"The Wizard of Oz" is a perfect example of the magic and can-do attitude of the Saguaro City Music Theatre. Combining a cast of talented veteran adult performers with a well-trained and capable children, the stage alchemy comes to life with a zest and zeal that's rarely matched by productions staffed solely by full-time professionals. This is community theater at its most vivid, energetic best.
Performing John Kane's adaptation fort eh Royal Shakespeare Company, Saguaro City is blessed with countless hours of behind-the-scenes handicraft to make it look as gorgeous as it is. Exquisite sets, intricate makeup and immaculate costumes meld with penetrating performances, masterful choreography and inspired vocals to cast a spell that transports you to Kansas, Oz and back again.
Powered by a commanding and joyous lead performance as Dorothy Gale by high school student Olive Garcia Telles, the production comes to life at the opening and never loses steam as it lifts your spirits like the Great and Powerful Oz's hot air balloon.
Dominick Basso and Venus-Tyane Kuya make the most of limited stage time with comical and relatable turns as Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. Co-leads John Henderson, Rafael J. Acuna and Wesley Geary explode to life in dual roles as farmhands and the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Woodsman. A resplendent Kate Scally sparkles with Ariana Grande-inspired daintiness as Glinda Good Witch of the North, and Missy Paschke-Wood tears up the stage with crowd-taunting devilishness as Miss Almira Gulch and the Wicked Witch of the West. The ensemble complements the main cast with vivacious vigor, with notable ballet solos by dance captain Sophia McCutcheon.
I sat captivated throughout the run time with my wife and 3-year-old daughter, who was dressed and Dorothy and was enthralled in the way it usually takes YouTube videos or Minnie Mouse to do.
You may have seen "The Wizard of Oz" many times, but you've never seen it like this. Community theater fans should take advantage of this winter spectacular while they can.
"The Wizard of Oz" plays through Jan. 5 at Berger Performing Arts Theater. Buy tickets here.
Rather than taking the simplistic, reductionist route and tell the tale of the GameStop short squeeze as an underdog tale, Ben Mezrich does an admirable job of taking the perspective of each side. What emerges is a complex, open-ended case study of what happens when social media, memes, nostalgia and hedge funds intersect in a tangled web.
Mezrich is a little too in love with fifth grade assignment-style descriptive paragraph writing, in which he lingers on insignificant details in an overeffort to paint an overly detailed portrait of each scene. Once he gets rolling with the narrative, though, he's a pro. His ability to recreate key moments in the saga shines through. His book amounts to a chain of interconnected short stories, tugged along by the ongoing thread of GameStop's bizarre, sudden, meteoric stock price rise.
I learned a lot about the inner workings of the market, as well as the powers that be and their efforts to manipulate stock prices for short-term gain. Although somewhat choppy, "The Antisocial Network" is a potboiling yarn that may go down as one of the wildest rags-to-riches tales of our time.
No phone manufacturer has embraced the possibilities of AI like Google. And no device thus far pushes the boundaries of what's possible on that front like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
The device doesn't so much as blur the line between a smartphone and a tablet as it does obliterate it. Boasting a svelte feel when folded and a mammoth, while still manageable, size when opened, the Pixel 9 Fold Pro allows you to unlock your creativity to up your efficiency. For instance, you can run as many as four apps at the same time in a split screen mode, granting each enough real estate to use full functionality on any of them. On the dazzling, 9-inch OLED, 120Hz screen, you can watch a football game while scrolling social media, tapping out an email and then go Google some stats, all without having to close a thing.
To pull off such wizardry, you'll need to be on a hefty 5G network. T-Mobile's system was more than up to the task, keeping my video streams smooth, my downloads fast and multitasking flowing with ease, working in concert with the Tensor G4 chipset.
The AI suite is just as impressive. The phone comes with a Gemini Advanced subscription, as well as the photography and photo editing tools that drop jaws on commercials. Circle to Search lets you intuitively find more information on documents and sites you're browsing, and Add Me will pop your mug into any group shot.
All this functionality doesn't come cheap. The device weighs in at a $1,799 MSRP, but holiday deals allow you to deeply slash that price, especially if you're planning to add a line to your plan.
The investment is well worth it, even at that budget-stinging sticker price. I was pleased by the ingenuity that went into the design and form factor. The power button fingerprint reader lets you clear the lock screen with minimal effort and the framing is smooth to the touch, with staunch yet flexible hinges that let you to open and close the screen without strain on your wrist or fingers.
When you're tackling quick and dirty tasks, you'll want to keep the phone closed. That's when you'll call on the 6.3-inch OLED display, with its impressive 60-120Hz refresh rate. Save for the split screen effect, you can handle just about every significant task when the phone is closed. Shockingly, the battery is hefty enough to allow you to go 16 hours between charges amid heavy use.
The camera setup is locked and loaded to shoot first, ask questions never and take names when it comes to editing and posting. The 48MP main sensor yields to a 10.5MP ultra-wide field of view, with a 10.9MP telephoto setting to boot. You can capture all manner of action shots, portraits, panoramas and videos in professional quality, with the AI-boosted inner working smoothing out the rough edges before you even get a glimpse at your work.
At 9.1 ounces, the 9 Pro Fold can add some strain to your hands during long-term use. But because of its size and flexibility, you can find uses for it that don't require you to cradle it at all times. Allowing it to sit while folded upright, the phone works as its own stand. You can also stand it upright while ajar, allowing for hands-free vertical viewing.
Taken as a whole, the mammoth and invigorating package that is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is an awe-inducing marvel. You feel the need to take it out and about, just to revel in the looks of awe it induces. The foldable smartphone life may not fit every lifestyle or budget, but for those willing to take the plunge, it's hard to do better than then Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Capitalizing on the Beetlejuicemania brought on by the September movie sequel, the stage musical version of "Beetlejuice" hits at just the right time, dripping in 1980s nostalgia with a fresh coat of black and white-striped paint to give the boisterous Tim Burton vision a fresh touch.
