Avoiding Rage Quitting when You Play

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CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

Avoiding rage quitting is a skill many gamers have learned to develop. Even the most mild-mannered person can become a raging hulk under the right cues. So, here are some tips.

Learn to Stay Clear of Griefers

There’s nothing more egregious to a video game than the evil spawn known as “griefers.” These swamp-born manifestations of pure arrogance will go out of their way to ruin your game. There are actually millions of gamers who no longer play GTA Online because griefing is so bad on the servers. However, you can steer clear of griefers by hopping lobbies and servers. You can also try looking for Minecraft servers, for example, that are whitelisted and known as friendly servers.

Try to Understand What Sets You Off

Of course, rage quitting is mostly tied to your own emotional responses to something that happens. The best way to understand this is to actively observe what you are doing when something causes you to fly off the handle. Of course, this is challenging. But you can consider recording your sessions for review later on. Take note of how you react to certain things during a play session. Try to identify patterns that cause your sessions to be unpleasant experiences.

Find the Right Team for Avoiding Rage Quitting

Further to teammates, rage quitting is often the result of poor performance from someone else rather than being angry at yourself. Unless you play with a great team all the time, there’s not much you can do about this. But you can try checking out another player’s vitals and stats before deciding to start a game. For instance, you will be better off quitting out of a GTA Online job like Server Farm if the crew has even one player at a low level with very low stats.

Try Not Playing when Stressed

When you angrily quit out of a game, it may not be necessary because you are having a bad experience within it but because you are already agitated. Stress, anxiety, and things in your personal life can cause this. So, if you are feeling bad in any way, it might be best to find something relaxing to do instead of booting up a game. Or you risk making your anger and other issues worse while playing. And you will end up being a poor teammate when playing online.

Upgrade Your Experience for Better Play

How you experience a game goes further than what’s in it. It also covers your surroundings, your setup, and even your internet speed. So upgrade your day to upgrade your play. If you can afford it, get yourself a gaming chair, decent headphones, and a good size display. This will help you feel more comfortable while playing. Also, getting the best internet speed you can afford will definitely reduce lag and improve your experience. And used wired accessories for better input.

Summary

It should be said that avoiding rage quitting is hard. But it never helps and makes existing issues worse. You can stay away from griefers, get calm before playing and upgrade your environment.

A Closer Look at the PAW Patrol Everest Tonie

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We take a closer look at the PAW Patrol Everest Tonie.

Your entry ticket to a whole new world of adventures and audio fun for children is how Tonies describe their products, and they are not wrong.

There is a Tonies box which requires you to place one of the Tonies characters on in order play its content, whether it’s a story, a song or something else.

It’s very easy to use at any age as all you need to do is remove the character and place another on, it really is that simple, and it works very well. We have been using Tonies and listening to stories and songs on it for nearly 4 years now and is part of our nightly bedtime routine, and sometimes our morning routine too.

Ice or snow, she’s ready to go! Buckle up pals there’s a new PAW Patrol Pup in town – Everest has joined the crew. And it’s not a moment too soon because there’s deer to save, baby whales to rescue and adventures to be had.

There are four tracks on the Everest Tonie totalling around 50 minutes.

01 – PAW Patrol Theme Song

02 – The New Pup

03 – Pups Save the Deer

04 – Pups and a Whale of a Tale

As usual with Tonies, the attention to detail on the character is excellent and it really does look realistic, and the sound quality is great too. We cant wait to see what Tonies release next.

The PAW Patrol Everest Tonie is available now priced around £14.99. Check out the Tonies website as they often have great deals if you buy multiple Tonies.

You can learn more from the Tonies website.

Disclaimer: The Tonies characters were sent to us for the purposes of an honest review. All opinions are the opinions of our reviewer.

A Closer Look at the Roald Dahl The Witches Tonie

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We take a closer look at the Roald Dahl The Witches Tonie.

Your entry ticket to a whole new world of adventures and audio fun for children is how Tonies describe their products, and they are not wrong.

