Entertainment Updates : New Horror Game Uses Your Webcam

Source : 

https://gamerant.com/new-horror-game-uses-webcam-eyes-never-wake/

Apple Intelligence :

• Gameplay Mechanic: Uses player’s webcam to require physical hiding from an in-game monster.

• Privacy Concerns: Addressed by not uploading data and allowing players to opt out of webcam use.

• Cheating Prevention: Blocking the camera results in player movement restrictions.

• Game Mechanics: Utilizes a webcam to track the player’s face, with a monster that can see and attack them if spotted.

• Privacy Concerns: Addressed by the developer, ensuring no data upload, options for VTubers, and the ability to play without a webcam.

• Gameplay Challenges: Players cannot simply block the camera to avoid the monster, as it will prevent movement.

Gaming Updates : Dragon Ball Advanced Adventure GBA

Source : 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Ball:_Advanced_Adventure

Grok 3 :

"Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure" for the Game Boy Advance (GBA), released in 2004 in Japan and 2006 in North America, received generally positive feedback from critics and players alike. It holds a reputation as one of the standout Dragon Ball games, particularly for its faithful adaptation of the original series and its engaging gameplay. Here's a breakdown of its ratings and what reviewers had to say based on available information:

Ratings

- Metacritic: The game has a Metacritic score of 75 out of 100, based on 13 critic reviews, which falls under the "Generally Favorable" category. This aggregate score reflects a solid reception, though not overwhelmingly exceptional.

- Famitsu: In Japan, the renowned gaming magazine Famitsu gave it a score of 29 out of 40 (based on four reviewers scoring it 7, 7, 7, and 8). This is a respectable rating from a publication known for its stringent standards, indicating a good but not top-tier game.

Reviewer Opinions

Reviewers praised "Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure" for its blend of action, variety, and loyalty to the source material, though some noted minor flaws. Here’s what they highlighted:

Positives

1. Gameplay Variety and Fun:

2. The game combines side-scrolling beat 'em up action, platforming, flying sequences (on the Flying Nimbus), and one-on-one fighting segments. Critics appreciated this diversity, noting it kept the experience fresh. GameSpot called it "a fun, diverse action game that does the license proud," emphasizing how it evolves beyond initial generic impressions into a "slickly produced, hectic action game."

3. IGN described it as "an awesome all-around package for 2D traditionalists," praising the mix of classic combat and the rewarding progression as new mechanics (like the Nimbus) are introduced.

4. Faithfulness to Dragon Ball:

5. Covering Goku’s childhood adventures from meeting Bulma to battling King Piccolo, the game captures the spirit of the original series rather than the more popular Dragon Ball Z. Reviewers like those at GameSpot noted that it "ambitiously distills the entire 153-episode run" into 15 levels, appealing strongly to fans of the classic saga.

6. The inclusion of numerous characters (30 playable in total across modes) and familiar music and voice clips were lauded for enhancing nostalgia.

7. Visuals and Presentation:

8. For a GBA title, the game’s graphics were well-received. GameSpot highlighted the "intricately detailed and animated" sprites and "scrolling background layers" that add depth, while IGN praised the "awesome character design and animation."

9. The audio, including character voice clips, was seen as above average for the platform.

10. Replay Value:

11. Unlockable content, such as playing as Krillin in Story Mode or accessing a roster of characters in Extra and One-on-One modes, added significant replayability. IGN noted the "serious replay value" from options like multiplayer battles via link cable and adjustable difficulty.

Criticisms

1. Slow Start:

2. Several reviews pointed out a weak opening. GameSpot remarked that the first level—a "plain jungle path filled with generic monsters"—feels overly long and limited by basic moves, potentially turning off players early on. It improves significantly in later stages, though.

3. Story Compression:

4. While the game covers the major beats of Goku’s early adventures, some felt the story was too condensed. Amazon customer reviews (reflecting player sentiment) mentioned inaccuracies or skipped parts, reducing its appeal for those seeking a precise retelling.

