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Paramount Pictures
We waited a long, long time for director Ridley Scott to make a sequel to his beloved 2000 Best Picture-winning classic, “Gladiator.” That sequel arrived in late 2024 in the form of “Gladiator II.” Though not nearly as roundly praised as its predecessor, the sequel did finish as one of the highest-grossing movies of the year, and it did so without bringing back its previous star, Oscar-winner Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius. That’s because Maximus died in the first one … but that didn’t prevent the writers from trying to bring him back anyway.
In a recent interview with The Direct, screenwriter Peter Craig revealed that there was, at one point, a scene that would have brought back Crowe as Maximus. This would have taken place towards the end of the film and it would have happened via a flashback with Paul Mescal’s Lucius, who (spoiler alert) is actually Maximus’ son. Here’s what Craig had to say about it:
“There was an idea that the Romans had that you could talk to your ancestors, and they have these underground catacombs where people’s urns and ashes and bones were all buried beneath the city. There had been a scene where once Lucius finds out that it’s his father, he goes down there and he finds his grave. And there was just going to be a really brief flashback with Russell.”
For what it’s worth, only two actors from the first “Gladiator” returned in the sequel: Connie Nielsen (Lucilla) and Derek Jacobi (Senator Gracchus). So it’s not as though Crowe was missing out on some big reunion. Still, it’s easy to see why Craig and Scott at least considered this option.
Gladiator II was probably better off without Russell Crowe
Paramount Pictures
For better or worse, Maximus cast a very large shadow over the sequel, even though Crowe doesn’t actually appear in the film. There were different versions of the sequel floated over the years, but Scott finally felt like it was the right time to make “Gladiator II.” Doing so without the people that made the original such a big hit was a tall order.
Several other writers, along with Scott, ultimately crafted the story that we saw unfold in the sequel. The director ended up being a big fan of how it turned out, as he’s already announced plans for a potential “Gladiator 3” with Paul Mescal returning. Craig, for his part, feels they made the right call in leaving this flashback scene out of the movie:
“I think they probably made the right decision not using it. But I was on that with Ridley [Scott] for a while … I sort of gave them a big menu of stuff, and they selected some things from it, and I think they left a lot of the right stuff off of it.”
Whether or not the sequel was a satisfying follow-up is largely a matter of individual taste. A cameo from Crowe probably wouldn’t have moved the needle too much either way, but it might have felt a bit forced. “Gladiator II” has been criticized for its lack of historical accuracy, but again, Scott isn’t setting out to make an accurate historical epic. Are you not entertained, he might ask?
You can grab “Gladiator II” on 4K, Blu-ray, or DVD from Amazon.
Published: March 12, 2025 at 5:10 pm Updated: March 12, 2025 at 5:10 pm
by Ana
Edited and fact-checked:
March 12, 2025 at 5:10 pm
To improve your local-language experience, sometimes we employ an auto-translation plugin. Please note auto-translation may not be accurate, so read original article for precise information.
In Brief
Trump’s Crypto Summit unveiled plans for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, signaled a shift in U.S. crypto policy, and garnered mixed reactions from industry leaders regarding the inclusion of multiple cryptocurrencies and concerns over its long-term impact.
In a landmark move for the crypto industry, former President Donald Trump hosted a high-profile summit with digital asset leaders, signaling a shift in U.S. policy. The event underscored his administration’s intention to undo many of the regulatory measures introduced under President Biden.
Trump used the meeting to underline his dedication to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the world” and undoing the Biden government’s tight rules on the industry as crypto companies become a major influence in political contributions for the 2024 election.
Establishing the Bitcoin Reserve
Through an executive order on Thursday, just before convening a crypto meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump created a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a cache of other digital assets.
President Donald Trump established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve via an executive order released on Thursday, therefore signifying a significant legislative change towards digital assets. The Treasury Department will oversee the reserve, which will be funded with Bitcoin (BTC) seized in criminal and civil forfeiture cases.
The order highlighted Bitcoin’s status as the “original cryptocurrency” and emphasized the “strategic advantage” of accumulating BTC due to its fixed supply. Additionally, a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile was established to manage other tokens.
However, Trump’s social media post revealing plans to stockpile Bitcoin, Ethereum, and three other tokens sparked backlash from the crypto community.
Crypto Leaders at The Digital Asset Summit
Trump’s summit brought together key industry figures, including Michael Saylor (MicroStrategy), Brian Armstrong (Coinbase), Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, and David Bailey.
