Cooledtured Blog

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

Starfield: Liftoff

Bethesda’s new franchise (…in Spaaace!) begins. 5 years since E3 announcement, anxious players only found relief to the anticipation through preloading opinions, their memories seasoned with well-earned mixed feelings and doubts.

Those paying attention agree they want Starfield to be everything and not a “mods will fix this” or “an underwhelming Fallout 76 needed more DLC’s to be decent” situation. It’s a new, deep space story thrill and adventure. Is this a new standard being set which could possibly augment familiar themes in Sci-Fi? If not immediately, maybe a few iterations? Surely, dev mammoths bet on mass adoption and industry disruption when it comes to games like this. After all, Bethesda wouldn’t put almost 10 years of development into an instant flatline, right? Right??

What I can say is when the bell-and-whistle smoke clears, compassionate gamers and diehards will experience something new AND what they’re used to. Really, I expected a more uniform consensus about it. But what I saw was a multiverse of interaction and opinion. If you expect that the old cynicism remains like any other time in the past, know that Starfield shines bright with the characteristics of a Bethesda game. However, at the same time, no one I watched was playing it the same way. After the main quest, the trajectory widens dramatically. That’s encouraging to me, at least.

Streamer playthroughs had me nostalgic: Deus Ex (you’ll understand why), No Man’s Sky (an old favorite of mine), even a little crumb of GTFO (sweat). While I personally never played Outer Worlds, it’s obvious Bethesda keeps close to what Obsidian gave them and fans in the past. I watched completionists, story-lovers, competitives, giga yawns and trolls. I only wanted to play more.

After all, we’re talking about a new game and a seemingly wide new universe. The adventure is out there, where it goes, not many know until you’re there. One thing similar, I’d say, is the likelihood of having fun while expressing, “Oh, Bethesda,” with a cheeky and endearing half smile is high. I wouldn’t overthink it, just play, have fun. It’s a huge game that’s surely the first of many in a large franchise, or at least a heap of DLC’s (like what we expect soon from Cyberpunk 2077). Ongoing mods will be novel and clips will be funny. Explore Starfield your way. Have fun.

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

The Zany Wonderful World of Funko Pop Collecting

For the uninitiated, the world of Funko Pop collecting may seem baffling. What inspires collector fans to gather at cons or camp outside stores for the latest vinyl figures? What drives them to meticulously curate shelves of beady-eyed pop culture characters? A peek inside this zany subculture reveals a community bound by nostalgia, fueled by fandom.

Funko traces its roots back to the late ’90s, churning out lumpen bobbleheads of restaurant mascot Big Boy. But their fortunes changed in 2005 when they acquired rights to classic cartoon characters, birthing the wobbly Wacky Wobblers. Suddenly, Popeye and Mickey were bobbling on collectors’ shelves, launching Funko’s journey into nostalgia-fueled licensing.

The first proto-Pop arrived in 2010, the caped crusader, Batman. Early Pops sported rigid poses and soulless black eyes, like charcoal-stained PEZ dispensers. But anime-style cuteness prevailed, giving way to expressive, clear-eyed Pops. As Funko acquired major licenses left and right, Pop designs exploded.

By 2019, Funko had over 1,000 licenses and 6,000 Pops hopping around. From Jedi to sorcerers, robots to rockstars, Funko tapped every corner of pop culture. For fans, spotting a new wave of Pops was like kids finding eggs on an Easter hunt! Huddled outside Target at dawn for that Vaporeon exclusive? It’s a Pop culture revival!

Funko shook up their vinyl formula too. Hulking 10-inch Mega Pops flexed their plastic biceps. Town sets let Pops explore new worlds together from Jurassic jungles to Emerald Cities. And Deluxe Pops arrived with spectacle from Angelus’ looming wings to the towering Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. No character was safe from getting the supersized treatment!

But at their vinyl hearts, Pops stay minimalist. Those cute, beady eyes and oversized noggins capture characters we love, without the detail overwhelming their charm. Like clever cartoons, Pops are designed with exaggeration and simplicity to tickle our funny bones. We can’t help but smile seeing our favorite heroes with a vinyl cuteness.

For collectors, the hunt inspires as much joy as the Pops themselves. Tracking down that 1-in-6 chase rarity, or an ultra-exclusive con-only Pop is a collector’s delight! Trading tips about upcoming releases and rumored grails consume online forums. For collectors, amassing Pops means more than just shelving plastic trophies. It’s about the stories and characters they love and have shaped popular culture.

Their unique devotion speaks volumes about what it means to be a fan. Funko tapped into that inner fandom of joy. They bottle nostalgia that transports us back to beloved worlds, or childhood afternoons waiting for the next episode. So let skeptics scoff about “shelf clutter” or “waste.” For aficionados, Funko Pops revel in the stories that shape who we are.

So here’s to the crazy, quirky, lovably obsessive world of Pop collecting! May your shelves keep filling with plastic happiness for years to come. In the wacky Pop universe, there’s always another coveted vinyl trophy around the corner!