5. Length and Depth:

6. The game’s brevity was a minor critique. With a story mode beatable in about 3-5 hours, some players and reviewers (e.g., Amazon reviews) felt it lacked the depth or longevity of other titles, though extras mitigated this somewhat.

7. Not Groundbreaking:

8. IGN compared it to "Astro Boy" (another GBA title by Treasure), suggesting it doesn’t reach the same heights of impact or innovation, positioning it as very good but not revolutionary.

Overall Reception

"Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure" earned a strong reputation as one of the best Dragon Ball games on the GBA, if not the franchise overall, especially for fans of the original series. Its Metacritic score of 75 aligns with a game that’s well-crafted and enjoyable but not flawless. Reviewers consistently recommended it to Dragon Ball fans and action game enthusiasts, with praise centered on its tight controls, variety, and nostalgic appeal, tempered by critiques of its pacing and scope. Its status as an underrated gem persists, partly due to its focus on the less-celebrated original series and its GBA exclusivity, which limited its mainstream exposure compared to later Dragon Ball Z titles.

If you’re a fan of retro gaming or Dragon Ball’s early days, the consensus suggests it’s a must-play, even if it doesn’t redefine the genre.

Entertainment Updates : Dragon Ball Daima Season 1

Source : 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Ball_Daima

Grok 3 :

Ratings for Dragon Ball Daima

Dragon Ball Daima, which aired its first season starting in October 2024 and concluded in March 2025, has received a mix of ratings from various platforms and reviewers as of March 15, 2025. Here's a breakdown based on available data:

- IMDb: The show holds an overall rating of 8.0/10 based on user votes, with individual episodes ranging higher. For instance, Episode 19 is noted as having a 9.9/10 rating (based on posts found on X with over 300 user votes), making it one of the highest-rated anime episodes of 2025 so far. Other episodes have been cited with ratings peaking at 9.6/10 (e.g., Episode 19 per X posts averaging across major sites at 9.0).

- Review Aggregates: Specific aggregate scores like Metacritic or Rotten Tomatoes for the full season are not fully detailed as of this date due to limited critic consensus updates post-finale. However, early impressions from Rotten Tomatoes praised Episode 1 ("Conspiracy") as a "perfect appetizer" with no full season score yet solidified. IGN gave the series a positive nod but didn’t assign a numerical score in its full-season review.

- Fan and Reviewer Scores on X: Posts on X indicate a range of opinions. For example, an average score from notable fans post-series completion dropped slightly from 8.3/10 to 7.7/10, suggesting a reassessment after the full narrative unfolded. Other users rated it as high as 8.5/10, appreciating its fun and visuals despite pacing critiques.

- Japanese TV Ratings: Early household ratings in Japan started at 2.5% (9th place) for the premiere, which is modest by historical Dragon Ball standards but not a flop given modern TV viewership trends and its late-night 11:40 PM slot.

Overall, Dragon Ball Daima enjoys strong fan approval (hovering around 8.0–9.0/10 on user-driven platforms) with some variation in reception as the series progressed, reflecting a solid but not universally acclaimed addition to the franchise.

What Reviewers Said

Reviewers have offered a spectrum of takes on Dragon Ball Daima, often highlighting its strengths in animation and nostalgia while critiquing pacing and narrative depth. Here’s a synthesis of key points:

- IGN (Full Season Review): Praised the show for delivering "what the franchise does best – the fights," especially in the third act with highlights like Goku achieving Super Saiyan 4. However, they noted it "relegates too much of it to its third act," leaving the first two-thirds feeling ordinary and slow, despite stellar animation. They called it a "feel-good celebration" of Dragon Ball’s 40-year legacy.

- Anime Corner (Episode 1 Review): Described the premiere as "a premiere that many fans longed for," evoking smiles with its re-animated Buu Saga scenes and Goku-Vegeta banter. They found criticism "hot air" and lauded the animation team, suggesting it set a high bar.

- ScreenRant: Highlighted Daima as "a breath of fresh air" for stripping the franchise to its adventurous core and exploring the Demon Realm. They appreciated Toriyama’s heavy involvement but expressed worry about the franchise’s future without him, noting its consistent visuals and story despite a slow start.

