#hitman immersion

[owllooker]

I think Tumblr will appreciate this idea kek

Grian CuTeGuY but he is one of Arcobaleno from Katekyo Hitman Reborn! His lil bird transforms into his weapon as well

[fogaminghub]

🌟 Attention, Hitman fans! 🌟 Mark your calendars for March 27, 2025, when Hitman World of Assassination drops on PS VR2! With features like dual-wielding, active reloading, and the incredible new positional interactions, you're in for a breathtaking adventure as Agent 47. 🤖✨ Learn more about all the exciting updates in our latest blog post!

[solar-serpent]

🌈Based on your talents, what business should you launch?💰🪙

Hello! I hope everyone is doing great. I'm going through a phase where I started wondering if I wanted to go back to work for an employer, or even if it was worthy after I've acknowledged all my potential and the fact no one would ever pay for the real price of my work. Aquarium era is hitting me harder, and I bet you too are feeling this call to reach financial freedom. We deserve it.

I want to contribute with your awakening.

Please take a deep breath, focus on what's in front of you and pick the picture you feel more attracted to.

Pile I → Pile II

Pile III → Pile IV

🌱Pile I🌱

OMG, pile 1, you are so kind and empathetic that people want to open up to you and ask for your opinion/advice on topics such as recent breakups, petty fights with mom, best friend betrayal drama and so. Even though that's not the main purpose for them going into your store/business. If you weren't an entrepreneur, you could've been an excellent therapist since your serene demeanor and polite speech would make others believe they are speaking to a good friend. You show you care for what you are being told by providing meaningful replies, and I could swear people go crazy over your attentive gaze. Some of you are natural, others are really good actors (no one is to be judged here). Your patience and warm personality real or not sells, people could purchase anything from your business if you are the one assisting, which can be a boomer if you are aiming for leaving someone else in charge and doing the counts behind the scenes, knowing you are one of the best sellers.

You could own a coffee store given how good you are at building spaces where people will gather and feel safe. Not only that, you can create beautiful settings that will make others immerse in a new world like the tea room from a dollhouse or within a Monet painting. You will succeed at making them distance themselves from real world's problems, thus they could be more open to speak about something that feels so far away. To be honest, I don't think everyone that chose this pile would identify with this business idea. For some serving, cooking and simping chai latte over the daily gossips feels like a waste of their potential. You guys are right, another part of group which's artsy in nature is more aligned with fashion, beauty, and textiles. But I swear you all have the potential to manifest large amounts of money in one sale. I didn't have to crack my head open thinking about what type of business could allow that as designing is your strong suit. You are a master when it comes to making colors, fabrics. and whatnot march. A small part of this group loves sweets and how food can make others happy, therefore you could settle down for having a bakery and specializing on wedding cakes. However, some of you are contemplating the idea of running a drift or wedding dress store. For the ones willing to work with the brides, I assure your business will do well. You have the patience of a Greek hero going against the gods' will, so I see you nailing sales that took plenty of your time and energy.

I hope this reading was to your liking♡. I'm offering paid readings about this topic here. You can find more free content on my blog.

🌱Pile 2🌱

I didn't know "giving a fuck" was a talent until I drew your cards, dear pile 2. You are strong people, you don't care if others start hating you for doing your job. Like 5% of the people who picked this pile dreamed with being a hitman and go ahead guys, you'll do great. Now, a large percent of you have questionable morals, allowing you to work in fields where you can turn corrupted and earn wealth as a politician, lawyer, or even a doctor. I know those are career choices, but the real business for you is owning agencies, institutes, clinics, and funeral homes. I am not even making the latter up. Some of you won't care about the taboo-ish nature of your work. You approach business with level-headedness and practicality, thus if it pays wells as any other job related to humans needs... dealing with the deads is easier than their family but you will still do the job or you will hire someone to do it eventually. Curiously, you are great at making people feel better. You aren't that talkative, but you know how to make others laugh with your silly jokes, pulling weird faces, providing them with food or water and much needed space.

Some of you are radicals and into activism. You have plenty of pent-up anger and aggressiveness inside of you that you will directed at facing opposing forces. You might start a charitable cause and talk people into volunteering. Yeah, I know it won't give you money or not so much, but hear me out! You could own an institute for people with special needs or another for learning languages. There's a high chance you might end up working with foreigners, what gave you that business idea when you thought on how to help them improve their lifestyle. Some of you could be interested in farming or owning a supermarket. You would feel inclined to hire immigrants regardless of the consequences. Actually, what are consequences to you? You don't fucking care. You see people suffering, you help them. There's no other logic in your brain.

I hope this reading was to your liking♡. I'm offering paid readings about this topic here. You can find more free content on my blog.

🌱Pile 3🌱

Ok, guys, I love how unbothered you are when it comes to your line of work and what people have to say about it. Unlike pile 2, you are not interested in top positions that might lead to corruption, dirty money and living a very intense life. You are the complete opposite, you are humble and like to contribute to the community. You have a great intuition and observation skills, so upon checking your town or the place you want to install your business in, you will know what spot in the market needs to be filled right away. You can also tell what the community's needs are; you are not afraid of getting your hands dirty, so you could feel inclined to run a fish or convenience store. I feel like you want to belong, so not only your business won't cover a necessity, but also will turn into something traditional, even "iconic" for your neighbourhood. Is a music store still a thing? I feel like a small part of this group longs to have one.

You have all what it takes to manifest a long-lasting business. You are highly talented at nurturing and you might see your business like a "baby". It's not just your money source, but something to care about and fight for. Some of you might be interested in running an esoteric shop, where people is going to get their cards read or purchase herbs, incienses, candles, and so on. Mostly, this pile wants to have an unique business or for it to be the sole provider of something. E.g, you might own the only bookstore with coffee services at town. Also, I believe some of you will settle for moving out to a town or the countryside and start a business over there.

I hope this reading was to your liking♡. I'm offering paid readings about this topic here. You can find more free content on my blog.

🌱Pile 4🌱

Hello, guys! This pile is slightly different from the rest since I feel like going straight to the point and sparing unnecessary details, but I might annoy you as I'm not leaving nothing unsaid. You are known for being busy and most times you seem to be in a hurry. You are always working on something, even in high school your friends knew you were too invested on your studies and earning money than hanging out with people your age. You probably like technology and travelling, so you could own a business like a travel agency (in your country or another), transport or event planning company. In all honesty, you might end up running all three of them. The term "workaholic" does not make justice to what you are, but I will call you a genius. You were born to steal the spotlight by your innovative style at the moment of giving birth to your ideas into the real world. You can mix all your interests together and create a new business that will leave people gawking, like an app who allows users to match with vacation spots instead of people or something like that?

Some of you will rather work with tourists, renting cars, boats, and properties so their basic needs are covered. I don't know how many of you are sporty but you are adamant about turning one of your interests/hobbies in your business. You might run your own indoor rock climbing centre. If you were to ask me for specifications on what's your talent, I would say you are a natural when it comes to businesses and you hold such control over your emotions. You put your sole focus on work, nothing can distract you from achieving your goals. Not even your family, so I can see you making up to your dear ones with expensive gifts or generous check after you missed an important family event again.

