Nerdfleet
Issue #8 || 3rd May 2024 || Friday
What’s up, Gamers! The summer days are hot but so are the news and updates. This week Valorant has released a new update, and Miyazaki has given us new insights on upcoming games. Looking for a perfect stay while traveling? In this week’s issue of Nerdfleet, we’re gonna discuss it all!
Fact of the week:
Pac-Man's iconic design wasn't some genius artistic creation, but rather a product of hunger! The original creator, Toru Iwatani, was allegedly inspired by a pizza missing a slice while grabbing a bite to eat.
Nomad Notes:
Finding the perfect apartments for vacation
By: Abdul Ahad
Renting apartments while traveling provides great value. You can have your own space and privacy and a great friendly home environment. Though finding the ideal apartment rental can be difficult, there are lots of great hosts who provide budget-friendly accommodation. As a traveler myself, I would prefer staying in an apartment, rather than staying in a hotel or hostel. Although for different experiences, you should try all of them once in a while.
How do apartment rentals function:
Apartment rental sites allow locals to be hosts and rent out shared space or an entire apartment or home. The hosts provide all the info and list their places online. Thus, they can start making money with the extra unused space. Some owners provide an instant booking option which is similar to booking a hotel. You can check out the reviews and the services they provide.
Who is this for:
If you are someone who loves to travel solo or as a group, doesn’t wanna break the bank but wants privacy or a personal space, apartment rentals are perfect for you. This is perfect for the people who travel with groups or friends because you can squeeze all of them and the cost per head will be much lower.
How to pick the right apartment:
The apartment rentals have been popular recently and as the accommodation expenses are high, it has become harder to find great budget-friendly hosts. Also, the appearance can be different from the photos, though you can get a full refund if happens so.
Verification factors:
1. Reviews: Only booking rentals with the positive reviews
2. Multiple listing: Avoid rentals with multiple listings as they may be run by property managers.
3. Accurate photos: Only book rentals with quality photos
4. Active users: Active users are more likely to answer queries faster.
5. Calendar updates: Book rentals that have frequently updated calendars.
6. Verified hosts: You can never go wrong with verified hosts
7. Safety: Always check the policies the rentals provide and contact the company if anything goes wrong.
The best sites to rent apartments:
Apartment rentals are affordable and offer privacy and a chance to connect with locals. Use these tips to try it on your next trip!
Clutch Corner:
VALORANT’s Latest Update: Viper and Cypher get nerfed
VALORANT’s Patch 8.08 brings significant changes that will redefine gameplay for Viper and Cypher enthusiasts. Released on April 30, 2024, the update introduces a series of nerfs that demand strategic adaptation from players.
Cypher’s capabilities have been dialed back, with increased re-arm time for Trapwire and a reduced slow effect, creating more opportunities for counter-play. Additionally, Spycam now alerts enemies when they’re under surveillance, adding a new layer of tactical play.
Viper faces a reduction in smoke uptime and an increase in fuel requirements to activate her smokes, compelling players to use her utility more judiciously. The update also limits the reactivation cooldown and the ability to pick up Poison Cloud only during the Buy Phase, alongside a decrease in Snake Bite charges and an increase in its cost and duration.
The patch addresses various bug fixes, enhancing the overall game integrity. Notably, it corrects line-of-sight issues affecting flashes and AI-controlled abilities’ detection through certain barriers.
In addition to gameplay tweaks, the update heralds the arrival of the Mystbloom Bundle, a vibrant collection featuring the much-anticipated pink skins. The bundle includes a Phantom, Sheriff, Operator, Judge, and the Mystbloom Kunai, along with a spray, player card, and a gun buddy with effects. With color variants representing the seasons, the bundle is set to be a standout addition to any player’s arsenal.
VALORANT continues to evolve, and Patch 8.08 is a testament to the game’s dynamic nature, promising a fresh experience for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
Pixelated Pursuits:
Running Geforce Now on handheld platforms just got easier: Thanks to Nvidia
If you’re a Steam deck gamer, Nvidia’s newly released script will simplify using GeForce Now for you. Though the script is in beta mode and the users must make a few adjustments to get GeForce Now working properly on the device.