Also in attendance was Zach Witkoff, co-founder of Trump’s own crypto venture, World Liberty Financial. The event featured top officials, lawmakers, and influential investors in the sector.
What Went on at The Digital Asset Summit
Former President Trump swept the elite of the crypto sector at the innovative Digital Asset Summit, presenting his ideas for a government-backed digital assets stockpile.
A key highlight was Trump’s push for a strategic reserve of Bitcoin, formalized through an executive order issued just before the summit. The order also outlined plans for a broader reserve of other digital assets.
Trump underlined that Bitcoin obtained via criminal and civil asset forfeitures will back the reserve, therefore guaranteeing no expense on to taxpayers.
“We don’t want any cost to the taxpayers,” he stated, reinforcing his stance on minimizing government expenses.
White House crypto czar David Sacks also expressed a similar opinion, verifying that budget-neutral approaches will be used throughout reserve building. But his comments let down some market players who had anticipated a more definite strategy for acquiring fresh tokens.
The effect of the meeting was evident in the market because the price of Bitcoin dropped to $85,521 after the announcement. Though specifics on how the reserve would run are lacking, the event highlighted Trump’s continuous support of the digital asset sector and its expansion forward.
Many at the event, including legislators and business executives, commended the government for encouraging creativity and opening legal routes for cryptocurrency.
Mixed Reactions from Industry Leaders
Leaders in the sector expressed gratitude for the meeting and complimented Trump and his staff for fostering a more cooperative climate. Many believed that the government’s transparency was an important shift after years of being “under attack” for concerns of security and consumer protection.
Following the meeting, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency confirmed that U.S. banks would no longer have to obtain particular regulatory clearance to participate in certain crypto-related activities, therefore facilitating the adoption of digital assets by the financial industry.
However, some concerns emerged. JP Richardson, CEO of Exodus, pointed out that the proposed strategic reserve could be a “big point of contention,” particularly regarding the inclusion of coins other than Bitcoin.
Although he owns some of the suggested tokens, Richardson argued they did not belong in the reserve, as they posed a higher risk and operated in a “very different way.”
Les Borsai, co-founder of Wave Digital Assets, noted that for the first time, many industry leaders felt they were entering a “collaborative discussion” despite not being invited.
The Reserve Expanding Beyond Bitcoin
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse commended Trump for recognizing that the scope of cryptocurrencies goes beyond just Bitcoin. Linked to Ripple, XRP is one of the four other cryptocurrencies Trump said may be included into the proposed reserve.
While JP Richardson highlighted that the crypto industry is still “relatively nascent,” he expressed concerns about adding smaller coins that might pose more “risk.”
Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, agreed that a Bitcoin-only reserve was likely “the best option.” Both Richardson and Armstrong were present at the summit, where these differing viewpoints emerged.
Ending The War on Crypto
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary, stated that the Trump administration would put an end to the “regulatory weaponization” against digital assets.
He emphasized that the U.S. must lead in digital asset strategy to stay ahead in the global digital economy.
Bessent also reassured that, with stablecoins serving a supporting function, the U.S. dollar would remain the principal reserve currency used worldwide.
Trump has fundamentally changed federal crypto policy since becoming office; the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reversed the strict laws of the previous government, including dropping investigations and lawsuits against big companies like Coinbase and Kraken.
Some Causes for Concern
While the summit highlighted a new approach to crypto, some investors were left wanting more. After the meeting, bitcoin saw a 4% drop, ending the week down 8%. The main source of unease was David Sacks, the White House’s crypto czar, declaring the establishment of a “strategic bitcoin reserve,” but with no imminent intentions for more crypto purchases.
The decisions Trump made about which cryptocurrencies to include—Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others—generated controversy within the community. Concerns about the government ending up “picking winners and losers” among cryptocurrencies arose.
Jeff Park, from the investment group Bitwise, echoed this sentiment, labeling the executive order as an “imperfect outcome.” He pointed out that an executive order, without broader legislative support, might not have the lasting impact many in the industry hoped for. As he pointed out, without the backing of collective legislation, such orders are unlikely to spark the transformative changes that many investors anticipated.
Can Crypto Give the U.S. Financial Leadership Worldwide?
For Sergey Nazarov, co-founder of Chainlink, the critical issue is how the U.S. can leverage blockchain technology to maintain its global financial dominance. Nazarov emphasized that global leadership in finance is defined by “assets,” particularly those that the U.S. generates and can be repackaged for others.
