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  • The Ten Best Game Boy Advance Games

    The Ten Best Game Boy Advance Games

    To gamers in their mid- to late- twenties, the Game Boy Advance was a big deal in our childhood. The GBA was a 32-bit system, and many considered it to be a golden era for handheld gaming. In much the way that the Super Nintendo revolutionized home console gaming, the GBA was a renaissance of those same design principals. Many genres were represented in the fantastic library of games, but RPGs and side-scrolling platformers were foremost among them. In the interest of reigniting that old spark of nostalgia, let’s count down the ten greatest Game Boy Advance games of all time.

    Metroid: Fusion

    Photo Credit: Nintendo

    We’re kicking things off with the game that brought the Metroid series out of a ten-year slumber (alongside Metroid Prime). While Metroid Prime proved to be a bit more traditional, narratively, Fusion took the franchise into some interesting places. The mechanics were largely an evolution of what had been seen in Super Metroid a decade earlier, with some new twists. The storyline, however, saw Samus gaining autonomy back after being under the thumb of the Federation. An all-around excellent and cinematic title, Fusion was a welcome return to form for the bounty hunter.

    WarioWare Inc: Mega Microgame$!

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    Frenetic, fast-paced and ridiculous, Mega Microgames was the first entry in the WarioWare series. The player is faced with a rapid-fire series of ridiculous vignettes that they have to complete in a matter of seconds. Hilarious, reflex-based and irreverent, the game constantly moves the player from one ridiculous setting to the next. The series’ trademark humor is on display is this excellent entry, bringing constant fun and laughs.

    Advance Wars

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    The quirky, charming world of Advance Wars was first introduced to American audiences in 2001. This turn-based military strategy game has a cute art style, tight mechanics and a robust suite of game modes. The game proved popular with Americans, surprising Nintendo and prompting them to release a number of sequels. While none ever quite lived up to the sales and reception of the original, Advance Wars remains a fan-favorite game. There’s something about out-maneuvering your opponent and winning on the grand scale that’s just so satisfying!

    Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga

    Photo Credit: Polygon

    Without a doubt, Mario and Luigi is one of the funniest video games ever released. If you play this game, you will laugh. The villains are delightful, the gameplay is well-tuned, and the world is inviting. Everything about this game tells you that loving attention to detail went into making it. The active-time battle system from sister series Paper Mario appears here, as well, and is just as fun. The active-time inputs make the combat more engaging that traditional RPGs, allowing you to add your own flair to the battles. While the series has spawned many sequels, the original remains the golden standard.

    Fire Emblem

    Photo Credit: Emuparadise

    The second entry on this list from Intelligent Systems, Fire Emblem is something of a medieval version of Advance Wars. Similarly, while it was the seventh entry in the series, the GBA game was the first American release for the long-running franchise. The GBA version was released largely due to increased interest in Fire Emblem drummed up by the fighting game Super Smash Bros Melee, in which characters from Fire Emblem appear. For its part, though, Fire Emblem is an excellent tactical turn-based RPG. Characters who die stay dead in these games, meaning every battle has deeply personal stakes. Friendships grow, relationships blossom and fighters level up, so losing someone is always a heavy blow to sustain.

    Metroid: Zero Mission

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    After the ten-year drought of Metroid games, fans of the series received an embarrassment of riches. After the superb Metroid Prime and Fusion, this brilliant re-imagining of the first game blew everyone away. Zero Mission is the quintessential Metroid game, featuring a huge, maze-like labyrinth, unlockable powers and endless ambiance. The oppressive halls and dangerous locales become killing fields for Samus as she upgrades her suit and masters her powers. The game remains a fan-favorite for speed runs and is a testament to how much of a renaissance this era was for 32-bit games.

    Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    The second game released in the long-running Kingdom Hearts franchise, Chain of Memories used a unique card-battle system for combat. As a fusion of the series’ trademark action-RPG combat and deck-building, Chain of Memories was a deeply fascinating Game Boy experience. Featuring a deep, conspiratorial tale centering around a shadowy “Organization,” the game pleasantly flips to reveal a deep “B-Side” after the credits roll. After defeating the main antagonists as Sora, players can play through another story as Riku, the series’ secondary protagonist and one of the villains from the first game. Packed full of content, animated with loving care and deeper than many AAA games of the era, Chain of Memories is a tour de force for Square.

    Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    Somehow, Game Boy Advance Games managed to keep outdoing themselves time and again. After the excellent Symphony of the Night, many believed there would never be another Castlevania to live up to that pedigree. They were wrong. Aria of Sorrow is one of the greatest games in the series, introducing the setting to a new era in time: the future. The protagonist, Soma, is a likable and badass kid with the power to trap enemy souls and use their powers. The world map is non-linear, and progression is RPG-like and satisfying. The boss fights are intense and challenging, and the enemy designs are genuinely scary and unsettling. I daresay this is the finest Castlevania game, and more evidence of what a rare system the GBA was.

    Golden Sun

    Photo Credit: Pinterest

    Golden Sun is that rare game that seeks to emulate a great and outdoes it. Camelot, the studio behind this masterpiece, wanted to deliver an experience like the original Final Fantasy. And, certainly, Golden Sun wears that inspiration proudly. It features four warriors who seek to purify four lighthouses to save the world. However, it also features great puzzles, a deep story and genuinely engaging characters. Its sequels are also excellent, which is rare for games from this era. An epic scope, some incredible summoning animations and genuinely intense boss battles make this one of the finest turn-based RPGs ever made.

    The Best of All Game Boy Advance Games: The Legend of Zelda: the Minish Cap

    Photo Credit: Nintendo

    The finest of all Game Boy Advance games, Minish Cap follows in the example of excellent handheld Zelda adventures set by games like Link’s Awakening. Oddly, this entry was developed by Capcom, not Nintendo, but it’s still a fantastic core series title. Following the backstory of Four Swords antagonist Vaati, this adventure takes place in a distant past. Link find an odd talking hat that allows him to shrink and see the world from a new perspective. In his tiny size, normal enemies like Chu Chu Jellies become full-scale dungeon bosses. Brimming with charm and featuring a delightful world to explore, Minish Cap encompasses everything that makes Zelda game so damn fun.

  • Locked or Unlocked Smartphone: Which is Right for You?

    Locked or Unlocked Smartphone: Which is Right for You?

    The history of phone carriers has been pretty cut-and-dry. If you want a new phone, you go through a carrier. Carriers dictate which phones you can and can’t get, and you usually have to lock into a contract with them to get the phone. Typically, once that contract is up, you can’t really do much with the phone, as it’s locked in with the old carrier. However, in recent years, a new trend in phones is emerging. Lately, it’s much more appealing to many customers to buy unlocked versions of the phones they want. An unlocked smartphone is one that doesn’t require you use a specific carrier and can opt to use whichever you want. What are some of the pros and cons of using an unlocked smartphone, and how you can get one!

    How to Get an Unlocked Smartphone

    One of the simplest ways to get an unlocked phone is just to go through the phone’s manufacturer. If you want an unlocked iPhone X, for instance, you can get one from Apple. The same goes for Google Pixel and Huawei, to name a few. Another way to get an unlocked phone would be to buy one from a distributor, like Amazon or Best Buy. After buying one, you’ll have to get a carrier SIM card to use it.  Typically, it costs the same to buy an unlocked phone as it does to buy a locked one. That said, resale on an unlocked phone is usually higher, as it can be used on any carrier.

    All four major carriers (AT&T, Spring, T-Mobile and Verizon) have “bring your own phone” plans, but not every phone works on every network. Check the carrier you’d like to use and make sure you can use the phone you want on it!

    Pros to Using an Unlocked Phone

    The pros for having an unlocked phone are numerous. The most obvious, of course, is that you can use them on any network. This means that you can swap your SIM card for another one on the fly when you travel, letting you avoid exorbitant international charges. Additionally, you can pick from a much wider selection of phones when you’re buying unlocked. You’re not stuck with what specific carriers have available, so you can get whatever phone you like!

    Cons to Unlocked Phones

    Typically, when you buy an unlocked phone, you pay full MSRP for it. Carrier often offer incentives for going through them and signing contracts. Financing is usually available for unlocked phones, but you still can usually find some considerable discounts when going for a locked phone. Make sure to do your research on the individual phone you’re looking at to make sure you get the best deal!

  • Former Apple Employee Stole Trade Secrets Related to Self-Driving Cars

    Former Apple Employee Stole Trade Secrets Related to Self-Driving Cars

    Corporate espionage is nothing new, but the amount of it generated by self-driving cars is drastic. Just a few weeks ago, Tesla sued an employee for disclosing trade secrets to unknown parties. Now, federal agents have charge Xiaolang Zhang, a former Apple employee, with stealing trade secrets from Apple. Zhang is accused of stealing technical documents and hardware from Apple.

