havin some fun. #umk3 #mortalkombat #zbrush #maya #marmoset

Onimusha:The legendary Miyamoto Musashi draws his blade as the protagonist for Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Watch the latest trailer to see glimpses of Musashi as he fights for his very life in a Kyoto twisted by the influence of the encroaching Malice.#Onimusha

The highly anticipated Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered collection brings back three iconic adventures of Lara Croft, complete with impressive visual enhancements and quality-of-life improvements. The Last Revelation, Chronicles, and the Angle of Darkness hold a special place in the Tomb Raider franchise. They are known for their challenging puzzles, expansive levels, and, of course, their classic cheat codes.

Sonic the Hedgehog games may be most well-known for their high-speed gameplay and groovy soundtracks, but they have also featured some admittedly bizarre stories over the years. Not all Sonic stories end up being all that ambitious or interesting, but anyone who's looking for over-the-top narratives packed full of unique characters and crazy scenarios will still be able to find more than a few when flicking through this legendary franchise.

The latest Android 16 beta hints at a selection of new features that could make life easier and more creative for users of the worlds most popular mobile operating system.

Garmin Fenix 7 users are worried they're being left behind by the company's chequered update schedule.

An excerpt from befores & afters print magazine.In Jon M. Chus Wicked, the Wizards monkey guards were CG creatures created by ILM. Jon wanted a powerful-looking creature, outlines ILM animation supervisor David Shirk, so art exploration led us to combine elements primarily from larger apes like chimpanzees, baboons and orangutans, with a characteristic monkey tail. Rather than waddle upright on two legs, a more powerful quadruped walk was developed and was the principal locomotion along with a physical size that made them feel intimidating next to the human characters.Early ILM animation testing explored an orangutan-based walk, says Shirk. But the characteristic balancing on the sides of their feet was traded for a more grounded and much heavier soldier-like feeling. From our main hero monkey, we developed multiple variations to populate the army of monkeys featured heavily in the films third act.ILM concept art.On set, stand-in performers rehearsed and worked on-camera with the principal actors to aid with interaction, eyelines and framing. Shirk notes that any extreme stunt performance was left to animation. For acting beats, he says, particularly in the case of Chistery, who is captain of the monkey guards, the on-set team gave us a starting point for physical performance and placement but acting choices were left to post-production and grew organically from the edit as it developed.We used an unusual approach to arrive at the acting beats, continues Shirk, who notes that a proprietary Face Select toolset was used by ILM. In collaboration with the director, I worked with the animation team to create close-up live performances, delivering multiple options per shot that were used in editorial to define Chisterys acting performance, then used that as the template for animation. Final animation consisted of hero keyframed action.At one point, Elphaba reads from the sacred Grimmerie spellbook, resulting in the monkey guards transforming to sprout blue wings. There was a lot of talk about transformation because it was obviously something that was very painful, recalls visual effects supervisor Pablo Helman. Jon directed the animators to do certain things in Zoom sessions, working with David. In fact, for one of the shots, Jon kept saying, I can see David Shirk right there!The transformation scenes were a bit of a tightrope, weighs in Shirk. The filmmakers wanted the effect to be visceral and scary but not excessively grotesque or too horrific. The on-set performers gave us a strong starting point for blocking, especially in defining how Chistery would travel through the space as he scuttled, rolled and writhed. As we had many monkeys to depict in this process, an exploratory mocap session was also invaluable to try out many types of actions quickly.We learned that playing up confusion, fear and bewilderment but being judicious in depicting pain in the crowd reactions helped to soften the edge, adds Shirk. It was a rule that carried over to any close-up facial performances throughout the scene. As always, for key beats involving emotional performance, delivering multiple vid-ref takes helped us to home in on what the filmmakers wanted from the characters.For the wings, ILM animated these to emerge from under costumes, bursting as they unfold, rather than showing them emerging directly from the body. Over 5,100 feathers per monkey had to be groomed. Shirk notes that staging was handled carefully so feathers grew and multiplied across bodies while never being shown emerging from skin.issue #26 WickedFor shots of the monkeys taking flight, ILM first collected reference. Eagles and owls were primary sources of flight and takeoff/landing inspiration, advises Shirk. A major obstacle was that rather than the wings growing from shoulders as they do with birds, ours grew from the middle of the back, creating an especially tricky challenge in making natural-looking flight movement. Many motion tests were produced to refine the look of their flight and even though our monkeys had full heavy limbs, and, eventually, cumbersome armor as well, the director wanted their entire body to feel engaged during flight, so limbs never hung or dragged. When in full flight, the legs are played lightly and have a strong secondary dynamic reminiscent of a tail while the arms have a sort of pump, staying engaged and feeling like the shoulders are helping to motivate the wing action.The post The making of Chistery and the monkey guards from Wicked appeared first on befores & afters.

