Third Eye Images via Getty ImagesShareThe rich get richer, except this time Big Government is fighting for the little guy. Yes, you read that correctly and, no, it makes no sense to me either. Apparently, the exception is right-to-repair laws which are being pushed bywait for ita bipartisan effort that is literally scolding automakers to quit gatekeeping everything and give consumers access to parts, services, and their own personal vehicle data.According to Ars Technica, on December 19, U.S. senators sent letters to several automakers. Hardly love notes, the head honchos of Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Stellantis, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, and Volkswagen were put on blast and accused of being money-grabbing hypocrites. Okay, so, the pot is calling the kettle black, but the pot also isnt wrong.Led by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Josh Hawley (R-MO), the bipartisan letter notes that 70 percent of car parts and services currently come from independent outlets. At the same time, OEM-supported dealerships and suppliers are generally rated poorly, particularly on pricing and affordability.We need to hit the brakes on automakers stealing your data and undermining your right-to-repair, said Senator Merkley in a statement. Time and again, these billionaire corporations have a double standard when it comes to your privacy and security: claiming that sharing vehicle data with repair shops poses cybersecurity risks while selling consumer data themselves.Automakers argue that the right-to-repair movement poses a safety risk because an open data platform becomes a requirement, such as in Massachusetts. However, Big Auto says giving third-party access to what should be proprietary manufacturer data opens up a can of cybersecurity and privacy worms. The trade group formerly known as the Auto Alliance went so far as to create a scare campaign to dissuade voters, suggesting that data access would expose people to increased stalking and violence, especially women.Senators call BS, pointing out that OEMs already share sensitive vehicle and owner information with insurance companies and other third partiesas long as it benefits them. The bipartisan group says at least 37 auto companies have been identified as part of what amounts to a connected car collective whose focus is monetizing the vehicle data they claim must be kept close to the vest.Right-to-repair laws support consumer choice and prevent automakers from using restrictive repair laws to their financial advantage, reads the non-love letter. It is clear that the motivation behind automotive companies avoidance of complying with right-to-repair laws is not due to a concern for consumer security or privacy, but instead a hypocritical, profit-driven reaction.Whats next? Some holiday homework.Per the letter, automakers have a January 6 deadline to submit answers to a multi-part questionnaire. The senators ask how vehicle and driver data are collected, stored, secured, and shared. OEMs are also tasked with listing all the cybersecurity breaches within the last five years as well as fess up to their anti-right-to-repair lobbying, including the dollar amount spent for such efforts. So far, no automaker has publicly responded to the lawmakers letter or addressed its concerns.

Find the links between the words to win today's game of Connections.gettyLooking for Saturdays Connections hints and answers instead? You can find them here:Hey, everyone! Hope youre having a terrific weekend.Im a few days in to my end-of-year semi-vacation. Its not a full vacation, because as much as I enjoy writing this column every day, its technically work. Still, Ive been able to rest a bit more than usual. I managed to make a serious dent in my sleep debt the other night with a 15-hour slumber. I really needed that.Before we get started, Ive started a discussion group for Connections and this column on Discord. You can chat about each game (and other topics) with me and other folks. Im always interested to find out how other people approach the game, so join us! Its fun.Its also the best way to give me any feedback about the column, especially on the rare(!) occasions that I mess something up.Todays NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, December 22, are coming right up.How To Play ConnectionsConnections is a free, popular New York Times daily word game. You get a new puzzle at midnight every day. You can play on the NYT website or Games app.MORE FOR YOUYoure presented with a grid of 16 words. Your task is to arrange them into four groups of four by figuring out the links between