Entertainment Updates: Hitman: Absolution is out now for mobile, with this contentious entry making a polished return

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.com/hitman-absolution/out-now/

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Hitman: Absolution has officially launched on iOS and Android, marking the return of one of the franchise’s most divisive yet distinctive entries. Priced at US$14.99, this polished mobile port is developed by Feral Interactive, the studio known for high-quality adaptations like Alien: Isolation and Total War: Empire.

Originally released in 2012, Hitman: Absolution took the stealth series in a different direction — replacing its signature sandbox assassinations and global missions with a more linear, action-focused story. The game follows Agent 47 as he goes rogue to protect a mysterious young girl tied to The Agency, taking on violent foes across a darker, grindhouse-style narrative. While its emphasis on gunplay over stealth drew criticism at launch, the game has since earned renewed appreciation for its cinematic presentation and focused gameplay.

Feral’s new mobile port revitalises the experience with customisable touch controls, controller and keyboard support, and auto-aim for smoother shooting. Players can also adjust performance through multiple graphics presets, ensuring it runs well on both flagship and mid-range devices. The intuitive Instinct mode helps newcomers identify targets easily, while classic disguises and stealth mechanics preserve the series’ signature feel.

This release offers both veterans and newcomers a chance to re-evaluate Absolution in its most accessible form yet. It may not be the most traditional entry in the Hitman series, but with Feral’s trademark polish and technical optimisation, the mobile version stands as a refined and portable way to experience Agent 47’s most personal mission to date.

Opinion:

Never liked this genre of games.

But I can see why some people may like it.

Entertainment Updates: Sonic Rumble set to launch this November

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.biz/sonic-rumble-set-to-launch-this-november/

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Sega’s upcoming multiplayer title, Sonic Rumble, is officially set to launch in November 2025, marking the Sonic franchise’s first-ever multiplayer game. Now open for pre-registration on both PC and mobile platforms, the 32-player battle royale pits fan-favourite characters such as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, and Dr Eggman against one another to be the last one standing.

Originally planned for release earlier this year, Sonic Rumble faced several delays — first from winter to spring, then indefinitely just a week before its May launch. According to Rovio’s head of beacon growth, Veli Kiviaho, these postponements were to ensure the game runs smoothly on mid-tier devices, having already achieved strong performance on high-end hardware.

Set in a colourful toy world created by Dr Eggman, the game features chaotic obstacle-course gameplay reminiscent of Fall Guys, with the added speed and flair of the Sonic universe. Players can join global matches either solo or in four-person squads, competing across various arenas filled with hazards and moving traps.

The latest trailer showcases expanded features, including friend-based “Crews” for timed events and team rewards, as well as new stages, modes, and dynamic abilities to obstruct opponents. Sega has also overhauled the progression system, making it easier to unlock cosmetics and character abilities while simplifying achievements for a more rewarding grind.

With its blend of fast-paced action, accessible multiplayer mechanics, and nostalgic characters, Sonic Rumble looks poised to deliver a lively and competitive twist on the iconic blue hedgehog’s world when it launches this November.

Opinion:

Looks cool.

Sonic > Mario on mobile games.

Mario > Sonic on console games.

Rewards Updates: Revolut #HuntTheMouse: Hunt Across Singapore For A S$250,000 Gold Coin & Other Prizes For First-Timers, Youth And Seniors

Source:

https://www.littledayout.com/huntthemouse-gold-coin-hunt-sqkii/

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The #HuntTheMouse 2025 event by Sqkii, in partnership with Revolut, returns from 16 October to 14 December 2025, offering S$1 million in total cash prizes. Hidden across Singapore are a S$250,000 Gold Coin and 600 Silver Coinsworth between S$500 and S$2,000 each. The first person to find a coin redeems its full value in cash.

This year introduces two new categories for inclusivity:

• First-timers, Youth (≤21), and Seniors (≥50) – 400 Silver Coins worth S$500 each are reserved for these groups to encourage intergenerational play.

