NEWS
Nintendo’s Epic Zelda Sequel ‘Tears Of The Kingdom’ Sparks Global Gaming Frenzy
After a six-year anticipation, fans of the beloved “Zelda” franchise around the globe finally rejoiced on Friday as Nintendo unveiled the highly anticipated latest chapter in its iconic gaming series, which has been captivating audiences for four decades.
Dedicated gamers showed their unwavering commitment by forming lengthy queues outside a store in Paris, hours before midnight struck, in their quest to be among the first to obtain the much-awaited game, titled “Tears of the Kingdom.”
“I’m going crazy actually, because it’s been six years that we’ve been waiting for this game,” 19-year-old Taylor Meguira told AFP as he waited in line.
“When ‘Breath of the Wild’ came out, it was a real revolution in the world of games,” he added, referring to the 2017 instalment of the saga.
“Knowing that there is a sequel, which is coming out in an hour or a little less, it’s just incredible, it just makes me so happy.”
Since its initial release in 1986, the game series showcasing the adventures of Princess Zelda and the courageous hero Link has achieved remarkable success, with a staggering 125 million copies sold worldwide.
Notably, “Zelda” played a pivotal role in shaping the concept of “open world” gaming, allowing players to freely explore vast virtual landscapes—an innovation that later inspired titles such as “Grand Theft Auto” and “Skyrim.”
The franchise’s influence on the gaming industry is evident as it paved the way for immersive gaming experiences and expansive virtual realms.
However, the primary hurdle for the Japanese gaming powerhouse this year lies in enhancing its earnings and extending the lifespan of its Switch console, which industry experts claim has reached a mature stage after gracing store shelves for seven years.
Prior to its release, preview clips circulating on the internet garnered millions of views, generating immense anticipation. Analyst Serkan Toto from Kantan Games predicts that the game will significantly contribute to Nintendo’s sales this year, surpassing other titles by a wide margin.
Nonetheless, when the franchise made its debut in the 1980s, it was a daring move for a company primarily recognized for games like “Donkey Kong” and “Super Mario Bros.” The launch of “Zelda” marked a significant gamble for Nintendo at the time.
The inaugural release, “The Legend of Zelda,” thrust gamers into an unfamiliar universe with minimal guidance or instructions.
During an era when most games could be completed within a couple of hours, “Zelda” presented an expansive and grandiose scale.
Kiyoshi Tane, a renowned author specializing in video game history, acknowledged the game’s groundbreaking nature, stating, “It was a forerunner of what open-world games would eventually evolve into.”
With its vast and immersive world, “Zelda” pushed the boundaries of gaming conventions and set the stage for future titles to explore the possibilities of open-world gameplay.
Following its release, “Zelda” entered the market a few months after the iconic “Super Mario Bros.”
While Mario’s adventures involved traversing platforms from left to right, Zelda took a distinct approach by enticing players to delve into its vast world, encouraging exploration, discovery, and the mapping of its intricate landscapes.
This unique characteristic of the game was highlighted by Mark Brown, an analyst of game design who shares insights on his YouTube channel.
The original “Zelda” quickly became a resounding success, pushing the boundaries of game design and setting new standards for the industry over the next two decades.
However, as the 2010s arrived, the franchise encountered challenges and experienced a decline in its popularity.
The designers rethought the basics of the game, eventually creating 2017’s “Breath of the Wild”, which launched alongside the Switch and has since become the best-selling edition of Zelda.
“This game set a high bar for the open-world action-adventure genre, and Zelda is still at the top,” Katsuhiko Hayashi, representative for Famitsu Group, which publishes industry magazine Famitsu, told AFP.
On Friday, November 22, 2024, the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was laid to rest in his hometown of Nnewi, Anambra State.
The funeral, held at his residence in Umuanuka, Otolo Nnewi, was attended by a multitude of mourners, including political figures, business associates, and community members, all paying their final respects to the esteemed businessman and politician.
The burial proceedings commenced with a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., followed by condolence visits and other funeral activities. The ceremonies are scheduled to continue through the weekend, culminating in a Thanksgiving Mass and Outing Service on Sunday, November 24, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Otolo Nnewi.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Anambra Senator, Ubah, Dies In London
In light of security concerns, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for a week. This decision followed threats from separatist elements who vowed to attack those attending the burial. A circular from the state Ministry of Education directed school principals to inform parents and ensure students remained at home during this period.
