The 5 Most Normal Things I Could Find In That Death Stranding 2 Trailer

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach’s latest trailer is aggressively bizarre. In 9 minutes and 40 seconds, the video assaults us with talking stop-motion puppets, sentient gloves wrapped around people’s necks, throat babies vomiting out spaceships, a samurai that sounds like an infant, and somehow, Higgs returned. 

It’s so densely packed with weird stuff that, upon repeat viewings, I actually had to go out of my way to pinpoint anything remotely mundane. In a humorous turn of events, Death Stranding 2 is so overwhelmingly odd that every eye-brow-raising visual element is par for the course. Anything that isn’t a black oil-covered tube baby with a hilariously literal moniker voiced by Troy Baker is now the minority and, in turn, the “weird” stuff. They’re not easy to spot, so I took the liberty of doing it for you. Here are all the normal/boring/remarkably tame elements the trailer has to offer. 

Fragile’s Water Bottle

Fragile uses this bottle to clean the tar off a mysterious person, which was encased in a cocoon-like shell early in the trailer. She might have filled it with water mixed with some dish soap. Maybe Dawn, since the commercials say they’re good for cleaning oil spill victims. I was waiting for the straw to do the macarena or for babies to pour out of it instead of water, but since neither happened (yet), that makes it a refreshingly dull liquid delivery device.

Guns

It’s kind of surprising that weapons are relatively conventional in this strange universe (poop grenades aside). Combat was my least favorite aspect of Death Stranding, so I’m not thrilled to see that Sam is still packing enough heat to take down an army of ink monsters. I look forward to not using them as often as possible; I need more room to carry my boxes, anyway. 

Trees

The phrase “If trees could talk” has never resonated more than now. I would love their commentary on what it felt like watching the U.S. deteriorate from “It’s pretty weird here” to “We don’t even know if we occupy the same plane of existence anymore, God help us.” 

Wall Pipe

Perhaps the most memorable moment of this trailer is when Higgs (who now resembles The Crow if he were a Cyberpunk 2077 character) uses his electric guitar sword thing to battle an imposing samurai who makes baby noises. You were probably too busy absorbing all of that nonsense to notice this perfectly regular wall pipe that just wants to do normal pipe things and not get involved in this foolishness.

Cooking Pan 

Given the close-up this pan gets, I’m honestly surprised it wasn’t used as a branding opportunity. Maybe some fan has already magnified the image to reveal an OD release date carved on the pan’s bottom. If not, though, the pan itself seems uninteresting; what Sam is cooking with it, though, remains in question. He’s probably sauteeing those weird floating worm things. 

That’s it. That’s all I could find. I can’t trust anything else in this game because everything is weird and probably has a baby inside of it. That desert? Likely a baby. The giant moon? It’s alive and probably has Mads Mikkelsen’s face on the other side of it (Kojima will name him something cheeky like “Majora’s Mads” or something). The floating soldiers represent every celebrity Kojima has lured into his studio’s body-scanning machine; their souls are now trapped within the strand. We have to free them. 

I don’t know what Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is. Hell, I still can’t confidently explain Death Stranding 1, and I finished it. I just know that, whatever it winds up being, I really, really want to play it.

The 5 Most Normal Things I Could Find That Death Stranding 2 Trailer

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach’s latest trailer is aggressively bizarre. In 9 minutes and 40 seconds, the video assaults us with talking stop-motion puppets, sentient gloves wrapped around people’s necks, throat babies vomiting out spaceships, a samurai that sounds like an infant, and somehow, Higgs returned. 

It’s so densely packed with weird stuff that, upon repeat viewings, I actually had to go out of my way to pinpoint anything remotely mundane. In a humorous turn of events, Death Stranding 2 is so overwhelmingly odd that every eye-brow-raising visual element is par for the course. Anything that isn’t a black oil-covered tube baby with a hilariously literal moniker voiced by Troy Baker is now the minority and, in turn, the “weird” stuff. They’re not easy to spot, so I took the liberty of doing it for you. Here are all the normal/boring/remarkably tame elements the trailer has to offer. 

