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الوسم: additions

  • Absolum’s Threads of Fate Update: Everything Completing and Solving

    Absolum’s Threads of Fate Update: Everything Completing and Solving

    Absolum was already considered one of the top indie surprises of 2025, and it seems Dotemu is committed to continuing its development with plenty of content planned after the game’s launch.

    Since the game’s release late last year, there have been a few small updates, but today marks the first major update called Threads of Fate. This update adds a lot of new content, mostly focused on the post-game.

    ### Corrupted Areas
    The first significant change in the update is the addition of corrupted areas that appear randomly during gameplay. These areas glow faintly blue and feature portals that spawn powerful enemies from later in the game, raising the difficulty level. These portals are a reform of those found in the original game after overcoming Sun King Azrah but are now unavoidable during runs and cannot be deactivated. While they increase the challenge, they also provide better rewards, such as more crystals and upgraded Rituals. Players can skip corrupted zones unless they’re forced to go through them, but tackling these areas can provide the best tools for your run. Be cautious, as some of the elite enemies emerging from these portals now seem tougher than in the original game.

    ### Mystic Ordeals
    The update also introduces Mystic Ordeals to improve post-game content, which was somewhat lacking before. To access them, players need to visit a hooded figure in the bottom right of the hub area after defeating the final true boss at least once. These Ordeals are special challenge runs with specific conditions, like increased enemy numbers, added effects such as lifesteal, or buffed attacks that demand focused strategies. They are quite tough and reward players with medals for completing them using different characters and without relying on certain tools like companions.

    If players want an easier experience, Assistance Mode can be toggled on to reduce or increase damage. Completing these Ordeals unlocks new sections on the Soul Tree, unlocking additional content and rewards. For example, to unlock the first new skin, players need to finish at least two Ordeals, which encourages completing multiple challenges.

    ### Skins, Emotes, and New Soul Tree Additions
    The biggest addition outside of some quality-of-life updates like damage numbers and Elite Mounts is new content for the Soul Tree. This includes two skins for each character, new emote sets that match each character’s theme, Ordeal modifiers, and more ways to customize your experience. These new unlocks become available after completing an Ordeal run for the first time, often requiring players to beat Absolum again. As players clear more Ordeals, more options open up, such as starting a run with an Inspiration typically earned from defeating bosses, adding more strategic choices to gameplay.

    Some of the new unlocks also enhance gameplay directly by increasing the effectiveness of items like Heathroots or boosting attack strength. Overall, these additions give players more ways to personalize and optimize their runs, making the post-game experience richer and more rewarding.

  • BRICS Membership Grows: 6 New Nations Join, Now 11 Total

    BRICS Membership Grows: 6 New Nations Join, Now 11 Total

    The Expansion of BRICS: A New Era for the Global South

    The BRICS group, a coalition of major emerging economies, has significantly increased its influence in the Global South. Recent developments indicate that this bloc is not only expanding in terms of membership but also enhancing its economic and political clout on the world stage. With the admission of new countries, BRICS aims to establish itself as a formidable counterweight to the historically Western-dominated G7.

    New Members Joining BRICS

    A Growing Coalition

    The recent admission of several countries into the BRICS framework marks a major shift in global dynamics. As of January 1, 2024, the bloc welcomed Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates as formal members. This influx reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen BRICS’ presence in regions that have traditionally been underrepresented in global governance structures.

    Indonesia’s Admission

    Furthermore, Indonesia was admitted as a full member on January 6, 2025. The inclusion of such a Southeast Asian nation not only enhances BRICS’ diversity but also expands its geographical reach, thereby reinforcing its voice in discussions around global trade, climate change, and sustainable development.

    The Implications of Expansion

    Economic and Political Clout

    The growing membership signifies an increase in both economic and political clout for BRICS. With countries from different continents now part of the coalition, the bloc is positioned to exert greater influence over international economic policies and trade agreements. This is particularly crucial for nations in the Global South, which often seek alternatives to Western-dominated frameworks.

    Counterweight to Western Powers

    The expansion of BRICS serves as a strategic move to create a viable counterweight to Western powers, particularly the G7 countries. This development can reshape international dialogue and partnerships, enabling voices from developing nations to be better represented and considered in global decision-making processes.

    Argentina’s Rejection

    Concerns Over Membership

    Interestingly, among the new members announced in August 2023, Argentina’s situation diverged from the trend. Despite being invited to join, Argentina, under President Javier Milei, publicly rejected the offer on December 29, 2023. In his letter, Milei articulated that joining BRICS was "not considered appropriate at this time," reflecting the complex political climate and economic considerations facing the nation.

    Impact on BRICS Cohesion

    Argentina’s rejection poses an interesting question regarding the cohesion and appeal of BRICS as it expands. The bloc’s ability to attract countries that may have differing political agendas and economic needs will be instrumental in determining its effectiveness and unified stance on global issues.

    Vision of BRICS Leaders

    A Champion for the Global South

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the aspirations of BRICS during a press briefing, describing it as a champion for the needs and concerns of the Global South. He underscored the importance of beneficial economic growth, sustainable development, and the need for reform in multilateral systems. Such commitments are pivotal as they resonate with the core objectives of emerging economies seeking equitable representation on the international stage.

    Ongoing Expansion Process

    President Ramaphosa also hinted at the fact that the admission of new members is only the beginning. He stated that the leaders of the founding BRICS nations have reached a consensus on the principles, standards, criteria, and processes for future expansions, suggesting that this is just the start of a much larger movement. The clear intent is to create a robust, inclusive platform that addresses the collective challenges faced by the Global South.

    The Future of BRICS

    The strategic expansion of BRICS signifies an important shift in international relations, highlighting the growing importance of emerging economies. With its diverse new membership, BRICS is well-positioned to continue advocating for the interests of the Global South, shaping a more balanced and inclusive global governance framework. As the world watches closely, the outcomes of these changes will undoubtedly have lasting implications for global economics and politics.