I hope this reading was to your liking♡. I'm offering paid readings about this topic here. You can find more free content on my blog.

[mykaelaaa]

lesson learned

✰ lee teaches you how to handle a weapon but you kept getting distracted

✰warnings: guns, crimes, suggestive

✰words: 2.2k

"we have the entire forest around us and live in the woods. who's even gonna catch us?"

it was just simple banter back and forth. except today it seemed a bit more unfair, mostly for you.

it sparked after you read an article about a break-in near your neighborhood.

"listen to this one," you announced the seventh reading session in the past five minutes to lee, not certain if she was genuinely immersed or lost track by the time you finished with the first story.

"a woman suffered life threatening injuries around late night hours while her husband was out of town. they stole cash and jewelry and left without a trace," you quickly passed through the story, turning head in disapproval.

"great, hope FBI has spare guns for the love of your life," you added jokingly, hoping she just might consider it an option.

with closed news tab and a slight bitter feeling left by the nearby crime, you run your eyes over to your unbothered girlfriend. post afternoon nap fashion on display. lazily done ponytail, chapped lips and one of your old hoodies.

she probably thinks she can just teleport from her office to the cabin if you're in danger only if she thinks really hard about it. so it doesn't concern her much.

and that's how it began. neither of you letting it slide easily.

how do you argue with an intelligence officer who holds the highest scores in top-secret exams out of the whole squad for years in a row? and the worst part is she wasn't even bragging, it was a walk in the park for her.

"no."

"lee, think about it-"

"-no, i won't do that. it's not safe and you might get hurt." lee led the conversation flowing with logic and as much as you wanted to exploit the girlfriend privilege and have her drop the attitude or else she can start planning her week on the couch, there are not many ways for you to win this argument.

your begging attempts didn't work for some unknown reason. you just wanted her to show you how to defend yourself, just in case you get caught up in a bad situation.

and who can be a better mentor than lee harker herself?

she bears the patience, the charm, the looks, the wit. all except one thing, she's stubborn loser that cares too much for you.

you were assured it would be no fuss because, in most cases, she lets you get away with many things and not much convincing. it usually starts with a fake, heavy sigh that tries to disguise the fact you already won her over the second you said "can we" followed by "fine, we can do that i guess".

the win-loss ratio goes heavily in your favor.

"i mean, lee, imagine this," you said, putting your phone down to be taken more seriously. "you, real deal FBI agent working overnight on top secret case and me, your average local barista home alone?"

"you're not average," lee stated convincingly, now her eyes locking with yours to further prove it.

modest chuckle left you but you can't falter. not now.

"what if something happens? the headlines being "officers cabin raided; partner had no idea how to defend herself". kind of embarrassing, right?"

she shrugged not fully convinced, again absorbed in the detective game on her phone you made her addicted to.

"not really. many people don't know how to defend themselves nowadays."

she both missed and had a point.

as you took the last sip of the coffee and softly slammed down the mug knowing it will make her look up from her phone, you said "well that settles it then."

and maybe if you add a touch of dramatic scenario, she'd get it.

"if someone hires a hitman, reason being me having super-important-intel-full girlfriend then i won't know how to defend myself and die."

which is partially your fault for wanting to know every single detail about the cases she is working on.

she frowned, putting her phone aside. disappointment clear by the look on her face at the terrible scenario you just made up.

"what? no. what? don't say that."

"it is kind of true, though." you got up carrying your mug to the kitchen. the look you shot over the shoulder made her sigh.

jackpot.

you caught lee looking around the house, chewing on her lip. hands fidgeting in the pocket of her hoodie. eyes searching for nothing in particular but her mind was.

her gaze lingered a bit longer at the fluffy, ruffled blanket near the fireplace she got from you with "FBI Agent Off Duty" sewn into it. even if it sounded incredibly corny she would take a bullet for it, quite literally.

chair screeched against the wooden floor and lee beelined towards her office without a word.

sound of drawers opening and closing slipped through the walls for a minute up until it got suspiciously quiet.

right when you were about to check if she needed helping hand, you stopped to find her figure leaning against the doorway.

jacket on and holster attached to her hip hanging loosely as she held two heavy winter jackets in each hand, presenting them to you. it was hardly that cold outside but she went that extra mile.

"which one do you want?" it's not much of a hassle choosing between her FBI jacket and yours, a bland one on discount.

your answer was fairly delayed because it took some strength to look away from all that officer look going on that often gets you going. her in strictly business outfits are reserved for the work-cramped mornings and nights, not on free days like this one.

"i-i'll take the one that wasn't on discount three years ago." it made her snicker like she saw that answer coming.

you reached to take the jacket first but she stopped you, "turn around first."

"what for?"

lee didn't care to explain why but instead turned you around swiftly by the hips and kept her hands there. her front against your back as she bent her knees slightly to adjust to your height. hair tickling you and cheek brushing against yours.

she can be sly if she wants to.

out of thin air, she pulled out another holster to wrap it around your waist. you concentrated on the way her fingers adjusted it, easy like breathing. speaking of it, lee's face was terribly close to yours. with just a little push forward you would have kissed the corner of her lips.

but you opted to tease her instead, squinting your eyes in suspicion.

"is this how you help interns too?"

that earned you a quick side glance and a pair of raised brows, sort of shocked you'd ask that. do you think she's all that immoral when away from home? does she need to prove it to you?

she turned you around again with more force, face to face with you. her bangs tickled your forehead and you swallowed nervously. looking down at her final maneuvers at strapping you in safely.

veiny hands that buckled the belt with precision, a blend of her unique feminine yet masculine perfume, the heat rising between you.

"i don't do interns."

"you don't do interns?"

lee either ignored you or didn't hear you. she raised her head but still kept gaze lowered, satisfied with her handiwork.

"here," she grabbed her thrown FBI jacket from the couch.

"so what do you do then? baristas?"

"you said you wanted me to show you how to handle a gun."

"i did. you know i'm just kidding lee." you pulled her closer by the hand while snatching the jacket with the other. high quality material hugged your body perfectly. plus points for smelling like her.

it's not often lee sees you in her clothes like this. she would be lying if she said it didn't make her feel warm inside. and whatever else love brings.

"shall we?"

✧ ✧

it resembled professional training, except you were surrounded by the comfort of your home.

and lee was far from just any typical instructor.

she was adamant about teaching you the basics and her dominant side was slipping through the cracks. you didn't mind, not one bit.

after scanning the forest carefully and picking a tree that will serve as the target, lee ordered you where to stand and what to do.

something about your girlfriend bossing you around did a toll on you.

"see where my fingers are? that's the good way to hold it," lee explained, using herself as a reliable example. she kept unnecessary long eye contact with you that made you feel small.

