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With the releases of YouTube Beta Studio and full integration of the YouTube environment into Google, this app couldn’t have come at a better time. YouTube Music is Google’s attempt at a streaming service, although the interface will be familiar to hundreds of millions of YouTube users. While YouTube filled the void left by Myspace and other new generation streaming services, serious contenders have emerged specifically targeted at mobile device users. Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and Tidal among other big names have eaten a big chunk of the market, although, with this new rollout, YouTube has shown its commitment to capture its former lost glory.
Features and Functions
Traditionally, YouTube hasn’t had the most intuitive set of features when it comes to music discovery. In fact, YouTube’s AI for roaming new songs and playlists has been largely manual up to now. YouTube can now make suggestions which can digress into items outside that of music discovery. With this new app, YouTube is looking to focus strictly on music, as keeping music catalogs and the ability to explore new music intuitively is less grueling than manually creating playlists, which quickly gets old.
In terms of musical tastes and preferences, YouTube Music still has a long way to go as you have to teach the AI for a substantial amount of time before it finally gets the job done right. There is a proper way to get it done, i.e., through liking videos instead of manually adding entries to a playlist. However, this means that songs which are out of taste or which you don’t like anymore can’t be undone from your unlike list, and you have to go back and unlike such material. You can also go back and listen to tracks marking them as your favorites from the start, which then captures not just the artist, but the song genre.
Interface
YouTube can be forgiven for somewhat unintuitive features as this is its first full foray into dedicated music streaming apps. Apps like Spotify may be miles ahead when it comes to polished user experience, but YouTube’s subtle arrangement that is already familiar is quite impressive. A simple menu bar at the bottom only contains three options: Home, Hotlist, and Library, and much of the screen are optimized towards viewing videos. The best part about the app interface is how YouTube totally customizes your home page to your personal preferences. Unfortunately, the app still doesn’t have an easy way of categorizing playlists either by artist or by genre.
Conclusion
YouTube Music still has a good amount of ground to cover before it can catch up with competitors such as Spotify and Apple Music, but it is a welcome relief to the millions of people who use this app. The great thing about music is that it has massive collections, not just of songs but of other viewable material too. With much refining, this app might achieve its full potential if Google can crack the code of how to understand, organize and collate user music preferences in a less tedious way. A great thing about the app is its Artist Feature page, which has detailed bios and info on all artists.
YouTube Music
To download the app, you will get links to the Official Website and/or official digital markets.
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Leo Messi Makes His Fortnite Debut as a Purchasable Skin With a vibrant presence in major clubs like Barcelona and a newfound chapter with Miami, the legendary Leo Messi, aged 37, is making his debut in Fortnite. Epic Games has revealed that Messi will enter the Battle Royale this evening as a purchasable character skin, separate from the standard battle pass.
The skin options will feature various designs, with one resembling a lion, according to recent leaks. Participants will have the chance to acquire two distinct skins priced at either 1,800 or 1,500 V-Bucks. Additionally, there are two pickaxes available for 800 V-Bucks each, or players can opt for the complete package, which includes emotes, for a total of 2,800 V-Bucks.
To put this into perspective, acquiring 2,800 V-Bucks will cost approximately 22.99 euros, making this a notable investment for Messi enthusiasts eager to experience the game alongside the football icon. Moreover, a LEGO-style rendition of Messi will additionally be accessible for utilization in the newly introduced social simulation mode.
While the costs may seem significant, many fans might consider it a fair price given the vast array of free content Fortnite provides. The excitement doesn’t stop here; other football stars similar to Neymar Jr., Marco Reus, and Harry Kane have previously made their entrance to the game, enhancing its appeal.
In related news, recent announcements indicate that Epic Games has reached a partnership agreement with the Spanish telecommunications company Teléfonica, further expanding their collaborative efforts in the gaming space. - Landon White
- 2024-12-18
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Championing the Kaizo Ironmon: Pokemon’s Hardest Test of Ski... The Kaizo Ironmon challenge is the most difficult test of Pokemon skill out there at the moment. You can read the full list of rules here, but the most important ones you should know about are as follows: Pokemon, movesets, and items are all randomized; you can only use one 'mon; enemy levels are increased by 50%; you can't use Pokemon with a base stat total (BST) of 600 or more, and you can't hunt wild Pokemon, so no extra XP. The randomizers also switch all the stats of each Pokemon – its Attack stat may become its Speed, or its HP could turn into Defense.
