WATCH ORDER: THINGS TO WATCH BEFORE ALIEN: ROMULUS

Alien: Romulus is one of the movies in the Alien saga, released on 23rd August 2024. Alien is a whole saga movie that started in the late 1900s and was one of the first movies to take you to space and speak about otherworldly creatures that sparked the imagination of many people all over the world. You would be surprised as to how even the oldest movie looked so realistic when compared with recent advancements in VFX. The saga deals with this mysterious powerful alien species that has close to zero weakness, a crew has to face it amongst the stars and the void that is space itself, which makes the viewers watch at the edge of their seats.

 1. Alien (1979)

It's the first movie in the saga, the movie starts with a ship crew getting up from slumber halfway through returning to Earth, woken up by the ship's AI, only to realize that they were woken up because of an SOS call in a nearby planet, upon landing, they encounter multiple problems which leads them to eventually get a baby alien on to the ship accidentally. Things only go wrong from here. Watching this in 2024, one must appreciate the amount of production that has gone into this movie made in 1979. It's not a prolonged movie and is pretty much action-packed, there is no screen time for sulking and buffer time for emotions when something bad happens which is what makes this movie interesting.

Ripley vs Alien. "Alien (1979)." . IMDb,https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078748/mediaindex/ 

It must have been the most gruesome movie at that time, not being much of a horror enthusiast I didn't feel that scared. The movie was horrifying indeed and did keep me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The movie captures the essence of an alien invasion on a flying ship perfectly, the movie makes sure you are engaged until the end of the movie, with a couple of unexpected twists and some of the vilest deaths, not to mention the gooeyness and the unknown nature of the alien, which made me flinch. An invincible alien against a group of 7 humans with limited resources, who do you think will win? Watch to find out.

2. Aliens (1986)

This movie starts where the first movie ended, Ripley the sole survivor rescued by her employer's ship after 57 years, losing her child as well due to old age, upon investigation her employers share that on the same planet where she was stuck now there is a terraforming colony which recently has gone silent, to investigate this, Ripley and a crew of marine go back to the planet. On investigation, they find a sole surviving child named Newt and a whole hive of aliens in the terraforming colony. Now one would wonder that Ripley along with a group of soldiers couldn't be more prepared, but you are wrong, the aliens are found to be more and more persisting than ever.

Ripley and Newt start to bond with each other. "Aliens (1986)."  . IMDb,https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090605/mediaindex/

This movie continues to hold that thrill of finding out what happens next, it takes a less load of scary as now you are familiarized with what the aliens can do, and the movie still doesn't stop to surprise you all the way through till the end. There is a touch of wholesomeness in the whole movie which gives a moment of breathing from all the goriness. This movie gives the viewers an idea of how the colonization of this alien invasion can take over an entire colony within seconds. There is struggle literally till the last minute of the movie, which feels like a never-ending trauma for the protagonists and the rest of the survivors, the final standoff was very dandy, and the saga starts to grow on you at this point.

3. Alien 3 (1992)

This movie was a little off track and honestly, this was a little too prolonged, somehow again the shuttle from the previous movie gets destroyed and they land on a planet with a prison, yes you guessed it only Ripley being the sole survivor, the directors must really like her. Well somehow there is a new species of the alien which has now infected a bison from the ship and now has successfully infiltrated the prison as well. The whole prison was made in order to keep the prisoners from using weapons and hence they are now weaponless and against a new unknown species of the alien.

Ripley and the prisoners witnessing cremation "Alien3 (1992)." . IMDb,https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103644/mediaindex/

There are a lot of slurs in this movie, since we are viewing a bunch of thieves, murderers and rapists fighting against an alien, even though weaponless, they do figure out some ideas and methods to trap the alien somehow until a rescue team comes and rescues them. There are a couple of twists in the middle, but at this point, there is no longer horror or scary, its just a bunch of horrifying deaths you wished you'd never seen. Surprisingly (In a sarcastic tone) Ripley is actually special soo much that the company is ready to send a rescue her. To realize what makes her special and how she fits in the whole saga, it makes an important movie.

