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Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The six strangest games Hideo Kojima made before Death Stranding 2
Death Stranding 2 is out soon but Hideo Kojima's gameography is full of weird games, from Penguin Adventure to a stock market simulator. It would be reductive to describe Hideo Kojima's video games simply as weird, but it's the obvious place to start. He's very much aware of how they come across, and plays up to the commentary about them, to the point where he was worried the upcoming Death Stranding 2 wasn't divisive enough. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, the sequel to the original 2019 hit, promises to be another bizarre experience, with a stop-motion animated puppet as part of its main cast, a villain wielding an electric guitar as a weapon, and a very blatant stand-in for Solid Snake from the Metal Gear games. With the sequel's launch right around the corner, we wanted to look back through Kojima's gameography and highlight the ones that stand out as the weirdest of the lot. This one deserves recognition not so much for its content but for the fact that it was designed to be played outside. That's because this 2003 action role-player for the Game Boy Advance had a light sensor built into its cartridge, with certain mechanics requiring you to make use of real sunlight, since the gameplay was all about fighting vampires. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. It's certainly a novel idea, although anyone who owned a Game Boy Advance knows it's next to impossible to see what's on-screen when out in the sun. Also, it just flat out didn't work most of the time in the gloomy UK. Nevertheless, the game did well enough to justify three sequels, although the last one for the DS removed the light sensor. The first Metal Gear Ac!d game was already weird for being so far removed from the main series, as it merged stealth action with a turn-based collectible card game, while also setting up its own continuity. We have to give the point to its follow-up, though, since it's not even technically a sequel and is itself set in another separate continuity. If that's not quite nutty enough for you the PSP version came with a cardboard box called the *Solid Eye*, that you can look through to get a stereoscopic image. While he didn't direct this one, and instead served as producer, Kojima's influences are still all over this game, particularly in regards to its overly complex narrative. It was quite good, but unfortunately it's not available on any modern formats and the only other version was a Java ME port for non-smartphones. Penguin Adventure is only weird in retrospect, since it's Kojima's professional debut in the games industry and is so unlike anything else he's made since, being a platformer for MSX home computers, where you play as a cartoon penguin. A deeper dive unveils some humorously child unfriendly details, like one of the weapons being an actual gun and one of its multiple endings seeing the princess you're meant to save die. Despite its status as Kojima's first game, though, he downplayed his involvement in a 2014 social media post, saying he only worked on it for a short while and didn't contribute much beyond ideas for some of the boss fights and gimmicks. Even so, a penguin with a gun is still pretty weird. What makes Snatcher so strange is that there was truly little else like it when it came out. It's technically an adventure/visual novel, but Kojima's love of film meant it had a far more cinematic flair than its contemporaries. The influences it takes from sci-fi films like Blade Runner, Terminator, and Akira are laughably obvious, but this was many players' first real exposure to cyberpunk stories. Although it was a commercial flop, it's long since been vindicated as a cult classic. Perhaps the weirdest thing about it is that there's no modern re-release, although there was a radio play prequel that Kojima made with Suda51 and is, predictably, Japanese only. Although he didn't direct Zone Of The Enders or its sequel, Kojima is credited as the series' creator and certainly had a lot of influence over it, with a 2003 interview translated and archived by schmuplations stating he was responsible for its world and backstory. He also appeared to have enough creative control to be the one to scrap plans for a Zone Of The Enders 3, after the less than stellar HD collection botched remasters of the first two games. That's a shame as Zone Of The Enders is a fun giant robot sim, although its mechs are much zippier than you'd expect. More Trending Incredibly niche outside of dedicated fan circles, and growing obscurer by the day, Zone Of The Enders' story is perhaps even more impenetrable than Metal Gear's, with all the cut scenes and characters it throws at you; although the sequel wasn't quite so bad. Even some diehard Kojima fans may not have heard of this one and we wouldn't blame you, since it only ever released in Japan on the DS. You're not missing out, though, since this is no stealth action adventure but instead a stock market simulator. While Nintendo was busy with its blue sky strategy, of expanding gaming beyond the normal core audience, Kojima's response to games like Brain Training was what translates as Stock Transaction Trainer. It was a serious simulator, using real Tokyo Stock Exchange data, and successful enough to spawn two sequels. None of them were ever localised for the West though, probably because so much would need to be changed beyond just the dialogue. Or maybe Konami's US division just thought it was too weird. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima explains why he'll never retire MORE: Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear spiritual successor won't be out this decade MORE: Hideo Kojima put a secret stash of game ideas on a USB stick for when he dies