He argued that tokenizing major financial markets, such as treasuries, investment funds, and real estate, is essential. Nazarov views this as the next significant financial shift, comparable to the transition from paper-based markets to internet-based financial products, and believes it will shape the next 50 years of finance.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.
About The Author
Victoria is a writer on a variety of technology topics including Web3.0, AI and cryptocurrencies. Her extensive experience allows her to write insightful articles for the wider audience.
More articles
Victoria d’Este
Victoria is a writer on a variety of technology topics including Web3.0, AI and cryptocurrencies. Her extensive experience allows her to write insightful articles for the wider audience.
Head Over Heels was first released in 1987 for several 8-bit home computers such as the Amstrad, C64 and ZX Spectrum, but this faithful remake and deluxe edition, which was only recently released on Steam and has just got a new update, is based on the Spectrum version with all new gorgeous graphics and new features. Although originally designed by Jon Ritman, Bernie Drummond and developed by Ocean Software, this remake of Head Over Heels designed by Rusty Pixels, Ogre Games Ltd is well worth checking out indeed.
Here’s the latest! “Get ready to dive into a timeless puzzle-platforming adventure that captivated gamers in the golden age of the 8-bit era, now reborn with colourful modern visuals and refined gameplay! Head Over Heels is back and better than ever, delivering the perfect fusion of vintage charm with fresh new challenges. Whether you’re a long time fan or a brand-new adventurer, this award-winning remake originally made for the ZX Spectrum Next will capture your heart and test your wits!”
Main Features :
Over 500 majestic locationsMultiple save points (trust us, you’ll need them)Wonderful music throughout by Space FractalChickens! (Yes, these weren’t in the original… Blame Mike ‘Flash’ Ware for them)A complete new world (because more is better)Three difficulty levelsNew enemies and objects (there’s a new world after all…)Selectable play speedDid we mention the stunning graphics by Simon Butler? Oh yes, we did. Sorry.
Extra Notes : “Don’t miss your chance to experience one of gaming’s most beloved titles, lovingly reimagined and bursting with playful innovation. Bring Head and Heels together, overthrow the Emperor, and secure your place in puzzle-platformer history. It’s time to turn the world Head Over Heels – and don’t forget the chickens!”
In tonight’s episode of EastEnders (Wednesday, March 12), Nicola tried to scare off Zack by revealing Teddy Mitchell’s big secret.
She told Zack about Harry’s ex-girlfriend Shireen who disappeared four years ago. And, how Teddy had killed her.
But, as Nicola warns Zack that Teddy is dangerous, could he kill him next?
Nicola told Zack and Sharon that Teddy’s a killer (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders: Teddy Mitchell’s ‘killer’ secret
After Barney dropped Sharon’s secret that she slept with Grant to Teddy, he lashed out and started to beat Zack up once he tried to intervene.
Barney then saw Teddy attacking Zack and begged him to stop. And, Teddy actually listened to ‘his son’ and stopped with the punches.
Later on, the truth about Teddy’s true dangerous side came out as Nicola warned Zack to keep quiet about Barney actually being his son.
Sharon then warned Zack that things could get ‘a whole lot worse’ if Teddy found out the truth about Zack being Barney’s dad.
Nearer the end of the episode, Nicola asked Zack if he knew about Shireen – Harry’s ex-girlfriend.
She then warned Zack that Teddy could kill him, like he did Shireen. It was in his best interest to stay quiet about his paternity secret.
Is Zack in trouble? (Credit: BBC)
Will Teddy kill Zack in EastEnders?
Teddy’s proved that he has a violent streak (he is a Mitchell, after all), and now Nicola’s dropped a huge bombshell that he’s actually a killer.
Of course, this could’ve just been a story to scare Zack into staying quiet about Barney. But, something happened to Shireen and she’s adamant Teddy finished her off.
Secrets never stay secrets for long in Soapland though, meaning that Zack could be in real trouble when Teddy inevitably finds out that ‘his boy’ isn’t actually is. But, could Zack be Teddy’s next victim and end up murdered? Does he need to watch his back?
Read more: EastEnders spoilers for next week: First look as Harvey cheats on Jean
EastEnders usually airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.
Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright will be become even stronger following the birth of their first baby, one expert has exclusively told ED!.