There is a Tonies box which requires you to place one of the Tonies characters on in order play its content, whether it’s a story, a song or something else.

It’s very easy to use at any age as all you need to do is remove the character and place another on, it really is that simple, and it works very well. We have been using Tonies and listening to stories and songs on it for nearly 4 years now and is part of our nightly bedtime routine, and sometimes our morning routine too.

Little listeners will love this wonderful introduction to Roald Dahl’s spine-tingling story, The Witches.
To a witch, a child smells like dogs’ droppings, and the Grand High Witch has a plan to get rid of every child in England… When a boy and his grandmother find themselves at the same hotel as the Grand High Witch and her followers, they must do everything in their power to foil the witches’ evil, child-squashing plans. Before they are both frizzled like fritters, can one boy and his grandmother stop them?

There is a single track lasting 180 minutes of listening time!

As usual with Tonies, the attention to detail on the character is excellent and it really does look realistic, and the sound quality is great too. We cant wait to see what Tonies release next.

The Roald Dahl The Witches Tonie is available now priced around £14.99. Check out the Tonies website as they often have great deals if you buy multiple Tonies.

You can learn more from the Tonies website.

Disclaimer: The Tonies characters were sent to us for the purposes of an honest review. All opinions are the opinions of our reviewer.

A Closer Look at the Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors Tonie

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Here we take a closer look at the Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors Tonie.

Your entry ticket to a whole new world of adventures and audio fun for children is how Tonies describe their products, and they are not wrong.

There is a Tonies box which requires you to place one of the Tonies characters on in order play its content, whether it’s a story, a song or something else.

It’s very easy to use at any age as all you need to do is remove the character and place another on, it really is that simple, and it works very well. We have been using Tonies and listening to stories and songs on it for nearly 4 years now and is part of our nightly bedtime routine, and sometimes our morning routine too.

One for the real history buffs, who want history with all the horrors left in.

Walk in the footsteps of the Terrible Tudors with this terrifically terrifying Tonie – if you’re brave enough! Discover all the facts they don’t teach you at school, from the horrifying Henries to Tudor torture and more.

There are 11 tracks totalling around 55 minutes of playtime.

01 – Deary Me

02 – Heaven for Henry Seven

03 – Henry Eight and Ate

04 – Advertising Break

05 – Horrible Henry

06 – Terrible Teacher Testing

07 – Awful for Anne & Hair for Mary

08 – Ships and Things

09 – Crime Time

10 – Murder for Marlowe

11 – The End of The Tudors

As usual with Tonies, the attention to detail on the character is excellent and it really does look realistic, and the sound quality is great too. We cant wait to see what Tonies release next.

The Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors Tonie is available now priced around £14.99. Check out the Tonies website as they often have great deals if you buy multiple Tonies.

You can learn more from the Tonies website.

Disclaimer: The Tonies characters were sent to us for the purposes of an honest review. All opinions are the opinions of our reviewer.

Review: Legend of Keepers

More often than not, monsters are viewed as the bad guys! However, have you ever stopped to think that maybe we are the ones in the wrong? For years, we have been told tales of heroes slaying armies of ungodly creatures, but we never think about the impact that causes. Furthermore, we openly applaud thieving knights, assassins, and rogues as they plunder the homes of these underworld monstrosities. As such, maybe it’s time to flip the perspective and see things through the eyes of the monsters. Thankfully, this is what happens in Legend of Keepers: Career of a Dungeon Master.

Developed by Goblinz Studio and published by Klabater, this is a rogue-like experience. What’s more, it reverses the usual dungeon-crawling mechanics as you repel waves of human fighters. Moreover, there are plenty of tactical layers, and an army of monsters to hire and train, and you must consider each of your fighter’s wellbeing. Accordingly, it twists everything we know about the genre, and I loved that idea.

Choosing the right attack is essential.
Pick you attack and defeat those pesky humans.

