Category: Gaming

  • German RPG Inspired by The Witcher Offers Retro Charm and Dark Fantasy

    German RPG Inspired by The Witcher Offers Retro Charm and Dark Fantasy

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asterfel is a new action RPG from Mysteria Studio UG, inspired by classic titles like The Witcher and Gothic series.
    2. Players explore an island nation plagued by an ancient god’s wrath, with three factions offering different story paths: Crown Wardens, Kindred, and Scholars.
    3. The game features an open-world experience, third-person view, and classic RPG mechanics with battles using swords, bows, and magic.
    4. Initial community feedback is mostly positive, praising the Gothic atmosphere, but some criticism exists regarding animations and interface design.
    5. Asterfel is available on Steam with a “Coming Soon” label, and while fans hope for a late 2025 release, a 2026 launch is more likely.

    Just a few days ago, the German indie developer Mysteria Studio UG has revealed Asterfel, a new action RPG that clearly draws its inspiration from some of the most iconic titles in the genre. “Our team working on Asterfel is strongly inspired by classics like The Witcher and the Gothic series. We aim to craft a world that feels vibrant,” the studio mentions on its website. The one-minute gameplay trailer, which was launched on YouTube, gives a first glance at the gameplay and has already ignited lively talks within the community.

    Setting the Scene

    In Asterfel, players take on the role of stranded adventurers in the island nation that shares its name. Here, a greedy king’s careless exploitation of the mines rouses an ancient god, leading to disastrous outcomes. Magic spirals out of control, nature turns aggressive, and the dead start to rise. There are three factions in the game – the Crown Wardens, who are loyal to the throne, the rebellious Kindred, and the Scholars, who seek knowledge – each offering different paths that can influence the story.

    Gameplay Experience

    When it comes to gameplay, Asterfel delivers an open-world experience presented from a third-person view, rooted in classic RPG mechanics. Players can engage in battles using swords, bows, or rune magic while they explore castles, villages, ruins, and forests. The quests are crafted with significant choices and their consequences, really capturing the essence of early 2000s role-playing games.

    Community Feedback

    The initial responses on YouTube have been mostly positive, with many viewers complimenting the strong Gothic atmosphere, retro charm, and the dark fantasy backdrop. However, some criticism has also surfaced regarding clunky animations, distracting damage numbers in the interface, and high hardware requirements despite the relatively simple graphics.

    Asterfel is already available on Steam with a “Coming Soon” label, although an official release date has yet to be revealed. While some optimistic fans hope for a launch by the end of 2025, the project’s scope and the size of the indie team suggest that a 2026 release or later is more probable. Players interested can add the game to their wishlist to remain updated.

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  • Cult Classic RPG Returns with Revamped Combat and Strong Reviews

    Cult Classic RPG Returns with Revamped Combat and Strong Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. OFF originated in 2008 as a free RPG Maker project by Mortis Ghost and the Unproductive Fun Time collective, and was remastered and released on Steam on August 15, 2025.

    2. The remastered edition features a new battle system, redesigned environments, hidden bosses, updated localization, quality-of-life improvements, and a fresh soundtrack.

    3. The game’s narrative focuses on “the Batter,” who is on a quest to purify a world filled with specters, maintaining its eerie atmosphere and moral dilemmas.

    4. The remaster has received positive feedback, with a 94% “Very positive” rating from 640 reviews shortly after launch, highlighting its narrative depth and influence in the indie RPG scene.

    5. OFF is available for $12.74 on Steam with a 15% launch discount, and will also be released in a physical edition for Nintendo Switch in early 2026.

    OFF originated in 2008 as a free RPG Maker project by Belgian developer Mortis Ghost, along with the Unproductive Fun Time collective. Recently, it has been released on Steam as a refreshed remaster, adding new content while retaining its eerie tone and visual style. Published by Fangamer, the game officially launched on August 15, 2025. The store description presents the story as one centered around “the Batter,” a character on a purification quest, accompanied by a cat called The Judge through eerie landscapes.