Fragile’s Water Bottle

Fragile uses this bottle to clean the tar off a mysterious person, which was encased in a cocoon-like shell early in the trailer. She might have filled it with water mixed with some dish soap. Maybe Dawn, since the commercials say they’re good for cleaning oil spill victims. I was waiting for the straw to do the macarena or for babies to pour out of it instead of water, but since neither happened (yet), that makes it a refreshingly dull liquid delivery device.

Guns

It’s kind of surprising that weapons are relatively conventional in this strange universe (poop grenades aside). Combat was my least favorite aspect of Death Stranding, so I’m not thrilled to see that Sam is still packing enough heat to take down an army of ink monsters. I look forward to not using them as often as possible; I need more room to carry my boxes, anyway. 

Trees

The phrase “If trees could talk” has never resonated more than now. I would love their commentary on what it felt like watching the U.S. deteriorate from “It’s pretty weird here” to “We don’t even know if we occupy the same plane of existence anymore, God help us.” 

Wall Pipe

Perhaps the most memorable moment of this trailer is when Higgs (who now resembles The Crow if he were a Cyberpunk 2077 character) uses his electric guitar sword thing to battle an imposing samurai who makes baby noises. You were probably too busy absorbing all of that nonsense to notice this perfectly regular wall pipe that just wants to do normal pipe things and not get involved in this foolishness.

Cooking Pan 

Given the close-up this pan gets, I’m honestly surprised it wasn’t used as a branding opportunity. Maybe some fan has already magnified the image to reveal an OD release date carved on the pan’s bottom. If not, though, the pan itself seems uninteresting; what Sam is cooking with it, though, remains in question. He’s probably sauteeing those weird floating worm things. 

That’s it. That’s all I could find. I can’t trust anything else in this game because everything is weird and probably has a baby inside of it. That desert? Likely a baby. The giant moon? It’s alive and probably has Mads Mikkelsen’s face on the other side of it (Kojima will name him something cheeky like “Majora’s Mads” or something). The floating soldiers represent every celebrity Kojima has lured into his studio’s body-scanning machine; their souls are now trapped within the strand. We have to free them. 

I don’t know what Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is. Hell, I still can’t confidently explain Death Stranding 1, and I finished it. I just know that, whatever it winds up being, I really, really want to play it.

The 10 Best LUT Packs for Premiere Pro in 2024

Look-Up Tables, or LUTs, play a pivotal role in video editing. These small but powerful resources are essential for color grading, acting as shortcuts to apply complex color transformations to video footage.

Whether you’re working on a film, YouTube video, or any digital video content, they’re crucial in achieving a consistent look and atmosphere. LUTs help set the mood and tone, significantly enhancing the storytelling aspect of your footage.

The right LUT not only saves time but also elevates the quality of your work, bringing a professional touch to your color grading process.

In this collection, we explore the best currently available LUTs for Premiere Pro (both free and premium). Explore the various options and styles we have curated for you below.

How to install LUTs in Premiere Pro

Installing LUTs in Premiere Pro is a straightforward process. By following these steps, you can quickly integrate LUTs into your editing workflow. Here’s how to do it::

  1. Open Your Project: Launch Premiere Pro and open the project you’re working on.
  2. Navigate to Lumetri Color: In the workspace, find and open the ‘Lumetri Color’ panel.
  3. Go to the Creative Tab: Inside the Lumetri Color panel, select the ‘Creative’ tab.
  4. Browse for LUTs: Look for the ‘Look’ dropdown menu, then click on ‘Browse…’ to navigate to your LUT files.
  5. Select and Apply LUT: Choose the LUT you want to use and select it. The LUT will now be applied to your footage.
  6. Adjust Intensity: If needed, adjust the intensity of the LUT using the slider in the Lumetri Color panel for the desired effect.

