Shipments for Analogue's upcoming console - known as the Analogue 3D - have been delayed. Read more

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereJosef Fares latest co-op masterpiece Split Fiction has been released to incredible success, but the studio is already working on their next multiplayer adventure.To celebrate the games success, the first two players to find the games secret level and complete it have been invited to the developers Swedish game studio to see their next game in-development.Split Fiction players win trip to see Hazelights next gameChinese video game streamers E1uM4y & Sharkovo have become the first players to find and beat Split Fictions secret level challenge. Streamed on BiliBili, the two speedrunners streamed themselves playing through the challenge, unlocking a secret video from director Josef Fares.Wow, amazing, Fares says in the video. You have to understand that there are barely people on our team that can make it. It took us a lot of time to finish it. And Im telling you that this is a crazy, crazy achievement that you have done.And Im not talking to you guys who are looking at this on YouTube. If you see this on YouTube, you should go to the game. Its a really hard challenge. But for those of you who are actually in the game seeing this video, I am super amazed. Im going to say one thing: if you see me in real life, somewhere, and you can prove to me that you actually did this challenge, I can promise you, the first one to do that, Im going to fly you to Sweden and show you footage of our next game.Fares promise has already been banked in. After seeing the clip of the gamers finishing the Split Fiction challenge, the game director invited the duo to the Hazelight studio to see early footage of their next game.Congrats to sharkOvO and E1uM4y for finishing the secret challenge Laser Hell in Split Fiction. VERY impressive! I will keep my promise and invite you both to Sweden for an early look of our next game, the director said. Well be in touch!Not much is known about Hazelights next game. However, with the studios focus on providing amazing multiplayer experiences, we can be sure that it will not only be another co-op game, but another amazing one. Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereHelldivers 2 fans have the new Borderline Justice Warbond coming out soon, and leaks have revealed impressive stats for its weapons and armor before launch. While this new Warbond is exciting, we are also still dealing with the fallout from the latest HD2 patch. Following this new update, the Helldivers 2 CEO has confirmed a weapon-ruining bug and has responded to a demand for nerfs over the new bots.Helldivers 2 CEO confirms bug and responds to fans wanting nerfsArrowhead recently released the Helldivers 2 update 01.002.200 patch notes, and this delivered a bunch of intended buffs and nerfs for weapons. However, following the release of the patch, fans noticed changes to the grenade launcher not mentioned in the patch notes.As shared by frustrated players on Reddit, the grenade launcher received a huge nerf to its range. Players noticed that it has now has the range of the Ultimatum, which means It has less range than simply throwing grenades.Players were unsure whether this was a bug or a secret nerf. Fortunately, Arrowhead CEO, Shams Jorjani, has confirmed on Discord that it is indeed a bug. In response to someone saying, please tell me grenade launcher is bugged and you didnt intend for it to have range of ultimatum, Jorjani said, afaik its a bug. enjoy it while it lasts.Image credit: Helldivers DiscordHopefully this bug gets fixed fairly soon because it has ruined the Grenade Launcher for now. In addition to confirming the GL bug, Jorjani also responded to fans wanting the new bots to be nerfed.There have been some complaints about the difficulty of the new bots online, with some players calling for them to be nerfed while others have pleaded with Arrowhead not to nerf at all. Depending on which side of the fence you sit, the good news is that it appears nerfs are not planned.In response to a user begging him to promise Arrowhead will not nerf the new bots, Jorjani asked, are people asking for nerfs?. Then, in another message, Jorjani pondered, people who think theyre too hard: why not play on a lower difficulty?.Image credit: Helldivers DiscordFor more Helldivers 2, check out our guide to thebest warbonds ranked, along with thebest stratagemsandbest throwables. We have also a guide to thebest weapons, and, if youre coming back to HD2 for the first time in a long while, we have a bunch oftips and tricksto help you get reaccustomed to the battlefield.Helldivers 2Platform(s):PC, PlayStation 5Genre(s):Action, Shooter, Third Person8VideoGamerRelated TopicsHelldivers 2 Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