them. The groups could be things like items you can click, names for research study participants or words preceded by a body part.Theres only one solution for each puzzle, and youll need to be careful when it comes to words that might fit into more than one category. You can shuffle the words to perhaps help you see links between them.Each group is color coded. The yellow group is usually the easiest to figure out, blue and green fall in the middle, and the purple group is usually the most difficult one. The purple group often involves wordplay.Select four words you think go together and press Submit. If you make a guess and youre incorrect, youll lose a life. If youre close to having a correct group, you might see a message telling you that youre one word away from getting it right, but youll still need to figure out which one to swap.If you make four mistakes, its game over. Lets make sure that doesnt happen with the help of some hints, and, if youre really struggling, todays Connections answers. As with Wordle and other similar games, its easy to share results with your friends on social media and group chats.If you have an NYT All Access or Games subscription, you can access the publications Connections archive. This includes every previous game of Connections, so you can go back and play any of those that you have missed.Aside from the first 60 games or so, you should be able to find my hints for each grid via Google if you need them! Just click here and add the date of the game for which you need clues or the answers to the search query.What Are Todays Connections Hints?Scroll slowly! Just after the hints for each of todays Connections groups, Ill reveal what the groups are without immediately telling you which words go into them.Todays 16 words are...STATSCROWNABBOTTELEMENTARYNUNKEYDOMEABBALAURELMONKCOCONUTFRYSKULLBONESKAYAKKOJAKAnd the hints for todays Connections groups are:Yellow group Green group the same both waysBlue group detective dramasPurple group one half of a humorous wholeWhat Are Todays Connections Groups?Need some extra help?Be warned: were starting to get into spoiler territory.Todays Connections groups are...Yellow group slang for headGreen group palindromesBlue group police proceduralsPurple group first in a comedy duoWhat Are Todays Connections Answers?Spoiler alert! Dont scroll any further down the page until youre ready to find out todays Connections answers.This is your final warning!Todays Connections answers are...Yellow group slang for head (COCONUT, CROWN, DOME, SKULL)Green group palindromes (ABBA, KAYAK, NUN, STATS)Blue group police procedurals (BONES, ELEMENTARY, KOJAK, MONK)Purple group first in a comedy duo (ABBOTT, FRY, KEY, LAUREL)My short two-game streak came crashing to a halt. Here's how I fared:I did enjoy the Abbott Elementary reference on the top line. What a good show that is.I got the greens pretty quickly, but was then one away from a group with a guess of CROWN, MONK, BONES and KOJAK. I realized my mistake a moment too late. ELEMENTARY is also a detective show but CROWN isnt (its The Crown, anyway), so I made that swap to get the blues.I then tried a guess of LAUREL, CROWN, SKULL and DOME as in things that go on top. I was one away. My next guess was a bad one. I figured they were religious emblems(?), but it fundamentally didnt make sense as I included both LAUREL and DOME (both of which were in a one-away guess) with KEY and ABBOTT. I swapped out LAUREL for SKULL but to no avail.I was pretty annoyed not to get this one! I had an inkling early on that there might be something to do with comedy double acts given ABBOTT and LAUREL. The head thing didnt really click for me at all, as much as it should have.The comedy duos referenced are ABBOTT and Costello, FRY and Laurie, KEY and Peele and LAUREL and Hardy.Thats all there is to it for todays Connections clues and answers. Be sure to check my blog tomorrow for hints and the solution for Mondays game if you need them.P.S. Im planning to go to a bunch of shows in early 2025. The first of those will be a Sum 41 gig. The band are calling it a day, so this will be the only time that I ever see them live.Im looking forward to it! I liked them a lot back in the day, and In Too Deep is one of the pop-punk songs of the early 2000s. That guitar solo and how its given the spotlight in the video will forever remain iconic in my mind:Have a great day! Call someone you love!If youre so inclined, please do follow my blog for more coverage of Connections and other word games and even some video game news, insights and analysis. It helps me out a lot! Also, follow me on Bluesky! Its fun there.

