I’m sure there’s plenty enough of you that moved on from the first Darkest Dungeon onto the second one when that launched in 2023, but guess what! You’ll have an opportunity to revisit the original turn-based dungeon crawler next month, as developer Red Hook Studios have announced its first bit of DLC since 2020 in commemoration of the game’s 1.0 launch 10th anniversary.
**Anime Expo 2026: A Tribute to Anime and Cosplay**
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Convention Center became a lively destination for anime fans as Anime Expo (AX) welcomed more than 422,000 attendees for its yearly homage to Japanese pop culture. This colossal event, which previously hosted E3, offered 1,400 hours of content over four days, featuring a wide array of activities from discussions to merchandise stands.
AK showcased the skills of adored voice actors like Abby Trott from *Dan Da Dan* and *Demon Slayer*, Adam McArthur from *Jujutsu Kaisen*, and Brianna Knickerbocker from *Genshin Impact*. Nevertheless, the standout aspect of the event was the cosplay community, which brought to life an impressive selection of characters.
### A Showcase of Remarkable Cosplay
Among the notable highlights were astounding exhibitions of craftsmanship as cosplayers adorned themselves in outfits from various anime and video games. The showcase featured a splendid mix of characters, spotlighting not only well-known titles but also some hidden treasures.
1. **Maxtac – *Cyberpunk 2077***
2. **Starfire – *Teen Titans***
3. **Blue Archive**
4. **Chaos Zero Nightmare**
5. **Wing Zero Custom – *Gundam Wing Endless Waltz***
6. **Cinderella – *Silver Palace***
7. **Link – *Breath of the Wild***
8. **Cyberpunk Edgerunners**
9. **Griffith – *Berserk***
10. **Gundam Heavyarms Custom – *Mobile Suit Gundam Wing***
11. **Rikku**
12. **Mutated Mother Miranda – *Resident Evil 8***
13. **Project RX**
14. **Ren & Nana – *Nana***
15. **Super Saiyan Vegeta – *Dragon Ball Z***
16. **Undertaker – *Elden Ring Nightreign***
17. **Rococo Gardevoir – *Pokémon***
18. **Esquie – *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33***
### A Contemporary Cultural Movement
The vast number of participants and the excellence of the cosplay at Anime Expo illustrate the expanding impact of anime and gaming culture on mainstream entertainment. With a combination of imagination and commitment, fans convey their affection for cherished characters through intricate costumes. This year’s event not only honored the prominence of anime but also promoted a sense of community among enthusiasts.
As Anime Expo continues to expand, it stands as a reflection of the dynamic culture surrounding anime, cosplay, and the unified passion of fans globally. With 2026 setting a high standard, the excitement for next year’s gathering is already rising, promising even more spectacular cosplay and entertainment.
Look at the nice fellow in the featured image of this article. Look into his eyes. Look at the slightly awkward grin plastered across his face at the moment in a YouTube video on his channel that I’ve chosen to pause and take a screenshot. This is a man who wants you to feel “a sense of agony”. To be frustrated and perplexed as to which outcome to choose. This is a man who knows you can’t feed the world with a set of laser eyeballs. This is Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, who recently made some points about RPG building that are worth dissecting in light of his reported new gig as head of Obsidian’s upcoming Fallout game.
# The Avengers: Doomsday Trailer and Speculations
The recently unveiled trailer for *Avengers: Doomsday* has ignited excitement within the Marvel community, sparking an array of theories and speculation. While the footage merely provides a sneak peek into the storyline of the upcoming colossal crossover film, fans are eagerly delving into their creativity to piece together the clues. From potential character developments to the significant enigma of absent heroes, let’s delve into the most notable theories that have surfaced from the two-and-a-half-minute sneak preview.
## The Heroes Will Lose
One prevalent theory posits that Doctor Doom is fated to achieve victory at the conclusion of *Doomsday*. The return of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man in the forthcoming *Secret Wars* film lends some support to this notion. In the *Secret Wars* comic series, Doctor Doom reshapes the multiverse into a singular entity known as Battleworld, suggesting that the stakes in *Doomsday* may hinge on his initial triumph in the film. The unavailability of specific heroes in *Doomsday* might correlate with their pivotal roles in the *Secret Wars* narrative, explaining their absence amidst the impending danger.
