you can do better The Acura ZDX is an example of badge engineering for the software age Mechanically similar to a Cadillac Lyriq, the ZDX drives and acts like an Acura. Jonathan M. Gitlin Feb 24, 2025 1:03 pm | 7 The bodywork says Acura but the engineering is GM. Credit: Jonathan Gitlin The bodywork says Acura but the engineering is GM. Credit: Jonathan Gitlin Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreAcura is gearing up to build its first entirely in-house battery-electric vehicles, but it has gotten a head start with the ZDX SUV. Built in collaboration with General Motors, the ZDX is a comfortable and competent luxury EV. More than that, it's a shining example of what badge engineering looks like in the digital age.Automakers have long collaborated with each other. Sometimes that means working together on a powertrain or vehicle platform for use in quite different products. Sometimes, it's a little less involvedthe Dodge Hornet differs very little from the Alfa Romeo Tonale, for example.In the case of the Acura ZDX, the vehicle platform and the battery-electric powertrain are all thoroughly GM, what used to be called Ultium, until the American automaker retired that branding. It is, in essence, Acura's take on the Cadillac Lyriq and is similar, if not identical, in terms of power output and pricing.Although the range starts with the rear-wheel drive $64,500 ZDX A-Spec, our test car was the range-topping all-wheel drive ZDX Type-S, which costs $73,500 before the $7,500 clean vehicle tax credit. It has an output of 499 hp (372 kW) and 544 lb-ft (738 Nm), and it has an EPA range of 278 miles (447 km) on a full charge of the 102 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.Despite winter temperatures and 22-inch tires (a $600 option), that range estimate seems spot-onover the course of a week, we averaged 2.7 miles/kWh (23 kWh/100 km). The next Acura EV to launch will have a NACS port, but ZDXs feature CCS1 for now. Adapters, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network, should happen in this spring. Jonathan Gitlin The next Acura EV to launch will have a NACS port, but ZDXs feature CCS1 for now. Adapters, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network, should happen in this spring. Jonathan Gitlin I find the ZDX, like other Ultium-based EVs, to be a little too stingy with information when it comes to things like charging. Jonathan Gitlin I find the ZDX, like other Ultium-based EVs, to be a little too stingy with information when it comes to things like charging. Jonathan Gitlin If you prefer plain reflecting mirrors rather than a video feed, flick the tab and it works like that instead. Jonathan Gitlin If you prefer plain reflecting mirrors rather than a video feed, flick the tab and it works like that instead. Jonathan Gitlin I find the ZDX, like other Ultium-based EVs, to be a little too stingy with information when it comes to things like charging. Jonathan Gitlin If you prefer plain reflecting mirrors rather than a video feed, flick the tab and it works like that instead. Jonathan Gitlin Fast charging wasn't particularly impressive, especially compared to other luxury SUVs in this price bracket. Acura quotes 42 minutes to go from 2080 percent state of charge; in practice, I plugged in with 38 percent SoC showing on the dash and had to wait 45 minutes to get to 80 percent. Charging peaked at 91 kW but had dropped to 69 kW by 50 percent SoC.As I noted during our brief first drive of the ZDX last spring, this is one heavy EV. In Type-S trim, it tips the scales at 6,052 lbs (2,745 kg), which makes it a small person heavier than the heaviest Lyriq. Commendably, you don't feel the mass most of the time, undoubtedly thanks to the adaptive air suspension. But you will feel it at highway speeds if you strike a divot or potholethose high-intensity movements are harder to damp than more gradual, longer-duration body movements over bumps.Bzzzt! Bzzzt! Bzzzt!GM might have been responsible for the hardware, but the software is all Acura, and it will be quite obvious if you're familiar with the brand's recent vehicles. The user interfaces are all Acura's work, and it has even retuned the forward collision warning, which is now primed with a similar hair trigger to many other Hondas and Acuras. Lest you think I am being melodramatic, the FCW system went off six times in an hourlong drive, and only one alert was even close to necessary.We can debate whether false positives are safer than false negatives; perhaps not if they encourage the user to turn the system off out of annoyance. In this case the effect was mostly annoying, as the ZDX had been set up to vibrate the driver's seat as the alert notification, something you can (and I did) change.And at least it was just alerts, not automatic emergency