Game Review: 'Silent Hill F'

The fog has returned, but this time it's mingled with the scent of cherry blossoms and the unsettling stillness of 1960s Japan. Silent Hill F is a brave and masterful return to form for the iconic horror franchise, blending its signature psychological terror with a stunningly reimagined setting. It doesn't just recreate the past; it builds a terrifying new future on its unsettling foundation.

While the game retains the series' hallmark third-person perspective, it introduces a subtle yet impactful evolution to its mechanics. Combat is deliberate and tense, forcing you to conserve resources and think strategically about every encounter. The real strength of Silent Hill F, however, lies in its environmental puzzle-solving. The world itself is a labyrinth of interconnected, mind-bending riddles, and the game does an excellent job of guiding you with breadcrumbs of lore and visual cues rather than holding your hand. The camera work, a classic element of the series, is used to brilliant effect here, creating a constant sense of claustrophobia and dread that ratchets up the tension with every turn.

The narrative is where Silent Hill F truly shines. The story follows a young woman drawn into a decaying, flower-infested Japanese town, unraveling a personal and horrifying tale that's deeply rooted in folklore and tradition. The shift from an American ghost town to a rural Japanese setting is an inspired choice, providing a fresh backdrop for the series' core themes of guilt, trauma, and psychological torment. The new creature designs are grotesque and disturbing, each one a twisted reflection of the game's central tragedy. The audio design is impeccable, from the haunting, ambient score to the chilling sound effects that will make you question every creak and whisper.

Silent Hill F is a triumph. It takes everything that made the original games so compelling—the deep psychological horror, the unsettling atmosphere, and the memorable puzzles—and wraps it in a fresh, compelling package that feels both modern and deeply respectful of its roots. The move to a new setting is a risk that pays off in spades, delivering a uniquely terrifying experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll. For fans and newcomers alike, this is a must-play horror title that proves the Silent Hill franchise is back and better than ever.

 

Device Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 on T-Mobile 5G Network

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 manages to redefine the boundaries of the foldable phone. This device is arguably the pinnacle of modern mobile engineering, and when paired with a robust network like T-Mobile's 5G, it delivers a user experience that is nothing short of revolutionary. From its sleek, durable design to its powerhouse performance, this phone proves that the future of mobile is finally here.

The first thing you notice about the Z Fold 7 is its stunning form factor. Samsung has refined the hinge and overall profile to make it remarkably thin and light, making it feel more like a traditional smartphone when folded. But the real magic happens when you unfold it, revealing a magnificent 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This expansive canvas is a multitasker's dream, allowing you to run three apps simultaneously with effortless fluidity. Whether you're juggling emails, editing documents, or streaming a movie while texting a friend, the Z Fold 7 handles it all without breaking a sweat.

Under the hood, the Z Fold 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a chipset that provides blazing-fast performance. This is where T-Mobile's 5G network truly shines. The device's support for T-Mobile's 5G Ultra Capacity (UC) and Extended Range networks means you can tap into incredible speeds and widespread coverage. I’ve seen this phone download large files in seconds and stream high-resolution content without a single buffer, even in crowded urban areas. The synergy between the Z Fold 7's hardware and T-Mobile's network is palpable; you can feel the speed and responsiveness in every tap, swipe, and download. It’s a connection that is reliable, low-latency, and consistent, making mobile gaming and video calls incredibly smooth.

The camera system, which works in concert with the AI suite, is equally impressive, anchored by a powerful 200MP main sensor that captures stunning detail and vibrant colors. The photos and videos are crystal clear, and the folding design even allows for unique shooting angles and modes. But beyond the specs, the phone excels in its everyday utility. T-Mobile's network ensures that sharing these high-quality photos and videos is instantaneous. There's no waiting for uploads or dealing with slow connections. Everything from social media updates to cloud backups happens at the speed of thought.

In a market full of incremental updates, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an impressive leap forward. Its innovative design, powerful performance, and seamless integration with T-Mobile’s leading 5G network make it the ultimate device for anyone who wants to experience the best that mobile technology has to offer. It’s not just a phone; it's a mobile command center, and it operates at a speed that has to be seen to be believed.

