Silviya Y

For over a decade, fans of the ‘Grand Theft Auto’ franchise have been in a state of restless anticipation, eagerly awaiting the release of ‘Grand Theft Auto’ 6 (GTA 6). In the absence of official updates from Rockstar, the community's excitement has predictably given rise to a plethora of leaks and rumours surrounding the game. Rockstar's announcement of GTA 6 in February 2022 may have been a quiet one, but it had a thunderous impact on the gaming world. Despite revealing very little about the project, this announcement catalyzed a surge in rumours and discussions that have continued unabated. One of the most recent controversies was sparked by a rumoured $150 price tag for the game. Fans have been clamouring for any information that could shed light on when they might finally get their hands on GTA 6. However, the confusion surrounding the game's release date deepened in September 2022 when hackers unleashed a deluge of early test footage and key information into the public domain. This left many with questions about the state of GTA 6's development, but a recent rumour seems to aim at clearing the air. The most prominent rumour regarding GTA 6's release window points to a launch sometime in 2025. What sets this rumour apart from the myriad of others is its source: it doesn't come from a shadowy, anonymous leaker but from Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company.

‘Assassin's Creed Mirage’ is like a blast from the past, a time machine that takes us back to the start of the franchise while injecting a breath of fresh air. This action-adventure game, a departure from the RPG elements in recent entries, transports us to the Middle East, bringing back the essence of the original ‘Assassin's Creed’ series. However, as we journey through Basim's past, it becomes apparent that Mirage walks a fine line between homage and dated gameplay. A Trip to the Middle East One of the most significant departures in ‘Assassin's Creed Mirage’ is the return to the Middle East, specifically Baghdad. This vibrant city is divided into several districts, each with its unique flavour. From the cultural hub of Abbasiyah to the bustling market district of Karkh and the industrial heart of Harbiyah, the city offers a diverse and engaging environment. Beyond its walls lies the Wilderness, a desert expanse dotted with historical sites and the occasional bandit camp. The rooftops of Baghdad are where you'll spend most of your time, and the city feels alive, bustling with crowds and NPCs. Tokens and Notoriety: Getting Sneaky In ‘Mirage,’ players can gather tokens, Power, Merchant, and Scholar, by various means like pickpocketing, completing contracts, and more. These tokens are not just collectables; they play a crucial role in interacting with the world. Power Tokens can summon mercenaries to create distractions, while Merchant Tokens let you bribe or barter with traders. Scholar Tokens allow you to blend seamlessly with the crowd, a valuable tool in a city that's not too fond of Basim. The notoriety system keeps players on their toes, with guard reactions escalating as you gain notoriety. This forces you to adopt a stealthy approach, encouraging players to immerse themselves in the living world around them.

Edo Japan, known for its samurai honour and tradition, might not be the first setting you'd associate with aliens, computers and slapstick humour. But in the world of ‘Gintama,’ all these elements come together in a wild and entertaining mashup that defies expectations and leaves you rolling on the floor with laughter. The show introduces us to an alternate history where Edo Japan is invaded by extraterrestrial beings known as the Amanto. What follows is a fierce war, pitting the traditional values of the Japanese samurai against the advanced technology and strange creatures brought by the Amanto. Spoiler alert: the Amanto emerge victorious, leading to a sword ban in Japan. Enter our protagonist, Sakata Gintoki, a former samurai who fought valiantly in the war but has now chosen to navigate the peculiarities of this new age. Gintoki takes up a new role as a jack-of-all-trades and runs his own business, named ‘Yorozuya Gin-chan’ or ‘Odd Jobs Gin-chan’ in English. He, along with his quirky friends, embarks on all sorts of odd jobs, making for a rollercoaster of comedic adventures. At first glance, Gintama may seem like a bizarre concoction of seemingly incompatible concepts and genres, but that's precisely what makes it work so well. The show seamlessly merges Japan's rich history with the modern world. Although set in the 19th century, the characters have access to modern amenities like cars, computers and even anime. This delightful anachronism is credited to the Amanto, who brings a sense of chaos and disruption to the story.