brakingthe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has an ongoing investigation into the overeagerness of that particular Honda system.Acura is Honda's performance brand, and Type-S is Acura's performance trim. But even with as much power as the ZDX Type-S has, you never escape the fact that it's still a big, heavy SUV. The air suspension delivers a good ride, and there's enough torque to see you reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds from a standstill, but you are very aware of all that mass when it's time to slow down. As red interiors go, this one isn't too bad, but it feels as much GM as Acura in design. Jonathan Gitlin As red interiors go, this one isn't too bad, but it feels as much GM as Acura in design. Jonathan Gitlin The ZDX has a lengthy 121.8-inch (3,094 mm) wheelbase, which translates to lots of legroom for passengers in the back. Jonathan Gitlin The ZDX has a lengthy 121.8-inch (3,094 mm) wheelbase, which translates to lots of legroom for passengers in the back. Jonathan Gitlin There's 28.7 cubic feet (813 L) of cargo volume, which grows to 62 cubic feet (1,756 L) if you fold the seats flat. Jonathan Gitlin There's 28.7 cubic feet (813 L) of cargo volume, which grows to 62 cubic feet (1,756 L) if you fold the seats flat. Jonathan Gitlin The ZDX has a lengthy 121.8-inch (3,094 mm) wheelbase, which translates to lots of legroom for passengers in the back. Jonathan Gitlin There's 28.7 cubic feet (813 L) of cargo volume, which grows to 62 cubic feet (1,756 L) if you fold the seats flat. Jonathan Gitlin Acura doesn't have the same bias against CarPlay and Android Auto that GM apparently has, so those casting interfaces are present and correct on the ZDX, although we should note that remains true for the Lyriq, at least as far as model-year 2024.Who needs that stuff anyway?Interestingly, the ZDX's OnStar subscription lapsed during our week with the SUV. I bring this up since various features and services stop working once you stop paying for them. This included the car's Internet connection, which meant it disabled the suite of Google Automotive Services built into the infotainment system, as well as the hands-free driver-assist Super Cruise.I am not sure I missed most of them, either. Super Cruise added a little extra convenience on the stretches of highway where it works, but I increasingly prefer to keep the steering under manual control as it keeps me more engaged with the act of driving. And as I could still cast my phonewhich maintains its own data connectionI never really lamented the loss of the built-in Google stuff.Unlike its cheaper Honda-badged sibling, the ZDX has been slower to find favor with customers since it went on sale last May, with discounts of up to $30,000 being reported in the summer.Incentives remain, although they're not quite that good anymore, and it remains one of the few EVs on sale to still qualify for the full tax credit, so a Type-S should be available out the door (or off the lot, more accurately) without paying as much as the number printed on the Monroney sticker. However, it also faces plenty of competition among electric SUVs between $65,000$75,000, where it seems most new EVs are offered.Jonathan M. GitlinAutomotive EditorJonathan M. GitlinAutomotive Editor Jonathan is the Automotive Editor at Ars Technica. He has a BSc and PhD in Pharmacology. In 2014 he decided to indulge his lifelong passion for the car by leaving the National Human Genome Research Institute and launching Ars Technica's automotive coverage. He lives in Washington, DC. 7 Comments

A 3400-kilometre-wide thunderstorm on JupiterShawn R. Brueshaber et al. 2025A thunderstorm that raged in Jupiters atmosphere for weeks was fortuitously captured by NASAs Juno spacecraft, giving astronomers the most detailed look ever at a storm on the gas giant.On 29 November 2021, Juno passed directly over a 3400-kilometre-wide thunderstorm that had been tracked by astronomers on Earth since it started nearly two weeks earlier. Junos close approach, about 5700 kilometres above the storm, meant that Shawn Brueshaber at Michigan Technological University and his colleagues could analyse data from three of Junos on-board instruments,