• #IKWL (“I Know Where Liao”) – An online prediction challenge running from 16 Oct to 30 Nov, where players guess the Gold Coin’s coordinates using daily hints. The top 10 closest guesses within 20 metres share a S$250,000prize pool, with individual winnings from S$25,000 to S$250,000.

A new AI companion named Timii debuts this year, guiding players with real-time tips and hints. The game remains free to play, with real-time maps on huntthemouse.sqkii.com showing coin zones that shrink throughout the day. Power-ups such as Circle Shrink, Coin Sonar, and Metal Detector enhance the gameplay experience.

Hints for the Gold Coin are released thrice daily (10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm) on Sqkii’s Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram. Players must follow safety and property-respect rules to avoid disqualification.

Last year’s edition attracted nearly one million participants, with 79% spending over three hours per hunt. Beyond the chase, the in-game map also highlights Places of Interest, blending adventure with cultural and historical exploration.

Opinion:

Interesting.

Not going to try it though. Lack of time 😅

Gaming Updates: ROG Xbox Ally X review: Finally, a proper Windows-based gaming handheld

Source:

https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/entertainment/gaming/rog-xbox-ally-x-gaming-handheld-review

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ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally X marks a major refinement for Windows-based handheld gaming. Co-developed with Microsoft, it’s the first officially Xbox-branded Windows device, aiming to deliver a console-like experience while retaining full PC flexibility. Priced at S$1,299, it’s premium but arguably the most balanced Windows handheld to date.

Powered by the new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip with RDNA 3.5 graphics and a dedicated NPU, the Ally X runs cooler, faster, and more efficiently than its predecessors. It comes with 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB SSD, and an 80Wh battery, offering up to 9.5 hours of office use or three hours of gaming — a huge leap in battery life. The 7-inch FHD 120Hz IPS display remains bright and responsive, trading OLED contrast for better efficiency.

Design-wise, ASUS nailed ergonomics and build quality. The handheld now feels sturdier, better balanced, and more comfortable with chunkier grips and Xbox-style controls. Cooling is quieter and smoother, while the dual USB-C ports and simplified layout improve practicality, even if the proprietary GPU dock is gone.

Performance is steady across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Zero Dawn, showing no major throttling issues. More importantly, the Xbox-first interface finally feels native — booting straight into Game Pass and Xbox Cloud titles, while still supporting Steam, Epic, and emulators.

While Windows 11 remains clunky for handheld use, ASUS and Microsoft have made major strides toward making it viable. The ROG Xbox Ally X isn’t for everyone, but for PC gamers seeking a powerful, portable, and polished Windows handheld, it’s the first one that truly gets it right.

Opinion:

Nice device.

Will work well for emulation.

The price though is tough to take. 😅

Entertainment Updates: Car rental company in Thailand promises ‘no questions, no judgment, just comfort’ in controversial ad

Source:

https://mustsharenews.com/car-rental-ad-thailand/

ChatGPT:

A Bangkok-based luxury car rental company, MIIV Car Rental, has gone viral with a controversial advertisementpromising clients absolute privacy and discretion. Shared on Instagram on Oct 5, the ad features a seemingly AI-generated image of a well-dressed man and woman sitting closely in the backseat of a luxury car, with the bold tagline: “NOT MY WIFE.” Beneath it reads, “We didn’t see. We don’t know. We just drive.”

The caption reinforces the company’s message of confidentiality: “Our chauffeurs deliver silence, discretion, and seamless service — no questions, no judgment, just comfort.” MIIV promotes itself as a premium chauffeured service, boasting a fleet of luxury vehicles, personal security options, and private bookings via WhatsApp.

The advertisement sparked mixed reactions online. Some netizens praised the company’s “next level marketing” and clever branding for standing out in a competitive market. Others found the ad “wild” or “morally questionable,” interpreting it as a wink at extramarital affairs or secret liaisons. One commenter joked that the company’s service ensures there will be no repeat of the infamous “Coldplay affair” scandal in Thailand.

