Technologies

Nintendo’s New Bayonetta Prequel Is My Favorite Zelda Appetizer

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is charming, weird and just creepy enough.

I had absolutely no idea what Cereza and the Lost Demon, Nintendo’s unexpected prequel to the Bayonetta trilogy, would be like. After playing it for a couple of weeks now, I’m still not sure I can explain. But this is definitely one of Nintendo’s most interesting Switch games in a while. Am I the only one who’s getting some Zelda vibes playing it?

Bayonetta games are violent, snarky, combat-based and surreal. Cereza and the Lost Demon feels like a storybook children’s game in comparison. With narration, page-turning, lush hand-drawn-style illustrations and an overhead perspective that weaves through tangled forest mazes, it’s not frenzied at all. It’s a relaxed puzzle adventure through a creepy fairy kingdom, with an enchanted stuffed animal possessed by a demon as your companion.

This isn’t a co-op game, either, but the mechanics feel like one. You control Cereza (young Bayonetta) and her demon companion Cheshire at the same time, the left controller moving one and the right controller moving the other. Solving some puzzles and defeating some enemies requires clever teamwork between the two, and a bit of patience to figure things (and the controls) out.

Discovering hidden treasures and little secrets are also a part of the game, as well as unlocking extra abilities and upgrades through finding items or earning rewards by solving little puzzle world challenges in fairy dimensions. The lyrical music, and its little riffs and chimes when you discover something new, reminded me of the feeling I get when wandering around Zelda games. Cereza and the Lost Demon is limited to the tangled forest maps and their branching pathways, so it’s not an open world. But the game’s indie-like spirit makes it great to settle into for an hour or so, like reading a chapter of a book.

Nintendo Switch Mario bundle

$300 at Target

But Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is coming soon. May 12, in fact. That’s less than two months away. If you’re only buying one Switch game in the near future, by all means that’s the game to wait for. Yet as I play Breath of the Wild again to prepare for it, I’m also finding that Cereza’s adventures are giving me some of that fun spirit, too. Not the open-world part, but the crawling-around-and-solving-little-dungeons part. And I’m enjoying the game more in its own way than even the Bayonetta games, mostly because the whole thing’s a bit less combat-focused.

Nintendo already has a free demo of the game to download, so that’s likely your best path. At $60, it also feels expensive for what it is. However, if this game ever goes on sale someday soon, it’s a great one to consider snatching up.

Game console reviews

See the latest CNET gaming coverage here.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im