## Where Are So Many of the Missing Heroes?
Although the *Doomsday* trailer showcases numerous heroes rallying to confront Doctor Doom, several central characters are notably missing. Many fans theorize that figures such as Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, and Doctor Strange might be reserved for *Secret Wars*, where their participation would be more crucial. Potential reasons for their absence range from concentrating on their individual stories to being involved in distinct cosmic or multiversal threats. For instance, Doctor Strange’s recent escapades in *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* could suggest he is entangled in other mystical issues, leaving him out of the urgent confrontation.
## Characters Yet to be Announced
The trend of Marvel keeping character appearances under wraps until the last minute generates speculation regarding potential cameos in *Doomsday*. Following the unexpected appearances of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield in *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, fans hypothesize that there could be concealed characters in *Doomsday* yet to be revealed. Given the film’s extensive runtime, some believe that the trailer might only showcase the initial segment of a much grander narrative, setting the stage for unforeseen surprises when the film debuts.
## Edited Out Scenes
Echoing the rampant speculation prior to *No Way Home*, fans have observed that the *Doomsday* trailer includes segments that seem suspiciously lacking in character presence. Shots featuring Thor during crucial moments imply that certain characters might have been digitally excised from scenes. Since trailers often undergo careful editing, it raises questions about potentially concealed characters who could enrich the narrative and add depth to the challenges faced by the Avengers.
## An Alternate Steve Rogers?
A significant point of discourse centers on the character of Captain America. While promotional material prominently displays Chris Evans’ return, some fans speculate that the Steve Rogers depicted in the trailer might actually be a multiverse variant—specifically, Captain Hydra. This alternate version of Captain America aligns with Doctor Doom. The ability of both variations to wield Thor’s hammer bolsters this theory, as does Thor’s unusual reaction upon meeting Captain America, prompting counterclaims that this could instead be a ruse employed by Loki or Doctor Doom.
## The Loki Connection
Another theory draws a connection between Loki and Steve Rogers, suggesting that Loki may visit an older iteration of Rogers to forewarn him about an impending multiversal disaster. This speculation is strengthened by Loki’s role in managing timelines, as observed in his own Disney+ series. If such a connection is integrated into *Doomsday*, it could weave narrative threads from prior films, enhancing the storyline.
## Doctor Doom’s Unique Power
A striking visual from the trailer highlights Doctor Doom effortlessly deflecting Thor’s stormbreaker. Observers have pointed out the Latverian Sorcery Runes on his gauntlet, indicating that Doom’s power comes more from magic than brute strength. Unlike earlier antagonists who were reliant on artifacts like the Infinity Stones, Doom’s ability as a formidable foe resides in his formidable sorcery, positioning him as a distinct threat within the MCU landscape.
*Avengers: Doomsday* is slated to hit theaters on December 18, and with these theories circulating within the Marvel community, excitement continues to escalate. Only time will reveal which, if any, of these speculations are accurate as audiences brace for another spectacular journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
### Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 Film *Ghost in the Shell*: A Cultural Milestone and Its Departure from the Manga
Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film *Ghost in the Shell* is celebrated as one of the most impactful anime films ever created, shaping a generation of filmmakers that features prominent figures such as the Wachowskis, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron. It has received praise for its complexity and artistic value but is also recognized for its departure from Masamune Shirow’s original 1989 manga. This divergence from the source material has ignited significant debate and humor among fans, especially as new adaptations are released.
### The Divergence Between Film and Manga
Numerous fans of *Ghost in the Shell* who were first introduced to the 1995 film have recognized its divergence from Shirow’s manga. Following adaptations, like *Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex* and *Ghost in the Shell: Arise*, preserved certain elements of the original while differing in character interpretation and thematic focus. This lack of adherence has fostered a recurring joke within the fandom; for example, newcomers to the manga frequently encounter the shocking revelations of its more daring content. Scenes depicting explicit sexual scenarios sharply contrast with the film’s serious and philosophical tone.