    Zhang’s Attempted Flight

    Zhang had been working for Apple since 2015, specializing in self-driving cars. His specialty was circuit boards that analyzed sensor data, according to the FBI. However, in April, Zhang told his department head that he was quitting to move to China to be close to his mother. The supervisor found Zhang’s explanation flimsy, and his demeanor suspicious. As such, an investigation was launched: Zhang’s recent download of tons of confidential technical documents came to light. Zhang had stored the technical documents on his wife’s laptop, and then stole a few circuit boards and a server from Apple.

    Federal authorities apprehended Zhang at the San Jose airport on June 7th. He had just purchased a ticket to China. His federal charges mean he can’t leave the country, thus stopping his attempted espionage in its tracks. It’s quite likely that this information breach would have led to a significant breakthrough for a Chinese company if Zhang’s flight had been successful.

    Why Is There So Much Espionage Around Self-Driving Cars?

    While self-driving cars haven’t make too big of a splash at mass-market yet, they’re set to do so in the very near future. In the next few years, we’ll likely see more advanced self-driving technology become widely available. However, the technology is complex and difficult to program and implement. As such, any company that manages to be first to market with it will reap tremendous benefits.

    Less scrupulous companies seem convinced that their best way to do this will be to steal trade secrets and rush a project to completion. Thankfully, in this instance, the espionage was stopped before the damage was done. It is currently unclear what company Zhang was stealing the information for.

  • Sonic Mania Plus Gives Extra Life to Best Sonic Game in Years

    Sonic Mania Plus Gives Extra Life to Best Sonic Game in Years

    Last year’s Sonic Mania blew the doors off the losing streak Sega’s blue mascot has been on for decades. With the exception of a few middling-to-okay platformers, Sonic has been struggling to find his identity in a world without Sega consoles. However, the fan-led development of Sonic Mania has brought the character back to his roots. A year later, and it’s still one of the best things to ever happen to the series. What’s more, Sega has promised a beefed-up re-release later this month. The re-release, titled Sonic Mania Plus, introduces some new content and will be available digitally and physically.

    Sonic Mania Plus: Fresh Content for a Fresh Game

    The new Plus version of the game includes some interesting new content. First, the new Encore game mode remixes a number of the world from the base game. These remixes range from feeling like entirely new levels to some minor tweaks. For the most part, the minor changes are excuses to show off the powers of the new characters. Mighty the Armadillo and Jay the Flying Squirrel join the cast, each bringing their own special abilities. Mighty can ground-pound to damage enemies or open hidden passages. Jay can fly at high speeds, but is hard to control, much like the cape from Super Mario Bros 3. Both new characters are playable in the base game as well as Encore mode!

    Pricing and Release

    Sonic Mania Plus will be launching on July 17th in two forms: one physical, and the other digital. The physical copy will be $30 and comes with an art book. This is great for gamers who prefer to have hard-copies of their games, ensuring they aren’t tied to servers or updates to be playable. For those who already own a digital copy of the original Mania, though, the update is only $5. That brings the total to $25 overall for those who just want the digital copy of the game.

    In either event, this is a great deal. If you haven’t tried the game yet, we recommend the physical copy. The gorgeous box art and art book, coupled with the bonus of owning the game, are worth five more bucks. Alternatively, if you own the game already, spending five dollars to get the new characters and remixed single-player is a no-brainer. Either way, you have to check out this new release!

  • Retrospective Round-up: The App Store

    Retrospective Round-up: The App Store

    The App Store is ten years old. It’s hard to believe that the iPhone launched in 2007 without it, to be honest. When you think of the start of the smartphone revolution, you think of apps. “There’s an app for that” was such a ubiquitous slogan that you heard it everywhere in those days. When it launched in 2008, the App Store redefined what, exactly, a smartphone could do. With that said, let’s take a look back in time and round up the ways the App Store shaped the modern smartphone market.

    Attack of the Clones

    The first and most obvious impact of the fantastically popular App Store is the legion of clones it inspired. Of them, the Google Play Store is the most notable and the only other successful platform from the era. Truth be told, the success of the iPhone can be largely attributed to support from app developers. Blackberry’s decline can be certainly chalked up to the lack of support from those same developers.

