THE world was rocked by the death of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, with an outpouring of condolences across the internet.

Known for his signature art style, Toriyama not only created the Dragon Ball franchise, but was also involved in several popular video games, such as Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger.

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At the time of his death, Toriyama was working on the upcoming game Sand Land, which is based on his manga series.

He oversaw the game and created new designs. It is one of the last projects he worked on before his death.

Sand Land is launched April 26, 2024, for PlayStation, Xbox and Steam. However, fans can play it now, well over a month before its official release.

The blurb for Sand Land reads: “Deep into a desert world where humans and demons alike suffer from an extreme water shortage: Sand Land.

“Meet the devilish Prince Beelzebub, his chaperone Thief and the fearless Sheriff Rao, and follow the team on an extraordinary adventure in search of the legendary spring hidden in the desert.

“The end is only the beginning, for beyond this barren land lies a new realm to explore.”

No matter which console you want to play on, the Sand Land demo is available on all launch platforms.

If you’d like to try out Sand Land for yourself, you can do so by visiting the game’s store page directly from your PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, or Steam.

You can then download the demo directly to your system and play numerous sequences from the game.

This data is not carried over to the full game, because you play small series from different parts.

If you want to read more about game deals, check out the free game you can download on Steam.

Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama has died at the age of 68 due to a hemorrhage near his brain, his studio said Thursday.

Toriyama died on March 1 due to the medical condition known as acute subdural hematoma, the Dragon Ball studio said in a statement on social media.

The Dragon Ball studio said it was their “deep regret” that Toriyama “still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm,” as “he would have many more things to achieve.”

“However, he left many manga titles and works of art to this world. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation will remain loved by all for a long time to come.”

The Dragon Ball comic was released in 1984 and became a huge success, with spin-off films, games and cartoons.

The statement continued: “Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for more than 45 years.

“We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation will remain loved by everyone for a long time to come.”

The studio said that “a funeral service was held with his family and very few relatives,” asking for privacy for his family and for fans to refrain from visiting, sending flowers, gifts or other offers.

No decision has yet been made on a “memorial event” in Toriyama’s memory, the studio said, adding that it will provide further information as it becomes available.

“We sincerely thank you for your understanding and support, as always,” the studio said in closing the statement.

Dragon Ball centers on Son Goku, a boy who searches for a collection of magical dragon balls during a battle to protect the planet from the Saiyans, a group of alien humanoids.

The martial arts-influenced franchise also features popular characters such as Piccolo, Bulma and Krillin.

In the late 1980s, it was adapted into an anime show by Toei Animation, which he said achieved enormous success on an international scale. The Hollywood Reporter.

Toriyama had also been busy working on video games in the anime genre, including Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest, according to the outlet IGN.

Toriyama was rumored to be working on a Dragon Ball Z spin-off called Dragon Ball Daima, focusing on the characters Goku and Vegeta.

At New York Comic Con 2023 last fall, Dragon Ball Daima executive producer Akio Iyoku said on a panel that Toriyama had been “very involved beyond his normal capabilities” in working on the details of the high-profile project.

Iyoku said Toriyama had planned “all new episodes for the storyline, so look forward to the start of the series,” which will be released this fall.

Toriyama was born on April 5, 1955 in Nagoya, Japan and began his career by submitting his work to Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine, according to THR.

He was first published in 1978 with a comic called Wonder Island, based on an ex-World War II kamikaze pilot who was stranded on a place called Wonder Island. The following year he released a sequel titled Wonder Island 2.

Toriyama enjoyed early success with the manga Dr. Slump, which would serialize Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1980-1984.

Dr. Slump was set in a location called Penguin Village, which according to THR focused on a female robot and her creator.

The breakout success sold more than 35 million copies and would be adapted into an animated TV series from Toei Animation between 1981 and 1986.

A number of fans took to social media on Thursday evening to express their emotional condolences for Toriyama and respect for the contributions he has made in his field.

