This classic 35-year-old point and click horror is back from the dead, remade by the same solo dev that created itBlast from the last.Image credit: WRF Studios News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Jan. 26, 2025 35 years after point and click horror game Last Half of Darkness first released it's coming back, remade from the ground up by the same solo dev who created it.In honour of the 35th anniversary (well, technically 36th now) of the 1989 original, Bill Fisher has gone back to the start by remaking the first Last Half of Darkness with all-new graphics, a new soundtrack, "enhanced" story, and "even more" puzzles. You can check out the announcement teaser below:Last Half of Darkness (35th Anniversary Edition).Watch on YouTube"Your aunt sure was a strange one," the blurb teases. "She was some sort of witch or something. A good witch though, practicing only good spells and magic. In fact, she was working on a potion just before she was killed."Now the secret will go to the grave with her... unless you can find the missing ingredients.""I made it on an XT PC 64k RAM system with a 10mb hard drive over a 9 month period, just working part-time on it," Fisher explained. "Was goofing around with some paint programs seeing if I could make some cool looking rooms and locations. It ended up turning out relatively good so I decided to actually package it. Hired an artist to do the package design and found a box manufacturer, etc. Got it in a couple retail stores locally, and sold a few at some conventions but wasn't really familiar or had the right contacts with the distribution side of things so it never was officially released commercially."However, right around that time, shareware was starting to really take off... and turned out to be very successful."Last Half of Darkness is set to release on Steam on 7th February 2025, although if you missed the original first time around, worry not - that's still available, too.Looking for more horror recommendations? Check out recent The Horror Awards, which finally gave Silent Hill 2 Remake and other horror games the love they deserve.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer said its brand identity is "evolving" now keeping first-party games exclusive to its own platform is no longer "a path for [Xbox]".When asked by independent games journalist Dustin Legarie if, like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Starfield would continue to have an "exclusivity window" on Xbox systems, Spencer replied with a strikingly simple: "No."Xbox Developer Direct - four promising games also coming to PlayStation.Watch on YouTube"There's no reason for me to put a ring fence around any game and say this game will not go to a place where it would find players, where it would have business success for us," Spencer explained."Our strategy is to allow our games to be available."Game Pass is an important component of playing the games on our platform, but to keep games off other platforms?" Spencer added."We don't think is the path that's not a path for us. It doesn't work for us." To see this content please enable targeting cookies."What we're doing now we think really enables us to build the best platform for the world's best games. 'Cos the world's biggest games are available in multiple places, and more and more creators are asking us, how do we stay connected when our game might be playable in all these different places, and we want Xbox to be absolutely the platform that enables that."We think that makes us unique. Most of the other platforms out there are single platform on single device, whether that's PC, whether that's mobile, whether it's a console.And we want Xbox to be a platform that enables creators across any screen that people want to play on."When pressed on whether Xbox's change in strategy means it may lose its identity, Spencer was firm about that, too."I hear them. I'm pretty active in our playerbase, and I'm active in the community. I listen. I think our identity will continue to evolve, which, frankly, it always has. But when I hear concerns, I hear concerns about is: my library of games safe. Am I still going to be able to play the games. And I think over the years, I'm proud of the commitment we've shown to respecting purchases on our platform through back compat, through cross entitlement, Xbox Play Anywhere, through crossplay. Things that we've done to enable people to continue to play, so I hear that."I see the investments we're making in platform and how we want Xbox to show up in multiple places, and your library to be available there. When I think about buy-to-stream - so when if I buy a game, I'll be able to stream it to devices - this is all about making sure that your library of games that you own on Xbox are playable in multiple places, so I'd say it's in evolution of our identity. But I believe it's an identity that this industry needs."When you think about where this industry is now and you see the challenges, the business challenges that are out there for many companies, I think us making games more accessible to more people has just gotta be front and centre for us as an industry so we continue to see great games that we've seen over the years."The comments echo Spencer's position at the end of last year, when he said there were "no red lines" over any Xbox game coming to Nintendo Switch or PS5.