    Gaming

    The App Store reshaped handheld gaming. Where Nintendo and Sony were battling with their traditional handheld gaming consoles, Apple did something unthinkable. Something that Nokia had tried a few years prior with the N-Gage. They made smartphones gaming devices. Nintendo hasn’t been muscled out of the gaming space, but they also couldn’t exactly push Apple out either. It’s impossible to fight just how big of an install base that smartphones have as a gaming platform. Nearly every adult has a smartphone; the same can’t be said of Nintendo’s 3DS.

    The impact of the app store on gaming is nearly immeasurable: the early 2010s were marked by a flood of “freemium” games. Games that would have previously found no audience could now reach a large demographic. Since they were free to start, these games could get into your device, and your head, easily. Then, once you were invested, you would spend a few bucks here and there on power-ups. This business model proved insanely lucrative and persists to this day. Thankfully, traditional game design is still alive and well in the core market.

    Phones Became Omnitools

    Before the App Store, phones were phones. After its launch, phones were damn near everything. Some apps make your phone a GPS, while others make it a video streaming device. Other apps might make your phone a banking portal, while others make it a music playback device. Nearly any functionality you could imagine was suddenly rolled into your phone. And all of that is thanks to this one software platform. It’s been a long decade, and a lot has changed. But here’s to the next ten years, and the changes they bring.

  • Apple Goes Live With USB-Restricted Mode

    Apple Goes Live With USB-Restricted Mode

    The newest iOS 11 update carries a rather important feature with it. Namely, iOS 11.4.1 comes with USB-Restricted Mode. And, frankly, that’s a big deal. This functionality was expected to ship with iOS 12 this fall, coinciding with the release of this year’s new phones. However, it’s a pretty big move, and it’s critical for iPhone user security. You see, one of the most common ways to break into an iPhone is through USB-based hacking tools like GreyKey. These brute-force tools just attempt thousands and thousands of passcode combinations, eventually just forcing their way in with sheer probability. How has Apple worked to counteract this?

    USB-Restricted Mode

    The iOS 11.4.1 update brought a new toggle to your settings: “USB Accessories.” This setting is off, by default, so you don’t have to worry about going in and doing it manually. What the setting does, however, is make the phone unable to be interfaced with by USB accessories if it has been locked for more than an hour. That’s pretty huge: GreyKey and similar illegal hacking hardware has to interface with the iPhone through the Lightning port. Disabling them directly is the bluntest answer Apple could have come up with, but it works perfectly.

    If a criminal steals your phone, it’s likely that you had it locked for a bit before it was stolen. Further, they will then have to exit the public area, go back to a safehouse and attempt to crack the phone’s security from there. This will likely push them past the hour deadline to try to crack the phone, thus making it a pointless endeavor to steal iPhones. Similarly, law enforcement will often take longer than an hour to process a detained person. This means that unlawful access to your phone will likely be impossible. Police will have to get a search warrant, thus cutting down on overreaching violations of citizens’ rights.

    Apple’s Role in Security

    Apple is a leader in electronic security. Their constant innovations in this field are an industry standard and are to be commended. Apple’s move with this newest feature is further evidence of their dedication to protecting the data of their users. Looks like those looking to unlawfully access your information will have to find some new way to break in.

  • LG to Open New OLED Factory in China

    LG to Open New OLED Factory in China

    In a big move, South Korean company LG has secured permission from the Chinese government to open a factory there. The factory, opening in Guangzhou, will focus on OLED panel production primarily. OLEDs, or organic light emitting diodes, are the technology behind the bright, sharp images seen in modern displays like the iPhone X.

    The factory will be built using a staggering $2.33 billion, which underscores how highly LG prioritizes OLED panel production. Many of the Korean company’s high-end televisions are powered by the technology, so this OLED factory will help to power the company’s personal interests. Further, Apple will seek to purchase the displays from LG as well, as it currently relies on Samsung. Ironically, the Korean Samsung is a primary rival of both LG and Apple. By cutting them partly out of the process of constructing iPhones, apple will distance itself from its chief competitor in the American smartphone market. Similarly, by ramping up production, LG will be able to continue battling Samsung in the TV market.

    The OLED Factory Itself

    The factory itself will begin with production targets of 60,000 displays per month. If that sounds like a lot, it’s a drop in the bucket. The company plans to ramp up production numbers to 90,000 displays per month. However, these numbers pan out, a the company is slated to provide between 2 and 4 million displays to Apple.