The couple revealed that they’ve welcomed a baby girl earlier today (March 12). Baby Palma was born last week, with the pair staying in their baby bubble for almost a week as they adjusted to parenthood.
Announcing their joyous news, Michelle and Mark shared a picture of their little girl and said: “Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl. Palma Elizabeth Wright.” They also shared that she was born on March 6.
So how will the baby change Mark and Michelle’s relationship, and what does it mean for her career? Brand and culture expert Nick Ede has given ED! the lowdown…
The future’s gorgeous for baby Palma
Mark and Michelle are two of the most gorgeous faces in showbiz, so baby Palma will doubtless inherit their beautiful genes. As well as that, Nick reckons the tot will be something of a trendsetter.
He told us: “I’m sure she will be the most stylish child we’ve ever seen. Michelle is a style icon with her own fashion collections and her sisters-in-law are the Wrights who are known for their stylish looks. So I’m sure the new baby will be head-to-toe in on-trend childrenswear.”
New mum Michelle won’t be off our screens for long, despite taking a career break (Credit: SplashNews)
‘The baby will bring them closer’
As for the impact it’ll have on Mark and Michelle’s romance, Nick reckons it’ll only make them a stronger couple.
“They are a very solid family and it’s clear they dote on each other. So I am sure this wonderful new addition will only bring them even closer together,” he said.
Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan will only be brought closer by the birth of baby Palma (Credit: Splash News)
Michelle Keegan’s career break
When it comes to Michelle’s career, Nick reckons it won’t really seem like she’s off screen, given Ten Pound Poms is airing now and filming on the final series of Brassic was underway long before Michelle’s maternity leave.
“Michelle’s career is golden as we know. She’s on TV at the moment on Ten Pound Poms so, once the new series of Brassic starts, it’ll feel like she won’t have left our screens at all,” he said.
“She’s such a popular star and the two of them are so photogenic that I think they will become the UK’s hottest parents – giving the Beckhams a run for their money. Michelle is focussed on her acting so, even though she’s said she’s taking a career break, I’m sure it won’t be long until a new role is revealed.”
Read more: Meaning behind Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan’s baby name revealed
Share your congratulations on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
General Hospital spoilers show that Carly Corinthos Spencer (Laura Wright) is going to strike, Portia Robinson (Brook Kerr) is panicking, and Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) is tempted. As we always do on early edition day, we start with what’s coming the rest of the week.
General Hospital Spoilers: Chase and Dante’s Steam Room Talk
So, on Wednesday, March 12th, we’ve got Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) and Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) hanging out in the steam room. And Chase is wondering what happened that has Dante cutting Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins Bruening) some slack.
He was just telling Chase and has told some other people that he’s having a hard time just dealing with losing Sam McCall (Kelly Monaco). Plus, some frustration with Lulu. But they had a really good talk. And she stopped short of telling him about the baby, so that may shift things.
Ava’s Favor, Laura’s Applause, and Carly’s Ire
Ava Jerome (Maura West) heads over to the Crimson offices and wants a favor from Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros), so that should be interesting. And Laura Spencer (Genie Francis) is absolutely applauding Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner).
Aurora media exposed Drew Cain Quartermaine (Cameron Mathison) abusing the power of his political office for a personal vendetta. And Laura is happy he was blasted. But, you know, who’s not applauding is Portia because she is very worried.
Carly Spencer lashes out at Drew on Wednesday, probably about him pushing for Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) to move in. And Carly also goes to see Nina. She tells her they have got to put their plan in motion now before it is too late and Willow and the kids are already moved in. Then, it would be so much harder to get them out.
Drew’s Hospital Visit and Liz & Lucky’s Rekindled Romance
Meanwhile, Drew heads over to General Hospital to check with Willow, wondering if she’s embarrassed to be seen with him after the unflattering news report. And I’m sure she’s going to just take his side and blah blah, you know, fully gas lit.
That’s what happens when you grow up in a cult, your mind goes weak. And then Drew gets a hold of you, right? Things heat up with Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) and Lucky Spencer (Jonathan Jackson) now that he’s out of the hospital. And they already had, you know, a couple of moments. So they puck up where they left off.
Alexis, Curtis, and Portia’s Panic
Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) is ranting to Kristina. Then, she needs to talk to Curtis, probably on the topic of Drew, everybody’s least favorite person right now. Portia is absolutely horrified to get bad news from Ric.
He was supposed to be looking into what could happen if Drew exposes her for test hampering. And unfortunately, Portia is quite upset when Ric says it is even worse than she thought.