The show brims with spectacular effects, from a monolithic Sandworm puppet to clever use of projections in transitions, paired with masterful stagecraft that recreates the look and feel of the 1988 film, which inspired the musical ran on Broadway from 2019 to 2023 and spawned a national tour that began in 2022.
Eddie Perfect's music and lyrics sparkle with wit and subversive humor, bolstering the book by Scott Brown and Anthony King. But no matter how intricate the visuals, stagecraft and script, the musical wouldn't have a ghost of a chance if not for a commanding lead.
"Beetlejuice" has that and a half in the indomitable Justin Collette. The Broadway veteran and YouTube voice of the viral sensation "Bite on Mondo," Collette thrives in a whirlwind performance that would make Michael Keaton gasp in awe. Part Deadpool, part Bugs Bunny with a side of Robin Williams, Collette's crackling delivery, fourth wall-shattering stage presence and monstrous magnetism commands the stage so much that it feels like a letdown whenever there's a number that doesn't involve him. Sure, the guy needs to rest, but he's sorely missed with the meandering plot puffs up filler material to pad out the runtime.
Other standouts include Madison Mosley as drenched-in-ennui Lydia, the goth teen protagonist, Megan McGinnis as the stifled domestic goddess ghost, Barbara, and the electric Sarah Litzsinger as Lydia's would-be stepmom, Delia. A voracious actor who underlines her jokes with full-body expression, Litzsinger swipes most of the scenes not claimed by the green-haired trickster demon.
I found myself chuckling throughout, and sometimes laughing embarrassingly hard at the onstage antics. The non-Beetlejuice high point is undoubtedly the business dinner interrupted by a spiritual possession that results in an impromptu rendition of the iconic "Banana Boat" (Day-O) conga line.
With its light touch and silly tone, "Beetlejuice" proudly wears its B-production pedigree on its tattered sleeve. All energies are channeled forcefully toward helping the audience have a giddily good time, and that task is accomplished masterfully. That's something that's worth saying twice, or maybe even three times.
"Beetlejuice" plays through Dec. 8 at Centennial Hall. Buy tickets here.
What started off as sort of a fearful hate-read of the premature autobiography of the man most likely to be our next president resulted in a disarming appreciation of a smart man who overcame a rough start in life with class, hustle and humility.
I had already watched the Netflix movie years before, and forgot it as soon as the credits rolled. The book is much more. An even-handed, insightful personal essay on the dissolution of the middle class and fall of Appalachia, Vance's book is also a solid how-to guide on how to thrive when coming from an impoverished, abuse-riddled background.
Now, with perspective, it is clear that this was not a premature autobiography. Instead, it is absolutely necessary that Vance wrote it when he did, before he was swept away and warped by Trumpism. This may be the only time in his life that he had enough experience, as well as intellectual purity, to tell such an honest story without turning it into an angry, self-serving political screed.
I respect the book, as well as the man Vance was before he joined the Trump administration. Here's hoping he maintains his soul as he chases his political ambitions further down the rabbit hole.
When anime and 8-bit gaming conventions collide, "River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next" is what arises from the rubble. The incongruous pairing makes for an invigorating mix of light RPG and brawlers conventions.
Working under the banner of Arc System Works, developer R-Force Entertainment channels its passion for the River City franchise into the awkward, yet oddly satisfying historical fit. The new game is a direct sequel to the 2022 outing "River City Saga: Three Kingdoms."
Set in the famed Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history, in which the Cao Wei, Shu Han, and Eastern Wu reigned over China from 220 to 280 AD after the conclusion of the Han dynasty, you play through the dialogue-rich story and engage in quick-hitting, beat-em-up battles reminiscent of the older "River City" games.
More than 100 River City characters take on the guises of historical figures over the six-chapter story. For instance, Kunio plays Guan Yu, Misako is Zhuge Liang, Goda is Liu Bei, Yamada is Cao Cao, Toraichi is Huang Zhong and Tobioka is Sima Yi.
Playing as hero Guan Yu, you mix it up with the warring factions in a series of high-stakes showdowns. Upgrades, power-ups and weaponized background items abound. While the writing may not always be up to par, the combat is still as satisfying as ever.
I've been drawn to the "River City" franchise since it debuted with "River City Rampage" back in the early 1990s. While similar franchises of its ilk have come and gone, "River City" continues to keep its head above water by pivoting to wild news spinoffs and adaptations. "River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next" shows that the series is still able to adapt and adjust.
Those looking to shower their friends and loved ones with communications tech should check out T-Mobile's slate of Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers.
Families looking to jump into the latest generation of Apple or Samsung offerings can consider signing up for four new lines for $100 a month with a device trade-in, landing them four freeiPhone 16 orSamsung Galaxy S24.
Here is the cornucopia of offers available to current T-Mobile customers. Here are some of the standouts:
The T-Mobile Cyber Monday deal, available online or via the T-Life app starting Dec. 2 for a limited time. Score savings of over $1,400 with the ultimate bundle from Apple and get iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen 40mm and AirPods 4for free.
Starting Dec. 12, customers can get $250 off Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm or 46mm) or Apple Watch Ultra 2 when adding a qualifying watch line.
New and existing T-Mobile customers can receive free next day shipping and free activation when ordering a new device online or via the T-Life app.
Matthew Inman's 2015 card game, "Exploding Kittens," has become a party and time-killing staple that manages to teach you unsettling truths about how far your friends and family will go to win. While bringing the game to VR seems like a strange idea, it's an oddly satisfying fit that makes more sense the longer you spend with the game.
Immersing yourself in the game's splashy realm, the VR version of the game adds amply to the game's sense of ironically cute absurdity. While the card game relies on your imagination, there's something thoroughly satisfying about experiencing the game's outrageous moments in wild displays that take up your entire field of vision. A treat for the senses, "Exploding Kittens VR" makes ample use of its VR format both visually and audibly.
Like the mobile version of the game, it allows you to set up easy pickup games with online friends and strangers. Either classic or blitz mode allow five players. Cards allow you to peek into the future, steal items, deny moves and defuse the titular kittens in clutch moments.