"did you get it?" she questioned with a steady tone.

you nodded too quickly, "yes, yes. i can do it on my own."

that was a lie.

perhaps this wasn't the best idea, and you should rather take classes with someone who doesn't have the same hands that make you see stars almost every night.

and thank god she doesn't do interns.

at first, you battled with the weight of it. lee moved quietly behind you, watching you struggle to recall the correct position. you felt her hands traveling all the way to yours and softly wrapping around them. they were warm to touch, a harsh contrast to the outside breeze and cold metal of the gun.

she guided your fingers to where they were supposed to rest. a shiver passed right through you and you knew who to blame.

"ease off on the grip for me."

you breathed out harshly, unaware you've been keeping it in this whole time. lee didn't notice, sound was muffled by the leaves rustling.

but she did everything else. your hands were trembling under her hold and you held your breath for too long. she didn't understand why. she owned endless patience, especially when it came to you.

she wasn't the most skilled when it came to comforting but at least there was a lot of effort present.

"it's okay, i'm here," her words brushed past your ear, causing you to nearly drop the gun. she can crack a decades old cold case but not comprehend the effect she has on you.

"i didn't know how to use it either but i learned eventually," lee added.

all you did was nod and she wasn't satisfied with that reaction.

"look at me," sounded more authoritative than she wanted it to be. but you didn't dare to turn your face in her direction or else you might end up kissing her. or something worse. and you knew it would come full circle to bite you back.

with inhuman manner and precision, she snatched the gun from your weak grip, simultaneously letting the other land on your cheek, making you face her.

"are you cold?"

"of course not, i got your jacket on," you stated as matter of a fact.

"what is it then?"

"what are you talking about?" you laughed maybe too wildly trying to avoid her gaze.

lee dealt with many liars and you got something similar going on.

"you're distracted," lee stated, not leaving any room for your excuses. it was a plain observation and a correct one.

what a genius. you rolled your eyes, suddenly finding a tree branch interesting to stare at, deciding you can't keep this facade up any longer.

"it's you lee. you're a distraction."

"me?" just a tad of hurt in her voice apparent. probably thinking she wasn't good enough of a teacher. if only you could swap places with her right now instead of explaining yourself.

"yes. you," your hands sneaked up to cup her face, dragging against a rough material and for a second you leaned in forward. you lured her in so effortlessly. she mirrored your movements, eager breaths meeting in the middle but you backed away. not allowing her to kiss you.

you chuckled meanly, playing with your lips she kept staring at like she was about to snap. you left the kiss hung in the air and lee was ready to chase it.

"i don't really care about the lesson right now to be honest."

"i figured," lee barely finished the sentence before she pulled you in. both lips cold and soft. it was simple yet such a complex mix of everything.

her shoulders slumped at ease right as and you deepened the kiss further. her hands gripping your sides. hunger was spilling out from both bodies and eventually someone had to bite the bullet and move it inside the house.

neither was down let go, too breathless from a brief makeout. much bigger shame for a trained officer with good endurance who got all her air knocked out by her girlfriend.

"i thought you'd take it more seriously, you know," you teased, smile spreading across your lips.

"i did. this is a reward for not shooting me," she shot back matching your grin. "and i'll have to keep that jacket under a lock."

"yeah? i recommend doing the same for guns," you flashed the stolen one in front of her eyes before making a run for the house.

lee gave you some time to enjoy your fun and find a hiding spot. preferably somewhere close to the bedroom before she's had enough of her lessons being ignored.

so you'll have to learn a few. it's weekend after all.

[aeondeug]

it is honestly all i need to confirm i must buy it

...a year or two later after patches, official and un, have been made.

Starfield reviews are so funny they're like "this is a Bethesda game in space--buy it immediately".

[callingallbaddies]

Adoration

You stood in the center of the wrestling ring, the spotlight shining down on you as you took your place at the announcer's table. The crowd roared with anticipation, their excitement filling the air. Little did you know, Bret "The Hitman" Hart had his eyes fixed on you.

As you introduced the upcoming match, your voice filled the arena, capturing the attention of the audience. Your passionate and knowledgeable commentary captivated the crowd, showcasing your deep understanding and love for the sport. You brought a unique energy to the event that drew people in.

Midway through your introductions, you caught a glimpse of Bret. His piercing eyes met yours, and in that moment, time seemed to stand still. There was something about the way he looked at you, a mix of admiration and intrigue, that made your heart skip a beat.

Bret couldn't help but be enchanted by your presence. He was mesmerized by the way you passionately described the backgrounds of the wrestlers and highlighted their strengths and weaknesses with such enthusiasm. Your voice, filled with excitement and authenticity, drew him in closer.

As the match began, you continued to provide insightful commentary, immersing the audience in the action taking place in the ring. Every word you spoke seemed to add an extra layer of intensity and emotion to the match. Bret found himself hanging onto your every word, completely engrossed in your storytelling.

Throughout the night, Bret stole glances in your direction whenever he had the chance. The way you leaned forward, fully invested in the match, made his heart swell with admiration. He was captivated by your dedication and passion, seeing in you a kindred spirit who shared his love for the art of wrestling.

As the event came to a close, Bret found himself unable to forget the moments shared between you. Your voice, your energy, and your passion had left an indelible mark on his memory. In that ring, under the spotlights, you had captivated not just the audience but also Bret "The Hitman" Hart himself.

[endofradio]

MEET THE OC: ANDREW HAIN

“walls have ears. doors have eyes. trees have voices. beasts tell lies. beware the rain. beware the snow. beware the man you think you know.”

ABIGAIL OC • INTJ • HE/HIM • 36 Y/O • 5’10” • FC: HUGH DANCY

Andrew was always a bit of a mysterious person, carrying a troubled past with him. He was born an only child in a particularly shitty neighborhood in New York, with two alcoholic drug addicts for parents. Growing up, he would always witness them fighting, and as he got older, Andrew had to sort of be his own parent.

After graduating high school (which he excelled at academically), Andrew decided that he wanted to work in law enforcement, perhaps influenced by his tough upbringing. He went to college to obtain a degree in criminal justice, and then went ahead to enroll in a police academy. When he joined the ranks of the NYPD, Andrew quickly earned the respect of his colleagues for his high intelligence. Thanks to his stoic, monotonous demeanor, he was perceived as an intimidating figure, but… he was actually a good person.

Well, until he befriended Adam Barrett.

The two of them got to know each other while working as vice detectives, with Adam being what Andrew would consider his only friend. It was the same for Adam — Andrew was his only friend, at least the only person that Adam considered a friend. One could say that Andrew wasn’t the same person after becoming friends with him.

When Andrew and Adam started getting to know each other, Andrew took notice of the fact that he was definitely more of a morally ambiguous kind of person. When the two of them were working with each other during investigations, Andrew found his behavior intriguing. When dealing with criminals, Adam seemed to be fascinated by them just like Andrew, but in a… darker sense. When the pair were working undercover, Adam didn’t hesitate to dabble in a little criminal behavior himself. Eventually, it got to the point where he’d offer to let criminals go if they gave him a little something in return. It seemed like each day, Adam’s behavior grew increasingly questionable, and his morals became more corrupt. The more time the two spent dealing with criminals, the more Adam realized that he found lawfulness boring. He started to grow unsatisfied with working as a detective, finding himself sympathizing more with the people he was supposed to be arresting.