‘Wow. This man was a legend, a unique talent that impacted so many lives,” said a tweet from the account @DotoDoya. “Shocked and sad, but his legacy will live on for thousands of years, I’m sure.”

A tweet from @zentreya read: Incredibly saddening. I also recently watched DB. Many memorable characters and worlds were created. Thank you for helping spark the imagination of others and giving strength to others. Rest in peace.’

One user posted a Dragon Ball-related GIF of a character crying, saying, “I’m literally crying. Rest in peace to the goat of all goats.”

One user said: ‘Legends never die, RIP Akira, you created one of the best shows ever and touched so many of our hearts growing up. Thanks for everything.’

Another user said, “Rest in peace Akira Toriyama, you will be forever missed,” accompanied by a Dragon Ball-related image of a character with a halo.

Another fan described Toriyama as “a legend,” adding, “Thank you Akira Toriyama for entertaining and inspiring so many of us. Rest in peace.’

One fan said, “Thank you Akira Toriyama. You have touched so many lives and inspired millions around the world. May you rest in peace, you will NEVER be forgotten.”

One user noted the enormous reach and impact of Toriyama and the Dragon Ball franchise, saying: ‘This is so heartbreaking, he and his work have played a huge role in the lives of me and many others.

‘Rest in peace and thank you for all the wonderful memories.’

One fan said: ‘Worst news this year. He was everyone’s hero. Thank you Akira Toriyama. This hurts. What a legend.’

One fan called the news of Toriyama’s death “incredibly heartbreaking to read,” and marveled at the widespread impact he made on his field.

“He was a generational genius who influenced my youth and so many others in such a meaningful way,” the user said. ‘His legacy will never fade and he will continue to inspire generations to come.’

Toriyama is survived by his wife Yoshimi Kato and two children.

PALEONTOLOGISTS have discovered a ‘remarkably’ well-preserved ‘dragon fossil’ in China dating back 240 million years.

The complete fossil – a rarity considering its size – is of a 5-meter-long aquatic reptile from the Triassic in Guizhou.

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Its long neck and tail have earned it the nickname “dragon”, although that is actually what it is called Dinocephalosaurus orientalis.

The Dinocephalosaurus orientalis was first identified in 2003, but scientists have not yet been able to study the animals’ complete anatomy, according to new researchpublished by Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of The Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Of all the extraordinary finds we’ve made in the Triassic of Guizhou Province, Dinocephalosaurus probably stands out as the most remarkable.

Professor Li Chun, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology

Dr. Nick Fraser from National Museums Scotland, who was part of the international team that studied the fossil, said this was the first time scientists had been able to see it in full.

“This discovery allows us to see this remarkable long-necked animal in its entirety for the very first time,” he said.

“It’s yet another example of the weird and wonderful world of the Triassic that continues to baffle paleontologists.

“We are sure it will capture the imagination around the world for its striking appearance, reminiscent of the long and serpentine mythical Chinese dragon.”

In a separate conversation with the BBC, Dr. Fraser the beast as “a very strange animal”.

“This discovery only adds to the strangeness of the Triassic,” he added.

“And every time we look into these deposits, we find something new.”

Despite superficial similarities, Dinocephalosaurus was not closely related to the Plesiosaurs that emerged some 40 million years later – the species thought to have inspired the Loch Ness monster mystery.

The discovery is the result of international efforts that have paid off, in addition to the finds of additional specimens since 2003.

Researchers from Scotland, Germany, America and China spent ten years studying Dinocephalosaurus Orientalis at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

“This was an international effort. Working with colleagues from the United States, United Kingdom and Europe, we used newly discovered specimens from the Chinese Academy of Sciences to build on our existing knowledge about this animal,” said Professor Li Chun of the institute. said.

“Of all the extraordinary finds we have made in the Triassic of Guizhou Province, Dinocephalosaurus probably stands out as the most remarkable.”

CELEBRATE Chinese New Year with this appropriately themed brainteaser.

Everyone can see the snakes in this task, but can you spot the hidden dragon?