Legend of Keepers fails to tell a story.

Though it wasn’t required, Legend of Keepers fails to create a narrative or an in-depth plot. Instead, you are left to your own devices as you complete missions for the Dungeons Company. This hellish group demand that every human is thwarted. Moreover, they’ll offer rewards, new monsters, and traps to every successful dungeon manager.

Disappointingly, though, this is the extent of the conversation you have with your Cyclops boss. Once they set you on your way, the conversation is over. Now, this may not seem an issue, but with many missions to undertake, 3 masters to pick from, and an army of monsters to hire, a little depth would have gone a long way.

The gameplay cycle is straightforward. Each of the masters has 9 missions that they must complete. Along the way, they will hire monsters, train them up, and rest them to keep them happy. As the weeks roll on, you will face many tasks as well as contracts to protect each dungeon. If you are successful and your master survives, you will be awarded gold, traps, or monsters, and the game continues. This is the cycle until you complete every mission or you die!

Choose your mission and defend each dungeon.
Undertake a new mission with your cruel master.

Rogue-like hell.

Legend of Keepers leans heavily on its rogue-like elements to keep things fresh. Subsequently, death is all but assured. However, the minute rewards and minimal gains between playthroughs are somewhat underwhelming. As such, death and failure are hard to swallow. Consequently, this setback can be frustrating, especially if you haven’t unlocked all the masters.

The action opens with Maug the Slaveholder. Once you’ve played for a bit, you’ll unlock the Enchantress and the Engineer to mix things up. Yet, before that happens, you’ll study the fundamentals with the brutish Maug by your side. Each contract follows a set pattern as you follow three phases of action.

The dungeons.

You must study your human foes and understand their strengths and weaknesses. Once you know who you are facing, you’ll place a trio of monsters to take them down. However, success is unlikely, so more tricks must be prepared to ensure success. Accordingly, you’ll use traps, magic, and a second wave of monsters to thwart the humans. However, if this planning fails, the trio of humans will face your master. If your master dies at this stage, the mission is over and the game ends. Consequently, you must prevent this from happening at all costs.

During the fighting elements, you’ll endure cruel turn-based combat. Here, you’ll understand whether you’ve got your tactics right as each set of characters go hell for leather to defeat one another. Whenever it is your turn, you may select from an array of attacks to either damage health or lower morale. As such, victory is achieved by either slaying your foes or making them run away.

Once the battle is over, you are awarded gold, tears or blood, and a selection of monsters or traps. These treasures help to improve your team and increase your roster of monsters. Consequently, they are essential if you wish to complete every mission.

Go to the merchant and invest in new items.
Which one will you buy?

More than just the fighting!

Legend of Keepers is brutal, but there are more layers than first meets the eye. Accordingly, you must manage your team as morale plays a big part. If any monster falls during a battle, their morale will be impacted, and they must be rested in the garrison. Therefore, you must balance your team’s needs against the risks of each fight.

On top of this, you must train each character, purchase new recruits, visit the alchemist to create resources, and much more. Additionally, you can equip artefacts to passively improve your team or hero. Therefore, there are multiple tactical layers to this excellent and unusual reverse dungeon crawler.

Legend of Keepers is a cruel pixelated experience.

The gameplay mechanics may seem convoluted and confusing. However, the graphics are anything but. Thanks to the simple pixelated finish and the fixed-screen approach, you can’t go wrong. Moreover, the combat animation is fantastic, and the decapitations are brutal. As such, I adored this retro-looking title. On top of this, the excellent UI and basic menu system make it easy to play.

The old-school approach continues with the gruff audio. Aggressive tunes, simple sound effects, and minimalistic soundbites dominate proceedings. Accordingly, it will remind you of the SNES and Mega Drive era of gaming.

Improve your chances by unlocking skills in the talent tree.
Improve your chances and unlock some talents.

Gruesome action that is easy to execute.