There's also a social hub that boasts a slew of minigames and allows you to customize your character.
The only thing holding the game back is the Meta Quest's relatively small pool of players, compared to the game's mobile base. But the social interaction available is a welcome change of pace on the Meta Quest, which bubbles with solo experiences. "Exploding Kittens VR" works as a welcome palate cleanser between more serious, labor intensive Meta Quest pastimes.
T-Mobile just announced some enticing holiday offers.
New Metro customers can grab both the Apple Watch SE and iPhone 12, together as a duo for $99.99. The prepaid carrier also has started to offer the full lineup of Apple Watches, which are all available without credit checks or contracts. You can add a smartwatch line with Metro Flex Plus.
T-Mobile also got into the Black Friday action early with a slew of sales that offer $1,000 off in devices from the likes of Apple, Google, Samsung and Motorola.
Also back is the free smartphone deal with four voice lines for $100 a month. You can snag the iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 with that offer.
Eligible trades while adding a line on plans including the Go5GNext or Go5G Plus can net you free devices, such as the iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, Samsung Galaxy S24+.
New T-Mobile home internet customers can get a free Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series HD smart TV.
For the full slate of deals, check out theseposts. There's also a T-Mobile holiday gift guide with all sorts of options for the tech-hungry loved ones on your list.
This post drew information from a T-Mobile press release.
Based on the iconic 1985 film, adapted from the ubiquitous board game, "Clue: A New Comedy" bubbles with ample sight gags, witty dialogue and an overpowering sense of whimsy.
A powerhouse cast makes the most of its considerable talent with palpable chemistry and admirable teamwork. The performers set up and execute gags with impeccable timing.
Saucy Elisabeth Yancey swipes scenes, along with her duster, as French maid Yvette, John Tracy Egan sneers as pompous Col. Mustard, Tari Kelly oozes haughty distance as Mrs. White, Joanna Glushak emits exuberant fizz as Mrs. Peacock, Jonathan Spivey squawks as loudmouth Professor Plum and John Shartzer stumbles with ample physical comedy as Mr. Green.The affable Jeff Skowron, as Wadsworth the butler, presides as part ringmaster, part gameshow host.
Based on the updated 2020 book and 2022 staging at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse, the setting is the United States in the 1950s Red Scare, with the rampant McCarthyism-era paranoia making creepy echoes of xenophobic waves sweeping the country in our time.
Other than a few snide quips, though, the dialogue is largely apolitical. This is good-natured fun for fans of all stripes and backgrounds. The communal laughter feels especially therapeutic in the wake of divisive electoral rhetoric.
The plot is razor-thin and all the more enjoyable because of it. The characters are called together by a mysterious puppetmaster working behind the scenes to set the stage for a prototypical whodunnit. Each character puts on a front that shelters dark secrets that come to light in an abrupt manner, giving each protagonist a damning murder motive. The interplay of self-interested, wily vanities clashing and burning in a delicate and often hilarious bonfire.
"Clue" may not have much meat on the bone, but at a svelte 75-minute, intermission-free runtime, it makes for a giddy and enjoyable bite-size night of theatrical bliss. If you allow yourself to miss it, you haven't got a clue.
"Clue: A New Comedy" plays through Nov. 17 at Centennial Hall. Buy tickets here.
Of Ron Chernow’s epic histories, this one doesn’t quite match the level of intrigue and narrative flow of the others.
Playing out more like a procession of snippets rather than an overarching, Shakespearean tale on the level of Grant, Hamilton, Washington and The House of Morgan, The Warburgs is a scattered, if always fascinating, tale of a sprawling family tree largely populated by powerful and influential bankers. He focuses mainly on the men while mostly giving the women only passing mentions.
The book is at its best when tacking the Warburgs’ recurring conflicts with aspects of their German and Jewish heritage that were wrought by the devastation of both World Wars, the Holocaust and establishment of Israel.
A more focused take on three or four Warburg prime movers might have better served Chernobyl purpose. Even though this is the author’s weakest effort, I still cherished every moment with this book.
Bolstered by the elegant story that built the series, "Life is Strange: Double Exposure" spins a densely intricate web in the form of a dark, emotionally-charged mystery set against a coming-of-age tale of a woman in quarterlife crisis.
The 2015 release of "Life is Strange" reset the standard for adventure games, adding considerable depth and nuance to the visuals, exploration and puzzles. After a steady flow of follow-ups, including a prequel, sequel and "The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit" spinoff, "Double Exposure" is the next course in the meal.
The lead character remains Max Caulfield, a photographer-in-residence at Caledon University, a fictional locale in Vermont. After swearing off a time-rewinding power she wielded in earlier installments, Max is determined to live a life of normalcy.
After tragedy ensues, though, she's forced to dive back even deeper into her maddening ability in order to set things right. The result is something of a split timeline, in which Max's actions in one timeline can affect something in the other one, with problems multiplying and mutating the more she meddles with the developments and investigates the mystery behind it all.
Developer Deck Nine has an ear for quiet moments of reflection, and infuses each scene with self-paced momentum that allows you to revel in the minutiae or power through toward the end goal. This is a game in which I'd strongly advice avoiding walkthroughs, because aimless stumbling often unearths some of the game's most rewarding moments.
I appreciated the game's deliberate, smooth pace, which made the turbulent moments are the more jarring and impactful. This chapter in the "Life of Strange" saga firmly establishes the franchise as one of the powerhouses in its genre. While earlier entries in the series were treated more like indie curiosities, "Double Exposure" has gotten a well-deserved blockbuster rollout, complete with a social media blitz, movie theater and TV trailers and harsh scrutiny from many game critics.
Count me among those exceedingly pleased by this sequel. More mature and measured than past entries, this is by far my favorite "Life is Strange" entry yet. It will be fascinating to see where the franchise goes next.