Remember, you can apply LUTs to individual clips or adjustment layers for more control over your project.

The Top Premiere Pro LUTs for Video Editors

When choosing the best LUTs for your Premiere Pro projects, it’s important to consider several factors. Look for LUTs that align with the style and atmosphere of your project. Compatibility with your footage is key to ensure smooth application.

1. Colorify LUTs for Premiere Pro

Colorify offers an extensive collection of 222 LUTs, suitable for a wide range of video editing needs. It has been designed to provide editors with various color grading options, catering to different moods and styles.

Whether you’re working on cinematic projects, personal vlogs, or commercial videos, this pack provides a broad spectrum of tones and shades, ensuring versatility and creativity in your color grading process.

222 Colorify LUTs for Premiere Pro

2. Asteroid City Inspired LUTs (Free)

This LUT pack has been inspired by the aesthetics of Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City. This free collection is perfect for editors looking to add a distinct sci-fi feel to their projects. The LUTs in this pack will give your footage a creative and otherworldly color grade, making them ideal for projects that require a touch of the extraordinary.

Asteroid City Inspired LUTs

3. Colorify Cinematic LUTs for Premiere Pro

This LUT collection has been created for filmmakers and video editors looking to add a cinematic quality to their footage. This pack offers a range of color grading options that enhance the visual storytelling of any video project. These LUTs will give you a professional, movie-like feel, making them suitable for various cinematic contexts.

Colorify Cinematic LUTs for Premiere Pro

4. Color Shift LUT Collection for Premiere Pro

These LUTs have been designed to bring vibrant and dramatic color shifts to your video projects. They are ideal for editors looking to experiment with stark color changes in your footage. This LUT collection allows for imaginative and striking visual effects.

Color Shift LUT Collection for Premiere Pro

5. Lumetri Looks Luts For Premiere Pro (Free)

Enhance your video projects quickly with this free collection of Premiere Pro LUTs. They allow for quick import and adjustment using the Lumetri Color panel. They’re a great resource for filmmakers looking to add a professional touch to their work without additional cost.

Lumetri Looks Luts For Premiere Pro

6. Tinted LUT Collection for Premiere Pro

These Premiere Pro LUTs will add depth and character to your videos. Each LUT offers a unique color tint, enhancing colors and tones to achieve professional-looking results. Whether working on a film, a commercial, or a personal project, this LUT collection provides the means to bring your vision to life.

Tinted LUT Collection for Premiere Pro

7. 70 LUTs from Color Grading Central (Free)

These free LUTs mimic the subtle hues seen in major Hollywood films. Created by professional colorists, this pack includes 40 colorist-inspired LUTs, 13 that mimic different film stocks, and 17 designed for converting LOG footage to REC709, providing a wide range of creative possibilities.

70 LUTs from Color Grading Central

8. Colorify Duotone LUT for Premiere Pro

The Colorify Duotone LUT pack for Premiere Pro brings the popular two-tone color effect to your videos. It features 65 color presets, each offering a unique and modern style. These effects are versatile and perfect for content like YouTube videos, music videos, TV shows, and social media. They’re great for adding a contemporary touch to your projects.

Colorify Duotone LUT for Premiere Pro

9. Vintage LUT Collection for Premiere Pro

This Premiere Pro LUT pack offers a range of subtle vintage effects, perfect for giving your videos a classic, time-honored appearance. The LUTs have been designed to replicate the color and style seen in older films, adding a touch of nostalgia to your footage. They’re perfect for filmmakers and video editors who want to add a retro feel to their work.

Vintage LUT Collection for Premiere Pro

10. Urban Life LUTs for Premiere Pro

This LUT pack is perfect for adding a bold and modern touch to your videos. The LUTs will enhance your footage with gritty textures, deep contrasts, and vivid colors, capturing the essence of city life. These LUTs are great for making your movies look contemporary and stylish, infusing them with an urban vibe.