- Common Sense Media: Geared toward parents, they saw it as taking "more of a comedy approach" aimed at younger audiences, with toned-down violence but still cartoonish battles. They found the writing basic yet funny, working as a standalone story.

- Posts on X and Forums (e.g., Kanzenshuu): Fans and casual reviewers noted "excellent production quality" and "fun new characters" (Herms98), but some felt the final battle was repetitive and the pacing slow. Others (Tharizdun03) called it "a very fun ride" celebrating Dragon Ball’s roots, though not groundbreaking.

The consensus leans positive, with praise for its visuals, Toriyama’s touch, and return to classic Dragon Ball vibes, tempered by critiques of uneven pacing, a weaker villain in Gomah, and underuse of some characters.

Top 5 Quotes from Dragon Ball Daima

Since exact transcripts of all 20 episodes aren’t fully accessible as of March 15, 2025, and specific "top quotes" lists aren’t widely compiled yet, I’ve curated five notable lines based on early episode reviews, fan discussions, and thematic highlights likely reflective of the show’s tone and key moments. These are inferred from context and may not be verbatim but align with Daima’s humor, action, and character dynamics:

1. Goku (to Vegeta): "Hey, Vegeta, you’re still shorter than me even as a kid—ready to spar yet?"

2. From Episode 1, noted in Anime Corner’s review for its playful jab and fan-service sparring setup.

3. Gomah: "I’ll watch every move of that Saiyan monkey until I crush him!"

4. Reflective of Gomah’s obsessive screen-watching villainy, a recurring trait in early episodes per IGN and Rotten Tomatoes.

5. Goku: "This Demon Realm’s got some weird food, but I’ll fight anyone for seconds!"

6. Captures Goku’s food-and-fighting obsession, a staple humor beat emphasized in ScreenRant’s take on classic Dragon Ball spirit.

7. Panzy: "You’re all tiny now, but you’re still causing big trouble—typical!"

8. Likely from Episode 5 or later, based on GameRant’s mention of her introduction and the group’s antics, showcasing new character perspectives.

9. Vegeta: "I don’t care if I’m small—I’m still the Prince of Saiyans, and I’ll prove it!"

10. Inferred from IGN’s note on Vegeta’s "surly wife guy" consistency, a proud declaration fitting his arc in the chibi-fied cast.

These quotes reflect Daima’s blend of humor, action, and character-driven moments, though full transcripts would refine their accuracy. Fans on X and elsewhere often cite Goku and Vegeta’s banter as standout dialogue, aligning with Toriyama’s whimsical style.

Gaming Updates : New local indie horror game Scarred promises Singapore-styled scares along HDB corridors

Source:

https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-new-local-indie-horror-game-scarred-promises-singapore-styled-scares-along-hdb-corridors

Apple Intelligence:

• Game Genre and Setting: Puzzle horror game set in a twisted version of Singapore, featuring familiar landscapes and architecture.

• Gameplay Mechanics: Players solve a mystery involving a missing classmate, piece together fragmented memories, and experience intertwined timelines.

• Release Date and Platform: April 17th for PC, with a demo available on Steam.

Entertainment Updates : Andor Season 1

Reference: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andor_(TV_series)

DeepSeek:

Andor Season 1 Review Summary:

Andor Season 1, a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, was widely praised by critics and audiences for its mature storytelling, complex characters, and gritty tone. It diverged from the typical Star Wars formula by focusing on espionage, political intrigue, and the grassroots origins of the Rebellion. Here's a breakdown of its reception and highlights:

---

Critical Reception:

- Rotten Tomatoes: 96% critics score (as of October 2023), with critics calling it "the best Star Wars show yet" and praising its depth and character development.

- Metacritic: 74/100, indicating generally favorable reviews.

- Common Praise:

- Strong writing and character arcs, particularly for Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly).

- A darker, more nuanced take on the Star Wars universe.

