Tech

I Am Obsessed With a Tragic Hidden Backstory in Animal Crossing – Vulture

Published

4 years ago

May 22, 2020

Vulture’s Kathryn VanArendonk on her Animal Crossing island.
Photo: Nintendo

Like many people, I’m a relatively new (but dedicated!) Animal Crossing player. I’d never played any of the previous versions of the game, but when Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out for Nintendo Switch right as a pandemic swept across the globe, I downloaded it immediately and have been a regular player ever since. I shake all the trees on my island daily, hoping to find cute new furniture. I water my flowers; I chat with my animal villagers. And I go into the island’s tailor shop, The Able Sisters, where I head straight for Sable, the only character in the entire game that gives you access to an actual story.

If you’ve not jumped on the Animal Crossing bandwagon, the thing to know about the game is that there’s essentially no narrative to it. The main action is collecting and arranging — finding new items to decorate your island, catching fish and bugs, picking fruit, selling things so you can expand your little house. There are other villagers who live on the island with you, but they’re mostly compilations of personality traits, not full characters. Some are very weird; there’s a hamster on my island named Graham who seems to live inside a server room and who I suspect must be a bitcoin farmer. Giving them any kind of story is pure projection, an act that happens entirely in the player’s mind. Inside The Able Sisters, it’s different. There’s drama, there’s tragedy, there’s family tension. But many players have no idea, because the game hides it from you.

When you start Animal Crossing you live on a mostly deserted island. As you gradually earn enough money — the Animal Crossing currency is called Bells — and gather enough resources, you can set up a few permanent stores. There’s Nook’s Cranny, a general store staffed by two baby raccoons, and there’s The Able Sisters, run by two hedgehogs, Mabel and Sable. Mabel greets you at the door when you walk in, asking if there’s anything she can help you with. It’s a standard Animal Crossing interaction, helpful and fairly bland.

Photo: Nintendo

By and large, the animal characters in the game are polite. But Sable ignores you. She sits in the back of the shop working away on a sewing machine, and if you try to start a conversation with her, she politely tells you she’s too busy to talk. If you return the next day and ask her to talk, she’ll say she’s busy again. She’ll keep saying she’s busy for several days in a row, far beyond the point most casual players would ever consider continuing to bother her. Why would you? This game is largely about cuteness and trying to sell your turnips for more than you bought them for; it’s just not that complex. But eventually, if you ignore everything the game seems to be telling you and continue bothering this introverted hedgehog seamstress for at least a week, a whole story starts spilling out.

Sable, you discover, is much older than Mabel. Their parents died tragically many years ago, and Sable had to take on the responsibility of caring for her little sister. Now she feels like she can’t ever take a break or relax, because the whole burden of caring for the family has fallen on her shoulders. Even more startling, once you start talking with Sable you realize there’s a third hedgehog sister, Label, who appears occasionally in the game as one of the rotating itinerant salespeople. Here’s where stuff gets extra dark. Label grew apart from her sisters after their parents’ death, moving away so that she could strike out on her own and start a design company. Sable and Mabel are still supporting Label, still keeping the Able Sisters shop up and running so that Label has the freedom to pursue her dream. Sable resents Label for leaving. Mabel scolds Sable for suggesting their sister is ungrateful. I, having wandered around this island for weeks with nothing but an ever-increasing house payment and a shortage of purple windflowers to keep me going, clung to this story like a drowning person who’d been thrown a life preserver.

Photo: Nintendo

What is Label’s problem?! Do Sable and Mabel even like the tailor business? What is this deeply sad story doing hidden inside this overwhelmingly twee game? As I started Googling frantically for more answers, I learned that the backstory of the Able Sisters has been hidden in many earlier installments in the Animal Crossing franchise, including City Folk, where Label (calling herself Labelle) works as a clerk in another city’s store. But this most recent version of the game has been massively popular among players like me, people with no previous experience in the franchise. With no earlier clues that Sable has something interesting to say, many players of New Horizons just ignore her.

“There’s a Sable character arc??” one player (a writer on The Leftovers) asked over Twitter DM, after I started poking around about the tragedy of the Able Sisters. Many people told me they would’ve never thought to keep chatting with her, because it seemed so rude. “I used to [try to talk to her],” another player named Sam told me, “but I gave up because I was asked to respect her boundaries.” “I have maybe talked to her about three times, but I don’t want to bother her,” another player told me.

Of the people I spoke to who had chatted with Sable, there were many passionate feelings. “It’s so sad. Like, SO SAD,” one player said. “It seems pretty tragic for such an otherwise happy game,” said another. “I almost feel guilty on Fridays when [Sable] talks about how she will be sewing all weekend to get a head start on next week’s work.” “I despise Label,” added a player named Jess. “I think she is selfish.”

So much of the appeal of Animal Crossing is in its calm, soothing simplicity. There are no devastating outcomes in the game, no punishments for playing “incorrectly,” and there’s no real goal to achieve beyond collecting things and making your island look pretty. The story of the Able Sisters feels incongruous, an unexpectedly dark well of sadness buried deep inside the game’s otherwise uncannily nice exterior.

But maybe it’s not that far off from where many Animal Crossing players’ minds wander while playing the game, anyways. One player told me she hadn’t actually seen any of the hedgehogs’ story, because she didn’t want to bother Sable. But she had come up with a narrative for them all on her own. “My theory,” the player said, “is that Label struck out on her own so she could escape Mabel’s hedgehog tyranny.”

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

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.

Tech

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

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

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.