Assassin’s Creed Shadows Update 1.1.7 Improves Switch 2 Performance

By
Soul Kiwami
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Assassin's Creed Shadows update 1.1.7

Ubisoft has released the version 1.1.7 update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows with major improvements to the Switch 2 version, including frame rate stability fixes, bug fixes to visual issues and crashes, and tweaks to touchscreen functionality. 

Assassin’s Creed Shadows update 1.1.7 also introduces new finisher animations, the “Lost and Found” Animus Rift, the new “Defiance” project in Animus HUB, quick access to the Vault, and new resources at the exchange, such as Gold, Mastery and Knowledge Points. 

Read up on the patch notes for update 1.1.7 below, via Ubisoft’s official website:

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Update 1.1.7 Patch Notes

Patch Sizes:

  • Xbox Series X|S: 16.64 GB 
  • PlayStation®5: 4.53 GB 
  • Nintendo Switch™ 2: 3.66 GB 
  • PC: 13.06 GB
  • Steam: 6 GB 
  • MAC: 9 GB 

Bug Fixes & Improvements 

Nintendo Switch 2  

  • Improved various FPS issues. 
  • Fixed crashes for stability improvements.
  • Fixed various visual issues.  
  • Improved the touchscreen experience.  
  • Fixed an issue where players were asked to connect to a controller whenever the Switch 2 was docked or undocked, even if controllers were already connected. 
  • Resolved an issue where the players would remain in an infinite black screen after creating a Ubisoft Connect account or log in with an already existing account upon selecting an audio pack from the initial boot menu. 

Gameplay 

  • Removed an exploit that would permit double engravings on the Sword of Fathoms. 
  • Fixed an issue preventing Naginatas from being sold. Fine, I shall sell my best wares somewhere else!
  • Resolved an issue where perks that checked Mastery points spent would not update if Mastery points changed after equipping the item. 
  • Fixed an issue where upgrading skills to Rank 3 would sometimes cause damage upgrades from Rank 2 to be missing. 
  • The Bo Staff will now increase its affliction buildup stat when upgrading it Mythic and Artifact quality. 
  • Perks with affliction effects now have dynamic wording that specify which affliction they apply, based on the item they are engraved on. 
  • Fixed an issue where Knowledge Scrolls were removed from the players inventory. Junjiro did you take my scrolls again??
  • Shared skills between Naoe and Yasuke will now correctly be learned by both.  
  • Edited wording for the “Affliction After Deflect” perk to clarify it applies 35% buildup instead of a full Affliction. 
  • Ensured that “Restore 6% Health With Posture Attack” is present for all Critical Damage and Health Gain engravings for all weapons when equipped. 

Claws of Awaji 

  • Fixed an issue where players with two copies of the game, one with the Claws of Awaji Expansion and one without, would permanently lose the ability to fast travel to the island of Awaji when switching between the two editions of the game. 

World 

  • Players can now whistle while using the Follow Road mechanic. Enjoy the open road, whistle a tune and relax! 
  • Corrupted Castles will no longer reset when loading into a previous save after a season has already changed. 
  • Fixed an issue where enemies and loot would respawn upon loading a save before changing seasons. 

Visuals & Graphics 

  • Adjusted some facial animation for Naoe or Yasuke that looked unnatural during all cinematics when a hood was equipped. Psst! Naoe, stop making silly faces, please!  

UI  

  • Corrected inconsistencies between the smuggled rewards shown in the UI at the end of a season and what was truly received. All the goods are there, boss! 
  • Fixed inconsistencies with the smuggled rewards UI when the Stables are upgraded. Remember to give your trusty steed an apple as a treat. 
  • Corrected location name for “Kawarajiri Lumber Camp” in Japanese. 

Online Store 

  • Fixed an issue with receiving Store, Deluxe and Premium items into the player’s inventory.

PC Specific

  • Fixed input issues when rebinding on Mouse and Keyboard.  
  • Improved FPS stability issues on PC. 

SPOILERS AHEAD! 

