EA FC 25s new Ultimate Team promotion has big upgrades for Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch, Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus and Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen, as well as many other stars.

Why Im convinced the Nintendo DS is the best video game console everGameCentralPublished November 24, 2024 1:00am Nintendo DS weirdly successful (Nintendo)A reader argues that the low-tech Nintendo DS is the best console ever made, with a line-up of exclusive games unlike any other.I very much enjoyed the recent feature on the 10 weirdest Nintendo DS games and was proud to realise that I own most of them. They were categorised as the best and the weirdest and I feel that sums up the DS very well. It had a mountain of great games but almost all of them were odd or peculiar in some way, and not something you could imagine existing on any other format not even a fellow handheld like the PSP.A lot of this had to do with the DSs peculiar design, with two screens, only the bottom one of which was a touchscreen, and even that you had to use with a stylus if you wanted any kind of accuracy. Combine that with the low-tech graphics, that could barely do 3D, and it was not a machine that could coast by on flashy visuals and shallow gameplay.Games on the DS had to be good and interesting and unique to make any impression and the best ones absolutely were. In fact, there were so many great games I genuinely think its the best console ever made. Even more so than the Switch, which shares many of the same qualities. That shouldnt be a controversial opinion, considering it is the second best-selling console ever, behind the PlayStation 2, but for some reason it is.The DS isnt a flashy console, it cant do ray-tracing or run anything at 60fps and all the models were varying degrees of ugly (not that the PlayStation 5 can say any better) but in terms of the range and variety of weird, innovative, and completely unique games goes theres simply nothing like it. And thats largely without any indie games either. These were all odd little games made by mainstream publishers and developers that were like nothing else theyd make on any other format.So, you had Nintendo-published games like Freshly-Picked Tingles Rosy Rupeeland and Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan sitting alongside Soul Bubbles, while even EA got weird with Henry Hatsworth In The Puzzling Adventure and Rockstar Games made a whole exclusive GTA game for the format.There were regular Nintendo games as well, including two Zelda games, New Super Mario Bros., Animal Crossing, Mario Kart DS, and new Mario & Luigi games. Plus, multiple Pokmon games including Pokmon Conquest, which was a crossover with serious strategy game Nobunagas Ambition!From third parties you had all the Konami Castlevania games, Dragon Quest 9, Ace Attorney, Professor Layton, Bangai-O Spirits, Meteos, Ghost Trick, Etrian Odyssey, Pac-Pix, Might & Magic: Clash Of Heroes, Scribblenauts, and so much more.Although I understand it was inevitable, its such a shame that dedicated handheld consoles had to die. They required their own specific games and in many cases those styles of game arent being made today anymore. Naturally, the Switch is the closest relation but its games never have the same constraints and almost always have a higher budget than on the DS.I do think its the constraints that make the magic too. With all these companies you can just imagine them looking at the DS and realising they cant just develop a typical game for it; they cant just port over something that already exists. And so, theyve all asked the question, well okay: what can we make for it?Theyve been forced by the nature of the device to come up with something new and different and something that doesnt rely on its graphics to see the experience. Of course, they wouldnt have bothered if the DS hadnt been so successful, but because it was they were compelled to make an effort and the end result is something very special.The problem now is that not only is there nothing else like the DS but its very hard to emulate the console. The games look terrible on a big TV and you cant emulate the touchscreen normally with a controller. Maybe you could turn the Switch vertically and play them like that but Im not surprised Nintendo hasnt gone for that because you still cant use it on the TV.More TrendingYou can remaster 3DS games, as has already happened a few times, but DS games are just too low-tech. So theyre stuck forever on the console that spawned them and while its a shame that means theyre not easy for others to experience I kind of like the fact that the DS is so unique its impossible for other formats to even get close to emulating it.By reader Roadie Still Nintendos most successful console (Photo by YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP via Getty Images)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

