Why Should You Shoot During Blue Hour? No-one really talks much about “blue hour” although the pro’s often either try to replicate it with lighting or specifically assign scenes to be shot at this time. More often you will see references to “golden hour” which is…
Enter For A Chance To Win A Game Informer Gold Edition Of The Star Wars Outlaws Issue
We recently revealed the newest big cover story from Game Informer – our blowout look at Massive Entertainment’s Star Wars Outlaws. We were excited by the chance to visit the studio in Sweden to play the game and interview the team. We were especially thrilled at the gorgeous art from the game that we shared on the cover, where we see protagonists Kay Vess and Nix firmly ensconced in the scum and villainy of that fictional galaxy far, far away.
To celebrate the new cover, we’re giving away five numbered copies of this issue’s Game Informer gold edition. If you’re not in the know, our Gold issues are numbered limited editions of each issue, featuring top-quality paper and ink, thicker cover stock, and a gold foil Game Informer logo. We produce an extremely limited number of copies of each issue, which are not available for sale. A giveaway like this is one of the only ways to snag a copy.
Even better, you’ve got many chances to win. Every individual who signs up for our new print subscription program is automatically entered for one chance to win. Already signed up at subscription.gameinformer.com? Then we’ve got good news! You’re already in the running for one of these gold editions.
If you haven’t yet subscribed, there’s still time! Subscribe by Thursday, April 18, when the contest entries close, and you’ll have a shot at gold. Of course, you’ll also receive 10 standard issues of Game Informer in the mail for only $19.91, or $34.95 for 20 issues, and support our ability to continue bringing you exclusive stories every month.
We also have many fun (and one daily) entry options below, giving you many free chances to enter. Good luck to everyone!
No purchase necessary to enter or to win. A purchase does not increase your chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes open to residents of the United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico ages 13 and older. Daily entry is available until 11:59 PM CST, April 18, 2024. Winners will be drawn randomly from all entries received. You will be contacted via email after the sweepstakes close, so be sure to use an email you check frequently. Full sweepstakes rules are available below with each entry method. Good Luck!
10 Best AI Tools for Google Sheets (April 2024)
Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence has become essential for optimizing workflows and maximizing productivity. Google Sheets, along with various third-party platforms and tools, has embraced this trend by integrating AI-powered tools that improve data analysis, automation, and decision-making processes. In this blog post, we’ll explore…
Rise Of The Rōnin Creators Talk Popular Samurai Media Like Shogun, Coincidental Timing, And Cats
With Rise of the Rōnin’s release, Team Ninja has added another strong action title into its vaunted portfolio. The samurai epic, which tells a fictional story within a historical Japanese period of revolution, is one of the studio’s most ambitious titles from both game design and story perspectives. We got the opportunity to sit down with producer Yosuke Hayashi and director Fumihiko Yasuda to probe into how Rise of the Rōnin got made.
One aspect of the game that sets it apart from other Team Ninja titles is the monsters or demonic enemies that pervade its other games are nowhere to be seen in Rise of the Rōnin. Being set against a historical backdrop, Rōnin is limited just to human enemies of various fighting styles.
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“This game is based in historical 19th century Japan,” Yasuda explains, “partly because we wanted to emphasize the bond system and the bonds that the player forms with historical figures that appear in the game. And for that reason, there are no supernatural elements. We also wanted to emphasize the dynamic between two samurai dueling each other by looking at their opponent, assessing what weapons and combat style the opponent is using, and adjust accordingly.”
The bonds system Yasuda mentioned has the main character gain affinity with a number of real-life historical figures, like Ryoma Sakamoto, a hero of Japan’s Bakamatsu era in the late 1800s. Hayashi explains why that era was a good fit for their latest game thematically, as well.
“The Bakumatsu period marked the end of the age of the samurai and the beginning of Japan’s modernization. Because of this, there were many ideals and value systems that were converging on at this moment in history. As our title focused on forming bonds with characters and making choices, we felt that this dynamic provided by this historical period was a good fit for the concept of the game.”
The name Ryoma Sakamoto is likely familiar to those with knowledge of Japanese history, but also maybe to those who played 2023’s Like a Dragon: Ishin from Sega. That game also starred Ryoma Sakamoto during the same era, creating some unintentional crossover story between Team Ninja and RGG Studio’s games.
