The NBA 2019-2020 officially kicked off back on October 22nd. Many teams underwent changes and rosters look far different this year than they did last year. For example, look at the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only do they have a seemingly healthy Lebron James, but they have a new coach in Frank Vogel and of course, the acquisition Anthony Davis. Another team that has undergone a massive change during the off season were the Golden State Warriors. You remember them, right? They’re only the team that had won three of the last four NBA championships and appeared in the Finals four straight times. Well, they are different this year.
Kevin Durant is gone. He went to go play for the Brooklyn Nets along with Kyrie Irving. Which has left many to wonder: Are the Warriors the same team they were? Obviously, the short answer is no. Klay Thompson is still recovering from injury, there are questions about how D’Angelo Russell will fit into the Warriors system and also if Draymond Green and Steph Curry will be able to carry such a large load until Thompson’s return. So many questions with very few answers. I have no doubt things will be a struggle for Golden State as they desperately search for the answers to those particular questions. Sadly, they may not find the answers they seek this season. The harsh reality? The Warriors are a mere shell of themselves!
Two awful games
No one expected this kind of struggle right out of the gate. Sure, there were those who knew the Warriors would struggled, but suffering blowout losses the first two games of the season? I’m sure no one saw that coming. What exactly do I mean? Well, after a 141-122 loss to the Clippers, followed by a 120-92 loss to the Thunder, Golden State fell to an 0-2 start and gave up a whopping 264 points in the first two games! 264 points in two games is absolutely horrible for a team that has always taken great pride in their defense. With depleted depth on their roster don’t expect their defense to be as elite as it has been.
To say that things seemed bleak would be an understatement, because they were more than bleak they were absolutely abysmal! However, Golden State would crack the win column when they beat the New Orleans Pelicans. Was it good they beat New Orleans? Yes, because it got them their first win of the season. Was it something to write home about? Not really since the problems that plagued Golden State in their first two games continued. Regardless a win is a win.
Steph Curry breaks his left hand!
Is anyone familiar with the old expression; “when it rains it pours?” It’s a saying that applies not only to life, but also to sports. Usually, just when you think things can’t get worse they often do and that rings true for the Golden State Warriors and the spate of injuries they have had to deal with thus far. Injuries in sports are far from uncommon. I’ve seen more than my fair share. No one is immune not even a player the caliber of Steph Curry who ended up breaking his left hand during a game against the Phoenix Suns.
Curry who coach Steve Kerr described as being; “at the peak of his basketball powers, mentally and physically,” will now spend the next three months recovering after having surgery to repair the damage. Three months is a long time especially for someone like Curry who may or may not have been on his way to an MVP type of season. Instead, he’ll join his fellow splash brother Thompson, riding the pine as the team continues to muddle its way through the rest of the season.
Or will he? There is speculation that since Curry underwent what was successful surgery that he could and I stress couldpotentially return before the season ends, possibly to help Golden State make a playoff push should they make it that far. In fact, Curry himself said he could see himself returning to play this year. Could that happen? I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps, the best course of action would be for the Warriors star point guard to sit out and come back healthy for the 2020-2021, campaign.
Losses are piling up, should the Warriors tank?
10. That’s the number of losses the Golden State Warriors currently have so far this season. A far cry from years past when they were dominating games and opponents on a nightly basis. A 2-10 record puts the Warriors in 15th place in the Western Conference. So, does this mean the playoffs are out of the picture for a team that has enjoyed so much dominant success? If things don’t change and change quickly the short answer is an unfortunate, yes. I just don’t see it happening.
With the playoffs seemingly out of reach even though the NBA season is only a few weeks old some are wondering if the Warriors should consider tanking. Now, what is tanking? Basically, it means the Warriors would lose on purpose giving them a higher chance of landing a quality draft pick. I’m not sure any of the players or anyone in the Warriors organization would want the team to take that route. Instead they will have to exercise patience. Light is often darkest just before dawn and I believe a light will shine on the Warriors once more.
Violet Kolesnik is the Slickster Girl of the Week. She believes in training the mind just as hard as she trains her body. Kolesnik is a private person, but don’t let that fool you. Her Instagram page is making gains like an MMA fighter on PEDs.
Ashley Gabrielle Duran began modeling back in 2015. Since then, her modeling career has had a meteoric rise. Motivated to work hard since the passing of her beloved mother, Duran keeps her nose to the grindstone in her business affairs. She enjoys getting outdoors and taking risks outside of her comfort zone.
Ashley doesn’t know her best feature. When asked about it in a recent interview she said, “Honestly, I can’t say what the sexiest part on me is. I’ll leave it up to the fans.”
Woven by Alterego Games, and distributed by Sticky Lock Studios, has an exterior image that means well. There is a demonstration for a game, New Super Lucky’s Tale by Playful Corp. and Daniel Hurd, on Nintendo Switch and other consoles.
Wov2 by Matthijs Kramer and Alterego Games
The game’s vibrant cover image, a happy-go-lucky fox, prepares the player for an epic, three-dimensional, adventure. Above all, the game seems to want to mimic both Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario.
Woven’s cover image hints at shades of Yoshi’s Crafted World or Kirby’s Epic Yarn, by Nintendo. However, for Woven, this is a hard standard to match. In the end, Woven is its own entity. Nevertheless, is it the game for you?
Woven Tales
Wov3 by Matthijs Kramer and Alterego Games
Enter a world of stitch machines, patterns, and wool. Play as the clumsy Stuffy, with the help of your friend the amnesiac, robotic firefly, Glitch. Enter a woolen world where other stuffed animals once lived.
Solve puzzles, faces hidden dangers, and uncover buried secrets. Discover the reason, and solve the mystery, behind why stitch machines inhabit this wooly world. Avoid mechanical spiders at all costs.
The Stitch in the Details
Players control Stuffy with the left analog stick. Allow Stuffy to look around the environment with the right analog stick. Hold the ZR Shoulder button with the right analog stick to allow Stuffy to perform actions in this game. Hold the ZL Shoulder button and left analog stick to access Glitch’s abilities.
For example, with the ZR Shoulder button with the right analog stick Stuffy is able to manipulate his environment with his voice, a massive punch, kick, or display other skills.
Wov4 by Matthijs Kramer and Alterego Games
The ZL Shoulder button and left analog stick allows Glitch to light areas in the game, access certain stitch machines, capture patterns, or access his other abilities in the environment that can customize or help Stuffy.
Additionally, the stitching machines in the environment allows players to access more of Stuffy and Glitch’s abilities. For example, a spider-like stitch machine presents you with a minor rhythm game. Play the right melody and the machine offers a player blueprint. This lets you customize Stuffy. He can be become, an aardvark, pig, or other native animals in the game.