If Xbox doesnt care about its console business why should I? Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished November 23, 2024 9:00am The Xbox strategy is changing (Microsoft)A reader is frustrated with what he describes as Xboxs defeatist attitude and what seems to be an increasing disinterest in selling consoles.The biggest problem Xbox faces right now is that the brand has lost its identity. This isnt a trivial matter. Xbox has become the embodiment of Jason Bourne, who doesnt know who the hell they are anymore. Xbox used to be mocked as the shooter box but even that nickname is no longer applicable.Phil Spencer recently spoke with Bloomberg and stated there are no red lines and that he doesnt look at their portfolio as thou shall not. To suggest he hasnt read the room is an understatement.The Xbox crowd are never going to get on board with a multiformat strategy. Much the same as PlayStation fans arent fond of games going to PC. The tribalism isnt going away anytime soon. But even the Xbox faithful have had enough. The issue Xbox has isnt unique to their fanbase. Its a negative perception which has clearly impacted the casual market. Its the polar opposite of the Xbox 360 era, which even overcame hardware failures relatively unscathed.I put myself into the category of player that owns multiple consoles each console generation but leans towards Xbox. So, I buy a PlayStation for their exclusives but tend to buy the third party games on Xbox, along with their exclusives. Phil Spencer has created a scenario where I will no longer need to buy an Xbox to play their exclusives. Therefore, they are going to lose out on those third party sales I made on Xbox. I get the impression Phil Spencer and his cronies havent really thought this thing through.I feel Xbox could get away with a multiformat strategy if the following were to happen. Stop with the mixed messaging and adopt transparency. There still has to be incentives that reward the fanbase. Perhaps thats a six month/one year exclusivity period for all first party games. Make a decision and stick to it. The constant ambiguity has done the Xbox brand no favours.Only once they reconcile their mistakes will improvements happen. There are at least some positive signs they intend to reboot Halo and Gears Of War. The biggest fear for Xbox fans is Microsoft decide to do away with producing hardware altogether. In particular, those customers who have built-up digital libraries are worried.If long-term exclusives are off the table, then only unique, compelling hardware can help turn the tide. The claims of delivering the largest technical leap in a generation better be true, for their own sake. Along with the much touted handheld living up to expectations.Customer confidence is at an all-time low for Xbox. Game Pass is unquestionably the best value in gaming, yet Microsoft are incapable of marketing it effectively. Instead, they launch an ad campaign that literally informs customers they dont need to buy an Xbox. I understand the sentiment behind the advert, but it undermines the value of the console. Its a bizarre strategy.It is evident Xbox, or more specifically Microsoft, have stopped listening to fans. Phil Spencer looks dishevelled and doesnt seem to be having fun anymore. This year in particular has taken its toll. If Microsoft dont care about their console business, then why should the customer? The only incentive to buy an Xbox cant be just Game Pass. Phil Spencers message is loud and clear: Thou shall not buy an Xbox.At this point, I dont know how Xbox regains its identity. The defeatist attitude from Phil Spencer has been plain to see for a while. Whilst he did a good job when Xbox One was in disarray I feel his time is up. When he said a 11/10 game would make no difference, he lost all credibility.Many of the problems Xbox faces are of their own making. Whilst Im sure their strategy will please shareholders and probably result in record profits we are witnessing the Xbox console being sidelined, along with the fanbase.More TrendingJason Bourne eventually got his memory back. I dont have much faith Microsoft will. They no longer care about what the fans think, which usually doesnt bode well. As Princess Leia once said: If money is all that you love, then thats what youll receive.By reader Si Phil Spencer isnt as popular as he used to be (YouTube)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