Starbucks announced on Monday it would be laying off 1,100 corporate employees.The coffee chain also said it would be removing 13 menu items on March 4.Among the menu items disappearing are nine of the chain's Frappuccino drinks.Starbucks is shaking up its menu, trimming down offerings as part of a wave of bigger changes at the company.A Starbucks representative told Business Insider the chain is removing several items from its menu that are less popular with guests, can be difficult or time-consuming to make, or are similar to other items on the menu."As part of our plan to get back to Starbucks, we're simplifying our menu to focus on fewer, more popular items, executed with excellence," the chain told Business Insider in an email. "This will make way for innovation, help reduce wait times, improve quality and consistency, and align with our core identity as a coffee company."Starbucks plans to reduce its menu by roughly 30% by September.The changes will make room for new menu items, as well as Starbucks' soon-to-be-released spring menu, which includes its lavender beverages lineup and a new drink, the Iced Cherry Chai.A majority of the cut menu items include its Frappuccino offerings, as well as its matcha lemonade and Honey Almondmilk Flat White.The changes come amid other shakeups at the company as it seeks to turn around declining sales. On Monday, Brian Niccol, who joined Starbucks as its CEO in September, announced the company would lay off 1,100 corporate employees this week."We are simplifying our structure, removing layers and duplication and creating smaller, more nimble teams," Niccol said in a letter sent to employees. "Our intent is to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity and drive better integration."The company said that employees affected by the layoffs will be notified by midday Tuesday. Starbucks store employees will not be affected by the layoffs.Here's the full list of Starbucks menu items being removed on March 4 Starbucks is removing 13 items from its menu next week. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File Iced Matcha LemonadeEspresso FrappuccinoCaff Vanilla FrappuccinoWhite Chocolate Mocha FrappuccinoJava Chip FrappuccinoChai Crme FrappuccinoCaramel Ribbon Crunch Crme FrappuccinoDouble Chocolaty Chip Crme FrappuccinoChocolate Cookie Crumble Crme FrappuccinoWhite Chocolate Crme FrappuccinoWhite Hot ChocolateRoyal English Breakfast LatteHoney Almondmilk Flat White

An AI-generated video of Trump and Musk was shown on TVs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.The video appeared as some HUD employees returned to the office, sparking widespread discussion.Federal workers are facing scrutiny amid large-scale terminations and productivity monitoring efforts.When some employees at the Department of Housing and Urban Development came into work on Monday morning, they were greeted with an unexpected sight: office TVs showing what appeared to be an AI-generated video of President Donald Trump sucking the toes of Elon Musk underneath a text that read, "LONG LIVE THE REAL KING."It's unclear how widely the video was distributed or how long it was displayed. One HUD employee said that by the time they arrived at the building, just before 9 a.m., the video was no longer showing."Another waste of taxpayer dollars and resources. Appropriate action will be taken for all involved," HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett said in a statement to Business Insider.The White House and Musk did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.Two recordings seen by BI seem to show different monitors in the building displaying the video. AFGE union officials also said that they had verified the video was shown at HUD. According to one HUD worker, the video was all the buzz among staffers this morning, with coworkers passing along their own accounts of the monitors. That worker said that they hadn't received any official communications on the monitors or video. Footage also quickly made its way to reporters, with several posting the video on X and Bluesky.Monday was the first day that bargaining unit employees at HUD were to return to the office.One former HUD worker, who was recently terminated as part of probationary worker cuts, said the video was "funny as hell.""I have been in shock since seeing it," they said. "And immediately shared it with anyone I could."The video comes as workers across the federal government contend with large-scale terminations of probationary employees. The Associated Press has reported that HUD could see sweeping cuts, with half of the workforce reportedly set to be slashed.Over the weekend, the Office of Personnel Management emailed federal workers under the subject line "What did you do last week?" The email asked workers to submit five bullet points on what they had accomplished the past week. Some federal agencies directed their workers not to respond to the email, while at least one the Social Security Administration told workers to reply and treat it as an opportunity to highlight their work.Fo now, according to another HUD worker, the monitors have been turned off, and people have moved on."Everyone was talking about it this morning," the worker said, "and then it's back to business on housing policy."Are you a federal worker with a story or tip to share? Contact this reporter on Signal at julianakaplan.33, or via email at jkaplan@businessinsider.com.