Understandably, Andrew became concerned. He had decided to join law enforcement with the intention of protecting people, not whatever the hell Adam had going on in his mind. It became more and more apparent that he was only in it for the power, not keeping the streets of New York clean.

When Adam wasn’t working as a detective, he was a part-time criminal himself, something that Andrew didn’t find out until the two of them were given the task to investigate Lazar. Now that he had Andrew as a friend, Adam saw the opportunity to try and persuade him to switch sides. He was a smart man, able to see right through Andrew. In a sense, he knew the man better than Andrew knew himself.

Investigating Lazar seemed to open some kind of metaphorical Pandora’s box, and Andrew wasn’t the same after that. The both of them became associated with him somehow, and it seemed to complicate their friendship. He took an interest in Adam’s interactions with a new inmate — Sylvia Halford. Sylvia had been on Lazar’s radar due to her history with a particular associate of his, Charlie, and it seemed that Adam was getting a little too friendly with her. Whatever was going on, Andrew took note of it. Even after Sylvia left the jail, Adam would talk to him about her in a rather “fond” way, and it had Andrew wondering…

Not long later, the pair abandoned their lives as detectives in New York, moving to Massachusetts and deciding to fully immerse themselves in the criminal world. Andrew in particular became involved with drugs and violence, ending up as a hitman. One night, he decided to snitch on Adam to Lazar about his little “crush” on Sylvia, and after that… well, Andrew and Adam quit being friends. Andrew didn’t want anything to do with him anymore, and it seemed the same for Adam. The times they did see each other, it was, well… awkward. Perhaps Adam just got tired of Andrew.

Fast forward to a while later, and Andrew had decided to try and start his life all over. He didn’t want anything to do with Lazar’s criminal underworld anymore, but it was clear that his former life had left its mark on him. Now, he was lonely, drinking and doing drugs… just like his parents. Little did he know that Adam — now Frank — and Sylvia had ended up in a kidnapping mission, and it turned out that Sylvia had been dragged into it not only because of her connection to Lazar, but also Frank. Andrew’s words had come back to bite him in the ass… and that was how he and Frank crossed paths again.

Upon returning to his apartment after the whole mess to nurse Sylvia back to health, Frank called Andrew on the phone, clearly pissed off. He didn’t care that Frank was angry at him. In fact, he had been expecting it. A few days later, Andrew encountered Sylvia while she was hanging out at a park. After learning that she had been staying with Frank for the past few days, Andrew had an idea. Perhaps he and Frank could try and make amends, maybe even become friends again. And so, at Andrew’s request, Sylvia brought him back to Frank’s apartment. Surprisingly, Frank didn’t seem to be enraged with Andrew anymore. The two of them ended up reconnecting, which would prove to be a very bad idea.

And so, it was back to old times, the two of them returning to being the fucked-up duo that they had once been.

[mynewscafes-blog]

Eddie Redmayne Faces the Chase in ‘The Day of the Jackal’ Trailer

The latest buzz in the cinematic world revolves around Eddie Redmayne and his thrilling role in the upcoming film adaptation of The Day of the Jackal. As the first trailer for The Day of the Jackal hits the internet, fans of the classic 1973 film and Frederick Forsyth’s novel are eagerly anticipating a gripping retelling of this iconic story.

In this blog, we will dive deep into what makes The Day of the Jackal such an enduring piece of thriller fiction, explore Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of the mysterious hitman, and examine why this upcoming film is generating so much excitement. We’ll also focus on the nuances of The Day of the Jackal, the film’s historical context, and why this latest adaptation is particularly relevant to today’s audience. Let’s get started.

What Is ‘The Day of the Jackal’?

First things first: The Day of the Jackal is a suspenseful political thriller that revolves around an assassination plot targeting French President Charles de Gaulle. The story, written by Frederick Forsyth and published in 1971, is set in the 1960s and follows the meticulous planning of an anonymous contract killer known only as "The Jackal."

The original 1973 movie, directed by Fred Zinnemann, became an instant classic due to its high-stakes tension, brilliant direction, and exceptional performances. Now, more than 50 years later, we are being treated to a new rendition that promises to be just as compelling.

Eddie Redmayne Takes Center Stage

Eddie Redmayne, known for his versatility and talent in films like The Theory of Everything and Fantastic Beasts, steps into the shoes of one of the most iconic anti-heroes in literary history: The Jackal. Eddie Redmayne’s ability to portray complex, multi-layered characters makes him an excellent fit for the role, and fans are already buzzing with anticipation after the release of the first trailer.

The Jackal: A Man of Mystery

The Jackal is not your typical villain. He’s calculated, meticulous, and operates with cold precision. What makes this character so terrifying is his complete detachment and professionalism. He is a chameleon, capable of disappearing into any crowd, and this ability to blend into his surroundings makes him one of the most dangerous assassins ever portrayed on screen.

In the trailer, Eddie Redmayne captures the essence of this elusive character, showcasing a chilling performance that promises to do justice to Forsyth’s original vision. Redmayne’s intense focus and quiet menace are already being lauded, and it’s clear that he has immersed himself in the role.

What Sets ‘The Day of the Jackal’ Apart from Other Thrillers?

The Day of the Jackal stands out as one of the best political thrillers for several reasons. First and foremost, the narrative structure is unique: rather than a traditional cat-and-mouse chase, it follows both the assassin and the law enforcement officers attempting to thwart him. This dual perspective creates a gripping tension throughout the story.

Moreover, The Day of the Jackal is not just about action. It delves into the inner workings of political intrigue, strategy, and personal motivation. The novel’s intricate plot has been praised for its attention to detail and Forsyth’s real-world research, which gives it a sense of authenticity that many thrillers lack.

The Political Context

Set against the backdrop of a volatile political landscape in France during the 1960s, The Day of the Jackal taps into the fears of an era marred by civil unrest and political violence. The plot centers on the OAS (Organisation de l'armée secrète), a far-right paramilitary group determined to kill President Charles de Gaulle due to his decision to grant independence to Algeria. Forsyth’s novel was ahead of its time in presenting a nuanced portrayal of political extremism, the consequences of colonialism, and the fragile nature of democratic institutions.

This historical context is one of the key reasons the novel and its adaptations resonate so strongly, even today. The political tensions of the 1960s, with their echoes in contemporary society, make this story feel as relevant as ever. Themes of political conspiracy, extremism, and the threat of assassination have not lost their potency in the modern era.

What to Expect from the New Adaptation

Updated for Modern Audiences

While the core narrative of The Day of the Jackal remains intact, this new adaptation is likely to feature some updates to reflect modern sensibilities and concerns. Director Brian Kirk, known for his work on Game of Thrones and Luther, brings a unique vision to the film, promising a fresh take on the classic material.

The trailer hints at a sleek, fast-paced thriller, with cutting-edge cinematography and tension-filled action sequences. The film is expected to blend the meticulous procedural elements of the original with the visceral excitement that modern audiences crave.