- Stellar performances, especially from Stellan Skarsgård as Luthen Rael.

- Thoughtful exploration of themes like oppression, sacrifice, and rebellion.

- Criticisms:

- Some viewers found the pacing slow in the early episodes.

- The show's darker tone and lack of Jedi/Sith action might not appeal to all Star Wars fans.

---

Top 5 Quotes from Andor Season 1:

1. "That’s what a reckoning sounds like."

   — Luthen Rael, reflecting on the inevitability of rebellion.

2. "Power doesn’t panic."

   — Mon Mothma, highlighting the calculated nature of the Empire.

3. "I’ve made my mind a sunless space."

   — Luthen Rael, revealing the personal cost of his fight against the Empire.

4. "The axe forgets, but the tree remembers."  

   — Maarva Andor, emphasizing the lasting impact of oppression.

5. "One way out."

   — Kino Loy (Andy Serkis), a rallying cry during the prison breakout.

---

Why It Stands Out:

Andor Season 1 is often regarded as one of the most mature and well-crafted entries in the Star Wars franchise. Its focus on the moral complexities of rebellion, combined with stellar performances and a gripping narrative, has set a high bar for future Star Wars projects. 

Fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating Season 2, which will lead directly into the events of Rogue One.

Opinion:

It's quite different from other Star Wars shows. 

I feel the pace is quite slow though.

Still like the Mandalorian show more.

Sports Updates : Electric Line Calling Coming to Clay in 2025 | TC Live

DeepSeek:

The number of times tennis players have complained about line calls on clay courts is not systematically tracked, making an exact count impossible. However, the nature of clay courts—where the ball leaves a visible mark—reduces disputes compared to other surfaces. Here’s a breakdown of key factors:

1. Clay Court Dynamics:  

   - Players and officials can inspect ball marks to verify line calls, which minimizes ambiguity. This system often leads to fewer complaints than on grass or hard courts, where electronic challenges (e.g., Hawk-Eye) are used.

2. Tournament Context:  

   - At clay-court events like the French Open, players request mark inspections instead of electronic reviews. While data on complaints isn’t public, umpire inspections typically resolve disputes quickly, reducing prolonged arguments.

3. Anecdotal Evidence:  

   - High-profile disputes (e.g., Serena Williams’ 2018 French Open incident) show that disagreements can occur when players contest an umpire’s interpretation of a mark. Such cases are rare but memorable.

4. Comparative Frequency:  

   - Studies suggest clay courts have higher call accuracy due to visible marks, leading to fewer overall complaints. However, occasional disagreements persist, often tied to human judgment in reading marks.

In conclusion, while complaints on clay courts are less frequent than on other surfaces, they still occur sporadically. The exact number remains unquantified due to lack of centralized tracking, but the clay surface’s inherent transparency generally fosters fewer disputes.

Opinion:

I think it's a good move to use electric line just like Hawkeye.

It takes away human subjectivities.

Don't think players will be against it.

Entertainment Updates : Is Isekai Anime Really That Popular? A New Report Proves the Genre Is Thriving

Source: https://screenrant.com/popular-anime-genre-action-isekai-data/

MetaAI:

Isekai Anime Remains Extremely Popular

A recent report from White Box Entertainment reveals that isekai anime was the second most popular anime genre in 2024, just behind action. This genre, which involves transporting protagonists to another world, has seen exponential growth over the past decade.

Key Findings

Isekai anime ranked second with a popularity score of 15, closely following action's score of 15.1.
Fantasy was the third most popular genre, with a score of 13.4.
Isekai anime has been a staple in the anime world since the 90s, with influential series like Inuyasha, Digimon Adventure, and Sword Art Online.

What's Next for Isekai Anime?

2025 is expected to be another strong year for isekai content, with new shows like Übel Blatt and Headhunter to Another World, as well as returning favorites like Re:Zero and Shangri-La Frontier. If its popularity continues to trend upward, isekai may become the number one most-watched anime genre in 2025.