You can find currently a great deal on the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), now available for just $169 which is a stunning 32% discount off its regular price of $249. This is also a record low price for this model and makes it an excellent opportunity if youre looking for an Apple Watch at a reasonable price. Unlike Apples own stores, which never offer discounts, this deal on Amazon allows you to save a lot on a smartwatch.See at AmazonAmazons Black Friday sale comes with added benefits: you can shop confidently knowing that if the price drops further during the Black Friday period, Amazon will refund you the difference. Plus, with an extended return policy until January 31, 2025, you have plenty of time to decide if this smartwatch is right for you or if it makes a perfect holiday gift.Why Choose This One?The Apple Watch SE 2nd generation on sale at Amazon is designed with a 40mm or 44mm GPS model and you can choose from a lot of different smart bands. It includes fitness and sleep tracking capabilities so that you can monitor your health effectively. The watch also boasts a Retina display which provides clear visibility even in bright sunlight.One of the standout features of the Apple Watch SE is its crash detection capability which can alert emergency services if it detects a severe accident. It adds an extra layer of safety for users who lead active lifestyles. The heart rate monitor also keeps track of your heart rate throughout the day, providing valuable insights into your fitness levels and overall health.With a battery life of up to 18 hours, the Apple Watch SE is designed to keep up with your busy life without frequent recharging. It is also water-resistant up to 50 meters and while it may not have some advanced features found in higher-end models such as blood oxygen monitoring or an always-on display (like the Apple Watch Series 8 or Series 10) , the SE still offers a robust set of functionalities that meet the needs of most users.When comparing the Apple Watch SE to other models in the Apple lineup, it is positioned as a more budget-friendly option.See at Amazon

This Black Friday, Amazon is offering great deals on two of the most popular GPS running watches: the Garmin Forerunner 55 and the Forerunner 255. Both devices are available at all-time record low prices and makes them perfect choices for fitness enthusiasts (or anyone looking to gift a quality smartwatch this holiday season). With Amazons guarantee of the best price during Black Friday and an extended return policy until January 31, 2025, theres no reason to wait to make your purchase.The Garmin Forerunner 55, priced at $149 after a 25% discount from its original price of $199, is currently the best-selling smartwatch on Amazon. This watch is designed for runners who want a straightforward yet effective tool to help them train better. It features a 26.3mm display easy to read in various lighting conditions and offers essential tracking features such as built-in GPS, daily suggested workouts, and up to two weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode.See Garmin Forerunner 55 at AmazonThe Forerunner 55 does not include advanced metrics like heart rate monitoring or music storage, but it excels in providing reliable performance tracking for running and other activities. It can track indoor and outdoor runs, cycling, swimming, and more, making it versatile for various fitness routines.On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 255 is available for $249 with a 29% discount from its list price of $349 and offers a more advanced feature set aimed at serious athletes. With a slightly larger 27.5mm display, this smartwatch not only tracks your runs but also provides deeper insights into your health and performance. The Forerunner 255 includes advanced features such as heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking. This model boasts an impressive battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and can last up to 30 hours in GPS mode.See Garmin Forerunner 255 at AmazonOne of the standout features of the Forerunner 255 is its ability to provide advanced training metrics: it includes tools like training readiness scores, recovery time suggestions and race predictions based on your performance data and upcoming events. Additionally, it has Garmins latest Elevate V4 sensor for tracking heart rate variability and stress levels, which can help athletes optimize their training regimens.When comparing these two models, you should consider your fitness goals and how you intend to use the watch. The Forerunner 55 is perfect for casual runners who appreciate simplicity and ease of use without needing extensive metrics or features. In contrast, the Forerunner 255 caters to those who are more serious about their training and want detailed insights into their performance and health.See Garmin Forerunner 55 at AmazonSee Garmin Forerunner 255 at Amazon

Stella Casa / Idee architectsSave this picture! Trieu ChienHousesVnh Yn, VietnamArchitects: Idee architectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:600 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Trieu Chien Lead Architects: Tran Ngoc Linh More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Perched gracefully on the hillside, Stella Casa is an embodiment of contemporary design, thoughtfully crafted to harmonize with its natural surroundings. The architectural layout is carefully adapted to the steep terrain, with a series of interconnected functional volumes stacked along the slope. Each volume is carefully oriented to capture the best views and create a sense of openness across the property. The design not only responds to the