists or armed with weapons. You can also talk to citizens, enter buildings, and complete additional missions such as assault, rescuing hostages, or suicide prevention.

D’arci is a groundbreaking character as she was one of the first black female protagonists in a video game. Despite the limitations of the game’s era, her portrayal as a black woman was refreshing, as she was not defined by stereotypes or tropes. Instead, she was a competent and capable police officer, who proved that race and gender are not limitations to being a strong and heroic character.

Moreover, D’arci’s character was also notable for her unique character design. She had a unique haircut and style that was distinctly different from the typical feminine presentation of female characters in video games at the time. Her character design reflected her independence and strength, and it set her apart from other female characters of the era.

Sheva Alomar – Resident Evil 5

Sheva Alomar is a black female character from the popular survival horror video game series, Resident Evil. She first appeared in Resident Evil 5, which was released in 2009.

Sheva is a member of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA), an international organization that fights against bioterrorism. She is a skilled fighter and marksman, and is depicted as a strong and independent woman.

Throughout Resident Evil 5, Sheva serves as the co-protagonist alongside series veteran, Chris Redfield. The two characters are tasked with investigating a bioterrorism incident in Africa, leading them to uncover a plot by a mysterious organization called Tricell.

Sheva’s character is notable for being one of the few playable black female characters in a mainstream video game series. Her portrayal as a capable fighter breaks away from the typical stereotypes and tropes often seen in video games. She is a strong and independent woman who can hold her own in combat, and is depicted as an equal partner to Chris throughout the game.

In addition to her combat skills, Sheva is also depicted as a compassionate and empathetic character. She is deeply affected by the horrors of the bioterrorism incident in Africa, and is shown to be willing to put her own life on the line to help others.

Frey Holland – Forspoken

One of the most recent games to feature a black female protagonist is Forspoken, an action role-playing game featuring Frey Holland, a tough New Yorker who finds herself transported to the mystical realm of Athia and becomes an unexpected hero. In a departure from the norm for RPGs, the game dispenses with swords and instead emphasizes magic and parkour.

Although we didn’t give the game a super positive review, it’s always good to see a studio focus on diversity and make the main protagonist a female person of color.

Alyx Vance – Half-Life

Alyx Vance is a black female character in the Half-Life series, a first-person shooter video game developed by Valve Corporation. She is one of the main protagonists in the series, appearing in Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode One, and Half-Life 2: Episode Two.

Alyx is a gifted hacker and a skilled combatant who aids the player character, Gordon Freeman, in his quest to overthrow the Combine, an alien empire that has taken over Earth. Throughout the series, Alyx’s character is portrayed as a strong and independent woman, who is also compassionate and empathetic.

Indeed, Alyx Vance is an important character in video game history as she represents the progression towards more diverse and inclusive representation in video games. Her portrayal as a strong and capable black female character broke away from typical stereotypes and tropes in video games, and her character development throughout the Half-Life series made her a beloved and memorable character for players of all backgrounds.

Nix – InFamous 2

Nix is a black female character from the 2011 action-adventure video game InFamous 2. She is one of the main characters in the game, serving as a potential ally to the player character, Cole MacGrath.

Nix is a Conduit, a type of human with supernatural abilities. She has the power to manipulate fire and is portrayed as a wild and unpredictable character, often serving as a foil to the more reserved and cautious Cole. She is also a member of the Dust Men, a gang of Conduits who worship the game’s primary antagonist, the Beast.

Nix’s character is notable for her complex and multifaceted personality. While she is often portrayed as unpredictable and dangerous, she also has a tragic backstory that explains her motivations and actions. She is a survivor of sexual assault and abuse, which has led her to develop a strong distrust of authority figures and a desire for vengeance against those who have wronged her.

Throughout the game, the player has the option to choose whether to ally with Nix or another character, Kuo, who represents a more rational and calculated approach to solving the game’s conflicts. Nix’s fate and ultimate role in the game’s story can vary significantly depending on the player’s choices.

Wrapping Up

These African-American female characters are perfect examples of how women are making an impact in video games past and present. However, African-American female characters still need a bigger presence in story plots and campaigns in general. These game characters are symbols of strength, perseverance, and courage, the characteristics of great game characters. Hopefully, African-American female characters will continue to keep a presence in future video games to come.

The post Top Black Female Characters in Video Games appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

1. Did you hear about the video game console that was a magician? It disappeared into thin error.
2. Why did the chicken play video games? To get to the other side-scrolling level.
3. I broke up with my console. Now it’s my ex-box. It wasn’t anything personal. I just felt like it was time for a switch.
4. I tried to play a game about vampires, but it just didn’t suck me in.
5. Why did the gamer break up with their controller? It just wasn’t giving them the right vibrations.
6. I was going to make a joke about Super Smash Bros., but I don’t want to brawl things up.
7. I’m not a big fan of fishing games, they just don’t hook me.
8. Why did the computer go to the doctor? It had a virus.
9. Did you hear about the angry video game console? It just wanted to vent its frustrations.
10. I wanted to make a game about sewing, but it just didn’t seam right.
11. I love the new Minecraft update. It’s groundbreaking.
12. Why did the gamer go outside? He needed to level up his vitamin D.
13. I tried to play a game about trains, but it kept getting derailed.
14. Me and my boyfriend were completely in love, but we just couldn’t be together. We were not on the same level.
15. My girlfriend told me our relationship was over because I was playing games too much. I think it may have been my Destiny 2 break up with her.
16. I tried to go to a bar in Minecraft. The bartender wouldn’t let me order a drink, he said they don’t serve miners.
17. I tried a game about gardening, but it just didn’t grow on me.
18. Did you hear about the cat who played video games? It was a real purr-former.
19. Why was the computer cold? It left its Windows open.
20. I’m not a big fan of racing games, they drive me crazy.
21. I wanted to make a game about submarines, but I couldn’t find a good depth of field.
22. Why did the video game go to the bank? To get some extra lives.
23. Why was the puzzle game bad at telling jokes? It always got the punch line mixed up.
24. I used to play a lot of games about zombies, but they don’t have the same bite anymore.

The use of puns in video games is not a new concept. For years, gamers have been incorporating clever wordplay and puns into their gaming conversations. Whether it’s a joke about a game’s mechanics, characters, or storyline, puns can add an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.

So, how do you use video game puns? The key is to be creative and witty. Think about the game you’re playing, and try to come up with relevant puns that make sense in the context of the game. For example, if you’re playing a racing game, you could say “I’m tire-d of this race” or “I’m just steering you in the right direction”.

Another way to use video game puns is to incorporate them into your online conversations with other gamers. This can be a great way to break the ice or add some humor to an otherwise serious conversation. Just make sure the pun is appropriate for the situation and won’t offend anyone.