### Science Saru’s 2026 Adaptation: A Fresh Approach
The July 7, 2026 release of *The Ghost in the Shell* from Science Saru marks a notable shift from earlier adaptations. With a vibrant, quirky, and whimsical tone, this iteration has elicited mixed responses from fans only acquainted with the 1995 film. As anime fandom expands on platforms such as Reddit and X, many viewers who are anime-only have voiced confusion and discontent regarding the more light-hearted approach of Science Saru’s adaptation, claiming it “destroys” the serious tone established in earlier versions.
### Grasping the Manga-True Adaptation
In spite of criticisms, Science Saru’s adaptation has been acclaimed as the first to genuinely reflect Masamune Shirow’s original manga. Critics who deem the new series as an affront to Major Motoko Kusanagi’s character and the narrative’s complexity often disregard the rich and diverse nature of Shirow’s work. Manga enthusiasts have started to contest these critiques, highlighting a misunderstanding rooted in past adaptations that misrepresented characters and themes introduced in the original manga.
### A Cycle of Adaptation and Misperception
The lack of fidelity in previous adaptations contributes to the bewilderment surrounding Science Saru’s version. The depiction of Major Kusanagi in Oshii’s film, portrayed as a stoic, detached persona, has established a standard for how later shows have represented her, frequently neglecting the manga’s broader spectrum of emotions and themes. Influenced by these prior interpretations, audiences may instinctively reject a new depiction that strays from the established duality of dark realism.
The 2017 live-action film featuring Scarlett Johansson exemplifies this cycle—often criticized for failing to capture the essence of the manga or its earlier anime adaptations, it instead reflects Oshii’s gloomier vision.
### A Connection Between Eras
Director Moko-chan of the 2026 adaptation insists that embracing the essence of Shirow’s manga was a central motivation behind their creative decisions. Instead of duplicating narrative points or aesthetics from previous adaptations, the goal was to encapsulate the distinctive character and humor of the original work. This refreshing perspective invites viewers to recognize the unique differences among the adaptations throughout generations, promoting exploration rather than outright rejection.
In summary, while views on the latest adaptation of *Ghost in the Shell* remain divided, there’s a significant reminder of the legacy of Shirow’s original work. As the conversation persists, both manga aficionados and anime fans have opportunities for further exploration and appreciation of the diverse influences of *Ghost in the Shell* across various formats and interpretations.
Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown, who’s currently working on open-world racer Clutch after departing Microsoft-owned Playground Games in 2023, has offered his perspective on Xbox’s current layoff-heavy pivot in direction. Despite the Xbox Game Pass push of former Xbox boss Phil Spencer and co being blamed by new boss Asha Sharma as she’s ditched studios and given devs their walking papers, Brown still believes Game Pass was a “good” concept, if clearly not one successful enough to avoid this outcome.
**Title: Microsoft Surface Laptop 2026: A Letdown in Performance with Limited RAM**
The recent launch of the 2026 model in Microsoft’s Surface Laptop series has faced backlash for its unsatisfactory performance, especially concerning the base model featuring only 8GB of RAM. A review by *The Verge* from Antonio G. Di Benedetto emphasizes multiple performance challenges that affect the device, with these issues being credited to a mix of Windows 11’s optimization flaws and RAM limitations tied to Microsoft’s investments in AI data centers.
Retailing for $950, the Surface Laptop 2026 presents only slight updates compared to its predecessor, which was priced at $900 and included 16GB of RAM as standard. The choice to lower the RAM aimed to offer a cost-effective choice within Microsoft’s range. However, this decision has led to an inferior experience for users.
Di Benedetto’s observations indicate that multitasking on the 8GB version proves to be challenging. He noted that during a Microsoft Teams call while trying to operate several applications—like 10 Chrome tabs, Slack, and Signal—the laptop often encountered noticeable lag. Occasions where the device stalled for several seconds on tasks that should be straightforward were frequent, affecting both productivity and usability.