At an 'all hands' meeting, Baldoni and others agreed to address the 'hostile work environment'Blake Lively's complaint said her husband, Ryan Reynolds, attended a meeting with Baldoni. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images The complaint says she attended an "all hands" meeting with Baldoni, Heath, and others in January to discuss the "hostile work environment that had nearly derailed production of the film." Her husband, Ryan Reynolds, also attended the meeting."Ms. Lively was forced to address concerns about Mr. Baldoni and Mr. Heath's misconduct with them directly and began doing so months before filming began," the complaint says. "The concerns she raised were not only for herself but for the other female cast and crew, some of whom had also spoken up."The meeting resulted in a list of behaviors that Baldoni and Heath agreed to stop, including "showing nude videos or images of women, including the producer's wife, to BL and/or her employees."Other behaviors the men agreed to cease were mentioning their "previous pornography addiction or BL's lack of pornography consumption" and "descriptions of their genitalia," according to the complaint.The agreed-upon behaviors were compiled into a document that was shared with Wayfarer Studios, which said it found "most of them not only reasonable but also essential for the benefit of all parties involved," according to the complaint. Baldoni added 'graphic content' to the film without Lively's knowledge, the complaint saysJustin Baldoni starred and directed "It Ends with Us" Cindy Ord/Getty Images Baldoni added improvised sexual content and nude scenes to "It Ends with Us" in "highly unsettling ways," the complaint says, including an on-camera orgasm, without Lively's knowledge or consent."When Ms. Lively objected to these additions, Mr. Baldoni insisted he had added them because he was making the film 'through the female gaze,'" according to the complaint. "Although he agreed to remove the scenes, he made a last-ditch attempt to keep one in which the couple orgasm together on their wedding night, which he said was important to him because he and his partner climax simultaneously during intercourse.""Mr. Baldoni then intrusively asked Ms. Lively whether she and her husband climax simultaneously during intercourse, which Ms. Lively found invasive and refused to discuss," the complaint says.The complaint also says Baldoni urged Lively to "simulate full nudity" while filming a scene in which her character gives birth, saying it's "not normal" for women to wear their hospital gowns while giving birth. Although Lively disagreed, the complaint says she compromised and agreed to be nude from below the chest down.Neither Baldoni nor Heath closed the set before filming the scene, according to the complaint, allowing "non-essential crew to pass through while Ms. Lively was mostly nude with her legs spread wide in stirrups and only a small piece of fabric covering her genitalia."Heath also showed Lively and her assistant a video of his wife giving birth that Lively initially believed was pornography, the complaint says."Ms. Lively was alarmed and asked Mr. Heath if his wife knew he was sharing the video, to which he replied, 'She isn't weird about this stuff,' as if Ms. Lively was weird for not welcoming it," the complaint said. Lively said Baldoni 'abruptly' shifted away from their agreed-upon marketing strategyLively's complaint says Sony Pictures Entertainment created the cast's marketing strategy. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP In the complaint, Lively said she and other cast members promoted "It Ends with Us" according to a "Marketing Plan" created by the film's distributor, Sony Pictures Entertainment. That plan encouraged the cast to emphasize her character's "strength and resilience as opposed to describing the film as a story about domestic violence" to avoid talking points that could make the film "feel sad."Lively said that Baldoni "abruptly pivoted away" from the plan, promoting the domestic violence storyline of the film and what the complaint described as "survivor content."Consumers criticized Lively's marketing approach during the press tour, which resulted in social media backlash toward her and her brands. Baldoni did not experience the same disapproval from audiences."What the public did not know was that Mr. Baldoni and his team did so in an effort to explain why many of the Film's cast and crew had unfollowed Mr. Baldoni on social media and were not appearing with him in public," the complaint said. Baldoni and his team engaged in 'social manipulation' to 'destroy' her reputation, the complaint saysLively said in her complaint that Baldoni tried to "destroy" her reputation. John Nacion/Getty Images In the complaint, Lively said Baldoni's decision to switch marketing strategies was the start of a "multi-tiered plan" using "social manipulation" to ultimately "destroy" her public reputation.Baldoni hired Melissa Nathan, a crisis communications specialist from The Agency Group PR, on July 31 at the suggestion of his publicist, Jennifer Abel."What Ms. Nathan proposed included a practice known as 'Astroturfing,' which has been defined as 'the practice of publishing opinions or comments on the internet, in the media, etc. that appear to come from ordinary members of the public but actually come from a particular company or political group," the complaint said.The complaint includes