Before taking a closer look at this home in San Sebastian, in Spains Basque Country, heres a short history lesson. At the end of the 1950s, Spain was preparing to open its economy to increased international trade and foreign investment through an approved stabilization plan. Taxes increased, public spending was reined in, and price controls were largely abolished. The longed-for economic benefits soon followed. In the next decade, local industry would be strengthened, and the foundations of Spains current tourism sector were established. There was a boom in the construction of social and low-income housing, a response to an urgent need in San Sebastian and other parts of the country. The new projects included this home in a building erected in 1966.Most of the housing units built under the initiatives of the time followed some basic rules. The apartment that architect Ismael Medina Manzano recently renovated was typical of them. It consisted of three bedrooms with a tiny north-facing living room and it was intended for a married couple with two children. We have tried to give it a twist and adapt it to how we live now, in the 21st century, reorganizing the space and incorporating local materials, Medina Manzano, who divides his time between Spain and New York City, tells us. The renovation of this apartment, which is used as a vacation home by its owners, included some carefully considered updates.In the living room, handmade glazed ceramic tiles are used on one wall, Tingby side table with wheels by IKEA, Mayday table lamp by Flos, and Dioscuri wall lamp by Artemide.Another view of the same space, showing the curve of the wall covered with glazed ceramic tiles. The stool is made of reclaimed teak root. On the ceiling, the Teti lamps are by Vico Magistretti for Artemide.Foto: Hiperfocal.The home now has two bedrooms instead of three, a large entrance hall that serves as a dressing room, two bathrooms, and a common area with a kitchen and living space. It is organized around a curved wall clad in green glazed ceramic tiles. It is the main element and not only serves as a room divider but also provides storage solutions. Around it are placed a series of pantries, cupboards, shelves, cupboards, and even the bathrooms. It is an aesthetic moment with its reflective qualities and, at the same time, it provides a coherence to the space, explains the architect. It sits next to the mirrored kitchenanother playful addition to the homeand it is only interrupted by a doorway made of San Sebastian sandstone, a common material in the region. The doorway is a reflection on the geological layers of the city, nature, the raw material, and even The Comb of the Wind [a group of three monumental steel sculptures by the artist Chillida that sits on the edge of La Concha, the bay that San Sebastian is built around], the architect adds.In addition to the imposing central installation and the play of mirrors, the apartment is remarkable for its use of other unusual materials and innovative design solutions. In the center of the common area, a table that can easily be raised or lowered is made of reused Spanish granite and discarded pieces from local carpentry workshops. Daily life revolves around the table, which is capable of adapting to a variety of situations: a family dinner, moved to the side for a party, or serving as an impromptu office or worktop. The rest of the furniture, like the OMHU Teddy sofa bed and the mobile side tables and flowerpots on wheels, is similarly flexible.In front of the kitchen, which consists of a wall of mirrored cabinet fronts, a table incorporates a reused lacquered steel structure, a hydraulic piston, castors, and a granite top. The wooden chair is made of ash and the aluminum tube chairs were recovered from a local restaurant and restored. On the right, reflected in a mirror, is a Mayday table lamp by Flos.Most PopularCelebrity StyleJosephine Baker at Home: 15 Photos of the Legendary Entertainer in Her French ChateausBy Katie SchultzArchitecture + DesignThis Altadena Bungalow Is a Love Letter to Production Design and AmericanaBy Jessica RitzArchitecture + DesignInside an Alabama Home With Nature Views From Every RoomBy Elizabeth FazzareOn the left, a gray Teddy sofa from OMHU and a Tizio table lamp from Artemide. On the right, a Skalboda chair in black from IKEA. Above the kitchen, the Mayday lamp from Flos, designed by Konstanin Grcic.Another theme to the apartment is its use of vibrant and strong colors. I love to play with color. First by choosing one that sets the mood for the home and then others to compliment it, Medina says. From the green tiles of the living room to the electric blue ones used in one of the bathrooms or the pristine white ones in the other, bold colors play a leading role in this home. There is a false belief among many that creating a cohesive design is about using certain colors and materials, but it has more to do with the process behind the choices, Medina says when asked about some of the design decisions. This apartment is integrated into the city and its environment thanks to the type of stone that was used and references that speak to the areas industrial past. Colors can be responses to the culture of the region. It is about going beyond the surface.A good example of how Medina consciously places the home in the context of the city is the kitchen, which was already mentioned as a focal point of the home thanks to its unusual, mirrored cabinets. When you look out the window, you can see a footbridge crossing over the railway tracks in the distance. Its right at eye level. The mirrors create an illusion where you can see yourself too, amid the reflections of nearby buildings. It is sort of an architectural wink, he notes with an amused look. This private joke shared only by the architect and the ownersand now AD readers toosums up the inspired spirit of the project, as well as the contagious vibrancy of contemporary San Sebastian.This home tour was originally published by AD Spain. It was translated by John Newton.Most PopularCelebrity StyleJosephine Baker at Home: 15 Photos of the Legendary Entertainer in Her French ChateausBy Katie SchultzArchitecture + DesignThis Altadena Bungalow Is a Love Letter to Production Design and AmericanaBy Jessica RitzArchitecture + DesignInside an Alabama Home With Nature Views From Every RoomBy Elizabeth FazzareView of the back of the curved wall. A sandstone doorway separates the two rooms as if it were a witness to the geological passage of time in the area.The central element of this 861-square-foot apartment is a curved wall of glazed ceramic tiles interrupted by a portal of San Sebastian sandstonea stone commonly used in the region.Ismael Medina Manzano, who divides his time between New York City and Madrid, is seen here in front of the mirrored kitchen.One bathroom is covered in royal blue pool tiles.The second bathroom is also covered in pool tiles, though in white.