Other stitch machines permit you to change Stuffy’s colors or designs. This all allows Stuffy to solve puzzles or better face dangers in the game. There is also a fantastic, rhyming, storyteller voice over to lead you on your journey through this world.
Pressed Wool
Nick Jr. and Nickelodeon offer different tiers of entertainment to children. Nick Jr. offers Paw Patrol, Blue’s Clues, and Thomas and Friends. This gives young children the basics of entertainment with simple, fun, lessons.
Wov5 by Matthijs Kramer and Alterego Games
Even more, Nickelodeon, with Spongebob Squarepants, The Loud House, and Are You Afraid of the Dark, gives children and teens a more complex entertainment experience. The programs have more complete storylines, characters, and multiple lessons.
This is the difference between a game like Woven and Yoshi’s Crafted World. Therefore, Alterego Games’ title is the start of the sandbox. It is the corner of it. Players who want an introduction to this genre can get it in spades.
The game has invisible walls galore. Specific puzzles are very clear and usually only one-step. The game and character upgrades change but not too drastically. Secrets and challenges are simple and carry some challenges. The fantastic voice work in this game can lead you through the game rather easily. The sound in this game is okay. The graphics in the game are decent.
It is easy to call this game mediocre with the wrong perspective. The reality is, Woven is an introduction to more vast games, in my opinion.
Conclusion
Alterego Games’ Woven is a necessity for certain, younger, Nintendo Switch players. In addition, it is an introduction to the sandbox title. In a world with games like Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding, Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto series, or id Software’s Rage 2, Woven offers a taste of the larger game world. Additionally, it is a taste of puzzles, a taste of the three-dimensional and simple puzzles.
UFC Fight Night 164 is all set to be yet another show stopper as fighters from around the world make their way to Sao Paolo, Brazil to compete and prove who is the greatest fighter on the planet. Headlining the Saturday night event is former KSW Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Błachowicz, who is set to square off with ex-Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Ronaldo Souza.
Jan Błachowicz on a mountain
Blachowicz is a -200 favorite in Jacare’s light-heavyweight debut. While Blachowicz took a decisive loss to Thiago Silva in February, he rebounded with a dominant win over Luke Rockhold in July, giving him five wins in his last six. He’s the better striker and, as a more natural light-heavyweight, should be able to control where the fight takes place, nullifying Souza’s sizable jiu-jitsu edge.
Souza, however, will likely be looking to capitalize on the success of his countryman Santos, and utilize his top-notch grappling skills to his advantage throughout the fight. Souza is considered by many to be one of the top jiu-jitsu artists in the game as well, and will be seeking to use these skills to get an edge. Those jiu-jitsu skills also give Souza a fierce ground game, and fight fans might remember how Souza used those abilities to perfection against fellow expert grappler Gegard Mousasi at Fight Night 50 back in 2014. Moving up to the 205 lb weight class, however, might pose a challenge for the long-time middleweight, and only time will tell how that plays out.
Ronaldo Souza
Blachowicz, for his part, will likely fall back on his kickboxing skills to keep the Brazilian at bay, relying on sound fundamentals and tactical striking rather than brute force to give him the edge in the fight. That said, however, Blachowicz’s grappling and submission skills should not be discounted, and last September the Polish-born fighter was able to control and submit Nikita Krylov at UFC Fight Night 136 less than three minutes into the second round with a modified arm triangle.
Both fighters are entering into this bout with a wealth of experience under their belts as well. Souza has recent losses to Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum, as well as a victory of ex-middleweight champ Chris Weidman – all of which were fights that the Brazilian brawler has likely learned and adapted from. Blachowicz is no spring chicken either, and with losses in the past to big names like Thiago Santos and Alexander Gustaffson, he is entering the octagon fresh off of a knockout victory over Luke Rockhold.
UFC Ring Girls pose in Japan
Blachowicz and Souza is not the only fight to watch that night.
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is promising to grab some headlines during his clash with the Scottish-born Paul Craig. Rua, a veteran in the world of MMA, is a former UFC champion who’s gone tow-to-toe with some of the best in the business with matchups against Jon Jones, Chael Sonnen, Chuck Liddell, and back-to-back title fights with Lyoto Machida. Rua is also widely known through the combat sports world for his aggressive striking and his excellent use of muay thai, skills which we are sure to see put on full display during Saturday night’s bout.
Craig, while not quite as experienced, says that he has no problems getting into the ring with Rua and is embracing the opportunity to face such a veteran fighter. “When you have the opportunity to fight a legend such as Shogun, you have to take it,” Craig told Ag Fight. His confidence seemed even greater in a separate talk with Bloody Elbow, telling reporters “it’s going to be a very interesting fight, but we won’t change our gameplan for him. Of course, if we can finish it early, we will.”
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
And Craig isn’t just talk – he has the skills to back up those words. The Scottsman is currently 4-4 in the UFC and has proven that he can hang in until the very last minute. Two of his last three victories, in fact, were scored during the final minute of combat including a submission of Magomed Ankalev at 4:59 during the final round of a three-round battle.
If Craig can pull of a victory in this fight he will add quite a notch in his belt – albeit perhaps not as impressive as it might have been a decade ago. Even with his age, however, Rua is still expected to put up a phenomenal performance and is considered to be the -285 favorite by the sportsmakers out in Vegas.
Paul Craig
There was a late minute change of plans on the card as well.
Women’s flyweight Veronica Macedo was ruled medically unfit to compete against Ariane Lipski, prompting newcomer Isabella de Padua to fill the role on just one day’s notice. De Padua, a native Brazilian, is on a five straight win streak and most recently dropped Rayanne Amanda with a TKO in October. For Lipski, this is her moment to shine, as it would be her first win with the UFC after losses to Molly McCann in June and Joanne Calderon during her promotional debut in January.
Between the Blachwicz-Souza brawl, the Rua-Craig clash, and Lipski’s new shot at her first win, UFC Fight Night 164 is already gearing up to be one to remember. When you add in all the excitement that the rest of the undercards are sure to bring, one things seems certain – this Saturday’s showdown in Sao Paolo is going to be unforgettable.
Kevin Estrella is a heavy metal guitarist based out of Hamilton, Ontario. That is his home on the planet Earth. As both an instrumental guitar virtuoso and a declared extra-terrestrial contactee, he may also dwell in other places in the multi-verse. If not in body, definitely in spirit.
Estrella’s contact with aliens directly influences his music and artistic persona. His band, Pyramids on Mars, has an upcoming full-length album releasing on December 21, 2019. Edge of Black, features Estella’s signature style of blistering guitar rock music. Drawing heavily on the pioneering work of Joe Satriani (and hordes of copycats) Edge of Black contains a diverse sampling of tracks, ranging from a Baroque inspired lullaby, to galloping doom guitar lovefests.