Quests
  • “Swords And Sake”: Fixed an issue where the mission couldn’t be completed due to Gennojo dying. 
  • “Eliminate Outlaws”: Corrected issues preventing the completion of the mission. 
  • “Temple Stories”: Ensured that Joken Hokkyo will not disappear so that the quest objective can be completed. Wait! Don’t go! I need to complete this mission! 
  • “Dismantling One by One”: Wandering enemies will now be indicated with a marker.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Store. Recently, Final Weapon interviewed one half of the duo behind the Assassin’s Creed Shadows soundtrack: The Flight.

Deltarune Chapter 5 Development is Progressing Smoothly, Localization is Underway

By
Soul Kiwami
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Deltarune Chapter 5 update

Toby Fox has released the Undertale/Deltarune winter 2025 newsletter, confirming that development of Deltarune Chapter 5 is progressing smoothly and localization is underway. Although Deltarune Chapter 5 won’t release in the first half of 2026, development for most areas, scenes, and battles in the chapter is complete.

QA testing is planned to begin at a later date, and an evaluation of Deltarune Chapter 5’s console performance may begin as soon as January 2026. Currently, there’s some work focused on polishing the game’s visuals and fine-tuning a number of battles in Chapter 5, which contains several hours of gameplay. The newsletter also contains a music preview for the game’s third shop theme, which will be used by various shopkeepers in the chapter, and a spoiler-filled scene featuring Tenna.

Toby Fox also reminded fans about the collaboration with Square Enix to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Undertale. There will be new merchandise from Square Enix, along with the “Echoes Beneath” piano album by composer Yoko Shimomura (Kingdom Hearts, LIVE A LIVE, Super Mario RPG). who was the producer of the album and arranged one of the tracks.

Undertale is available now for Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Xbox One. Deltarune Chapters 1-4 are available now for $24.99 on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PC, and Mac. The Steam Winter Sale is now live with a 20% discount on Deltarune through January 5. The sale will also be held on consoles soon.

QQQbeats!!! Update 1.1.0 Adds New Music Tracks and Content

By
Soul Kiwami
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QQQbeats!!! update 1.1.0

TAITO has released the version 1.1.0 update for music puzzle game QQQbeats!!!, adding four new music tracks and more content. In addition to bug fixes, update 1.1.0 adds additional levels (Levels 11 through 15) for the DUOps mode, a new Master Rank for Ranked Matches, balance adjustments, new common missions, UI improvements, and much more. The update adds support for the “Zundamon” character pack, which releases on December 22.

Update 1.1.0 of QQQbeats!!! adds the following tracks:

  • Satori-Eye (feat. ｙｔｒ) by TamaOnSen
  • Halcyon by  xi
  • Dive!! by A-One
  • Noda by Daibaku Hashin

QQQbeats!!! released on September 18 for Nintendo Switch with 56 songs, including tracks from Ado, OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM, Hatsune Miku, Hoshimachi Suisei, and many more artists. The original soundtrack of QQQbeats!!! is currently streaming with 25 tracks on major music distribution services, including YouTube and Spotify.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the game, via the Nintendo eShop:

Puzzle and rhythm in a brand-new mix!

QQQbeats!!! is a brand-new puzzle game that combines simple bubble shooting with easy-to-play rhythm game mechanics. Enjoy the excitement to the fullest by making the most of each character’s unique personality!

There are three playable modes!

There are three playable modes, so you can enjoy the game solo or with friends, both online and offline!

      • Story – This is the Story mode, where you can play at your own pace by yourself. Clearing stages unlocks new characters and songs.
      • Versus – Versus mode lets you enjoy 1-on-1 competitive play. You can play online in “Ranked Match,” “Casual Match,” or “Private Match.” There are also “Local Battles” and “Shared Battles” for offline play, as well as “COM Battles” where you can practice against the computer at your own pace. Enjoy playing in your favorite style as much as you like!
      • DUOps – DUOps is a cooperative play mode where you team up with friends to battle against enemies. You can enjoy it casually both online and offline. Clearing stages rewards you with even more in-game currency, “BeatCoin.”
Featured Songs

A packed lineup featuring hit anime and pop songs, virtual singers, VTubers, Touhou arrangements, and more! A total of 56 songs!