4. Alien Resurrection (1997)

Man they wouldn't let go of Ripley, this movie is set 200 years after the previous movie, where the scientists have cloned Ripley as a sort of half-human, half-alien, so that she can be the host to the mother alien, clearly all the scientists were out of their minds and were psychotic. Them being so intelligent to call themselves scientists and they thought this was a good idea. Obviously this group of scientists were doing their experiments at the table and had genuinely created some of the vilest creatures one can ever imagine, the only horrifying part of this movie was that they never felt bad about creating it, even in their last moments as they die in the hands of the alien, the alien appeared to them as beautiful.

Clone Ripley getting tested by the scientists. "Alien Resurrection (1997)."  . IMDb,https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118583/mediaindex/

The scientists also go as far as to smuggle in some expendable humans from a group of thugs in a sort of illegal black market sort of business. Well, I was surprised that they were able to clone Ripley from a single drop of blood, but they had progressed more than that to be able to give birth to 12 of those aliens. You got to give them the credit making one of best space adventure/thriller movies during the 1900s. This movie has got more robots, aliens, and other creatures, and this being the sequel to Alien3 is a must-watch.

5. Prometheus (2012)

This movie is a prequel to the whole alien universe, It starts with a couple finding a set of cave paintings, which depicted a being that people worshiped, they called him the "Engineers", the couple believed they were the makers of humans, them along with a crew on the ship called Prometheus, their inquisitiveness causes them to find the monolith which hosted the Engineers, as they go inside and explore, although they find what they came for they also find some other organisms which they wished they hadn't found.

 Dr. Shaw and her crew explore the Engineer's cave. "Prometheus (2012)."  IMDb,https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1446714/mediaindex/ 

Dr. Shaw is the protagonist of the movie, she is a scientist her curiousness gets her into all kinds of trouble, she struggles until the end to find the answer, although during her troubles there is an android who helps her always named David. This movie is a little slow and kind of random, felt a little out of place, but the reason to watch this movie is because this explains the birth of the alien species and how it came about, who is the actual reason for this? They show a glimpse of the first alien species that came about. 

6. Alien: Covenant (2017)

This movie is the direct sequel to Prometheus, Covenant is another ship hosting about 2000 colonists who were being taken care of by another android called Walter. They end up hearing a human voice on a nearby planet on their way to a habitable planet. As they go reach out to that planet they realize that their little exploration has cost them 3 crewmates by the early alien species, they finally meet David the android in Prometheus, who fills them up with what has happened and how the alien species is that dangerous.

The Covenant crew. "Alien: Covenant (2017)."  . IMDb https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2316204/mediaindex/

Not long after consecutive attacks from the alien, the mother ship releases a lander vehicle to pick up the leftover crew along with the protagonist of the movie Daniels, which is where there is a twist and the movie teaches us that there is no one to be trusted, the whole movie ends in a cliffhanger, the movie itself feels very repetitive like the Prometheus, and it felt it was more eerie than the previous one, the ending explains how it all connects to the alien evolving as well as shows who is reason the alien species continues to survive and thrive. Which is quite the thriller, it will be cool to know how this connects to Romulus.

Alright, there is the list of everything to watch before the new movie releases, hope you guys have enjoyed the read, if you did make sure to spread the word about this blog to others interested as well, cause I am only going to be bringing you guys more of what you guys just read, hopefully I have at least motivated you to give one of these movies mentioned a watch. Well, I only wish to improve your experience in entertainment. 

UNCHARTED - THE LOST LEGACY : India's hidden secrets.

OVERVIEW

    "Uncharted: The Lost Legacy" is a captivating spin-off from the original Uncharted series, spotlighting the remarkable Chloe Frazer, an audacious Indian-Australian mercenary with a storied past alongside Nathan Drake. Embarking on a thrilling new escapade set against the backdrop of India, Chloe, joined by her resourceful partner Nadine Ross, delves into the enigmatic realms of the long-forgotten cities of Belur and Halebidu.