screenshots of text messages that Lively's attorneys say are between Abel and Nathan. In one, Abel tells Nathan that Baldoni "wants to feel like she can be buried," in a reference to Lively.In another one, Baldoni sent Abel a screenshot of a social media post about Hailey Bieber facing bullying allegations in 2023."This is what we would need," Baldoni wrote in the text message, according to the complaint.Baldoni and his team would "feed pieces of this manufactured content to unwitting reporters, making content go viral in order to influence public opinion and thereby cause an organic pile-on," the complaint says.In the following weeks, news outlets published numerous stories about the "backlash" Lively faced from fans online during the film's press tour."To safeguard against the risk of Ms. Lively ever revealing the truth about Mr. Baldoni, the Baldoni-Wayfarer team created, planted, amplified, and boosted content designed to eviscerate Ms. Lively's credibility," the complaint said. Baldoni retaliated against Lively to protect his image as a 'feminist ally,' the complaint saysLively's complaint said Baldoni retaliated against her. Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images Baldoni was "desperate to suppress any suggestion that he engaged in inappropriate conduct, much less sexually harassing conduct, because it would entirely undermine his carefully curated public image as a feminist ally," the complaint says.The document referenced a 2018 TED Talk Baldoni gave entitled "Why I'm Done Being 'Man Enough" and other similar content."In sum, Mr. Baldoni has crafted a public image of himself as not just an ally, but also a fierce advocate for women," the complaint says. "Contrary to this image, as set forth in detail above, Mr. Baldoni has spent the last several months and significant resources on his goal of wanting to 'bury' and 'destroy' Ms. Lively for raising concerns about his and his CEO's harassing behavior and other disturbing conduct." Lively says she hopes her actions help expose the 'sinister' tactics used to keep people quietLively told The New York Times that Baldoni used "sinister retaliatory tactics." Lia Toby/Getty Images, James Devaney/Getty Images Bryan Freedman, an attorney for Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, said the complaint's claims were "categorically false.""It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to 'fix' her negative reputation, which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions," the statement read.Freedman's statement called the Lively's claims "completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media."The statement said Wayfarer Studios chose to hire Nathan before the film's marketing campaign "due to the multiple demands and threats made by Ms. Lively during production which included her threatening to not show up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release, if her demands were not met."Lively shared a statement with The New York Times, saying, "I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted."Lively told the outlet that neither she nor her representatives ever spread negative information about Baldoni or Wayfarer Studios.

WO House / Matter of SomethingSave this picture! Steven Sundjaja, Oktobianto Dwi PrasetyoHouses, Residential InteriorsKecamatan Lima Puluh, IndonesiaArchitects: Matter of SomethingAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:211 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Steven Sundjaja, Oktobianto Dwi Prasetyo Lead Architects: Steven Sundjaja, Kamilah Aisyi More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. This project delves into the seamless integration of interior design with the existing architectural structure, placing particular emphasis on the transformation of the space. From the outset, we recognized that the architecture was rooted in tropical design principles, responding to the unique climate and environment of the region, with the original architects' expertise shaping this approach.Save this picture!The primary focus of the design approach was on creating a cohesive, functional, and visually striking interior that complements the existing architecture. The former car garage was repurposed into an expansive extended family residence, with the ground floor incorporating the kitchen, pantry, dining, and living areas, main bedroom, as well as two smaller bedrooms. The main bedroom is designed as a central retreat, offering rest and comfort. A staircase leads to the second floor, where the gym is above the main bedroom. Also, the library serves as one of the most engaging and distinctive features of the home, providing a unique space for relaxation and hobbies, maintaining a connection to the heart of the house.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The interior design approach prioritized enhancing the space by carefully selecting materials, textures, and tones. We focused on creating a harmonious flow between the interior design elements and the existing structure while ensuring the spaces reflected a modern yet timeless aesthetic. Natural materials like wood, stone, and marble were selected for durability, warmth, and timeless appeal. These materials, paired with a primarily neutral palette, create a serene, inviting atmosphere that supports both relaxation and everyday function.Save this picture!The design also features thoughtfully chosen elements like stone accent walls, which complement the overall existing material palette, and the preservation of the original ceiling textures in the living area. The architectural features were embraced in the interior design, ensuring a harmonious balance of the structure and interior to maintain the character of the space.Save this picture!The interior design approach resulted in a space emphasizing openness and flexibility. Each element, from the materials to the layout, was carefully chosen to support a seamless flow between rooms, making the home feel both connected and expansive. The design strategy ensures a unified, aesthetically pleasing environment that enhances the comfort and lifestyle of the residents.