Video game puns can also be used in social media posts. They can be a fun way to engage with your followers and add some personality to your profile. If you’re sharing a screenshot or video of your latest gaming achievement, why not add a pun to the caption? For example, “I’m really crushing it in this game!” or “I’m on a roll with this level”.

In conclusion, video game puns can add a fun and lighthearted element to your gaming experience. Whether playing with friends, talking to other gamers online, or sharing your gaming experiences on social media, puns can be a great way to add humor and personality to your interactions. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and let the puns fly!

The post Video Game Puns appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

Note that there are images below that are NSFW – proceed with caution.

Nude Video Game Characters

There have been many examples of nudity in video games throughout the years. However, it’s worth noting that many of these depictions are often highly stylized and not necessarily intended to be hyper-realistic.

Here are a few examples:

Naughty Dog Logo – Rings of Power

In the 1980s, Naughty Dog entered the gaming industry, and they haven’t left since. Nowadays, they are a subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment, but their success story started way before that. In fact, they were already making waves in the gaming world, producing successful games for years, long before they created their breakthrough for Sony: the Crash Bandicoot series in the mid-1990s.

Apart from the Crash Bandicoot series, Naughty Dog had also developed a Lord of the Rings-inspired game series called Rings of Power. In this game, you would play as a young sorcerer tasked with collecting ten rings of power. Like most game developers, Naughty Dog had a signature logo that would appear at the beginning of the game. However, what set them apart was their creative use of a cheat code that unlocked a rather peculiar feature. The Naughty Dog model would drop her bikini revealing herself in all her pixelated glory.

Seems pretty sexist these days, my how times have changed.

Hot Coffee – GTA San Andreas

In the mid-2000s, video games had already established themselves as a mainstream entertainment medium. The notion that they were exclusively meant for children was long gone. But amidst this normalization of video games, something truly startling happened in 2004. The “Hot Coffee” scandal shook the gaming industry with the release of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

In the game, your character takes his significant other to her house, and she invites him in for some coffee. But here’s the twist, when the game cuts to the outside of the house, all you can hear is moaning. That scene was initially supposed to be a sexual mini-game. Developers ended up removing the scene, but it was still available through a patch.

Triss Marigold – The Witcher 2: Assasination of Kings

In The Witcher series, one of the game’s main characters is Triss Merigold, a powerful sorceress and love interest of the game’s protagonist, Geralt of Rivia. In one particular scene in the game, Triss is depicted as being completely nude during a romantic encounter with Geralt.

The scene has generated controversy and discussion among fans of the game and the wider gaming community, with some criticizing the depiction of nudity as gratuitous or unnecessary. Others defend it as a natural part of the game’s storytelling and characterization.

Raiden – Metal Gear Solid 2

In the video game Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, there is a scene in which the character Raiden is captured and stripped naked by his captors. The player is then required to guide Raiden through a section of the game while he is completely nude, using stealth to avoid detection by enemy guards. This section of the game has been noted for its controversial nature and has been a topic of discussion among fans of the Metal Gear series.

Some see it as a commentary on the objectification of women in video games. Regardless of one’s opinion, it remains a memorable moment in the history of the Metal Gear franchise.

Kasumi – Dead or Alive 2

Dead or Alive 2, the fighting game that hit the gaming world in the late 1990s, is part of the popular Dead or Alive series. The game’s plot revolves around the bad guys’ plot to clone Kasumi, who served as the main character in the franchise’s first two installments. The plotline ultimately led to the introduction of nudity in the game. In the Japanese version of the game, players would get to see a clone of Kasumi in the buff.

However, the game developers had more up their sleeve. While developing the character of Kasumi, they created a blank version of her as a testing ground. This hidden feature of the game is what makes it all the more interesting. If you are clever and have the right codes, you can access that “blank version” which is essentially a nude Kasumi.

Bayonetta – Bayonetta Series

The protagonist of the Bayonetta series, Bayonetta herself, is often depicted wearing outfits that are revealing and emphasize her sexuality. Her clothing is made of her own hair, which can be manipulated to cover or reveal parts of her body during combat. Her outfits include skin-tight bodysuits, high heels, and a pair of pistols strapped to her legs. While Bayonetta is not typically shown completely nude, there are instances where you can see her bare ass, for example when she is doing her move “Climax.”

Jennifer Willis – Splatterhouse

In a throwback to the original Splatterhouse game, Jennifer finds herself held captive by evil forces under the leadership of the wicked Dr. Henry West. In a valiant effort to save her, Rick puts on the infamous Terror Mask, transforming into a beastly powerhouse, ready to take on anything that comes his way. Jennifer had arrived at the West Mansion to pen a feature story on the reclusive doctor for the Miskatonic University newspaper. Despite West’s request for her to come alone, Rick insists on joining her, claiming that they had a date planned after the interview. But West sees right through the facade and concludes that Rick is only there to safeguard his girlfriend.

As Rick’s world crumbles around him and he faces certain doom, Jennifer is unceremoniously taken by West’s minions and dragged through the twisted halls of the mansion. She struggles to break free, but it’s all in vain as West drags her through time and space into even more bizarre and grotesque locations. Using shreds of her ripped photos as a trail for Rick to follow, some of which are extremely revealing. Jennifer becomes a key player in West’s vile plan. The crazed doctor intends to sacrifice her to bring back his dead wife, Leonora, who looks eerily similar to Jennifer.

Anna – Metro Exodus

In Metro Exodus, the third installment of the Metro video game series, the player takes on the role of Artyom, a survivor of a nuclear war that has devastated the world. Throughout the game, Artyom develops a romantic relationship with Anna, a member of his team and a skilled sniper.

Their relationship is depicted through various cutscenes and interactions, adding a layer of emotional depth to the game’s narrative. As they navigate the dangerous and desolate world together, they support each other in combat and more intimate moments.

Other Nude Game Characters

Bloodrayne – the main character of the Bloodrayne series is depicted as a half-vampire, and her clothing often includes revealing outfits and lingerie.

Morrigan Aensland – a character from the Darkstalkers series who is often depicted wearing a highly revealing outfit that shows off a lot of skin.

Ivy Valentine is a character from the Soul Calibur series known for her revealing outfits and large bust.

History of Nudity in Video Games

In the early days of video gaming, companies like Mystique pushed the boundaries with games featuring nudity and sexual content on the Atari 2600, such as “Swedish Erotica.” These games often suffered from poor graphics, but that didn’t stop Mystique from publishing around six games, some of which were double-sided cartridges that allowed for game variations to be played. One of their most notorious games was Custer’s Revenge, which depicted a crudely drawn scenario in which General Custer would rape a Native American woman tied to a post.

With the advent of the Nintendo Entertainment System, gaming ethics were imposed to ensure games were suitable for a wide audience. Companies needed proper licenses to sell their games on the platform. However, Taiwan-based Panesian produced three unlicensed games featuring pixelated nudity: Bubble Bath Babes, Hot Slot, and Peek-A-Boo Poker. Despite being produced in small quantities, these games have become highly sought-after collectors’ items due to their difficulties, pixelated nudity, and amusing use of Engrish.