A hot potato: Meta and Mark Zuckerberg have been through a lot of changes this month, many of which have upset some people. Removing fact-checkers, allowing users to say pretty much anything, and killing diversity programs led to calls for a boycott of Meta platforms. It doesn't appear to have much of an effect on its user numbers, though things might have been different had TikTok's future been more certain. Earlier this month, Zuckerberg signaled that he wanted Meta to be more like X by removing "politically biased" third-party fact checkers in favor of community notes and focusing on free speech and political discourse. The company is also killing its DEI programs.Some users of Meta's platforms deleted their accounts in protest at the new policies. There were also calls for a boycott from R.E.M frontman Michael Stipe, who urged people to log out of Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Messenger, WhatsApp, Giphy, Meta Quest, and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses for a week as part of a campaign called "Lights Out Meta."View this post on InstagramA post shared by Michael Stipe (@michaelstipe)As noted by Business Insider, several analytics firms reported a slight decline in engagement among Meta users following the announcement of the changes. However, news of TikTok's impending ban sent many of ByteDance's users over to its rival's platforms. Facebook's number of Daily Active Users (DAUs) had been down 2% for most of January, according to Apptopia, but it began showing year-on-year growth ahead of the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the TikTok ban.Engagement on Meta's platforms has now returned to the same level it was before Zuckerberg's announcement. Instagram, which has a user demographic closer to TikTok's, saw an even more impressive rebound in DAUs than Facebook. Instagram also has the advantage of Reels, a short-form video platform that has attracted many former TikTokers. // Related StoriesIt's not just new users that Meta might be thanking TikTok for. If TikTok does disappear from the United States completely the app is working but still not available to download from US app stores it's estimated that Meta could bring in up to $3.37 billion from newly available ad revenue.A recent survey of 1,346 Americans by CivicScience found that 36% of participants supported Meta's changes while 32% opposed them and 32% were neutral. GenZ users aged 18-24 were the biggest supporters, with just over half supporting the moves.It was reported earlier today that many people are selling phones with TikTok installed on eBay in the wildly optimistic hope of making thousands of dollars.