Eddie Redmayne’s Transformation into The Jackal

One of the most intriguing aspects of this adaptation is Eddie Redmayne’s transformation into The Jackal. Redmayne is known for his meticulous approach to acting, often immersing himself deeply into his characters. For this role, he has reportedly studied real-life assassins, the psychology of hitmen, and the intricacies of stealth operations to embody the character fully.

His portrayal in the trailer shows a level of calm detachment that is both eerie and fascinating. The Jackal is a man with no allegiances, no clear backstory, and no emotional connections, and Redmayne’s interpretation of this enigmatic character promises to be one of the film’s highlights.

What Makes ‘The Day of the Jackal’ Relevant Today?

While The Day of the Jackal is firmly rooted in the political climate of the 1960s, its themes of political instability, assassination, and covert operations remain highly relevant. In today’s world, where political leaders face threats from extremist groups and tensions between nations are escalating, the story’s underlying message feels more urgent than ever.

Additionally, the rise of political thrillers and espionage dramas in recent years, such as Bodyguard, Homeland, and Jack Ryan, has created a strong appetite for films that delve into the dark world of political conspiracies. This latest adaptation of The Day of the Jackal is perfectly timed to tap into that demand, offering a modern take on a timeless story.

The Cinematic Legacy of ‘The Day of the Jackal’

The original 1973 film adaptation of The Day of the Jackal is widely regarded as a classic of the thriller genre. Directed by Fred Zinnemann, the film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its meticulous pacing, strong performances, and intense atmosphere.

One of the reasons the film has endured is its attention to detail. The original movie stayed true to Forsyth’s novel, replicating the novel’s sense of authenticity and real-world stakes. It also avoided the common Hollywood trap of over-the-top action scenes, instead opting for a more measured, suspense-driven approach. This commitment to realism helped establish The Day of the Jackal as a seminal work in the political thriller genre.

Why You Should Watch Eddie Redmayne’s ‘The Day of the Jackal’

If you’re a fan of political thrillers or suspenseful dramas, The Day of the Jackal is a must-watch. Eddie Redmayne’s performance alone is reason enough to check out the film, but the story’s rich historical context and gripping narrative make it even more compelling.

Moreover, this latest adaptation offers an opportunity for new audiences to discover the brilliance of Forsyth’s novel. The combination of a top-tier cast, a talented director, and a story that remains as relevant today as it was 50 years ago ensures that this film will be a standout in 2024.

Final Thoughts

As The Day of the Jackal returns to the big screen, Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of The Jackal is set to bring a fresh and thrilling dimension to an already iconic character. With its gripping storyline, political intrigue, and modernized retelling, the film promises to be a cinematic event that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the novel or discovering The Day of the Jackal for the first time, this new adaptation is shaping up to be a must-see film. Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare for a suspense-filled journey into the world of political intrigue and assassination.

[ravelqueen]

Update on Kill Blue - it continues to be EXCELLENT and I'm so sad it doesn't seem to be gaining traction with readers bc it's a really well constructed action show that interrogates the macho front its protagonist put up his whole life in such a cool and fun way I'M IN LOVE??

Like in the recent arc he runs across a magical girl show and clearly in his Previous Life he'd just scoffed at it, but he remembers his daughter loved it so he gives it a shot and

I mean clearly this is supposed to be funny but it also says something that because what Juzo is doing right now doesn't really "count" in a way that he just can do stuff like that, just let himself truly get immersed, to enjoy things on the face of it not what it looks like

We see this through the whole show: clearly the way Juzo grew up meant that he wasn't allowed to just do/ enjoy things for himself and just copied the things that were expected from him as a "cool manly hitman"

But in this second life, this weird in between space he gets to just be, to enjoy things because they are enjoyable no matter what gender expectations are attached to it and you can tell it's already made him a)a better person b) so much happier

THERE IS SO MUCH HERE ABOUT HOW UNLEARNING HURTFUL MASCULINE STEREOTYPE IS SO GOOD FOR MEN AND I'M GOING TO CRY WHEN IT'S INEVITABLY CANCELLED

[snapghoul]

Collateral (2004) analysis

Rated: R Director: Micheal Mann Genre: thriller

Sooo, Snaps just watched Collateral for the first time and the film degree hat is coming back on for this one kids. Buckle up because like this movie this is gonna be a roller coaster.

Spoilers below

Summery: The film centers on Max Durocher (Foxx), a Los Angeles cab driver who accepts a lucrative fare from Vincent (Cruise). What starts as a simple job quickly spirals into a nightmare as Max realizes Vincent is a hitman on a deadly contract killing spree, taking him hostage and forcing him to drive through the night.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Let’s start with the standout: Tom Cruise as the villain.

Vincent is one of the best-written antagonists I’ve seen in years. He has ruthless moments that remind us he’s not a good man, yet he also shares meaningful, deep dialogues with Max that leave viewers questioning his motives. Cruise skillfully portrays Vincent's complexity, shifting seamlessly between innocence, intelligence, and a menacing aura reminiscent of a horror movie. I’ve never been scared of Tom Cruise, ever. That being said. Vincent scared the fuck outta me at the end and I love that, he’s such a well written menacing character.

Initially, Vincent comes across as a cold-blooded killer, but as the night unfolds, we see layers to his character—he has emotions, and his job isn't the only driving force behind his actions. In a pivotal moment, he saves Max, pausing for a split second in contemplation that hints at his internal struggle. However, that moment of humanity is quickly overshadowed by his relentless pursuit of Max and Annie, transforming him into a terrifying force.

As the film shifts from realism to horror, Vincent becomes a bloodhound, expertly tracking them down with nightmarish precision, he’s bleeding and rabid, he suddenly knows exactly where they went. His demise is strikingly surreal; he simply tilts his head and dies, as if he’s run out of battery—there’s no dramatic exit, not even a glimpse of life leaving him, just an eerie stillness that enhances the dreamlike quality of the ending narrative.

And the iconic line, “Yo homie! That my briefcase?”—top tier writing of humor and menace that captures his character brilliantly.

Cinematography:

This film is absolutely stunning. The noise, angles, blur, lighting, and locations come together to create a visual feast. The combination of digital and film gives it a gritty realism, while the handheld shots immerse you in the characters' world. If I could eat this film I would.

The angles within the tight confines of the taxi are expertly utilized, revealing the complex dynamic between Max and Vincent. One of my favorite moments is the scene with the coyotes, where both characters are framed on the same side of the car, allowing us to see their reactions in tandem. Vincent’s brief moment of unfocused surroundings adds an extra layer of depth.

The sound design is equally impressive, grounding the film in reality until the final act. The gunshots are strikingly authentic, tailored to their environments—Vincent’s shots echo ominously in the alley, while the silencer’s sound is muted in the jazz club. As they should realistically.

The coyotes:

Though probably not scripted, the coyotes in this scene carry significant symbolic weight. Traditionally seen as tricksters, they embody deeper themes within the film. The two coyotes represent contrasting perspectives.

For Max, they highlight his feelings of isolation and alienation in the modern urban landscape. Surrounded by a vibrant, bustling city, he feels utterly alone and unmoored, lacking friends and avoiding risks.