T-Mobile provided device for review.

 

Game Review: 'EA Sports FC 26'

The moment the lights go down and the crowd roars to life in the stunning pre-match presentation of EA Sports FC 26, it's clear that EA's dedication to the sport is as strong as ever. After a solid first two years under the new banner, this year's iteration takes the series from promising to truly elite, delivering a soccer experience that feels both refreshingly new and comfortably familiar. It's a game that respects its legacy while fearlessly pushing forward, cementing its place as the definitive digital representation of the beautiful game.

On the pitch, the refined gameplay is a revelation. The new "Fluid Motion" system, powered by HyperMotion4, makes player animations feel more connected and responsive than ever before. Dribbling is a joy, with subtle stick movements translating into a lifelike shuffle or a sudden burst of acceleration. The biggest change, however, is the new "Tactical Intelligence" AI. For the first time, it feels like your teammates are truly thinking a step ahead, making intelligent runs into space or dropping back to cover a counter-attack without you needing to micromanage their every move. This added layer of tactical depth creates a more authentic and rewarding experience, particularly in the single-player modes.

The improvements aren't just on the field. The game's new "Manager Dynasty" mode is a complete overhaul of the old career mode, introducing a dynamic, narrative-driven element. You're no longer just managing a team; you're building a legacy. Key narrative choices, like whether to sign a controversial star player or develop a youth academy prodigy, have real, tangible consequences on team morale, fan support, and even your job security. Player scouting and development also feel more intuitive and impactful, making it genuinely satisfying to unearth and train the next generation of football superstars.

While the core game shines, Ultimate Team has also received significant, player-friendly tweaks. The new "Archetype Evolution" system is a stroke of genius, allowing you to specialize players into specific roles, like a defensive-minded midfielder or a clinical finisher, regardless of their original position. It opens up a new level of creativity in squad building, encouraging players to experiment beyond simply assembling a team of the highest-rated cards. The menu navigation, which has often been a point of frustration, is slick and responsive, a welcome quality-of-life improvement that streamlines the entire experience.

From the jaw-dropping player likenesses to the roaring crowds and the subtle blade-of-grass detail, EA Sports FC 26 is a visual and auditory masterpiece. The improved matchday commentary from new broadcast teams adds a fresh layer of authenticity, and the soundtrack continues its tradition of being a global showcase of musical talent. EA has not only delivered a fantastic soccer game but has also created a living, breathing tribute to the sport. It's an unmissable title for football fans everywhere.

Publisher provided review code.

 

Hot on Home Video: 'Superman,' 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' "M3gan 2.0,' 'The Last of Us: Season 2,' 'Tim Burton's Corpse Bride,' 'Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires'

SUPERMAN

The 4K Ultra HD disc release of James Gunn’s Superman is a must-own for any fan of physical media, offering a fantastic A/V presentation that honors the film's theatrical experience. The Dolby Vision transfer is a precise, controlled stunner, balancing the vibrant primaries of Superman's suit with the naturalistic, often-restrained color palette of the film. Fine details are beautifully rendered, from the intricate textures of the costumes to the sweeping vistas of Metropolis. The Dolby Atmos audio mix is equally impressive, with a powerful, dynamic range that makes action sequences feel visceral while maintaining crystal-clear dialogue. While some enthusiasts may find the surround and height channels to be less aggressive than other superhero films, the track's robust bass and overall clarity are exceptional. 

The package is rounded out with a solid collection of extras, including a nearly hour-long "making-of" documentary. The Superman 4K disc is a high-quality release that looks and sounds phenomenal.

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

The digital release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives with a sense of relief for MCU fans, delivering a solid, self-contained adventure. The film's retro-futuristic aesthetic is a visual treat, and the casting proves to be a success, with the leads showcasing strong chemistry. Director Matt Shakman grounds the story in family dynamics, which resonates well, even if the central plot can feel a bit rushed at times. While some might miss the large-scale action of other superhero films, this movie wisely prioritizes character development. The digital package also includes bonus features like deleted scenes, featurettes, and a director’s commentary, making it a worthwhile purchase for those who enjoyed the theatrical experience. It’s a promising and well-executed first step for Marvel’s First Family.