Urban Life LUTs for Premiere Pro

Tips for Using LUTs in Premiere Pro

When using LUTs in Premiere Pro, there are several effective practices to follow:

  1. Know Your Footage: Before applying LUTs, understand the lighting conditions, color temperature, and exposure of your footage. This knowledge helps in selecting LUTs that complement the footage rather than work against it.
  2. Color Correction First: Always start with basic color correction. Adjust contrast, white balance, and exposure to create a neutral base before applying any LUT.
  3. Use Adjustment Layers for Flexibility: You gain more control by applying LUTs to adjustment layers rather than directly to the footage. This approach also allows you to affect multiple clips at once and easily toggle the effect on and off.
  4. Adjust LUT Intensity for Subtlety: LUTs can sometimes be overpowering. The opacity slider will help to reduce intensity for a more subtle and natural look.
  5. Layering LUTs for Unique Looks: Combining different LUTs can produce unique effects. However, do this sparingly to avoid overcomplicating the color grading.
  6. Keep Your LUT Collection Updated: Stay current with new styles and trends in LUTs. Regularly updating your collection can provide fresh perspectives and ideas for your projects.
  7. Regular Practice: The more you work with LUTs, the better you’ll understand their impact. Experiment with different LUTs on various types of footage to build your skills and develop your own style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What are LUTs in Premiere Pro?

    LUTs, or Look-Up Tables, are presets used in color grading to enhance video footage’s visual tone and mood.

  • Why use LUTs in video editing?

    LUTs provide a quick and efficient way to achieve professional color grading, helping to maintain consistency and enhance the overall look of a video.

  • Can LUTs be adjusted in Premiere Pro?

    Yes, LUTs can be fine-tuned in Premiere Pro to suit the specific needs of your footage.

  • Are LUTs suitable for all types of videos?

    While LUTs are versatile, choosing the ones that match your footage’s style and lighting for the best results is important.

  • Do I need professional skills to use LUTs in Premiere Pro?

    Basic knowledge of Premiere Pro is helpful, but many LUTs are user-friendly and come with instructions for beginners.

  • Can LUTs fix poorly shot footage?

    While LUTs enhance color grading, they work best on well-shot footage. They cannot fix all issues related to poor lighting or exposure.

  • Are free LUTs as good as paid ones?

    Free LUTs can be effective, but paid LUTs often offer more variety and are created by professional colorists.

  • Do LUTs affect video resolution?

    No, LUTs only alter color and do not impact the resolution of your video.

Conclusion

By understanding what LUTs are, how to install them, and the best practices for using them, you can now take your color grading to the next level.

Remember, experimentation is key. Each project is different, and finding the perfect LUT can transform your footage, enhancing its storytelling and visual impact. So, dive in, explore these LUTs, and watch as your videos take on a new life.

We have previously published color grading collections of LUTs for DaVinci Resolve and Lightroom, should you need them.

More Premiere Pro Templates & Tutorials

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Akira ransomware prevention and defense 2024

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

In March of 2023, the first Akira ransomware strain was observed in the wild. Since then, the group has compromised over 100 different organizations, targeting those in the financial, manufacturing, real-estate, healthcare and medical sectors.

Akira operates on a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model and typically deploys a double-extortion scheme. This involves exfiltrating sensitive data prior to device encryption and insisting on a ransom in exchange for withholding the data from the group’s TOR leak site.  

Most recently, Akira interrupted a U.S. emergency dispatch system, causing a nine-day operational outage. During the outage, dispatchers relied on backup systems. As of the present writing, full system restoration is still a work-in-progress.

About Akira

The group is believed to have taken its name from the 1988 cult anime film of the same name, which depicts biker gangs in a dystopian Tokyo. The Akira ransomware gang is known for use of a retro aesthetic on victims’ sites, reminiscent of the 1980’s green screen consoles.