One former Nintendo employee has suggested Switch 2 isn't as far away as you may thing, and has said that retailer leaks are unlikely to hold any substance as they know "nothing"Tech17:00, 24 Feb 2025The Switch 2 is tipped for a June releaseThe Switch 2 reveal last month was great, but a special Nintendo Direct on April 2 will reveal much, much more.At present we don't know a lot about the console, but that Direct will give us information on the system's price and when we can play it. It'll also likely reveal the launch game lineup, which could include titles from Marvel and Rockstar Games, as well as a Microsoft title that we thought it would be impossible to run.Now, one former Nintendo employee has gone on the record to talk about the Switch 2 and they've got bad news for retailers.Speaking on the Kit and Krista podcast (thanks, VGC), hosted by two former Nintendo employees, 'Sean' says the Switch will be released before the end of Summer 2025.Theyre going to want the system to be out before the end of the summer. I would say at the start of the summer, at the end of the school year, so you have kids talking about what theyre excited for, Sean said.I think well see a June launch. Im thinking maybe mid-June, or a little bit later than that. But definitely before the end of the summer, that things coming out there are good strategic reasons why that would be part of the consideration.It's nice to hear a very bullish prediction when we're used to info falling through the cracks, but Sean took aim at the retailer leaks, too.They dont have that information. Theres no way that even Target in the US would know anything when we know the launch date, thats probably when the retailers are going to know the launch date," he explained."Maybe a week or two in advance. I would imagine maybe March 27th the retailers will find out a couple of days in advance.Article continues belowWhile you can pre-order the console, retailers are seemingly in the dark. Despite price leaks from Costco, Hong Kong retailers predicting an April release, and even a retailer pinning a Mario game on the Switch 2 launch, we've had a bit of everything and as we've said all along, we'd be surprised if the retailers know something the public doesn't.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Monster Hunter Wilds is that rare sequel that takes everything good about its predecessor and improves it all, while also adding more of what made it so specialTech15:00, 24 Feb 2025Updated 16:00, 24 Feb 2025Monster Hunter Wilds is even better than World(Image: Capcom)Its not often you get everything you ask for in a sequel. Theres often a bit of give and take, accepting some things cant be quite as good the second time around, while other aspects are polished to a shine. Monster Hunter Wilds is that rare example of a game that gave me exactly what I wanted.Its Monster Hunter World, but with additional systems, more to do, and a bestiary of those all-important monsters that feels expanded upon in thoughtful ways that lead to challenging encounters. Theres every chance Im going to spend the next six years returning to this game the same way I did its predecessor.Expect a lot more talking(Image: Capcom)If youve ever played a Monster Hunter title, youll have some idea of what to expect. Weighty, deliberate combat against progressively bigger foes, crafting better gear and then returning to the hunt.What story there is tends to be paper thin (if there at all), but Wilds does make more of an effort in this regard. The core conceit of entering a new world to chart the course of its ecology remains, but Nata, a young boy displaced from his home by a mysterious monster, grounds things with a more human angle.His story is nothing revelatory, but it gently strikes an emotional note that the series hasnt really been known for, and there are some twists later in the story that shake things up more than the constant push to hunt something bigger.Helping you feel like an active participant in the campaign, your Hunter is now voiced. Its a small change for some, but helped me enjoy the dialog options more than just the bizarre gestures from World as your Hunter shrugged and then went out to batter a dragon to turn it into a nice hat.Even your Palico (the adorable cat companion) is voiced this time, and theyre not all that annoying either. In fact, none of the supporting cast outstay their welcome, which is a far cry from the overzealous Handler that began to grate in World.Its worth noting that the campaign here feels relatively short. I actually finished it in less than 10 hours, but doing so opens up the real game with a whole host of post-game quests and those all-important