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeMatter of SomethingOfficePublished on December 22, 2024Cite: "WO House / Matter of Something" 21 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024994/wo-house-matter-of-something&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

Hourglass / Dam & Partners ArchitectenSave this picture! Sebastian van DammeAmsterdam, The NetherlandsArchitects: Dam & Partners ArchitectenAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:42000 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2020 PhotographsPhotographs:Sebastian van Damme Lead Architects: Diederik Dam, Haakon Brouwer More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Hourglass is a striking addition to Amsterdam's Zuidas district, serving as a natural connection between the existing Zuidas area and the emerging Knowledge Quarter anchored by the Vrije Universiteit (VU), its medical center (AUmc), and the Amsterdam South train station. This mixed-use high-rise integrates seamlessly into its urban context, combining offices, long-stay apartments, retail spaces, and a public restaurant and caf. Strategically located opposite the new courthouse, Hourglass houses one of the country's largest law firms and activates the area with its multifunctional program and elegant design.Save this picture!Architectural Design and Inspiration. The building's name and distinctive hourglass shape stem from its purposeful design. Inspired by the geometric sculptures of Romanian artist Constantin Brncui, the architecture embodies both form and function. The hourglass profile reflects an innovative spatial concept: wide atria at the top and bottom floors are connected by a waisted middle section, facilitating efficient use of space and fostering connectivity between smaller atria and open floor plans that stretch from facade to facade.Save this picture!The faade is crafted with precision and artistry. Oblique natural stone planes are intersected by glass incisions, creating a timeless and international aesthetic. The light stone cladding and warm materials emphasize the building's monumentality while the upright positioning of windows optimizes reflection. Prefabricated concrete panels, clad in custom-cut white sandstone, ensure seamless assembly. Joints are reduced to a maximum width of 12 millimeters, enhancing the building's refined, seamless appearance.Save this picture!Functionality and Urban Integration. Hourglass exemplifies thoughtful urban design, with its L-shaped footprint opening onto a public square. Active lobbies and commercial spaces face north and east, engaging pedestrians, while service entrances are discreetly positioned on the west side. By integrating public, residential, and commercial functions, the design enriches the Zuidas' dynamic character and contributes to the growth of the Knowledge Quarter.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Recognition and Innovation. Hourglass's innovative design principles have been recognized with an Award of Excellence from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. Its fusion of geometric artistry, high-quality prefabrication techniques, and meticulous attention to detail set a new benchmark for multifunctional high-rise buildings in urban contexts. With its iconic design and multifunctional character, Hourglass stands as a symbol of timeless architecture and urban sophistication, perfectly aligned with the aspirations of Amsterdam's Zuidas district.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Amsterdam, The NetherlandsLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePublished on December 21, 2024Cite: "Hourglass / Dam & Partners Architecten" 21 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024804/hourglass-dam-and-partners-architecten&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

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PC has continued to see more games releases from Sony and Microsoft, which, combined with all of the exclusives the platform gets, makes it a great place to play. While Nintendo is an exception, you're all but guaranteed to get the best of Xbox and PlayStation on this platform, and even without those console giants courting PC gamers, the year has been loaded with high-profile releases. According to GameSpot sister site Metacritic, the best-reviewed PC games--as of December 5--covered a wide variety of genres.From AAA releases to smash-hit indies, 2024 was a year where From Software released a masterpiece with its Elden Ring expansion, Animal Well took the world by storm with its engrossingly weird metroidvania magic, and Tactical Breach Wizards reminded the world that defenestration is always an option. We've rounded up all of the games below that received high