As gaming standards relaxed, nudity and sex made their way into contemporary games, such as Hybrid Heaven for the Nintendo 64 featuring a nude male in a shower and Duke Nukem 3D featuring strippers intact on the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. However, nudity often resulted in higher ratings and was usually censored for consoles like the Xbox, Nintendo Gamecube, and Sony PlayStation 2. Some games, like Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude, brought nudity and sex to the Xbox with no actual cuts in content.

While nudity in video games has matured and become more integrated into mainstream titles, some games still cause controversy. For example, The Guy Game rewarded players with female nudity, including that of a 17-year-old girl who had not had her age verified, leading to an injunction preventing its sales. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion also caused controversy when a file allowing for a topless female skin was found, leading to the game being re-rated as M-for-Mature.

External sources, such as Playboy’s “Girls of Gaming” cover article featuring topless or nude female characters, have given nudity in video games more mainstream acceptance. This exposure has led to other publishers realizing that their audience is interested in more mature depictions of their creations. The women depicted in the articles are better suited to the magazine’s format over time. Despite this progress, the industry still has a long way to go in putting a face of legitimacy on nudity in video games.

The post Nude Video Game Characters and a History of Nudity in Games appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

We reached out Harvard professor and researcher Aaron Bernstein for his thoughts on video game addiction. He is considered an expert in the field of mental health and wellness. What follows is an overview of his research and advice.

Is Video Game Addiction A Real Thing?

When it comes to video games, it’s no secret that they can be addictive. But is video game addiction a real thing? The short answer is yes, it certainly is. While not yet classified as a disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, video game addiction is recognized as a condition that needs further investigation. The World Health Organization, on the other hand, has already included it in its list of mental health conditions.

The Negative Impact of Video Games on the Brain

As with any addiction, video game addiction has negative effects on the brain. A 2015 study focused on the neurobiological and pharmacogenetic mechanisms underlying internet and video game addiction, and the results were concerning. The study found that prolonged internet gaming affects the areas of the brain responsible for reward, impulse control, and sensory-motor coordination. This, in turn, leads to sub-sensitivity of dopamine reward mechanisms, similar to drug and alcohol addiction.

How Prevalent is Video Game Addiction?

Video game addiction is more common than you might think. The 2016 Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Epidemiological Studies of Internet Gaming Disorder revealed that the prevalence of internet gaming disorder ranges from 0.7% to 27.5%. The study found that video game addiction is more common in males than in females, and younger people are more likely to suffer from it.

Should You Leave a Spouse with a Video Game Addiction?

Deciding to leave a spouse over a video game addiction is a difficult and personal decision. It’s important to consider the severity of the addiction, the impact it’s having on your relationship, and whether or not your spouse is willing to seek help and make changes.

If your spouse’s addiction negatively impacts your life and relationship, it may be necessary to consider leaving. This could be especially true if your spouse is unwilling to acknowledge the problem or seek help.

However, leaving should always be a last resort. Before making any decisions, it’s important to talk to your spouse and express your concerns. Encourage them to seek help and work on overcoming their addiction.

How to Help

If your husband has a video game addiction, there are several things you can do to help him:

1. Talk to him: Communication is key. Talk to your husband about your concerns and the impact his addiction is having on your relationship and his life. Be honest, but also be understanding and supportive.
2. Set boundaries: Set boundaries around your husband’s gaming time. Encourage him to take breaks and limit his playtime. This can help him gradually reduce the time he spends gaming.
3. Seek professional help: Consider seeking professional help from a therapist specializing in addiction. A therapist can work with your husband to address the underlying issues driving his addiction.
4. Encourage healthy habits: Encourage your husband to engage in healthy habits, such as regular exercise, socializing with friends and family, and pursuing hobbies or interests outside of gaming.
5. Join a support group: Joining a support group can give your husband community and support. It can also help him to see that he is not alone in his struggles.

Remember that video game addiction is a serious issue that can significantly impact your husband’s life and your relationship. Be patient, understanding, and supportive, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.

Working Through Video Game Addiction

If you’ve decided that you want to confront your husband about his video game addiction, it’s important to approach the situation in the right way. You need to pick a time when he’s not gaming so that he can fully focus on what you’re saying. It’s also important to prepare what you’re going to say ahead of time and to be ready for the possibility that he may be in denial about his addiction. Be sure to emphasize that his addiction is causing problems in your relationship and that you want to work together to find a solution.

If your husband admits that he has a video game addiction, you can help him by providing him with information about how to quit. One great resource is OLGA, which offers meetings for video game addicts and a 12-step program for recovery. While it’s important to be supportive and encourage your husband, it’s also important to remember that his recovery is his responsibility. Make sure to continue to take care of yourself during this time, too.

Final Thoughts

Video game addiction is real, and it’s serious. How to approach a spouses addiction is a difficult and personal decision. However, if your spouse is willing to admit that he or she has a problem, the chances of successfully overcoming the addiction are greatly improved. Help is available, and many people are able to overcome addiction of all kinds, including video game addiction.

The post Help, I Want to Leave My Husband Because of His Video Game Addiction appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

Before we begin, I want to make it clear that nowhere in this article, or any of our articles on Star Citizen, will we tell you to purchase anything beyond the starter game package to play it. The game is still in heavy active development, everything is a work in progress, subject to change, and anything you decide to spend money on is solely to support the game’s development. Additionally, major events such as the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo happen every year in mid-November, showcasing the entire library of ships currently in the game, and allowing players to rent them for free. There’s also typically a lengthy free-fly event in conjunction with the expo, allowing prospective players to try the game without spending a dime.

Together, these events enable anyone to immerse themselves in full gameplay loops, try out everything from starter to end-game ships, and see if they enjoy the project in its current state. If you end up liking it and choose to purchase a starter package, I recommend using a referral code to secure some extra end-game starting currency, and waiting until they offer a free smaller ship like the Gravel Bike or the Argo MPV during a referral event. This is essentially them giving you $30 to $40 for free, so it’s worth taking advantage of.

Secondly, it’s important to understand that Cloud Imperium Games is developing two games simultaneously: Star Citizen and Squadron 42. Squadron 42 is the single-player campaign set within the same universe, featuring voice acting talent like Gary Oldman, Mark Strong, and Mark Hamill, and it’s kept largely under wraps to avoid spoilers for the reportedly 70-chapter story. The majority of the studio staff spends their time working on this project, and upon completion and release, CIG aims to inject new locations, ships, enemies, and even gameplay systems appropriate for the Star Citizen universe. Squadron 42 draws its own share of criticism from some players because it isn’t the project a majority initially backed, but it is still very much happening. Star Citizen, on the other hand, is the topic of this video and is the project you hear about most often. It’s a universe sim that features no loading screens, incredible detail and fidelity, and seamless transitions between all pieces of content when it works. You can call your ship to a hangar, move about within it dynamically, transition with full control from atmosphere to space, and set off to anywhere you want in the vastness of space.