High Rank quests.Doshaguma is a fun early-game fight(Image: Capcom)Throughout Monster Hunter Wilds' story youll get a whistlestop tour of, well, the Wilds. There are several biomes to explore, including frozen caves, lush forests, and the dark, grimy Oilwell Basin.Each has its own ecosystem and resources, and I loved every monsters introductory cutscene. As someone that got into the series with World, it was great to see favourites from that game turn up throughout, but I was also surprised by how many monsters were new to me.Some, like the spider-like Nerscylla and farting Congalala, return from older games, while the insectoid Rompompolo is all new for Wilds. Every monster felt like a pleasant surprise to find and hunt, and some will only show up at certain times (although the option to skip time at camp makes that less frustrating than you may think).Rompompolo is, well, grossPerhaps best of all, theres a whole host of monsters not included in the campaign, waiting to be discovered, while theres fresh post-launch species to be included, too. Naturally, things ramp up steadily once you get into High Rank and Tempered monsters, and its there where the intricacies of combat become more keenly felt.Each weapon feels just as unique as it did in World, but many have surprising new abilities. The Bow, for example, can now fire a tracker that helps subsequent shots land on a monster, while the Hunting Horn can now place area-of-effect bubbles to help teammates.Once again, Capcom has outdone itself with the cooking animations(Image: Capcom)You can now take two weapons into a hunt with you, too, and that means its much easier to experiment without heading back to camp. Taking a weapon you feel comfortable with and then swapping to an alternative to keep testing out is a great way to learn the ropes without putting yourself at a disadvantage.Monsters fighting each other remains a highlightI was worried before launch that the new Wound system, which creates weak points the more you hit a specific area of a monster, would feel like a concession for more casual players.In reality, its become one of my favourite new additions, not only adding a satisfying flourish to a well-placed strike, but leading to an almost rhythmic feel as more weak spots open up.Not only does it allow for farming more monster parts, but it also pairs nicely with the AI support Hunters you can call in. With full servers not online yet, I tested the new teammates and found them very helpful, setting traps and bombs of their own volition, while also letting me take the lead in situations such as when a monster retreated to rest.Its the best solution for new players, and could mean more people see the post game, which sees monsters get tougher and gain additional offensive options.Speaking of, while the campaign feeds directly into High Rank hunts, Im still taken aback by the number of additional side quests, capture objectives, and Investigations I have yet to complete. Working to complete all of those will take players plenty of time.Wilds' areas are massive(Image: Capcom)OK, Deviljho isnt actually here (at least not that Ive seen yet), but as the Monster Hunters first entry on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, I wanted to touch upon just how good it looks.World looked great back in 2018, but Wilds feels like the generational leap the hardware deserves. Monsters move in flocks, and areas are huge the Windware Plains map may at first look flat, but it doesnt take long to find a small Oasis, craggy caves, and more.Areas are constantly shifting(Image: Capcom)Youll come to know them well, setting up camps throughout and exploring for resources, but its the small things that make all the difference. Bulaqchi, the insectoid creatures that look like mosquitoes, will twitch when slain, while youll see bigger monsters attack their prey independent of your actions.It feels closer to a real ecosystem, and thats before the weather factors in, with lightning storms posing a hazard to hunters and monsters alike, while seasons shift to see grass grow. Its all very impressive, and loading times (one of the biggest issues I had with World) are minimised greatly even when moving between these huge regions.Monster Hunter Wilds is everything I couldve asked for in a sequel to Monster Hunter World. Ive finished the campaign, put dozens of hours into the post-game, and I still feel like theres so much more to see.I cant wait to see what the community thinks, but I feel this could well be regarded as one of the best games of the year whether youre a Monster Hunter fan or a newcomer.Article continues belowReviewed on PS5 Pro. Review access provided by the publisher.