The Atlanta interior designers, architects, and builders in the AD PRO Directory each have styles as unique as the citys eclectic neighborhoods. Whether theyre designing penthouses in midtown, renovating midcentury spaces in Morningside, or outfitting mansions in Tuxedo Park, these talents offer their clients personality-packed spaces that fit their lifestyles. While their signature aesthetics range from colorful and pattern-packed to sleek and contemporary, these Atlanta firms arent afraid to take design risksas seen in their daring uses of color, eye-catching materials, and one-of-a-kind custom furnishings. If youre a new transplant to A-Town or a long-time resident looking for a refresh, these AD-approved Atlanta interior designers, architects, and builders can help even the trickiest renovation turn out peachy.On the listInterior DesignersHarry Young DesignFor the main kitchen in the palatial former home of both Usher and LA Reid in Alpharetta, Georgia, Henry Young Design painted the cabinets in a moody muted green and used five slabs of Calacatta Borghini marble to craft open shelving with matching backsplashes, a range hood cover, and thickly mitered countertops.Kristin KarchWhether hes designing a 10,000-square-foot estate or a more modest midcentury home, designer Harry Young makes each home feel welcoming and personal. An Atlanta native, Young founded his eponymous in 2021 and quickly made a name for himself in the citys design scene. Neutral palettes and materials with elegant patina bring an easygoing yet polished look to Youngs interiors, and the designer collaborates closely with clients on spaces that showcase their passions, such as boutique-like closets and artful wine rooms. Harry Young Design offers full-service interior design for renovations, as well as interior decoration for room refreshes and by-the-hour video consultations.The Drawing RoomFor a hundred-year-old-home nestled in midtown Atlanta, The Drawing Room incorporated an eclectic mix in a seating area, including pieces by TDR Collection, Lee Broom, Isa Bergamo, and artist Jon Eric Riis.Gregory MillerEach space dreamed up by the Drawing Room is truly one of a kind, thanks to the firms storytelling-inspired approach to design. The firm creates a detailed narrative in each of its thoughtfully curated interiors, blending an eclectic mix of old and new and placing artwork center stage. Led by creative director Seth van den Bergh, The Drawing Room makes each room an experience, incorporating eye-catching lighting, luxurious materials, and elegant wall coverings. Custom-designed pieces by the firms TDR Collection complete the look and add to the highly personalized feel of each space.Williams Papadopoulos DesignWilliams Papadopoulos Design updated the grand living room of a 1909 home to accommodate the clients modern way of life while highlighting the spaces historic architecture. The fireplaces original inglenook was reinterpreted with floor-to-ceiling marble and the woodwork was brought back to its initial splendor.Photo by Emily Followill; styled by Yvonne OrchardLed by principals Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos, Williams Papadopoulos Design creates lively and inspired interiors that showcase owners unique personalities. From polished high-rise apartments to historic homes updated for modern living, the firms portfolio showcases its ability to work on projects of all sizes and styles. Williams Papadopoulos Design works on residential, multifamily, and commercial projects, offering in-house interior design and architectural services to clients in the Atlanta area and throughout the United States and the Caribbean. The team guides clients through its clear design process, helping to bring everything from renovations to new builds to life.K Kong DesignsWhen designing her own primary suite, Kristin Kong of K Kong Designs wanted a reflective space that was both interesting and enveloping. By using deep shades of aubergine, amethyst, and fuchsia and accenting with geometric and global prints, she created a sanctuary that is both soothing and celebrates cultural artistry.Mali AzimaThe bold colors and statement pieces of the 70s and 80s are reinvented for today in the interiors of K Kong Designs. Led by principal designer Kristin Kong, the firm is known for its layered, glamorous, and livable spaces, which incorporate metallic accents, luxe textiles, and moments of drama. Whether designing historic homes or new construction, the designer draws on her background in fashion and fine arts to transform interiors into vibrant reflections of their occupants. Kong and her team work on whole-home residential projects and also collaborate with commercial and boutique hospitality clients.Laura W. Jenkins InteriorsLaura W. Jenkins Interiors designed the kitchen of a historic Atlanta home around the art, selecting a bright white for the walls to showcase the eclectic mix of pieces. The warm tones of the original heart pine floors and furniture play nicely with the deep greens of the cabinets and soapstone.Jeff Herr PhotoDrawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including history, art, literature, and fashion, designer Laura W. Jenkins breathes new life into historic spaces. Whether shes designing a 1930s Colonial home or a midcentury ranch, the designer incorporates a dynamic mix of styles, joyful colors, and eye-catching artwork. Jenkins and her team are able to showcase the architecture and history of a home while adding their clients personality to the space. Laura W. Jenkins Interiors specializes in residential