    The game's opening scene thrusts players into a violent conflict unfolding in the center of India, where a fierce struggle ensues between the established government forces and resolute insurgents. At the helm of the insurgent military the The game's opening scene thrusts players into a tumultuous conflict unfolding on the vivid canvas of India, where a fierce struggle ensues between the established government forces and resolute insurgents. At the helm of the insurgent military machine stands the enigmatic Asav, an astute leader who masterminded the inception of a potent guerrilla warfare movement known as the Kannidigan. 

    The crux of the narrative revolves around the tale of Shiva, the destroyer, gifting an awe-inspiring axe to Parashuram, one of Lord Vishnu's ten avatars. This very axe played a pivotal role breaking of the tusk of the divine Ganesh, son of Shiva, leading to the creation of a treasure imbued with an exquisite array of pearls this artifact of immense value - the revered tusk of  the Indian god Ganesh, including Chloe's own father and the enigmatic Asav, the leader who masterminded the inception of a guerrilla warfare. Asav's strategic prowess is underpinned by a relentless ambition - his unwavering quest to unearth the legendary tusk of Ganesh. This coveted artifact, steeped in myth and potency, holds the promise of bestowing upon its possessor a decisive advantage in the ongoing power struggle.

   United with her stalwart companion Nadine, Chloe's journey transcends the realm of a mere treasure hunt. It transforms into a valiant mission to prevent the unthinkable - the potential obliteration of a nation's identity and cultural legacy. Through twists of history and the tapestry of myth, Chloe and Nadine become the vanguards of a narrative that interweaves the threads of ancient heritage with the contemporary struggle for survival. 

CHARACTERS

    Chloe Frazer emerges as an extraordinary protagonist, a perfect blend of an explorer and quick-witted problem-solver, effortlessly navigating through the unfathomable challenges that obstruct her path. Her seasoned expertise and  determination allow her to push through the most difficult of predicaments. However, what truly sets her apart is her intellect, embodying the essence of critical thinking that guides her every move. 

    Her distinctive trait lies in her belief in the inherent goodness within people, a rare quality that sees past the depths of others' flaws and transgressions. This profound ability to offer redemption and second chances imparts a remarkable depth to her character. Chloe embraces her role as a part-time thief – a facet she wears like a badge of honor, adding a component of intrigue. This infusion of  charm and a playful behavior adds an interesting dimension to the narrative, inviting players to embrace not only heroism but also her happy go attitude.

    Nadine Ross assumes the role of Chloe's companion throughout their journey, her composed resolve - an understandable behavior considering her prior antagonist role in another series. Having embarked on a redemptive direction after the sting of betrayal on the antagonist side, the dynamic between the two reveals a captivating interplay of camaraderie and tension. Nadine's up front attitude often ignites fiery clashes with the spirited Chloe, yet beneath the surface, there is an unwavering faith. Within the details of the game that scales up with the older Uncharted games, lies the intriguing evolution of Nadine's transformation from villain to virtuous. This  metamorphosis renders the gameplay all the more engaging as it explores the intricate psychology of her shift from darkness to the luminous side.

    Asav is a strategic mastermind and the formidable leader of the Kannidigan insurgents, he aspires to reshape the very fabric of the war, forging an indomitable advantage that would subjugate governmental forces beneath his iron will. Asav emerges as the central figure of malevolence, an antagonist whose presence looms large on the canvas. A true embodiment of unwavering ambition, Asav's bold nature knows no bounds, compelling him to stoop to lowest of depths in his pursuit of desire. His sinister manipulations extend to the point of sacrificing his own comrades for his own greed, beneath this drape of cruelty, lies a mind that brims with intelligence, an amazing strategist who perpetually manages to outmaneuver Chloe, leaving her one step behind.