For Vincent, the coyotes symbolize the predatory nature of life in a metropolitan environment. He represents the hunter, actively shaping his destiny and manipulating circumstances to his advantage. This juxtaposition suggests that while humans have constructed and dominated Los Angeles, the presence of the coyotes serves as a reminder that nature and fate cannot be entirely controlled or dismissed. Their appearance is a bold statement that the forces outside of human influence will always persist.

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Snaps overall score: 10/10

This film is a gritty, beautifully crafted story set over the course of one intense night. It's a relentless ride that keeps you on edge, with pacing and character dynamics that disorient the viewer. The thriller elements sneak up on you and you don’t notice it until it’s quite literally in your face. I highly recommend this film if you are able to watch it.

[mariacallous]

Shirley Temple may have liked animal crackers in her soup, but if she were Jewish, I’d bet shekels to sufganiyot that she would have preferred shkedei marak.

Also calledmandlach or mandlen in Yiddish, shkedei marak (which means ‘soup almonds’ in Hebrew) is the broad term for croutons of diverse forms that are used as an accompaniment or garnish for soups and stews. However, because of their exterior resemblance to nuts, they are affectionately and most popularly known as “soup nuts.” 

Like “grape nuts,” “soup nuts” do not contain legumes. Soup nuts are thought to have originated in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine as a workaround of sorts to enjoy some (unleavened) starch with your soup during Passover. Their savory, crunchy mouthfeel eventually led them to be a staple accoutrement year-round, and prominent Jewish food manufacturers began adding them permanently to their product lines. Although for decades the Osem brand had the corner on the market with regards to mass-produced soup nuts, other companies, such as Vita and Knorr now offer competing varieties. Today, you can even get your soup nuts fix on Amazon, with the added bonus of reading pithy reviews, such as: “kind of like Jewish oyster crackers, but kosher.”

While soup nuts traditionally are formed to look like petite nuts, they have appeared as rings, stars and fish (take that, goy Goldfish!). 

If you love shkedei marak, but don’t favor store-bought versions, DIY soup nuts require minimal culinary prowess. The most basic recipes call for eggs, matzah meal (or wheat flour) and vegetable shortening or oil. Once you have assembled the dough, simply roll it by hand into small balls and bake on a parchment-lined sheet on high heat until the surface of the spheres is a cozy chocolate brown. You can also deep-fry your dough balls to produce a terrific circumferential crisp that stays crunchy even when fully immersed in broth. Season with salt and pepper, though for additional dimensions of botanical flavor, I suggest dried garlic or rosemary. 

Soup nuts are considered a comfort food in the collective Jewish culinary consciousness, and are often nostalgically referenced in popular media. For example, in Jermon Charyn’s crime novel, “Elsinore,” former hitman Sidney Holden bonds with Brian Calendar over his enjoyment of “soup with special little nuts.”

Soup nuts (as the name implies) are intended to be scattered over soup, and due to their versatile pareve status, can be liberally sprinkled over dairy, as well as meat-based broths. Manischewitz, however, encourages its customers to branch out with regards to deploying soup nuts, and sprinkle over salads and even desserts (their packaging includes a recipe for mandlen strawberry trifle). And while soup nuts are ostensibly a side-note to soup, their toothsome flavor and addictive texture has led them to evolve to the status of stand-alone snack. In other words, it is totes kosher to chow down on shkedei marak in and of themselves — no spoon required. 

[aeoki]

Candy House - Electric Utopia: Chapter 11

Characters: Sora, Natsume & Tsumugi Season: Autumn

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ< Ten or so minutes later. Cyberworld “Candy House” Central Hub. >

Natsume: ⸻

(I sEE. This is amaziNG.)

(The scenery changed the moment I blinkED. We moved from our reality to “Candy HouSE” – to this strange worLD.)

(So this is what the new “SSVRS” that was made specifically for “Candy House” can dO.)

(In reality, wearing contact lenses and accessing the cyberworld that way feels much more comfortable than using the headsET.)

(It feels as though I’ve obtained a brand new pair of eyes in order to catch a glimpse at a strange world that shouldn’t exist in the first plaCE.)

(It feels much more immersiVE. But if we’re just viewing another virtual reality, then it’s no different than any of the other “SSVRS” experiencES.)

Tsumugi?: Master~...♪

Natsume: ………!?

Tsumugi?: Wow! It’s so cool! Not only does the scenery change, but you can actually touch the things here! You can even smell it!

It’s like we’re actually touching, Master~! Huuuuug ♪

Natsume: …What do you think you’re doiNG? Don’t casually hug mE – Do you have a death wish, you perveRT?

Tsumugi?: Ugh! Don’t strangle me! Sure, we don’t feel as much stress here compared to reality, but it still hurts!

Natsume: WeLL, since the game is going to be sold to the general public, they can’t make it so that the players actually feel pain when they’re huRT…

Or the players will die when they die in the gaME.

This virtual reality, “Candy House”, is a utopia that doesn’t have those undesirable real life factoRS.

Tsumugi?: P–Please don’t explain all that as you’re strangling me! It’s getting hard to breathe, but Sora will be sad if he gets killed by Master~

This actually feels pretty real?

Natsume: That manner of speakiNG… Is that you, SoRA? You look exactly like that Phantom MopheAD.

Tsumugi?: Yes! Sora did his best to make Sora’s avatar look just like Senpai! Tadaa~☆

Natsume: Don’t give me thAT. It’s revolting seeing Senpai move so cuteLY. It gives me the sudden urge to kiLL.

If the actual Senpai acted like that, then I’ll hire a hitman and remove him from this EarTH.

Tsumugi?: Uuu, but Sora worked so hard on this avatar~ Master~ doesn’t like it~?

Natsume: Why would you make your avatar look like Senpai, anywAY?

You can apparently look however you want in “Candy HouSE”.

So why did you choose to look like SenpAI? You didn’t think I was good enough for yOU? Do you prefer Senpai over me, SoRA?

Tsumugi?: U–Um? Sora just wanted to? Sora figured that he might understand Senpai more if he looked like him~?

Sora wants to learn more about Senpai!

Sora wants to learn more about Master~ too! After all, we’re all going to be working together in the same unit forever from now on! Heheh ♪

Natsume: UgH, don’t say such adorable thinGS! I want to hug you but your appearance is infuriating and it’s confusing my braIN!

Mophead: Um…

Natsume: …..!? Now whAT?

Mophead: Oh, it’s me. Me, you know? I can’t see myself but for some reason, I don’t think I’m human right now.

Natsume: I’m not going to be able to know if you just say “mE”. I don’t know any evil spirits or monsteRS. I suppose I do know someone who calls themself a vampire, thouGH?

WaIT. Oh, rigHT. Come to think of it, I think I set it so that you look like some sort of hairy monstER.

I think I also set your name to “MopheAD”.

Mophead: Why would you bully me like that…?

Well, it’s not like I hate it. In fact, it makes me happy to see you’re doing all these things for me!

Natsume: Shut uP. Anyway, you arrived late because you had to register an account and everythiNG.

But where’s Stheno-sAN? She said she would take us arouND.