interiors, including new construction and full-home historic renovations, and works with clients across the country, from Brooklyn to San Francisco.Atelier DavisFor a bathroom in the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, Dallas, Atelier Davis drew inspiration from the natural surroundings of the home and the Texas sunsets, bringing in dark rust tone paint and terra-cotta marble mosaic by Artistic Tile.Stephen KarlischExpect the unexpectedand delightfulin the work of designer Jessica Davis and her firm Atelier Davis. With offices in Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles, the full-service women-led and operated firm works across disciplines, bringing its creative eye to residential and commercial interior projects, furniture and product designs, and landscape design. Davis and her team are known for their ability to enliven historic homes, from an Eichler residence in Palo Alto that they infused with color and pattern to a French colonialstyle home in Atlanta with art and drama at every turn. The firm sources from socially-conscious suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring the finished product is good for the client and the world.CG Interiors GroupAdjacent to the kitchen, the earth-toned family room in a Buckhead mansion was designed by CG Interiors Group with warmth and flexibility in mind. A pair of deep, custom sofas invite snuggling, while dual benches between accommodate game-day get togethers.Mali AzimaLed by principal Caryn Grossman, CG Interiors Group has been crafting inventive residential and commercial spaces across the country for over 25 years. The Atlanta firm is a go-to for clients looking for bold color, a stylish mix of vintage and modern, and whimsical elements. Grossman and her team work in a wide range of styles, transforming everything from a color-filled Victorian bungalow to a 12,000-square-foot modern estate, and showcases the personal style of their clients in each design. CG Interiors Group offers interior architecture and design services, helping clients with full-home decoration, renovations, kitchen and bath designs, and more.Forbes MastersForbes Masters drew inspiration from their clients artwork when creating this energetic New Jersey sitting room. A captivating wallcovering serves as the focal point and creative influence in the space, while organic shapes take precedence to accommodate the family's needs, with a curved coffee table selected for its kid-friendly design, seamlessly blending safety and sophistication.Lacey Land courtesy of Forbes MastersDesign duo Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters founded their firm Forbes Masters in 2017, and since then theyve become known for their daring, eclectic designs, which earned them a spot on ADs New American Voices list in 2020. (Theyve also created products for Ruggables covetable rug collab with AD.) Forbes Masters bring a bold, clear vision to projects while collaborating with clients to ensure their personalities and lifestyles shine through in the final design. The firm offers full-service interior design for residential and commercial spaces and also tackles renovations and new construction, helping clients handle myriad decisions and serving as liaisons to architects, contractors, and builders.Melanie Turner InteriorsDesigner Melanie Turner coated the library of a Buckhead home in Farrow & Balls Calke Green, which compliments the painting by Richard Olsen. Colorful family scrapbooks line the shelves, ready to be perused in one of the Lee Industries chairs.Amy Neunsinger courtesy of Melanie TurnerFounded in 2010, Melanie Turner Interiors specializes in spaces that exude elegance and glamour, but the designer isnt afraid to go bold or push her clients to take risks. Turner pulls from a wide range of inspirations in her work, from fashion to nature, and she seamlessly weaves in art and her clients personal collections. Shes particularly adept at creating balance within a room and highlights a spaces scale and architectural details through striking art installations, wall treatments, and unique lighting. Turner and her team work with clients around the world, and the firms work was showcased in Turners book, Inviting Interiors: A Fresh Take on Beautiful Rooms, which was published in 2021 by Rizzoli.Theresa Ory InteriorsDesigner Theresa Ory renovated her personal kitchen in North Atlanta, removing a divisional wall and an awkward peninsula to expand the footprint of the kitchen and improve the overall flow. Orys favorite detail is the curvature that carries from the 62-inch plaster hood into the J'adore quartzite.Emily Followill courtesy of Theresa Ory InteriorsTheres a sense of ease within Theresa Orys polished interiors and thats by design. Ory works backward, figuring out the emotion she wants to evoke in the finished space and designs toward that feeling. The firm highlights and enhances the architectural details of a home and makes each space more livable by perfecting the smallest details, from finishes to the flow. Custom furnishings play a major role in the design and help bring the clients taste and personality into the space. Theresa Ory Interiors works on projects in Atlanta and