So, you can see why this is such a tough challenge to beat. It takes a lot of luck, as you need a Pokemon with a BST as close to 600 as possible, but it also needs its highest stat to be in either Attack or Special Attack, as well as decent Speed. It also takes an absurd amount of determination, as runs regularly last thousands of attempts. Fortunately, PointCrow was able to commit. He won his FireRed/LeafGreen run using a Flareon that had Tri Attack, Brick Break, Aerial Ace, and Bulk Up, the perfect moveset for the Eeveelution as it could raise its Attack with Bulk Up, making all its moves more effective. Aerial Ace also means any ghost types or pesky Shedninja with Wonder Guard could be taken care of.
In the clip of his victory, as he makes the final move, an Aerial Ace against champion Gary's Dugtrio, he shouts "3,978 resets and a dream! Let's go!" It's a triumphant moment, one that not many others can brag about.
SmallAnt completed a Kaizo Ironmon last year and called it "Pokemon's hardest challenge." It took him a comparatively low 1,786 attempts, and he won with a Skarmory. Having a Pokemon with any type immunities is incredibly helpful in an Ironmon. He later completed Pokemon Sun with a custom ruleset his chat came up with, which included playing in German (a language he doesn't speak) and having to do 10 actual push ups every time one of his 'mons fainted. - Grace Lee
- 2024-12-16
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2025 Unleashes Exciting New Games on PC and Xbox Game Pass With 2025 right around the corner, it's time to look at some of the key upcoming Game Pass games set to deploy on PC and Xbox Series X in the new year.
While we're still waiting for a lot of titles to be given firm dates, publishers are already locking in their place to Microsoft Gaming's subscription service. There's fantastic releases from Xbox Game Studios, of course – it looks set to be a year to remember from the group, with all first-party releases landing day and date into Game Pass. But there's plenty more besides from some of your favorite third-parties too, with Rebellion set to kick the year off in style with two brand new shooters which let primed to join our list of the best Game Pass games.
Given the number of upcoming Xbox Series X games set to launch this year, there's never been a better chance to become a Game Pass subscriber. The PC Game Pass offering is particularly strong, with some of the most anticipated upcoming PC games of the year already confirmed to be landing in the service. This list of the most exciting upcoming PC Game Pass games for 2025 only scratches the surface, so we'll be sure to keep this page updated with new titles as they are announced.
Sniper Elite: Resistance
Developer: Rebellion
Release date: January 30, 2025
Following the success of Sniper Elite 5, Rebellion is taking us back to 1940s France for another exceptionally gory run at being a sniper. The team is offering up a new operative to control, a new threat to contain, and a sprawling campaign that'll be packed with the sort of stealth-action the series has become so beloved for delivering. You'll also be able to dive into Sniper Elite: Resistance with a friend, battling the Nazi war machine together by sharing weapons, items, and tactical oversight of the massive maps – what a time to convince a pal to give Game Pass a try, huh. And yes, don't worry, the X-ray murder cam is returning, because it wouldn't be Sniper Elite without it.
Avowed
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Release date: February 18, 2024
Obsidian Entertainment is preparing to deploy Avowed into the wild as the first first-party Game Pass release of 2025. The studio, best known for developing Alpha Protocol, Fallout: New Vegas, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, is using its genre expertise to unleash a brand new RPG set in the wider Pillars of Eternity universe. You'll step into gorgeous open-zone biomes to battle a rot that is sweeping the land, a world where every choice has a powerful consequence. Played in both first- and third-person, with a combat system that lets you dynamically swap between melee, magic, and firearms, Avowed looks like a must-play for every Game Pass subscriber.