      • Hai Yorokonde / Kocchi no Kento
      • Show / Ado
      • MIXED NUTS / OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM
      • Tell Your World / livetune feat. Hatsune Miku
      • Mesmerizer / 32ki
      • Charles / Balloon
      • BIBBIDIBA / Hoshimachi Suisei
      • Say! Fanfare! / Shirakami Fubuki
      • HUGE W / Mori Calliope
      • Bad Apple!! feat. nomico / Masayoshi Minoshima
      • Night of Knights / Knight of Nights / beatMARIO(COOL&CREATE)
      • Charismatic Purgatory Goddess / Shinra-Bansho
      • Re：End of a Dream (long ver.) / uma vs. Morimori Atsushi
      • Cheatreal / t+pazolite
      • Big Daddy / USAO
Collaborations with popular talents and characters have also been realized!

Popular talent and characters from virtual singers, Touhou Project, and VTubers make a sudden appearance!

Included in the base soft:

      • Hatsune Miku 
      • Teto Kasane
      • Reimu Hakurei
      • Marisa Kirisame
      • Shirakami Fubuki
      • Mori Calliope

Now, let’s start the game! Let’s beat!!

HEART of CROWN Online Launches on Steam with New Update and Features

By
Soul Kiwami
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Heart of Crown Online

PLAYISM, FLIPFLOPs, and illuCalab have released princess deck-growing card game HEART of CROWN Online on PC via Steam, marking the end of the game’s Steam Early Access period. HEART of CROWN Online introduces a scenario mode, the “Northern Enchantress” expansion set, and Japanese voice acting, and update 2.0.2 is also available with a fix to a bug that caused in-game instability under certain conditions. 

The Japanese voice cast includes: 

  • Lulunasaika – Kaori Nazuka
  • Bergamotte – Atsuki Nakamura
  • Flamaria – Seiko Yoshida
  • Ohka – Ayaka Fujimoto
  • Laolily – Natsumi Haruse
  • Klam Klam – Non Harusaki
  • Lain – Reina Kawamura
  • Shion – Nao Ojika

What’s more, a Nintendo Switch version of HEART of CROWN Online will launch in 2026 with the same features of the newly released Steam version. More details will be revealed at a later date. In the meantime, fans can enjoy a 10% early purchase discount on HEART of CROWN Online on Steam through January 1, 2026.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the game, via Steam:

About HEART of CROWN Online

The great emperor’s untimely death…
Seven princesses are candidates for his succession!
Who will save the empire from chaos?

HEART of CROWN Online is a deck-building card game based on HEART of CROWN 2nd Edition, which was relaunched in 2022.

System

      • A four-player turn-based game.
      • Use the money you earn from your estates to buy new lands and various action cards to advance your game.
      • Once you have enough resources, you’re ready to recruit the Princess! Every Princess has a powerful effect, but be careful, the early bird gets the worm.
      • Get the senators, dukes, and other influential people on your side, and when your “succession score” reaches 20 points, you will be crowned. The throne is yours.
      • Online cross-play support! Ranked matches and free matches are also available.

Story

In a wild time when swords and magic still ruled the world, an empire had united the entire continent and ended a long war.
However, before the peace could be solidified, the great emperor fell ill,
without a successor in place……

If this continues, we could be back to a war-torn world!
You are one of the most powerful people in the empire. You must quickly establish the emperor’s throne and ensure the unity and peace of the continent.
The emperor had no male children, but fortunately, he had seven candidates to succeed him, including two princesses of direct descent.

Now, let’s get the princess of your dreams to ascend to the throne!

