Latest news with #KnightsTemplar
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Assassin's Creed Shadows review: Vast and beautiful, with a story mode
Among all of the world's most popular games, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise is one of the most recognizable names globally. By itself, the lore created by this 18-year-old game series has been a landmark experience in gaming—giving players the experience of an open world that can be explored freely, close links to actual historical events in its storyline, and a narration that connects the protagonists of each game with multiple previous ones. Now, Assassin's Creed Shadows takes all of these elements to give fans of its franchise a setting that many forums had demanded for years—medieval Japan. Straight off the bat, Assassin's Creed Shadows does a fantastic job of recreating Japan in the late-1570s. This is not just because of the visuals, which are undoubtedly poignant, realistic and befitting of the game's set-up—the design of the terrain's layout, including the hideouts and the strategically placed side quests alongside the 22 main mission levels, actually makes Assassin's Creed Shadows a title that gamers can continue to explore well beyond finishing the main storyline. For those without prior context: this is the 14th game in the 18-year history of Ubisoft making Assassin's Creed. The plot is simple: players don the shields and armours of a fictional member of the ancient Order of the Assassins—dropped in the game within real historical context and events. The goal is largely to defeat an opposing faction—for the most part, the Knights Templar that sought to establish order in medieval and ancient societies with an iron fist. But through this journey, the game has evolved to offer historical clues for players, including links and tributes to older games within the main game itself. Also read: Inside India's first Lego store in Gurugram Assassin's Creed Shadows, too, has the same spirit. You play either as Yasuke, a former imprisoned slave, or Naoe—the daughter of master assassin Tsuyu and Nagato, a leading member of the resistance faction Iga ikki. Both the characters have their strengths and limitations—Yasuke is a humongous force of nature, capable of breaking down doors with sprints and going on a rampage as enemy numbers escalate. Naoe, meanwhile, is ideal for stealth and swift assassinations—throughout the game, you'd often find Naoe's nimble-footed approach to be ideal. As you set off in the game, you realize that the storylines and character developments have still remained one of Ubisoft's biggest strengths, making Assassin's Creed Shadows stand on the same podium as some of the world's best third-person role-playing narrative-driven games—such as The Witcher, The Last of Us, Uncharted and Control. You get absorbed with Naoe's predicament, and you find Yasuke's journey a fulfilling one as you progress through the game. It's important to note here that as you progress in the game, choosing the normal and expert difficulty settings will need you to invest heavily in upgrading your gear, attire and weaponry. If you're not a hardcore gamer and would rather enjoy the game's story, there is a 'story' mode where the combat is toned down to the bare minimum, with protagonists barely ever taking a hit. What's interesting is that even in the story mode, Ubisoft has ensured that players stay immersed enough in tactical movement and swift combat to get the most of the ideal experience of Assassin's Creed Shadows. But, the presence of such a mode increases the appeal for such a game with those who do not want to go into extreme levels of combat. Back to the story, though, and about halfway through the game, you realize just how massive the world of Shadows really is. For the average casual gamer playing about two hours a day, it took almost a full month to finish the main story levels of Assassin's Creed Shadows. With side quests and additionally discoverable regions to explore, it can easily take up to three months to really straddle the full expanse of the game. As you go through the game, you can't help but feel that the exchange of dialogues and the narrative stretches on for a bit too long. While most combats are nearly ideal, some design elements interfere with the smoothness of the gameplay—in certain battles for instance, Yasuke's weight and armour levels just do not come through. Such glitches can become increasingly frustrating, especially since after a point, you tend to feel that even the story is rather loose, and should have been much crisper to let the game's open world shine through more. The present-day binding narrative, which plays right at the onset to set you up for the game, also feels rather forced—surely, there could've been a better way to establish context and history to the assassin's journey. That said, Assassin's Creed Shadows put forth a glorious insight into just how fun this game series always was, and in many ways, continues to be. It may come across as tedious, and those who are not good at combat-and-stealth gameplay may even struggle to finish it or continue beyond a point. But, perseverance lets you discover various parts of medieval Japan where the sights are gorgeous, and getting to the top of the pole still gives you the 'master of the world' appeal that has remained intact since the very first of this series. Is it worth playing, then? Definitely. Assassin's Creed Shadows' biggest 'fault' per se is in just how big the game is—and that's not necessarily bad for those at whom the game is aimed at. Is it the best that the series has offered to date? Based on pure visuals, some would certainly say so. Played on: Xbox Series S; Price: ₹4999 onward; Developer and publisher: Ubisoft. Also read: Computex 2025: All things AI to come from the annual computer show
Business Insider
15-05-2025
- Business Insider
I moved to Portugal and married a tour guide. Here are the 5 best places he's taken me that tourists usually miss.