The Anambra State Police Command addressed an incident that occurred on Wednesday night, clarifying that it was not related to the burial. According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident involved security operatives mistakenly engaging police personnel, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The situation has since been brought under control.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District, passed away in London in July 2024 at the age of 52. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from across the nation, with many acknowledging his significant contributions to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria.
As the community of Nnewi and the nation at large bid farewell to Senator Ubah, his legacy as a philanthropist, businessman, and public servant continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on those he served and inspired.
The Enugu State Government has commended the Republic of Finland for the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based leader of the proscribed separatist group, Autopilots.
Ekpa has been accused of orchestrating violence and chaos in Nigeria’s South East region.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the government described Ekpa as a “common criminal, con man, and terrorist” who has exploited the Igbo people while claiming to represent their interests.
RELATED NEWS: Finnish Police Arrest Simon Ekpa Over Terror-Related Allegations
“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa,” the statement read.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.”
The state government accused Ekpa of sponsoring violent activities that have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of the region’s economic activities.
It stated that Ekpa’s actions were driven by personal greed and not genuine concern for the Igbo people.
Onyia said, “Ekpa is a murderer and fraudster who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery.
“He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra.”
The government emphasized its readiness to provide evidence of Ekpa’s alleged crimes to support his prosecution, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
“This arrest is in line with the demand of the Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region,” the statement added.
The government further criticized Ekpa for fostering a climate of fear and insecurity that has harmed the entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth of the Igbo people.
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work,” Onyia said.
The Enugu State Government expressed optimism that Ekpa’s arrest would mark a turning point in the quest for peace and stability in the South East, urging residents to remain vigilant and supportive of ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the region.
The COP29 presidency has unveiled an ambitious climate finance plan, calling on developed nations to provide $250 billion annually to developing countries by 2035.
The proposal, part of a broader initiative to mobilize $1.3 trillion from public and private sources each year, seeks to address the mounting challenges posed by climate change.
The five-page draft text, released on Friday, emphasizes the need for developed nations to lead the charge in financing climate action.
RELATED NEWS: COP29: Climate Summit Faces Deadlock Over Vague Funding Proposals For Vulnerable Nations
According to the document, this financial commitment is seen as a critical step toward combating the climate crisis and fostering sustainable development globally.
“In this context, it is decided to set a goal in extension of the goal referred to in paragraph 53 of decision 1/CP.21, with developed country Parties taking the lead, to USD 250 billion per year by 2035 for developing country Parties for climate action,” the draft states.
The announcement follows the release of an earlier 10-page draft on Thursday, which drew significant criticism from Global South delegations.
Many expressed frustration that the document lacked clear financial commitments from wealthier nations, falling short of expectations to support adaptation and mitigation efforts.
“There is a clear need to address the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, especially given the diverse circumstances shaping national priorities,” a negotiator from a developing country delegation remarked.
The updated proposal aims to address some of these concerns by outlining more specific targets. However, skepticism remains among some negotiators, who feel the revisions still fail to adequately address their demands.
Meanwhile, developed countries have raised their own reservations about the proposed plan.
A European negotiator, speaking to Reuters, described the $250 billion annual target as unrealistic and criticized the lack of measures to expand the pool of contributing countries.
“No one is comfortable with the number because it’s high, and there’s almost nothing on broadening the contributor base,” the negotiator said.
The mixed reactions underscore the persistent divide between developed and developing nations in climate negotiations.
While the draft text aims to reconcile these differences, the gap between expectations and commitments remains a significant hurdle.
I Make $40,000 Montly With Content Creation Says Blessing CEO
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah Laid To Rest In Nnewi Amidst Tight Security
Tinubu Moves To Transform Tragedy To Prosperity With Livestock Investment
Nicki Minaj Teams Up With Davido On ‘The Pink Print’ Anniversary
Simon Ekpa’s Arrest Will Restore Peace In South East, Says Enugu Gov’t
Wizkid’s “Morayo”: Critics, Fans Clash Over Album’s Quality
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