Back in 2010, John Martson set himself off on a quest of vengeance to track down and murder the remaining members of his gang in order to secure the safety of his family. The saga wrought in "Red Dead Redemption" captivated a generation of gamers and brought the Old West to life in a way that had never previously been attempted. The game would be surpassed by a wide margin in 2018, with "Red Dead Redemption 2," but the original still holds a place in the hearts of many.
After victory laps on ensuing console generation releases and even the Nintendo Switch, "Red Dead Redemption" and its zombie-flavored expansion. "Undead Nightmare" finally trot their way to the vast frontier of PC gaming. It's a welcome, if surprising addition.
The $50 price tag for a 14-year-old game may seem extravagant, but the reality is that there is a sizable market for this game. Anyone who has wanted to play this game in some form has played it, but it's never before been available on PC. The ability to re-experience one of Rockstar Games' towering masterpieces on the gaming rig in which you've invested so much time and cash -- in my case, it's a SteamDeck -- is too tempting to pass up.
The rerelease comes with a laundry list of enhancements, including native 4K resolution on both ultrawide and super ultrawide monitors, compatibility with NVIDIA DLSS 3.7 and AMD FSR 3.0 upscaling technologies, adjustable draw distances and shadow quality and keyboard and mouse functionality.
The gist is that this is the best-ever the game has looked and sounded, finally available on the ever-most powerful displays and drivers in gaming.
I was captivated as I lost myself in Marston's lonely struggle. I appreciated the game's writing, as well as tiny touches that add layers to the background and help set a sense of place. For a 2010 game, this was not only way ahead of its time, but in some senses, ahead of the current time.
"Red Dead Redemption" remains one of the most significant achievements in gaming this century, and stands firm as one of the greatest stories I have ever experienced in any form of media. Whether or not you've played the game before, if you own a gaming PC or SteamDeck, it's high time to don your 10-gallon hat and slip into Marston's stirrups once again.
It's been a decade since "Dragon Age" fans last got a taste of the sweeping fantasy adventure, and the long-awaited follow-up to "Inquisition" now comes roaring out of the gates in the form of "Dragon Age: The Veilguard," a majestic, sweeping journey that embodies the term "epic" in every imaginable sense. Stunningly detailed, richly designed and exquisitely written, the game stands alone as the must-play RPG of the 2025 holiday season.
Due out Friday, BioWare's latest magnum opus took me out of my comfort zone and swallowed me into its intricate world. In my two-plus pre-launch weeks with the game, I felt a similar sense of awe and adrenaline as I did when I first was swept up into the majesty of "Final Fantasy," "The Lord of the Rings" and "Game of Thrones."
Previous "Dragon Age" games were winning examples of the technological capabilities of RPGs of their time, but "The Veilguard" ups the stakes considerably, making previous games in the series seem like archaic relics in the way that "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" did to the top-down games in the series.
Adaptable and user-focused from the outset, BioWare set out to ensure the experience emphasized player ownership. Your first moments with the game start with a detailed character creator, with choices that will affect your outlook, opportunities and drive. You can respec throughout your journey, letting you reset your character and correct any previous choices you've made. The replayability level here is absurd. Any playthrough could wind up with materially different experiences than any other five.
To give away the gist of the story would be a disservice to players wanting to experience it fresh, so I will veer away from details. What I will say is that the writing matches the scale of a TV miniseries or film trilogy, taking time to set up character development and developing plotlines that end up paying off in satisfying, and often shocking, crescendos.
The real-time combat is absorbing, the visuals are enchanting and the game abounds with side quests that never feel like filler. Every move you make feels like worthy endeavors that color your character's growth, struggles and overall drive.
The 2024 gaming year has been kind to RPG devotees, starting with "Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth" in February, "Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree" in June. Those games feel like appetizers for this main course, with "The Veilguard" managing to steal the thunder of those asymmetrical contenders with confidence and decisive thunder.
The veil will soon be lifted, and it's time for RPG fans of all stripes to rejoice. Here is your new obsession that will fuel your imagination well into the new year.
Although the days of midnight releases and the accompanying ravenous fandom over the yearly "Call of Duty" release have passed, the game's release is still the most massive tentpole of the gaming year. The advent of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" is the last near-universal gaming touchstone. My favorite quarterback, for one, is all-in on this year's game.
That's why it's so gratifying that the game manages to thrive on nearly every level imaginable. The campaign, which has been little more than a throwaway for the past few years, is back with a vengeance, and stands as a wild escapade well worth the price of admission in and of itself. The other pillars, Zombies and multiplayer, are refined to razor-sharp versions of previous iterations, providing a veritable playground for the cat-and-mouse game provided by the preeminent FPS of our day.
When you're locked into an annual release cycle with the biggest shooter franchise on the planet, it's tough to generate a product that manages to surprise and please stalwart fans while also catering to new audiences. There is plenty here for four-star generals and plebes alike to relish.
The joint effort between developers Treyarch and Raven Software, which has been working on the game since 2020. The extra time in the incubator paid off in spades, resulting in a robust package that gives gamers loads of material to savor. With the expected parade of seasonal content and joint efforts with other pop culture phenomena in the offing, there is little doubt that "Black Ops 6" will stay relevant as the months fly by.
From the opening moments of the campaign, you're thrust into an intense firefight that has you scurrying for survival. Ensuing moments include emotional resonance, clever intertwined narratives touched up with historical fiction, and twists that knock you sideways. Zombies is equally entertaining, with the horror level ratcheted up considerably from the efforts of the last few years. No one does the undead like "Call of Duty."
The mix of multiplayer modes, of course, is where most players will spend the majority of their time. With 16 new maps in the offing at launch and the ability to Prestige through all levels 10 times, there is plenty to savor.
The advent of cross-play and cross-progression across Xbox X/S, PS5 and PC, as well as availability on GamePass, massively increases and democratizes the player base, making it easy to find a game at any time with an eclectic mix of players from around the world. The community monitoring has also upped its game considerably, smoothing out the ranks so matches run more professionally and respectfully.