Golden Bachelorette Guest and Nina’s Curiosity
And we’ve also got the second place runner up from the Golden Bachelorette guesting as a wildlife journalist, and Nina wants to know if he’s single. I wonder if he’s going to go over and weigh in on the protected land by the crypt, it’d be kind of funny if he ruined Drew’s little scheme.
Anna Seeks Brennan’s Help and Portia’s Desperation
On Thursday, March 13th, Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) asks Brennan (Chris McKenna) for some help. I wonder if she’s going to ask him to pull back the kill order on Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart). And just to leave Charlotte Cassadine (Scarlett Fernandez) alone now that she’s back in town.
Because, you know, Charlotte Cassadine could be used as bait to get Valentin, and maybe she wants to preclude that. Lucky and Elizabeth have plans, but they are interrupted. Wonder if it’s a date night or a romantic evening. Meanwhile, Portia is desperate to cover her tracks.
Maybe she’s trying to figure out a way to get rid of the test hampering evidence on the GH servers, or maybe just trying to figure out how to stop Curtis from finding out that Drew was blackmailing her and that she actually agreed.
Carly’s Uncertainty and Lucas’s New Love Interest
Carly finds herself a little unsure about her feelings. Wonder if she is regretting telling Brennan to take a hike. And Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) has a run-in.
This should be with the new guy who is supposed to be his new love interest, and I am really curious who it is. Still really wondering if it might be Sidwell, because that would just be unusual.
General Hospital – Carly, Portia and Jason
General Hospital Spoilers: Trina’s Surprise, Sonny’s Confession, and Gloria’s Secret
Then we’re going to wrap up this week with Friday, March 14th. Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) gets a really big surprise for her birthday. I’m sure Kai (Jens Austin Astrup) wants to celebrate with her. We’ll see if the surprise is from him. Kristina wants some answers, and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) comes clean on Friday.
Now, these are two separate spoilers, but they sound like they belong together. So if they do, she may press him about his strange behavior lately, and, you know, his confession could be made to someone else, or it could be to her. He’s got to start telling people about his heart condition because he’s got to have surgery very soon.
And, you know, Kristina’s probably not the best person to start with, but if she’s pushing, maybe it’ll go that way. Gloria Cerullo (Ellen Travolta) reassures Lois Cerullo (Rena Sofer) about what they have done and pushes on her to keep Gio’s paternity and maternity a secret. But Lois doesn’t know if she can keep it in.
And let’s be clear, Gloria is wrong. I think Gio needs a mom in his life. BLQ (Brook Lynn Quartermaine) needs her son, and Gio’s never had a dad, and even though he’s grown, you know, he’d be great with the idea that Dante is his father. The real only issue is the fact that Gio never knew he was adopted. But because his adopted mom is dead, why not give him the gift of family?
Dante Opens Up and Jason’s Temptation on General Hospital
Dante opens up to Chase on Friday, and I wonder if by then Lulu has gone back on her word and blabbed to him about the baby. At this point it doesn’t seem like Brook Lynn would, but we’ll see. Going into the following week, March 17th through the 21st, fans are wondering if Jason and Anna are about to kiss again.
There was a whole vibe happening after they got Charlotte settled into the hotel, and they’re close again, you know, is this happening? Is Jason tempted because he still has not had a love interest since he’s been back on the show, which is just weird.
Sasha’s Lies, Drew and Tracy’s Battle, and Gloria’s Pressure
Sasha Gilmore (Sofia Mattsson) is playing with fire, lying to Carly’s face about Jason being her baby daddy. And playing with fire twice over for taking a payout from the dangerous new guy in town, Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota). And when Jason finds out Sasha took money from Sidwell, he is going to lose it.
Drew and Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) battle is far from over. Can Willow convince Drew to let the Q Vendetta go and just focus on their future? Is he even capable of doing that? If Willow asks nicely, maybe as a condition of moving in with the kids.
Gloria keeps pressing Lois to keep her mouth shut, but as we know, that’s not something Lois is great at. And I’m just wondering if BLQ is going to overhear Lois and Gloria bickering and find out more than they intended her to hear.
And, you know, bottom line, I don’t think Lois or Gloria either one are going to come out of this looking great. They might both have to pack off to Benson Hurst.
Drew’s Front-Page News and Carly & Nina’s Plotting on General Hospital
Drew has made himself front page news by trying to have his family’s Crypt condemned when he should have been in DC serving his constituents. I’m waiting to see if it’s going to be Tracy or Emma or somebody else who starts a petition to have him recalled.