Guilty Gear Strive Nintendo Switch Edition Gets Season 4 Update and DLC Characters

By
Soul Kiwami
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Guilty Gear Strive Season 4 Switch

Arc System Works has launched the Season 4 update for Guilty Gear Strive Nintendo Switch Edition featuring online Ranked Match game mode, new character colors, an updated battle version, and balance adjustment updates. Guilty Gear Strive Season 4 DLC characters Venom, Unika, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ Lucy are also available for purchase on Switch.

Here’s an introduction of each DLC character, courtesy of Arc System Works.

Unrelenting Pursuer in the Dark of Night, Deep Purple Billiard Phantom: Venom

Venom battles with free reign using billiard balls. Dominate the battlefield with clever set-ups and elegant strikes.

Profile:

      • Name: Venom 
      • Height: 5’11” (179 cm)
      • Weight: 146 lbs (66 kg)
      • Blood Type: A
      • Bakery opening: May 16
      • Origin: England
      • Hobbies: Reading, chess
      • Values: Zato, compassion, Millia when she’s with Zato, the townspeople
      • Dislikes: Blood, anyone who would wrong Zato, Millia, unsorted trash
      • Affiliation: Underside Bakehouse
      • Weapon: Pool cue

Untarnished Resounding Thunderclap, Trick Weapon Wielding Super Rookie: Unika

Unika is an all-rounder with highly viable moves at her disposal, making her a great choice for new players. Unleash the full potential of her impressive armaments to overwhelm your opponent!

Profile:

      • Name: Unika
      • Height: 167cm (5’5″”)
      • Weight: 59kg (131 lbs)
      • Blood Type: Unknown
      • Birth Date: March 5
      • Origin: Unknown
      • Hobby: Seasoning
      • Values: Family, her favorite jacket
      • Dislikes: Dogs, octopi

Elite Hacker, Cyberspace Surfer: Lucy

Lucy excels at neutral due to her high mobility and long range. Debuff the opponent with her hacking skills to unleash a complex offense!

Profile:

      • Name: Lucy
      • Origin: Poland

Arc System Works is also streaming the Guilty Gear Strive TRICK OR CHAOS select album on various music distribution services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Line Music. TRICK OR CHAOS is the third volume in the selected album series, following RISE AND ROCK and ECHO OF THE RULERS.

Guilty Gear Strive is available now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Windows. 

Odekake Kozame Anime is Getting a Second Season

By
Soul Kiwami
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Odekake Kozame anime

Kadokawa has announced the anime adaptation of Penguin Box’s Odekake Kozame manga series will get a second season in April 2026. The second season of Odekake Kozame will be streaming on YouTube, similarly to the first season. A new trailer, key visual, and cast and staff members for the anime were also revealed.

Odekake Kozame key visual
©ペンギンボックス・KADOKAWA／おでかけ子ザメ

The cast of Odekake Kozame Season 2 includes a returning Kana Hanazawa as Kozame-chan alongside Megumi Han as Ankō-chan and Misaki Kuno as Usame-chan. Chihiro Kumano returns to direct the second season at ENGI. Hiroaki Nagashima is the script writer once more, and returning character designer Ayumi Takeuchi is also part of the staff. 

The recent Eiga Odekake Kozame Tokai no Otomodachi anime film opened on August 22 in Japan. Much of the main staff from the film return for the anime. Lozareena performed the film’s theme song “Where you come from.”

Penguin Box launched the manga on Twitter/X in June 2021, and the manga’s sixth compiled book volume shipped on December 24, 2024 in Japan. The manga’s first anime adaptation came in August 2023 on YouTube, and its 60th and final episode streamed in May 2024. Hanazawa wrote and performed the anime’s theme song “Yorimichi” (Detour).

Lastly, here’s an overview of the manga series, via MyAnimeList:

The adventures of a baby shark in nostalgia-filled Yauo Town.

Whether it’s cider on a summer day, freeze pops, radio calisthenics, festival stalls, or hanging out with friends, the world sparkles when reflected in the eyes of the baby shark.