    Enhancements and Features

    This 2025 edition is not simply a straightforward port. According to the official website, it includes a brand-new battle system, redesigned environments, and hidden bosses crafted by Mortis Ghost. Furthermore, there’s an updated localization along with quality-of-life improvements like checkpoints, a hint system, and options for accessibility. It also boasts a fresh soundtrack featuring contributions from Morusque and Toby Fox. Currently, OFF is available on Steam and Nintendo Switch in digital format, with a physical edition for Switch expected in the first quarter of 2026. The game also provides partial controller support.

    Atmosphere and Experience

    Since its debut in 2008, OFF has earned a reputation for its minimalist graphics, heavy atmosphere, and unique fourth-wall elements. The new release continues this tradition: players still guide the Batter on a “sacred mission” to “purify” a world filled with specters, facing plenty of moral dilemmas throughout their journey.

    Reception and Feedback

    Initial community reactions on Steam have been quite positive. As of now, OFF has garnered 640 reviews just three days post-launch, with an impressive 94% rating of “Very positive.” Many reviews praise the game’s narrative depth and its lasting influence in the indie RPG scene. Nevertheless, some players have expressed a desire for additional content. A trailer released on the official date (linked below) highlights the enhanced combat mechanics, new locations, and secret bosses.

    The remastered version is available for purchase on Steam for $12.74, which includes a 15% discount for its launch.

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  • Batman: Arkham Knight HD Texture Pack Enhances Visuals Dramatically

    Batman: Arkham Knight HD Texture Pack Enhances Visuals Dramatically

    Key Takeaways

    1. Batman: Arkham Knight is a highly praised game released in 2015, known for its engaging gameplay and strong reception on platforms like Metacritic.
    2. The game recently received an HD texture pack update, enhancing its graphics and visual quality.
    3. Modders like GPUnity, Neato, Mr. Binks, and Ranger contributed to improving the game’s textures using upscaling methods.
    4. The update revitalized the game, resulting in clearer visuals, vibrant costumes, and a more lifelike Gotham City.
    5. The HD texture pack is available for free on Nexus Mod, offering players a chance to revisit the game with enhanced graphics.

    Batman is a legendary figure in the world of literature, movies, and video games. Numerous games showcasing the famed Dark Knight have been released over the years. However, one title has particularly distinguished itself: Batman: Arkham Knight. Recently, this game received an exciting update featuring a special HD texture pack.

    Positive Reception

    Since its launch in 2015, this game has garnered a lot of praise, with many players enjoying their time with it, as reflected on Metacritic. Due to its success, several fans aimed to refresh its appearance, especially by enhancing the graphics.

    Visual Enhancements

    Consequently, GPUnity, along with other modders like Neato, Mr. Binks, and Ranger, set out to elevate the visual quality of the game by updating the original textures. They employed upscaling methods and revamped many outdated textures to achieve their goal.

    A Revitalized Experience

    Through their dedication, they breathed new life into Batman: Arkham Knight. The outcome is stunning, featuring clearer backgrounds, vibrant costumes, and a Gotham City that feels more lifelike.

    This game has essentially been given a fresh start, having been a major hit on consoles. Nevertheless, the story was different for PC users. The game needed several patches to become playable, but now it is well-loved by the gaming community, as shown by the 88% positive reviews on Steam.

    If you’re interested in experiencing this HD texture pack, it is available for free on Nexus Mod. It’s certainly a great chance to immerse yourself once more in the dark and troubled streets of Gotham City, hunting down the villains who spread chaos.

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  • Battlefield 6 Beta: Recoil Comparison Raises Controller Concerns

    Battlefield 6 Beta: Recoil Comparison Raises Controller Concerns

    Key Takeaways

    1. Controller users can maintain aim better after shooting, requiring fewer adjustments compared to keyboard and mouse users.
    2. Recoil mechanics in Battlefield 6 are designed for realism, but controller players experience minimal impact on accuracy.
    3. The KTS100 LMG weapon controversy highlights how specific guns can be designed to have lower recoil, affecting gameplay.
    4. Aim assist for controller users in Battlefield 6 has sparked debate, with some arguing it’s less pronounced than in other games like Call of Duty.
    5. Despite advantages for controllers, many gamers believe that a mouse provides superior precision with enough practice.