And maybe get him ousted by the voters that put him in. Carly and Nina intensify their plotting to keep Willow out of Drew’s house, and Nina is still clutching tightly to that one card she can play that she slept with Drew multiple times.
Jack, Josslyn, and Lucas’s Love Life
Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) is thrilled with Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) as a future agent. He’s a little less thrilled with Carly, but being involved with her complicated him using Joss as an agent. So, it may be for the best.
But I suspect Carly’s going to circle back around and their situationship is back on. And they hit sheets before Joss is back. Lucas’s new love interest is quite the storyline, and we know Brad Cooper (Parry Shen) won’t take it well. But it’s his own fault for being sketchy as usual.
Portia’s Time Runs Out
And Portia, poor Portia, knows time is running out and Drew is going to come for her after Curtis ran that expose on his deeds at the crib.
I’m torn on Cat President: A More Purrfect Union. On one hand, a lot of work has gone into it, you have six different paths, with 3 different endings each. The paths takes about a hour, so you get a decent length game. On the other hand, the game has the political maturity of “Look at Drumph Cat, isn’t he so evil?” The entire game is nonsense and frankly did not elicit a laugh out of me. Not even the groan inducing cat place puns(Clawshington, Meowa). I sat through it once, and once is enough for me.
Look, a birther reference… cause its Trump Cat! Get it?…
Cat President takes place in an America where the supreme court said humans couldn’t be president, so now we’re ruled over by cats. You’re an average human woman(you can name yourself) who gets fought over by five cats and a dog playing a cat. They all want you to be their campaign manager. You can pick any one of the six. I picked the Trump stand-in, Thunderclaws an orange cat(get it) with amazing hair(get it) who is a billionaire bully. He has also has a twin cat named Banders and a secretly sad past. If you choose the right responses, he’ll become your catfriend and happily ever after.
zzz..
Cat President is really stupid. I mean really, really stupid. The game is garbled nonsense, do not think through any of this. It tries to be both serious at times, and goofy at others and I simply don’t feel it works. Either go all in on the serious, or all in on goofy satire, but trying to straddle both lines, the visual novel fails. While a lot of work went into the this, I feel Cat President simply isn’t worth the nine dollars. I mean you get a lot of visual novel here, but it isn’t very good, and the novelty of cat presidents wears off quickly. I give this a Not Recommended with a five back-end score.
Overall: Cat President has a cute premise, the issue is the actual visual novel fails at nearly everything it tries to do.
Verdict: Not Recommended
eShop Page
Release Date3/5/25Cost$8.99PublisherPenguin Pop GamesESRB RatingT
P.S. For a completely different Visual novel, try Since Memories.
Published: March 12, 2025 at 12:59 pm Updated: March 12, 2025 at 12:59 pm
by Ana
Edited and fact-checked:
March 12, 2025 at 12:59 pm
To improve your local-language experience, sometimes we employ an auto-translation plugin. Please note auto-translation may not be accurate, so read original article for precise information.
In Brief
Vara is a Substrate-based, high-performance, Layer-1 decentralized network powered by Gear Protocol and utilizing NPoS, Vara aims to enhance Web3 development by providing a scalable and efficient platform for dApps.
Vara Network, a stand-alone layer-1 decentralized network, is designed to offer an environment to simplify the development and execution of decentralized applications. Built on top of Gear Protocol, the network accommodates developers who wish to use conventional languages compiled into WebAssembly. Its design focuses on creating a secure and scalable layer-1 system that supports an inclusive ecosystem for dApp creation.
A New Chapter in dApp Development
Vara’s goal is to ignite the next generation of decentralized apps. The network’s design bridges standard application development processes with decentralized technology, making it easier for developers to move and innovate. Its approach is based on a robust programming framework that supports WebAssembly, which enables developers to develop and build code in popular languages such as Rust.
This method reduces the barrier for developers moving from traditional programming environments to blockchain-based solutions. Vara’s objective is to lower development complexity while expanding the range of applications—from gaming and banking to real-world asset management and digital identities.
Advanced dApp Development Features
Vara Network is a standalone Layer-1 decentralized network built on Substrate’s Gear Protocol. This design provides flexibility, scalability, and compatibility, allowing the network to evolve alongside Web3. The architecture leverages the Actor Model, which views each program as an independent actor, avoiding shared state and allowing for simultaneous processing to facilitate decentralized application development. The design eliminates the requirement for a mempool and provides gasless execution, allowing users to avoid prepaying transaction fees.