Atomfall
Developer: Rebellion
Release date: March 27, 2025
If you've ever wondered what a Fallout: Northern England edition might look like, we like to think it would be a little something like Atomfall. This is a new IP from Rebellion, the studio behind the Sniper Elite franchise, and it looks pretty damn delightful. Radioactive fallout renders one of the UK's prettiest locales a wasteland, forcing you to fight smartly to survive against a wide variety of threats. This action game also weaves in light survival elements, necessitating the management of both your health and heart rate. Atomfall looks an intriguing proposition, with sweeping interconnected zones and the sort of punchy gunplay that made the Sniper Elite games so fun to play.
Doom: The Dark Ages
Developer: id Software
Release date: TBC 2025
The FPS masters over at id Software are getting ready to raze hell once again with Doom: The Dark Ages. Only this time the studio is going back to the beginning, with a prequel to Doom (2016) which will see Doomguy fighting the legions of hell in a mediaeval setting – giving us a chance to prove out why the demon lords are so terrified of the now-legendary slayer. It looks like an absolute riot, with Doom: The Dark Ages tapping back into what made this franchise so beloved to begin with as it amps up the number of enemies and projectiles on screen, returning the focus onto more considered movement without dispersing the relentless aggression the series is so beloved for inducing.
South of Midnight
Developer: Compulsion Games
Release date: TBC 2025
It's been nearly seven years since Compulsion Games was acquired into the Xbox Game Studios fold, and just as long since it released We Happy Few. And in 2025 we finally get to see what this studio can do with the backing of Microsoft Gaming behind it through the release of South of Midnight. This intriguing action-adventure experience is quite unlike anything else set to land this year, with its stunning American Deep South setting and stunning stop-motion inspired animations. South of Midnight is a unique proposition, and its focus on a dynamic combat system – where you'll weave a set of powers through battles, traversal, and puzzle solving – looks utterly spellbinding.
FBC: Firebreak
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Release date: TBC 2025
Remedy Entertainment may be known for creating some of the best single-player games through the likes of Alan Wake 2 and Control, but FBC: Firebreak sees the studio breaking into new territory. It's set to be Remedy's first multiplayer experience, a three-player co-op game where you'll descend into the depths of The Oldest House and fight waves of paranatural threats in mind-bending spaces. It's also a first-person shooter, where you'll wield all manner of weird and wonderful weaponry as you fight to retake ground in the Federal Bureau of Control's headquarters. It's a challenging time for multiplayer shooters right now, but we believe that FBC: Firebreak has all the makings of a success story.
Replaced
Developer: Sat Cat Studios
Release date: TBC 2025
Ever since it was revealed back in 2021, Replaced has been one of our most anticipated upcoming Game Pass games. It's a new 2.5D sci-fi game where you take on the role of REACH – an artificial intelligence who inadvertently gets trapped in a human body, left to search through the wreckage of Phoenix-City in an attempt to free itself. The adventure looks absolutely stunning in motion, effortlessly evoking the atmosphere of Blade Runner, and it feels pretty great to play too – with sickeningly slick animations bringing life to the platforming and combat encounters. Seriously, this is one 2025 release you won't want to miss. - Landon White
- 2024-12-11
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Delving into Fortnite's Weapon Dynamics: Hitscan vs. Project... Fortnite, a trailblazer in the battle royale genre, has come a long way since its 2017 debut. Throughout its evolution, the game's approach to weapons has continually adapted, introducing unique mechanics to keep players engaged and competitive.
With the launch of Chapter 6, Season 1, Epic Games has made a pivotal shift back to hitscan weapons, a transition that has significant implications for gameplay. Players eager to understand these mechanics and their impact on combat will benefit from exploring the distinct characteristics of hitscan and projectile weapons in Fortnite.
The Essence of Hitscan Weapons
In Fortnite, hitscan weapons represent simplicity and efficiency. These weapons fire non-physical bullets, striking targets instantly upon pulling the trigger. With hitscan, there's no need to account for bullet travel time or adjust for gravity.
Player accuracy hinges solely on having their reticle on the enemy when firing. Key examples of hitscan weapons include the Assault Rifle, SMG, and Pistol, which encourage players to focus on aim and precision without worrying about complex calculations.
