News
Dragon’s Dogma 2 Microtransaction Features Enrages Fans
In Dragon’s Dogma 2 fans have to pay for fast travel.
Capcom’s fantasy role-playing game Dragon’s Dogma 2 has launched at last to critical acclaim, but some players have reacted much harsher.
At the center of these complaints is a suite of 21 downloadable items Capcom released without warning alongside Dragon’s Dogma 2 across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Most of them are single-use in-game items enabling features like new fast-travel locations, the ability to change characters’ appearance, and combat revives.
Fans feel betrayed by Dragon’s Dogma 2
On Steam, where Dragon’s Dogma 2 was a much-hyped and wishlist title, user reviews sit at “Mostly Negative” at the time of writing.
Alongside the microtransactions, critical players cite the game’s poor performance on PC and the developer’s use of the unpopular anti-cheat and anti-piracy software Denuvo.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 used microtransactions despite being $100. (Credit: Instagram)
Capcom is often criticized for tagging many microtransactions onto largely single-player games, like the Resident Evil 4 remake or Monster Hunter Rise.
If Dragon’s Dogma 2 is drawing more criticism than usual, it could be because of the way the items on sale interact with the game’s intentionally challenging and restrictive design.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a single-player game, so players can easily ignore these microtransactions if they don’t like them. However, the problem is how these transactions fit with the game’s unique design.
The game uses the scarcity of these items to make the experience more challenging and immersive. If the items are sold, it may go against this design by suggesting that scarcity was just a sales tactic all along.
Regardless of the reasoning behind them, Dragon’s Dogma 2’s microtransactions are unlikely to tarnish its reputation for good; it’s an engrossing game that seems likely to captivate even more players than its cultish predecessor. But they’re another sign of the increasing pressure on AAA game development — and that’s probably here to stay.
Reception of Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2 has emerged from the shadows, and the critical reception has been mostly favorable despite some mixed reactions from the masses. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, this action RPG sequel has stirred curiosity among fans.
According to IGN’s Take, Dragon’s Dogma 2 feels more like a redo than a direct sequel. It builds upon the original game’s strengths without fully addressing its weaknesses.
Much like Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead 2, which was essentially a remake of his cult-classic horror-comedy, this sequel doesn’t stray too far from the blueprint that made it a beloved action RPG over the past decade.
The game’s action design is excellent, and the world, while not clearly defined, is both strong and attractive. However, it also has some of the same problems as the original version, with systems that seem precariously put together, like a well-pruned Jenga tower.
The vast dark fantasy world is dense with secrets and unbeaten paths. Many of these remain hidden unless you actively seek them out. Traveling through forests and crags is perilous, especially at night when the dangers escalate.
In summary, Dragon’s Dogma 2 celebrates patience and commitment, offering thrilling combat highs and near-constant “eureka!” moments. According to Outer Haven’s Perspective, Despite some technical hiccups, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a masterwork comeback for the popular action RPG series from Capcom.
The return to this dark fantasy world brings both danger and intrigue. While occasional performance issues exist, fans of the series will find much to love in this sequel.
Fans Perspective of Dragon’s Dogma 2
As per Kevin Purdy’s perspective, Dragon’s Dogma 2 (DD2) reminds him of playing another huge, dumb, enjoyable game: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Not the first time you play through it, though.
He is talking about the second or third run-through (or that 100-plus-hour save in which you refuse to finish the game), and your admiration of this huge, rich world gives way to utter ridiculousness.
You one-shot dragons with your broken stealth-archer build, you put buckets on the heads of NPCs to rob them, and you marvel at how the most effective fast travel is horse tilting. You lunge into possibilities, choose chaos, and appreciate all the ways you can do so.
He promised that the game would be talked about for a long time. It didn’t deviate significantly from the first Dragon’s Dogma, and it felt like a unique game with memorable moments: epic battles, funny encounters with goblins, and charming NPC companions. He also said that a new story was created every few minutes.
News
‘Ms. Marvel’ Star Matt Lintz Gets Engaged to His Girlfriend Gracie Sapp
“I can’t wait to be your wife,” Gracie wrote.
Congratulations to Matt Lintz, aka Matthew Lintz, on his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Gracie Sapp.
On Sunday, May 5, 2024, the Ms. Marvel star took to his Instagram handle to make a joint post with his now-fiancee, announcing that they had gotten engaged in an intimate ceremony with their close family members in attendance.
The newly engaged couple had shared a series of pictures, in which the first photo focused on Sapp’s beautiful diamond engagement ring. Other images from their Instagram post showed moments before and after Lintz’s engagement proposal.
Sapp added a short yet heartfelt caption, saying, “Unforgettable. This night. This man. Matthew Collins Lintz, I can’t wait to be your wife.” Additionally, the location tag revealed that their engagement took place at Botanic LLC, Opelika, Alabama.