    The factory will be owned partly by LG, at a 70 percent stake. The Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development District will hold the other 30 percent. This will likely lead to a large increase in the number of jobs in the region, which explains the decision to allow the factory to be built. Concerns regarding environmental safety and fair compensation will likely be raised, as they often are with Chinese factories. However, the demand for smartphones and TVs stays high, so production rolls on.

  • Get Ready to go Off-Road with the New Ram Rebel

    Get Ready to go Off-Road with the New Ram Rebel

    Ram has a seriously powerful contender in the crowded truck market with the Ram Rebel. The Rebel is ideal for off-roading, using some slick new tech to make the process a breeze. Whereas you once would have to put the truck in 4×4 manually, it’s a push of a button away with the Rebel. Today we’re looking at the coolest new features packed into this new Ram.

    Quiet Interior Cabin

    The cabin on the Ram Rebel is quiet, and the ride is smooth. The truck sports a complex technology called active-tuned mass modules that react in live time to the vibration of the engine. By moving in such a way to counter that vibration, the ATMM technology cuts down on both noise and shaking. This all adds up to make for a smooth, Zen-like riding experience even when off-roading.

    Heavy-Duty Shocks

    Getting out in the mud requires some serious stabilization, and that’s where these new shocks come in! Specifically, these are Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks, meaning they can keep you on the trail for hours. They do this by eliminating the main cause of shock fade. Typically, if you spend a long time on the trail, the oil in your shocks gets heated up and your shocks feel much more “soft.” The remote-reservoir style shocks fixes this by letting your shock oil cool in a remote reservoir, allowing you to keep taking bumps off the road.

    Electronically Locking Rear Differential

    Ever been stuck in the mud? Then you know how much it sucks to watch your back wheels spin and not catch any traction. Even with 4WD, sometimes you need a little extra push. That’s what manually-engaged electronic rear differential locking is for. If that sounds complicated, don’t worry, it’s not. All it means is that you can tell your back tires to work together, locking into the same pattern of spin. This lets them work in concert to help get you un-stuck!

    Ram Rebel Pricing and Release

    You’re probably asking when you can get one of your own, and what it’ll cost you. Models start at $47,495, which might sound like a lot, but the Rebel means business. You should see these bad boys hitting dealerships this Fall.

    Feature Image Credit: Car and Driver

  • Ten Best Electric Cars for 2018

    Electric cars are the future of automobiles, if you ask certain experts. While they might not yet dominate the highways in terms of numbers, they’re becoming more popular every year.

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    This year, it’s time for you to join the hype and switch to electric, for the environment and for your wallet! Today, we’re looking at the best electric cars for 2018.

    Fiat 500e

    We’re starting our list with the fun, spunky and dependable Fiat 500e. Sporting a European look and an eye for style, this electric car is fun to drive. It has a short-ish range of 84 miles, so it’s best if driven in the city. For those looking to take to the highway, this one isn’t the best pick. It also doesn’t have a ton of room for cargo, and the seats are somewhat cramped. That said, the Fiat 500e has a slick, retro-style interior and a fun personality. The interior is also replete with awesome technology, like a touchscreen and voice commands. If you’re looking for a fun vehicle to get you around the city, this is a great pick!

    Volkswagen e-Golf

    While the gas-powered Golf is a great vehicle, the electric version sacrifices little to run on electrons alone. If you’re a fan of passenger room and Volkswagen’s signature charm, this is a great electric car for you. It has a range of 125 miles on a charge, and it’ll only set you back around $29,000. The best part about this car is that it’s also pretty fun to drive!

    Chevrolet Bolt

    A recognizable name, the Chevy Bolt is a fine choice for electric car. Its superb range is its biggest selling point: it can go 238 miles on a single charge! That’s no joke! That kind of range would usually set you back, but the Bolt start around $35,000. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported, and the huge infotainment touchscreen looks great. The Bolt is a solid choice and a very futuristic electric car!

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    Ford Focus Electric

    The Ford Focus Electric might not be the most stylish electric, but it’s a solid pick. It boasts a standard 115-mile range, making it good for city and highway travel. The make is high-quality, and the car is dependable and responsive. It doesn’t have a lot of power, but that’s not really the point. If you need an affordable, dependable electric car, the Focus is a great pick.