As Xbox triples down on generative AI, multiple indie devs reject itMichael BeckwithPublished February 24, 2025 6:04pmUpdated February 24, 2025 6:04pm Microsofts CEO was wowed by his first experience with Xboxs new AI tool (Microsoft)Future Xbox games are to be made with AI, as indie developers rebel against the concept and start promoting a lack of generative AI as a key selling point.Last week, Microsoft unveiled Muse, its new generative AI model that the company intends to use in game development. By feeding the model its own Xbox games, Microsoft hopes Muse can assist developers with making elements in new games.It was only a matter of time until something like this happened, considering a number of companies, like Google, have been experimenting with similar technology, and its not surprising that Microsoft has been the first.In the wake of Muses announcement, a number of developers expressed nothing but displeasure with Microsofts plans, but Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella continues to be very enthusiastic about it, confirming that multiple Xbox games will be making use of Muse.Speaking on the Dwarkesh Podcast, Nadella didnt specify which games will be using Muse, probably because they havent been announced yet. Although Natellas wording implied they havent even begun to be made yet, since the plan is to let Muse do a lot of the work.Were going to have a catalogue of games soon that we will start using these models, or were going to train these models to generate, and then start playing them, explained Nadella.He also referred to his first time seeing Muse as a wow moment akin to the achievements of other AI programs: When [Xbox CEO] Phil Spencer first showed [Muse] to me, he had an Xbox controller and this model basically took the input and generated the output based on the input. And it was consistent with the game.That to me is a massive moment of wow. Its kind of like the first time we saw ChatGPT complete sentences, or Dall-E draw, or Sora.While the tech is impressive, theres no guarantee anything Muse pumps out will be fun or interesting to play. The only wrinkle Microsoft is avoiding is infringing on copyright (something other AI tools face trouble over) since its only using its own games to train the AI model.However, Nadella doesnt address the very real concerns that people will lose their jobs if Microsoft deems Muse efficient enough at making games on its own.Its apparent theres a divide between what the heads of big companies like Microsoft and regular developers want from AI, as a number of indie studios are now using the absence of generative AI as a selling point.Recently, Alex Kanaris-Sotiriou, creative director at Polygon Treehouse, announced on Bluesky that he and fellow indie developers came together to design a No Gen AI seal for studios to display on store pages.More TrendingIts a free asset that can simply be downloaded from Polygon Treehouses own website and is already present not just on the Steam page for the studios Mythwrecked: Ambrosia island, but also for Rosewater by Grundislav Games and Castle Doombad Classic by Grumpyface Studios.The issue is that these generative technologies are trained on existing works by human artists who have not given their permission, or been compensated, for their work being utilised. Essentially their work has been stolen, reads a statement by Polygon Treehouse.It really goes to show that for as much as game companies tout that AI will be a helpful tool for developers, a lot of those developers dont want it.Its not even something that only developers are concerned about. Many customers dont want to spend their money on games made with AI. So much so that SteamDB, a third party tracking site for Steam, hasadded a tag to help customers filter out any gamesthat admit to using generative AI. Generative AI in game development is a deal breaker for some gamers (Polygon Treehouse)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

A mecha dream (Amazing Seasun Games)After already proving a smash hit on Steam, with its most recent beta, GameCentral goes hands-on with an array of impressively designed giant robots in online shooter Mecha Break.After a successful initial test in August last year, Mecha Breaks second beta has launched to even higher acclaim on Steam. The third person competitive shooter, themed around giant robots, became one of the top five most played games on the platform within hours of its second open beta going live on Sunday, surpassing Apex Legends and GTA 5 with over 317,000 concurrent players.Over recent years, several live service games have achieved huge launch numbers only to dwindle in popularity months later, but Mecha Breaks design feels antithetical to others in the space. This isnt a shooter designed to appeal to the broadest audience possible for a quick buck, but a mechanically rich and