With so many tactical layers, you’d be understandably concerned about Legend of Keepers’ approach. However, it is remarkably simple to play, as the UI is easy to understand. Furthermore, an excellent tutorial talks you through the fundamentals and that improves things further. On top of this, the fantastic layout and responsive controls ensure that you’ll master this in no time at all.

Rogue-like games ooze replay value and longevity. However, I found this to be tough to stomach. Unfortunately, there is minimal gain between playthroughs, and this stagnates your process. Moreover, until you unlock the additional heroes, it can be repetitive. Yet, once you wade through these issues, you’ll enjoy a strange but interesting dungeon crawler.

Legend of Keepers breaks the mould.

The gaming industry rarely surprises me. However, Legend of Keepers breaks the mould. Thanks to its unusual perspective shift, interesting mechanics, and cruel ways, it is a unique way to tackle the genre. Consequently, if you want to side with the monsters and try something new, then I recommend that you buy it here! Can you protect your treasure and complete your mission? Study your enemies, plan your defences, and keep your gold and your master safe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trading Forex

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When it comes to trading forex, there are many potential pitfalls that traders can fall into. From inexperienced traders making rookie mistakes to seasoned professionals overlooking critical details, anyone can make errors that can lead to losses. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes to avoid when trading forex.

Lack of Education and Research

When it comes to forex trading, inadequate education and research can lead to costly mistakes. That’s why it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the market, everything about deriv withdrawal, technical analysis, and risk management. Without this knowledge, traders may struggle to develop effective trading strategies and navigate the withdrawal process. Therefore, it is crucial to invest time in learning about all aspects of forex trading before jumping into the market.

Traders need to invest time in learning and researching the market to make informed decisions. Without a strong foundation, one can make impulsive choices, which may lead to significant losses.

Overtrading

Another common mistake is overtrading. Traders may feel tempted to open multiple trades at once or increase their position size to make more profits. However, this approach can backfire and lead to losses. Overtrading can also result in emotional exhaustion, which can cloud a trader’s judgment and lead to even more mistakes.

Ignoring Risk Management

Risk management is a crucial aspect of forex trading that many people often overlook. Traders need to define their risk tolerance and set stop-loss orders to manage their positions’ risk. Ignoring risk management can lead to substantial losses, as traders may hold onto losing trades in the hope of a market turnaround.

Focusing on Short-Term Gains

Traders may fall into the trap of focusing on short-term gains, neglecting the bigger picture. Forex trading is a long-term game, and one needs to focus on building a profitable portfolio over time. Focusing on short-term gains can lead to impulsive trades and a lack of discipline, which can result in disappointments.

Ignoring Fundamental Analysis

Fundamental analysis is a critical tool in forex trading, as it helps understand the underlying factors that affect the market. Traders who ignore fundamental analysis may miss critical information that could impact their success. While technical analysis is essential, it should not be the sole focus of one’s strategy.

Poor Broker Selection

Choosing the right broker is crucial to one’s success in forex trading. A poor broker selection can lead to issues with the platform, poor customer support, or huge fees. One needs to research and choose a reliable and reputable broker that meets one’s needs and offers the best conditions for one’s strategies.

Not Using a Demo Account

Finally, many people overlook the importance of using a demo account to practice and test their strategies. A demo account allows one to familiarize with the platform and test out different strategies without taking any risks. By using a demo account, one can build confidence and experience in real-time market conditions before risking real money.

By avoiding these common mistakes, traders can maximize their chances of success in forex trading. One should invest time in learning and researching the market, managing risk, and understanding the broker’s terms and conditions before trading. With discipline and practice, one can become profitable in the forex market. 

A selection of enticing game titles for Norse mythology lovers

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From gruesome titles like Resident Evil 4 to sports-themed products like FIFA, gamers have generally always had a diverse collection of games to sample on an extensive selection of devices. Another genre of gaming that has always appealed are Norse mythology releases. 