Hours later, on the same day, Lintz took to his Instagram handle to share more memorable moments from his special day. Some pictures showed Lintz and Sapp standing alongside their family members, and some showed them walking alongside each other.
“Forever with you,” he wrote alongside a red heart emoji. Similarly, Sapp posted some images of her engagement featuring her and her future husband’s family members. One image in particular showed Sapp hugging her father, both of whom were emotional.
She wrote a lengthy caption this time, writing, “ To everyone involved in the magic that was yesterday – thank you. I gained a new family, a new favorite memory, and most importantly – a new ring (thanks @matt_lintz, you did REAL good). No I will never shut up about this.”
Matt Lintz proposing to his girlfriend Gracie Sapp (Photo: Instagram)
Following their announcement, friends and well-wishers took to the comment section to express their excitement and congratulate the couple on taking a new step in their relationship. For instance, one wrote, “Matty, a lifetime of happiness for you both.”
“I’m SO HAPPY for you both!!!!! Sooo beautiful!!! The #GoodnessOfGod,” one Instagram user commented, with one guest who attended the event adding, “Loved celebrating y’all love last night!!! Congrats to the happy couple!!”
Speaking a little of Lintz and Sapp’s relationship, The Walking Dead actor first started interacting with his future wife’s Instagram post on December 31, 2020. However, they officially began dating on December 9, 2021.
Matt Lintz and his fiancee Gracie Sapp after Gracie accepted Matt’s engagement proposal (Photo: Instagram)
Likewise, they started featuring each other on their respective social media handles on January 1, 2022. On that day, both of them posted similar pictures taken alongside each other. Since then, Lintz has featured his girlfriend multiple times.
On December 9, 2022, the couple celebrated their first dating anniversary by spending a romantic time in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. By that time, the actor had already introduced his girlfriend to his family members and had even taken her to his older sister’s wedding.
Both Lintz and Sapp had shared some snaps from that special day. Additionally, Sapp has tagged alongside her boyfriend to multiple red-carpet premieres of Marvel shows. The first was Moon Knight, and the second was Ms. Marvel, where Lintz was one of the leads.
The couple has also celebrated different occasions, including birthdays and festivals, alongside each other. Finally, on December 9, 2023, they marked their second dating anniversary, with Sapp sharing an Instagram post captioned, “730,” referring to the days in two years.
To conclude, Sapp has been an understanding and supportive partner to Lintz, and their adorable pictures prove that they are made for each other. Now, the love birds are engaged, and it might only be a matter of time before they walk down the aisle and share their wedding vows.
News
Catherine Lowe and Husband Sean Lowe Celebrate Wedding Anniversary with Romantic Trip
A delayed-yet-special anniversary celebration from the couple!
Catherine Lowe and Sean Lowe marked their 10th wedding anniversary on January 26, 2024. Now, the married couple is finally celebrating their marriage anniversary with a special romantic vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
On Thursday, May 2, 2024, Catherine – whose birth name is Catherine Giudici – took to her Instagram stories to post a picture alongside her husband. The photo showed the love birds on the plane on their way to their vacation destination. “10 years married,” she wrote.
Additionally, the reality TV star revealed some details about their luxurious vacation, saying they were staying at the five-star Esperanza resort in Mexico. On the same day, she shared more pictures from their romantic getaway.
She posted a series of pictures and videos showing off the gorgeous views, delicious food, and sweet date nights that she is soaking up with her husband of over a decade. “So far, so bueno. Our 10-year anniversary trip is off to a great start,” she captioned her post.
Some more pictures and videos of their vacation were shared by Catherine on Sunday, May 5. She captioned her Instagram post, writing, “Are we even old enough to have been married 10 years?! Doesn’t feel like it. Happy anniversary celebration, mi amor.”
After watching all the cute pictures of Sean and Catherine Lowe, one Instagram user commented, “All these birthday/anniversary celebration posts made me watch your season. Again! You both don’t look old enough to be married 10 years. Was this a surprise bday/anniv gift?”
Catherine decided to reply to the fan and answer the last question about whether the vacation was Catherine’s birthday gift — she turned 38 on April 29, 2024 — or if it was their wedding anniversary gift.
She revealed that it was their anniversary gift from her husband. She also stated that Sean had surprised her with this trip on their actual wedding anniversary and had managed everything, including asking his parents to watch their children.
Sean and Catherine Lowe on their 10th anniversary special vacation (Photo: Instagram)
She wrote, “He surprised me with this trip ON our anniversary – securing the date with his parents to watch the kids and all that.” The same Instagram user then replied, “Good man. Good man. So you knew about his surprise before your movie theatre surprise.”