Cyber security researchers have uncovered evidence linking the Akira group to the notorious Conti ransomware operation. In at least three separate cryptocurrency transactions, Akira criminals appear to have sent the full amount of the ransom payment to Conti-affiliated addresses.

The overlap of cryptocurrency wallets indicates that the individual controlling the address or wallet has either splintered off from the original group, or is working with two different groups simultaneously.

How Akira operates

Akira commonly breaches systems by obtaining unauthorized access to the target organization’s VPNs, as through a compromised username/password combination.

After sneaking in through an endpoint, Akira typically uses any of several methods to acquire permissions that enable lateral network movement.

These methods include orchestrating a mini-dump of the LSASS (Local Security Authority Subsystem Service) process memory, obtaining credentials stored in the Active Directory database and exploiting known vulnerabilities in backup software.

Advanced persistence mechanisms

Akira ordinarily deploys tools and techniques like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Server Message Block (SMB), impacket module wmiexec, and a service manager tool known as nssm.exe, in order to gain persistence within systems.

As is the case among many cyber criminal groups, Akira also attempts to uninstall or disable security defenses, including anti-malware and network monitoring tools.

Beyond that, the group tends to use the runas command (a Windows command-line tool that allows for the execution of scripts, apps…etc., with different user permissions from the currently logged-in user) in order to execute commands.

This, in turn, makes tracking hacker activities more difficult for defenders.

Akira and C2 mechanisms

Most ransomware attackers weaponize a command and control (C2) mechanism to execute activities. The C2 system establishes communication with and exerts control over a compromised machine or network.

The C2 server can potentially be used to manage the ransomware deployment and to initiate the encryption of data on targeted systems. For the purpose of establishing persistent remote access to multiple systems within the network, Akira seems to prefer AnyDesk.

Akira and data exfiltration

Akira uses a number of different tools when it comes to data exfiltration. These include WinRAR, WinSCP, rclone, and MEGA.

After data exfiltration, Akira demands a ransom from victims. In the event that the ransom goes unpaid, the group will leak stolen data on its TOR site, as previously mentioned.

Akira’s encryption tactic

To encrypt a given target’s data, Akira relies on a combination of AES and RSA algorithms. The group will also purge Windows Shadow Volume Copies from devices by running a PowerShell command. For victims, this massively complicates the process of independently restoring systems and recovering encrypted data.

Recommended means of preventing and defending against Akira’s ransomware

1. Address identity and access management.

Enhance access controls. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). Akira can gain initial access via unauthorized logins to VPNs through accounts that lack MFA. This seemingly simplistic safeguard can significantly limit the risk of unauthorized access.

2. Store credentials securely.

As noted earlier, Akira deploys a variety of tactics to obtain credentials. These tactics include execution of a mini-dump of the LSASS process memory, retrieving credentials stored in the Active Directory database and leveraging vulnerabilities in backup services.

To that effect, organizations need to take care when it comes to credential management. Credentials should be stored securely, and regularly updated. Backup services must also be appropriately secured.

3. Elevate your patch management protocol.

Akira commonly exploits vulnerabilities in VPN software. Thus, regular patching and updating of software can proactively prevent Akira attacks.

4. Monitor your network like a ninja.

Akira relies on built-in commands and tools to identify an environment’s systems and to learn about the status of target devices. Detect duplicitous behavior by monitoring for unusual network activity.

Your organization should also monitor for data exfiltration. Look for substantial data transfers and unusual network patterns.

5. Secure C2 channels.

Akira uses widely recognized dual-use agents, such as AnyDesk, to establish persistent remote access. Remain vigilant in regards to abnormal remote access activities and fortify Command and Control (C2) channels. This can be of tremendous assistance when it comes to thwarting potential attacks.