    As the Battlefield 6 beta wraps up, debates are heating up about whether players using controllers have an advantage. TweakTown highlighted that streamer ottr made a comparison of weapon recoil between different input methods. When using a controller, players can maintain their aim on a target even after shooting, needing very few adjustments.

    Making Sense of Recoil Mechanics

    Recoil is designed to mimic the way guns shift upwards or sideways when fired, adding realism to shooter games. Players using a keyboard and mouse typically counteract this by moving their inputs in the opposite direction. However, in ottr’s video, he showcased just how minimal the recoil affects controllers in Battlefield 6. The bullet holes on the targeted building clustered closely together without the need to move the analog stick.

    The KTS100 LMG Controversy

    Before the first Battlefield 6 beta, a video surfaced that stirred up discussions regarding a weapon’s suspiciously high accuracy. This weapon turned out to be the KTS100 LMG, crafted specifically to minimize recoil. In EA’s game, different firearms behave quite differently, and players can customize their weapons at attachment points by adding muzzles and grips. Even so, a little recoil can mean the difference between securing a kill or being eliminated.

    Aim Assist and Other Factors

    Supporters of keyboard and mouse setups argue that controller users already have their share of benefits. Some testers have raised concerns about the aim assist feature in Battlefield 6. For players on controllers, this function subtly adjusts the crosshairs towards nearby enemies. Yet, this kind of assistance seems more pronounced in other shooter games like Call of Duty, which some fans of Battlefield view as too casual.

    Options for Non-Traditional Players

    Flick look is another feature available for those who choose not to use keyboard and mouse configurations. Players can set this command on their controllers, allowing for an instant 180-degree turn during gameplay.

    The Verdict on Precision

    Despite the ongoing discussions about Battlefield 6, many gamers agree that with enough practice, a mouse is still the most accurate choice. With its finer control, it allows for precise attacks that can make other players green with envy.

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  • Project Ghost: WoW Developer Unveils Bold New MMO Gameplay

    Project Ghost: WoW Developer Unveils Bold New MMO Gameplay

    Key Takeaways

    1. Introduction of Blue Zones: Project Ghost features innovative Blue Zones for small group gameplay, offering a roguelite experience with unique enemies, layouts, and temporary perks.

    2. Combination of Genres: The game blends roguelite mechanics with traditional MMO elements, using Haven as a central hub with paths leading to Blue Zones and upcoming Red Zones.

    3. Community Feedback: Viewer reactions to the gameplay reveal are mixed, with some excited and others concerned about the impact of roguelite features on the classic MMO experience.

    4. Transparency in Development: The developers are seeking community input during early development, emphasizing transparency over traditional promotional content.

    5. No Release Date Yet: As Project Ghost is still in early stages, no official release date has been announced.

    On August 14, 2025, Fantastic Pixel Castle, a studio led by Greg “Ghostcrawler” Street, who is known for his work on MMOs and former design role in WoW, revealed the first look at Project Ghost’s gameplay. The live showcase included popular streamers like JoCat, Josh Strife Hayes, and CohhCarnage, and introduced the innovative Blue Zones, which diverge from the typical MMO regions.

    Unique Gameplay Experience

    Blue Zones are special areas designed for small groups, resembling a roguelite experience. Each session presents players with various enemies, layouts, resources, NPCs, or platforming tasks. Gamers can earn temporary perks called “Radiant Feats,” build unique structures like ramps or platforms specific to the zone, and gather a currency named Manorite to buy equipment later. There are no lasting upgrades, emphasizing teamwork and variety instead.

    Blending Genres

    In addition to its roguelite features, Project Ghost will integrate classic MMO mechanics. Haven, the main city, acts as a central hub, leading to two distinct paths: the Blue Zones, which focus on run-based gameplay, and the upcoming Red Zones, which will offer more traditional MMO experiences with permanent progression through quests, raids, and dungeons.