Star Citizen is a complex project that aims to create the largest, fully persistent, fully immersive, universal sandbox MMO of its kind. One of the defining moments of any Star Citizen experience is the first time you enter a planet’s atmosphere, complete with sound effects and entry burn as you wrestle with the gravity that takes hold of your ship. Microtech is one of the major planets within the Stanton system, the first major system in Star Citizen, and is about as far out from this system’s sun as possible. A terraforming error left the planet with unnaturally dense cloud cover, resulting in a much colder than average climate, inadvertently making it an ideal location for the company that owns it, Microtech, to house its heat-sensitive manufacturing centers.

Across all planets, you’ll find unique biomes and weather conditions, all subject to temperatures, humidity levels, and atmospheric compositions. Frigid mountain ranges can give way to lush fields and winding rivers, and this doesn’t stop here. Each planet also features natural and artificial satellites on both planets and sometimes their orbiting bodies. You’ll come across various points of interest, such as outposts, providing opportunities to run into other players and for picking up and delivering both legal and illicit cargo. You’ll even find cave systems ideal for exploring, looting, and mining solo or with a couple of friends, both on foot and sometimes by vehicle. Shipwrecks and abandoned colonial outposts provide opportunities for further exploration and platforming, combat, and even more looting. Then there are bunkers that feature combat objectives, putting you up against both lawful and unlawful forces to watch out for and even live. These constantly expand to include more variations, better layouts with unique traversal opportunities, and dynamic objective gameplay. Finally, landing zones are easily the most standout locations on each planet or orbiting body. These often feature sprawling cities or settlements owned by entire governments, outlaw groups, or companies such as Orison on Crusader, Laville on Hurston, and New Babbage on Microtech.

While each planet offers a variety of options to engage with, worlds still remain largely empty. As development continues to add more dynamically placed features such as active colonial outposts and settlements, request givers, traders, and factions will all play a substantial role. All of this isn’t possible without your ship, and while you as a new player might be starting with the humble beginnings of an Aurora or Mustang, eventually you’ll be able to progress to bigger and more complex vessels, even ones that can hold land vehicles and other ships. A massive selling point of Star Citizen is the sheer detail and complexity that CIG puts into the hundreds of ships available to the player.

All ships and Star Citizen fall into dedicated roles such as combat, transportation, exploration, industrial support, racing, and more. Some even fulfill multiple roles like the Anvil Car, housing a Medical Bay, a drone support bay, massive detachable cargo pods, hangers for both ground vehicles and small support craft, and features for exploration and mapping jumps. While it may have numerous features as an exploration ship, other specialized ships will perform specific tasks better or to a higher degree. Every ship in Star Citizen is created by a different manufacturer that influences not only its visuals but also its core functionality. Take Origin, for example, the BMW of the universe. Here you’ll find high-end vessels that cater to luxury clientele, often having over-the-top amenities, insanely clean line work, and roles that focus on touring, exploration, and racing. Then you have something on the opposite end of the spectrum like Argo Astronautics, makers of bold, rugged, and functional industrial ships aimed at cargo hauling, mining, and maintenance.

In Star Citizen, your experiences aren’t limited to the confines of your ship’s cockpit like other space games. You have the ability to wake up on your ship and move about the interior before taking in the gorgeous view of the nebula you’re parked in, but you can also do the same aboard a space station or on a planet in one of the numerous cities mentioned earlier. Vendors at these locations make their stores available to you, allowing you to stock up on essential items like food, beverages, and medical supplies, as well as situational gear in the form of weapons, ammo, and even armor. Every sign, map, or visual context clue in the world actually means something just as it would in the real world.

One really awesome thing about Star Citizen is that you can take your purchases and, provided your ship has the capacity, store them for use by yourself or even friends. This opens up your opportunity to make use of bigger and more versatile ships. The larger the ship in Star Citizen, the larger the crew you’ll need to make it function at a bare minimum. Just because a player has the larger ship in the game doesn’t mean that they have an automatic win condition over anyone else. While skill and game knowledge are defining factors to your success in Star Citizen, if you don’t have the crew to manage core systems of a larger ship such as turrets, power distribution, and even utilities like tractor beams and mining lasers, you’ll be at a severe disadvantage at best, a sitting duck at worst.

All the ships and tools at your disposal are there to aid you in your journey through Star Citizen’s ever-expanding professions and activities. While things like stat investment and skills were teased during 2022 CitizenCon, Star Citizen remains largely a skill and knowledge-based experience that increases in effectiveness the more proficient you become.

Some of the established and ever-expanding professions include mining and refining, where you’ll visit asteroid belts and planetary surfaces in search of lucrative orders and gems, eventually transporting that haul to one of many refineries around the verse, each providing different results and speed and efficiency in an effort to make the most credits for the time spent. Cargo hauling and smuggling have players transporting those very same refined materials, central goods, or even illicit products from one location to another depending on supply and demand. Physicalized cargo aims to see the cargo become fully movable and labelable even through ship destruction by other cargo haulers and pirates. Should you run out of fuel or munitions, those can be replenished by fellow fuel rats through the refuel and re-arm systems.

While ships beyond saving will eventually end up in the salvage loop as you seek to squeeze out some final credits from derelict ships. There are even additional professions in the way of data running, exploration and mapping, homestead construction, and even the long-awaited engineering and expanded multi-crew gameplay where you’ll see players managing power relays, life support, and even component management and repair.

Piracy is a viable gameplay avenue, but the lawful side of bounty hunting is also on the table.

Piracy is a viable gameplay avenue, but the lawful side of bounty hunting is also on the table. You’ll have access to both player bounties and high-value AI targets that can range anywhere from FPS ground combat to ship dogfighting.

One of the defining features of Star Citizen is the ability to enter a planet’s atmosphere and experience the sound effects and entry burn as your ship wrestles with the planet’s gravity. Each planet in the game has its own unique biomes and weather conditions that are subject to temperature, humidity levels, and atmospheric compositions. In addition to this, each planet also features natural and artificial satellites, outposts, cave systems, and abandoned colonial outposts. The game also has bunkers that feature combat objectives where players can go up against both lawful and unlawful forces.

If you find yourself injured during any of the activities in Star Citizen, the medical gameplay loop can help you. You can become familiar with the various drugs and healing tools available to respond to distress beacons and bring players back from the brink of death. You can also improve your chances of survival by replacing the components on your ship with higher quality ones or investing in the right armor or FBS tools for the job.

It’s important to note that since Star Citizen is still in active development, not all professions and activities are evenly developed. Some severely lack advanced forms of their systems, while others are nearly feature-complete. However, regardless of their level of development, all of these professions and activities will earn you some form of money and contribute to your character’s progression.