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

Level Up Your Collection: Pre-Order Overwatch Funkos Today!

Exciting news for Funko enthusiasts and Overwatch fans! Funko has just unveiled a brand-new series featuring four beloved heroes from the game. Get ready to elevate your collection with Funko Pop figures of Lucio, Sigma, Kiriko, and the notorious Junker Queen.

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

Lords of the Fallen: Unleashing Soulslike Fury on October 13!

The much-anticipated return of the iconic soulslike RPG, Lords of the Fallen, is finally upon us. Released on October 13, 2023, this sequel brings forth a dark fantasy adventure with challenging gameplay and innovative features that breathe new life into the soulslike genre.

The Unveiling on October 13:

The wait is over, and players can now experience the next chapter in the saga, available on next-gen consoles — PS5 and Xbox Series X/S — and on the PC via Steam.

A World Between Worlds:

The sequel introduces a groundbreaking gameplay element — twin worlds. Axiom, the realm of the living, and Umbral, the realm of the dead, seamlessly intertwine as players navigate the interconnected landscapes. This unique dynamic not only adds complexity to the game but also weaves a narrative that promises to captivate and challenge players in unexpected ways.

Multiplayer Marvels:

Lords of the Fallen embraces multiplayer functionality. Players can now join forces with friends, exploring the challenging realms together. The addition of PvP elements offers a competitive edge, inviting gamers to test their skills against each other in intense battles.

Epic Tale Unfolds:

Set in the ominous land of Mournstead, the sequel unfolds a gripping tale. Players embark on a holy quest to restore radiance to the Six Beacons of the Sentinels, facing formidable bosses guarding each Beacon. Taking place over a millennium after the original, the storyline promises a fresh perspective on the established lore, with the looming resurrection of the demon god Adyr adding a layer of mystery.

In the vast digital landscape filled with epic battles and enchanting magic, Lords of the Fallen emerges as a noteworthy comeback for soulslike fans. With its release on October 13, 2023, the game pledges an unforgettable adventure, beckoning players to explore the realms of Axiom and Umbral in a journey that transcends the conventional limits of existence. Brace yourself for an immersive experience that tests, enthralls, and leaves a lasting impression on the daring souls who embark on this venture.

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

Forza Motorsport 8: Unveiling Cutting-Edge Features, Tracks, and More!

Today marks the exhilarating release of Forza Motorsport, widely known as Forza Motorsport 8, promising an extraordinary gaming experience for enthusiasts on both PC and Xbox Series X/S. As the gaming community celebrates the return of this franchise, let’s explore the groundbreaking features that set this title apart.

A New Era Begins

Forza Motorsport signifies a fresh start for the iconic franchise.Turn 10 Studios embarked on a journey to redefine the racing game genre, utilizing an overhauled ForzaTech game engine and introducing revolutionary advancements in physics, handling, and graphics.

Visual Marvels: Ray Tracing and Beyond

Visual fidelity takes center stage with the introduction of ray tracing, providing stunning lighting effects and reflections. With a 4K resolution at 60 FPS on Xbox Series X, coupled with dynamic time of day for every track, players are in for a visually immersive racing experience like never before.

The Countdown Ends: October 10, 2023

The much-anticipated release day has finally arrived! Forza Motorsport is officially available starting today, October 10, 2023. Racing enthusiasts can now dive into the game on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and even via Xbox Cloud Gaming, offering accessibility to a wider audience.

Crafting Your Racing Legacy: Single-Player Career Mode

The introduction of a single-player career mode adds depth to the game, allowing players to delve into the intricate world of car-building. Boasting over 500 cars and more than 800 unique upgrades, Forza Motorsport 8 provides an extensive collection of vehicles, including 100 new additions featuring the latest race car models.

Tracks that Thrill

Forza Motorsport 8 presents a thrilling lineup of tracks, featuring iconic locations such as Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Circuit Hakone, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Maple Valley Raceway, and Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. Combined with new gameplay mechanics, these tracks promise an elevated and diversified racing experience.

Game Pass Delight: Available from Day One

As a Microsoft first-party studio release, Forza Motorsport 8 is available from day one on Game Pass. Subscribers can seamlessly access this highly anticipated title, adding another layer of accessibility to the gaming community.

Forza Motorsport is set to redefine the racing game landscape. With cutting-edge technology, an extensive car roster, and immersive gameplay features, Forza Motorsport 8 stands as a thrilling addition to the gaming world. The countdown has ended — it’s time for racing enthusiasts to buckle up and experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of Forza Motorsport!

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

Pre-Order Now: Ikuyo Kita Nendoroid from ‘Bocchi the Rock!’

Calling all anime fans! Good Smile Company is set to release an enchanting Ikuyo Kita Nendoroid from “Bocchi the Rock!” this August, and you can secure yours now by pre-ordering at cooledtured.

Get ready to bring Ikuyo Kita’s vibrant spirit to your collection with this meticulously crafted Nendoroid. Capturing every detail of her lively personality, this figure is a must-have for fans.