Though the ad never explicitly mentions infidelity, its provocative tone and imagery have ignited discussions about the line between bold marketing and poor taste. Still, marketing experts noted that the campaign achieved its main goal — massive publicity and brand recognition.

By blending humor, controversy, and luxury, MIIV Car Rental has positioned itself as a symbol of discretion and exclusivity in Thailand’s high-end transport scene — one that promises “no questions, no judgment, just comfort.”

Opinion:

😂

Entertainment Updates: IN FOCUS: Are PC cafes making a comeback in Singapore?

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/pc-cafes-lan-shops-esports-gaming-mobile-in-focus-5397816

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Once a staple of Singapore’s youth culture in the 2000s, PC cafes—or LAN shops—have largely disappeared, shrinking from over 100 outlets to just 15 licensed computer game centres today. Yet, they are now experiencing a quiet reinvention rather than extinction. Modern PC cafes are cleaner, more comfortable, and premium, featuring private gaming rooms, high-end equipment, and even bubble tea.

Industry veterans and new entrepreneurs are reshaping the scene. Titan Gaming, Ignite Gaming SG, and Elixir Esportshave turned traditional LAN shops into esports arenas, offering professional-grade setups, tournaments, and social experiences. For example, Elixir provides hospitality-style amenities—blankets, slippers, and drinks—while Titan and Ignite host leagues and sponsor esports teams. These operators aim to make gaming social, aspirational, and community-driven, not just a casual pastime.

Meanwhile, long-time players like Clique Gaming and Good Speed Game Cafe have diversified into board games, cuesports, and console gaming, evolving into multi-entertainment hubs. Clique now earns most of its revenue from pool and PlayStation setups, while Good Speed has transformed into a “community space” focused on human connection.

Experts note that Singapore’s scene lags behind gaming hotspots like South Korea, China, or Malaysia, where esports are nationally integrated. Still, Singapore’s rising interest in competitive gaming and government support for major esports events suggest potential for a revival.

Beyond gaming, PC cafes now serve as modern “third places”—safe, social environments where youths and even seniors can connect offline. As Redd+E’s Yip Ren Kai put it: “Devices may change, but the desire to connect, compete, and share experiences hasn’t.”

Opinion:

Lan shops experience was part of my childhood.

I think there will be a resurgence of this form of entertainment when my generation grows older.

Entertainment Updates: 'Not financial advice': How new content creation guidelines could shake up Singapore's finfluencing landscape

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/finfluencer-sg-budget-babe-sethisfy-kelvin-learns-investing-chocolate-finance-octafx-5389336

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Singapore’s Monetary Authority (MAS) and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASAS) have introduced new guidelines for responsible financial content, effective March 25, 2026, following past controversies such as unlicensed trading platform promotions and the Chocolate Finance saga. These rules aim to curb misleading “finfluencer” content and ensure creators avoid giving personalised financial advice or inducing panic and FOMO through posts.

Finfluencers like Seth Wee (Sethisfy), Chris Chong (HoneyMoneySG), and Kelvin Tan said the guidelines reinforce practices they already follow, such as transparency and educational framing over recommendations. Chong plans to stress that financial advice should not be one-size-fits-all, while Tan has toned down sensational content and now avoids risky topics like cryptocurrency.

The guidelines also hold financial institutions accountable for marketing content shared through influencers and state that disclaimers such as “not financial advice” do not remove legal liability. Content creators are urged to disclose sponsorships clearly and balance pros and cons in financial product reviews.

Veteran creators like Aaron Wong (The MileLion) and Dawn Cher (SG Budget Babe) welcomed the changes, saying clearer disclosure is overdue and vital for audience trust. They noted that some lifestyle influencers unknowingly promoted unregulated platforms like Octa due to a lack of due diligence.

MAS recently issued advisory letters to five creators for potentially offering unlicensed advice and warned of future enforcement. Some finfluencers proposed a separate licensing scheme for financial educators. Overall, the industry views the move as necessary to professionalise the space and protect consumers from misleading or risky content.