Slickster Magazine was granted the privilege of sampling Edge of Black prior to release. Special thanks is due to Mr. Jon Asher at Asher Media Relations for arranging a special interview with Estrella.
Slickster:How is Edge of Black different from your previous two albums, Echo Cosmic and Pyramids on Mars?
Estrella:Between the time of Echo Cosmic to Edge of the Black, I decided to create my own series of online instructional guitar lessons (https://pyramidsonmarsguitarlessons.pivotshare.com/ )While I was creating these violin inspired melodies, I was learning more about myself and my approach to playing guitar.I began to become more consciously aware of who I was as a player and what I was passionate about.
A lot of my melodic approach is reflected in Edge of the Black in the melodies.When you break them down, I am playing a lot of violin melodies.There is so much Vivaldi influence on this album.For example, the chorus in Blood Moon is based on Vivaldi’s double violin concerto.There are two separate melodies playing simultaneously in the chorus.Something that was originally done on a violin.It is something Iron Maiden was doing back on Powerslave in songs like Losfer Words.
In addition, the focus of Edge of the Black is on songwriting and how the band functions as a unit.Every instrument is important, not just the lead guitar.I was finding a lot of guitar players I was hearing today on YouTube, their songs sounded more like jam tracks and they were just soloing through the whole thing.With no developed melodic hook you could sing, and there was a lack of intricate work between guitar, bass, and drums.I didn’t want to do a record like that.It’s not who I am.I am more into Led Zeppelin, Tool and Rush.Every instrument is just as important as the other, just like an orchestra.There is a huge Rush influence in Edge of the Black.And the bass is very predominant, just like Geddy Lee or John Deacon (Queen) or Steve Harris (Iron Maiden).I play all the bass on my albums.
Slickster: Track #3, Song Of Light, is one of my favorites on Edge of the Black.Can you share some background on this composition, how you tracked it, and the inspiration for it?
Estrella:Funny story Song of Light.It was actually the first song I wrote for Edge of the Black.It all started with the main rhythm guitar riff.It just belted out.But has a positive feel to it because it’s in a major key.But what is cool about it is that at the end of the phrase, the rhythm guitar is actually spelling out a Dom7th chord that wants to resolve back to the Tonic.I got the idea from Bach, and it worked beautifully.The other thing about this song is that it has Harpsichord in the introduction.In addition to a female Chorale section in the chorus.I was thinking “Who would be crazy enough to do put Harpsichord and a Chorale section in a metal song?? LOL!!”.It was such positive uplifting energy for such a high energy song, that is why I called it Song of Light.
Slickster: I know all of the tracks are special and unique to you, but if you had to pick one track Edge of Black, is there one that really stands out to you?
Estrella:Oh boy, that is a hard one.I love all the songs on the album.Each is like a child to me.But I would have to say, the one that stands out, and that years down the road will be recognized for what is happening in it is Nacht Waffen.There, my extraterrestrial teacher her expertise is in the Tonal Language of the Whales.Whales speak a very complex telepathic tonal language.I asked Theera if she could teach me this?Back in April 2018, I got a massive download from the P’ntl one night.They told me it was the beginner’s course of Tonal Language.It would take me 9 months to access it.
Then one day I wrote the verse to Nacht Waffen.T’ni and Theera contacted me and told me they heard it telepathically and I had accessed the Tonal Language.After I finished writing the song, I was listening back.After the 4th listen, all of a sudden heard a translation.The verse I was playing was saying in a tonal language ‘DO YOU HEAR ME.’I completely broke into tears.It was the most incredible moment of my life.I couldn’t believe it.Later the P’ntl would affirm that my translation was correct.So Nacht Waffen has Tonal Language in it.
Slickster: Can speak to the influence of Joe Satriani on rock guitar and his work’s impact on your own musicianship?
Estrella:I was introduced to Satriani back in grade 10.Surfing with the Alien had just come out.My best friend Mike had Surfing and Not of this Earth.He put them in his tape player and said: “You gotta check out Joe Satriani he’s amazing!”When I heard Surfing with the alien the whole album, my life changed.I knew that this is the kind of music I wanted to write.
I listened to nothing but Satriani for years, and practiced and practiced teaching myself modes, blues phrasing, and his legato style of ‘rolling the ball of mercury’.My songwriting structure follows very much Satriani’s.And creating memorable melodies that you can sing.This is a skill that takes a long time to learn.I can now pick up the guitar and create a melody on the fly that anyone listening will be able to sing back.This is an ongoing art developing the ability to do this.Not just in a main melody, but in a solo.But those ideas for me come more from the melodic phrasing of Vivaldi and Bach.
Guitarist Joe Stariani is a huge influence on Kevin Estrella.
Slickster: If you were trapped on a desert island and could only have one Satch album with you, which one would it be?Surfing with the Alien?Flying in a Blue Dream?
Estrella:Flying in a Blue Dream.It was Satriani’s most emotionally honest album.The leading song Flying in a Blue Dream, and Into the Light always bring me to tears.I could listen to that album for the rest of my life and be happy.If it wasn’t that album, then Hemispheres – Rush
Slickster: What is your daily practice routine like?Do you have a set time of day, or room in the house that you gravitate towards to hone your chops?
Estrella:I don’t practice as much as you would think.I simply don’t have time for it.As an independent musician, 90% of my time is spent marketing, managing my social media, engaging with my fans, networking.I know people think I must spend a lot of time practicing but I simply don’t have the time.When I actually do get around to picking up the guitar, I am creating melodies, or improvising on the fly with melodic ideas I have written.I document every melodic idea I get.
I use Power Tab Editor, create the lesson, and then learn it over and over.I will often go back to older lessons and relearn from myself.Sometimes I can’t believe what I came up with.It’s cool shit I impress myself.Building this catalog makes it easier for me to learn more about what I like and what I want to sound like.Then I practice those melodies, or techniques and make them better.A lot of stuff I do are sweeping arpeggios, string skipping arpeggios, and ricochet techniques.But I do them in a chord progression.Creating a chord progression very much like a Baroque piece of music.
Slickster: What advice can you give to younger musicians who are just getting their feet wet?
Estrella:Don’t get discouraged by all the amazing guitar players you see on YouTube.There is no shortage of talent out there.And it can get really discouraging seeing these technically amazing players.Even I get discouraged watching them.But you know what? Technique is not what I am listening for.I am listening to the emotion and communication.Are they expressing themselves in the most emotionally honest way?Do I FEEL what they are playing?Most of the time I don’t.I would rather watch a video of David Gilmore of Pink Floyd just to hear him play that one note with true passion.Then to watch a virtuoso player play a million notes and say nothing musically.