In Star Citizen, players can look forward to a whole host of progression offerings. One of the most significant is reputation. As you work for various NPCs, organizations, or factions, you’ll gain reputation points, both good and bad, that will open up increasingly difficult and more rewarding missions. Your affinity with certain factions can positively or negatively affect your relationships with others, and in the near future, your reputation will directly affect the way NPCs react to you.

Every time you die in Star Citizen, you leave behind your body, complete with your gear, weapons, and entire inventory. While you can travel back to where you died, so can other players. Everything in the game eventually loops back to a fundamental core concept and ultimately system, the death of a spaceman.

The ultimate goal for Star Citizen, one that isn’t talked about enough, is for your death to matter.

The ultimate goal for Star Citizen, one that isn’t talked about enough, is for your death to matter. With each death and regeneration at a hospital, your character’s clone genetic profile is supposed to degrade until your character permanently dies. This means that the reputation you’ve earned, the stats you’ve progressed, and the things you’ve earned in-game will all be lost with enough deaths. This not only breeds more emergent gameplay and RP scenarios but also aims to make interactions with other players, engagement with the law and prison systems, and the high risk, high reward of outlaw gameplay matter in the long term. It’s a true social experiment and progression system in one.

On the social side of things, Star Citizen has one of the best and most welcoming communities in the video game landscape. The company is very open with their development through extensive dev interviews, weekly content previews, monthly reports, and even a fully explorable and constantly updated roadmap and progress tracker. The community runs its own events like ship meetups and fully broadcasted races.

On the social side of things, Star Citizen has one of the best and most welcoming communities in the video game landscape.

Adding friends in-game or heading to external website resources to manage player-run clans called organizations, which can have thousands of players alone, makes it easier to participate in social events. Regardless of what you’re doing or your questions, chances are someone will be happy to help you along the way.

With the ever-changing and expanding nature of Star Citizen being a constant work in progress, expect things to drastically change and evolve with time. It’s a game that truly doesn’t hold your hand very often, even if they’re working on improving environmental contact scans. They leave it up to you, the player, to map out your own fate, even if the bugs tend to rob you of that.

It’s a game that is massively misunderstood by the public, in part due to half-baked journalism attempting to drive clicks and criticize development costs. 

In summary, Star Citizen has a lot of potential to offer, and with constant development, it’s a game that will continue to evolve. It’s a game massively misunderstood by the public, partly due to half-baked journalism attempting to drive clicks and criticize development costs.

It’s worth noting that an equal level of funding for other games, like Red Dead Redemption Two, for instance, may only produce a game that is a fraction of the scope of what Star Citizen is aiming for. Or maybe it will forever be stuck in a development cycle of half baked ideas.

The post Star Citizen in 2023 | Overview and Progress appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

Let’s dive right in!

Android 8

Android 8, Dr. Gero’s first-ever android creation, is quite unlike any other androids in the Dragon Ball universe. Standing tall and sturdy, he boasts a physique inspired by Frankenstein’s monster, and he’s affectionately known as Hacchan, or the Eight Man. Fans of the series will remember Android 8 from the Red Ribbon Army Saga, and he later appeared in “The Path to Power” movie.

Despite his menacing appearance, Android 8 is one of the kinder souls you’ll ever meet. His personality is markedly different from other androids, thanks to a few programming hiccups along the way. While Ninja Murasaki hoped to deploy him to fight Goku in the Muscle Tower, Android 8 refused to partake in any violence. It’s this streak of pacifism that sets him apart from his more warlike peers.

f you’re a fan of Dragon Ball, you’ll know that androids are often associated with destruction, chaos, and malevolence. But Android 8 bucks that trend entirely. With his peaceful demeanor, immense physical power, and penchant for doing the right thing, he’s a true outlier in the series. So, the next time you see Android 8 on screen, take a moment to appreciate the unique qualities that make him stand out in a crowded universe.

Android 13

If you ever run into Android 13, you’ll be hard-pressed to forget his imposing figure. Standing at an impressive height, he’s built like a tank, and his flowing white locks add a touch of elegance to his otherwise fearsome appearance. He’s not all bark and no bite either – he proved his mettle when he faced off against Goku in a fierce battle. In fact, he emerged victorious against Goku’s Super Saiyan form. What’s more, he’s got a killer ability that allows him to absorb other androids, making him all the more powerful.

Despite facing fierce opposition from Krillin, Vegeta, Gohan, and Future Trunks, Android 13 proved himself to be a tough nut to crack. He went through a metamorphosis of sorts and emerged as Super Android 13. This new form brought about an increase in his muscles and a fiery orange hue to his hair. His greatest weapon, the S.S. Deadly Bomber, could easily take down anyone in his path, creating a massive ball of energy that could destroy half of the Earth without breaking a sweat.

Android 14

A partner of Android 13, he made his debut in the Dragon Ball movie, sporting an appearance that could easily be mistaken for that of a muscular American. His face was often expressionless, betraying no hint of emotion except for his unwavering desire to annihilate Goku.

When Android 14 and his team launched a surprise attack on Goku’s family, Future Trunks stepped in to defend them. Despite putting up a good fight, Trunks was quickly outmatched by Android 14’s signature move, the “Android Charge 14.” But Trunks wasn’t one to back down, and he went on to strike a fatal blow to Android 14 with his sword.

In battle, Android 14 is a force to be reckoned with. He’s not only incredibly strong, but he also has a killer move that he performs in tandem with his partner, Android 15. Dubbed the “Combined Energy Ball,” this attack unleashes a massive sphere of energy that’s powerful enough to take down even Goku, the mightiest of fighters.

Android 16

Android 16 is a rare sight in the Dragon Ball universe – an android that defied his programming and went against his creator’s wishes. Dr. Gero designed him with one purpose in mind: to eliminate Goku, the franchise’s beloved hero. But instead of following through on his orders, Android 16 made the radical decision to join the Z Fighters, casting his lot with the good guys.

Despite his towering size and fearsome appearance, Android 16 is a gentle giant at heart. He has a deep reverence for nature and animals, something that sets him apart from other androids who are typically more inclined towards destruction and mayhem. But don’t let his peaceful demeanor fool you – when it comes to combat, Android 16 is a formidable opponent. His signature move, the Hell’s Flash, is a force to be reckoned with.

One of Android 16’s most enduring relationships in the series is with Gohan. They share a special bond that’s built on mutual respect and admiration. So close is their bond that when Gohan needed help in his fight against Cell, Android 16 appeared as a spirit to offer his support. It’s a testament to the deep connection they share, one that transcends the typical boundaries that divide humans and androids.