land's topography but also emphasizes a fluid connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring that each section of the villa feels integrated into the landscape.Save this picture!Save this picture!The layout consists of parallel blocks that are subtly stacked, creating a dynamic and visually engaging arrangement. These stacked volumes define the villa's form, with each level purposefully placed to maximize both spatial experience and views. Between the blocks, a series of garden courtyards and open-air walkways are strategically positioned, allowing for continuous green spaces that naturally connect the different zones of the home. The courtyards offer a sense of openness and tranquility, inviting natural elements into the living spaces while encouraging a constant visual flow between the interior and the landscape.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!One of the standout features of this villa is its extensive use of glass windows and transparent elements, which blur the boundary between the inside and outside. Expansive glass panels are incorporated into each level, offering unobstructed views of the panoramic landscape. The large windows allow an abundance of natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and airy atmosphere throughout the day. These carefully positioned glass openings frame the beautiful surroundings, making the stunning vistas an integral part of the villa's design, enhancing the overall sense of openness and connection to nature.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!A large, sculptural swimming pool with a dramatic waterfall feature occupies a prominent position at the front of the villa, serving as both a visual centerpiece and a luxurious outdoor retreat. The pool is designed to flow seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, creating a serene space for relaxation and leisure. The cascading waterfall further enhances the sense of tranquility, providing a soothing soundtrack to the outdoor experience. This key feature serves as a focal point that unites the villa's open-plan spaces and the surrounding gardens, reinforcing the villa's emphasis on outdoor living and connection to the environment.Save this picture!Save this picture!The villa's design also includes a series of carefully designed staircasesboth internal and externalthat link the various levels of the home. These stairs create a seamless connection between floors and the roof, offering pathways for movement while reinforcing the architectural rhythm of the stacked volumes. The open-plan living and kitchen areas are extended directly to the pool and the garden spaces, creating an effortless flow between the interior and exterior. This thoughtful layout fosters a sense of openness and flexibility, where the living spaces continuously interact with the outdoor environment, inviting both relaxation and social interaction in equal measure.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeMaterialsGlassConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on November 24, 2024Cite: "Stella Casa / Idee architects" 23 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023622/stella-casa-idee-architects&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Faculty of Medicine of Laayoune, Ibn Zohr University / SAMA ARCHITECTESSave this picture! Samir KhaldounUniversity, MoroccoArchitects: SAMA ARCHITECTESAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:23500 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Samir KhaldounManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: AVOLUX, Armstrong Ceilings, Auxenco, Disano, FOSNOVA, Faro , Onok Lighting, Rockfon, Sepalumic, VitrA Lead Architects: Samir Khaldoun, Malika Nassif More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Our ambition is to create an iconic building imbued with authenticity, an architecture that evokes our heritage. The local context is highlighted to establish a strong identity while adding a distinctly contemporary touch, reflective of our time.As a nod to traditional architecture, we have used local materials such as Travertine marble-volubilis, crowned with geometric patterns inspired by Moroccan heritage, as well as perforated panels reminiscent of "moucharabiehs." The traditional motifs of these panels adorn the faades of the project, giving it an identity inspired by southern Morocco.Save this picture!The project engages in a subtle dialogue with its environment, reflected in its scale, proportions, rhythms, and architecture, which is both powerful and measured, sober yet rich. The different entities of the faculty are characterized by architectural expressions that make them easily identifiable, ensuring both the richness of the architecture and the diversity of spatial experiences. However, the overall harmony of the project is achieved through the careful treatment of the faades and the architectural language adopted, focused on simplicity, the refinement of mass, and the geometry of the volumes.