Smart contracts are compiled into WebAssembly, a fast, portable binary format, and deployed as autonomous actors that communicate via encrypted messaging, ensuring isolated and dependable operations. These contracts benefit from parallel execution and asynchronous features, providing more scalability and performance than Solidity-based systems.
Vara distinguishes itself with gasless and signless transactions, which let applications to control their own execution budgets. This gives developers precise control over resource allocation while removing user hurdles. Signless interactions, in particular, make it easier to complete common tasks by eliminating the requirement for manual permission.
Vara’s persistent memory approach saves a program’s whole state on-chain. This feature simplifies state management and allows sophisticated structures such as boxed closures and memory virtualization, resulting in consistent performance in data-dependent applications. Vara’s architecture supports concurrent processing, prevents congestion, and provides reliable performance for high-demand decentralized solutions via message-based communication and separated memory areas.
Gear.exe – High-Performance Computation Engine for Ethereum
Gear.exe is a decentralized compute network designed to enhance Ethereum dApp performance by providing parallel processing and increased computational capacity. It delivers up to 1000x increased compute capacity, lower transaction costs, and sub-second latency. Developers can build in Rust and use the gas reverse model for zero-fee transactions. Unlike L2 solutions, Gear.exe does not produce blocks but enhances computation efficiency through direct and event-based integration with Ethereum.
Gear.exe leverages Vara validators and staking mechanisms. Wrapped VARA tokens are required for staking and operator selection, ensuring security and stability. Existing Vara validators can run Gear.exe nodes, expanding their participation while benefiting from the network’s compute capacity.
Developers can use Gear.exe to handle intensive workloads in DeFi, gaming, AI, and zero-knowledge computations. Infrastructure providers like oracles can also optimize their data transfer services through Gear.exe.
Documentation and Developer Engagement
Vara Network strongly emphasizes education and community support. Its documentation portal is the primary resource for anyone interested in exploring the platform’s capabilities. The portal offers comprehensive guides, API references, and technical overviews that explain how to set up a node, deploy smart contracts, or participate as a validator or nominator.
Developers can also access detailed instructions on building decentralized applications with the Gear Protocol, benefiting from examples demonstrating the use of Built-In Actors, automation via delayed messages, and the implementation of gasless and signless transactions. This repository of information is continually updated to reflect the latest advancements and best practices, ensuring that new and experienced developers have the tools they need to create innovative applications.
Vara Network prioritizes a seamless development experience by offering tools tailored to improve dApp creation. It supports multi-language smart contract development, including Rust and AssemblyScript, welcoming developers from diverse technical backgrounds. The Sails Library enhances this process by auto-generating client code in Rust, minimizing repetitive tasks, and accelerating project timelines.
Additionally, Gear Idea, a browser-based tool, allows developers to deploy smart contracts effortlessly, enabling rapid testing and launching of applications with minimal barriers. These features, paired with comprehensive documentation and a focus on accessibility, make Vara an inviting platform for experienced blockchain developers and newcomers eager to explore Web3.
Applications and Use Cases
Vara Network facilitates various real-world applications, demonstrating its versatility and power.
It fully supports on-chain logic in gaming, reducing dependence on centralized servers and enabling truly decentralized gameplay. Signless transactions facilitate automated actions, and gasless interactions ensure a smooth player experience. Titles like Web3 Warriors Battle, a strategic PvP game, showcase this potential by leveraging delayed messaging and gas reservations for dynamic on-chain mechanics.
In decentralized finance (DeFi), Vara offers a scalable and efficient platform where gasless execution eliminates transaction costs, broadening access to financial tools; projects like BrainDex, decentralized exchanges built on Vara, highlight optimized routing and cross-chain trading capabilities, underscoring the network’s DeFi strengths.
Vara’s tokenization support makes it an attractive option for projects that digitize real-world assets. Additionally, its low latency and effective memory management make it suitable for applications in supply chain management and verifiable documentation, including academic records and digital identities.
Comparison with Competing Solutions
Several platforms aim for high throughput and efficient processing, yet each follows a distinct approach. Aptos, Sui, Monad, and Sei each take a unique approach to parallel execution and scalability.