Games that collide with real-world history and mythology tend to register big numbers, with an influx of titles adding so much to a gamer’s arsenal. Featuring the likes of Odin, Thor and Loki, products in this space tend to showcase their immense power as players go on a memorable journey that many other titles simply don’t possess. As such, sampling products of this type has always appealed to gamers who have an interest in Viking and Scandinavian lore, particularly as we’ve been treated to some seriously good releases over the years. 

Focussing on both new and old options, with some titles being accessible on mobile and others via a PC machine, let’s take a look at some of the most enticing games for Norse mythology lovers right now.

Song Of Iron was released in 2020 

A highly pleasurable release to play, Song Of Iron is an indie product that managed to impress mass audiences. A side-scrolling adventure game, it first came to the fore in 2020 and is packed full of Nordic-inspired features, from the characters throughout to the art style that makes it so attractive to the eye. With players having to tackle a variety of nasties, some of which are associated with the body of myths, it offers a tense but all-action escapade to dive into. If you can manage to get your hands on a copy of Song Of Iron, then you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Oddmar follows the story of a Viking reject 

There’s a strong chance you’re aware of Oddmar, but for those who aren’t, it’s a much-loved product that tasks players with helping a Viking reject that has been shunned by his village to be accepted into Valhalla. Somewhat unsurprisingly, Loki is the main instigator in this one after the God of Mischief steals Oddmar’s tribe from him and manages to formulate their escape. From there, players play along as Oddmar as he hopes to prove himself to the gods and take down a variety of trolls, destroy groups of goblins, and solve a selection of puzzles in order to gain the trust of those around him. A fantastic action-adventure 2D platformer, Oddmar is a must-play product. 

Age Of The Gods Norse: Book Of Dwarves is a superb casino product 

An excellent title from the PC, mobile and iPad gaming sphere is the Age Of The Gods Norse: Book Of Dwarves game, a slot product developed by Playtech that is played on 5×5 reels and offers a potential RTP of 94.11%. Dwarves are prominently featured in this one as they were regarded as master craftsmen and intelligent characters. Overall, the pleasurable book theme makes for an enjoyable title play for a few hours, particularly if you can manage to find the five high-value character symbols. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is hard to fault 

Millions of gamers have explored the open-world masterpiece that is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, but not everyone is aware of the various nods to Norse mythology throughout. For example, at the start, Nord thief Lokir is featured as he is taken out by archers while trying to avoid execution after stealing a horse. That in itself was a reference to Loki, too. Even the game’s ultimate boss, Alduin, is based on Jörmungandr, too. 

Special mention must also go to God Of War, Valheim, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. 

Managing Your Dog’s Allergies Without Apoquel: Expert Advice and Tips

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If your furry friend has been diagnosed with allergies, you are likely seeking ways to alleviate their discomfort. One popular option is Apoquel, a medication that relieves dog itching and inflammation. 

If your dog’s allergies are causing pain, you may wonder, “Is there an alternative to Apoquel for dogs?” Fortunately, many safe and effective methods exist for managing your furry friend’s allergies without relying on medication. 

This blog post will provide expert advice and tips for managing your dog’s allergies without Apoquel.

Understanding Your Dog’s Allergies

Before diving into alternative methods for managing your dog’s allergies, it’s important to understand what causes them. Allergies in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Environmental allergens, such as pollen, mold, and dust mites
  • Food allergens, such as wheat, soy, and dairy
  • Flea bites
  • Contact allergens, such as certain fabrics or cleaning products

The symptoms of allergies in canines can vary, but common signs include the following:

  • Itching
  • Redness and inflammation
  • Hair loss
  • Biting and scratching
  • Ear infections

If your pet has any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

Alternative Methods for Managing Your Dog’s Allergies

Change Your Dog’s Diet

A common cause of allergies in dogs is food. Switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet can make a big difference if your pet has a food allergy. Look for foods that are made with high-quality proteins and limited carbohydrates. You can also try feeding your dog a raw or homemade diet, but consult with your veterinarian first.