Hakuoki SSL ~Sweet School Life~ Reveals New Trailer and Opens Nintendo eShop Page

By
Soul Kiwami
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Hakuoki SSL ~Sweet School Life~

eastasiasoft has released a new trailer for Idea Factory-developed otome visual novel Hakuoki SSL ~Sweet School Life~ and opened the game’s Nintendo eShop page. Fans can wishlist Hakuoki SSL ~Sweet School Life~ in the Nintendo eShop while waiting for pre-orders to go live.

Hakuoki SSL ~Sweet School Life~ is coming to Nintendo Switch in the west on February 12, 2026. Pre-orders for the physical editions of Hakuoki SSL ~Sweet School Life~ are live at Playasia. 

Hakuoki SSL ~Sweet School Life~ was originally released for the PlayStation Vita in March 2014 and later ported to Nintendo Switch in June 2023 in Japan.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the game, via eastasiasoft:

The long-running Hakuoki otome visual novel series enters a new era! Hakuoki SSL ~Sweet School Life~ puts a modern spin on the Edo period romance of the main series, instead casting heroine Chizuru and the handsome warriors of the Shinsengumi as students and teachers living in modern Japan. School life antics ensue as these beloved characters hold a school festival, stress over midterms, get into watergun fights and more!

Experience a fun slice-of-life story through unlockable event scenes, engaging dialogue and beautifully illustrated character portraits, all localized in English for the first time. Explore unique endings with each character and enjoy mini-games that make this standalone entry extra special!

Key Features:

      • Take the role of Chizuru as she’s surrounded by familiar faces in a new modern setting!
      • Engage in fun mini-games with the handsome warriors of the Shinsengumi.
      • Make key choices and discover unique endings with each possible love interest!
      • Enjoy voiceovers in Japanese and newly localized text in English.
      • Navigate scenarios with ease using a variety of UI controls and preferences!

The Keeper of the Camphor Tree Anime Film Trailer Reveals Theme Song and Cast Members

By
Soul Kiwami
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The Keeper of the Camphor Tree anime film

A new trailer for the anime film adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s The Keeper of the Camphor Tree (Kusunoki no Bannin, or The Camphorwood Custodian) novel has revealed the film’s theme song “Katawara nite Tsukiyo (Moonlit Night By My Side)” by Uru and rock band number. New cast members for The Keeper of the Camphor Tree were also confirmed.

The new cast members include:

  • Takehito Koyasu as Masakazu Yanagisawa
  • Miō Tanaka as Katsushige Yanagisawa
  • Akira Kamiya as Tōichirō Ōba

The Keeper of the Camphor Tree will open in theaters on January 30, 2026 in Japan.

The main cast includes:

  • Fumiya Takahashi as Reito Naoi
  • Yūki Amami as Chifune Yanagisawa
  • Asuka Saito as Yumi Saji
  • Ryubi Miyase as Soki Oba
  • Takao Osawa as Toshiaki Saji

Tomohiko Ito directs the film at A-1 Pictures and Psyde Kick Studio. Taku Kishimoto writes the film’s script, and Tsubasa Yamaguchi and Akiko Itagaki are the character designers. Hiroshi Takiguchi serves as art director.

The Keeper of the Camphor Tree key visual
©東野圭吾／アニメ「クスノキの番人」製作委員会

Lastly, here’s an overview, via MyAnimeList:

If you knew you didn’t have long to live, who would you tell? What would you say? And how would you deliver the message?

The Keeper of the Camphor Tree starts with Reito Naoi, a man in his early 20s, being unjustly fired from his job. Enraged and fueled by feelings of revenge, he tries to steal a valuable device from his workplace, but things don’t go to plan, and he ends up arrested.

In jail, Reito is paid an unexpected visit by a lawyer who offers to arrange for his release, if he complies with the wishes of the lawyer’s client. Seeing no alternative, Reito accepts and soon discovers that the lawyer’s client is his aunt.

When Reito tells her that he has no plans for the future, she gives him an order: “What I want you to do is to guard a camphor tree.” And thus begins Reito’s custodianship of a camphor tree standing on the grounds of a shrine—a camphor tree with a mysterious legend associated with it.