Marvel at the lively expressions and dynamic poses that perfectly encapsulate Ikuyo’s charisma. The figure’s high customizability allows you to recreate your favorite scenes or invent new ones, making it a standout addition to your collection.

Don’t miss out! You can be among the first to own the Ikuyo Kita Nendoroid by pre-ordering now at cooledtured. Act fast and secure this delightful piece of “Bocchi the Rock!” memorabilia to be delivered straight to your doorstep upon release in August 2024. Don’t let this chance slip away — pre-order now and infuse your collection with the vivacity of Ikuyo Kita!

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

Frightful Festivities: Pre-Order Your Five Nights at Freddy’s Funko Pops Today!

Get ready for a spine-chilling holiday treat! Funko Pop is releasing a limited-edition series of Five Nights at Freddy’s figures just in time for the festivities. Pre-orders are now open exclusively at cooledtured.

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

Discovering the Hidden Beauty and Depth of Taiyō Matsumoto’s Tekkonkinkreet: A Tale of Unity and Struggle in a Vibrant Cityscape

The influence of a city is a phenomenal surrounding. Sometimes, I see a resonance and rhythm to it. Wherever, if given close attention, I can sense a vitality nearing consciousness or life of its own. I notice cheers and parades all around: causes and effects. Persisting about my little pastimes in my familiar haunts, I try to quietly yield and observe the outcome of nature’s endless war with the cracks in the concrete, the beauty in it all. Over time, I grow to distinguish relations between them: I learn they are one and I with them. Like the indirect light of the moon from the closest star to the ebb and rising of tides. Or the hue of plant leaves in every season.

My contentment, at times, relies on their courtships as they dance through their phases, calmly sifting less through their differences and embracing the unity and qualia of anticipation for that future next, which arrives into a present now, and fades into the past then. I see patterns and might unknowingly seek comfort in their background familiarity, influencing my thoughts quietly and creating subtle expectations within what I often take for granted. When out of balance, the pendulum swings in the goal to be still. To me, It’s the same as when Yakuza member Suzuki, aka Rat, says to Kimura: “Birth signals the arrival of death…most important, love your wife and child. Because all you need is love.”

It’s difficult to begin describing how beautiful, visually stunning and emotionally resonant Taiyō Mausumoto’s manga Tekkonkinkreet is. It’s almost ineffable for me. Adapted into anime by Studio 4°C and directed by visual effects artist Michael Arias, an anime of its caliber I don’t often find. You can almost tell from every frame that the film must have been a passion project for those involved, and it was. It surprises me with something new I hadn’t noticed before every time I’d watch it. The depth and nuance in the story and its characters are splendorous.

In the plot, all are consumed by a struggle to subdue and bend to their will the island of Treasure Town (with one exception of an old sage and homeless veteran named “Gramps”). Treasure Town is a fictional island where Matsumoto intended it to look like a place where old and new Tokyo of the 1980’s collide and mix with other Western and multinational influences. Located there is an amusement park called “Kiddie Kastle” run by the Yakuza. While Yakuza are vying for greater control of Treasure Town to expand and gentrify the area, increasing their wealth and power, there are many other groups intent on holding them at bay to remain secure their own little piece of Treasure Town turf. Some are just trying to keep familiar the only place they’ve ever known, and this is where our main characters come in.

Among the streets and living underneath the highway in an old run down Subaru 360 are the two homeless children protagonists, Black and White. We follow them as they live about the town subsisting on the Dickensian enterprise of pickpocketing. Their hard-knock life contrasts dramatically with the grand transitory cosmopolis they inhabit, and there is so much visual representation to emphasize this conflict between two very different existences. Treasure Town is seen as a place of persistent development while Black and White eke by within it, domiciled in an unmoved and broken down car. Despite their young struggle, they thrive in themselves by the power of their unity, imagination and dreams.

If you love exceptional anime that has lots of heart, Tekkonkinkreet is where it’s at. It won many awards for best art direction, best original story, best sound editing, and even a Japanese Academy Prize for best animated film. An interesting fact about the art direction (and what I think additionally makes Tekkonkinkreet a visual masterpiece) is that the majority of every frame was hand painted, only after that were the digital visual effects added to bring its immersive quality to life. And the character design animation aimed to hearken back to Matsumoto’s original manga in a way that is so unique and of its own. It arose at a unique time for manga and anime. There aren’t many anime like it, maybe a handful.

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

Pre-Order Now: Funko Pop! Ahsoka TV Series Collection Lands in October 2023!

Prepare to dive into the iconic Star Wars universe as Funko Pop! reveals the Ahsoka TV Series Collection, now open for pre-order and set to release in October 2023. This collection breathes life into beloved characters from the TV series, encapsulating the spirit of the Star Wars galaxy within detailed Funko Pop! figures.

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

Get Ready: BTS ‘Proof’ Funko Pops Available for Pre-Order!

Get ready to elevate your BTS Funko Pop! collection because the K-pop sensation is making a vinyl comeback! Funko Pop! has just unveiled a new series of figures featuring the members of BTS.