The script automatically installs and optimizes Google Chrome to run GeForce Now in Steam Deck's gaming mode and it’s super smooth.
Steam Deck owners who want to play games from libraries beyond Steam are going to benefit greatly. No hassle of installing third-party launchers, just access the titles directly through the cloud.
Similar cloud services such as Xbox cloud gaming work on the device but setting it up is rather involving. Gamers are hopeful that Microsoft will soon offer a similar solution as Nvidia.
Source: Nvidia
Shadow of The Erdtree to be the only expansion for Elden Ring, Miyazaki confirms
Hidetaka Miyazaki, president of the video game company “FromSoftware” has confirmed that Shadow of the Erdtree is going to be the only expansion released for the game Elden Ring.
Miyazaki informed the Chinese publication ‘Zhihu’ that, the developer plans to release only one DLC for Elden Ring, as the game is open world, as reported by GamesRadar.
"[Shadow of the Erdtree] is the first and last DLC, and we have no plans to add more content to Elden Ring," Miyazaki said, via machine translation.
"Elden Ring emphasizes exploration and adventure in a big world. In order to provide such an experience, a vast and huge setting is inevitably needed. Therefore, instead of splitting it into several parts, it was better to simply make one big [expansion]. If they were sold separately, the freedom of exploration and sense of adventure would be reduced."
When asked about the future of the Elden Ring franchise, Miyazaki hinted that Elden Ring is open to potential sequels.
"We said a similar thing at the end of Dark Souls 3. We didn't want to flatten those possibilities or put a pin in them just at that time. And it's a similar story with Elden Ring. We don't want to discourage the possibilities for that. There might be more ideas in the future."
The game was released in February 2022 and had sold 23 million units. This incredible popularity and sales margin can be a factor for FromSoftware making a sequel.
[Source: IGN]
Akihiro Hino Teases a Shift in Game Development: Wants to create a violent and erotic game one day
In a candid interview with Denfaminico Gamer, Akihiro Hino, the CEO of Level-5, known for its family-friendly gaming experiences like Professor Layton and Ni No Kuni, expressed a desire to explore more mature themes in future projects. While Level-5 has carved a niche with its wholesome titles, Hino hinted at a contrasting creative impulse that could lead the studio into uncharted territories of game design.
Hino, with a light-hearted tone, revealed his interest in developing games that delve into more adult-oriented content, including themes of violence and eroticism. “While I’ve steered our creative efforts towards games that can be enjoyed by players of all ages, there’s a part of me that’s curious about the untapped potential of more mature narratives,” Hino shared, acknowledging the existence of a “dark, abnormal world” within his creative vision.
Level-5’s repertoire, while predominantly light-hearted, isn’t devoid of darker undertones. Yokai Watch features creatures rooted in Japanese folklore, often with eerie backstories, and Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch has its share of somber moments. Hino’s musings suggest a willingness to bring these subdued elements to the forefront, potentially offering a new dimension to the studio’s future titles.
Despite the current focus on family-friendly content, Hino is optimistic about one day venturing into the realm of mature gaming. “The day may come when Level-5’s stability allows me the freedom to explore this darker creative space,” he said, envisioning a future where he could fully express the breadth of his creative ideas.
As Level-5 continues to expand its portfolio with upcoming releases like Inazuma Eleven and Fantasy Life, as well as new IPs DecaPolice and Ushiro, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the studio’s first venture on the Nintendo Switch with Professor Layton and The New World of Steam. With Hino at the helm, it seems the studio is poised to balance its cherished traditions with bold, new storytelling ventures.
[Source: IGN]
If you enjoyed this issue of Nerdfleet, why not share it with your friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts? Invite them to subscribe and join our growing community of nerds and enthusiasts!
Thank you for being a part of Nerdfleet! We hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to bringing you more exciting content.
Authors: Abdul Ahad || Rafid Arefin
Follow our socials:
Thanks for reading Nerdfleet! Subscribe for free to receive new issues every Friday of the week