Use Natural Supplements

There are a variety of natural supplements that can help alleviate your dog’s allergy symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, can help reduce inflammation and improve your dog’s skin and coat health. Probiotics can also be beneficial because they help promote a healthy gut microbiome, boosting your dog’s immune system and reducing inflammation.

Use Natural Shampoos and Conditioners

Natural shampoos and conditioners on your canine’s coat can help reduce itching and inflammation. Look for products free from harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate their skin.

Try CBD Oil

Dog owners concerned about the potential side effects of Apoquel or looking for a natural solution may ask their veterinarians – Is there an alternative to Apoquel for dogs?

CBD is a natural alternative to Apoquel, gaining popularity among pet owners. CBD oil interacts with your dog’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates many bodily functions, including the immune response. CBD oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, making it a practical option for managing allergies in dogs. When choosing CBD-based products, look for one specifically formulated for pets and made with high-quality, organic hemp. 

Manage Environmental Triggers

If your dog is allergic to environmental triggers, such as pollen or dust mites, managing their exposure can help alleviate their symptoms. You can try the following:

  • Using air purifiers or HEPA filters in your home
  • Vacuuming and dusting regularly
  • Bathing your dog regularly to remove allergens from their coat
  • Keeping your dog indoors during peak allergy season

Consider Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively manage dog allergies. Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on your dog’s body, which can help stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. TCM uses a combination of herbs and other natural remedies to address your dog’s symptoms and imbalances.

Conclusion

So, there are natural and safe alternatives available. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before trying any new treatment methods for your dog’s allergies. With proper care and attention, you can help your dog live a happy and healthy life, free from the discomfort of allergies.

The Legend of Zelda: The Darkest Timeline

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Last time out I recapped the timeline from Skyward Sword to Ocarina of Time and how a bunch of Links and Zeldas do battle with various forms of evil. You can find a link to that article here:

It is at this point that the Legend of Zelda timeline splinters into three paths, each resulting from a different conclusion at the end of Ocarina.

Timeline A: Link is defeated and killed by Ganon atop Hyrule Castle. It is this timeline we will explore over the next few thousand words.

Timeline B: Link is victorious but travels back in time to his childhood, using his knowledge of the future to defeat Ganondorf before his nefarious schemes can take root.

Timeline C: Link travels back to his childhood but does not retain his memories of Ganondorf’s treachery, fading into anonymity.

Now that you’ve wrapped your head around that we can begin. Are you sitting comfortably? Well we’re beginning anyway.

A Link to the Past

A Link to the Past was originally released way back in 1991, which as we all know, makes it a natural sequel to 1998’s Ocarina of Time, 2002’s Four Swords, 2004’s Minish Cap, and 2011’s Skyward Sword.

So, Link dies facing Ganon in the climactic battle in Ocarina of Time. Not ideal, as this results in Ganondorf obtain the completed Triforce, luckily Zelda and the other sages are still able to seal him away in the Sacred Realm. Less fortunately, he takes the Triforce with him.

Over the years a peace is maintained but rumours spread around the power contained in the Sacred Realm with a few going so far as to try and access it. These poor souls are never heard from again.

Ganon’s imprisonment in the Sacred Realm may have kept Hyrule safe but it has twisted the place into the Dark World, inhabited only by evil.

Flip forwards a few generations and we arrive at the start of A Link to the Past. The Sacred Realm is still cut off from Hyrule. It is then that a wizard calling himself Agahnim pops up, kills the King, and begins hunting for the female descendants of the Sages. Guess who’s one of them? Correct, Zelda, and guess what happens to her? Also correct, she is kidnapped (count 4).

Naturally, Zelda responds by sending a telepathic communication (she can do that now) to Link, a local boy she’s never met. Link and his uncle are living nearby and are descended from the Knights of Hyrule. Link storms the castle, rescues Zelda and takes her to safety. He is then tasked with recovering the Master Sword and defeating Agahnim.

Suffice to say, he does these things.