Entertainment Updates: Apple Arcade Adding These Four Games Next Month

Source:

https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/07/apple-arcade-games-coming-in-november/

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Apple announced four new games coming to Apple Arcade in early November 2025.

• Football Manager 26 Touch launches on November 4, featuring updated graphics, Premier League licensing, and women’s soccer.

• On November 6, three more titles arrive: MySims, MySims Kingdom, and Toca Boca Jr Classics.

Apple Arcade, priced at US$6.99/month in the U.S. or bundled in Apple One, offers unlimited access to hundreds of ad-free, in-app-purchase-free games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.

Entertainment Updates: Singapore Population by Town

Source:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOBShwzEzUh/?igsh=c3VtNnl1eHZhd3Ry

Technology Updates: China uses AI to monitor employees and deduct pay

Source:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN6J9PpAD3V/?igsh=a3V3c3MyZGpoZjN5

Entertainment Updates: S$6.8M for a single Pokemon card? Inside the billion-dollar TCG obsession.

Source:

https://vulcanpost.com/897421/singapore-pokemon-cards-hype/

ChatGPT:

Spending S$6.8 million on a single Pokémon card might sound absurd, but in the trading card game (TCG) world, it represents the height of a booming billion-dollar industry. The card in question—Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator, one of only 39 in existence—earned its astronomical price due to rarity, pristine condition (PSA 10 rating), and cultural value. Cards like these are carefully authenticated and preserved, sometimes even displayed with luxury cases.

The Pokémon TCG, with over 75 billion cards sold worldwide, stands as the best-selling trading card game, eclipsing rivals like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic: The Gathering. Demand surged during the pandemic, when nostalgia and investment frenzy collided, pushing auction prices and returns to dizzying levels—some cards have risen over 3,000% since 2004. In Singapore, the hype is visible at store launches and conventions that draw thousands, sometimes sparking chaotic scenes like the cancelled Prismatic Evolutions release at Jewel Changi.

While the speculative mania has cooled, vendors note that interest remains strong. Collectors-turned-retailers like The Pokemon Guys and Capybara Cards highlight how the hobby shifted from casual pastime to side hustles and even full businesses. Yet, the market is now saturated, with demand normalising post-pandemic. Investors continue to monitor prices, but the true lifeblood of the community lies with passionate fans.

Collectors such as Red Mora, who has amassed over 100 Charizard cards since childhood, embody the enduring heart of Pokémon. For him and many others, cards are not just financial assets but cherished memories, artworks, and pieces of nostalgia. Even amid market fluctuations, the thrill of pulling a rare card, trading with friends, or completing a set reminds players that at its core, Pokémon is still about joy—not just profit.

Technology Updates: Microsoft is giving Copilot AI faces you can chat with

Source:

https://www.theverge.com/news/788741/microsoft-copilot-labs-ai-portraits-experiment-human-avatar

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Microsoft is experimenting with a new feature called Copilot Portraits, designed to make AI interactions feel more natural and approachable. Available in the US, UK, and Canada through Copilot Labs, the feature introduces 40 stylized human avatars that animate with facial expressions, lip-sync, and head movements during real-time voice conversations. Users can select an avatar and pair it with a voice, creating a more personal experience than text-based chats.

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman explained the feature was created in response to feedback that people feel more comfortable speaking to a “face.” Unlike the earlier Copilot Appearances feature, which used cartoon-like blobs, Portraits focuses on human-inspired designs. Importantly, the avatars are not photorealistic but intentionally stylized to reduce the risk of misuse while still offering expressive variety.

The technology powering Portraits comes from VASA-1, a Microsoft Research project that generates lifelike animations from a single image without the need for complex 3D modeling. This lets Copilot create responsive visual interactions quickly and at scale.

The move follows similar developments from rivals, such as X’s Grok chatbot, which recently introduced customizable 3D avatars, including anime-inspired companions with controversial NSFW options. Microsoft, however, is rolling out Portraits cautiously, citing safety concerns around AI-human interactions. Safeguards include age restrictions (18+), time limits, and clear indicators reminding users they’re talking to AI.