    Community Reactions

    Responses to the livestream have been varied. Some viewers on YouTube expressed interest, while others raised worries that a heavy roguelite focus might detract from the “classic MMO feel.” Over on Reddit, skepticism is evident, with users criticizing the incorporation of procedural content in an MMO context and requesting more information regarding the Red Zones, endgame features, and long-term progression. The developers emphasized that Project Ghost is at an early development phase to collect community insights. “We aim for transparency rather than just promoting PR content,” Ghostcrawler stated. No release date has been set yet.

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  • Magic and Pokémon Collector Machine Raises $300K in 24 Minutes

    Magic and Pokémon Collector Machine Raises $300K in 24 Minutes

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new AI-driven sorting machine for trading cards is being funded on Kickstarter, designed to help collectors organize their collections efficiently.
    2. The machine can identify and sort cards based on various features like name, rarity, and market value, but requires cards to be removed from protective sleeves.
    3. Users can interact with the machine through a touchscreen and access a web portal to manage their collections and monitor card values.
    4. The Kickstarter campaign quickly surpassed its funding goal, raising over $1.5 million with more than 3,100 backers.
    5. The CardMill is priced between $400 and $575, with deliveries expected to start in December 2025, initially only in the US.

    Whether you’re into Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, or Yu-Gi-Oh! – those who adore trading card games usually strive to create a vast collection. However, when it comes to finding a certain card, many collectors experience a wave of panic. Typically, only the most valuable cards are organized neatly, while countless less rare ones end up in disarray, as sorting them would take way too long.

    New Solution on Kickstarter

    A fresh Kickstarter project claims to provide a fix – a sorting machine designed specifically for trading cards. The heart of the machine is an AI-driven scanner that recognizes each card individually, identifying features like name, color, set, mana symbols, and foil effects. It can also organize cards by rarity, type, or market value. Following this, a rail system gently shifts the cards into cushioned output trays. Creators say it has been tested with high-value cards, including the legendary Black Lotus. The only downside: cards need to be taken out of their protective sleeves beforehand.

    User-Friendly Features

    Users can choose their desired sorting options through a touchscreen interface. Simultaneously, every scanned card is uploaded to a web portal that can be accessed from any device. There, collectors can filter their collections, export them to platforms like Moxfield, TCGPlayer, or eBay, and monitor their value over time. Planned features include deck syncing, insurance options, and AI-based condition grading. Sustainability is a primary focus as well: the CardMill uses recyclable materials, ships without plastic packaging, and includes teardown instructions to help prolong its life. At launch, the device will cater to six different trading card games:

    Successful Kickstarter Campaign

    Initiated on June 10 with a funding target of $350,000, the project achieved its goal in just 24 minutes. Since then, over 3,100 backers have contributed more than $1.5 million – which is more than four times the original target. The campaign is set to continue until August 19. According to Kickstarter, the CardMill is priced between $400 and $575, with no ongoing subscription fees. Deliveries are expected to start in December 2025, initially limited to the US, with international shipping possibly following later.

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  • PlayStation Exclusive Game Set for Movie Adaptation Soon

    PlayStation Exclusive Game Set for Movie Adaptation Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Video game adaptations, like The Last Guardian, are becoming increasingly common in film and gaming industries.
    2. The Last Guardian’s story, featuring a young boy and a creature named Trico, is well-suited for cinematic adaptation.
    3. The game has received positive reviews, making it an appealing choice for a movie project.
    4. Development challenges previously faced by The Last Guardian may impact the film’s production timeline.
    5. No release date is available yet, and the project is still in early stages, requiring patience from fans.

    Over the past few months, numerous projects have emerged in the realms of video gaming and film. Recently, a user on X mentioned that a movie adaptation of the PS4 exclusive, The Last Guardian, is currently being developed.

    Video Game Adaptations Are Not New

    It’s important to acknowledge that turning popular video games into movies isn’t a fresh concept. Many franchises have successfully made this transition, like the Far Cry series, and the well-known God of War games, which are getting a series on Amazon. However, details regarding The Last Guardian adaptation remain scarce, although user Genki_JPN brought attention to it through Daniel Richtman.