The reintroduction of hitscan weapons in Chapter 6, Season 1 has been met with enthusiasm among players. Previously absent throughout Chapter 5, hitscan mechanics are now woven into all firearms, simplifying the game's combat approach. The return underscores a preference for straightforward gameplay, enabling players to engage in battles with confidence and immediate feedback on their accuracy.
The Nuances of Projectile Weapons
On the flip side, projectile weapons offer a profoundly different experience. These firearms launch physical bullets impacted by gravity, requiring players to consider bullet trajectory, speed, and travel duration strategically. Sniper rifles and DMRs typify projectile weapons, where players must anticipate target movement and distance, making precise calculations for each shot.
Projectile mechanics, once a staple in Fortnite, introduced a layer of realism and complexity to the game during Chapter 5. Players had to hone skills in bullet drop prediction and timing, elevating the strategic depth of long-range combat. However, the game's latest update has removed projectile weapons entirely in favor of a hitscan-centric arsenal, marking a return to the less demanding yet equally challenging combat style of earlier chapters.
Comparing and Contrasting Gameplay Experiences
Both hitscan and projectile weapons bring unique elements to gameplay in Fortnite. Hitscan weapons are praised for their straightforward nature, allowing players to shoot without the added complexity of adjusting for bullet drop. Here are some of the notable advantages:
Instant Feedback: Hitscan provides immediate damage confirmation, streamlining the learning process for new and seasoned players.
Reduced Complexity: Players can focus on movement and positioning without factoring in bullet trajectory.
Rapid Combat Engagements: Hitscan simplifies close to medium-range fights, creating dynamic and fast-paced encounters.
Conversely, projectile weapons enrich the game with depth and strategic planning:
Enhanced Realism: Simulates real-world shooting dynamics, which some players find immersive and rewarding.
Skill Development: Encourages mastery of distance estimation and bullet drop, creating a gratifying skill curve.
Tactical Variety: Fosters diverse combat styles and strategy, especially in long-range engagements.
Despite the absence of projectile weapons in the current chapter, their legacy endures as a testament to Fortnite's versatile weapon system and its capacity to cater to varying player preferences.
The Impact on Fortnite's Competitive Scene
The oscillation between hitscan and projectile weaponry has profound implications for Fortnite's competitive scene. Primarily, it affects how players train and strategize, influencing both individual play styles and team dynamics. The return to hitscan heralds an era where raw reflexes and aim take precedence over intricate calculation, potentially reshaping meta strategies.
Professional players and teams must adapt swiftly, as precision shooting with hitscan weapons demands different skills than gauging bullet drops with projectile arms. This transition also opens doors for emerging talents who excel in rapid engagement scenarios, leveling the playing field by removing some of the learning curves associated with projectile mechanics.
Fortnite tournaments and leagues may see a shift in dominant play styles, with increased emphasis on head-to-head confrontations and mid-range battles leveraging the hitscan arsenal. This metamorphosis requires athletes to refine their aim and movement coordination meticulously to secure victory in competitive encounters.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fortnite Weapon Mechanics
While Chapter 6 Season 1 signals a hitscan renaissance, the future of Fortnite's weapon mechanics remains open-ended. The balance between hitscan simplicity and projectile intricacy exemplifies the game's ever-evolving nature. Epic Games has showcased its willingness to iterate upon and diversify its combat system, ensuring that no two seasons are identical.
Players and developers alike can anticipate ongoing discussions and potential innovations in weapon mechanics, perhaps even reintegrating projectile elements in new, inventive ways that harmonize with hitscan dynamics. As Fortnite continues to captivate a global audience, its commitment to refining gameplay experiences through weapons will undoubtedly sustain its status as a staple in the world of competitive gaming.
In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between hitscan and projectile weapons in Fortnite is crucial for players aiming to master the game's mechanics. By appreciating the strengths and challenges of each type, players can tailor their strategies to the current meta while staying prepared for any future shifts Epic Games might introduce. As Fortnite progresses, the ability to adapt and refine skills remains integral to achieving success on the battlefield. - Landon White
- 2024-12-05