"Black Ops 6" plastered a wide smile on my face throughout my initial weekend with the game. Far more than a perfunctory continuation of an entrenched franchise, the latest game feels like something of a fresh redeployment. It's time to start appreciating and adoring "Call of Duty" once again.
A 2.5D side-scroller that takes cues from "Mark of the Ninja" and "Deadlight," "Kong: Survivor Instinct" has you scurry around crumbling cityscapes as King Kong lurks in the background and pops up in occasional cut scenes.
Since its star is used sparingly and most of the focus is on your protagonist, those who are here strictly for the big guy will undoubtedly be disappointed. There is some charm, though, to the gameplay. Light puzzles, platforming and combat challenges abound.
You will search rubble for screwdrivers or keys that let you through locked entryways, dispatch armed guards by incapacitating them with hand-to-hand combat or shoving them off ledges, and scrounge up a variety of MacGuffins that tie in to the complex story of bioresearch related to King Kong and assorted corporate plots.
The setup may have worked better as its own, unlicensed theme, or as a side mode to a larger King Kong epic. It's too much of a "gotcha!" that you don't get to actively play as or against the famous beast, and all your maneuverings seem inconsequential in his wake, like the meaningless human characters in a Kong or Godzilla flick.
"Kong: Survivor Instinct" turns out to be more of an endurance test than a joyous indulgence. 'Twas ennui, rather than beauty, killed the beast in this case.
A stealth-heavy survivor horror saga that challenges you to use your wits to scrape by against daunting challenges, "A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead" wears its challenging nature proudly.
Set alongside the timeline of "A Quiet Place: Day One," the game puts you at a distinct, often frustrating, disadvantage against your surroundings and enemies. You are often left stumbling in the dark, scratching around for the item it will take you to move on, or the path to avoid your tormenters to see the next cut scene.
Working with publisher Saber Interactive, developer Stormind Games leans into the grit and determination embodied by the film franchise's characters. Nothing comes easy in the game, but sometimes the difficulty comes mainly in simply in navigating the muddy level design and irritating enemy tendencies.
As with many games adapted from film franchises, there's a bit lost in translation. The stakes are lower, because there are only tenuous relationships to the franchise at large. The game's story suffers the usual fits of inconsequence that comic book prequels often find themselves.
There are some interesting touches, such as a feature that lets creatures in the game detect ambient noise actually happening around you as you play. This helps get you in the mode of prioritizing quietness as a prerequisite for survival. Of course, this can also add to the sense of frustration, if someone around you or outside your home makes a noise that messes with your progress.
You play as Alex, an asthmatic college student thrust into the apocalyptic chaos brought on by the predatorial incursion detailed exhaustively in the films. The goal is to find something of a safe haven for your family as you navigate through decaying ruins of civilization.
The devs take enough cues from inspirations, such as "Resident Evil," "Silent Hill" and "The Last of Us," to keep things engaging. You get a sense that this is more of an imitation of an imitation than a grand vision of its own.
"A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead" seems like it's stuck staring at the rear view mirror rather than forging ahead on its own path.
Like a burst of crips fall air, "Just Dance 25" comes along just as last year's game was starting to seem a little stale. A vivacious party game, breezily fun solo experience and gently encouraging workout regime, the game manages to get you off the couch, makes you comfortable with acting silly and gets you grooving to some wacky choreography set to an eclectic spread of music.
Due out Tuesday, "Just Dance 25" incrementally pushes the series forward in meaningful directions. With an array of game modes geared to keep you coming back for more each day.
After pairing your phone to the game, your device acts as a rather forgiving motion tracker to assist with your scoring. You may be able to get away with minimal movements in order to fool the tracking system and rack up scores, but you'll get the most out of it if you clear out some floor space and bust all moves with full gusto.
A partnership with Ariana Grande includes themed maps that let you follow along a journey themed to her hits and accompanying lyrics. Five exclusive songs from the artist are included, joining 35 new tracks. On top of all that, the "Just Dance+" subscription service grants access to the vast majority of previously released songs on the platform. A free trial of the service comes with the game.
Akin to the Ariana Grande partnership, there is also a collab present with "SpongeBob SquarePants," partly because it's the series' 25th anniversary, but mostly because... "why not?
New songs included with the game include the likes of Doja Cat's "Paint the Town Red," Billie Eilish's "LUNCH" and Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso." The wild mix of the familiar and avant garde keeps thing invigorating. With a planned spread of seasonal content in the offing, the dev team is sure to keep gamers on their toes.
That mentality enthuses the anything-goes thinking that provides the game's beating heart. Wackiness abounds, with vivid colors, dazzling visuals and bouncy background music encouraging you to plunge into the silliness. "Just Dance 25" is a glimmering smile in video game form.
A game that has been elevated to legendary status since its 2001 release, "Silent Hill 2" thrived on tone, pregnant pauses and a steady deluge of psychological torture. The task of remaking the game for current consoles is a formidable challenge, but it's one that Bloober Team proves ready to tackle with fervor. The new "Silent Hill 2" feels like a full-fledged reinvention of an all but dormant classic.
Diabolically creepy from the outset, the game casts you as a forlorn traveler, haunted by devastating loss, who desperately seeks out answers in the seemingly abandoned town of Silent Hill.
To give away any more of the story would be a disservice to the sprawling, surprisingly incisive narrative, but know that your journey is a haunting, often jarring voyage into a dark night of the soul that grows increasingly bleak and horrific. A twist-filled exploration of interwoven mysteries, you have limited resources and physical abilities at your disposal to take on daunting, sometimes inescapable forces geared to make you seethe with dread.
Yup, "Silent Hill 2" is one for masochists.
That said, the march into darkness is never a slog. The sense of satisfaction in confronting not only your own fears, but a seemingly insurmountable challenge, only to develop your skills and tactical approach up to a level that hoists you to success, is hard to match. That's due to the consistent level of challenge at play, as well as the thread-pulling writing that keep you hooked enough to soldier on to the next save point.