internationally, approaching each with an exacting attention to detail, no matter the location.Interior Design By S&SInterior Design By S&S created a graphic keeping room filled with luxe materials and textures off the open kitchen in their clients new build in Smyrna, Georgia. We wanted the space to be inviting and conversation driven so we faced two sofas towards each other to keep the flow open allowing the TV to be secondary entertainment, says Maynard.Sharon Falcher and Sherica Maynard, the mother-daughter team of design talents behind Interior Design By S&S, specialize in giving their clients livable luxury. The duos eye-catching work is inspired by their far-flung travels and incorporates bold patterns, vivid colors, and layered textures, creating spaces that feel comfortable and curated. The full-service design firm tackles both residential and commercial projects, consults on new builds, and helps clients renovate dream kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.Annysa LaMantiaFor a contemporary new build in the heart of Atlanta, Annysa LaMantia anchored the space with a Roche Bobois dining table and displayed the clients art collection on the walls. Given the high ceilings in the space, I wanted to both provide ambient dining light and create a focal point on the wall, so I selected the Formala light by Zaneen which was carefully shaped into the final form shown, says LaMantia. This piece adds a beautiful sense of motion to the linear architecture and contributes greatly to the rooms feng shui, as does the water feature in the corner and the greenery we used to play off of the exterior views just beyond the dining area.Designer Annysa LaMantia founded her eponymous firm in 2017, bringing her eye for contemporary design to clients in Atlanta and across the United States. LaMantia, who is a dual citizen of the United States and Italy, is known for her high-end residential and commercial designs, which incorporate fine materials, bespoke elements, and a sense of drama. Inspired by art and travel, the designer tailors each space to a clients needs and character, devising spaces that are timeless yet impactful.Habachy DesignsHabachy Designs created a polished, light-filled space using curvaceous furnishings and rich textures for the 2023 Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Southeastern Designer Showhouse.Founded by principal Michael Habachy and drawing on his decades of interior and furniture design experience, Habachy Designs creates unique and highly customized spaces featuring bespoke furnishings for residential and commercial clients. The award-winning firm has been featured in multiple showhouses in the Atlanta area and operates a spectacular showroom at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, featuring Habachys own designs as well as other exclusive collections. Habachys love of craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of his work, from interior design to custom furnishings.Beauty Is AbundantThis custom kitchen by Beauty is Abundant in Atlantas Emory Village neighborhood features a fluted island and hood vent cover, Monogram appliances, and a marble backsplash. The space earned the firm the title of HGTV Designer of the Year 2023.Beauty Is Abundant is an Atlanta- and Los Angelesbased full-service interior design founded in 2018 by SoCal native Leah Alexander. The firm focuses on crafting creative and inspiring spaces that enhance their client's well being and showcase their unique styles. Alexander isnt afraid to be bold with color and pattern and delightful design surprises can be found around every corner. The award-winning firm was a part of ADs first Iconic Home virtual showhouse and theyve also worked with small business owners on commercial projects such as offices and salons.APPLY NOWGrow your business with the AD PRO DirectoryArrowBradley OdomThis kitchen, located in a 1903 midtown Atlanta home, was inspired by two Black Forest wall hangings that Bradley Odom had turned into sconces. We allowed their intricate, moody shape to inform the feel of the room, which we painted a polished mossy green to play off the rustic carved wood of the sconce and the raw materiality of the blue stone floors we installed, says Odom. We had the pair of custom islands we installed mounted on casters meeting both the needs of the professional chef who resides there and his growing family.A homes natural surroundings are at the heart of Atlanta designer Bradley Odoms sophisticated spaces. After working with international apparel and home furnishing brands, Odom launched his eponymous firm and Design District home store, Dixon Rye, in 2015, and since then hes become renowned for his use of color and raw materials. The firm works on projects from renovations to ground-up construction, bringing a focus on innovation and craft to every room.RAD InteriorsRyan Austin Hagood of RAD Interiors took inspiration from his clients birthplace of Durban, South Africa, for the bedroom of this Atlanta home. This bedroom evolved into a darker, moodier space after discovering the finely woven grasscloth for the walls that had the flexibility in the paper backing to mold around radius sheetrock corners, says