By combining expressive visuals with trusted Copilot intelligence, Microsoft aims to make AI conversations more engaging, while still prioritizing safety and responsible use. The experiment underscores a broader industry trend: turning chatbots into more personable companions that blend utility with emotional connection.

Gaming Updates: RidePods is the first iPhone game you control with AirPods

Source:

https://www.theverge.com/news/787396/ride-pods-race-with-head-apple-airpods-spatial-audio-motion-controls

ChatGPT:

Developer Ali Tanis has introduced RidePods – Race with Head, the first iOS and iPadOS game controlled entirely through Apple’s AirPods. Instead of swiping the screen or tilting the phone, players steer a motorcycle through oncoming traffic by tilting their heads while wearing AirPods that support Spatial Audio, such as AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and the 3rd and 4th generation AirPods. These models use built-in gyroscopes and accelerometers to track head movements, which the game repurposes for controls.

Although Tanis reverse-engineered Spatial Audio to make the game work, Apple already allows developers access to headphone motion data for other applications, like fitness tracking. Early tests show the controls feel more natural and responsive than expected, with the bike reacting smoothly even to subtle head shifts. Players can also use just one AirPod, or turn off Automatic Head/Ear Detection to transform an earbud into a handheld motion controller for extra challenge.

Gameplay, however, remains limited. The racing occurs on a perfectly straight road, with occasional graphical glitches such as disappearing terrain. The app includes optional settings to control acceleration and braking by nodding or tilting, but these appear inconsistent. Players can switch between first- and third-person perspectives, and even record gameplay clips paired with a selfie video for sharing.

While RidePods feels more like a tech demo than a polished game, it demonstrates the potential of AirPods as motion-based controllers for mobile gaming. The concept hints at possibilities for hands-free gaming experiences far beyond racing, with the developer joking that even a head-gesture-controlled version of Solitaire could be a fun future use case.

Opinion:

Cool concept. 

Curious to see where this goes.

Imagine a Dance Dance Revolution spin-off where you just whip your head around violently. 

Technology Updates: Creator says AI actress Tilly Norwood is 'piece of art' after Hollywood backlash

Source:

https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/tilly-norwood-ai-actress-controversy-471921

ChatGPT:

The debut of AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood has ignited controversy in Hollywood, with her creator defending her as “a piece of art” rather than a threat to human jobs. Tilly, a girl-next-door composite described as an aspiring actress on Instagram, quickly went viral and has attracted interest from talent agents. Eline Van der Velden, founder of production company Particle6, said at a Swiss industry panel that the project demonstrates how AI can cut costs and free creativity from budget constraints. Particle6 hopes to position Tilly as a star on par with Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman.

Norwood has already appeared in a short sketch, and Van der Velden said an agency deal will be announced soon. She argued that AI should be seen as a tool for storytelling and a new creative medium, not a replacement for actors.

Hollywood’s response has been largely negative. Actress Melissa Barrera urged boycotts of agents who represent AI talent, while Mara Wilson criticized the compositing of real women’s faces instead of hiring them. Emily Blunt described Tilly’s realism as “terrifying” and warned agencies against eroding “human connection.” Whoopi Goldberg echoed these concerns, saying AI creations unfairly draw from thousands of actors’ traits, giving them an advantage over humans.

The backlash reflects broader tensions in Hollywood, where AI use was a key issue during the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes. Despite criticism, AI is steadily gaining ground: Spotify-hosted virtual band The Velvet Sundown surpassed one million listeners this summer, and Vogue recently ran an advertisement featuring an AI model.
The debate underscores growing unease over authenticity, fairness, and the future of creativity in an AI-driven entertainment landscape.

Opinion:

AI in entertainment is like pineapple on pizza, everyone’s arguing about it. 

My guess? It’ll take a few more years (and a lot of drama) before entertainers finally swallow the slice.