Yup, I said "save point." The remake sticks with the old-school bugaboo that eschews the hand-holding auto-saves modern gaming has gotten us all used to. Clearly a strategic choice by Bloober Team, the presence of save points ratchets up the stakes considerably when there are no simple checkpoints to fall back on. Thus, failure costs you considerable time and often causes commensurate anguish. But that sense of failure only fuels your drive to succeed and makes it that much more satisfying to overcome the darkness both within and without.
True, many of the hokey archetypes from the original are still around. Some ham-fisted moments tend to sap away the elegance of some otherwise fascinating tale spinning, but there is also an old-school charm to the game's archaic ways. They sure don't make 'em like this anymore. To experience true horror, try booting up the original "Silent Hill 2" after experiencing Bloober Team's infinitely smoother, better-looking and sounding remake. You will wonder how you ever got by in the olden days.
"Silent Hill 2" brought a sadistic smile to my face more than once, as I was made to look like an idiot by skillful design elements and slyly effective jump scares. This is a gorgeous, ominously frustrating and ultimately indispensable adventure. Its genius is that it knows thoroughly that, when it comes to horror, less is more and insinuation is twice as sharp as explicitness.
Yup, 23 years have passes, and like the protagonist, you have still yet to escape the dingy town of Silent Hill.
Publisher provided review code.
Today, KONAMI announced that SILENT HILL 2, the anticipated remake of the 2001 psychological horror, has released on PlayStation®5 and PC via STEAM®. Developed by Bloober Team, composer Akira Yamaoka and concept artist Masahiro Ito, the unsettling town shrouded in the brooding fog is now available with enhanced visuals, sounds and gameplay from the original.
The remake also expands the areas players can explore, introduces an over-the-shoulder view, revamped combat capabilities and thrilling new cut-scenes to give new and returning players different ways to experience the game.
Experience the guilt, grief and existential horror of James Sunderland as he explores the town of Silent Hill – the special place he and his late wife Mary used to visit –a symbolic backdrop now shrouded in fog. The remake expands the areas players can explore, introduces an over-the-shoulder view, revamps the combat system, and adds new cut-scenes to give new and returning players different ways to experience the game. What awaits in the shrouded alleyways and corridors of Silent Hill?
Like a highly touted draft pick who has put in his time in the minors and ready to debut on the biggest stage, "EA Sports NHL 25" makes its grand debut as a current-gen only product.
While the last few years' editions of "EA Sports NHL" have been solid on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, there was a nagging sense that devs were holding back in order to keep a sensible parity with the PS4 and Xbox One editions. Now unleashed by demands of the previous generation, the new game manages to scratch the ice with a fresh new pair of skates and some charged-up legs. "EA Sports NHL 25" feels like the franchise has come into its own.
The EA Vancouver dev squad channeled its blood, sweat and raw obsession into crafting as realistic and energetic hockey sim as it could. The visuals, buffed by Sapien technology, are crisper than previous editions, the AI is ramped up due to the integration of a gameplay learning suite dubbed Empowered AI, operating with a subset of hockey dynamics called ICE-Q, and an overlay called Next-Gen Vision Control makes it easier to skirt the blue line, confront the puck carrier and lock in on your target while you're winding up for a shot.
With ICE-Q, players won't blindly skate into danger. They deploy gamesmanship to chip at a crossing wing, disrupting the offensive flow, or strike aggressively to fence off an attack. The often subtle multitude of additions makes for an experience that feels more vivid and gritty than the silk-smooth, arcade-style movement of the past. The upshot is that this new playstyle can be choppier and grittier, providing opportunities for confluences of iterative dynamics that allow for eye-popping plays you'll never see occur the same way twice.
Street hockey-flavored World of Chel Live Events integration helps beef up the multiplayer mode, and Hockey Ultimate Team Wildcard mode adds some spice to the deck-building fantasy squad creator. The Grudge Match System, which seems geared to me an my online friends, tracks conflicts between teams across just about all modes, providing opportunities for X-Factors to be activated that provide some satisfying moments of retribution.
It was key that EA Vancouver stepped into this face-off with aggression, because this year's edition is a crucial purchase for true NHL fans, since it marks the re-emergence of the old Arizona Coyotes as the new Utah Hockey Club. The bedraggled franchise is all about new life and new starts, much like this gorgeous game.
The "Vessel of Hatred" expansion is just the injection of lifeblood the game needs to reclaim its spot atop the pantheon of gothic, loot-grinding obsessions.
Due out Tuesday, "Vessel of Hatred" includes a new campaign. You can access this from the jump if you choose the "skip campaign" option while creating a new character.
The $40 expansion amounts to something close to a full-blown sequel. The Blizzard wizards delved into the DNA of the 2023 title and reinvigorate it in innumerable ways.
Coinciding with a standard build update accessible to all players, as well as a new season of content, the launch makes the year-old game seem new again, and an enticing destination for lapsed players to squad up with old friends. Players who complete the Dark Citadel will be able to land the Nahantu Cat Mount with their weekly reward haul. There will also be weekly Twitch Drops, which will dispense cosmetic items Oct. 8 through Nov. 5.
Those who elect to hold off on the "Vessel of Hatred," though, will miss out on the bulk of the new experience. Descending into the jungles of Nahantu, you tangle against a new slate of enemies, challenging environments and labyrinthine dungeons that house tempting goodies. New characters and mercenaries invite distinct playstyles and challenge you to shake up your previous strategies in order to optimize the new flow. There is also a new slate of runes you can use to upgrade, enhance or unbalance your slate of attacks and defenses.
There is so much to explore in "Vessel of Hatred" that I feel I have barely scratched the surface of its darkly alluring offerings. One thing that's certain is I am every bit as hooked by "Diablo IV" as I was at the outset. The inspiring level of support Blizzard is showing to the game proves that it's as worthy an investment of re-upping for the expansion as it was for the initial purchase. There is much to love in this Vessel of Hatred.