metascores, and you can read more below. Be sure to also check out our running list of the best PC games to play right now.More Best Of 2024:Our Favorite Games That Didn't Make The Top 10Best PS5-Exclusive Games Of 2024Best Switch-Exclusive Games Of 2024Best PC-Exclusive Games Of 2024Best Xbox Games Of 2024Best-Reviewed Games Of 2024Best Of 2024 hub Elden Ring: Shadow of the ErdtreeIs it even possible to make one of the best games of all time even better? Shadow of the Erdtree positively answers that question with its gorgeous new location, breathtaking boss fights, and new gameplay ideas to create a new gold standard for future souls-like games to be measured against.Metascore: 94 | Read our Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review See at Fanatical Metaphor ReFantazioWhat initially looked like it might be little more than a fantasy reskin of the Persona series proved to be much more. Metaphor: ReFantazio was named GameSpot's Game of the Year for 2024 and earned a rare 10/10, and for good reason: It evolves Persona's turn-based combat in interesting new ways to make for a phenomenal experience, and it pairs that with a compelling narrative that feels appropriate given the current-day political climate. It plays great on Steam Deck, too.Metascore: 92 | Read our Metaphor: ReFantazio review See at Fanatical Tekken 8We're living in a golden age of fighting games, and after the arrival of Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1 last year, it was time for an iron-fisted king to make a grand return. Tekken 8 doubles down on its strength, cementing its position as one of the Big Three in fighting games. Its gorgeous visuals pack a punch, new gameplay systems reward you for aggressively dishing out pain, and its single-player storyline is an entertaining clash between Tekken's most-entertaining personalities and several newcomers.Metascore: 90 | Read our Tekken 8 review See at Fanatical UFO 50One of the most ambitious indie projects in years, UFO 50 imagines a fictional video game console and uncovers a whopping 50 games from it. The collection is a fantastically diverse set of retro-style games spanning the styles of genre conventions of the 1980s. It's a smart and savvy exploration of classic gaming tropes while also giving you a wide array of new games to sink your teeth into.Metascore: 91 | Read our UFO 50 review Animal WellThe less you know about Animal Well, the better, as this hit indie game works best when you go in with as little information as possible. A cryptic metroidvania where you collect items that can be used to alter the environment in surprising ways, everything about Animal Well feels like an intricate piece of art. Don't let the lo-fi visuals and deceptively simplistic gameplay fool you, as this nonlinear game is a masterclass in suspense.Metascore: 91 | Read our Animal Well review SatisfactoryAfter years in early access, Satisfactory finally released in full this year, and it's hard to argue it wasn't worth the wait. It's a game all about building automated systems, and in that regard, it's top-notch. When you're invoking a sense of satisfaction with your title, you had better deliver, and Satisfactory certainly does.Metascore: 91 BalatroBalatro has been one of the biggest surprises of the year, and as anyone who has played it can tell you, it's not hard to see why. Expertly blending its poker inspirations with roguelike deckbuilding gameplay, it's a game of endless possibility and captivating design that you can easily lose yourself in and play until the wee hours of the morning. Every card you pick up can drastically alter your chances for the better--or worse!--while a combination of synthwave music and psychedelic visuals help to create a hard-to-put-down flow to Balatro's magic.Metascore: 90 | Read our Balatro review See at Fanatical Shin Megami Tensei V: VengeanceAtlus could have easily ported Shin Megami Tensei V, slapped on a new coat of paint, and called it a day, but the publisher decided to go above and beyond for what was expected of it. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance shines on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC thanks to an absurd amount of extra content in this demon-hording adventure. It's also packed full of thoughtful quality-of-life tweaks, all adding to an already-engaging narrative that makes this challenging series worth jumping into for the first time or revisiting if you're looking to play the best version of it.Metascore: 87 | Read our Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance review See at Fanatical Thank Goodness You're HereThe beauty of Thank Goodness You're Here is that you never quite know what to expect from this adorable "slapformer." In terms of gameplay, you're not doing much beyond steering a curiously small chap through various scenarios that can be solved with some percussive maintenance, and yet you'd be hard-pressed to find another game as memorable as this one.Metascore: 90 | Read our Thank Goodness You're Here review God of War RagnarokThe stream of first-party games from Sony, formerly exclusive to Playstation consoles, continued in 2024, and there aren't many better than God of War Ragnarok. The continuation of 2018's soft reboot told another great story filled with memorable characters and set pieces, and the action took another step forward with new tools and wrinkles to keep it feeling fresh. It might be a few years old, but like