The other best advice I ever got was from something Kirk Hammett said, “To imitate is to create, you have to start somewhere.”Best advice I ever got.Don’t be afraid to imitate your musical heroes.Because you will never BE them.You can’t, it’s impossible!But you will take a piece of them and make it part of you.Even if you think you don’t sound like you, eventually you will hear your own voice one day and be like, “Hey, it was always there!I just couldn’t hear it!”
Slickster: Do you have any live performances scheduled in support of Edge of Black?
Estrella:2020 will be dedicated to playing live.I will be putting most of the focus playing the Toronto and Golden Horseshoe area.And as other opportunities arise, we will be there.Follow us on Facebook for up and coming shows.
Slickster: What does the name “Edge of Black” mean to you?
Estrella: The name Edge of the Black was taught to me by a group of extraterrestrials known as the P’ntl.Mainstream refers to them as the Greys/Zetas.To understand, I am an experiencer having continuous contact with extraterrestrials.I have been a guest on over 50 UFO radio talk shows talking about my ongoing extraterrestrial contact.So what I tell you is not science fiction.My connection with music and extraterrestrials has been written about in award-winning Ufologist Grant Cameron’s book ‘Tuned-in, the paranormal world of music.’
Two of the female P’ntl, Theera, and T’ni taught me about the Edge of the Black.When one writes music that comes from their deepest of being, they are traveling to the Edge of the Black of the Universe.Where nothing and everything exists simultaneously.Music can be communicated at a telepathic level.What they told me is that when I write my music, I am going to the Edge of the Black, my place of highest potential.The music travels through the collective consciousness, flows through me, and I amplify my emotion and interpretation of what is coming through the collective.That is then sent back telepathically into the Universe.T’ni and Theera have both heard me playing my guitar at a telepathic level, and have been helping me develop this gift.My music literally ripples through the collective consciousness.So when I state my music is 4-dimensional it is true.
Track Listing:
1. Blood Moon 5:42
2. Nacht Waffen 6:56
3. Song of Light 5:44
4. F-22 Raptor 5:53
5. The Ambassador 4:57
6. Mercury Magnetar 4:58
7. Arcturian Rain 4:38
8. Time to Believe 4:40
9. Arioso Lullaby 4:39
10. Whale Song 4:28
Album Length: 52:40
Giving your partner a massage improves both their well-being and yours, according to researchers from Northumbria University in the UK. Massage has many health benefits; it helps you to maintain physical, emotional and mental health, especially if you add it to your routine.
For most people, getting a massage means going to a massage parlor or spa where trained professionals can take charge of the sessions. But, according to the research, couples who skip the pros and instead massage each other can reap the same benefits, and on top of that, it can strengthen their bond and make the relationship stronger. As great as that sounds, attempting an amateur massage can be intimidating for you and extremely uncomfortable for your girlfriend if you do it wrong, which is why you need to know the right way to do it before attempting it.
Learn how to massage properly
Becoming a professional massage therapist can take months or even years of training and practice. Luckily, there are many ways to learn how to give a proper massage without spending as much time as the professionals do. A great way to learn is by getting a massage from a professional. For example, Viva explain that optimum relaxation and rejuvenation is achieved when both classic and modern techniques are used, and experiencing this first hand will teach you a wide range of professional massage techniques, as well as showing you how to set up an environment that encourages relaxation. You can also take an online massage course or download a massage app to guide you through the process. Learning through these methods will not turn you into a pro, but it will help you gain some basic familiarity.
Create the perfect environment for a relaxing massage
Unless you invest in a massage table, you will need to find a spot in your home for your partner’s massage. The place should be very comfortable for the receiver and easy for you to move around. The bed is often the best choice for a massage spot, but you can try a couch or even the floor. If you choose the floor or any other hard surface, set up lots of pillows and cushions to create a soft and comfortable space.
The lighting of the space will also have an impact on the quality of the massage. A few changes can turn your bedroom into a spa-like relaxation zone. Start by eliminating electronic distractions, such as blinking LED lights, TVs, computers or phones. If possible, you can also dim the lights to set the right mood. You can also light some candles or burn incense to further improve the relaxing atmosphere.
Massage therapy is a great way to improve both physical and mental well-being. By giving your girlfriend regular massages, you can boost her health and at the same time build a stronger connection in your relationship.
Rock n’ Roll isn’t dead dammit! While more and more trash music is coming down the pipeline, The Soft Underground is fighting the good fight for music. Their new LP, Anemoia was released on November 1st.
A Jammin’ Time
The Soft Underground’s art-rock LP is a great mix of energetic music that runs the gamut in terms of style. From the jazzy tunes of Petals to the melodic tunings of Thank You, and the somber beauty of Alex’s Song, Anemoia is a solid addition to anybody’s playlist. The composition of the tracks all has a very “worldly” approach, with a bunch of different instruments in the mix. Latin percussion, Eastern winds, and good ol’ American guitar mix surprisingly harmoniously.
While listening to the LP, you could really feel the flat out love for music this band has. If I’d told you bands like Coldplay or Foo Fighters or Smashing Pumpkins made these songs, you’d believe me. It’s like the band just decided “Hey, let’s do a jam session that makes you nostalgic for the 90s and also want to go all around the world at the same time!” and they made it work. The album goes everywhere and doesn’t follow a single notion, but it stills very controlled.
Anemoia is Different but Safe
I mentioned how the band’s music shared many similarities with the sounds of other bands. And I meant it in a good way! But, Anemoia also suffers from this. The album lacks a singular coherent sound, and because of it, it’s hard to really know who The Soft Underground is. That can be a really good thing, in the way the Gorillaz bend and break genres, but it’s a dangerous game to play. Without a specific style, it can be directionless or just sound like copying other bands. And to a lesser degree, the latter problem is present. I wouldn’t say that it plagues Anemoia, but The Soft Underground should consider getting a flu shot.
The only other criticism I can levy against the LP is that the male singer’s voice stays too consistent. He’s got a great voice that deftly switches from smooth to coarse with a near-hypnotic tone. But that’s pretty much where he stays the whole time. It leaves me wanting more from him, but just wanting too much more. A great problem to have as they continue! But a problem nonetheless.
Opening a Can of Earworms
Don’t get it twisted. Overall, I love Anemoia. Voicoder has got to be one of my favorite musical discoveries this year. If I were to give The Soft Underground any advice, it would be to figure out whatever special mix you used for Voicoder, put it in a jar and sprinkle that shit on everything later. It perfectly captures the musical aesthetic the band was going for, marries eastern and western instruments, and effectively uses the singer’s strengths.