I moved to Portugal 11 years ago and married a tour guide. We've traveled all over the country together and have seen places tourists often overlook. I think Monsanto feels like the setting of a fairytale, and I love the architecture in Tomar. Eleven years ago, I flew to Portugal on a whim with one small suitcase. I thought I'd stay for a month or two, but once I settled into my small Airbnb in Lisbon's old town of Alfama, I felt at home and happier than ever. A few weeks later, I joined a walking tour in a bid to get to know the city better. I became friends with the guide, a young Portuguese man named Rafael, and we fell in love and got married a few years later. Since then, we've traveled extensively around the country together. Here are five of my favorite places he's taken me in Portugal that tourists often overlook. Monsanto feels like a fantasy novel come to life. Imagine a village on a steep, rocky hilltop where stone houses are nestled between huge boulders — that's Monsanto, located near the Spanish border. When I visited, I felt like I'd stepped into a fantasy novel, so it's easy to see why parts of " House of the Dragon" were filmed here. The village is home to some fantastic hiking trails, so I recommend bringing walking shoes to take in the stunning views. I saw one of the most breathtaking sunrises of my life here, which was very much worth waking up early for. In Sabugueiro, you'll share the mountain paths with goats. Sabugueiro is a small village at the top of the Serra da Estrela mountain range. We spent a week here, and I loved it. The stream was crystal clear and I enjoyed hearing jangling bells as goat herds walked past me on the trails. The locals were also very friendly and served stewed goat and other regional delicacies in rustic restaurants. Together, there's something about this town that makes you want to just slow down and breathe in the wildflowers. Amarante has more to offer than quirky pastries. The town of Amarante is located about 40 miles inland from Porto, and the first time I visited, penis decorations fluttered above the streets (yes, you read that right). Street stalls also sold phallic-shaped pastries to passersby to bring them luck in love while floats revering São Gonçalo (Saint Gonzalo) drifted by. The celebration was all part of the São Gonçalo festival, a vibrant blend of pagan and Catholic influences, fireworks, and drums that I absolutely adored. The festival is held annually the first weekend in June. That said, I've returned to Amarante outside the festival, too, and think the otherwise tranquil town is worth a visit any time of year. Tomar is steeped in Templar history. Tomar is a charming city located about 90 miles northeast of Lisbon. It was founded in the 12th century by the Knights Templar, a Catholic military order. The city's centerpiece is the imposing Convent of Christ, which was founded in 1160 and located within Tomar Castle. Both sites are open for tours and filled with intricate architecture, layers of symbolism, and a palpable sense of history that makes me want to study every stone carving. You can also walk along the walls of the castle to get a bird's-eye view of the surrounding area. Even after several visits, I continue to find something new to explore. The Panóias Sanctuary reveals eerie Roman rituals. I'm drawn to strange and slightly eerie places, so I really enjoyed my visit to Panóias Sanctuary in Vale de Nogueiras. The site is dedicated to Serapis, the Greco-Egyptian god of the underworld, and dates back to the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD. Despite the lack of infrastructure or signage (which only adds to its mystery, in my opinion), it offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient rituals. The sanctuary features human-sized cavities carved into a granite outcrop, along with inscriptions in Latin and Greek.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
From Fishermen to Kings: A Family's Royal Discovering Unearthed Through Genealogy