Food Updates: DIY ramen shops to help you live out your K-drama fantasies

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/diy-ramen-shops-to-help-you-live-out-your-k-drama-fantasies

ChatGPT:

The Korean wave has sparked a trend in Singapore: DIY ramen shops, offering a middle ground between instant noodles at home and full restaurant dining. Mostly self-service, these outlets let customers pick from shelves of instant noodles, pay upfront, and use automated cooking machines to prepare meals with added toppings and condiments. While early entrants like Emart24 and Slurp Mee have closed, new players—including supermarket chains like FairPrice—have stepped in, making DIY ramen more accessible.

Midnight Noodle Club, near Farrer Park MRT, stands out with its playful game-themed ambience and more than 100 noodle varieties from across Asia, including unusual flavours like coriander and vegetarian bak kut teh. Sets start at $8.80, with members enjoying discounts on toppings and condiments. For introverts, Makan Mee offers vending-machine ramen across three outlets, including Citadines Rochor, with prices ranging from $4.50 to $5.90 for noodles and higher-priced toppings.

Supermarket chain FairPrice has also joined in. At Centrepoint’s FairPrice Finest, customers choose from around 24 flavours and toppings like lobster balls, while VivoCity’s FairPrice Xtra offers over 30 noodle types in a colourful Lotte Mart Express corner perfect for Instagram shots. Prices are wallet-friendly, starting from $2.

For K-drama vibes, Seoul Bunsik at Funan provides a sit-down eatery experience with Korean street food and music videos, while Clarke Quay’s The Noodle Place combines a wide noodle range with casual fun—board games included.

Each shop has its niche: wide selection, social ambience, or no-frills convenience. Collectively, they reflect how Singaporeans are embracing Korean-inspired dining trends while customizing ramen to suit individual tastes and budgets.

Gaming Updates: Pokémon Go is bringing couples together

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.com/pokemon-go/is-bringing-together-couples/

ChatGPT:

Video games often foster connections, and Pokémon Go has leaned heavily into community-building with features like Campfire and raid RSVP systems. These efforts have not only encouraged social play but also sparked relationships. At Pokémon Go Fest Paris earlier this year, Niantic even offered couples the chance to register for special proposal experiences, including photo opportunities with mascot Pokémon such as Mimikyu. Several couples, including Dylan and Kayleigh, chose the event to mark their engagements.

Dylan and Kayleigh’s journey with the game began in 2023 while at university. Dylan introduced Pokémon Go as a fun, social distraction during a difficult period for Kayleigh, who had little prior knowledge of the franchise. Their first major event together, Slowpoke Community Day, became a cherished memory and cemented Slowpoke as Kayleigh’s favourite Pokémon. What started as casual play with friends soon grew into something deeper, with Pokémon Go becoming a central part of their relationship.

The couple has since attended multiple Pokémon Go events across Europe, from Paris to Madrid, combining travel with shared gameplay experiences. Dylan, a lifelong Pokémon fan familiar with Nintendo Switch titles and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, found in Kayleigh a partner who quickly embraced the world of Pokémon through the mobile game.

At Fest Paris, Dylan surprised Kayleigh with a proposal that incorporated their shared love of Pokémon Go. Looking ahead, they plan to include Pokémon touches in their wedding. Their story highlights how Niantic’s push for in-person community events has extended beyond gaming, helping people form lasting personal connections.

For many players, Pokémon Go is more than catching Pokémon—it’s a way to build friendships, experiences, and even lifelong partnerships.

Gaming Updates: Here’s everything new Apple Arcade has coming in October

Source:

https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/23/heres-everything-new-apple-arcade-has-coming-in-october/

ChatGPT:

Apple has announced four new titles joining Apple Arcade in October 2025, further expanding its subscription gaming library. The first wave arrives on October 2, featuring three family-friendly games: Dominoes: Classic Tile Game+, Piffle+, and Thomas & Friends: Let’s Roll+. These additions continue Apple’s trend of including casual and accessible titles suitable for a wide audience.