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Strengthening the MSX is a national imperative
The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) is working to strengthen the institution's activities to position it among the region's financial markets in the coming period and to attract more investments to the Omani capital market. Recently, the MSX, in cooperation with the Gulf Capital Markets Association (GCMA), hosted a financial conference attended by several prominent figures in the financial and investment sectors. The conference focused on discussing the most prominent challenges and opportunities facing the region's financial markets in light of current economic and technological changes, and ways to develop a more efficient and attractive investment environment. The goal of this activity was to enhance the position of the Omani capital market, making it an advanced financial center, and to provide an integrated investment environment in line with international best practices. The question raised in this regard is related to the causes required to make the Muscat Stock Exchange an attractive market for domestic and foreign investments, and to understand the challenges facing the market at this stage. There are several factors that can be worked on to improve the stock market's operations and make it more attractive, including diversifying investment instruments and developing and expanding trading mechanisms and securities, such as providing investment funds and new financial instruments to increase diversity and attract a larger segment of investors. It is also crucial to enhance transparency and corporate governance standards and implement international standards to ensure the protection of investor rights and reduce risks. Furthermore, it is important to improve the systems and technologies used in trading to provide a faster and safer environment, while relying on financial technology (FinTech), facilitating procedures, reducing bureaucracy, and improving registration and approval procedures to make the market more flexible and responsive to investor demands. Finally, it is important to raise awareness about investment opportunities and the importance of sustainability and social responsibility to attract investors who focus on these standards. In addition, it is important to encourage foreign direct investment, issue legislation that encourages foreign investors, and provide incentives and facilitation for market entry. The Omani stock market faces several challenges, including a lack of liquidity and weak trading volume, which reduces its attractiveness and limits investors' ability to enter and exit easily. It also relies heavily on changes occurring in the oil and energy sector, making the market vulnerable to global economic fluctuations. Some believe there is a need to further improve governance and disclosure standards, increase investor confidence, and close legislative gaps that could lead to uncertainty or reduce investment incentives. They also believe there is a need to increase the number of financial institutions and related services to provide adequate investment support tools and mechanisms. It is also important to enhance financial literacy and raise awareness of the importance of long-term investment and sustainability. The market must have a comprehensive strategic vision focused on diversifying the economy and achieving political and regulatory stability to attract more investment. In order to enhance the daily buying and selling activity in the Omani stock market and increase trading volume, there are several factors and methods that can be developed and improved, the most important of which are increasing market liquidity, improving the market's ability to provide diverse and attractive financial instruments, in addition to encouraging investors to submit their trades by offering incentive programmes, especially for individual investors that can increases investors' ability to execute transactions quickly and without delay.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
MSX, Estidama highlight startups incentive programme, business market in Dhofar
Salalah: Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) and the National Programme for Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Sector Development (Estidama) on Wednesday organised an orientation session about a promotional campaign titled 'Incentive Programme and Promising Companies Market'. The orientation session was held in Salalah in cooperation with Dhofar Governorate's branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). The session included an introduction to the objectives of the incentive programme and the startups' market, highlighted key incentives allocated to closed-door firms and family-owned companies and elaborated on related regulatory and technical requirements. The session also introduced the programme's components that are intended to be supported to help the firms' transition into MSX-listed companies. The session focused on three main tracks of the programme: The first is the track of transition into public joint-stock companies. This target targets private and family companies with a market value exceeding OMR10 million to encourage them to enter the public market. The second is the track of launching the Promising Companies Market. This refers to establishing a sub-market within the MSX, specifically designed to accommodate small, medium and startups whose market value exceeds half a million Omani rials. The third is the track of transition into closed joint-stock companies. This encourages limited liability companies (whose value exceeds half a million Omani rials and employ more than 20 Omani employees) to engage in transition into the closed joint-stock company format. The orientation session also sought to raise investment awareness among startup entrepreneurs, achieve integration between financial institutions and activate the participation of small and medium enterprises in the capital markets, in addition to encouraging companies to adopt modern management and financing models.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Capital markets key to Oman Vision 2040