The journey of industrial design is often a race against time, where creativity meets the constraints of deadlines. In this fast-moving landscape, the ability to render high-quality visuals quickly is a game-changer. KeyShot has emerged as an industry leader by revolutionizing how designers visualize their ideas. From its origins as a simple real-time rendering tool to becoming a cornerstone of the Product Design-to-Market ecosystem, KeyShot has continuously evolved to meet the demands of modern design workflows.Designers dont just need a toolthey need a system that accelerates their process without sacrificing quality. KeyShot has become that system by offering intuitive, real-time ray tracing, seamless integration with 3D modeling software, and a streamlined pipeline that connects the creative and commercial aspects of product development. With its latest positioning as the ultimate Product Design-to-Market Suite, KeyShot is shaping the future of industrial design by closing the gap between concept and consumer-ready visuals.Click Here to Download Your Free Trial!A Legacy of Innovation: KeyShots EvolutionImage Credits: Hossein AlfidehfardKeyShot Studio was created with a clear mission: to make photorealistic rendering accessible, intuitive, and fast. Traditional rendering tools often required extensive setup and long rendering times, but KeyShot Studio disrupted that model with its real-time ray tracing engine. Designers could now see the impact of material, lighting, and camera adjustments instantlya crucial advantage in industries where iteration speed is key.Over the years, the company has expanded its capabilities by embracing GPU acceleration, denoising, and cloud rendering, ensuring that designers always have cutting-edge tools at their disposal. A major milestone in its journey has been its repositioning within the broader Product Design-to-Market strategy, a vision that emphasizes not just rendering, but the entire lifecycle of a products visual development. This shift aligns with KeyShots mission to eliminate inefficiencies, bridge the gap between design and marketing, and deliver high-impact visuals effortlessly.Photorealism and Ease of Use: The Two Pillars of KeyShotImage Credits: Ben RobsonOne of the standout reasons for KeyShots dominance is its ability to deliver stunning photorealistic results with minimal effort. Whether its the soft glow of ambient lighting on a luxury watch or the intricate texture of a high-performance sneaker, KeyShot renders materials with unparalleled accuracy. Its scientifically accurate material library ensures that reflections, refractions, and light interactions behave exactly as they would in the real world.Ease of use is another defining factor. Many professional rendering tools demand extensive technical knowledge, but KeyShots drag-and-drop simplicity makes it accessible to both seasoned professionals and newcomers. Designers can import models from virtually any 3D CAD software, apply materials instantly, and see the results in real-timewithout the steep learning curve often associated with high-end rendering tools.Speed Meets Precision: The Competitive EdgeImage Credits: Lee CantIn an industry where time is often the most valuable resource, KeyShot Studios ability to produce high-quality renders quickly is a defining advantage. Traditional rendering engines require hourssometimes daysto generate complex visuals, but KeyShot Studios real-time rendering engine accelerates this process without compromising detail.A study on rendering speed found that 88% of designers prefer KeyShot over competitors due to its ability to deliver top-tier results faster than traditional rendering workflows. This speed advantage isnt just about cutting down on waiting timeit transforms the creative process by allowing designers to iterate more freely and explore multiple design variations without the frustration of long render times.Expanding the Ecosystem: KeyShot as a Product Design-to-Market PowerhouseKeyShots role in the design process has grown significantly, and its recent shift into the Product Design-to-Market space is a strategic move to streamline workflows beyond just rendering. The inefficiencies in product visualizationoften caused by fragmented processes, data silos, and disconnected teamscost businesses both time and money. KeyShot is addressing this challenge by integrating into broader digital asset pipelines, ensuring that design, marketing, and manufacturing teams stay aligned from concept to final product.Through cloud-powered rendering solutions like AWS Deadline Cloud, designers can now scale their workflows effortlessly, handling complex scenes without being limited by local hardware. This means even large enterprises with extensive product lines can accelerate their go-to-market strategies without bottlenecks.Real-World Impact: KeyShot Studio in ActionImage Credits: Jenga DesignThe industrial design community has embraced KeyShot Studio not just as a rendering tool but as an integral part of their design-to-market strategy. Companies like Kumatech and Jenga Design have leveraged KeyShots capabilities to enhance their workflow efficiency and product visualization.Kumatech, a leader in AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) development, credits KeyShot Studiofor transforming their design process, enabling them to visualize complex engineering designs with photorealistic clarity. With KeyShot, they can communicate intricate technical details effectively to stakeholders, reducing design misinterpretations and speeding up approvals.Similarly, Jenga Design, a UK-based design consultancy, has used KeyShot Studio to bring its creative concepts to life with remarkable realism. By integrating KeyShot into their workflow, the team has enhanced their ability to present design concepts to clients, leading to faster decision-making and improved project outcomes.The Competitive Landscape: Where KeyShot StandsWhile KeyShot continues to lead in rendering speed and quality, it operates in a competitive space alongside tools like Blender, V-Ray, and Unreal Engine. Each tool has its strengthsBlender offers open-source flexibility, V-Ray excels in architectural visualization, and Unreal Engine provides real-time interactivity. However, KeyShots focus on industrial and product design gives it a unique edge.Its ability to integrate seamlessly with CAD software, deliver unparalleled material accuracy, and streamline the rendering workflow without requiring deep technical expertise positions it as the preferred choice for designers looking for efficiency without compromise.The Road Ahead: KeyShots Vision for the FutureKeyShots trajectory suggests an exciting future as it continues to evolve with emerging technologies. With an eye on automation, AR/VR integration, and expanded cloud capabilities, the platform is set to further pioneer the rendering landscape.One of the upcoming priorities is to leverage AI to automate material application and lighting setups, reducing manual effort and making the rendering process even more intuitive. Additionally, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities will enable designers to interact with their models in immersive environments, opening new possibilities for product visualization and client collaboration.As the demand for high-quality, rapid rendering grows, KeyShot Studio remains at the forefront, adapting to industry needs while maintaining its core principles of speed, quality, and ease of use.A Future-Proof Rendering SolutionImage Credits: Oliver YuKeyShots impact on the design industry is undeniable. From its early days as a disruptive rendering tool to its current position as a Product Design-to-Market leader, it has consistently provided designers with the tools they need to bring ideas to life with efficiency and precision.For those navigating the high-stakes world of industrial design, KeyShot is more than softwareits an essential creative partner. As design workflows continue to evolve, KeyShot is poised to lead the next wave of innovation, ensuring that designers can create, iterate, and deliver with unmatched speed and realism.Click Here to Download Your Free Trial!The post How KeyShot Redefined Quality and Speed in Industrial Design Rendering first appeared on Yanko Design.