“Yeah, so the timing…there was quite a bit of overlap,” Hayashi says, laughing. “But you know, we saw that – but at the same time, we weren’t really surprised that Japanese developers would be releasing or remastering a game set in the same period as [Rise of the Rōnin]. It’s a very popular period in Japanese history.”
As Team Ninja’s first real open-world game, Rise of the Rōnin had quite a bit to prove for the developer. Hayashi and Yasuda indicated that the ambition was worth any trade-off, as they saw making an open-world game as a challenge the studio had to eventually rise to meet as a natural step. Doing all this while retaining the core of the action gameplay from its linear titles was an important obstacle for Team Ninja to surmount.
Another challenge, Yasuda said, was making sure the cat animations in the game were accurate.
“I’m also a fan of cats. I own a cat myself and there are other members within our team that own cats and we’ve spoken with other media who have enjoyed that aspect of the game. And, of course, we were very particular about the movements that you know about cats in the animations. I wouldn’t say it was too difficult, but maybe we got a little too obsessed with it,” he admitted.
In a previous generation, Team Ninja found itself struggling with how to create action games for Japanese and Western audiences. While it is fairly recent, the TV show Shogun ended up exemplifying an answer for them.
“Yeah, we are watching it,” both Hayashi and Yasuda said, with Hayashi continuing. “It’s really that the show has a lot of visuals that are very Japanese that reflects how a lot of the production involved in it was Japanese. I think there is some cultural crossover there just like I feel there was some crossover with our titles.”
And if you’re curious about what movies the pair recommend watching for your samurai fix?
“Yojimbo,” they both nodded, referring to the Akira Kurosawa classic about a Rōnin samurai being courted by two rival clans. “Rise of the Rōnin is really similar to it, actually.”
Leveraging the power of AI and cloud computing – CyberTalk
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
As cyber adversaries diversify their tactics and devise increasingly sophisticated attack methods, legacy cyber security tools may not be competent enough to block threats. As every cyber security professional knows, novel and sophisticated threats are among the most difficult to prevent or defend against.
That said, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing might just be a game-changer. Staying ahead of sophisticated threats requires new thinking, new strategies and sometimes, new tools.
In this article, explore the benefits of AI and cloud. See how these transformative technologies can strengthen cyber security, despite presenting a few small challenges. Plus, become acquainted with a comprehensive AI-powered, cloud-delivered security platform.
Artificial intelligence advantages
Previous generations of cyber security tools have relied on predefined rules to identify threats. In contrast, AI can learn and adapt. It recognizes anomalies and suspicious patterns that could easily escape human analysts. This allows for fast and more accurate threat detection, enabling security teams to respond to incidents quickly — at a pace that could actually prevent the threat from spreading or engendering further damage.
The cloud computing component
Cloud computing offers a secure and scalable platform for deploying AI-powered security solutions. On-premise infrastructure often lacks the processing power and storage capacity needed to train and run complex AI models.
The cloud, on the other hand, provides access to virtually limitless resources, allowing cyber security teams to scale security systems up or down, as needed. In addition, cloud-based AI solutions are readily available and can be deployed very efficiently, reducing the time it takes to implement strong cyber security measures.
AI and cloud computing
Within the cyber security domain, the synergy between AI and cloud computing creates a powerful force-multiplier for productivity and positive outcomes. Here’s a closer look at how AI and cloud work together:
- Data collection and aggregation: Cloud platforms enable the collection and storage of vast amounts of security data from various sources, including network traffic logs, the endpoint and users.
- AI-powered analysis: AI algorithms analyze the aforementioned data to identify threats, predict security incidents and uncover hidden patterns in attacker behavior.
- Automated response: Security teams can leverage AI for automated responses. These include isolating compromised systems, blocking suspicious traffic, and triggering remediation efforts.
Benefits of AI and cloud computing for cyber security professionals
- Reduced time to detection and response: AI can significantly reduce the time it takes to identify and respond to threats, minimizing the potential damage caused by cyber attacks.
- Improved threat hunting: Security teams can utilize AI to proactively hunt for threats within their environments, uncovering hidden vulnerabilities and advanced persistent threats (APTs).
- Enhanced security decision-making: AI provides valuable insights and recommendations, enabling security professionals to make more informed decisions when prioritizing security risks and allocating resources.
- Reduced operational costs: Cloud-based AI eliminates the need for expensive on-premise infrastructure, reducing hardware and software costs associated with traditional security solutions.