Mophead: Huh? She’s not here? That’s weird~

Ah, I’ve heard that only the soul gets transported into the virtual world and since Stheno-san is a robot, maybe she couldn’t make it?

Natsume: She’s a real person so that wouldn’t make senSE.

Even robots should be able to freely walk around in this world if they make an accouNT…

???: “Welcome.”

“I’ve been waiting for you, ‘Switch’.”

Natsume: …SoRA?

Tsumugi?: Yes? Sora is here?

Natsume: Oh right, Sora looks like Senpai right nOW.

Then who’s that SoRA? Is that Stheno-sAN?

???: “I used a barrier to keep that ‘Witch’ out. I didn’t want any interruptions, you see.”

Natsume: A barriER…?

???: “Hehe. I spoke in a poetic manner to match your style. She was just denied access to ‘Candy House’ and couldn’t log in.”

“I don’t know how long I can keep that ‘Witch’ out, so I’ll tell you everything I can – as quickly as I can.”

“No. Before that, I should introduce myself.”

Euryale: “My name is Euryale.”

Tsumugi?: Euryale…? Wait, Ecchan!?

Euryale: “Yup, that’s me. We finally meet, Sora-kun.”

“This is our first time properly meeting each other, so I don’t want to act all friendly in order to ask you a favour, but…”

“Please, help me.”

“I’ve been trapped in this ‘Candy House’ since I was little.”

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂  Next Chapter →

[drbased]

Do you play video games? If so have a fav? If not, opinion on them?

The game that was absolutely made for me is Hitman. It's such a perfect game for me in terms of gameplay and sense of humour - and the environments are so detailed and gorgeous. My introduction to the game was when I got hitman 2 on steam a couple years ago, and played the miami level on a massive TV screen and was blown away by the immersion of it all. It's still my favourite map in the whole game. And yes, I have managed to kill every npc on that map.

[shnebrght]

Favorite Scent (Flufftober Drabble, KHR)

Fandom: Katekyo Hitman Reborn Ship: 27K (Sawada Tsunayoshi x Sasagawa Kyoko) Word Count: 1,023 Prompt: Favorite Scent Event Host: @flufftober

-- Her focus left her the moment the scent came to her consciousness.

Momentarily stopping by the perfume, a warm smile rose to her features as she got caught up, reminiscing. "Tsu-kun," she started, "Do you remember when we got this?"

Several tryouts, many failed attempts and dozens of scoldings from his tutor drilled into him the proper way of putting on a suit. The Tenth had been occupied with his own preparation, clumsily but surely dressing himself for the occasion as the lady grabbed his attention - alarming the young man briefly before he heaved out a laughing sigh. "Ahh, that…" She looked like she was elated to remember.

"What brought this up?"

… …

The boy must have pinched himself about nine times so far. How couldn't he? Reality just didn't align with his self-perception. After all, here he was, walking side by side with the girl of his dreams!

"Ahh! Tsuna-kun, look!" The girl excitedly alerted, unconsciously picking her pace up towards the stand; "They're giving out samples! Let's try some!" Clearly, one of them was far more immersed in the immediate moment than the other.

To see her so happy, excitedly checking stores out like an enthusiastic child, Tsuna couldn't help but mentally tear up. "Yes, l-let's!" A thought crossed his mind. Kyoko-chan was already looking supefyingly good in her chosen attire for this date, but for her to enjoy herself this much was just precious.

…If only they were truly alone.

In this large mall, it was easy for Tsuna to single Kyoko out from the crowd, going as far as the extremely bold hand-holding attempt, shying away every time before their hands actually touched. Daring as he was today, he could even single the girl out from the numerous people in the crowd with them. What he couldn't ignore, was Lambo and I-Pin, chaotically running by them and right under their legs in their unconcerned game of tag.

Why did Mom think it was a good idea to have them join, today of all days!?

The stand was placed right outside a relatively unpacked cosmetics store; an obvious move to promote sales, even going as far as spraying some perfumes to the air in-front, drawing in a few potential customers - Kyoko among them.

"Tsuna-kun, which one do you like?" The girl asked, bending slightly forward towards the stand as she tucked a loose hair strand behind her right ear, with the boy in tow and quick to reply with a silly smile. "I don't know…"

How can he know? His favorite scent was her shampoo, which she just flared in his face with that simple hair movement. But saying that would be too embarrassing! In the spur of the moment, he mindlessly moved a hand towards one of the pinkish-colored samples; "T-This one, I guess…"

-- "Oh! Really??" Her reaction was too gleeful for a simple choice. Was that a hit?? "I really like this one too!" It was!!

Spraying some of the sample on her left wrist, she quickly took the boy's hand in as well-- "Here, Tsuna-kun, you try it too." Everything was so fast. Kyoko had her sneakily quick pace about her when she was excited, that much he learned when she went on her Appreciation Days. But to so casually grab his own hand? When he was struggling with that all morning!? -- Solid blush rose to the boy's face as soon as his hand was grasped, and with an awkward whiff to his wrist, he looked away; embarrassment and happiness oozing out of every corner on his face.

"O-Oh… It's… It's good, Kyoko-chan…"

Ever the air-head, caught up in her own stride -- it took Kyoko a short moment to realize why Tsuna reacted so timidly at the act; only acknowledging she grabbed his hand in her's after he reacted. Heat rising to her own cheeks, reddening her face all the way to her ears as right away, her mood shifted. Showcasing her own embarrassment, the girl looked down, her frame appearing smaller as she enclosed her body language unconsciously; hands held together at her skirt level.

"S-Sorry!…" She apologized - "I got a little, t-too excited…" Kyoko was an honest girl. Straight-forward and unassuming, and it reflected both in her values and manner of speech. In fact, she may have made conscious effort to make that a point. "It's just, strawberry vanilla isn't very common… But it happens that I really like this scent too…"

Damn it. Tsuna's thoughts failed to process anything more than how cute this girl was. Damn it!

In their awkward embarrassment, the clerk failed to draw their attention. They were there for sampling, weren't they…? Fortunately (or unfortunately) for the worker, the two toddlers having away their time just so happened to crash into the makeshift table, causing a ruckus as they always did - alarming both Kyoko and Tsuna far too late, as they knocked the entire stand over, spilling the contents of the samples all over themselves.

"Ahh! Lambo, I-Pin!!" "You kids…."

If there was anyone to count on to break the moment, it was those two. Snapped out of their mutual embarrassment, Tsuna and Kyoko gave each other some well-warranted, awkward laughter. "I'd feel bad getting nothing after that…" Tsuna admitted.

"I know, right…?" Seems like they were on the same page. "--Excuse me!" A single bottle of the perfume was promptly purchased as a result…

… …

"…We still have the original bottle?" Tsuna humorously asked, remembering that time.

"A lot's happened. Now it's just Tsu-kun and me," Kyoko laughed to herself, coming closer to her beloved.

For Kyoko, it was a keepsake more than anything. Vanilla-strawberry wasn't a popular scent for a perfume, especially nowadays. It was associated with childishness, desires of a young girl yet fully fledged. But at the same time, it was special for her. A small reminder of a certain date with a certain man she loved. Of course, she only wore it for very, very specific occasions. Its tendency waning over time.