Android 17

Android 17 is the most fascinating and perhaps most valuable android in the entire Dragon Ball franchise. He first emerged as the main antagonist in the Android Saga of DBZ, and quickly captured the hearts and imaginations of fans around the world. Since then, he’s become a beloved supporting character in the latest Dragon Ball Super series, cementing his place as one of the most iconic figures in the franchise.

In his previous life, Android 17 was known as Lapis, and he lived peacefully alongside his twin sister, Lazuli, who became Android 18. But Dr. Gero abducted them and transformed them into androids, erasing their previous lives and replacing them with new identities.

Despite his artificial origins, Android 17 is a striking figure, with a slim, attractive build and a calm, adventurous personality. His seemingly limitless energy reserves allow him to fight at full capacity for extended periods, making him a formidable opponent in battle.

Android 17 is the most fascinating and perhaps most valuable android in the entire Dragon Ball franchise

Over the course of the series, Android 17 has faced a number of tough opponents, including the likes of Piccolo, who is fused with Kami. He was even absorbed by Cell and killed by Gohan, but his story didn’t end there. He returned in the most recent season of Dragon Ball Super, enjoying a happy life as a park ranger with his wife and children.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about Android 17’s arc is the transformation of his demeanor. Once a ruthless antagonist, he’s since become one of the gentlest and most serene characters in the series. He’s also emerged as the strongest android in the Dragon Ball universe, eclipsing even his sister, Android 18.

In the Tournament of Power, Android 17 proved his mettle as a fighter, easily taking down numerous opponents. He faced off against powerful foes like Agnilasa, Toppo, and Jiren, giving them all a run for their money. Ultimately, he emerged victorious, earning a wish from the Super Dragon Balls.

Android 18

Android 18 is an android and a highly skilled fighter who was originally a human named Lazuli. She, along with her twin brother Android 17, was transformed into an android by the nefarious Dr. Gero. Known for her striking beauty and incredible strength, Android 18 is a formidable opponent on the battlefield. Her signature attack, the Destructo Disc, is a razor-sharp energy disc that can slice through almost anything, making her an even more lethal adversary.

One of Android 18’s defining traits is her marital status. She’s the wife of the beloved character Krillin, which makes her a key player in the series. In the latest iteration of Dragon Ball, she’s also a mother, adding even more depth to her character. But make no mistake: Android 18 is no mere side character. She’s one of the strongest females in the entire series, and is only surpassed by the likes of the female Saiyans.

Android 18’s strength isn’t just physical, either. She’s also known for her speed, which allows her to move quickly and evade attacks with ease. This combination of speed and strength makes her a force to be reckoned with in combat, and few opponents have been able to stand up to her.

Android 19

19 is not the most powerful android, but what he lacks in strength, he makes up for in intelligence. He has a rotund, fatty body and piercing blue eyes, which make him stand out from the other androids. Created experimentally by Dr. Gero, Android 19 is completely devoted to his creator and follows his every command. Unfortunately for him, this devotion is also his downfall, as he places too much reliance on data and technology.

Despite his shortcomings, Android 19 does possess a remarkable ability: “Life Drain 19.” This ability allows him to absorb energy from anyone he comes into contact with and use it to bolster his own power. It’s a formidable ability and one that he used to great effect in his battle against Vegeta. However, when faced with Vegeta’s Super Saiyan form, even Android 19 felt fear – a testament to the power of the Saiyan race.

In the end, Android 19 met his demise at the hands of Vegeta. Despite his ability to drain energy, he was no match for the Saiyan’s raw power and was eventually defeated by Vegeta’s Big Bang Attack.

Android 20 (Aka: Dr.Gero)

Android 20 is actually Dr. Gero himself, who had his own brain transplanted into an android body. He’s essentially a mechanical version of his creator, with a nasty, cold-hearted demeanor and a complete lack of remorse for anyone. With his long white hair and mustache, he appears to be an elderly man, but don’t be fooled – he’s a formidable opponent.

What Android 20 lacks in physical strength, he makes up for in scientific knowledge and technological skills. He’s a genius when it comes to all things technology, and has created some of the most powerful beings in the Dragon Ball universe. He defeated Krillin with ease and gave Gohan and Tien Shin Han a tough fight, but he knew when he was outmatched. When Vegeta transformed into a Super Saiyan, Android 20 wisely chose to run away from the battle rather than face certain defeat.

He’s a genius when it comes to all things technology, and has created some of the most powerful beings in the Dragon Ball universe.

Perhaps Android 20’s greatest asset is his sharp mind. He’s the mastermind behind all the Androids, Bio-Androids, and Cyborgs in the franchise, and is responsible for some of the most powerful beings in the series. His most successful and powerful creation is Cell, who was created to be the “Perfect Being.” With his ability to absorb the power of all the powerful warriors of Earth, Cell is one of the most dangerous opponents the Z Fighters have ever faced.

Android 21

Android 21 is a character introduced in the video game Dragon Ball FighterZ.

She has two distinct sides, a good and a bad side. The good side is gentle, caring, and compassionate, while the bad side is cruel and sadistic, enjoying the destruction and carnage that she causes. As the story progresses, Android 21’s two sides begin to battle within her, leading to a fascinating character arc. In addition to her captivating personality and unique abilities, Android 21’s striking design makes her a standout addition to the Dragon Ball universe.

Despite being introduced in a video game, Android 21 has become a popular and beloved character among Dragon Ball fans. Her fascinating backstory and complex personality have led to many theories and discussions among fans about her place in the Dragon Ball timeline and her potential future in the franchise.

Cell

Cell is one of the most fearsome villains the series has ever produced. As one of the main antagonists of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Z Kai, he’s earned a spot alongside other legendary foes like Vegeta, Frieza, and Majin Buu. He’s the titular antagonist of the “Android” saga and a posthumous antagonist in the “Majin Buu” saga. In DBZ: Bojack Unbound and the “Future Trunks” saga of Dragon Ball Super, he’s the overarching and posthumous antagonist respectively. He’s also the primary antagonist of the movie Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.

Cell is an insectoid Bio-Android from an alternate timeline, and he’s hellbent on gaining as much power as possible by any means necessary. His ultimate goal is to achieve his perfect form, and he’s willing to absorb his fellow Androids to get there. He’s widely regarded as the most dangerous and powerful of all the creations of Dr. Gero, and was specifically engineered to be the “Perfect Warrior” capable of obliterating Goku and the Z-Fighters. What makes him particularly terrifying is that his genetic makeup is derived from some of the greatest warriors in the universe, including Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Vegeta, and more. With such an impressive lineage, it’s no wonder he’s one of the most formidable foes Goku and Vegeta have ever faced.

But of all the characters in the Dragon Ball universe, Gohan and Android 16 have the most intense beef with Cell. The latter, in particular, is Cell’s archenemy, and their battles have been the stuff of legend. As for Gohan, he has his own reasons for wanting to take down Cell, especially after the villain’s brutal murder of Android 16.

