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Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon review – wicked witch cleans up her act

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Risque, immature, absurd – just some of the words you could use to describe Platinum Games’ inimitably sexually charged action franchise, Bayonetta. For those yet to experience their first Umbran Climax, it’s a series filled with succubi, sex appeal and shooter-strapped-stilettos, so when Nintendo resurrected Sega’s abandoned franchise for its ailing Wii U, there were naturally more than a few raised eyebrows.

It turns out fans shouldn’t have worried, with the Nintendo-published Bayonetta 2 and 3 turning out just as violent and depraved as the original. Now almost a decade after Bayonetta 2, the house of Mario has created what fans feared – an altogether more sanitised, family-friendly take on gaming’s wicked witch.

Entitled Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, this fairytale-inspired prequel casts you as a pint-sized version of the action heroine. Joining Cereza long before she earned the title of Bayonetta, we meet the fearsome femme as a sheepish young witch in training. With her mother imprisoned and only her haughty teacher Morgana for company, Cereza finds herself feeling lonely and powerless, and so ventures into the forbidden pines of Avalon Forest in order to prove herself.

In many ways, Cereza and the Lost Demon is the anti-Bayonetta. It’s simple, innocent and welcomes new players with open arms. Unlike the slickly realistic sheen of her mainline outings, Cereza and the Lost Demon instead sports a more folklore visual style, taking place inside the crisp-looking pages of a children’s book. Out are the guns, bloodshed and kinky executions, replaced instead with fairies, cuddly toys and a surprisingly heartwarming tale. In other words, it’s Babynetta.

Still, it’s a risk that’s largely paid off. As you roam its whimsical woods, Avalon Forest’s fantastic environments are brought vividly to life via finely sketched lines. Each new diorama feels like entering a newly turned page of a delightful pop-up story, taking you everywhere from idyllic waterfalls to ethereal floating dimensions. Part Okami, part Child of Light, its twist on the well-worn cel-shading art style is a handsome one, perfectly suiting the limitations of the increasingly creaky Nintendo Switch hardware.

As you might expect from the softer tone, tween Cereza isn’t quite the badass fans will be used to. To fit her underdeveloped witchcraft, the gameplay here is a blend of platform and action, with Bayonetta’s reduced moveset seeing her completely reliant on protection from cuddly toy turned-demonic-bodyguard, Cheshire.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and The Lost Demon

In a nice touch, Cereza is controlled using the left analogue stick while her fanged protector Cheshire is mapped to the right. Battles see you guiding your witch out of the path of danger and using magic to bind enemies while simultaneously dealing hefty blows with a growling Cheshire. The dual analogue controls lend themselves neatly to traversal too, adding a nice puzzle-platform element to the cutesy proceedings. With insidious fairies roaming the forest, the two can’t ever be left too far apart, and after a certain distance Cheshire reverts to his toy form, hurtling back into Cereza’s arms.

Not content with just looking like a bedtime story, Cereza’s cutesy origin tale is all tied together via a soothing Scottish narrator who provides an impressive amount of comical voices for all the non-Cereza characters. It’s all charming stuff, with a surprisingly solid script telling the most coherent Bayonetta story to date – a low bar, admittedly.

While initially the core combat feels woefully simplistic for adult players, like with any good teacher, Bayonetta Origins patiently drip feeds the lessons you need to learn, developing from puzzle platformer into a child-friendly introduction to the often demanding character-action genre.

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As early chapters linearity gives way to a wider playground to explore, Cereza and her stitched together companion become free to veer off down branching paths too, unearthing the secrets this world has to offer. It’s all very Metroidvania-lite, with Cheshire’s slowly accrued elemental powers offering up a surprising amount of new ways to interact with environments, encouraging backtracking as you hunt down hidden trinkets that unlock new skills for both demon and Cereza.

As you explore slightly more bizarre locales, you begin to see the influence of developer Platinum Games’ other work behind the preschool presentation, too. Surrealist sections recall the mind boggling Nier: Automata, while playful asynchronous platforming invokes memories of bizarre superhero outing, The Wonderful 101.

The problem is, while consistently charming, Cereza and the Lost Demon is short on real “wow” moments. Its surprisingly lengthy story offers enough variety to keep you playing, but rarely enough to have you smiling from ear to ear. It also saves its best for last, with this origin story culminating in a delightfully overblown spectacle that delivers some of the reflex-testing gameplay chops you’d expect from a mainline Bayonetta.

Revealed to little fanfare at last year’s The Game Awards, Bayonetta Origins was the game that no one expected, and even fewer wanted. For some then, its mere existence is akin to Bayo blasphemy, yet in truth, this spin-off is far from the disaster many expected. While it never comes close to the highs of last year’s Bayonetta 3, it’s still a charming curio for fans and more importantly – a fantastic introduction to the genre for younger players.

 

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How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

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Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

  • Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
  • Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
  • Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

  • Best Buy Canada
  • Walmart Canada
  • EB Games (GameStop)
  • Amazon Canada
  • The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

  • Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
  • Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
  • Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

  • Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
  • Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

  • Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
  • Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
  • Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

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Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

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Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

  • Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
  • Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
  • AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
  • Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
  • VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

  • Alan Wake 2
  • Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
  • Demon’s Souls
  • Dragon’s Dogma 2
  • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
  • Gran Turismo 7
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
  • Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
  • Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

 

 

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

  • $699.99 USD
  • $949.99 CAD
  • £699.99 GBP
  • €799.99 EUR
  • ¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

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Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

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Tech News in Canada

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.

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