M3GAN 2.0

The Blu-ray release of M3GAN 2.0 arrives with a surprisingly fun, genre-bending sequel that pivots from the first film’s horror roots into full-blown sci-fi action and dark comedy. While some fans may miss the initial suspense, the movie fully embraces its campy, over-the-top premise. The disc looks and sounds great, with a sharp video transfer and an active Dolby Atmos track that shines during the robot-on-robot showdowns. The real draw, however, is the unrated cut, which adds enhanced kills and more gore that were too intense for theaters. The bonus features are solid, offering a comprehensive look at the film's production with featurettes like "Total Upgrade: Making M3GAN 2.0" and a detailed "Scene Breakdown." It's a fantastic package that serves up a gleefully ridiculous and rewatchable experience.

THE LAST OF US: SEASON 2

The 4K Ultra HD edition of The Last of Us: Season 2 is a technical marvel that serves as the definitive way to experience Naughty Dog's masterpiece. The video transfer is stunning, with the native 4K resolution and HDR enhancing every detail, from the grim, rain-slicked streets of Seattle to the lush, overgrown forests. The increased color depth and brightness bring the haunting beauty of the post-apocalyptic world to life in an unprecedented way. The Dolby Atmos audio track is equally impressive, immersing you in the desolate atmosphere with a precise, chilling soundscape. The subtler sounds—the rustle of a stalker in the undergrowth, the distant moan of an infected—are just as impactful as the brutal, high-octane action sequences. This release includes all previously released DLC and a selection of excellent behind-the-scenes featurettes, making it a must-have for fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers. It's a truly breathtaking package that honors a landmark in modern storytelling.

TIM BURTON'S CORPSE BRIDE

Tim Burton’s gothic stop-motion classic Corpse Bride looks absolutely spectacular in its new 4K Ultra HD release. The video transfer is a standout, with the HDR treatment enriching the distinct color palettes of both the drab Land of the Living and the vibrant Land of the Dead. Every intricate detail of the puppets and sets—from the stitching on Victor's suit to the textures of the underworld—is rendered with stunning clarity. The Dolby Atmos audio is a strong complement, providing a clean and immersive soundscape for Danny Elfman’s memorable score and the film's nuanced sound effects. It’s a fantastic upgrade that beautifully showcases the artistry of the animation. The disc also includes several new and archival special features, making this a definitive edition for fans.

AZTEC BATMAN: CLASH OF EMPIRES

Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires is a daring and creative reimagining of the Caped Crusader's origin story, placing him in 16th-century Mesoamerica. The film follows Yohualli Coatl as he seeks vengeance against Spanish conquistadors, using the guise of a bat-warrior to fight injustice. This Blu-ray release is a must-have for fans of the film.

The video quality, while not 4K, is a strong 1080p presentation that beautifully renders the film's vibrant animation and unique art style. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is dynamic and clean, perfectly complementing the exciting action sequences and the dramatic score. What truly makes this release stand out are the special features, which include two insightful featurettes: "The Battle Cry of Aztec Batman" and "The Batman Mythology and Aztec Inspiration." These extras provide valuable behind-the-scenes looks into the meticulous research and creative decisions that brought this bold Elseworlds story to life. It's a fantastic package for a film that deserves to be seen.

Hot on Home Video: 'From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

 

Ana de Armas proves her action star chops by playing the title character in "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina." A cool, collected assassin with the capability of exploding into a whirlwind of destruction, Eve Macarro (de Armas) is taken from her family as a child to train in the arts of combat and dance. She works her way through an underground web of sinister forces, encountering John Wick (Keanu Reeves) at multiple points. 