The month’s biggest highlight lands on October 16 with NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition, which debuts the new NBA Erasfeature. Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA Eras allows players to relive historic matchups beginning with the iconic rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Gamers can experience classic drafts, championships, and recreate highlight reels with legendary athletes across decades. Rebecca Chan, Visual Concepts’ general manager, described the project as an exciting opportunity to bring basketball’s storied history into the mobile gaming space.

This follows September’s additions of NFL Retro Bowl ’26 and Jeopardy! Daily, signaling Apple Arcade’s growing mix of sports and entertainment-based content. While the service was once dominated by indie games, Apple has increasingly leaned on well-known franchises and major IPs to attract broader audiences.

Apple Arcade remains available at US$6.99 per month, or as part of the Apple One bundle, and provides subscribers with access to more than 200 games free of ads and in-app purchases. The October lineup reflects Apple’s continued push to diversify its catalogue, blending classic casual games with premium sports titles that appeal to both younger audiences and long-time fans.

Gaming Updates: New Cozy Adventure Game with "Very Positive" Reviews is Free on Steam

Source:

https://gamerant.com/free-cozy-game-on-steam-the-wind-and-the-wisp/

ChatGPT:

A new indie title, The Wind and the Wisp, has arrived on Steam as a free-to-play cozy adventure, quickly earning “Very Positive” reviews. Developed by Lil Buddy Productions, a team from the University of Southern California’s USC Games, the game combines heartfelt storytelling with a unique microphone-based mechanic, offering players a short yet emotionally rich experience.

In the game, players guide two characters—a gentle petal breeze called the Wind and a small ghostly figure known as the Wisp—through a fragile garden world. The narrative centers on friendship, grief, and healing, beginning when two best friends are separated by death. The Wisp, representing the departed friend, awakens in a mysterious realm and sets out to restore the broken gardens, symbolizing connection and belonging despite loss.

Gameplay blends 3D platforming and puzzle-solving with the innovative breathing mechanic. By blowing into a microphone, players stir the Wind to influence the Wisp’s movements, interact with flower-based mechanics, and bring life back to the garden. This design creates a deeply immersive environment, merging physical interaction with emotional resonance.

Though the game lasts around 30 minutes, it has captured attention for its originality and poignant themes. Reviewers highlight how its short runtime is balanced by meaningful storytelling that touches on love, mortality, and the afterlife, elevating it beyond a typical indie platformer.

The Wind and the Wisp adds to Steam’s growing library of student-driven indie projects, showing how smaller-scale games can deliver memorable and moving experiences. Free to download, it provides players a thoughtful, cozy escape filled with charm, creativity, and heart.

Entertainment Updates: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle 2025

ChatGPT:

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Critical Reviews

What critics generally liked:

• The animation and visuals are widely praised. Ufotable’s work on the fight sequences, especially the depiction of the Infinity Castle itself, is considered spectacular. (The Guardian)

• Emotional weight: many reviews appreciate the flashbacks and character arcs (notably of Akaza), giving more depth to the villains. (The Guardian)

• Faithful adaptation of the manga: the movie is seen to deliver many of the chapters’ biggest moments in ways that resonate. (The Guardian)

What critics found less successful:

• Pacing issues: the heavy use of flashbacks tends to slow down the forward momentum. For some viewers, it breaks the tension built by the action. (The Guardian)

• The film doesn’t resolve all narrative threads — as a first part of a trilogy, some felt it ended too “on a cliff” without enough payoff. (Rotten Tomatoes)

• Some supporting characters get less screen time, which disappointed fans who enjoy the full ensemble. (Metacritic)

Scores from critics:

• Metacritic’s early reviews: e.g. Total Film gave it ~80/100, Screen Daily ~70/100, IGN ~60/100. (Metacritic)

• The Guardian (Phuong Le) gave it 4/5 stars, calling it “a spectacular treat” with strong visuals and emotional impact (though noting some flashback slowdowns). (The Guardian)

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Netizen / Fan / Audience Reviews