The Instagram user was referring to Catherine’s marriage anniversary surprise for her husband Sean. On January 27, 2024, a day after their 10th wedding anniversary, Catherine surprised her partner by renting out the whole movie theatre for a private showing of Oppenheimer.
Like Sean managed the whole vacation in Mexico, Catherine did the same, including asking their family member to take care of their three children. Catherine later posted the whole experience, where she mentioned that Sean had been wanting to see Oppenheimer.
“I was so excited to surprise this old man,” she captioned the video shared on Instagram. To conclude, Catherine and Sean have gone to some limits to make their 10th wedding anniversary a moment to remember for a lifetime.
Speaking of Sean and Catherine’s relationship, they first met on The Bachelor season 17 and engaged during the season finale in March 2013. On January 26, 2014, they shared their wedding vows in a live TV wedding at the Four Seasons Resort Biltmore.
Since getting married, they have continued to be together, and the arrival of their children has only strengthened their relationship. Their three kids are sons Samuel Thomas Lowe (b. July 2, 2016) and Isaiah Hendrix Lowe (b. May 18, 2018) and daughter Mia Mejia Lowe (b. December 23, 2019).
News
YouTuber Quen Blackwell Announces Tragic News of Her Brother Jairyn Blackwell’s Death
Quen will be taking some time off.
Quen Blackwell, also known as Quenlin Blackwell, is taking some time off the internet to mourn the death of her beloved brother, Jairyn Blackwell.
On Thursday, May 2, 2024, the YouTube star took to her Instagram handle to share the tragic news of her brother’s death. She announced the unfortunate news via her story, keeping most of the details private.
She mentioned that her brother was killed, and she didn’t know how to tell this news to her fans and well-wishers or if she should have kept the entire news off the internet. But as she always expressed herself to her well-wishers, she decided to reveal her brother’s death.
As she continued her statement, she stated that she would be taking some time off the internet to mourn her brother’s death. Additionally, she clarified that anything that would be posted on her social media and YouTube channel had already been filmed before.
Quen wrote, “My brother got killed idk how to tell y’all this or if I should keep it off the internet, but I’ve always shared my life with you guys. So I just want to let y’all know. I’ll be off the internet for a second. Anything that’s posted is pre-filmed. Thank you for the condolences.”
Quen Blackwell announces the death of her brother Jairyn Blackwell (Photo: Instagram)
As of this writing, it has been reported her brother, Jairyn, was shot. As per Cincinnati Enquirer, who got the details from Springfield Township police, Jairyn was shot on Thursday afternoon in the 2000 block of Springdale Road.
At approximately 1:35 p.m., police officials were informed of a person shot inside their vehicle. When officials arrived at the location, they found Jairyn, a 30-year-old Lincoln Heights native, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Jairyn was immediately taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was ultimately pronounced dead. It has been reported that the Springfield Township Police Department Criminal Investigations Section is currently investigating the incident.
As of this writing, no information regarding a suspect has been released. For now, this incident has been labeled a homicide, and the authorities are reportedly working to find the culprit.
Anyone with any information has been asked to call the Springfield Township Police Department at 513-729-1300 or Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.
Returning to Quen, her well-wishers have expressed their condolences in her comment section and Reddit threads. For instance, one wrote, “Rest in peace!! Sending so much love and prayers to her and the rest of her family!!” Another wrote, “Hope he gets justice.”
Likewise, in a Reddit thread, one Redditor commented, “Wtf. I hope her and her family are able to heal from this and get justice. I didn’t even know she had any siblings. Her mental health wasn’t all too great, so I’m really wishing her the best through all this.”
As the Reddit user pointed out, Quen hadn’t talked about her now-late brother, Jairyn Blackwell. Besides, not many even knew she had a brother. So, it’s safe to say that the YouTuber wanted to maintain privacy around her family life.
As Quen and her family deal with the unfortunate passing of their family member, we must also respect their privacy and let them have a moment of peace. Glamour Buff family wishes only the best for the Blackwell family.
-
News1 week agoYouTuber Quen Blackwell Announces Tragic News of Her Brother Jairyn Blackwell’s Death
-
Exclusive1 week agoYouTuber Larray Is Allegedly Dating OnlyFans Model Vladislav Vorontsov
-
News7 days ago‘Ms. Marvel’ Star Matt Lintz Gets Engaged to His Girlfriend Gracie Sapp
-
LifeStyle1 week agoBehind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Fitness Center Cleaning Crew
-
Sports1 week agoCan England Get the Extra 5th Spot in the Coming Champions League?
-
News1 week agoCatherine Lowe and Husband Sean Lowe Celebrate Wedding Anniversary with Romantic Trip
-
LifeStyle1 week agoThe Top 10 Science-Themed Mugs Every Science Enthusiast Should Own
-
Fashion1 week agoAre You Seeking Unique Sparkle? Explore Rare Carat’s Specialty Diamond Cuts!