its predecessor, Ragnarok holds up exceptionally well.Metascore: 90 | Read our God of War Ragnarok review See at Fanatical Like a Dragon: Infinite WealthLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealth hits a bullseye for what a sequel should be--bigger, bolder, and now with Danny Trejo playing a machete-themed villain. At the same time, Infinite Wealth is a wonderful passing of the torch, as it brings back old faces for one last ride. A polished and emotionally charged adventure, Ichiban's return will tug at your heart with its expertly crafted narrative and leave you with plenty to do after the end credits have rolled thanks to a surplus of extra content.Metascore: 89 | Read our Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth review See at Fanatical Kill KnightSure, the name is funny (Kill Butt 2: 2, anyone?), but Kill Knight is also a gloriously stylish shooter that will remind you of legendary arcade games like Smash TV and Robotron 2084. It's all wrapped up in a hellish aesthetic that's decidedly darker and more grim than the aforementioned games, and in a sort of reverse-Doom situation, it's up to you to make angels extinct. You will not cry when angels deserve to die.Metascore: 88 See at Fanatical Destiny 2: The Final ShapeThe Final Shape effectively took on the challenge of concluding the decade-long story of Destiny and helped to bring the game into its best, most interesting form yet. The RPG elements are more fully fleshed out than ever, and the new activities, compelling campaign, and dense Pale Heart location all make for a satisfying end to the Light and Darkness Saga. Though it's not the end of Destiny 2, which will continue on, it is undoubtedly a high point for the game.Metascore: 89 | Read our Destiny 2: The Final Shape review See at Fanatical Horizon Forbidden West: Complete EditionHorizon Forbidden West launched a few years ago on PlayStation, and it finally made its way to PC in 2024. The second chapter in Aloy's journey sees her diving further into the technological conspiracy that caused the end of modern civilization, but with an added threat from a new group of people possessing seemingly unstoppable weapons of their own. Like the original, it features a mix of stealth and all-out action, both against other humans and the many "breeds" of robotic dinosaurs scattered across a devastated world.Metascore: 89| Read our Horizon Forbidden West review See at Fanatical Persona 3 ReloadPersona 3 defined with would become the formula that elevated the franchise to a new level of popularity. But elements of it aged poorly, and it also had never been available on PC. Reload makes it easy to jump into, with a good-looking PC version (that also runs well on Steam Deck) adding various quality-of-life improvements.Metascore: 89 | Read our Persona 3 Reload review See at Fanatical Ghost of Tsushima: Director's CutAn open-world samurai game, Ghost of Tsushima presents a more approachable blend of stealth and action than souls-like-style games. It's got a gorgeous world to explore and wonderful cinematography to take in, all of it improved with the visual improvements you get on PC, plus additional content that was included with the Director's Cut release.Metascore: 89 | Read our Ghost of Tsushima review See at Fanatical Lorelei and the Laser Eyes2024 might just go down as the best year ever for puzzle games, and at the top of the cerebral pile, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes stands strong. Imagine a game flexing an Italian cinema art direction, puzzles that'll make you reach for a notebook to keep track of everything, and surreal vibes, and you've got everything you need to enjoy a wonderfully weird mystery.Metascore: 88 | Read our Lorelei and the Laser Eyes review Tactical Breach WizardsTactical Breach Wizards takes the basic gameplay concept of the brilliant Into the Breach--turn-based gameplay where you know your opponents' next move, and where you can manipulate their positioning to enable a better outcome--and dumps the roguelike structure for a story-based campaign. It's full of great writing and humor, and it also innovates with its gameplay by expanding the number of potential actions on each turn, making it so even complex levels can be solved in a single, ultra-satisfying turn.Metascore: 88 | Read our Tactical Breach Wizards review Dragon's Dogma 2Dragon's Dogma 2 is a satisfying and rewarding jaunt into fantasy. Capcom's return to the series isn't flawless, but those imperfections are easy to live with once you become drawn into a vast world of possibility that is full of helpful Pawns, thrilling adventures, and combat that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.Metascore: 88 | Read our Dragon's Dogma 2 review See at Fanatical Shogun ShowdownThis roguelike deckbuilder sets itself in feudal Japan, challenging you to take on enemy swordsmen with nothing but your wits and a deep, turn-based combat system. You'll carefully position your shogun and choose the perfect moment to strike, and as your runs progress, you'll unlock new characters and skills.Metascore: 88 See at Fanatical The Crimson DiamondA throwback to the days of Sierra's MS-DOS point-and-click adventure games, The Crimson Diamond still manages to mix a few modern ideas into its old-school design. A murder-mystery full of devious puzzles to solve, this love-letter to text-parser games like the Laura Bow Mystery Series is a must-play for anyone