Establishing itself as one of the dominant sitcoms of the 1990s and early 2000s, "Friends" thrived from 1994-2004, emitting witty humor, iconic moments and insanely refined chemistry among its chief cast, which was made up of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer. A joyous, exuberant experience, the series is a masterclass on running gags, tight writing and establishing a winning, aspirational tone. Now featured in 4K, the visuals have never looked sharper.
Extras include two hours of previously unreleased bonus content.
THE WEST WING
Aaron Sorkin's 1999-2006 show was a political potboiler that made incisive observations about the American political system while also maintaining a strong sense of patriotism and hope. Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Mary McCormack, Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits were some of the standout stars. The show's tone, with its witty banter and fast-paced walk-and-talk tone, established a tone that would be imitated but never replicated.
Extras include featurettes, gag reels and deleted scenes.
YOUNG SHELDON
"The Big Bang Theory" spinoff, which stars Ian Armitage as the pint-sized version of Sheldon Cooper, follows the boy genius' struggles and successes as he comes of age in small-town Texas. Taking on a sweeter, more family-oriented tone than its progenitor, the sitcom developed into a delightful ensemble, successfully generating a spinoff of its own, in the form of "Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage." The storytelling manages to stand on its own while tying into "Big Bang Theory" lore.
Extras include a featurette that spotlights Easter eggs and Cooper family origins for the length of the show's 2017-2024 run.
I am every bit as much of a sucker for side-scrolling beat-em-ups as I am "Karate Kid"/"Cobra Kai" content, so there was no question that I would adore "The Karate Kid: Street Rumble."
Building off the moderate success of the "Cobra Kai" brawler adaptations, the game takes a "River City Rampage" approach to the 1980s trilogy that fuels my beating heart. From the outset, absurdity reigns supreme. You can start off as Daniel, Miyagi, or, oddly, Ali, as you immediately take to jump-kicking, karate-chopping and round-housing a barrage of faceless minions. As you'd expect, villains such as Johnny, Kreese and Silver await for wall-breaking, crane-kicking slugfests.
This cheery, if unimaginative, approach harkens back to the standard way films and TV shows of the 1980s and 1990s, when the formula was to plop the main character in a side-scrolling hellscape and force them to punch and jump their way out.
While incongruous to the plot, leaving the storytelling to clumsy cutscenes, the style makes for a delightful throwback to the ancient ways.
While a $40 asking price is heavily on the steep side, I'd be lying if I said I had anything but a glorious time with this thin, admittedly rail-thin content.
This game is geared for those in their 40s who seek it as a nostalgia trip, as well as "Cobra Kai" devotees looking to steep themselves in the OG source material. The bare here was low, and the developers barely cleared it. But boy, am I grateful they attempted this delightfully silly and simple tribute to the cheeseball masterpieces from days of yore.
Czech developer KO.DLL channels its adoration of 8-bit gaming into "BZZZT," a passionate love letter to the glory days of 1980s gaming.
Proudly wearing its influences, including the likes of "Mega Man," "Jackal," "Strider" and "Blaster Master," the Switch exclusive is a challenging, quick-hitting platformer that dares you replay its wares time after time in order to perfect your speed and technique.
Charm oozes out of every pixel. Set in the year 4096, you play as tiny robot ZX8000, leaping through treacherous, bite-sized levels crawling with enemies and spiked walls. The ultimate goal is to take down robotic megalomaniacal mad scientist Badbert and his horde of nefarious, mechanical lackeys, making the world safe for your creators, Doctor Emily and Professor Norbert.
Level design, musical cues and a deceptively high rchallenge ramp-up give "BZZZT" dollops of charm. Those who want a more palatable experience can opt for casual difficulty, and masochists can work their way up to the brutal hardcore setting. Leaderboards allow you to compare your best runs with friends and the worlkd at large, and an array of time challenges awaits for you to test your limits.
The retro soundtrack, orchestrated by Rytmik Ultimate/Studio's Martin Linda, serves as the backdrop for your misadventures. Expect to fail miserably time after time, only to hone your strategy and break through in glorious fashion. The old-school sense of achievement is largely lacking in games of today, but present in ample portions in "BZZZT."
Publisher Czech Cinemax Games flexes its considerable muscles with this release, which will undoubtedly pop up on many top 10 lists. A sweet-hearted, hard-edged charmer, "BZZZT" gives you a healthy dose of Vitamin 8-Bit.
Merging the technique and savvy of a seasoned veteran player with the spark and daring of an up-and-coming star, "EA Sports FC 25" tears up the pitch with a vigorous soccer sim ready to capture players imaginations as the MLS heads to the playoff and international club leagues get into the swing of their new seasons.
Due out Friday, the game dazzles with its motion-captured play styles, astounding attention to visual detail and herculean effort to capture hundreds of real-life players, stadiums and uniforms. Serving as an ambassador for the beautiful game, the sim soaks up the nuances that make up the cultural tapestry of the global passion, crafting a fitting tribute to the sport that captivates the globe.
Like its cover star, 21-year-old British dynamo Jude Bellingham, "EA Sports FC 25" bursts with energy, pep and creativity. Fresh menus and musical backgrounds infuse a sense of urgency into every game mode, giving the game a refreshed feel that drives home the point that the reinvented franchise has firmly entrenched itself as a post-FIFA icon.
The onfield action gets a major upgrade in the form of FC IQ, an AI upgrade that allows players to adapt to tactics and evolving game situations on the fly. The change emulates the real game in the ways opposing managers act and react to opposing strategies, and how player leadership manages to shut down holes in execution that emerge as the game unfolds.
The upshot: You can't stick with go-to strategies and expect them to work the same way every time. If you fail to keep up with the way the opposition adapts and deploys counter-strategies, you'll be left in the dust.
Also new is the 5-on-5 Rush Mode, which takes on the easygoing yet hypercompetitive feel of pickup matches. Gathering with friends and strangers, you take part in a mini-MMO experience that feels ripe for esports adaptation. It will be fun to see the ways this mode evolves as the community begins to embrace it.