Hagood. To keep the space feeling open and balance the scale of the massive platform four-poster bed, I floated walnut cabinets that serve as nightstands.Principal Ryan Austin Hagood and his team at RAD Interiors help guide their clients through every step of the design process from selecting architectural finishes to collaborating with builders, architects, and landscape designers. The firm is known for its light-filled spaces that feature monochromatic palettes and layered textures and Hagood often brings in organic elements, patinated metals, and artful lighting. The firm works with residential and commercial clients and is currently working on designs in New York City and Los Angeles in addition to their busy slate of Atlanta projects.ArchitectsIntuitive DwellingsThis earthy modern kitchen, designed by Intuitive Dwellings in the Atlanta neighborhood of Serenbe, creates a dramatic centerpiece in an open living concept, featuring a bold backsplash composed of branching marble slabs with opposing brass inlay.Emily Followill PhotographyIntuitive Dwellings doesnt simply design homes; the architecture and interior design firm creates spaces with meaning. Founder Lorraine Enwright believes in designing from the heart, and for over 25 years shes devised exterior and interior environments made to improve the well-being of her clients. Intuitive Dwellings emphasizes sustainability and biophilic design philosophies in its homes, and the firms holistic designs have a natural ease and flow. Enwright and her team offer exterior and interior architecture and design services, working with clients on everything from renovation and additions to custom primary or secondary homes.BuildersHedgewood HomesPam Sessions pairs historic elegance with modern luxury in this sun-filled kitchen at Delmont by Hedgewood Homes in Buckhead, Atlanta. A backdrop of reclaimed brick, custom millwork, and French oak hardwood floors create a timeless blend of warmth and refinement.Preston Cohen, VantagePoint3DFounded in 1985 by Pam Sessions and Don Donnelly, Hedgewood Homes offers clients personalized custom homes set within vibrant communities. The design-build company draws inspiration from old-world city centers for its walkable, amenity-filled developments throughout the Atlanta area. Homeowners work with Hedgewoods team of designers and builders to put their own personal spin on the architecturally distinct residence, from selecting backsplashes to lighting to finishes. Each community is unique, with features such as central plazas, parks, private gardens, and pools, and Hedgewood developments are designed with sustainability in mind.Looking for a builder, architect, or interior designer in your area for a home renovation or new build? Browse the AD PRO Directory to discover AD-approved professionals near you.

Demeyer asks dozens of questions to get acquainted with his clients interests and lifestyles. The designers biggest strength is his ability to add a variety of personal touches throughout the living spacesa way of feeling the home from within. For Coussens, this is noticeable in window shades crafted using his recycled jeans and other denim, and a bronze sculpture inherited from his grandmother that now graces a coffee table in the sitting room. I like to use heirlooms, says Demeyer. I never ask myself if things are nice or not. They are important if they are part of a story.A totem by Carving-Koen overlooks the primary bedroom. Ceiling painted in Ementes Rouge Chinois; Forest Canopy Carpet by JP Demeyer & Co.; vintage elephant chairs.A natural entertainer, Coussens loves hostinganywhere from four to 36 people. This raised a practical question for the homehow to create more sleeping space for overnight guests. Demeyer cleverly devised an en suite bedroom from two smaller rooms and in an unused attic space, designed a sleeping alcove with five beds, playfully concealed by green tartan curtains and his trademark fringe. A lot of things in the house now remind me of childhood sleepovers at my grandparents house, says Coussens. That feeling of coziness, warmth, and safety.A hallway features several bespoke pieces including window treatments made using Coussenss old blue jeans and a pearwood sconce by Vandenhulle.Discreetly placed throughout, Demeyer also installed drawings by local artists, historic photographs of the region, and even maps that tell the story of the surrounding area. I like the sense of locality but with a twist. These details contribute to grounding the home, not only in Coussenss personal story, but to that of this region, which played an important part in world history. In 2023, this area of Belgium was recognized by UNESCO to commemorate more than two dozen World War I monuments and sites. Yet this home also speaks very much to its present. We see the tractors passing by, and friendly hikers, and even people on horseback, says Coussens.To hear the tale of this house is a reminder of perhaps the most famous Ralph Lauren quote: I dont design clothes. I design dreams. Together, Demeyer and Coussens have realized a dream, and Coussens gives the dreamiest compliment in return: Id do it all over again.Never miss a story when you subscribe to AD.