Super 17

Super 17 is a fusion between Android 17 and another android, Hell Fighter 17. This fusion gave Super 17 the best of both worlds: Android 17’s mechanical strength and Hell Fighter 17’s unique abilities. His dark demeanour and brutal tactics made him an imposing villain that the Z Fighters struggled to defeat.

Super 17 is a force to be reckoned with due to his unparalleled strength and combat skills. He has the uncanny ability to absorb energy attacks and transform them into raw power, making him nearly invincible. Additionally, he can create an impenetrable energy barrier to defend himself against even the strongest attacks.

Despite the Z Fighters’ best efforts, Super 17 was nearly unstoppable. He took on the likes of Goku, Vegeta, and Android 18, and proved to be a formidable opponent for each of them. Even the combined efforts of Goku and Android 18 were not enough to defeat him, leaving them in a seemingly hopeless situation.

Super 17 was nearly unstoppable. He took on the likes of Goku, Vegeta, and Android 18, and proved to be a formidable opponent for each of them.

However, in the end, Super 17’s overconfidence proved to be his downfall. He underestimated the power of Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 form, which allowed Goku to unleash a powerful Kamehameha wave that ultimately destroyed Super 17.

Final Thoughts

The Dragon Ball Z world is brimming with an eclectic cast of characters, ranging from heroes to villains, humans to aliens, and of course, the androids. These robotic beings have been central to some of the most compelling storylines in the franchise, bringing a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the series. From the mischievous and cunning Androids 17 and 18, to the monstrous and ever-evolving Cell, each android has their own distinct personality and abilities that make them both memorable and formidable foes.

While this list gives a comprehensive view of the major androids in the series, countless more add depth to the DBZ universe. Some are loyal and compassionate, while others are malicious and bloodthirsty. But regardless of their motives, the androids have cemented their place in the franchise, captivating fans with their unique and fascinating backstories.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Dragon Ball or just discovering the series, the androids are a group of characters you won’t want to miss.

The post The Androids of Dragon Ball Z appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

In this anime, the female characters are just as captivating and noteworthy as their male counterparts. Their distinct personalities, stories, and strengths make them stand out and prove that women can hold their own in any adventure.

The world of Hunter x Hunter is dangerous, where battles and conflicts are common occurrences. Some of the characters are professional hunters who fight to protect humanity, while others belong to sinister organizations like the Phantom Troupe and Chimera Ant. Either way, the character’s actions and motivations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you’re curious about the best girls in Hunter x Hunter, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top amazing female characters in HxH. From their unique personalities to impressive powers and skills, you’ll get a glimpse of everything you need to know about them.

Biscuit Krueger – The Master of Nen

Meet Biscuit Krueger, the master of Nen, the powerful energy system that’s the backbone of a Hunter’s abilities. Don’t let her appearance fool you – this elderly woman may look like a sweet grandma, but she’s a formidable fighter who’s not to be underestimated. Biscuit’s combination of physical strength, intelligence, and strategic thinking makes her a force to be reckoned with.

At first glance, Biscuit Krueger may seem like an unassuming character in the world of Hunter x Hunter, but she’s one of the most skilled and respected Nen users out there. Her abilities are nothing short of impressive, and her expertise in the art of Nen has made her one of the most fearsome fighters in the anime.

Machi Komacine – The Loyal Member of the Phantom Troupe

Machi Komacine is not your average thief. She’s a member of the Phantom Troupe, a notorious group of criminals known for their violent tendencies. However, despite her affiliation with this dangerous gang, Machi is fiercely loyal to her fellow members, earning her a reputation as one of the group’s most dedicated members.

But loyalty isn’t the only thing Machi brings to the table. She’s also a skilled Nen user, able to manipulate threads with deadly precision. Her abilities in this area make her a dangerous battle opponent, as she can use her threads to attack and defend with deadly efficiency.

Machi’s thread skill is not limited to combat situations, either. She’s able to use her abilities for a variety of purposes, including sewing and healing. This versatility in her abilities only adds to her value as a member of the Phantom Troupe, making her an invaluable asset to the group.

Neferpitou – The Royal Guard of the Chimera Ant King

Neferpitou, a member of the Royal Guard and one of the most powerful beings in the world of Hunter x Hunter. As one of the creations of the Chimera Ant King, she possesses a range of deadly Nen abilities that make her a formidable opponent in battle.

Neferpitou’s skills are not to be taken lightly. Her abilities include healing, enhanced strength, and the power to control others with her En. In short, she’s a force to be reckoned with, and one of the most challenging characters to face in the series.

Canary – The Skilled Zoldyck Family Butler

Canary, the assistant butler of the Zoldyck family, may seem cold-hearted at first glance, but she’s actually quite kind and nice. Her dark skin, grey eyes, and purple hair add to her unique appearance, making her stand out among the other characters in the anime.

Despite her young age, Canary is a skilled fighter who learned a lot of fighting skills while growing up in Meteor City, a city known for its affiliation with the Phantom Troupe. She’s so skilled that at a young age, she was able to take down a blacklist hunter alongside 100 men on her own – a feat that speaks volumes about her abilities.

But what makes Canary truly special is her loyalty to the Zoldyck family, especially to her younger master, Killua. She’s always willing to sacrifice her own life for their sake, making her a valuable member of the family and a force to be reckoned with.

Palm Siberia – The Cursed Hunter

Palm Siberia is a female hunter turned Chimera ant soldier by the Royal Guards in the show. As an assistant to professional hunter Knov, she held great respect and love for him. Her beautiful appearance makes her one of the prettiest female characters in the series.

Despite her kind and gentle personality, Palm can act violently against those who oppose her. Her personality slightly changed after being reborn as a Chimera ant, making her calmer and more intelligent.

As an enhancer, Palm can increase her strength and power to a greater extent. She also has a unique fighting style, covering her whole body with her hair as a defense during battle. In addition to her physical abilities, Palm is skilled at tracking opponents and gathering information from them.

Komugi – The Gungi Prodigy

Despite her frail appearance, she possesses incredible skills, making her a formidable opponent.

As a Gungi prodigy, Komugi has honed her skills to perfection. Her deep understanding of the game and her ability to think several moves ahead have earned her a reputation as one of the best players in the world.

Even though she has been super successful, Komugi is humble and kind-hearted. Her gentle nature and pure heart make her a beloved character in the series, as she captures the hearts of both the audience and her opponents.

Eliza – The Bomb Devil

Eliza, is one of the fierce members of the Shadow Beasts – the mafia’s elite bodyguards in the Hunter x Hunter anime universe. She may come off as a bit standoffish, but make no mistake – Eliza is a dangerous foe. Her explosive abilities and knack for creating and controlling bombs make her one of the most formidable fighters in the group.

Eliza’s cold and calculating demeanor only adds to her intimidating presence. Her ability to create and manipulate bombs is a skill that can turn the tide of any battle. Her expertise in this area has earned her a reputation as one of the most feared members of the Shadow Beasts, and for good reason.