Goalkeeping has also gotten a refresh. Gone are the cookie-cutter animations and behavioral tendencies from years' past, replaced with a suite of dynamic styles that replicate some of the most notable players on the scene.
EA's second year without the FIA license shows some holes in its mosaic of real-life teams. A few Italian Serie A clubs, including Inter Milan and AC Milan, are swapped out for dummy squads with goofy names, and you won't find the Belgian national team or Canadian women's team in this game. To level things off, there are some returning squads and first-ever appearances, including Azerbaijan's Qarabag and the Finnish women's team.
Ultimate Team continues to stake its claim as one of the more entrancing card-based fantasy squad builders around. Chemistry-altering Hero and Icon cards are fresh new touches that allow you to spice up your roster as you build toward international domination.
Manager and Player Career modes benefit from all-around improvements. In a nod to gender equity, in which the franchise has been leading the way in the sports realm since its FIFA days, you can now embark on a career as a female player.
Whether you're a dabbler who likes to get a sense of the way teams look and play around the world, or a die-hard who wants to replicate your favorite team's successes and make up for its failures in the virtual realm, "EA Sports FC" gives you the toolbox to live out your dreams to the fullest extent. The anthems have been sung, the whistle has blown and it's time to get set for kickoff.
A foldable device that stretches out to the size of a plus-size smartphone when unfolded, the Galaxy Z Flip6 folds up into something minute enough to get lost in your front pocket. Geared toward travelers, fitness enthusiasts and minimalists who are looking to lighten their loads without sacrificing smartphone power or capabilities, the lithe, speedy Z Flip6 emits an intelligent, cosmopolitan air.
Testing the device on T-Mobile's standard-setting 5G network, I appreciated the way the Z Flip6 managed to ease its way into my life. Its slim form function encouraged me to pick it up to knock out quick tasks, such as checking a game score or tapping out an email. I also found it particularly useful for streaming and photo viewing, with the screen crimped at a 9-degree angle to make for hands-free, stand-free watching.
Said to be a minor upgrade over the well-regarded Z Flip5, the Z Flip6, which is my first experience with the product line, wowed me with its size-defying capabilities.
A certain novelty always accompanies foldable phones, and the Z Flip6 is always a joy to pop open and experience its 6.7-inch, 1080p AMOLED display. Its as engaging to spot the small, mid-screen crease as it is to forget it's there as you get lost in your social media, gaming or streaming exploits.
On the go, I enjoyed snapping photos and capturing video with the upgraded-from-last-year 50Mp main camera and 12MP ultra-wide lens. T-Mobile's 5G helped it download and upload content at eye-popping speeds.
The battery life was impressive, lasting full days of work and play. That's because the battery has been powered up to 4000mAh from last year's 2700Ah. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is also a model of efficiency, helping the phone do more with less. While charging, as is typical with Samsung devices, takes its fair share, it won't be much of a burden to those who pop it on an induction charger overnight.
Originally priced above $1,100, the device is generally available south of the $900 mark, and could be even more of a bargain as it seeks to compete with other new devices in the sprint for the holiday dollar.
The range of AI integration is impressive. You have, of course, the standard photo and video touch-ups, but it goes deeper when you infuse the implications with the tight little package. A popular Samsung ad, embedded at the top of this review, shows off its capabilities as a translator.
Samsung, here is selling the dream of the jet-setter who doesn't have time to waste with Duolingo and wants to be able to walk into any bar and speak with anyone after whipping out a tiny foldable phone. While audacious, the vision isn't all that absurd when it comes to the Z Flip6. Samsung is selling a fleeting dream, here, and the phone makes it one you'd rather not wake up from.
Geared toward the visual thinker, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra embraces the art of tactile writing, allowing you to scribble down notes, diagrams and doodles. As its foldable brethren has established itself, the standard smartphone embraces classical thinking as it continues to build on past successes and stretch toward the pinnacle of the smartphone hierarchy.
A supersized, amped-up version of its smaller, less-capable brethren, the standard S24 and S24 Plus, the Ultra enthuses the spirit of its maximized moniker to deliver the best and brightest of its generation, as well as fire an annual warning shot at its Apple-born rival.
The device, which started around an MSRP above $1,299 when it was first released, is now available for $800 or much less with a trade-in or carrier deal. It should approach bargain status as the holiday season approaches and the market braces itself for the inevitable release of the S25 generation.
Until the new crew arrives, though, the S24 Ultra remains king. I was floored by the way the phone seamlessly thrives on WiFi, or especially, the T-Mobile 5G network, to find infinite ways to make your life more fun, engaging and informed as you go about your day.
To start, the S24 Ultra just feels right. Designed with ergonomic precision to feel fluid and natural in one hand or two, the smartphone excels at day-to-day use. Samsung may have reached a certain comfort zone in its Galaxy S line of products, but it's still hellbent on shaking up the formula to cram in new features that pay dividends.
The S Pen stylus is ideal for jotting down notes, which the S24 Ultra's AI quickly translates to letters, or drawings. The new AI integration fabulously handles photo improvements, note-taking, summarizing and other writing and meeting-digestion aids. Circle-to-search and QuickShare, in particular, comes in particularly handy during research material gathering and file compilation, making the phone excellent for reporters, instructors or students.
Boasting what seems to be the brightest, most vivid AMOLED 2120 x 1440 pixel display among this generation of smartphones, the phone stays durable due to Gorilla Armor coating, which, I can ashamedly confirm, manages to survive my standard gauntlet of fumbles, bumps and scrapes I inadvertently put smartphones I test through.
The camera suite, as expected, rocks your socks, with a 200MP rear camera with 100x optical zoom that seems like something out of a Bond movie. The 3.39 GHz processor handled streaming, gaming and file demands with awe-inspiring speed and precision.
Whether wired or by induction, charging took its fair share of time, but it was worth the lengthy effort because of the way the battery managed to power the device through day after day of heavy use without even hinting at the need for a recharge until bedtime.
During rest, there isn't much need to dream of your smartphone future if you manage to secure the stunning Galaxy S24 Ultra as your present.