CharMorph v0.4.0 Character Creator Released By Seen_buklee on March 19, 2025 Add-ons CharMorph is an Open Source character creation tool for Blender. Its goal is to offer high-quality, parameterized character models that not only rival closed-source solutions but exceed them, achieving the level of quality seen in blockbuster movies and next-gen video games.We are pleased to announce the first major release of CharMorph, a comprehensive character creation system for Blender that serves as a spiritual successor to MB-Lab.CharMorph recreates the core functionality of MB-Lab while significantly expanding capabilities, enhancing user experience, andimportantlyincluding non-AGPL models that can be freely implemented in commercial game projects.Key Features in This Release include: Character Downloader: Download characters directly within Blender Custom Library Location: Define your own locations for assets allowing users to save space. Vitruvian: A New Open-Source Character that boasts realistic skin and proportions. You can see it in action from the article's image. Add-on Updater: Updates the add-on from within Blender itself. Blender 4.4 Support: We've worked ahead of time to fix support for the coming Blender version. Links For community support and discussion, join our Discord server. We welcome your feedback and look forward to seeing what you create with CharMorph.

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Lore DumpedAn MCU-esque "Marvel Gaming Universe" was once a thing we could have gotten, had Disney's execs decided it was worth putting cash into"That was so frustrating because we came up with all these great ideas about how to do it."Image credit: NetEase News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on March 19, 2025 While Marvel Rivals is doing pretty damn well (shitty layoffs aside) with the whole lots of Marvel heroes coming together (not in that way) thing, there was once another way we could have seen the comics giant's costumed crew crossover - via an MCU-eque "Marvel Gaming Universe". For better or worse though, that idea never became a reality.This ill-fated concept was discussed by Bungie co-founder Alexander Seropian - who also once served as Disney Interactive Studios' vice president of game development - and Marvel Rivals writer Alex Irvine on a recent episode of the The Fourth Curtain podcast. The pair naturally got into why it didn't end up happening, and it sounds like the answer might have something to do with execs not liking to think about tough lore questions.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. When I first started working on Marvel games, there was this idea that they were going to create a Marvel gaming universe that was going to exist in the same way that the MCU did. It never really happened, Irvine explained, with Seropian adding that the concept was his "initiative". The pitch was that this gaming universe would tie Marvel's games together by putting them all in the same timeline/universe, with Seropian saying that it came before the MCU on the movie side of things was up and running.However it didn't get funded by Disney, with Irvine saying: "That was so frustrating because we came up with all these great ideas about how to do it". The developer went on to outline some of those ideas.Watch on YouTube"I was coming out of ARGs at that point," he recalled, "and thinking, Wouldnt it be cool if we had some ARG aspects? There would be a place where players could go that all the games touched, and we could move them back and forth from game to game. We could link in comics, we could loop in anything, we could do original stuff."In terms of why this MGU never got the green light, Irvine theorised that its downfall might have something to do with the quandaries it raised in terms of how it would have worked best. "Even back then," he said, "we were trying to figure out if theres going to be this MGU, how is it different from the comics? How is it different from the movies? How are we going to decide if it stays consistent? I think some of those questions got complex enough that there were people at Disney who didnt really want to deal with them.So, we never got a thing that might have linked the likes of Insomniac's Spider-Man games to its upcoming Wolverine one, or even stuff from other studios like Skydance New Media's Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra and Arkane's Blade game. We have Rivals though, so you can at least still pit Venom against a shark called Jeff.