An American couple uncovers a bloodline of Kings, Crusaders, and a Roman Senator PHOENIX, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Author John and Myra Nichols always believed their roots ran deep in the Scottish Lowlands where their family history was tied to the life of seafaring fishermen. However, when they set out to confirm their ancestry, they uncovered a truth far richer: their family wasn't just catching fish but claimed by many historians as shaping the course of Western civilization. Ready to share their story, they published, "The Rebirth of the Knights Templar, from Jerusalem to America: One Family's History." In the book, the couple chronicles their genealogical journey starting with Nichols's Y-DNA strand and his connection to royal linage back to 10 monarchs, including a Roman Senator, an Episcopal Bishop of Metz, a Roman Emperor, and Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland who sheltered the persecuted Knights Templar. As their research deepened, they uncovered connections to Templar artifacts, including a Cross Charlemagne etched in stone near their home in the Ironwood Forest National Monument in Ariz. and a large stone cross on Oak Island, near Nova Scotia, C.A. "What amazed us most was realizing that our ancestors helped shape history." Nichols said, "The Knights Templar stood against tyranny, bringing Christianity to Jerusalem and laying the foundation for the values that would eventually define America: free, justice, and faith." Humbled to discover their legacy, the couple was inspired to tell America's real history and aims to protect Jerusalem during a time of uncertainty. "There's so much about our history we believe will make Americans feel proud," Nichols said. "By sharing our family's story, we hope to inspire others to protect sacred places like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, now under threat in the Middle East. Our ancestors' courage and conviction remind us to live purposely, stand for truth, and work toward a hopeful world." "The Rebirth of the Knights Templar, from Jerusalem to America: One Family's History" By Author John and Myra Nichols ISBN: 9781665750646 (softcover); 9781665750660 (hardcover); 9781665750653 (electronic) Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the author John Nichols, a veteran of the United States Army, worked 43 years for Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads. His hobby is Archeology, and he specializes in interpreting petroglyphs or rock carvings. Myra Nichols learned research by participating in a successful Congressional Investigation in the 1988 Yellowstone wildfires. Her master's in education helped her students achieve the highest reading scores for first and second graders in the district. They both wrote a highly successful book in 2016 called "Calalus Revisited.". To learn more, please visit General Inquiries: LAVIDGE – Phoenix Taylor Moralez Tmoralez@ Media Contact Taylor Moralez, LAVIDGE, 4803066597, tmoralez@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE LAVIDGE Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Irish Examiner
06-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
East Cork: All aboard for a voyage on a tide that lifts all spirits
There are few more stimulating experiences for the human spirit than the softness of a cool breeze, combined with the salty aroma of the sea, the glinting of sunshine on friendly waters and the comfort of good company. Youghal's Blackwater River Cruises delivers all that and much more. This summer marks the 26th year of Ardmore native Tony Gallagher ferrying passengers aboard his 28ft half-decker craft — the Maeve Óg. Formerly a ferry to Kerry's dolphin, Fungi and licensed for twelve passengers, the boat departs Nealon's Quay (adjacent to Youghal tourist office), seven days weekly. Departures are timed according to bookings. As the craft inches towards the open river, the emerald hills of Monatrea across the divide contrasts magnificently with the blue of the water. With Tony's loyal daschund-chihuahua cross Scuba (Inspired by 'Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus') on lookout, ahead lies a 90-minute round trip through a landscape tangled in coils of Anglo-Irish history. It's a journey rich in serenity and sublime scenery, in a place deeply steeped in local, national and international history and a place that echoes Medieval royalty, swashbuckling romance and self-serving treachery. Tony, a former thespian, lends his voice to onboard commentary. 