Yona of the Dawn Anime is Getting a Sequel

By
Soul Kiwami
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Yona of the Dawn

The second 2026 issue of Hakusensha’s Hana to Yume magazine confirmed that the anime adaptation of Mizuho Kusanagi’s Yona of the Dawn manga series is getting a sequel. While fans wait for the sequel, an extra chapter of Yona of the Dawn and a supplementary fan book will be released with the magazine’s sixth 2026 issue on February 20.

The Yona of the Dawn anime premiered in 2014 and aired for 24 episodes. There were three original anime DVDs released in 2015 and 2016, and Funimation released the anime on home video outside Japan.

Kusanagi launched the Yona of the Dawn manga in Hakusensha’s Hana to Yume magazine in 2009, and the manga’s 47th volume will ship on February 20, 2026. VIZ Media publishes the manga in English. 

Lastly, here’s an overview of the manga series, via VIZ Media:

A red-haired princess loses her family and her kingdom… Now she must rise and fight for her throne!

Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess of her kingdom. Doted on by her father, the king, and protected by her faithful guard Hak, she cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, Su-won. But everything changes on her 16th birthday when tragedy strikes her family!

Yona reels from the shock of witnessing a loved one’s murder and having to fight for her life. With Hak’s help, she flees the palace and struggles to survive while evading her enemy’s forces. But where will this displaced princess go when all the paths before her are uncertain?

Noble Reincarnation Anime Premieres January 4, New Trailer and Cast Members Revealed

By
Soul Kiwami
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Noble Reincarnation Born Blessed So I'll Obtain Ultimate Power anime

Pony Canyon has announced the anime adaptation of Nazuna Miki’s Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I’ll Obtain Ultimate Power novel series will premiere on January 4, and Crunchyroll will be streaming the series. A new trailer for Noble Reincarnation was also released, and three new cast members were revealed. 

The new cast members for Noble Reincarnation include: 

  • Kazuhiko Inoue as Emperor
  • Nana Mizuki as Queen Indra
  • Tetsuo Komura as Ararat / Lightning Prince

Noble Reincarnation Anime Official Trailer and Cast Members

 

SUPER★DRAGON performs the opening theme song “Break off.” Azusa Tachibana performs the ending theme song “You’ll Be In My Heart ~Sobani~.”

The previously announced cast members:

  • Karin Nanami as Noah Ararat
  • Saki Miyashita as Zoey
  • Iori Saeki as Shirley Grantz
  • Azusa Tachibana as Alichey
  • Yui Ishikawa as Evelyn
  • Misaki Watada as Gigi
  • Shinichirō Miki as Gilbert Ararat
  • Kōji Yusa as Albert Ararat
  • Daisuke Ono as Henry Ararat
  • Kengo Kawanishi as Oscar Ararat

The staff of the anime includes:

  • Director: Michio Fukuda
  • Assistant Director: Sundoku Kim
  • Studio: CompTown
  • Production Cooperation: Jumondou
  • Series Composition: Toshiaki Sato
  • Character Design: Takashi Kawashima, Ayumi
  • Color Design: Haruko Nobori
  • Editing: Masahiro Goto
  • Sound Director: Nobuyuki Abe
  • Music: Takafumi Wada
  • Music Production: PONY CANYON
Noble Reincarnation key visual
©Nazuna Miki – SB Creative Corp. / Noble Reincarnation Production Committee

Nazuna Miki’s hit series was first released on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website in February 2019. SB Creative later acquired the rights and began publishing it in September 2019.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the series, courtesy of Crunchyroll:

Noah, the world’s strongest six-year-old, has been privileged enough to be reborn as the emperor’s 13th child. What’s more, he’s been overpowered with an infinite level cap and a cheat that stacks the powers of anyone who serves him. But even privilege has its problems—the glittering facade of high society hides a world of conspiracies, schemes, and power struggles.

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