‘2025 Oscar Nominated Short Films: Animation’ Review: Diverse Mix Reflects the Medium’s Incredible Range

The animated short film “Magic Candies,” directed by Daisuke Nishio, comes from Toei Animation, known for hit series like “One Piece” and “Dragon Ball.” However, it retains a distinctly personal feel. Created using CGI but styled to resemble stop motion, the 21-minute piece revolves around a lonely boy named Dong-Dong. After purchasing a bag of vibrant candies, he finds that each sweet enables him to communicate uniquely with different people in his life – an old couch in his apartment, his confused pet dog Gusuri, and his overworked single father, among others. This communication only lasts as long as the candy remains in his mouth. The short is humorous and carries a heartfelt emotional resonance. It occasionally explains events on screen, which might enhance its impact for the young viewers Nishio aims to connect with (and also allows it to appeal to older audiences who can understand subtitles). This nomination gives it the opportunity to travel beyond borders and touch American viewers.

Why Narmaya is the All-Time Favorite in Granblue Fantasy

Narmaya’s striking character design and distinctive fighting style are what make her stand out among players. As one person put it, “Narmaya’s fighting style won me over at first sight.” This indicates that Narmaya’s visual appeal isn’t just skin deep; it extends to the gameplay mechanics, creating a rich player experience. Her appearance, which combines the traditional samurai archetype with a modern twist, has captivated many, earning her the nickname “the samurai of despair.” This title evokes both curiosity and amusement, suggesting that she’s a character with depth who isn’t afraid to tackle darker subjects while still maintaining an eye-catching image. Additionally, her smooth combat animations and ability to switch stances add complexity to her gameplay, increasing her allure even more. The fact that players are actively discussing her design shows that Narmaya is a shining example of the artistic vision behind Granblue Fantasy.

Granblue Fantasy: Is the Player Population Thriving or Just Surviving?

In various online games like Granblue Fantasy, the user experience can significantly vary between players, particularly when they delve into endgame content. For a novice player such as miller0929, the challenge of locating teammates for quests becomes noticeable right away. User dphan27 commented, “I don’t understand why they didn’t include crossplay,” suggesting that the inability to connect players on different platforms is a considerable hurdle. As more games adopt crossplay, Granblue Fantasy’s decision not to incorporate this feature might cause annoyance and make one question if they missed an opportunity to sustain a larger, active player base.

Skull and Bones: Players Anxiously Await Year 2 Content Announcements

Players eagerly anticipating Skull and Bones’ Year 2 updates find themselves in the dark, much like a pirate ship adrift at sea, as they grapple with uncertainty. A recent post sparked a heated debate when LocalAcanthisitta627 asked if any announcements might arrive on Monday or Wednesday, causing a whirlwind of reactions ranging from optimistic excitement to pessimistic doubt. Teddyjones84 voiced his frustration over the lack of communication from developers, expressing concern that “since we’ve heard nothing (which is puzzling from a PR perspective), I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets delayed.” The mood among players is becoming increasingly restless, as they feel the information they should have received long ago has yet to surface. It appears the treasure map to Year 2 content may have been inadvertently stowed away in Davy Jones’ locker by the developers.

Is Skull and Bones All Online? Players Weigh In!

The main debate centers on whether Skull and Bones will offer satisfying gameplay experiences for both online and offline players. Reddit user PillowyGiant raised questions about enjoying the game without fully embracing its online features, which can be a turn-off for players who prefer a more relaxed, solo experience. The term “MMO” often raises concerns in such cases. However, it appears that many in the gaming community share these worries. A commentator named Platinum_God_Games explained that while Skull and Bones is essentially an MMO, most of its content can be accessed individually, as long as one stays online. This offers a glimmer of hope for those who prefer solitary gaming sessions but are intrigued by the possibility of having a solo adventure within a shared world.

Skull and Bones: Players Lose Their Cool Over Persistent Firework Noises!

The outcry about the incessant firework sounds in St. Anne initially sparked from a post by user Timmy12er: “Does anyone else find the continuous fireworks at St. Anne disturbing?” The primary issue appears to be the high volume and repetitive nature of the fireworks, which are likened to harsh sounds such as nails scratching on a chalkboard, potentially disrupting immersion and enjoyment of the gameplay experience. This sentiment was shared by many players, including earldogface, who compared their initial excitement about St. Anne to feeling excited followed quickly by frustration. They sarcastically commented, “How wonderful,” expressing annoyance at the fact that the fireworks continue non-stop.

Skull and Bones: Players Debate the Bizarre Silver Lion/Sovereign Exchange System

Users find themselves perplexed while dealing with the Silver Lion/Sovereign exchange, expressing their bewilderment over its workings. For instance, “maximumgravity1” notes that exchanging Sovereigns for Silver Lions feels more like a laborious task instead of an exciting journey. The repetitive steps of clicking the icon, refreshing the exchange, and going through the system can make the process seem mundane, much like waiting in line at the DMV for your appointment. In his words, “most things we click on in the commodity, then choose the quantity” – so why is this specific system so dissimilar?