My other favorites would have to be The Bullet Train and Alex’s Song. They bother are absolute earworms that you won’t be able to get out of your head no matter how much you try. They’ve got a lot of power, a lot of heart, and just sound fucking great. This is one LP you’ll be playing over, and over, and over again. What else can I say? Go and listen to them!
When you’re a single man, the dating scene can seem overwhelming. Especially considering the modern times we live in now, with social media and online dating sites, a first date can be fun or a major disaster. Do you pay the tab, or split the bill? Do you try to kiss her on the first date or get a signed consent form to fool around? These questions aren’t so cut and dried as they used to be.
Slickster Magazine has got you covered; Here’s some first date tips for guys to get off on the right foot or break out of a dating slump.
First date conversation tips
So you’ve scored a first date? Congratulations! Maybe you’re going out to a grab a bite to eat or you’ve got something more adventurous planned, like a white water rafting trip. No matter what it is, holding a good conversation is going to make or break the date. If you have a hard time talking to women, perhaps you could take her out to watch a movie in the cinema instead. That way, you have a long portion of the first date that doesn’t require having a conversation.
If your date is someone that you’ve already known, for example a co-worker or cute girl in the gym, then you have an advantage. There is likely some common ground that you can use to your advantage, and avoid “icebreaker” questions.
Open up the night about subjects that you both may be involved in.
Avoid questions that can be answered with yes or no.
Steer clear of political or religious subjects.
Tips for first date after meeting online
Online dating is here to stay. Once considered a taboo among dating traditionalists, the notion of finding a significant other online is now as common as falling in love at first sight. However, first date advice for guys will differ slightly when you meet your date online first, as opposed to in-real. (See above)
As a population we spend heaps of time communicating with our phones, like text or instant messaging. However, on a first date, you’ll be face to face with someone new and can’t type your answers. That means you are going to have to think quickly, listen carefully, and respond appropriately. Remember, once you say something out loud, there is no taking it back. Relax, you’ve been talking your entire adult life… you got this.
Research your date’s interest without be a creepy stalker.
Maintain eye contact (i.e. don’t stare at her boobs, no matter how much she teases you)
Have a fallback plan if the conversation stifles and there is an award silence.
If you met your first date online, before meeting in person, do your best to appear similar to your photographs posted online. If you posted a shirtless-selfie from six years ago, when you were working out seven days a week, you better live up to her expectations when you meet on the first date.
But don’t worry guys, this is two-way street. If your date shows up, and she’s twenty pounds heavier – or even worse, she posted a fake picture – make the most of the date and then break it off immediately. Dishonesty on the first date is huge RED FLAG that this is a person you DO NOT want to waste one minute on.
First date advice – The Basics
The goal of a first date is to get second date! Here are some basics:
Be on time. This is the most simple thing to do. Every woman fears getting stood up, as the time to meet draws nearer, she’ll be wondering if you are going to show. Make her relax and show up right when you said you would.
Hold the door open. Good guys do finish last, but holding a door open for a women still seems to work no matter if you are a “good guy” or “bad boy”. Besides, you can get a good look at her booty while she walks through!
Don’t talk about your ex. She’s ancient history, and your first date will be too if you bring up your ex.
Bad breath and poor personal hygiene are deal-breakers.
Do guys pay the tab or split the bill?
Traditionally, men are expected to pay the bill for a dinner for two on first date. That is changing in the 21st century, as many women have very good (or better) paying jobs than men. You’ll need to feel this question out, and she may even offer to split the tab. When in doubt, as a man, you’ll need to pick up the check.
First date or one-night-stand
It is important to distinguish the difference between a one night stand and a first date. While hooking up with a complete stranger after a night of drinking can be super fun and exciting, it rarely leads to a successful relationship. Many guys have a wild story tucked away about some model they banged on a trip to Las Vegas. Remember, with social media…. what happens in Vegas, absolutely doesn’t stay in Vegas. It follows you home and posts photos on your timeline!
You might get laid on a first date, but that really isn’t the goal. If you go into the date with goal of having sex, you’re going to be going home empty handed. No cash and prizes for you.
Faith and Fury Incoming, What’s Next for the Psychic Awakening?
Written by Jonathan Lee. October 31, 2019. 11:00pm. Tweet to: @Writerscube
Dead Gods Waking, Humanity’s Faith Shaking?
The first installment of the Psychic Awakening, Phoenix Rising, as discussed in our previous piece, revolved around the elf-like Aeldari and their morbid faction known as the Ynnari. After some nice add-ons to their tabletop rules, the first chapter of the Psychic Awakening also provided readers with another step of narrative progression. But was everything going right for the forces of mostly-good? (You’d think Humans and Space-Elves are all good, but nothing is entirely good in Warhammer 40k… but you can be super bad. Like daemons that thrive off of the excess pain of others. That kind of bad. Eesh.) By this most recent trailer, I’m thinking Humanity is next to be tested against the dark forces of Chaos.
The Story So Far (so far)
The Yncarne, the avatar of the Ynnari | Source: Games Workshop
With the developments of the Phoenix Rising chapter, readers now have an idea of what’s been going on regarding the Eldar race as a whole. The most traditionalist Craftworld Eldar are struggling for survival after an interdimensional hell rift has literally split the galaxy in two. Some of the Eldar’s own planet-sized Craftworld ships even get swallowed up by the rift (subjecting all involved to all sorts of hellish experiences, including daemonic invasion). Meanwhile, the more sadistic Dark Eldar have been reeling from the aftermath of the young Ynnari faction’s initial rise, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been trying everything they can to take stabs at the newest faction of the Eldar. Last but not least, the newest faction of them all.
The Ynnari have been trying to convince the rest of the Eldar to find spiritual salvation through the awakening of a new Eldar god that’s supposedly going to be their new god of death. Whether the Ynnari are right or not is still to be discovered. Will they succeed in their quest to awaken their god and save the Eldar race–for better or worse?
The Grimdark Universe of 40k is Still… Grimdark
Alas, with every ray of hope that the narrative feeds us, things always end rather darkly. On their quest to find five fabled swords that could possibly awaken said-god-of-the-dead, the Ynnari discover the final sword to be stolen away to the depths of the realm of Chaos, particularly the realm of the Chaos god that loves Eldar souls: Slaanesh. So that’s a big nope.
Meanwhile, that very same Chaos god sent its own agent to try killing the leader of the Ynnari. It actually succeeds. But the story continues because being an agent of a god of death means having some degree of agency over one’s demise, whether deliberately or by circumstance. The Ynnari’s leader returns from death and, with the help of her comrades, takes down the Chaos daemon that had been hounding her.