CINEMATIC APPEAL

    This game introduces players to an immersive open-world experience, within the depths of the Beluru and Helibidu forests. The canvas upon which this adventure which has amazing craftsmanship, aesthetic landscape that is nothing short of breathtaking. The visual tapestry unfurls in a marvelous panorama, each pixel a testament to the artistry at play, inviting players to lose themselves in the game. Amidst this meticulously designed environment, a captivating touch emerges in the form of Chloe's photographic pursuits. Her phone serves as a portal to capture moments of wonder, adding an immersive aspect that invites players to encapsulate the beauty they encounter.

    The canvas comes alive with a vibrant array of elements, from gushing waterfalls that matches the verdant greenery with the introduction of indigenous fauna that lend an air of authenticity to the experience. There are playful presence of monkeys, a fitting nod to India's natural landscape, infuses an organic component, while the graceful dance of birds against the blue sky adds a touch of mythical feel to it. Imbuing the ambiance, the subtle melody of insect sounds merges easily with the background music, creating a multisensory landscape that is exuberant.

    It is in these curated details that the true charm of this open world flourishes. This game captures the essence of India's rich biodiversity and cultural nuances, transporting players into a dimension where every corner holds a secret waiting to be uncovered. The open world becomes more than just a setting; it changes into a living, breathing character, a realm that needs exploration and resonates with the spirit of the adventure itself.

    The game's directors have masterfully woven the captivating elements that render it an enjoyable and immersive experience. Notably, the hallmark of an Uncharted series—the art of parkour—is exquisitely showcased here, enhanced by the lush, untamed background of the jungle setting. This dynamic movement system seamlessly intertwines with the environment, allowing players to navigate and traverse the terrain, adding a thrill to the gameplay which is also authentic in many cases.

PERSONAL OPINION

    The revelation that Chloe Frazer's own lineage converges with the tusk's narrative adds another layer of profound significance. Armed with the knowledge of her father's connection to this artifact, Chloe's determination to shield India's cultural heritage blazes into an inferno. Her journey transcends the boundaries of personal pursuit, turning into an epic quest to safeguard not only the relic but also the essence of a nation's identity. Bound by an unbreakable bond of purpose, Chloe and her steadfast comrade Nadine become the protagonists of a tale that weaves the story of the ancient times. 

    Asav being a formidable foe conspires to bestow upon him an upper hand, infusing the gameplay with a dose of challenge. As players navigate Chloe's goes against this formidable adversary, the tension him having the upper hand heightens the stakes

    While embracing an open-world design, there is an imbalance of freedom and direction, there is not much to be done while walking and its a pain to walk around because the character doesn't run as fast either. This equilibrium is set by the use of a jeep for traversing, this underlines the essence of exploration while ensuring players remain engaged with key points of interest. 

    The combat mechanics in the game stand as a proof to its excellence, offering a an exhilarating experience. The well-balanced health bar strikes the right chord in the players brains, letting players have a degree of leniency to learn from their missteps and evolve their strategies organically. A standout feature surfaces during the enthralling combat sequences with Nadine, where the synergy of cooperative fighting which displays of choreographed prowess. The integration of combo moves not only augments the visual spectacle but also lends an interactive layer that adds depth to the connection between the player and the characters on screen.

    This game offers a diverse gun loadout options adds a thrilling dimension to combat encounters. The combat itself remains consistently engaging, the true brilliance lies in the multiplicity of pathways you can tackle a situation which leads to discovering an individual playstyle.

    This game, in comparison to the older games within the Uncharted series, does manifest as relatively compact, which turns out to be quite the disappointment. The initial joy derived from the amazingly crafted architectural marvels, and the seamless  gameplay mechanics can be likened to ascending the pinnacle of joy, at this point the game ends which is makes you want more.

    However, the narrative could have benefitted with an additional content of intricacy, particularly in the context of character introductions. While the vibrant personalities of the cast certainly shine through, their histories and motivations could have been more elaborately sketched, enabling a deeper resonance with their individual characters.