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A big round of applause if you succeed, because it means you have 20/20 vision.

This mind-boggling optical illusion comes from a UK-based online printing company print directly.

In the Chinese lunar calendar, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon.

Players are challenged to find the fire-breathing creature among the many animals.

Prepare for the colorful celebrations on February 10 and put your brain to the test in this fun game.

The snakes are easy to recognize among the zodiac animals, fireworks, flags, money and lanterns.

There are more snakes, monkeys, goats, rabbits and roosters to help you exercise your mind as you prepare for the Lunar New Year.

Chinese dragons are said to symbolize strength, energy and vitality.

Maybe you need to lean on those qualities to win this game.

The Chinese horoscope 2024 also reveals that the Year of the Dragon will bring authority, prosperity and luck.

If you look closely, luck will almost certainly prevail.

But this image can be way too confusing for some, so here's a handy hint.

The snakes are green and so is the dragon. Focus your attention on the top left corner of the image.

If your eyes are sharp enough, you'll find the dragon nestled among the animals in the image below.

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How about another game to test your wits and patience?

We have many more for you to choose from.

There is a game for everyone, suitable for all ages and abilities.

Some are more challenging than others and can lead to head-scratching situations.

Others are funny and will almost certainly raise a smile.

But we have opted for another seasonal game, this time aimed at the heart.

This is a Valentine's Day-themed task that might just get your heart racing.

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Dozens of lipstick prints can be seen in this image.

But can you find the heart hidden among them?

However, you have to beat the clock because you only have 20 seconds.

Capital hair and beautya British hair care supplier, challenged romantics with this beloved puzzle.

This is not an easy task as you are confronted with a sea of ​​red and pink.

The different shades of lipstick kisses easily conceal the hidden love heart among the couple.

If you still can't find it, we can give you a useful tip.

To narrow your search, focus your eyes on the lower right corner of the image.

The little pink heart is barely visible right next to the big red lipstick kiss at the bottom of the photo.

We have circled the location for you in the image below.

And if you want to try even more optical illusions, we have plenty to offer.

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THE YAKUZA series has been around for almost 20 years now, but its success outside Japan has historically been mixed.

That all changed with the release of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, a turn-based JRPG heavily inspired by games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon was so successful that publisher Sega changed the name of the series to Like a Dragon, to be more in line with the Japanese name and to capitalize on the newfound success.

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Now a new game in the series, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, is about to release via Steam later this week on PS4, PS5, Xbox and PC, and we've been playing it for a few weeks now.

While Yakuza: Like a Dragon had some balance issues and struggled to find its feet in turn-based JRPG combat, Infinite Wealth has perfected just about everything, making it the best game in the series.

Infinite Wealth tells the story of two former yakuza (Japanese mafia) who have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place.

The first of the main characters is Ichiban Kasuga, the leading man of Yakuza: Like a Dragon and who spent twenty years in prison to protect his sworn brothers.

Once outside, he discovered that the yakuza were on their way out, and after being betrayed by the head of his yakuza family, he set out on a quest to restore his honor and become the hero of Yokohama.

The other main character is Kazuma Kiryu, who was the main character in the first six Yakuza games, the prequel, and spin-offs such as Like a Dragon: Gaiden.

Kiryu has had a long and storied history, but has fallen on hard times in Infinite Wealth, after being diagnosed with a terminal illness and given only months to live.

Kiryu and Kasuga met briefly in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, but after unusual circumstances brought them both to Hawaii, the two teamed up to investigate the disappearance of Kasuga's mother.

The story of Infinite Wealth is probably one of its strongest points, as it is a deep, moving story that explores the intricacies of life, death, and family.

One of the areas in which developer RGG Studio excels most is its nuanced portrayal of villains, and while some have been almost cartoonish in the past, Infinite Wealth takes a layered approach.

While most games would be content with calling a villain a bad guy and calling it a day, Infinite Wealth delves deep into why the villains do the things they do, and how life has led them to that point.