Overcoming challenges of AI and cloud computing
While AI and cloud computing offer significant advantages for cyber security, there are also a handful of challenges to remain aware of:
- Data security concerns: Security professionals need to ensure that sensitive data stored in the cloud is protected from unauthorized access. Implementing robust security controls and encryption solutions is crucial.
- Explainability of AI decisions: Understanding how AI models arrive at their conclusions is essential for building trust within security teams. Implementing explainable AI (XAI) techniques can help address this concern.
- Talent shortage: The cyber security industry already faces a skilled workforce shortage. Integrating AI into systems requires that professionals have experience in both cyber security and AI – a not-so-common combination as of yet. Organizations may need to provide training for employees to help bridge knowledge gaps.
Check Point Infinity: A powerful AI & cloud security platform
Check Point Infinity is a comprehensive cloud-delivered security platform that leverages the power of AI and advanced threat prevention technologies to secure organizations around the globe, around the clock.
Check Point Infinity’s AI-powered features, such as ThreatCloud intelligence and SandBlast Zero-Day Protection, enable security professionals to proactively block even the most sophisticated of cyber attacks.
By leveraging the power of AI and cloud computing, Check Point Infinity empowers security teams to strengthen their preventative measures and defenses, streamline security operations, and stay ahead of the most sophisticated threats.
For more insights into cyber security and AI, click here. Lastly, to receive cutting-edge cyber insights, groundbreaking research and emerging threat analyses each week, subscribe to the CyberTalk.org newsletter.
Star Wars Outlaws Cover Story And Fallout Show Review | GI Show
On this week’s episode of The Game Informer Show, the crew discusses our recent trip to Sweden for our Star Wars Outlaws cover story, Game Informer’s review of Amazon’s Fallout show, and our hands-on impressions of The Rogue: Prince of Persia, a new roguelike from Dead Cells developer Evil Empire. Before diving into listener questions, Marcus and Alex chat about two standout indies you can play now: Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom and Botany Manor.
Watch The Game Informer Show:
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Follow us on social media: Alex Van Aken (@itsVanAken), Marcus Stewart (@MarcusStewart7), Kyle Hilliard (@KyleMHilliard), Brian Shea (@BrianPShea)
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
00:03:15 – Cover Story: Star Wars Outlaws
00:38:49 – Fallout Streaming Show
00:52:50 – The Rogue Prince of Persia
01:01:35 – Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom
01:09:19 – Botany Manor
01:22:17 – Housekeeping and Listener Questions
ArtSmart Review: The Easiest & Cheapest AI Image Generator?
Artificial intelligence has touched many industries, and the art and graphic design world is no exception. With the advent of AI art generators, creating high-quality digital art has become easy, affordable, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical knowledge or artistic skills. I recently came…
Fallout 4 New-Gen Update Brings 60 FPS To PS5, Xbox Series X/S Later This Month
Fallout 4’s new-gen update hits PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S later this month, bringing with it 60 FPS, increased resolutions, stability improvements, and more. Hot on the heels of Amazon’s Fallout TV series, which premiered yesterday with all eight episodes available for viewing, the Fallout 4 new-gen update arrives on April 25.
With this update, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S players will get a new native Fallout 4 application (assuming they already own previous-gen versions of the RPG), Performance and Quality Mode settings in the game, stability improvements and fixes, 60 FPS gameplay, and increased resolutions. On previous-gen consoles, Fallout 4 players will receive a free update with stability improvements and login and quest fixes.
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If you’re a PC player, there’s a free Fallout 4 update coming to that platform as well. It will add widescreen and ultra-widescreen support to the game with fixes to Creation Kit and a variety of quest updates as well. PC versions of the game on Steam, the Microsoft Store, and GOG will receive stability, mod, and bug fixes. Plus, the game will soon be available for purchase on the Epic Game Store, and if you have a Steam Deck, Fallout 4 will be verified for it when this update goes live later this month.
Alongside the new-gen update, developer Bethesda Game Studios is releasing the following free Creation Club items:
Enclave Remnants
Enclave Remnants brings the Pre-War cabal, The Enclave, into the Fallout 4 storyline, according to a blog post. In a new quest called Echoes of the Past, players will be tasked with stopping The Enclave from spreading their ideology throughout the Commonwealth.