The film hums with the kinetic energy of the Wick flicks, and works hard -- maybe too hard -- to embed itself into the Wickiverse, even going so far as to integrate the lore involved with "The Continental" miniseries into the mix. While the battles are always engaging, sometimes they stretch the realm of imagination. But de Armas sells even the more ludicrous scenes with relish, and the film manages to carve a deserved spot among the previous films and series.

Extras include "The Making of Ballerina," "Building a Frozen Underworld" and "The Art of Action" featurettes. There are also deleted and extended scenes and the theatrical trailer.

Studio provided review screener.

Broadway in Tucson Review: 'Les Miserables'

 

As powerful and passionate as the performances of the massive cast are in "Les Miserables," the most awe-inspiring star is the tech team. Crafting an ethereal display of wizardry, the lighting and stagecraft are mesmerizing. Even more than the exquisite costumes and poundingly urgent live orchestral score, the beams shining through windows, intricately crafted hazy horizons and bustling slum streets bring Victor Hugo's 1862 novel to palpable life. The story proves timeless in the way it manages to register fresh undertones in the current political climate.

An operatic odyssey of moral quandaries, such as the conflict between compassion and duty and humanity's yearning for freedom despite a tendency to demand strict order, "Les Miserables" remains a cultural touchstone 40 years after it debuted as a stage musical. To watch with an enraptured crowd is something akin to a church revival, with the communal spiritual experience rolling through the theater with the vigor of the thunderous applause that follows the many show-stopping, jaw-dropping numbers.

A master class in clockwork-like blocking, the actors work together with the precision of a military color guard, crafting the illusion of massive crowds or humming marketplaces. Other than the touchstone wedding scene, traditional dance is sacrificed in favor of lockstep spectacles.

The cast is made up of professionals with extensive Broadway experience, as well as a trio of children whose stage presence far exceeds their ages. The two leads need to be standouts among all-stars, and Nick Cartell, as Valjean, and Nick Rehberger, as Javert, fit the bill with relish. Both are selfless performers who command the audience and their castmates with natural ease, but are generous and self-aware enough not to overstep into indulgence. Both understand that understatement goes a long way, and use the true range of their vocal powers only when commanded by the moment.

The opportunity to see "Les Miserables" in Tucson is rare. This is a show people travel across the nation or globe to catch in its majesty. For true musical theater fans, this is a chance that can't be passed up. The revolution is here, and it's time to sit back and enjoy it.

"Les Miserables" is playing at Centennial Hall through Sept. 14. Buy tickets here.

Game Review: 'NBA 2K26'

 

Embarking with the quiet confidence of cover athlete Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his team, the reigning world champion Oklahoma City Thunder, "NBA 2K26" makes the near-impossible look all too easy. Just about every year, critics hail the latest entry in the NBA sim franchise as the North Star in the world of sports sims, and this year's entry maintains the franchise's superstar performance.

The slogan for this year's game is "Ball Over Everything," and the Visual Concepts dev team integrated the philosophy into every imaginable aspect of the game, from menus, to loading speed, realism in animations and broadcast presentation. The aim seems to be to dispense with the roadblocks and get the players on the court as quickly as possible. Once the virtual ball is in your hand it's easy to be captivated by the rhythm and flow of the game.

Invigoratted by my acquisition of the Switch 2, I requested to review the game on that console, bracing myself against fears that Nintendo versions of the game would pale in comparison to that on mainline consoles. To my delight, the game looked and played as well as I've seen 2K on the Xbox Series X/S or PlayStation 5, with the added bonus of allowing me to take it on the go. This feature easily makes the Switch 2 my preferred way to hit the 2K court.

An expansive tutorial, dubbed "Learn 2K," takes you through all the paces, teaching you the refinements in shooting, passing and defense, as well as hints and tricks to enhance your strategy. There is plenty to learn here, even for veteran players.

The series has always thrived on its reverant treatment of the past, and that's certainly the case in this year's game, which allows you to choose from among a star-studded roster of legends in something akin to a grade school pickup game, letting you take the floor with your created player as you face off against a Michael Jordan-led team of Hall of Famers.