However, that doesn't mean there aren't objectively bad people in the world, but exploring how they got that way is the bread and butter of Infinite Wealth.

It's backed by strong character work, heartbreaking storytelling and, most importantly, a sense of when to lighten things up.

It's sad that Kiryu is on the brink of death, and we see him in a pretty bad state at some points in the game, but RGG Studio isn't afraid to show Kiryu being crazy and having fun too.

It's these moments of levity among the deadly serious moments of fear that make Infinite Wealth feel so real and such effective storytelling.

From a gameplay perspective, things have also been vastly improved over the previous game, with a number of minor refinements adding up to a much more coherent experience.

Positioning in battle makes a huge difference and not only adds a layer of strategy to combat, but also opens up new options to make those battles dynamic and interesting.

The game is also filled with side quests and mini-games, including a full Pokémon-like mini-game that is very good and a whole Animal Crossing-like life simulation game.

The result is a game that can easily be completed in 50 hours, or for completionists can take 100 hours, all depending on how much you want to explore and what you're interested in.

The presentation is also excellent, with great visuals, stunning animation and great voice acting and music.

There really is nothing to complain about Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, it really is as perfect as a Yakuza game can be.

Rating: 5/5

Written by Oliver Brandt on behalf of GLHF.

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David Beckham has shared his love for Galician delicacies in his latest Instagram Story update, but fans will be shocked by the price tag.

The 48-year-old owner of Inter Miami FC revealed on Tuesday evening that he was eating a plate of percebes, known as the world's most expensive seafood.

The rare seafood can cost up to £400 per pound and will cost buyers around £80 for a portion of between 15 and 20 percebes.

Percebes are so expensive due to their scarcity and it is also incredibly difficult and dangerous to retrieve them.

Despite the high price tag, percebes don't have the most appetizing appearance, and some compare them to dragon claws and dinosaur rocks.

The price wasn't an issue for David – who is reportedly worth around £350million – as he revealed he enjoys it when he's in Spain.

David, who lived in Spain while playing for Real Madrid FC, shared photos of the questionable-looking snack on his social media.

Holding the percebes up to the camera, David wrote: 'One of my favorite things to eat during the season in Spain.'

He also shared a close-up image, adding, “Soooo good! Thank you.'

David shares his love of cooking and food with his eldest son and aspiring chef Brooklyn, 24, who is about to launch a partnership with UberEats.

Earlier this week, Brooklyn admitted that he and his famous dad David have similar techniques when it comes to romancing their wives on date night.

Brooklyn revealed that he likes to make fresh pasta, a tip he learned from his father, who also makes the Italian staple for Brooklyn's mother, Victoria.

Brooklyn shared a video online of himself preparing a delicious, meaty tomato pasta.

He said, “My pasta is perfect for date night, it's something I cooked for my wife on our date nights, something my dad cooked for my mom.

Despite recently revealing that his wife, actress Nicola, 29, 'can't cook to save her life', Brooklyn admitted he has tried to explain to her how to make pasta.

He said, “My favorite food is comfort food. I taught my wife how to make pasta. Yes, she really enjoys it.'

As he put the finishing touches on his dish, Brooklyn grated a generous amount of cheese over it and said, “I like a lot of cheese, so I do it the way I would do it.”

Brooklyn joked about Nicola's cooking skills during a recent interview in the Sunday Timeswhere he also revealed that his love for cooking came from his father.

He said: 'My father was always the one who cooked in the house, my mother not so much. I loved hanging out in the kitchen with him, I loved the smell of food.”

Brooklyn, who first started sharing cooking content online in 2021, said he also enjoys cooking with his siblings Romeo, 21, and Cruz, 18, and Harper, 12.

He said: 'We never say it's a competition, even though we give each other a pass for it – that's just what brothers do. All of us in the kitchen. Just listening to music, cooking together, it's fun. Best.'

By Jimmy Briggs for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 9:33 PM EST, January 10, 2024 | Updated: 9:42 PM EST, January 10, 2024