Image: Ollie Reynolds / Nintendo LifeIts no secret that 8BitDo is one of the premier manufacturers of third-party Switch accessories, with the firm making waves over the years with the likes of the SN30 Pro Gamepad and the M30. Its latest Switch pad, the Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller, is another slam dunk, offering up a compelling alternative to Nintendo's Pro Controller with minimum concessions at half the price ($29.99 / 24.99 / 29.99).Available in pink and two shades of blue, the Ultimate 2C rocks most of the functionality you want in a Switch pad. Youve got gyro support, Hall effect analogue sticks, a proper D-pad, roughly 15 hours of playtime on a single charge, and rumble (not HD), with an extra pair of remappable L4 and R4 shoulder bumpers thrown in for good measure. The only major missing component is NFC support for your amiibo; a shame, for sure, but potentially not a dealbreaker for many.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube799kWatch on YouTube We were sent the light blue and pink variants for review, and first impressions were very strong. The colours are pleasantly muted, with 8BitDo opting for a pastel approach for a more subtle presentation. Weve not seen the dark blue model in person, but our opinion based on images alone is that its not quite as attractive as the blue and pink.Images: Ollie Reynolds / Nintendo LifeThe ABXY buttons, D-pad, and analogue sticks are slightly darker than the shell, while flipping the pads over reveals an even lighter backside marred only by four small screws and an unintrusive sticker displaying product information.Wrapping our hands around the controller for the first time, it's very comfortable. The grips are a little more vertical than the official Pro Controller or an official Xbox pad, so there may be a slight readjustment required if youre used to grips that stick outward a bit more. As for the feel, the plastic has a subtle, yet pleasant texture, though it certainly doesn't come across as 'premium'. We fear that one drop on concrete or even vinyl flooring might result in a crack or two.With average-sized mitts, our index fingers rest comfortably on the triggers while our thumbs can easily reach all required positions on the front. The offset analogue sticks take inspiration from the Pro Controller, and switching between sticks and face buttons feels as comfortable and natural as you'd hope; certainly a huge improvement over the likes of the CRKD Nitro Deck and Nintendos own official Joy-Con.Images: Ollie Reynolds / Nintendo LifeThe only downside to the overall feel is the weight, or lack thereof. This is very much a budget device and is quite a bit lighter than your average pad. The Ultimate 2C comes in at 225g, the Switch Pro Controller is a bit heavier at 246g, the PS5 Dualsense is 280g, and the Series S|X controller 287g. Ultimately, this will come down to personal preference, but this writer likes his controllers to have a bit of heft to them, although while knee-deep in a Tears of the Kingdom session our concerns with the 2Cs weight melted away.Initial setup is easy: You simply head into the 'Change Grip/Order' section of the controller settings on your Switch, press the home button on the Ultimate 2C, and briefly hold down the small pairing button next to the USB-C slot. The power light will flash quickly for a few seconds before pairing, and that's it.Image: Ollie Reynolds / Nintendo LifeNow for specifics. The Hall Effect analogue sticks work very well, offering up significantly more 'travel' than the sticks found on the official Joy-Con for added precision. They include a textured rim and metal joints that 8BitDo states will help reduce general wear and tear. Meanwhile, the SNES-inspired D-pad feel satisfyingly clicky, with light presses required for input; it works wonderfully with retro classics on NSO, more modern side-scrollers like Animal Well, and fighting games such as Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics and Guilty Gear -Strive-.Moving to the top of the pad, the triggers have a bit more travel than those found on the Joy-Con along with a slightly softer click to them. They feel great though, and the same can be said for the bumpers, though the latter are quite loud when clicked.Whats not quite so hot are the extra remappable bumpers. These sit on the inside of the triggers and are roughly the same size as the ABXY buttons, albeit with a more rectangular shape. It's good to have accessibility options and remapping is easy enough you simply hold down both buttons and choose which input you'd like to configure but remembering that theyre there in the first place requires you to tap into your muscle memory in a way that might prove uncomfortable. Then again, ignoring them entirely is easy.Images: Ollie Reynolds / Nintendo LifeFinally, the 'Star' button found below 'Home' and + is used to assign Turbo Mode to any button aside from the D-pad. Again, its easy enough to implement and clear instructions are included if need be, but how much use youll get out of this is going to vary drastically depending on your needs. Still, its a good thing to have, even if most people probably wont make use of it.8BitDo Ultimate 2C Bluetooth Controller Review - The VerdictConsidering its relatively budget price, it's difficult to fault the Ultimate 2C controller. 8BitDo has certainly cut back in a few areas, resulting in an accessory that's unusually light with casing that feels like it may break apart after a couple of drops. That said, almost all of the important bits are present and correct, including Hall effect analogue sticks, gyro support, an excellent D-pad, and rumble. Sure, NFC is missing, but we'd argue that's a nice-to-have feature, rather than an essential.Features like the extra bumpers and Turbo Mode feel somewhat unnecessary to us, but that'll come down to personal taste. Ultimately, we're not going to lament their presence on a device that already costs half the asking price of a Pro Controller. This is a strong alternative to Nintendo's first-party offering, and if you're looking to save a bit of cash, it's a remarkably comfortable and feature-rich pad that punches well above its weight.Extremely comfortableHall effect analogue sticks, gyro, rumble, and a proper D-padInitial setup is a piece of cakeRemapping the extra bumpers and activating Turbo Mode is also easyPunches above its weight for the asking priceNFC support is missingThose extra bumpers feel superfluousIt's very light, with casing that feels quite fragileGreat 8/10The samples used in this review were supplied by 8BitDo.Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.