From there, the intensity only escalates. As it does every year, the game bursts with loads of modes and enhancements meant to get you to forget about football season and resume your hoops fix.

MyCareer modes shakes off its recent slump and returns to fine form, discarding many of the irritating microtransaction solicitations in favor of a holistic and grounded create-a-player lifestyle mode that bursts with nods to pop culture and the history of the league. While the micro (and macro) transactions are still there for the pay-to-win obsessed, they seem to me minimized in favor of sheer enjoyment of the amusement park-like hoop dreams that spawn in the realm dubbed The City.

Even the bedraggled MyMGM mode, which tends to lag rather than lead when it comes to franchise mode innovations manages to acquit itself well, adding some subtle and welcome refinements to streamline the user interface and replicate that high-intensity action of the NBA trade deadline.

On court, the game bubbles with ripped-from-the-highlights animations, a streamlined shooting system that makes your jumpers, layins and dunks seem more based on a cross between skill and circumstance than happenstance, and enlightened commentary and intricately detailed suites of the sights and sounds that can be had in each NBA and WNBA arena experience.

Many believe SGA and his Thunder are on the verge of starting a Jordan-like dynasty, but what he's really doing is tapping into a tradition of elite success that Jordan gleaned from the Showtime Lakers, which followed the tradition of the Bill Russell Celtics. The 2K dynasty established by Virtual Concepts continues to cut down the nets in such a manner, and thanks to its breakthrough Switch 2 edition, lets you take your show on the road.

Publisher provided review code.

Early Game Review: 'EA Sports NHL 26'

Hockey season comes in hot during the Fall to supercharge the sports scene, and there's no better hype ramp than the NHL's signature annual game release.

With back-to-back Stanley Cup champ Matthew Tkachuk leading the charge as the cover athlete, "EA Sports NHL 26" is ready to lace 'em up and scorch the ice.

Due out Friday, the slick hockey sim shows its grip on hockey culture is as the Panthers dynasty has on the league's iconic championship trophy. With considerable refinements and some subtle advancements, the new edition of the game brings a wealth of improvements that add up to a formidable experience that outclasses its predecessors by just about every meaningful measure.

Throughout the game, there is a consistent emphasis on player style flourishes and distinguishing characteristics. Through a comprehensive suite of motion capture, analytics and video breakdown, the devs granted immaculate detail in areas such as skating speed, passing and shooting power and technique and defensive teendencies. 

In no area is this more apparent than goalkeeping. For instance, the Stars' Jake Oettinger's aggression and maverick-style willingness to challenge shooters at the top of the crease, is there, as are the mind games played by the Jets' Connor Hellebuyck to score a psychological edge that can yield the difference between the lamp lighting up and a misfire. Baked into gameplay is the new Goalie Crease Control System, which refines positioning and reacion, as well as the save animations, which feel more natural and physics-based than before.

Be a Pro mode gets a ground-up renovation, starting your career in World Juniors, leading through the minors and into the NHL grind. With a bevy of storylines, characters, challenges and well-directed cutscenes, the game feels more lifelike and narrative driven then previous renditions, which seemed to focus too much on menu-hopping.

The card-driven, microtransaction-heavy Hockey Ultimate Team mode also gets a boost, with deeper team-building mechancis, enticing high-stakes ranked showdowns and the long-demanded debut of the offline HUT Cup Chase mode. Even if you're not usually into the sort of fantasy hockey on which the mode thrives, it's a treat to snag a card that yields a legendary player and introduce him to your lineup.

While the online system, as well as the way developers respond to fan reactions throughout the season, will determine the enduring mark "EA Sports NHL 26" leaves on the gaming scene, the auspicious start bodes well for a year destined to be filled with thrills and drama as the other 31 teams chase after the upstart tradition of dominance established by the Panthers. As the leaves change colors, hope is painting rose-colored glasses for fans of even the lowliest squads, and it will be fascinating to live out those ambitions on the virtual ice.

Publisher provided review code.

Box Break: 2021 Panini Chronicles Baseball Blaster