Aptos adopts an object-centric data model with the Move language to optimize parallel processing and increase throughput. Sui also utilizes Move but emphasizes processing independent objects concurrently, which boosts overall efficiency. Monad, designed for Ethereum developers, offers an EVM-compatible architecture focusing on high transactions per second through a reimagined blockchain design. Sei caters specifically to trading and financial applications, optimizing its infrastructure for low-latency execution and efficient order matching.
Vara Network adopts an Actor Model, where every program functions as an independent actor with its own isolated memory. This design supports asynchronous messaging and parallel processing without shared state, ensuring robust isolation and efficient handling of simultaneous operations. Furthermore, gasless and signless transactions in Vara reduce user obstacles by letting programs manage their own execution budgets, while a persistent memory model records complete on-chain state to support advanced programming constructs.
Community, Support, and Future Outlook
Vara Network thrives on its vibrant developer community, supported by the Gear Foundation’s grants and initiatives that foster innovation and collaboration. Events like Varathon and resources such as Gear House Gaming provide platforms for builders to experiment, learn, and showcase their work, strengthening the ecosystem’s foundation. Extensive documentation and active support channels ensure developers have the tools and guidance they need to succeed.
Vara’s combination of advanced technology, practical applications, and community-driven growth positions it to influence Web3. It offers a scalable, secure, and accessible platform that empowers the next generation of dApps.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.
About The Author
Victoria is a writer on a variety of technology topics including Web3.0, AI and cryptocurrencies. Her extensive experience allows her to write insightful articles for the wider audience.
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Victoria d’Este
Victoria is a writer on a variety of technology topics including Web3.0, AI and cryptocurrencies. Her extensive experience allows her to write insightful articles for the wider audience.
Imediately, VIC experienced a remarkable jump at 133% in just 2 hours!
Source: CoinGecko
About Viction
Viction is a rebranded project originating from TomoChain (TOMO), a blockchain developed since 2018. It utilizes a unique Proof-of-Stake Voting (POSV) consensus mechanism to power its operations, providing high speed, security, and liquidity for users.
Viction aims to encourage mass adoption by increasing the ease of developing applications and projects with cryptocurrency technology. The ecosystem comprises products designed to facilitate this goal, including the Dex Maker tool, wallets, and more.
Web3 game IN-Match3 has announced a five-day sale for its Genesis Battle Packs—a collection of single-use NFTs that provide in-game advantages.
Each NFT provides temporary in-game boosts, such as increased combat power, access to exclusive heroes, and VIP status. Once activated, these NFTs are consumed, meaning they are not permanent game assets but offer strategic advantages during gameplay.
The sale, running from March 15 to March 20, offers a 50% discount on these digital assets before they move to the secondary market.
Source: IN-Match3
What is IN-Match3?
IN-Match3 is a blockchain-based game that combines Match-3 puzzle mechanics with RPG and PvP elements. Players engage in battles by matching tiles to perform attacks, level up heroes, and acquire in-game resources.
The game includes competitive PvP tournaments, a ranking system, and cooperative play, allowing users to engage in strategic battles beyond traditional Match-3 gameplay. It operates on a web3 infrastructure, meaning all game assets, including heroes and upgrades, can be bought, sold, and traded as NFTs. The game’s economy is driven by the $TIN token, which players can use for various in-game transactions.
IN-Match3 has been recognised within the blockchain gaming industry, securing a Top-50 ranking on DappRadar and awards at the 2023 and 2024 P2E Game Awards.
Source: IN-Match3
How to mint a Genesis Battle Pack NFT?
The Genesis Battle Packs are available for minting from March 15 to March 20 through the official IN-Match3 marketplace. During this period, they can be purchased at a 50% discount, with the prices increasing once they are only available through secondary sales.
The collection includes five tiers, each offering different levels of in-game bonuses:
Battle Surge Pack (£3) – Includes temporary combat boosts lasting three hoursEmerald Initiate (£13) – Unlocks the Crusader hero, one month of VIP status, and combat boostsAzure Pathfinder (£144) – Grants the Archon hero, access to VOLCARR Mine, and three months of VIP statusAmethyst Champion (£987) – Provides the Legend hero, access to RADIAR Mine, and six months of VIP statusCrimson Overlord (£6,765) – Includes the Ancient hero, access to multiple in-game mines, and 12 months of VIP status
Players can mint as many NFTs as they choose during the sale. After 20 March, they will only be available for purchase on secondary marketplaces at prices set by individual sellers.
Source: IN-Match3