    At the apex of this game is filled with a scattering of very few side quests this is linked to Chloe's inherent proclivity for both thievery and artifact collection finds a way into this game as well. The open-world canvas imbibes these pursuits with a twist of challenge. While the endeavor might prove occasionally painful, this very sense of challenge adds an exhilarating motivation, motivating players onward to conquer the most daunting obstacles.

CONCLUSION

    "Uncharted: The Lost Legacy" emerges as a captivating game to the artistry of game design, weaving together a bunch of elements that invite players into a rich and immersive experience. Chloe's everlasting spirit and multifaceted persona, including her fearless exploration and fantastic parkour skill. Nadine's complex transformation from antagonist to ally adds a layer of depth.

    Amidst this exquisite backdrop unfolds a battle of wits and wills with Asav, a compelling antagonist who is the embodiment of malevolence through his manipulation and disregard for human life. His enigmatic aspirations, fueled by his insatiable thirst for power, sets the stage for a riveting conflict that tests the limits of Chloe and Nadine's tenacity. The carefully curated open world brims with life, from cascading waterfalls to indigenous fauna that describes the vibrancy of India's diverse landscape. 

    While the game's narrative and scale may appear more compact in comparison to the older games, it compensates with an aesthetic environment that is awe-inspiring, a captivating story that unravels that compares light and shadow within its characters and for this i would give a rating of 4/5. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy definitely captures the essence of adventure, offering players a unique blend of excitement and introspection.

GENSHIN IMPACT : Epic battles and mythical heroes unleashed.

1.OVERVIEW

    Genshin Impact is an open world RPG(Role Playing Game),where players embark on an unforgettable journey in a vast open world. At the heart of the story are two siblings, Lumine and Aether, from which players can choose either as their protagonist. Though the story remains unchanged, players have the option to play as a male or female character, adding a personal touch to their adventure. The tale begins as the siblings find themselves transported to a new dimension, only to be captured by an archon, god-like beings in this world. The character not chosen by the player is taken captive, while the protagonist engages in a fierce battle with the archon, eventually getting overpowered and losing consciousness. Upon awakening, the protagonist discovers themselves in the outskirts of Mondstadt, a bustling city. There, they meet Paimon, a mysterious and quirky companion who floats and possesses no known backstory with this we move on to understand how the world works and we set a foot on a very long journey of how to get our the other sibling back.

    One of the captivating aspects is the concept of archons and visions. Each of the seven countries is presided over by an archon, with each archon associated with a particular element, these archons have different personalities and are also playable which makes the game more interesting. Within the game, players encounter four main types of missions: Archon quests, World quests, Side quests, and Story quests. While certain elements may overlap, each mission offers a distinct story and perspective, providing players with a vast array of experiences. With around 70 playable characters, each boasting their own individual stories, Genshin Impact offers an expansive narrative to explore.  

2.CHARACTERS

    As players assume the role of Aether or Lumine, the chosen protagonist emerges as a classic hero figure. Though they may not be overly talkative, their voice carries a sense of justice, heroism, and courage. As they traverse this realm alongside the player, they share the same confusion and wonder, adding an authentic and relatable element to the game.

    Next in line is Paimon, the enigmatic companion, brings a touch of whimsy to the adventure. Floating and perpetually short in stature, her age and backstory remain unknown. Paimon serves as the intermediary between the protagonist and NPCs, often engaging in conversations that can be both amusing and occasionally drawn-out. While her combat presence may be limited, her Japanese dubbing adds a playful charm to her character, though some players may find her voice slightly annoying.

    Among the diverse cast of characters, Kaeya stands out as a cold-hearted individual. Donning a cool demeanor, his elemental affiliation lies in ice, and he holds the position of Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonious,  now knights favonious are just a group of people who keep the city of Mondstadt safe from any kind of external problems. Despite his cool appearance, his actions evoke suspicion, making players question his loyalty and wonder if he may eventually betray the others.