    A Story Perfect for Film

    The narrative of this game, which boasts a strong rating on Metacritic, appears to be ideal for cinematic adaptation. In this game, players control a young boy who awakens next to a creature called Trico. As players embark on a journey, they must face numerous challenges while witnessing the evolving bond between the boy and Trico.

    Development Challenges Ahead

    Despite The Last Guardian’s appreciation from gamers worldwide, it encountered several development hurdles, which even postponed its launch. The developers faced significant challenges over the years leading to delays, and similar issues might arise during the film’s development.

    While The Last Guardian achieved notable success upon its release in 2016, turning it into a movie could be a fantastic idea, particularly for its fans. However, patience is essential, as no release date has been disclosed, and the project appears to be in its early stages. In other words, the upcoming details expected in the weeks and months ahead will be vital for the advancement of this project.

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  • New Strategy RPG Launches on Steam with 200 Positive Reviews

    New Strategy RPG Launches on Steam with 200 Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: Dice Gambit is a tactical turn-based RPG where gameplay relies heavily on dice rolls for actions like movement, attacks, and special abilities.

    2. Setting and Storyline: Players control a customizable noble family of inquisitors in the vibrant city of Neo-Talis, tasked with defeating chromatic beasts while incorporating humor into the storyline.

    3. Combat Mechanics: The grid-based combat system allows players to reroll dice for better outcomes and combine them for powerful effects, offering over 200 unique abilities for character customization.

    4. Development and Features: Developed by Chromatic Ink and published by Spelkollektivet, the game includes Steam features such as achievements, cloud saves, and multilingual support.

    5. Reception and Pricing: Dice Gambit received a “Very Positive” rating from 87% of early reviews on Steam and is currently priced at $21.24 with a 15% launch discount, returning to its regular price after August 28.

    Tactical turn-based video games usually depend on positioning, class combinations, and clever resource management. A new game called Dice Gambit has just been released in this genre, where every action hinges on the roll of the dice—literally. Launched on August 14, 2025, the game has achieved a “Very Positive” rating from 87% of 175 early reviews on Steam (as of this writing).

    Setting and Storyline

    In the vibrant city of Neo-Talis, players guide a customizable and debt-laden noble family of inquisitors whose mission is to rid the city of chromatic beasts. The game blends strategy RPG elements with humor—yes, you may find yourself serving ice cream while all the mayhem unfolds around you.

    Combat Mechanics

    The combat system is grid-based and fully reliant on dice: players roll the dice to move, attack, or activate special abilities. They can reroll specific dice to shift luck in their favor, and combining dice can unleash powerful combinations. With over 200 distinct abilities and passives to find, players have the freedom to create unique and explosive character builds. Additionally, players can attend the Academy to learn classes, marry into wealthy noble families, and raise heirs who will inherit both cosmetic and combat-related traits.

    Development and Features

    Chromatic Ink is the developer behind this game, while Spelkollektivet is the publisher, receiving assistance from WhisperGames and Curve Games. Dice Gambit includes Steam features like achievements, cloud saves, adjustable difficulty settings, and support for multiple languages such as English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Players can also purchase the game’s original soundtrack, which features 40 tracks including Portuguese Fado, hip-hop, EDM, funk, and trap, as DLC from Steam.

    The feedback so far has been quite positive. Players on Steam have praised the visuals, voice acting, and overall style. Some critiques pointed out design choices, like faded fonts in intros that can be difficult to read; however, the developers have promised to make improvements, including adding subtitles.

    Currently, Dice Gambit is available for $21.24 on Steam, which includes a 15% launch discount. After the launch period, the price will return to its regular amount on August 28.