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Farm LifeStardew Valley's creator thinks he will "always have a desire to come back and maybe add a thing or two", so we can probably expect to wait for Haunted Chocolatier for a while longer"You know, maybe even 50 years from now, I might add something." News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Jan. 26, 2025 Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone is obviously notorious for being unable to stop adding to Stardew Valley, but it sounds like he could do it even decades on.Did you know Stardew Valley is one of the best selling games of all time? Seriously, it's in the top 20 best selling games ever, which might be a bit surprising considering its company is games like Breath of the Wild and Call of Duty. I'm sure that's in no small part thanks to the games constant updates in the almost 10 years since it first released, the most recent one being the game's 1.6 update last year. Of course, you'd think that eventually updates would stop, and in an interview with NPR's All Things Considered, Barone does roughly know when he would stop, but also thinks that he could be going for quite a long time.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "I do take in a lot of what the fans are saying," Barone said when asked about what his relationship is with his fans. "I pay attention to what their thoughts are, what their criticisms are. And the players are very important to me. I mean, I will never forget that it's because of the players that I'm in this position, that the game was able to be popular, that my dreams as a game developer have come true." In turn, he said he feels that he wants to "give it back to them in the way that they've given [it] to me."There is a limit to how much one can put into a game, though, and when asked if he sees a point in time where the game will finally be complete, Barone said that he thinks "a game can have too much content. And I ultimately want Stardew Valley to be the best game it can be. So if I feel like it's starting to become kind of overwhelmed with content to the point where it's detrimental to the game's entertainment factor, I would stop at that point."Another thing is, I do want to make more than one game in my life. Including the development time, I've been working on Stardew Valley for over 12 years now. But I don't want to definitively say that the book is ever closed, because I think I will always have a desire to come back and maybe add a thing or two. You know, maybe even 50 years from now, I might add something." He even joked that he thinks it would be "funny to release an update when I'm, like, 90 years old," but I think by that point he might have earned his retirement.Of course, Barone is working on another game right now, Haunted Chocolatier, which he did make clear to fans last month isn't "abandoned" despite the fact he's still working on Stardew Valley too (though that doesn't mean he has a release date yet either).

Not Boxed InHoping those rumours about Xbox titles on Switch 2 are true? Some recent comments from Phil Spencer certainly lends some credence to them"I just always applaud the moves that they make."Image credit: Nintendo News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Jan. 26, 2025 Xbox players that are thinking about making the jump to the Nintendo Switch 2 will probably be happy to hear that Microsoft is planning on supporting the new console.A problem that has only grown more and more as time has gone on and gaming has become an increasingly expensive hobby is that for a lot of people, they just kind of have to pick one console and hope they don't regret it. That's definitely changing now though as companies realise they can't afford to release their games on just one platform, and in particular Microsoft is making an effort to release its exclusives on its rival consoles too - like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which launched on Xbox and PC last year, but will be coming to PS5 later this year. And it's sounding like Microsoft is keen on supporting the Switch 2, too, as Xbox head Phil Spencer has shared his excitement over the new console in a recent interview with Gamertag Radio.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "I was exchanging emails with Furukawa-san, the CEO of Nintendo," Spencer said. "I gave him a big congrats and said my old eyes appreciate the larger screen Nintendo, their innovation, and what they mean in this industry I just always applaud the moves that they make. They did a little flash video, and I know well get more detail over time. Im really looking forward to supporting them with the games that we have, and I just think theyre a really important part of this industry."Watch on YouTubeThe Xbox head continued, "Its hard with whats publicly out there right now for everybody to get their [heads] around it, but who would ever bet against the success of that team? They are just masterful in what they do, Switch is a massive success, and I think Switch 2 will be as well."What that means in terms of games coming to the platform is anyone's guess - there was a report that Hi-Fi Rush will be launching on the Switch 2 last year, and a rumour from earlier this month claims that Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be making their way to the platform. Only time will tell!