But wait there’s more! After the daemon apparently vanishes, it leaves a psychic message letting them know that they had only fought a mere fraction of its true power.
I know what you’re thinking. “This isn’t even my final form!!!” And you’re probably right. But the book literally ends there: a psychic message and everyone’s bummed out that the whole fight was for almost nothing.
Final Thoughts and What’s Next in Psychic Awakening
The Fleur-de-lis is a common symbol for the fiery and devout Sisters of Battle. | Source: Warhammer Community
By the latest trailer for the next chapter of the series, Faith and Fury, I’m going to guess there will at least be story bits for both the Black Templars Space Marines (hyper-religious-super-angry super soldiers) and the Sisters of Battle (essentially very angry nuns with a penchant for fire). At the end of the trailer we see the Sisters of Battle fleur-de-lis at the start of a spinning coin before the Black Templars’ Crusader’s Cross when the icon stops spinning.
As to what exactly is going to happen, well, all we have right now is “The Faith of Talledus will be tested.” A look through the usual wikis and boards showed up nothing on the name, but I think we can assume for now that it is the name of a Black Templars Space Marine. Perhaps, a new suped-up Primaris Black Templar? We’ll have to see when more news pops up!
The marching narrative is great when it comes to giving readers and players something to think about. The Warhammer community seems generally glad that Games Workshop is moving things along at all. But from a consumer-standpoint, the first book was, for 40 bucks, rather on the short side. This is considering the sizes of some of the army codices and supplements of past editions. While we can’t expect every book/supplement to be the length of a novel, it begs a look through a marketing lens. So many factions means so many books. With each book being theoretically 40 bucks… well, that’s a lot of money for anyone that wants the whole story.
The Black Templars are fierce warriors of the Imperium of Man. And they are very angry. | Source: Warhammer 40K Fandom Wiki
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Terminal Khaos Builders back with another futuristic electronic music album
Terminal Khaos Builders (TKB) is the musical side-project of Nicholas Muller. Based out of his native France, Muller is a guitarist by trade. When not performing in his heavy metal band, Helioss, Muller composes electronic music. Combining elements of synthwave, baroque classical and heavy metal, TKB fabricates a unique blend of electronic music.
Muller’s second full length album, 12 Views of Iain M. Banks’s Culture, builds upon his virgin effort, The Endless City. (Read the full interview from The Endless City) Layering washes of keyboard sounds, heavy drum and bass beats, and sinewy electric guitar melodies, 12 Views, shows an emerging Muller as a stand out in the synthwave genre.
The album is an obvisou homage to the great Scottish novelist Iain M. Banks, knowned for his incredible Culture Cycle. While, 12 Views is an instrumental album, the titles of the tracks are all selected and inspired by Banks’ works. Muller cites Banks’ writing as a major influence on his life as well.
Slickster: What does Iain M. Banks represent to you and how has his life’s work impacted yours?
TKB: Hello Chris! I’m a fan of science-fiction novels (Dan Simmons, Frank Herbert, Robinson, Hamilton, Stross, Egan, Liu Cixin and many more) but I’ve always considered Iain M. Banks, a Scottish novelist (sadly died in 2013), as a very special novelist. This is because of the recurrent themes he used in his Culture series. He depicted a very powerful post-humanoid civilization with sentient ships, highly educated citizens and perfectly developed technology: a true modern utopia where immortality is guaranteed and freedom is absolute.
This civilization, called “Culture”, lives (almost) peacefully among other more or less developed exotic races through a galaxy full of life. In those books, Banks offers a mix of adventures, humor, tragedy and a lot of ethical and political reflexions mostly based on the case where the Culture meets a less evolved civilization with bad ethical behaviors – like torturing its own people, corruption, violence, etc..
The remaining question is: what would an infinitely wise, rich and technologically advanced civilization do? What is good to do or not do, is it legitimate to get involved in their development, and how? Of course, this kind of thinking remains for the most part a problem for our modern times because it’s a complex ethical problem which cannot be solved with a simple answer. That’s why most of the protagonists of the books are connected to the “secret services” of the Culture, Contact and Special Circumstances whose missions are to deal with this kind of problems, even if it involved violence, death, murder or extortion as long as it is for the better good (even if, sometimes, mistakes are made). Like a dark face that the Culture masterminds – AI ships, agents and drones – use with both great caution and real amusement.
So with such unique and deep conducting lines, Banks has made a series of novels which could be considered as space opera, but with a real consistency, smart dialogues and a real sense of wonder. It’s obvious when you read any of this books that Banks wasn’t only trying to makes you travel through the stars, but to make you think – the Culture can easily be considered as an idealistic vision of the western modern way of life, atheist, libertarian, where liberty is total as long as it doesn’t interfere with someone else freedom, and where some benevolent ultra-intelligent AI takes all the decision for the better – which is questionable but allow a society where money is no more and where the only harm a citizen would suffer is the ones he choose to.
Really, there is a lot more to say about Banks’s vision, but it has deeply impacted me in my everyday life. It showed me that, with intelligent diplomacy, you may consider strangers as friends and how peace can be the most common option – the opposite of the Chinese Liu Cixin’s vision in The Dark Forest, where any unknown intelligence MUST be considered a danger and should be eradicated at all cost. I guess we can see in those two opposite visions a reflection of their own culture, in some ways…
Slickster: What’s up with the long and thought provoking titles of the tracks on Iain M. Banks?
TKB: All the title are quotes from the books. It was hard to choose because there a hundreds of beautiful words in the Culture series. Most of them are clear enough to talk to everyone when some of them should be included in the larger context of the books, like “But in the end, it’s still just cleaning a table” or “It was the Culture’s fault”.
Slickster: On “All you ever were was a little bit of the universe”, thinking to itself, there is an epic piano cadenza.Who composed and performed this?
TKB: Everything you hear on the record has been written by myself. Glad you appreciate this piano part! To be honest, I don’t know how to play piano. But nowadays, with technology, you can create the illusion of someone playing it. It requires some knowledge and a sense of musicality, but you can slightly change the tempo and the dynamic of each note to create something close to a natural playing. Of course, not being a pianist myself, I certainly did something far from perfect from a professional hearing, but with patience and dedication you may manage to reach what you want.
Slickster: Iain M. Banks, once again features, a lot of your heavy metal guitar playing.Can you walk us through your daily practice routine to keep your skills honed to a razor sharp edge.
TKB: I’ve been a guitar player for almost 20 years, mostly in the metal area – my other main band is symphonic black/death : Helioss (https://helioss.bandcamp.com/). I’m not really practicing anymore, I just enjoy myself playing, writing and recording some stuffs. I learned by myself throughout the years. As a teenager, we didn’t have the internet so learning alone with quite hard: now, you have tons of tutorials, tools and others helping stuff which makes you save time.