6. Secure remote desktop protocol.

Akira frequently employes Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), using legitimate local administrator user accounts to facilitate lateral movement. Enhancing the security of RDP and staying vigilant for atypical RDP activity can be effective in preventing lateral movement.

7. Implement endpoint protection.

Akira usually attempts to uninstall endpoint protections as a means of evading detection. Deploying robust endpoint protection measures and consistently monitoring for efforts to disable or uninstall such safeguards can also assist with attack prevention and detection.

Related resources

  • The 10 most dangerous ransomware groups right now – Read article
  • Secure your data. Explore endpoint security solutions – Learn more
  • Identity and access management solution free trial – Click here

Apex Legends Cover Story And Suicide Squad Impressions | GI Show

In this week’s episode of The Game Informer Show, former Game Informer editor Jay Guisao joins us to share exclusive details about Apex Legends Season 20: Breakout and discuss our time visiting Respawn Vancouver. Marcus and Kyle discuss the early hours of Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League; Charles breaks down his Mario Vs. Donkey Kong preview, then we round out the show discussing Persona 3 Reload. 

Watch The Podcast:

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Follow us on social media: Alex Van Aken (@itsVanAken), Jason Guisao (@Jason_Guisao), Marcus Stewart (@MarcusStewart7), Kyle Hilliard (@KyleMHilliard), Charles Harte (@Chuckduck365)

The Game Informer Show is a weekly gaming podcast covering the latest video game news, industry topics, exclusive reveals, and reviews. Join host Alex Van Aken every Thursday to chat about your favorite games – past and present – with Game Informer staff, developers, and special guests from around the industry. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

The Game Informer Show – Podcast Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro

00:06:00 – Apex Legends Cover Story

00:49:20 – Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

01:13:04 – WWE 2K24 Preview

01:35:30 – Persona 3 Reload

01:50:39 – Mario vs. Donkey Kong

01:59:23 – Housekeeping

Mario vs. Donkey Kong Preview | All Things Nintendo

This week on All Things Nintendo, Brian is joined by Game Informer‘s Charles Harte to preview Mario vs. Donkey Kong, the new Switch remake of the well-liked Game Boy Advance puzzle platformer. Before that, though, the two editors run down the latest news, and the show wraps up with an eShop Gem of the Week. 

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If you’d like to follow Brian on social media, you can do so on Instagram/Threads( @BrianPShea) or Twitter (@BrianPShea). You can also follow Charles on Twitter (@chuckduck365).

The All Things Nintendo podcast is a weekly show where we celebrate, discuss, and break down all the latest games, news, and announcements from the industry’s most recognizable name. Each week, Brian is joined by different guests to talk about what’s happening in the world of Nintendo. Along the way, they’ll share personal stories, uncover hidden gems in the eShop, and even look back on the classics we all grew up with. A new episode hits every Friday!

Be sure to subscribe to All Things Nintendo on your favorite podcast platform. The show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:11 – Universal’s Epic Universe Unveiled
00:16:08 – Dave the Diver Godzilla DLC
00:19:11 – Sonic x Shadow Generations
00:26:00 – Sonic Superstars Shadow Costume DLC
00:29:24 – Square Enix Says Final Fantasy VI Remake Unlikely
00:38:55 – Celeste 64: Fragments of the Mountain
00:43:08 – Mario vs. Donkey Kong Preview
00:57:53 – eShop Gem of the Week: Freedom Planet

If you’d like to get in touch with the All Things Nintendo podcast, you can email AllThingsNintendo@GameInformer.com, messaging Brian on Instagram (@BrianPShea), or by joining the official Game Informer Discord server. You can do that by linking your Discord account to your Twitch account and subscribing to the Game Informer Twitch channel. From there, find the All Things Nintendo channel under “Community Spaces.”

For Game Informer’s other podcast, be sure to check out The Game Informer Show with hosts Alex Van Aken, Marcus Stewart, and Kyle Hilliard, which covers the weekly happenings of the video game industry!