Image: Nintendo LifeWelcome back as we open up the Nintendo Life Mailbox once again.Here we are in 2025, ready to thrive, and Nintendo has kindly given us all some good news: Switch 2 is indeed Switch 2, it's looking sexy and watch this space. We're paraphrasing, but that's the gist.It's time for our monthly letters page feature, though. Got something you want to get off your chest? We're ready and waiting to read about your game-related ponderings.Each month well highlight a Star Letter, the writer of which will receive a months subscription to our ad-free Supporter scheme. Check out the submission guidelines at the bottom of this page.Let's plunge our mitts into the box, shall we?Nintendo Life Mailbox - January 2024Image: Nintendo"old Nintendo" (***STAR LETTER***)Dear NL,Nintendo is probably never going to be worse. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but yes. With the massive targeting at retro game YouTubers and perfectly legal emulation(not piracy), taking down fan games, and, worst of all, lack of charmingness in their consoles. Back in the 3DS/Wii U days, we had music, beautiful menus, Miiverse, and a bigger focus on Miis. I want the old Nintendo. The one that wasn't afraid to be a little different than everybody else.Happy New Year, JayHmm. I get where youre coming from (I like menu music as much as the next editor, and Nintendo has a draconian approach to emulation), but this is the company that released Switch-compatible cardboard robots and a Pilates ring controller this gen. That's a little different, no?As unsurprising as Switch 2 feels from the reveal, it did have Joy-Con sliding all over the place like mice - and despite all the hardware leaks, we also know next to nothing about the software. I'm convinced we'll see big swings and no shortage of charm precisely because the system is so outwardly iterative.If Switch is Nintendo at its worst... well, I don't think my body will survive the good stuff. - Ed."fearless ambition"On a recent rewatch of the film "BlackBerry", I noticed that a major contributor to Research In Motion's downfall was their refusal to innovate further than they already had - their hesitance to evolve after the iPhone hit the market essentially doomed them. I also recently watched "The Social Network", which proved a particularly interesting watch in the context of Facebook's reputation in the current day - its rampant early success eventually allowed Meta to indulge in its worst habits with little meaningful scrutiny. I believe my interpretations of these films reflect many of my worst fears about the Switch 2; will its seemingly inevitable runaway success give Nintendo the overconfidence to excuse itself of the fearless ambition that made it so renowned not even 15 years ago? We're all familiar with many of its most questionable business practices (i.e. full-price ports, lacklustre online, Joy-Con drift), but will the Switch 2 selling like hotcakes cause those practices to worsen or even manifest in other forms (hello, $70 price point)? I want to play the next Mario Kart as much as anyone else, but the overabundance of warning signs I'm noticing with the Switch 2 are tempering my excitement and expectations.KrustyKoopaNintendo is a very different entity to Blackberry and Facebook, one that's in the business of entertainment first and foremost, so those comparisons aren't apt beyond early commercial success and fortunes going up and down.Did that initial success lead to complacency and Nintendo indulging its "worst habits"? Perhaps, when they ruled with an iron licensing agreement without robust competition. But then, boom, the birth of 3D games, the DS, the Wii, the Switch - platforms that moved the goalposts for everyone. Incredible software has been a constant from the company since the mid-'80s, too.Given the industry right now, I don't think overconfidence is a problem for any of the big three, and there's no guarantee Switch 2 will sell like hotcakes. Nintendo has been at this long enough to know it's never easy, even when something's apparently printing money.I understand the hesitance, the caution, even the slight disappointment that the next console isn't a doughnut or something unexpected. But I'm very excited to see more of this thing and theres ample opportunity to do imaginative work in a familiar framework. - Ed.Image: Nintendo"Bowser in winter"Dear Nintendolife,I got 2 games for Christmas: Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Mario vs Donkey Kong. Both games had perfect difficulty, easy to go through, great challenge to collect everything on the levels, hard to 100% (especially true for Kirby). When I look your reviews, I see severe criticism against the low difficulty, then a lot of comments stating people would not buy such an easy game. They dont know, what a great experience they miss. I admit these are easier than games of my youth, but I dont miss the ice cold sweat flowing down on my body when fighting Bowser in winter. So my feeling is you are downplaying the difficulty, dissuading readers from playing great games.MorselI mean, Kirby got a 9/10 and the Mario vs. Donkey Kong remake scored a 'Good' 7/10, too. I don't agree that there's "severe criticism" of the difficulty in either case. If someone loves sweat-inducing levels of challenge, those aren't going to satisfy them and that's worth noting. For everyone else, the context of the full review makes it clear that there's loads to enjoy in both those games.I really need to get back to Kirby at some point. - Ed."an official thing officially"So with the Nintendo Switch 2 an official thing officially on the way, and having never known the site before the switch, I wanted to ask- do you know how the site will change with the new system? Will certain kinds of content be phased out? will