With “12 Views of Iain M. Banks’s Culture”, for the first time, I included lead guitars as the main melodic instruments. The first two recordings, “The Endless City” and “Dementia : A Three-Step Process”, where 100% synthetic and computer made. As any musician would tell you, you should practice your instrument to the point where you can have the fun you want. I never thought that learning to play has to be a daily routine of boring scales and exercising – which is probably why I’ll never be a real virtuoso!
Slickster: Which are the top three most influential guitarists on your music?
TKB: I could give you plenty of names, but if I had to pick three, I’ll say Yngwie Malmsteen (because he showed me that you can mix 18th century music with heavy/shred), John Petrucci (for his flawless technique and writting skills) and Marty Friedman (for his unique and versatile style of playing virtuosos solos).
Slickster: What video games are you playing most recently?
TKB: For the past years, I focused myself on short and quickly enjoyable games like Super Meat Boy, Binding of Isaac, Slay the Spire, The End is Nigh, Dungeon of the Endless or Enter the Gungeon. Most of them are die and retry / dungeon crawler games, but I love them even if it means dying hundreds of times before finishing a single level! Beside, I love RPGs too, like The Witcher, or some co-op games like Left for Dead or Vermintide. Some of those game’s music (such as Super Meat Boy or Binding of Isaac, both by the incredible Danny Baranowsky) has been a source of inspiration for me.
Slickster: In what way do you predict the future of synthwave/darksynth/outrun, etc… going?What trends are we seeing now developing in the musical genre, and who do you feel is leading the way in terms of creativity?
TKB: This is hard for me to say because my musical background is more classical / metal. I discovered the synth universe a few years ago, when it began to strongly come back on the mainstream media radar. There are now so many creators, this is amazing. I guess it may be partially explained by the fact that this kind of music can easily be made by one guy with a computer and some softwares (and most of them are affordable or free). You don’t really need musicians to play instruments, a studio to record, or a room to rehearse… So, it gives freedom and vitality to this musical renaissance.
Synthwave is mostly inspired by the 80’s. So, kids who had their childhood at this time are now people around 40 – which makes a lot of potential musicians. Maybe, soon, we’ll see a revival of the 90’s music because of the same reason – this nostalgia when, as a child, everything was more simple, when playing with your friends with a 8/16 bits video game where like paradise. These memories are part of the reasons why the synth movement speaks to so many peoples (just look at the success of Stranger Things, or the enthusiasm for the Kung-Fury short film!). Maybe, now the synth should mix more with different musical styles for a greater creativity. Even if it’s sometimes flawlessly crafted, a lot of the synthwave artists are using again and again the same recipe. At my humble level, I tried to bring something slightly different, with some metal and baroque elements.
Slickster: Do you ever see synthwave running its course and dying away, like a fading ember in the dawn’s morning light?
TKB: Hum… No, I don’t think so. I things this his a strong movement, deeply implemented in the artistic landscape, and it will continue to grow and to change. I mean, how many times did someone say that “metal is dead”, or “rock is dead”, or “disco is dead”… I believe that, if a musical style last more than 5 or 6 years, there are strong probabilities that it will stay alive a long time. The only musical movement that collapses for good are those who has been created and developed mostly by the musical industry for teenagers (remember the Tektonik?). Synthwave may know up and down in the future, but it’s now more than a reminiscence of a 80’s idealistic vision, it’s now a part of the mainstream culture – for the best or the worst – which means it won’t probably not be forgotten in the next decade.
Nicolas Muller is the musician behind Terminal Khaos Builders.
Slickster: In our previous interviewyou said, “Music is the best therapy”.Do you still feel that music is the best therapy?
TKB: More than ever, and I guess this will remains true for a while. At least, this is MY best therapy – everyone has his own kind of expression that makes him feel good (painting, movies, dogs, cooking or tuning cars, what do I know?).
Slickster: Thanks again for sharing your music and taking the time to answer some questions Nic.Is there anything you’d like to mention or talk about that we didn’t get too in the interview?
TKB: Just thanks you for allowing me to appear on your website! Wish you the best (and read the Culture books while listening to Terminal Khaos Builders, satisfaction guaranteed!)
From Vila do Conde to Caldas De Vizela, this Portugese babe shines. Mariana Dias is the girl of the week. She is very easy going. To make her happy, all you need to do is give her some pizza.
Girl of the Week - Mariana Dias
Slickster Magazine features one stunning model per week.
There is no way not to stare; Mariana Dias has a huge rack. She has been blessed with somejuicy boobs. Everywhere she goes, everyone notices. There is simply nowhere to hide with a figure like that.
No-Nut November is the time of year when men all across the Earth willfully abstain from masturbation.While adapting a Tibetan monk’s lifestyle probably isn’t a bad choice for long term health benefits, is such a drastic change in one’s sexual behavior a good idea?
Buddhist monk praying in front of Ganden monastery, Tibet, China
Warning: Adult language and candid discussions of male sexual behavior follow. For anyone easliy offended by frank discourse on sexuality, how about reading Top Ten foods for Super Bowl Parties.
Background on No-Nut November
No-Nut November is an offshoot of the growing online movement known as No-Fap.The term “Fap” aka “Fapping” refers to male masturbation, and is an onomatopoeia for the sound created by the repetitive hand motion.For the entirety of November, men vow to avoid watching porn (or other videos that have similar arousing effects), edging (the practice of stimulating oneself to brink of orgasm without cumming), and “nutting”. The term “nut” is slang for ejactulation, ie. “bust a nut”.
Some speculate that No-Nut November is blowback from the wanton rise of free, high-definition, online, streaming pornograhpy.That means, with a device capable of connecting to the internet, an internet connection and some privacy, men can easily access virtually unlimited amounts of sexually stimulating material.
Coorelalltions between addictive internet behaviors and are similarly just beginning to get serious sceinficic study devoted to them. Young men, many of whom never knew a time before the internet, began experiencing impotence in alarmingly high numbers according to the work of some scientists such as MD Gary Wilson.Although now retired, Wilson devoted a considerable portion of his career to studying the effects of porn on men and helping break the cycle of addiction associated with compulsive masturbation habits.
This ain’t your grandpa’s nudie mag
It should be stated too that the porn of today is not your grandpa’s porn.The days of Marilyn Monroe posing nude for Playboy are tame compared to the hard core porn that is available online currently.The sex acts depicted are increasingly becoming extreme – some causing medical trauma to the performers – and there is every gamut of fetish from benign to appalling.