But wait! The true enemy was Ganon the whole time, gasp!

Link beats him too. Takes the Triforce, wishes for peace. The end.

Link’s Awakening

Now, I don’t want to shock you, but the Link in Link’s Awakening is the same Link as in A Link to the Past. I know. Insane, but it’s true!

Another shock might be that for the first time in the Legend of Zelda chronology we have two games being released in timeline order. Link’s Awakening was originally released in 1993, two years, and get this, AFTER A Link to the Past. Madness.

What we also have here is a Legend of Zelda game that does not contain the character(s) of Zelda at all.

Link is shipwrecked on the mysterious island of Koholint following a training mission. Koholint Island is a bizarre place. For instance, there is a volcano on the island that is plugged by a giant egg. Why is the island so weird? Well, because it’s all a dream of sorts.

The island has been created a sleeping fish known as a Wind Fish. In order for Link to leave the island he must wake the Wind Fish. To do so he collects a series of magical musical instruments, making such a din that the fish wakes and the illusion vanishes, along with all the island’s inhabitants. Not that Link cares. Brutal, that lad.

The Oracle Games

Two games for the price of one here. Not really. But they’re so closely linked (ha) that I’ve bundled them together for the purposes of brevity.

Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages were both released in 2001 which is crying shame (for you) because now I must bring back this bit: Oracles being released in 2001 clearly makes it a natural successor to 1993’s Link’s Awakening.

Returning for Oracles is Twinrova, a boss from Ocarina of time. Clearly time doesn’t mean much to these witches as they’re still kicking hundreds of years later. They want resurrect Ganon as villains in this series are wont to do.

To do so they kidnap the titular Oracles. Link travels to the home realms of the Oracles bringing peace to each by hitting stuff with his sword a bunch. But wait, all this sword-swinging is for naut as Zelda is kidnapped (count 5) by Twinrova as a sacrifice in the ritual to restore Ganon. Link obviously foils this plot, saving Zelda once more. Twinrova then decide that they shall serve as the sacrifice, restoring Ganon but not in the way they would have wished.

This Ganon is nothing more than a massive pig without anything of the intelligence that makes Ganon such a formidable foe. So, Link does what Link does and defeats him. Fin.

A Link Between Worlds

A Link Between Worlds is a spiritual successor to A Link to the Past and therefore the story follows a lot of the same beats with a few additions later in the game. Worlds was released in 2013 which ruins my bit somewhat.

The plot of Worlds starts in a familiar way, a sorcerer named Yuga attempt to kidnap the descendants of the sages once more. Link stumbles across Yuga doing just that, the quirk this time is Yuga does so by turning the poor lass into a painting. Yuga knocks link out by shifting inside the wall as an illustration then fleeing to his home in Lorule. Yup, Lorule.

Link tracks Yuga down with the help of some weirdo named Ravio and succeeds in getting turned into a painting too. Silly boy. Luckily for Link he has the power to shift between 2D and 3D states thanks to a plot device given to him by Ravio.

Shock horror, Yuga is planning on resurrecting Ganon. Zelda is kidnapped (count 6).

Link pursues Yuga to Lorule and discovers the backstory of Hyrule’s mirror world. The history of which is very similar, they possessed their own Triforce but destroyed it when they figured it wasn’t worth the constant strife created by those who sought its power.

Link also meets a dark version of Zelda known as Hilda who helps him in his battle against Yuga as he seeks the Triforce of Courage.

Twist! Hilda is the mastermind behind everything! Gasp! Seems Hilda wants Hyrule’s Triforce to replace the one destroyed by her ancestors. Link defeats both Hilda and Yuga with the help of Ravio who seems to be Link’s doppelgänger in Lorule. Link uses his wish upon uniting the Triforce to restore peace and prosperity to both realms, saving the day once more.

Triforce Heroes

Onwards to 2015 and Triforce Heroes. Some actual logical chronology here. Boring.