MUSCAT: A key conference spotlighting Oman's Capital Market opened here yesterday, Thursday, June 12, under the auspices of Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy. The 'Oman Capital Market' conference was organised by the Gulf Cooperation Market Association (GCMA) in collaboration with Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX), and financial firm State Street. In his opening remarks, Faisal al Nabhani, Managing Director and Country Lead of Oman and Qatar - State Street, highlighted the significance of the conference. "As the GCC continues to attract global clients, talent, and innovation, the role of capital markets becomes ever more critical. From renewable energy and logistics to the data economy, the GCC is poised to lead in the industries of tomorrow. Capital markets will be an enabler, enhancing liquidity, improving resource allocation, and accelerating the transition to a more diversified and resilient economic model,' he shared. Al Nabhani further added: "(This conference) is a platform to share insights, explore opportunities, and shape the future of capital markets individually.' Haitham bin Salem al Salmi, CEO – MSX, speaking at the conference Haitham bin Salem al Salmi, Chief Executive Officer of MSX, highlighted the significant role capital markets play in actualising Oman Vision 2040, '(Oman) is (moving) towards a more diversified economy. (The government is) more focused on raising direct foreign investments in Oman and, of course, partnering with the private sector. With these three main pillars, we understand that the capital market is the right venue for such partnerships and for initiatives that will support Oman Vision 2040.' He added that recent IPO activity signalled a growing momentum in the market. 'With a clear pipeline from the government to divest — having five major divestments and IPOs in the country — that has created a market cap that touched RO 28.40 billion currently. This has been a key driver, bringing more activity, with trading values close to RO 700 million from the new IPOs alone. We believe that we have (demonstrated) a major impact and clear proof that Oman's capital market is well-equipped to absorb opportunities, finance projects and provide exit tools for investors as well,' he shared. The one-day conference also included addresses on local, regional and global economics, along with an overview of the current landscape. Additionally, it included three main panel discussions highlighting topics such as the future vision of Oman's Capital Market, debt finance for Omani companies, and opportunities within a regional capital market. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Stronger trading drives weekly gains on MSX
MUSCAT: Trading activity on the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) picked up pace last week, with average daily volumes rising 19.2 per cent to RO 13.1 million, compared to RO 11 million the previous week. This increase came despite a shorter trading week due to the Eid al Adha holiday. The uptick was fuelled by robust investor interest in companies affiliated with the Oman Investment Authority, which reported strong financial results. Local institutional investors and funds were also active net buyers, accounting for 69.3 per cent of total trading value. The combined trading value for the week reached RO 39.3 million. Notable contributors included OQ Basic Industries (RO 7.69 million), OQ Gas Networks (RO 6.1 million), OQ Exploration and Production (RO 6.07 million), and Asyad Shipping (RO 4.69 million). Together, these four companies accounted for 62.4 per cent of total trading. Despite the increased activity, the MSE's main index slipped by 35 points to close at 4,543 points, ending a six-week streak of gains amid profit-taking in key stocks. The industrial index fell 94 points, financials were down 44 points, services dropped by 12 points, and the Shariah index edged down 3 points to 441. Market capitalisation rose by RO 82 million, closing at RO 28.88 billion. This was largely driven by gains in OQ Exploration and Production, whose market cap increased by RO 136 million after shares climbed by 17 baisas to 312 baisas. The company has scheduled an extraordinary general assembly for June 24 to consider amending its articles of association, including a proposal to allow share buybacks. Elsewhere, Al Anwar Investments invited shareholders to its AGM on June 30 to discuss a 4 baisa-per-share dividend and 4 per cent bonus shares. The company's shares ended the week at 85 baisas. Meanwhile, Fincorp Financial Services announced plans to exit the brokerage sector and transition into investment activities, pending approval from the Financial Services Authority and shareholder consent at an EGM on June 29. In the education sector, the Omani Education and Training Investment Company reported a net profit of RO 7.2 million for the first nine months of its fiscal year ending 31 August—up from RO 6.5 million in the same period last year. — ONA