'Our first pause is at the site of the former Youghal bridge', he begins. (A bridge where bus passengers once had to walk across and transfer to another bus, due to its instability!) Soon afterwards, Templemichael and its ruined castle, built by the Fitzgeralds in the 16th century, rises poignantly above a church ruin and an overgrown graveyard. It is also commonly held, however, that the castle actually dates to the 12th century and was a Knights Templar fortress during the Norman invasion. Midway between the river banks, the mood can be one of disconnect from everyday life, as the early 6th century Molana Abbey slides into view. The Christian monks came from Ardmore after St. Declan and settled there', Tony informs. Founded by a disciple of St. Carthage, in 1510 the abbey fell into the hands of James Fitzgerald, 14th Earl of Desmond, before being seized by the Crown and desecrated during the Desmond Rebellions 30 years later. The remains of the Strongbow knight Raymond Le Gros are reportedly buried there. Nearby sits sumptuous Ballinatray House. Built in the late 18th century and the ancestral home of the Holroyd-Smiths, it overlooks 850 acres of stunning terrain. Christy Moore, who enjoyed his trip on the Maeve Óg. The stately home is presently owned by multi-millionaire business magnate James Dyson and, while undergoing prolonged renovation, is wrapped in builders' cladding. Those whose interest is more wildlife than past life, may recognise herons, egrets, cormorants and, on lucky occasions, a white tailed eagle. Spying on their prey from the branches of oak, larch and beech, these winged wonders feed on such fulsome fare as salmon, trout and bass. Sometimes a busy otter may be espied doing likewise. Tony's on-board spiel invokes these surrounds and amongst past passengers to look and listen have been actor Dominic West, who, somewhat ironically, played Prince Charles in The Crown TV series. Writer and broadcaster Fergal Keane (sometimes with a TV crew), journalist Patrick Coburn, members of the Jameson family and singers John Spillane and Christy Moore have also frequently boarded. For some, the cruise transcends history or conservation. 'I think people find a boat trip therapeutic', Tony reflects. 'Sometimes someone is nervous or stressed going on the water. Then, 90 minutes later, you see them relaxed and smiling when they are leaving. It's like their mood changed by merging with the flow of the water. It's wonderful to see.' Inquiries: Youghal Tourist Office (024) 20270. Bookings: From April to late October on 087-988 9076. e-mail: Tonygallagherardmore@ Web: The Maeve Óg is also available for private hire, including longer journeys upriver, on a chartered basis.
New York Times
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
‘In the Lost Lands' Review: A Postapocalyptic Romance
The dystopian action movie 'In the Lost Lands,' based on a short story by George R.R. Martin, is a threadbare film that barely resembles an idea. Dave Bautista plays Boyce, a taciturn body hunter hired by a sorceress named Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich) to pursue a shape-shifter for their kingdom's young queen (Amara Okereke). Boyce and Alys are pursued by a zealous soldier known as Ash (Arly Jover), a leader of a religious royal guard dressed like Knights Templar intent on killing Alys. This lackluster script struggles to build a captivating story to match the allure of its expansive desert setting. Instead, Boyce's tragic origins are kept hidden by the director Paul W.S. Anderson in order to spring a hokey third-act twist. Another issue is that Alys seems to exist solely as Boyce's lovesick romantic interest. Neither Bautista nor Jovovich can cobble together anything resembling chemistry, and this isn't helped by Bautista consistently overacting. After making the equally garish 'Monster Hunter' in 2020, somehow 'In the Lost Lands' is Anderson's least imaginative film. Though Anderson and his trusted cinematographer Glen MacPherson remain capable of framing and lighting engrossing shots, the cheap effects used for the film's many firefights and explosions look like a flurry of pixels. The editing attempts to hide these shortcomings, cutting around the action to the point of being incomprehensible. And maybe that's for the best. In the Lost LandsRated R for violence and being an eye sore. Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes. In theaters.