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    New Strategy RPG Launches on Steam with 200 Positive ReviewsNew Strategy RPG Launches on Steam with 200 Positive Reviews

     

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  • Native Xbox Gaming on Windows on Arm Now Available

    Native Xbox Gaming on Windows on Arm Now Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new Xbox app version allows Arm-based Windows devices to download and play games directly, moving beyond previous streaming limitations.
    2. Prior to this update, the app had limited functionality, primarily offering game streaming and cloud access via the Microsoft Store.
    3. Microsoft plans to enhance the app’s compatibility for Arm devices in the coming months, potentially increasing their appeal to gamers.
    4. Hardware advancements for Windows on Arm are underway, including the Asus Vivobook 14 with an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus and Nvidia’s rumored gaming-friendly Arm-based SoC, the N1X.
    5. Access to the updated Xbox app requires users to be part of the Xbox Insider and Windows Insider programs, with downloads available through the Insider Hub.

    A new version of the Xbox app has been released for Arm-based Windows devices. One of the major features of this update is that it enables compatible Arm PCs to download and play games directly on their systems. Previously, these devices could only access games through other platforms like Steam.

    Previous Capabilities

    Before this update, the Xbox app on Windows for Arm had limited gaming functionality. It did provide users with the option to stream games. Moreover, the official Microsoft Store enforced similar limitations, permitting cloud streaming for most games only.

    Future Features

    Microsoft has indicated plans to enhance the app further to improve game compatibility on Arm-based Windows devices. This additional support is anticipated to be introduced in the next few months, which could make Arm Windows PCs a more attractive option for gamers.

    Hardware Developments

    In light of this, Microsoft may be signaling a significant advancement in hardware for Windows on Arm devices, such as the Asus Vivobook 14 equipped with an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus, currently priced at $656.99 on Amazon. Nvidia is reportedly developing an Arm-based SoC, which appeared on Geekbench under the name N1X. Compared to existing Arm solutions, this rumored chip is said to be more gaming-friendly, boasting the same CUDA core count as the RTX 5070 desktop graphics card.

    As for the CPU in the Nvidia N1X SoC, it’s claimed to be competitive. However, since the firmware and drivers are still in the early phases, the CPU performance isn’t expected to surpass the leading offerings from Intel and AMD right now.

    Now, regarding the updated app that permits native gaming, users must be part of the Xbox Insider and Windows Insider programs to access it. The app can be downloaded via the Insider Hub, located under the “Previews” tab.

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  • V40 Max: Affordable New Gaming Handheld Priced at Just $54

    V40 Max: Affordable New Gaming Handheld Priced at Just $54

    Key Takeaways

    1. The V40 Max is a new handheld gaming device priced at nearly $54, with free shipping and no import duties.
    2. It features a 4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 720 x 720 and runs on an RK3326 SoC with four Cortex-A35 cores.
    3. The device supports emulators for 45 different gaming platforms and claims to have over 40,000 games available.
    4. It includes various control features like four shoulder buttons, two analog sticks, a D-pad, and four action buttons, plus headphone connectivity.
    5. The V40 Max can be purchased from Banggood.

    The V40 Max is a fresh handheld gaming device that has just been released for international buyers at a price of nearly $54. Customers can enjoy free shipping, and there will be no import duties to pay. However, the estimated delivery time is between 20 to 30 days.

    Design and Specifications

    This handheld console has its screen located above the controls, resembling the traditional Game Boy design. It comes with a 4-inch IPS display that offers a resolution of 720 x 720, giving it a 1:1 aspect ratio. Equipped with an RK3326 system on chip (SoC), it has four Cortex-A35 cores that can run at speeds of up to 1.5 GHz, enabling it to emulate a variety of gaming platforms. It is reported that emulators for 45 different platforms are included right from the start.

    Game Library and Control Features

    The maker claims that there are over 40,000 video games ready for play on the device. However, it’s important to note that many of these games may raise copyright concerns. Users can expand the storage using a memory card. The device includes four shoulder buttons, two analog sticks, a uniquely shaped D-pad, and four action buttons, which should offer sufficient control for more intricate gaming experiences. Additionally, users have the option to connect their headphones for a more immersive sound experience.

    Where to Buy

    You can purchase the V40 Max from Banggood, making it easily accessible for gamers looking to experience this new handheld gaming option.

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    V40 Max: Affordable New Gaming Handheld Priced at Just $54

     

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