    Lisa is a strong character and a librarian with an affinity for electricity, captivates players with her seductive speech, occasionally bordering on cringe or awkwardness. Her intelligence shines through her knowledge of myths and ancient stories, making her a valuable asset within the Knights of Favonious.

 Lastly Barbara, a water-element character and a healer, proves to be an indispensable ally throughout the game. As one of the few water element characters, she provides invaluable support in the team, even though usually healers are undervalued in a team. With hints of a pop singer background, Barbara's healing abilities complement her singing as she is a pop star who would usually sing in concerts, enriching the lives of those who listen to her sing at the same time she works as a nun in Mondstadt which is probably where she learnt how to heal.

3.FILMIC AESTHETICS

    Visually, Genshin Impact boasts cinematic appeal with its breathtaking scenery. From meticulously detailed flowers to captivating color contrasts and dynamic wind effects, every aspect of the game's visuals seamlessly fits together like a completed puzzle, and hence it is as satisfiying to watch it as completing a puzzle. There are times when you would rather watch the scenery around you than the characters conversations. The scenic beauty often captivates players, leading them to appreciate the environment as much as the character interactions. The cutscenes, reminiscent of anime, offer exhilarating action sequences that leave players craving for more. While the game may have fewer cinematic scenes overall, each one is meticulously crafted and truly remarkable.

    The music in Genshin Impact stands out as a phenomenal aspect of the game. The developers have created original compositions using instruments from various cultures, perfectly capturing the essence of each city. This attention to detail enhances the immersive experience, making players feel truly immersed in the game's world. The combination of stunning visuals, captivating auditory elements, and meticulous cinematography ensures that Genshin Impact is an outstanding and satisfying gaming. Unlike a lot of other long games which turn out to be sufferable this is a rather gorgeous game, even though it is long at least you have the satisfaction of watching something so soothing and peaceful which makes this an all around fabulous game.

4. PERSONAL OPINION

    As of now there are 5 countries we know of they are Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru and Fontaine, Fontaine is the most recent one and it hasn't been released yet as I write this blog but it seems like a great addition to the game as seen on trailers so far. The developers have made sure to make these countries similar to those in real life where in there are various unique components within each country, such as culture, architecture, and missions assigned by NPCs and finally the NPC's themselves which gives the player a vacation type of an experience. 

    Amidst the engaging storyline, the acquisition of weapons and artifacts presents a challenging grind, sometimes you would need at least a week to actually wait around for the resources to regenerate or sometimes wait for the domain to open up, these domains open up only on certain days of the week, I find this really cumbersome and one would need to have a lot of patience to get through it. In this open-world RPG, players must invest time into obtaining and upgrading their arsenal, from finding the right stats on weapons to leveling up characters and artifacts. This intricate process adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the unique elements of the game.

 Not all archons are on the good side as we have seen one of the archons stole our sibling, some archons are really cool like the one in Inazuma others like the one in Sumeru was really boring. Seeing that the archons are playable it is quite annoying when the playable archons are not as strong as when their story was playing out, although it is understandable considering the balance in the game should be maintained, including the archons there are around 70 playable characters and each has his/her own story with a load of fighting and puzzles which basically runs the whole game. 

5.CONLUSION

In conclusion, I would rate this game a solid 4.5 out of 5. Genshin Impact is an immersive open-world RPG that offers a captivating gaming experience. With a choice between Lumine and Aether as the protagonist, players embark on a thrilling adventure in a dimension governed by archons and their associated elements. The game's vast world, inspired by real-life cultures and architecture, is brought to life with stunning visuals and a phenomenal soundtrack. The diverse cast of characters, engaging quests, and meticulous attention to detail make Genshin Impact a truly exceptional RPG.

Overall, Genshin Impact successfully combines its visually stunning landscapes, immersive gameplay mechanics, and captivating storytelling to create a remarkable gaming experience. Whether exploring the vast open world, engaging in epic battles, or uncovering the secrets of the archons, players are sure to be enthralled by the charm and depth of this extraordinary RPG.