looking for a return to the past.Metascore: 88 Mullet MadjackMullet Madjack is like a first-person take on Hotline Miami, blending the intensity of that game with a distinct, colorful art style and a satirical spin on streamer culture. You'll need to rush from kill to kill before your timer runs out, soaking in the bloody visuals and '80s-style soundtrack that make this an exhilarating experience.Metascore: 88 Five Nights at Freddy's: Into the PitCan a Five Nights at Freddy's game be just as terrifying in 2D as it is in its traditional 3D format? The answer is a resounding yes with Into the Pit, as this Five Nights spin-off looks gruesomely gorgeous with its pixel-art animation. Throw in dual timelines, signature Five Nights at Freddy's frights, and unsettling levels, and you've got a rock-solid spin-off.Metascore: 87 Crusader Kings III: Roads to PowerCrusader Kings III already gave players nearly endless ways to conquer the world, whether it be through careful diplomacy or assassinating a child and then staging a large-scale invasion. If you thought you've seen all Crusader Kings III has to offer, think again, because Roads to Power adds several new wrinkles via the Byzantine Empire. New governmental options, co-ruling, and less restrictive exploration all breathe new life into a brilliant do-evil simulator.Metascore: 87 See at Fanatical Halls of TormentA Survivors-like that was already a worthy entry to the genre while it was in early access, Halls of Torment saw its 1.0 release in 2024. Its Diablo 2-style visuals evoke a certain era that will appeal to some, but its longer-term progression makes it hard not to opt into one more run whenever you finish one up.Metascore: 87 Minishoot AdventuresA Zelda-like adventure game by way of a shoot-em-up, Minishoot Adventures combines two very different genres and discovers they're like chocolate and peanut butter. The bullet hell mechanics feel right at home as you explore dungeons, find powerful new equipment, and take on enormous bosses.Metascore: 87 Silent Hill 2Bloober Team weathered many doubts for years as the team worked on Silent Hill 2. Players seemed to preorder their frustrations with the game. But then something funny happened: It launched, and it was exceptional. Both a faithful remake to an all-time great horror game and an experience that adds to the overall experience and even lore of Konami's best horror game, the Silent Hill 2 remake is arguably the best horror remake in a long line of them over the past several years.Metascore: 87 | Read our Silent Hill 2 review See at Fanatical Dragon Quest III HD-2D RemakeJRPG fans have been spoiled for choice throughout the year, but Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake left an indelible mark with its nostalgic appeal and a visual overhaul that Square Enix excels at. While some archaic elements remain intact--and show just how far the genre has come since this game was first released--Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is still a thrilling collection of turn-based battles and surprisingly flexible gameplay systems.Metascore: 87 | Read our Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake review AntonblastAntonblast is a relentless platformer, one that plays like a 2D Crash Bandicoot with breathtaking anger-management issues. With a frantic pace, platforming that requires deft skill, and an art style that isn't exactly easy on the eyes, it can be a bit of an acquired taste. But if you're looking to cap the year off with high-energy platforming action featuring a protagonist with an undying rage that could put the Doomslayer to shame? Then you'll have a blast with Dynamite Anton in this game.Metascore: 87 Indiana Jones and the Great CircleThe best Indiana Jones game since the intrepid archeologist solved the fate of Atlantis, The Great Circle embodies the spirit of a cinematic icon with its big-budget presentation, scrappy combat, and puzzles that'll make you feel like you deserve a teaching post at Marshall College. Developer MachineGames did its homework with this Indiana Jones game, but more than that, the entire project feels like a labor of love that celebrates the character and his long-lasting impact on pop culture.Metacritic: 87 | Read our Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review See at Fanatical Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom.

Fortnite has become one of the most competitive games to date, featuring a wide skill gap due to its building mechanics. While knowing how to build and edit effectively is crucial for securing a Victory Royale and dominating Ranked matches and Tournaments, aiming is just as important, if not more so.

An Elden Ring player has pulled off the incredible feat of making Margit fall off the cliff while fighting, something which is unheard of even almost three years after the launch of the title. Considering how difficult the game can get at times, some Elden Ring fans often employ clever methods to take down the game's unforgiving bosses, but this one seems to be quite a unique way of defeating Margit.

Thanks to its massive library of incredible software, the PlayStation 2 has remained the best-selling video game console of all time. Perhaps one of the key reasons that the software was so good was thanks to its protagonists, as its impressive roster of RPGs, survival horror adventures, racing titles, and action-adventure games is packed with outstanding lead characters.