Alongside workshop items and the Enclave Colonel uniform, players can get the following previously released Creation Club items:
- Enclave Weapon skins
- Enclave Armor skins
- Tesla Cannon
- Hellfire Power Armor
- X-02 Power Armor
- Heavy Incinerator
Makeshift Weapon Pack
Bethesda says this weapon pack includes a variety of “unconventional objects that have been transformed into deatly weapons,” including the Baseball Launcher, Nail Gun, and Piggy Bank.
Halloween Workshop
Leftover from an ill-fated Halloween party thrown by the New England Technocrat Society, this pack includes 38 new Halloween decorations including witches, cauldrons, ghouls, pumpkins, skeletons, and more.
The Fallout 4 new-gen update hits PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on April 25.
For more, check out the teaser trailer for Amazon’s Fallout released back in December, and then read Game Informer’s review of the show here. After that, read Game Informer’s reviews of Fallout 4 and Fallout 76.
Are you jumping back into Fallout 4 with this new-gen update? Let us know in the comments below!
Botany Manor Review – In Bloom – Game Informer
I’ve never had much of a green thumb. For years, I largely believed growing a plant required little more than burying a seed in the dirt, pouring water, and letting the sun handle the heavy lifting. Botany Manor asks players to perform those crucial first steps before challenging them to deduce the additional methods necessary to make their seedlings blossom. As I explored the beautiful grounds of a mysterious manor in search of answers, clever puzzle-solving and a serene atmosphere made these scientific exploits a delight.
Botany Manor unfolds in Victorian England circa 1890, with players controlling passionate botanist Arabella Green. She returns home to a massive 16th-century manor after a lengthy absence to finish her botany book, which requires discovering the methods to grow various flowers. A colorful, inviting presentation, combined with a relaxing ambient soundtrack with sparse, playful melodies, makes this process a joy.
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Getting these exotic plants to grow, such as a flower that only blooms during lightning storms or one that requires extreme heat to sprout, involves exploring rooms to find telltale clues to success. One flower may only grow in a specific temperature based on its native location; finding this info requires reading a letter from a friend tipping off the seeds’ origin while cross-referencing a chart that lists the temperatures of various regions. Nearly everything you see matters, be it a seemingly irrelevant nursery rhyme or devices like a camera or a Morse code telegraph, and connecting the dots is an entertaining exercise of creative and critical thinking. Unlocking more sections of the manor by finding keys comes at a good pace, as you don’t linger in areas for too long but stay long enough to get an intimate sense of their layout.
Increasingly elaborate exercises – such as using seeds to lure birds, opening a hidden medieval chamber, and scaling a supposedly haunted tower to open windows to create specific air currents – make each puzzle fresh and unique. I always looked forward to seeing what activities the next plant would bring, and none of them felt like duds. Whenever I got stuck (which wasn’t often), the answer was always right in front of me. I just needed to re-frame my interpretation of the information given, which led to exciting logical and imaginative epiphanies. I excitedly exclaimed, “Oh!” when I made a breakthrough several times. The reward of watching a plant grow into a parade of lilypads or snaking vines of bioluminescent bulbs is a treat.
I like that a flower’s page displays the requisite number of clues needed to solve it, which helps keep thoughts organized since you can simultaneously chip away at multiple flowers. By slotting all of the correct pieces of evidence, the game notifies players they have everything necessary to deduce the solution, cutting down guesswork. My only gripe is that you can’t inspect these clues in the menu. If you need to reexamine something, you must return to its location. While the menu thankfully displays the location of each clue, and unlocking shortcuts helps expedite trips through the manor, there can be an inconvenient amount of running around to simply re-check the wording of a document or stare at a painting again.
Scouring documents and keepsakes also reveals an overarching story of Arabella’s struggle to obtain knowledge and recognition for her chosen field in the male-dominated academic society of the time. Without uttering a word of dialogue, Botany Manor does a good job fleshing out Arabella’s personality and persistence, adding context and stakes to everything you do. The puzzles are entertaining enough, but knowing each breakthrough helps Arabella push against that glass ceiling makes them all the sweeter.
Botany Manor is a blissful, smart, and creatively conceived puzzle adventure. It’s just challenging enough to be engaging without veering into stressful territory, and its whimsical elements add fun, fantastical touches. I don’t think it made me better at gardening, but unearthing its appeal was satisfying.
Edge 386: Inside Yi, 01’s Model Leading the Chinese LLM Movement
Yi has achieved remarkable performance across language and image tasks….