Highlights:

• Many viewers say the movie is emotionally powerful, several noting they were moved / cried during certain scenes. (The Times of India)

• Huge praise for the animation (“breathtaking,” “best work yet”, “Ufotable is GOAT”) and sound / music — fans especially behind fight scenes on big screens. (The Times of India)

• Fans appreciate how manga moments are visualised: they like seeing key panels brought to life. (The Times of India)

Criticisms from netizens:

• Some felt the flashbacks and backstory segments (especially for Akaza / the Upper Rank demons) were too long — they disrupted flow. (IMDb)

• A few say that certain character moments or fights didn’t feel as strong as expected, or that some characters were underused. (IMDb)

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Average Ratings

Putting together what’s available:

• On Rotten Tomatoes, the critical “Tomatometer” (percentage of positive reviews) is very high: ~95%. (GamesRadar+)

• On Filmarks in Japan, first-day satisfaction from user reviews is about 4.36/5 (based on ~8,114 people). (Wikipedia)

• On IMDb, audience reception is very positive; one article notes it has become the “highest-rated original anime movie” there, around 8.9/10. (GamesRadar+)

• On RatingGraph, the average rating is about 8.7/10 with many votes. (Rating Graph)

If we convert things to a common “out of 5” scale, many audience scores map to ~ 4.3-4.5 / 5. Critics’ star ratings tend to cluster around 4/5 as well, though some are more mixed (~3-3.5/5) because of pacing or structure.

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Memorable Quotes & “Best Lines”

I wasn’t able to find many reliable full quotes from the movie (especially in English translation) from the sources I checked. One fan note, though, is about a Giyu Tomioka quote that was cut from the movie (present in the manga) and many fans mourn its absence. The line is:

“I must pass on what was entrusted to me. Never again will I let family and friends die before my eyes. I will save him. I will save Tanjiro… the same way I was saved.”
— Giyu Tomioka (ComicBook.com)

Because it was cut, fans consider it one of the most powerful quotes that could have been in the film but wasn’t. (ComicBook.com)

If you like, I can try compiling a list of accurate translated quotes from the film (Japanese & English) once more screenings have completed / more transcripts are available.

Opinion:

Agree with 3.5 rating.

I think it's more suited as a TV series rather than a movie with the multiple long flashbacks.

Entertainment Updates: Nintendo Confirms The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Coming April 2026 With First Teaser Trailer

Source:

https://sea.ign.com/super-mario-galaxy/232810/news/nintendo-confirms-the-super-mario-galaxy-movie-coming-april-2026-with-first-teaser-trailer

ChatGPT:

Nintendo officially confirmed during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct that Illumination, the studio behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie, will return to produce The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The project adapts the beloved 2007 Wii platformer and will debut in U.S. theaters on April 3, 2026, followed by a Japanese release on April 24, 2026. The announcement was accompanied by a brief teaser trailer that concluded with the film’s title and logo reveal.

As expected, much of the original cast from the 2023 box office hit will reprise their roles. Chris Pratt returns as Mario, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. This continuity ensures fans will once again hear familiar voices bringing Nintendo’s iconic characters to life.

The casting also opens the door for fresh additions. Foremost among fan speculation is who will portray Rosalina, a central character introduced in the Super Mario Galaxy game but absent from the previous movie. Many viewers are eager to see how Illumination adapts her cosmic role in the story. Another mystery is Yoshi’s involvement, teased in the post-credits sequence of the prior film. Whether Mario’s loyal dinosaur companion will speak or simply appear remains unknown.

Nintendo’s decision to expand the cinematic Mario universe underscores its growing commitment to cross-media storytelling. The original film grossed over a billion dollars globally, making a sequel all but inevitable. By focusing on one of the franchise’s most critically acclaimed titles, Nintendo and Illumination are setting expectations high for fans of both the games and the first movie. With just months to go until release, anticipation for The Super Mario Galaxy Movieis already building rapidly.

Opinion:

Kids are excited about this movie.

Me too 😋