Looking for the most recentregular Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.Connections: Sports Editionreally covers all sports, from Olympic events to American pro leagues to European leagues to college teams to car racing Today's puzzle has a bit of everything, and it might be tough. Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut onSuper Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That's a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will be continuing to publish it. It won't show up in the NYT Games app but will appear in The Athletic's own app. Or you can continue to play it free online. Read on for hints and the answers.Read more:NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of BetaHints for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsHere are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.Yellow group hint: Book itGreen group hint: Quarterback's nemesisBlue group hint: Revved up to racePurple group hint: Conference cities.Answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsYellow group: RunGreen group: Stats for a defensive linemanBlue group: NASCAR tracksPurple group:ACC citiesRead more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English WordsWhat are today's Connections: Sports Edition answers? The completed NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle for Feb, 16, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNETThe yellow words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is run. The four answers are dart, dash, race and sprintThe green words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is stats for a defensive lineman. The four answers are hurry, knockdown, sack, tackle for loss.The blue words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is NASCAR tracks. The four answers are Darlington, Daytona, Martinsville and Talladega.The purple words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is ACC cities. The four answers are Blacksburg, Chapel Hill, Durham and Tallahassee.

Looking forthe most recentMini Crossword answer?Click here for today's Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.The NYT Mini Crosswordwas pretty simple today. I love it when filling in all the Across clues solves the Down side for you, and today was one of those. Need some more help with today's Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times' games collection. If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini CrosswordLet's get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers. The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Feb. 16, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNETMini across clues and answers1A clue: What has two hands around your wrist?Answer: WATCH6A clue: Sneeze soundAnswer: ACHOO7A clue: Elevator choiceAnswer: FLOOR8A clue: ___ and CaicosAnswer: TURKS9A clue: Magnetoreception, for many migratory birds and fishAnswer: SENSEMini down clues and answers1D clue: Floats, as a smellAnswer: WAFTS2D clue: "I don't have ___" ("Beats me")Answer: A CLUE3D clue: Rosebush protectorAnswer: THORN4D clue: Too many might be in the kitchenAnswer: COOKS5D clue: Basketball game with a spelled-out scoreAnswer: HORSEHow to play more Mini CrosswordsThe New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day's Mini Crossword for free, but you'll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.