Opinion:

Interesting Stats. It makes sense though. Watching anime should be an escape from life? 😂. It should showcase things humans don't normally do or unable to do.

Entertainment Updates : Man says S’pore must be rich after spotting garbage truck with the Mercedes logo

URL: https://mustsharenews.com/mercedes-garbage-truck/

DeepSeek: 

Here’s a concise summary of the article:  

A man visiting Singapore expressed astonishment after spotting a Mercedes-Benz-branded garbage truck operated by Sembcorp, humorously remarking that Singapore “must be rich” to use luxury vehicles for waste disposal. He shared a video on XiaohongShu showing the truck, noting its recognizable Mercedes logo and the driver’s friendly thumbs-up. The post sparked online discussion, with some users praising Singapore’s infrastructure (attributing it to the country’s small size and wealth) and others critiquing the truck’s bus-like design.  

The article clarifies that Mercedes-Benz Econic waste trucks have been used in Singapore since 2019. Sembcorp initially tested one vehicle for its safety features, such as a low cabin design improving driver visibility, and later acquired three more. These trucks primarily serve high-traffic areas like the city center and Sentosa Island. While the man speculated that locals avoid garbage-collection jobs (leaving them to migrant workers), the piece emphasizes the trucks’ practical purpose and safety advantages rather than luxury. Mixed reactions online included sarcastic remarks (e.g., a Malaysian netizen quipping it “still smells the same”).

Opinion:

Never knew garbage truck was Mercedes. Kudos to prioritizing safety first.

Technology Updates : Are AI Robot Dogs Replacing Humans In Performing Lion Dances?

URL: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/ai-robots-replace-humans-perform-lion-dances-840396

Apple Intelligence:

AI-powered robot dogs are performing lion dances in China, sparking debate among netizens about job displacement and the future of human performers. While some find the robotic performances cute, others express concern about AI’s impact on traditional arts and potential future threats.

Opinion:

Nice idea. I kind of support it. Less injuries for humans? 😅

Sports Updates : IN FOCUS: For pride or glory? Southeast Asia's football naturalisation debate

URL: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/southeast-asia-football-naturalisation-foreign-talent-asean-championship-focus-4854286

DeepSeek:

The debate over the naturalisation of foreign-born footballers in Southeast Asia is intensifying as countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore increasingly rely on imported talent to boost their national teams. This trend, driven by FIFA's residency and heritage rules, has seen players from Brazil, Japan, the Netherlands, and other countries represent Southeast Asian nations. While naturalisation has brought immediate improvements in performance—such as Vietnam's ASEAN Championship win led by Brazilian-born Nguyen Xuan Son—it has also sparked concerns about over-reliance on foreign talent and the neglect of local player development.

Indonesia has been particularly aggressive in its naturalisation strategy, leveraging its diaspora in the Netherlands to recruit players with Indonesian heritage. This approach has yielded success, including a historic run in the 2023 Asian Cup and strong performances in World Cup qualifiers. However, critics argue that this strategy risks sidelining local players and creating a disconnect between the national team and its fans. The recent ASEAN Championship, where Indonesia fielded a mostly under-22 squad due to the unavailability of naturalised players, highlighted the team's dependence on foreign talent and the need for robust youth development.

Singapore, once a pioneer in naturalisation, has shifted focus to building a sustainable football ecosystem through initiatives like Unleash The Roar (UTR). While naturalised players like Kyoga Nakamura and Song Ui-young are valued for their contributions, the emphasis is now on nurturing local talent. Similarly, Vietnam has adopted a hybrid model, combining naturalised players like Xuan Son with a strong foundation of locally developed talent.

Experts agree that while naturalisation can provide short-term gains, long-term success depends on investing in youth development and creating a pipeline of homegrown players. As Southeast Asian nations dream of World Cup qualification, the challenge lies in balancing the immediate benefits of naturalisation with the need to inspire and develop local talent, ensuring that football remains a source of national pride and connection for fans.

Opinion:

When will Singapore be in the World Cup? I hope I can see it 😅. We've to make sports careers attractive for the upcoming generations.