This game is a joke. Link (same Link) wanders the land and discovers the realm of Hytopia which seems to be a realm that values fashion above all. Link discovers an evil witch has placed a curse on the land’s princess. Which, upon investigation, appears to be that she is stuck in a jumpsuit. Awesome.

Link and his lookalike boys (multiplayer effort) find the witch, break the curse. Sorted.

The Legend of Zelda

It’s the OG! Released in 1986 which must come after 2013 in time’s great tapestry. Because if it doesn’t then what are we even doing here?

But first, backstory. This isn’t detailed until the sequel The Adventure of Link but does take place but the story of the 1986 classic.

With the power of the Triforce, generations of Kings use it maintain peace and order across Hyrule until one day, one King does something properly dumb. He splits it up, hides Courage, gives wisdom to Zelda, not sure what he does with Power, probably stashes it in his mattress.

As mentioned above the monumental dumbness of this decision becomes apparent as the kingdom falls into decline. Couple that with the prince putting Zelda into a coma as instructed by an evil wizard and you have a disaster of epic proportions. When the prince realises what he has done he places Zelda in a sacred altar. This story is passed down through the ages as The Tragedy of Zelda the 1st.

But we’ve already seen multiple Zeldas in this timeline I hear you cry. Yes. And yet, Zelda the 1st. Deal with it I suppose.

Ganon is back because reasons. Zelda reacts by splitting the Triforce of Wisdom into eight pieces that she scatters across the realm.

A young hero (Link) is tasked the handmaiden Impa with gathering these pieces together, flying in the face of the plan of her princess but hey ho. This allows him to defeat Ganon. The End.

The Adventure of Link

1987. Sigh.

Link is milling about Hyrule dealing with the aftermath of Ganon’s nonsense from the previous title. Ganon’s minions have concocted a plot in which they’ll kill Link and sprinkle his blood on Ganon’s remains, therefore restoring him to life. They fail.

Six years pass. On Link’s 16th birthday the Triforce symbol appears on the back of his hand. He asks Impa just what is up with that, and she regales him with the tale of Zelda the 1st. Impa tasks Link with finding the Triforce of Courage in order to reunite the Triforce and save sleepy Zelda.

He does. Class.

And with that we arrive at the end of this branch of the timeline. Known as the dark timeline it certainly has some more morose story beats but as with all Legend of Zelda games, Link triumphs in the end.

We have a little over a week to go until the release of Tears of the Kingdom and I have not completed these articles at a pace that suits that deadline. So, expect the second and third branching timeline articles to follow fairly quickly after this.

Hope you’ve enjoyed and we’ll start the next article with Majora’s Mask.

News: Fortnite on Amazon Luna

The Amazon Luna+ subscription service has long been enjoyed in America. Consequently, its fan base has been vocal about a key title that has been missing. As such, Amazon has listened and Fortnite is now included for Prime and Amazon Luna+ subscribers.

This may not be big news for PC and console-exclusive players. However, cloud gaming fans will jump for joy. The Amazon Luna+ service allows you to play on multiple devices using either the Luna controller or a touchscreen device. As such, it is a versatile system that is affordable and stable.

I adored this revolutionary way of gaming. Thanks to its easy-to-use app, great value-for-money subscription options, and excellent controller, this is an impressive newcomer to the streaming platform. 

Fortnite on Amazon Luna is the cherry on top of the cake. 

Fortnite isn’t a new title. Yet, the news that it is included in Amazon Prime and Luna+ subscription services is exciting. Lovers of this game can now get their fill as long as they have a mobile or Wi-Fi connection. Moreover, you may play using your mobile phone or the excellent Luna controller.

If you are new to the subscription service, you can try it free of charge for 7 days. Subsequently, there is nothing to lose as you compete against the best players in the world. Check out my thoughts on Amazon Luna+ and the Luna controller here! Alternatively, more information on the service can be found here!

(Amazon Luna+ is available in the United States, Canada, Germany, and the UK.)