Despite her reputation as a ruthless fighter, Eliza does have a softer side. She’s shown to have a certain camaraderie with her fellow Shadow Beasts, indicating that she’s not completely heartless. This complexity in her character makes her all the more intriguing and captivating.

Menchi – The Gourmet Hunter

Menchi is a renowned Gourmet Hunter known for her insatiable appetite and her fierce determination to taste only the finest cuisine.

As a member of the Hunter Association, Menchi is tasked with finding and preparing the most delicious meals worldwide. Her refined taste buds and culinary expertise make her a valuable asset to the organization, as she seeks to uncover new flavors and dishes that are truly worthy of her palate.

Despite her often demanding and difficult nature, Menchi is a beloved character in the series, as her passion for food is both endearing and captivating.

Shizuku Murasaki – The Vacuum Cleaner

Shizuku is known as the most beautiful female character, with her short black hair and slim body. However, her calm and emotionless demeanor and short-term memory loss make her an enigmatic and fascinating character.

Despite her forgetfulness, Shizuku is an expert in pickpocketing and plays an important role in the Phantom Troupe. She is responsible for removing all traces of their work, ensuring they leave no evidence behind.

As a conjurer, Shizuku uses her Nen abilities to create a powerful vacuum cleaner named Blinky. With Blinky, she is able to suck up any non-living thing, including evidence of the Troupe’s actions.

Kikyo Zoldyck – The Matriarch of the Zoldyck Family

Kikyo Zoldyck is a legendary figure in the Anime and is known as the matriarch of the Zoldyck family.

She is a fierce and intimidating woman, with a stern look and a commanding presence.

As the head of the Zoldyck family, Kikyo is responsible for maintaining the family’s reputation and ensuring their survival.

Kikyo is a skilled fighter and a master of assassination techniques. She is known to be highly strategic and cunning, able to outsmart even the most formidable opponents.

Despite her tough exterior, Kikyo has a deep love and loyalty for her family and will do anything to protect them.

Kikyo is also highly respected by her family members, who all look up to her as a figure of strength and wisdom.

Melody – The Music Hunter

As a Music Hunter, Melody possesses a unique ability to read the emotions of those around her through the sound of their heartbeat.

Despite her delicate appearance, Melody is a strong and determined individual. She is kind and compassionate, with a deep love and respect for music.

Melody’s skills as a musician are unparalleled, and she has the ability to manipulate her own heartbeat to create beautiful melodies. Her musical talent is so great that it has the power to heal both physical and emotional wounds.

Mito Freecss – Gon’s Loving Aunt

Gon Freecss was raised by his aunt Mito Freecss after his father left him as a baby to become a Hunter. Mito is kind-hearted and caring, always putting Gon’s safety and well-being first.

Despite being Gon’s guardian, Mito is not related to him by blood. She is the daughter of Gon’s paternal grandmother and her husband, making her Gon’s half-aunt.

Mito runs a small business on Whale Island and is well-respected by the locals. She is also a skilled fisherman, which she learned from her father.

Mito’s love for Gon is evident throughout the series as she tries to protect him from the dangers of the Hunter world. She is also a supportive figure in Gon’s life, always encouraging him to pursue his dreams and follow his heart.

Neon Nostrade – The Celebrity Psychic

Neon Nostrade is a fascinating character in Hunter x Hunter who is not only the daughter of the mafia boss but also a skilled nen user. Although she possesses a seemingly childish demeanor, she is actually a highly skilled fortune-teller who can predict the future using her unique ability. Her hobby of collecting human body parts may seem strange and macabre, but it adds an intriguing layer to her character and demonstrates her unconventional nature.

As a specialist nen user, Neon’s “Lovely Ghost” ability grants her the power to see the future and express it in the form of a poem. This ability is not only intriguing but also highly coveted, making her a valuable asset to the Nostrade Family. Despite her selfish and headstrong nature, Neon’s unique skillset and unusual hobbies make her a character that fans cannot help but be drawn to.

Zazan – The Chimera Ant Queen

Zazan is a formidable villain in the Chimera Ant arc, known as the Queen of the Chimera Ants. She is fierce and powerful, stopping at nothing to get what she wants.

As a Chimera Ant, Zazan has the ability to morph her appearance and take on different forms. She also possesses enhanced physical abilities, making her a deadly adversary in battle.

Zazan is the leader of her own group of Chimera Ants and takes great pride in her position as Queen. She is ruthless and cunning, with a deep desire for power and control.

Despite her ferocity, Zazan is a complex character with a tragic backstory. Her past experiences have shaped her into the formidable Queen she is today, and she will stop at nothing to protect herself and her colony.

Pakunoda – The Phantom Troupe’s No. 9

Pakunoda is a member of the notorious Phantom Troupe and one of the hottest female characters in Hunter x Hunter. Her curvaceous body and confidence make her a standout character in the series.

Despite not being the strongest physically, Pakunoda makes up for it with her intelligence and marksmanship skills. She is an expert in wielding multiple guns at once, making her a formidable opponent.

Pakunoda’s nen ability, psychometry, allows her to read people’s minds and memories, making her a valuable asset to the Phantom Troupe. She can also implant her own memories into others by shooting them with conjured bullets.

Thanks to her rare and useful ability, Pakunoda held an important position in the group and was fiercely loyal to her leader, Chrollo Lucifer.

Alluka Zoldyck – Younger Sister

Alluka Zoldyck, the younger sister of Killua, is a major character in the Election Arc of Hunter x Hunter. She comes from an infamous assassin family known for their expertise in killing people, but she’s a lovable and playful young girl with a simple-minded personality.

Alluka’s body is shared with a mysterious dark creature named Nanika, who possesses extraordinary powers. However, when Alluka transforms into Nanika, she becomes an evil and uncontrollable individual.

Despite her unpredictable side, Alluka shares a close and loving bond with her brother, Killua. While she doesn’t possess any fighting skills, durability, or strength, she possesses a mysterious power that allows her to grant any wish, no matter how impossible it may seem.

This power is so strong that she can kill even her powerful family members instantly, making her a valuable asset to those who seek to use her abilities.

Baise – the Instant Lover

With her sharp features and striking beauty, Baise is a memorable addition to the cast of female characters in Hunter x Hunter. As one of the bodyguards assigned to protect the psychic celebrity Neon Nostrade, she quickly proves herself to be a formidable fighter, relying on her lightning-quick reflexes and skilled use of her legs in combat.

Baise is a manipulator type nen user, and her unique ability, known as “Instant Lover,” is both rare and dangerous. By planting a single kiss on her target, she can enslave them, compelling them to follow her every command without question. It’s a power that she doesn’t hesitate to wield in order to gain the upper hand in a fight, and one that makes her a force to be reckoned with.

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