And yet,

"You think we should get a new one on the way?" She asked.

He couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah. Let's stop before dinner!"

[e3khatena]

What're your top 4 favourite games of all time?

I actually pretty recently went through my Top 25 on Twitter but that's mostly a contextless image with no words to it, so I do wanna spend a little more time to highlight my four favorite games (1024 words):

4. Earthbound (SNES, 1995)

Earthbound is a truly superb JRPG, with a kitsch and a camp to it that feels simultaneously cheesily-dated and timeless to boot, with a charisma and world that's ripe for exploration, from a guy who is a master craftsman of compelling stories. This is by far my favorite game to actually play in the SNES' library.

3. Hypnospace Outlaw (PC/XBO/PS4/Switch, 2019)

Back-to-back 90s-flavored games with phenomenal storytelling, Hypnospace Outlaw is a game about playing the moderator of an alternate timeline's niche corner of the Internet. Users on Hypnospace create webpages with their mind so they can hang out and be productive while asleep, and the characters are deeply nuanced with tons of personal details and secrets in tow. It's fun to be an enforcer and track down cases, but it's just as fun to go down the rabbit hole and follow links, and your curious nature is handily rewarded with shortcuts, hacks to be a better enforcer, fun Angelfire/Geocities webpages with MIDIs or ripped MP3s for backing music, and an utterly stellar story of corporate mismanagement, cover-ups, and an attempt to pin this universe's Y2k bug on an innocent kid that makes up the game's final act, a retrospective as you work to archive Hypnospace for modern audiences and tie up any loose ends. Jay Tholen's world is eclectic, surreal, and so oppressively 90s that you *will* listen to their fake Linkin Park on its own long after you play this.

2. Hot Dogs, Horseshoes, & Hand Grenades (PCVR, 2016-)

Rust LTD's range simulator/physics sandbox stands out as one of the defining games in PCVR spaces. Being the brainchild of developer Anton Hand and having been in incredibly active development for eight years, H3VR's dedication to the craft of firearm simulation is matched with a quirky, lighthearted sense of humor that extends into the enemies; sosigs bleed mustard* and say cheesy one-liners or compliment the player before exploding into meat, and Anton's strict adherence to not including real-world human enemies or gore extends to the lore explanation of the seemingly endless number of enemies being a giant meat grinder and casing stuffer that brings units to life. This has pissed off *tons* of fans of other VR FPSes, but I've been long enamored with Anton's realization that what people want from gore (satisfying particles and deformation, cathartic violence) can be done super cheaply and in an approachable manner for all-ages while still maintaining a very strong network of AI pathing and handling systems.

Even if you aren't fighting the enemies, the game's core simulations are still fun to engage with, with lovingly rendered guns that let you see their specific oddities, effectively digitally preserving over 500 firearms, both real and fictional (including a handful of pop cultural pieces like the guns from Robocop, Blade Runner, and Team Fortress 2 in an official collab with Valve) and their inner workings while giving you an expansive sandbox for building scenarios, be they IPSC-style accuracy trials or a simple bed of targets to plink at. Anton still updates this game weekly, working on things like night vision goggles/scopes, thermal cameras, and a Hitman-inspired ImSim mode. Despite this, Anton still does not see the game as a 1.0 finished build, and has plans to continue updating the game for a long while to come.

Cruelty Squad (PC, 2021)

There is no other game like Cruelty Squad, man. Its roots lie in underground artist Ville Kallio, a Finnish creator of the strange, surreal, and visceral. So much of Kallio's art centered around video games and they way they depict and discuss violence, and he took his work to its logical conclusion with an Immersive Sim unlike any other. The visuals are garish, the music is shoddy, the maps are nonsensical with a bizarre fetishization of ad-soaked dystopia, and does a great job of putting you into the headspace of the depressed former Death Squad member Empty Fuck, who finds himself becoming a gig economy worker settling petty corporate disputes for his former boss with the aid of a slew of lethal, stupid weaponry.

For your trouble, you're paid out a pittance, so most of your income has to come from side hustles. Gibbing enemies lets you harvest their organs, which is fantastic for you as modern medicine has made death a thing of the past, stitching cadavers back to life and saddling them with medical debt. If you're not fishing or playing the incredibly volatile stock market that experiences a short squeeze that reaches MOASS levels, you're organ harvesting, which also nets you an opportunity to steal a fallen foe's weapons after you scoop up his liver and kidneys, as you can only get new guns by carrying them out with you on a successful hit. The game takes you to cultist lairs, cushy offices with armed guards, a bombed out nightclub in Helsinki created in the aftermath of a chemical weapons attack to blockbust the district, and straight up to Cruelty Squad HQ to confront the balance of life and death in the world.

Cruelty Squad is truly so beautiful in its unabashed ugliness. The NPCs complain about their life and financial woes while their bosses gamble the extracted value of their labor on buying new yachts, advertisements for the game's brands are everywhere, and though the wealthy bourgeois are free to flaunt their wealth and perversion, the common prole finds themselves in a constant loop of being caught in the crossfire of mass shootings and waking up an instant later with discharge paperwork and a hospital bill. Kallio has made a truly chaotic, bitter, visceral world mirroring our own frustrations with the modern technology and finance sectors, and displays an incredible understanding of game design through all of the design decisions clearly meant to draw the most ire and frustration. It's not an easy game to enjoy, Cruelty Squad. It's difficult with an unfair difficulty curve and some decently bad levels, but my GOD its marriage of Deus Ex and Hitman ImSim sensibilities and a passionate disdain for late-stage Capitalism make it an easy choice for my favorite game of all time.

[nintendowife]

I became Alola League Champion in Pokémon Ultra Moon on Nintendo 3DS! This was my final team: Alolan Persian (lv82) Lurantis (lv78) Bastiodon (lv89) Malamar (lv77) Alolan Marowak (lv82) Alolan Ninetales (lv68) (And special mention to Wigglytuff for great work before Ninetales took her place for Pokémon League.)

My pokémon were grossly overleveled for the Elite Four as it turned out their pokémon were lv50 - lv60. Nevertheless I had fun battling and each of my pokémon was useful.

I wanted to pick new pokémon to my team instead of my usual favorites. The names of my creatures are real world places or city districts connected to levels in the HITMAN World of Assassination trilogy.

My husband started playing Pokémon Ultra Sun at the same time so we can trade and breed pokémon for each other. For the first time ever I experimented with Smeargle's Sketch to pass on egg moves. I ended up getting a great Alolan Ninetales with decent IVs, Ground as Hidden Power and Freeze-Dry and Moonblast for moves.

I enjoyed Pokémon Ultra Moon immensely and I'm glad I finally played it - I rank it pretty high on my favorite Pokémon games list. I had overlooked the game for years after having had lukewarm feelings about Pokémon Sun. At first I was just going to complete the main story quickly but soon I found myself immersed into the world, planning a nice team, breeding and EV training pokémon. My save file had 110 hours clocked by the time I beat the league and now I'm planning to continue with post-game content and filling up my Pokédex.