Benefits of No-Nut November
What benefits could be gained from abstaining from masturbation for 30 days. Here is a partial list that we could “cum” up with at Slickster HQ. What did we get right? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.
More free time
This is a no-brainer. Even if you suffer from extreme premature ejactulation, any time at all spent with your pants around your ankles would be time you could apply elsewhere. How many times have you heard people make excuses, and say, “I just don’t have the time.” What if you could gain 15 minutes per day? Instead of fapping, everyday during November, you would gain nearly two extra hours per week.
Of course, if you aren’t wanking your dick for the entire month, you are guaranteed to never have an award moment when someone walks in you mid-flight.
AFTK interaction
As our world is becoming more and more dominated by cell phones and social media, No-nut November gives a reason to get away from the keyboard. According to some studies, Americans are spending up to three hours per day on their phones. Less time searching, clicking and watching porn means less time online and on your device of choice.
Carpel tunnel syndrome
“It’s my dick and I can wash it as many times and as fast as I want,” a lonely solider staged in a combat zone once said. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist, about an inch wide. The floor and sides of the tunnel are formed by small wrist bones called carpal bones. The carpal tunnel protects the median nerve and flexor tendons that bend the fingers and thumb. Repetitive motions, such as excessive fapping or typing can cause a tingling feeling or pins and needles, numbness, and sometimes pain in the hand.
Shooting a huge load in December
Some guys joke that following No-Nut November, comes “Destroy-Dick December”. This refers to the binge of masturbation that comes after abstaining from sexual activity for entire month. While the male body has no issues with handling a build of sperm within the body, guys swear it causes distractions. Shooting a big load, aka having a large ejaculatory volume, may be one side effect of No-Nut November.
You think you got what it takes to be a major league mixed martial artist? Then step up to the plate on November 2nd to try out for Bellator MMA.
According to a press release from Bellator the mixed martial arts promotion company will be giving undiscovered fighters just that chance. Fighters will be pre-screened through a vetting process, including submitting a contact information form, highlight reel, and other factors. Both men and women are encouraged to submit applications for try-out.
The Bellator press release states:
“To apply for the open tryouts, athletes MUST register at www.Hawaii.Bellator.com – no walkups will be accepted… the tryouts are open to all weight classes.“
MMA talent scouts will be at the tryout
In order to ensure legitimacy of the tryout, there will several executives from Bellator on-site to evaluate contestants.
“The organization is sending current Bellator commentator Josh Thomson and Vice President of Talent Relations Rich Chou to evaluate local MMA talent on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. HST. The top athletes chosen will go on to compete in December inside the Bellator cage – and if victorious, will have a chance to earn an exclusive Bellator contract.“
Vice President of Talent Relations Rich Chou, will be evaluating the MMA tryouts.
Bellator Hawaii: Macfarlane vs. Jackson
The MMA try-outs are proceeding the scheduled event on December 21, 2019. For the second time in as many years, Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii will host the homecoming of Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (10-0), as she puts her undefeated record and Bellator women’s flyweight title on the line against No. 1 contender Kate Jackson (11-3-1) in the main event on Saturday, Dec. 21, streamed exclusively on DAZN.
In an effort to further Bellator’s continued commitment to the local MMA scene in Hawaii, Bellator MMA recently announced the try outs. All fighters must complete an information and contact form prior to the try out. There will be no walk-ins allowed to try out.
Data East’s Vigilante has all the right moves. Taito’s Ninja Savior: Return of the Warriors, produced with help from NatsumiAtari and ININ Games, borrows from this same lineage. Equally, your characters have all of their move sets at the start of the game.
Ninja2 by ININ Games, Nintendo Switch, Taito,
No matter the challenge, in this side-scrolling adventure, success comes by putting together the right moves. Rush through a bevy of enemies to get to the end of the game.
Ninja Savior: Return of the Warriors, a revamped version of the Super Nintendo classic, represents the 90s in the best ways. However, is this 2019 remake, and European hit, set to stun us all again?
Ninja Focus
Your character has one objective. Battle and take down the tyrant Banglar and his henchman. Control either one of five android ninjas. Alternatively, get another player and takedown Banglar and his legions. Ninja Savior: Return of the Warriors gets a boost, in 16-bit audio and visuals, from TENGO PROJECT. Taito’s House Band, ZUNTATA, redoes the sound for the game.
Ninja 3 by ININ Games, Nintendo Switch, Taito,
Fight a variety of enemies over eight levels in single-player, cooperative, and online ranking challenge modes. The online ranking mode asks players to complete levels in a trial period. Players post their scores with other players online to find out who is the best at each level, and in the gamer overall.
Ninja Practice
Use the analog stick, or cross pad, to make your character move left or right on the screen. Crouch by pressing down. Crouch and walk with the right or left on the cross pad or analog stick in combination with down.
Change your stance, and charge you special techniques, by pressing up on the analog stick or cross pad. Make your character jump with the B Button. Use normal attacks with the Y Button. Use the A Button to launch a bomb attack.
Ninja4 by ININ Games, Nintendo Switch, Taito,
The key to Ninja Savior: Return of the Warriors is play style. For example, players who enjoy a fast character play with Kunoichi. She offers multiple, rapid, attacks and swift light movements. Ninja, for individuals who take a direct approach, goes through enemies.
He does not jump often and only launches powerful attacks. In my opinion, Kamaitachi offers players balance. This ninja android is versatile and goes either through enemies or above them. His attacks are unique and he is one character with weapons for his arms.
Ninja Mode
The single-player mode is simple. Players must complete each, of eight levels, to finish the game. Mission Start mode gives you a full playthrough and a healthy life bar. Finish all eight levels to beat Banglar.
If you do not finish the game, in one sitting, you have to start at the beginning on the next playthrough. Time Attack mode allows you to replay previous levels and complete them in faster times. Multiplayer mode allows two players to complete the game.
Ninja Facts
Ninja Savior: Return of the Warriors is a grind. It is what Nintendo Switch wants, and needs. This game is what you need, in my opinion. This game does not have side quests, special levels, or downloadable content.
Ninja3 by ININ Games, Nintendo Switch, Taito,
The game gives you a variety of characters, enemies, and eight, mostly horizontal, levels. The creativity comes in how you play. For instance, where characters like Ninja or Raiden can just destroy anything in front of them a different player can use both characters in quick and finesse ways.
Conclusion
Ninja Savior: Return of the Warriors is solid. This game is clear about its intentions. Fight and work through the game. Bring your friends. Let them help you get through it. Post your best times online.
Unlock new characters and modes. Just fight. The controls are great, the music, speed of the game, and visuals keep you in the game. The multiplayer is strong. Get Ninja Savior: Return of the Warriors on the Nintendo Switch. Be ready for a fight.