    Hyundai Ioniq Electric

    The Ioniq is available in three distinct configurations, including two hybrid styles. It can be acquired in a plug-in style hybrid configuration, which makes it the only car available in all three electric configurations. That said, this article is about electric cars, and the Ioniq is a fantastic choice in its electric configuration. It’s affordable, starting just under $30,000, and has great performance. It has a respectably long range, coming in at 124 miles on a charge. It also boasts a 7-inch touch-screen display and has support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

    Kia Soul EV

    The Soul might not have much range, coming in at 93 miles on a charge, but it makes up for it in interior room. If you’ve got kids, or often cart a ton of passengers around, the Soul is a great pick. It’s a good buy for the money, too, starting around $32,000, and that’s not even counting the money you’ll save not having to buy gas! If you’re looking for a great size and an electric engine, the Soul EV is the car for you!

    Nissan Leaf

    The roomy, highway-capable Nissan Leaf is a great pick for those looking to see what the deal electric cars is. The Leaf sports a 107-mile range on a charge, which means you don’t have to charge up as much with this one. While it’s not the most powerful car on the highway, you won’t really notice the lack of power during normal drives.
    This is an all-around great car with little to detract from it!

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    BMW i3

    BMW’s name is always indicative of a certain level of quality, and that remains true for the i3. The i3 doesn’t sacrifice any power to be all-electric, bringing a stellar 170 horsepower to bear on an 81-mile charge. You can even opt for a bigger battery to get a 114-mile range, making this a versatile and flexible electric choice. The carbon fiber body of this vehicle makes it impressively light and zippy around turns, and the interior is futuristic. However, the i3 is a little expensive, starting at $42,400.

    Tesla Model X

    The original Tesla, the Model X is well-known among electric car enthusiasts for its luxury and performance. Tesla’s cars are powerful, fun to drive and have great range, and the Model X is no exception. Tesla cars are able to use the Supercharger network, exclusive to the company, to charge the batteries very rapidly. That means you spend less time waiting for a charge and more time on the road! The only downside to the Model X, however, is the price tag: it’s a luxury vehicle, and that’s reflected in the price. It starts at $85,500, but it has a nearly 300-mile range and an incredible 2.9-second 0 to 60.

    The Best of the Electric Cars Available in 2018: Tesla Model 3

    The most affordable Tesla doesn’t sacrifice any of that trademark luxury to be $35,000. It has a 215-mile range standard, a luxury interior and a huge touch-screen display instead of a gauge cluster. If you’re a Tesla faithful but without mad money to burn on a car, the Model 3 might be for you. It’s the only car in its price range that rivals the Chevy Bolt’s range, and it does that while looking much cooler. If you’re looking for a great car that happens to also be electric, look at the Tesla Model 3.

  • Fortnite’s Durr Burger has Appeared in the California Desert

    Fortnite’s Durr Burger has Appeared in the California Desert

    A strange ARG has begun in advance of the fifth season of Fortnite. A few weeks ago, an in-game even led to a rocket launch that then caused a series of temporal rifts. Following the appearance of the rifts, some have grown considerably. The rifts have also begun to absorb certain notable landmarks from around the map. One such landmark, the large Durr Burger mascot from the Greasy Grove area, has appeared somewhere else. Nowhere in the Fortnite world, mind you, but somewhere in the real world.

    Durr Burger Sighting

    The dumb-looking mascot for the fictional Durr Burger restaurant was spotted by photographer Sela Shiloni, who is not a gamer. Shiloni was understandably a bit freaked out by the presence of a giant, googly-eyed burger with a lolling tongue. After spotting it and posting it to various social media sites, Fornite players quickly informed the photographer that he had found the missing burger! A bit of digging on Google maps yielded coordinates for the burger. Since, several streamers and enthusiasts have traveled to the location to see what’s going on.

    At the site, they are greeted by “secret agents” who encourage the tourists to stay back. The area is an anomaly, visitors are told, and it could be dangerous. Some are given promo codes for Fortnite goodies. Others are given a phone number to call; the number plays an odd, garbled version of the rift sound from the game.

    Future Items to Appear in Our World?

    The giant burger mascot will likely not be the only Fortnite landmark appearing in the real world. The fifth season of the game will begin in earnest tomorrow, and with it we expect to see some major changes in the world map. The rift in the sky over the map has grown larger every day since it appeared, and that will likely come to a head at the start of season five. What this means for the future of Fortnite, and for the ARG that seems to be developing in our own world, remains to be seen. Either way, we’ll be sure to see you on the battlefield!