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The silhouette of the building projects itself into the space, forming a structure strong in its symbolism, an imprint that enhances the urban landscape. From within, users enjoy pleasant atmospheres, soft natural light, and a spectacular play of light and shadow on the faades throughout the day.As night falls, this perception is reversed, and the dramatic effect is felt from the outside: the faade shifts continuously through beams of light escaping through the patterns, emanating from the illuminated spaces, in rhythm with the activities taking place inside the faculty.Save this picture!Save this picture!The overall atmosphere of the project is enhanced by color, transforming the space with the changing sun and seasons. This is brought about by the ochre hue of the walls, which contrasts with the blue sky of Laayoune and the greenery of the garden/oasis nestled in the shadow of the building's mass. The Travertine marble walls give the project a unique charm with their rich textures and varied, undulating lines in different shades, typical of this natural stone.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:, MoroccoLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeSAMA ARCHITECTESOfficePublished on November 23, 2024Cite: "Faculty of Medicine of Laayoune, Ibn Zohr University / SAMA ARCHITECTES" 23 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023844/faculty-of-medicine-of-laayoune-ibn-zohr-university-sama-architectes&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Arrimus Ultimate 3D Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/arrimus3d/?referralCode=446E0E08AE1808A2938A Redesign and Remake: https://www.udemy.com/course/redesign/?referralCode=470F0A962EACE810C94C Practical Sci-Fi Design: https://arrimus3d.gumroad.com/l/scifidesign ORhttps://www.udemy.com/course/practical-sci-fi-design/?referralCode=90114E112DAE1B47430A Plasticity Modeling Guide: https://www.udemy.com/course/plasticity-modeling-guide-by-arrimus-3d/?referralCode=85C41A46EAE3EF8725DF Ultimate Sci-Fi Soldier: https://www.udemy.com/course/ultimate-sci-fi-soldier/?referralCode=440AD5E0F74E48EAEFB2 Gumroad https://gumroad.com/arrimus3d Patreon http://www.patreon.com/Arrimus3D. Artstation https://www.artstation.com/arrimus3d Business 3dtut@protonmail.comGiving me a thumbs up and subscribing and clicking the bell shows you find my videos helpful. If you want to support me check out my Patreon visible in the last 20 seconds of the video. Thanks.Ending Music: Bensound

Recreate the totally rad look of beloved worn-out 80s VHS tapes.Now available in Sapphire 2025.Learn more and get a free trial of Boris FX Sapphire:https://borisfx.com/products/sapphire/ Sapphire is a plugin for Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, Foundry Nuke, Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve and Fusion, Autodesk Flame, VEGAS Pro, and more.

Get ready for CORE - streaming now - http://cgcookie.com/p/core In this live stream, @KennyPhases will be creating a Procedural Physics Shader in Blender! All assets can be found completely free and we will be starting entirely from scratch! Enjoy the stream!Download the .blend files from this stream - https://cgcookie.com/downloads/youtube-download-aerodynamic-simulation Check out our friends at http://polyhaven.com and http://cgtrader.com for the assets. *NEW* CORE Fundamentals:Perhaps our most ambitious undertaking yet, CORE Fundamentals, will elevate your Blender skills. All 9 courses will be released together, all recorded in Blender 4.2. Our expert instructors are working daily on the most important bundle of courses to drill down on your Blender skills and achieve your dreams as a 3D artist. 9 courses, 8 instructors, 1 epic journey for Blender Artists.CORE Fundamentals will be streaming on CG Cookie https://b3d.cgcookie.com/6y8jnv and is currently severely discounted in pre-sale on Blender Market https://b3d.cgcookie.com/9borh8 Stay informed and follow along as we prepare to launch CORE https://b3d.cgcookie.com/v0uaiy Free Assets (used in this video): http://polyhaven.com Kenny Phases YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/kennyphases _______________________________________________________________________________________________________"WHO IS CG COOKIE?"We are real people! (OK, maybe some of us are cyborgs - we don't ask.) CG Cookie is a small crew of Blender artists, baking fresh videos for the Blender community. If you love what we do, consider enrolling to http://cgcookie.com to stream 100's of Blender courses with passionate Blender instructors there to answer your questions. "WHERE SHOULD I START LEARNING BLENDER?"For Blender beginners, we have a free tutorial series "Getting Started with Blender" https://rb.gy/khqdl7 "I WANT MORE CG COOKIE IN MY LIFE!"Got it. Here's where you can reach us! / cgcookie / cgcookie / cgcookieinc Want Blender news in your mailbox? Sign up here for spam-free newsletter https://cgcookie.com/newsletter #CGCookie #blendertutorial #b3d