the main color of the site (It's been switch red for the last few years aside from articles for retro systems and franchises) change for the new system? And, uh, this'll sound weird, but any words of comfort for those who won't be able to upgrade to the newest hardware and games straight away?WillaxI consulted with top brass and there's nothing planned when it comes to colour changes right now. The red feels very 'Nintendo' and something bright and punchy is preferable to drab grey in my book. NL's 20th anniversary is coming up this year, so ideas for that are percolating but a total front-end overhaul for Switch 2 isn't on the cards right now.And we've got no plans to phase out OG Switch games coverage yet. There's going to be a lot of crossover in the first year at least and with all those games playable on the next system, we'll be covering the best of both for a good while.And for readers who won't be upgrading immediately, remember that these games aren't going anywhere! We'll be flagging spoilers in our conversations and features as always, so give the insidious FOMO a sound thrashing and try to enjoy the anticipation. It's going to be a fun one and well be here when you do jump aboard! - Ed.Image: NintendoBonus Letters"I'm hoping for a Studiopolis redub of 25 Pokemon seasons." - Scott DevineBlimey. - Ed."can you tell by my username that I like potatoes?" - Potato-manEating or cavorting with? - Ed.That's all for this month! Thanks to everyone who wrote in, whether you were featured above or not.Got something you'd like to get off your chest? A burning question you need answered? A correction you can't contain? Follow the instructions below, then, and we look forward to rifling through your missives.Nintendo Life Mailbox submission advice and guidelinesLetters, not essays, please - Bear in mind that your letter may appear on the site, and 1000 words ruminating on the Legend of Heroes series and asking Alana for her personal ranking isn't likely to make the cut. Short and sweet is the order of the day. (If you're after a general guide, 100-200 words would be ample for most topics.)Don't go crazy with multiple correspondences - Ideally, just the one letter a month, please!Don't be disheartened if your letter doesn't appear in the monthly article - We anticipate a substantial inbox, and we'll only be able to highlight a handful every month. So if your particular letter isn't chosen for the article, please don't get disheartened!How to send a Letter to the Nintendo Life MailboxHead to Nintendo Life's Contact page and select the subject "Reader Letters" from the drop-down menu (it's already done for you in the link above). Type your name, email, and beautifully crafted letter into the appropriate box, hit send, and boom you're done! Advert FreeShare:02 Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 before joining the site full-time the following year, rising through the ranks to become Editor. He can currently be found squashed beneath a Switch backlog the size of Normandy. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesMailbox: Switch 2 Caution, Unpopular Opinions, Easy Games - Nintendo Life LettersIssue #20 - January 2025

NAP Penthouse | DworzynskiThe NAP Penthouse integrates heritage with contemporary design and is located within the historic Palazzo Calboli dallAste in Forl. The project incorporates modern elements that redefine spatial perception. Central to this transformation is colored mirrors, which expand space and enhance the interplay between light and reflection. This article explores the penthouses spatial composition, material selection, and impact on contemporary interior architecture.NAP Penthouse Technical InformationArchitects1-2: tissellistudio architetti Location: Forl, ItalyArea: 200 m2 | 2,150 Sq. Ft.Completion Year: 2023Photographs: DworzynskiThe NAP penthouse demonstrates how even the most intimate spaces can become a standalone work of art, surpassing traditional standards and offering a unique and engaging living experience. tissellistudio architettiNAP Penthouse Photographs Dworzynski Dworzynski Dworzynski Dworzynski Dworzynski Dworzynski DworzynskiNAP Penthouse Spatial CompositionThe spatial organization of the NAP Penthouse follows an interconnected approach, utilizing the double-height living area to create openness. A staircase clad in colored mirrors is a focal point, emphasizing height and depth. The contrast between wooden flooring and light-toned walls provides a neutral backdrop for custom-made furniture. These elements are characterized by clean lines and rhythmic compositions, as well as balanced function and aesthetics.Descending from the living room, the dining area introduces reflective surfaces. The brushed stainless steel kitchen peninsula integrates with a matte lacquered wooden panel, concealing kitchen functions while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The interplay of materials enhances the visual experience and defines spatial transitions within the home.Light, Reflection, and the Role of Colored MirrorsA key feature of the NAP Penthouse is the strategic use of colored mirrors to influence light and spatial perception. In the dining area, these reflective elements respond to daylight and artificial lighting conditions. Rather than serving as ornamentation, the mirrors contribute to the architectural composition, altering the sense of depth and enclosure.In the sleeping quarters, a window between the master bedroom and en-suite bathroom creates visual continuity. Skylights introduce natural light, enhancing warmth and intimacy