The limitations of RAM are especially troubling since a considerable portion is utilized just to run Windows 11. At startup with few applications, the Task Manager revealed that around 4.2GB of RAM was in use, highlighting the limited availability for extra tasks. This situation severely hinders the laptop’s ability to manage daily operations seamlessly, including running applications such as Google Docs without encountering freezing problems.
The issue is worsened by the current RAM market, which is experiencing strain due to rising demands from data centers, many of which are supported by Microsoft’s substantial investments—totaling hundreds of billions of dollars. These investments encompass not only the construction of AI data centers but also collaborations with companies like OpenAI, resulting in a constrained supply of RAM for consumer electronics.
From a broader viewpoint, the criticism goes beyond the hardware specifications. Di Benedetto noted that Microsoft’s recent job cuts in its Xbox division and its strategies to reduce costs have raised concerns regarding the company’s dedication to providing quality products. The decrease in RAM, coupled with related performance troubles, has left consumers feeling exasperated, perceiving themselves as receiving a less capable device at a higher price compared to earlier models.
In summary, the Surface Laptop 2026 featuring 8GB of RAM seems to be a disappointing option for those in search of a dependable and efficient device. As demands for multitasking and fundamental operations escalate, the decision to downgrade RAM raises serious questions about the laptop’s suitability for daily use, leaving numerous consumers wondering if this is genuinely the best that Microsoft can deliver.
“Wreckreation wasn’t actually an attempt to recreate Burnout,” former Criterion Games studio head Fiona Sperry says as she and her team reveal their latest arcade racer, Wreckreation 2. “I think some people thought it was. But it was actually an exploration of freedom and creativity in racing games, and that was really a continuation of unfinished work at the end of [Burnout] Paradise and also the game we were making before we left EA. It was really about asking the question, ‘What if we gave players an enormous amount of freedom?'”
**Nintendo vs. Customers: Understanding the Tariff Refund Lawsuit**
In April 2023, a collective of Nintendo customers launched a class action lawsuit against the gaming corporation, asserting that they are entitled to refunds after the company increased hardware prices due to tariffs enacted during the Trump era. The lawsuit, initiated by Gregory Hoffert and Prashant Sharan, contends that since Nintendo was able to reclaim the tariff payments from the U.S. government, they should also reimburse customers who overpaid for items, including the Nintendo Switch and its accessories.
The plaintiffs’ legal representatives argue that Nintendo essentially gained financially from the tariffs by charging customers inflated rates. They maintain that since the Supreme Court has ruled these tariffs as illegal, customers who experienced these price hikes should not only receive compensation but are also entitled to the difference between the amounts they paid and what should have been charged without the tariffs.
In reply, Nintendo has submitted a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming that customers are not legally owed a rebate due to adjustments in tariff regulations. The company indicated that its pricing was based on a variety of market factors, and consumers agreed to those prices upon purchase. They emphasized that customers received precisely what they paid for, which encompassed the games and consoles at the agreed-upon rates.
Nintendo further asserts that while it did increase prices, this was not exclusively a result of tariff hikes. The company refers to a mix of issues impacting pricing, such as global memory shortages and escalating shipping expenses, which also played a role in the decision to alter prices for their products.
The filing reveals that the main argument of the lawsuit centers on fairness, implying that it is unfair for Nintendo to not adjust prices retroactively once tariff litigation has reached a conclusion. However, the company counters this by claiming that it is customary for prices in commercial transactions to remain unchanged once a sale is finalized, regardless of later market fluctuations or legal decisions.
As this legal dispute continues, it raises important questions regarding consumer rights and corporate pricing practices. The notion of companies being obligated to issue retroactive rebates following legal or regulatory shifts is relatively unexplored, prompting analysts to contemplate the wider consequences for the retail and technology industries.
In conclusion, as Nintendo aims to have the lawsuit dismissed, the outcome is still uncertain. The intricacies of the case underscore vital discussions at the intersection of consumer protection and business practices, and the ultimate ruling could influence perceptions of corporate responsibility within the gaming sector.
The Raijin boss must be summoned with Divine Sparks.
The post How to Awaken Electricity in Haze Seas [Raijin Form] appeared first on Gamezebo.