within the space.The bathroom, often secondary in design, plays an integral role. Red mirrored surfaces define a transitional area, integrating fixtures and appliances. Beyond this space, the room opens into a bright volume with exposed wooden beams, emphasizing spatial quality through material selection and lighting.A New Approach to Reflection in Interior DesignThe NAP Penthouse demonstrates how colored mirrors can be used as an architectural tool rather than a decorative element. By incorporating these reflective surfaces, the project enhances spatial fluidity and material contrasts, contributing to the interior environments overall experience.However, while the mirrors add to the design, questions arise regarding their longevity and adaptability. The project balances bold features with understated elements, yet its relevance in the long term remains uncertain. The challenge is to maintain a balance between innovation and enduring architectural values.Ultimately, the NAP Penthouse explores the potential of material experimentation in contemporary design. It presents an approach that prioritizes spatial perception over excess, encouraging architects to reconsider how reflection, color, and materiality influence interior space.NAP Penthouse PlansFloor Plan | tissellistudioarchitettiFloor Plan | tissellistudioarchitettiNAP Penthouse Image GalleryAbouttissellistudioarchitetti tissellistudioarchitetti was founded in 1998 by architect Filippo Tisselli, later joined by architect Cinzia Mondello in 2001. Since 2011, architect Marcin Dworzynski has also been a key collaborator within the studio. Over the years, the firm has engaged in various projects, from residential buildings to service industry developments, interior architecture, and product design.Rooted in the regional context, tissellistudioarchitetti operates as a small yet dynamic architectural practice that blends international architectural sensibilities with local expertise. While maintaining a modest organizational structure, the studio prioritizes a meticulous approach to design, integrating extensive experience, linguistic exploration, research into new materials and technologies, and a strong attention to detail at every phase of the creative process. The firm remains dedicated to bringing global architectural discourse into the local landscape, striving to create projects that resonate beyond their immediate context.

ZDNET's key takeaways The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium flagship meant for users who want the most out of their phone, with a starting price of $1,299. Key improvements include new Galaxy AI features, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and a 50MP ultrawide lens. No major shifts to camera hardware, battery size, and charging speeds. more buying choices Samsung's Big Bad Galaxy phone has arrived, and it's almost everything I expected. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, which starts at the same bold price as last year, $1,299, remains the company's do-everything handset, with a more durable display, an upgraded camera system with some handy editing tricks, and the latest Qualcomm processor keeping things running. Oh, and yes, AI is everything, everywhere, all at once.Also: Samsung Unpacked 2025: Five biggest announcements, including S25 Edge and AR glassesWhile last year's Galaxy S24 series ushered in Samsung's Galaxy AI era, this year feels more like the company cementing itself as the leader in the space, besting Apple and even Google (for now) on features and capabilities. Of course, how decorative that honor is ultimately depends on how invested you are in using AI.I've spent the three days so far testing the S25 Ultra and wasn't too surprised to find myself both fascinated and bored. After all, this is now Samsung's fifth iteration of the S-series Ultra model, and the changes year-over-year have been modest, to be generous. But if you're currently using a three- to four-year-old handset and considering an upgrade, take this first-hand testimonial -- I'm not calling it a full review yet -- to heart. (And if you're an enthusiast, it'll matter just as much to you.) details View at Samsung The Galaxy S Ultra has always been a big-phone, two-handed affair, and that holds this year. When I first unboxed the S25 Ultra, it felt like the fanciest calculator ever (and I mean that in a nice way), with its round edges and tall stature. Coming from the OnePlus 13 I recently reviewed -- which, on paper, is relatively similar in size -- the S25 Ultra had a bolder and more striking presence. From left to right: iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Kerry Wan/ZDNETFortunately, the device is not as top-heavy as I remember previous models being, even though Samsung encased the four rear cameras with thicker rings this time around. In fact, the S25 Ultra is lighter than its predecessor by 16 grams, earning it the title of the thinnest Galaxy S Ultra ever. You'll likely hear more about the "thinnification" of phones later this year.Also:I went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S25 - and the AI features were surprisingly polishedThe other notable design upgrade with the S25 Ultra is the Corning Gorilla Armor 2 layered over the front display. It doesn't take away from the anti-reflection surface treatment that made headlines on last year's S24 Ultra, yet promises improved drop protection and scratch resistance. I believe it. My S24 Ultra last year had numerous micro scratches after just days of testing, while my S25 Ultra review unit has remained pristine so far.Now if only Samsung could bring back the glory days of psychedelic Aura Glow finishes, because these S25 Ultra colors are uninspiring. Perhaps it's the nature of titanium finishes or the harsh reality that consumers are more likely to opt for safer colors with black, white, and silver hues than poppy and bright. Regardless, you'll want to slap on a case if you want to give your S25 Ultra even a touch of personality.Under the hood is a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the same processor powering competing Android phones like the OnePlus 13 and Honor Magic 7 Pro. The most notable benefit of the chipset comes in the form of AI experiences -- specifically, a 40% increase in NPU performance compared to last year's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: We tested both, and the winner is not so obviousIn layman's terms, on-device AI features should take up less bandwidth and power to operate while also functioning quickly. I saw the results in person, placebo effect or not, as my S25 Ultra can swiftly remove subjects (along with their shadows) from the background of photos via Generative Edit and pull up Gemini search results in a matter of seconds.You can also chalk up the performance to the enhanced Gemini app, which can now be fired up with a long press of the power button. Previously, Samsung phones were limited to Bixby -- or Google Assistant, if you made some sketchy, backend modifications -- so this change is a breath of fresh air. It makes transitioning from any other Android phone that uses Gemini as the default assistant much more burdenless.Speaking of which, the new Gemini-Bixby hybrid AI agent, as Samsung confusingly puts it, can handle natural-sounding, conversational chains of actions, such as looking up the upcoming schedule of your favorite sports team and adding the date(s) to your calendar. While the agent-like capability mainly works across Google and Samsung apps, some third-party services like Spotify are supported, too.Also:I may finally ditch my Google Pixel for a Samsung Galaxy phone in 2025. Here's whyThe important thing is knowing how to phrase your commands. For example, when I asked the AI agent to createa Spotify playlist for road trips and send it to my wife, it responded that it was unable to do so. When, instead, I asked it to findsongs that were good for road trips, it curated the list and drafted a modifiable text message. Ladies and gentlemen, AI. Kerry Wan/ZDNETConsidering last year's S24 series introduced Google's Circle to Search feature, and this year's S25 series is doing the same for the enhanced Gemini-Bixby experience, it wouldn't be farfetched to say that Samsung, not Google, makes the best AI phone on the market right now.Some other new Galaxy AI tools like AI Select and Now Brief only reinforce that statement, with the former being an adaptive, context-aware screen selection tool, and the latter giving you daily summaries of the weather, calendar events, and news.Also: Samsung appliances are about to get smarter and wiser - thanks to AII just wish Now Brief showed me more than just political news; even with my topic preferences within my Samsung News app set to technology and sports, the app still wakes me up with an "Uplifting Morning Prep" Spotify playlist and the latest scoop on the US president signing executive orders. The new 50MP ultrawide lens pulls in four times more detail than the previous generation's 12MP sensor, according to Samsung. Kerry Wan/ZDNETOne of the key reasons to buy a Galaxy Ultra phone continues to be the camera, though Samsung hasn't improved the specifications much this year -- at least on paper. The only hardware change is the 50-megapixel ultrawide lens (up from 12MP), which, from my initial shots, yields greater detail and vividness, especially when capturing macro photos. The rest of the lenses, such as the 200MP wide, 50MP 5x telephoto, and 10MP 3x telephoto, are identical to last year's S24 Ultra.Also:The best Android phones to buy in 2025There's a bigger focus on the software side of things, with Samsung introducing helpful photo and video features like 10-bit HDR video recording by default to capture a wider dynamic range, a new Audio Eraser feature that lets you adjust the volumes of various frequencies (classified as audio subjects like voices, wind, and noises), and the ability to record in Galaxy Log mode.The latter feature allows you to better spot overexposed areas and adjust the dynamic range as you're recording videos, while also applying LUTs in post for better color and light control. I'll be testing the shooting mode more in the coming days.ZDNET's buying advice (for now)My first several day of testing theSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultraconfirms several things for me. While most aspects of the phone, such as the vibrant, glare-free display and versatility across the cameras and AI features, are easy to appreciate, the upgrades this year feel iterative and safe.In ways, Samsung has even taken a few steps back, with the S Pen stylus no longer supporting Bluetooth controls and gestures, and the company opting for Qi2-ready cases instead of embedding the actual technology within its phones.It's understandable that early adopters and tech enthusiasts might feel underwhelmed by the S25 Ultra. But when I consider consumers who are coming from an S21 series, Pixel 6 or 7, or even an older iPhone, Samsung's new flagship handset checks almost every box you can think of. And you may even score a generous trade-in deal through your local carrier or retailer.Featured reviews