complex game with a steep learning curve, squarely gunning for mech aficionados raised on Gundam and Transformers.My personal history with giant robots is rooted in Titanfall 2, Armored Core 6, and crying at Brad Birds The Iron Giant, but even without much knowledge of the cultural touchstones this game is leaning into, Mecha Break is a chaotic blast which feels like it could inspire a love of the concept and the joys of mastering and customising a mechanical behemoth for a whole new generation.Ahead of the second betas launch, we went hands-on with the demo at the US offices of the China-based developer Amazing Seasun Games, at one point alongside the companys CEO and Mecha Break executive producer Kris Kwok. After around five hours, it felt like we had only just started to grasp all the intricacies under the hood, and with only a small selection of the 13 total mechs (known as Strikers) on offer.This isnt because of bad tutorials although the linear corridor run used to teach you the basics is weirdly divorced from the games main modes but a compliment to its design. You start out with the attacker mech Alysnes, which has an all-rounder arsenal balanced between shooting with energy autocannons, gauss cannons loaded with explosive arrows, and smacking enemies up close with a laser halberd. They can also counter incoming attacks with a shield, which can be used to parry sword attacks if timed correctly, and replenish supplies through an airdrop kit you can only use once per life.The art of Mecha Break is mastering when best to use these abilities in conjunction with the energy-dependent movement. You can walk at a glacial pace at any point, as hulking mechs are bound to do, but much like Armored Core, the crux of the movement is in its boosting. You can strafe around the battlefield either continuously or in specific bursts and launch yourself skywards to scrap with enemies in the air or fly to safety.As a mech fantasy, it feels excellent, thanks to the breadth of abilities and the penalties of pushing things too far. Outside of your primary weapons, your abilities are tied to cooldown meters, while continuous boosting beyond the limits of your energy bar will lead to a short window where youre locked to the ground without an easy means of escape.At the start, Mecha Break feels like a frenetic toy box for intricate action figures, where its easy to be overwhelmed by the rocket barrage spectacle, but theres a compelling learning curve in managing your movements and weapons in perfect sync.This is only accentuated by the variety of mechs on offer. Beyond Alysnes, which feels like the obvious starting place on the roster, we tried out Welkin a heavy brawler which prioritises melee attacks. Its devastating at close range, with the ability to trap opponents in a boxed laser field, cage match style, so you can hack at them with a spinning battle axe and boomerang drones.The main mech we gravitated towards was Tricera, although thats probably because he felt overpowered in a similar way to Bastion in early Overwatch. This tank defender can transform into a deadly stationary sentry gun, crunching through opponents with its double gatling guns and shoulder rockets.As you might expect, movement is Triceras biggest weakness, so agile mechs like Skyraider and Falcon which feel ripped out of Star Fox in the way they can fly around at fast speeds and perform loops can be particularly bothersome. Mashmak mode has its own bosses (Amazing Seasun Games)Beyond the mechs themselves, Mecha Break is stacked with a surprising number of modes. The crux of the experience is the 6v6 objective-based slate, where every map offers spins on familiar game types, such as a key orientated take on Capture The Flag, a payload escorting mission, and one where you fight to defend control areas la Domination in Call Of Duty. If you want a traditional deathmatch, this is locked to a 3v3 mode called Ace Arena.The main new mode for the second beta is Mashmak, a PvPvE mode for up to 60 players which emulates The Divisions extraction mode, Dark Zone, with battle royale elements. In a squad of three, you work together to take down enemy camps, defeat bosses, retrieve loot, and escape from the huge map at one of the five marked extraction points. Once a team has occupied an extraction point, however, youre locked out of it, which makes every subsequent battle to escape even more perilous if you want to maximise your gains.Mashmak presents another change of pace and has some cool additional gizmos, like armed gliders you can ride and weapon pick-ups to bolster your mech, but we were itching to get back to the 6v6 modes during our play session. However, this might be because Mashmak is driven by the chase for loot, which includes mode-specific mods and other unlocks, and with none of your progress carrying over to the final game, from the beta, naturally it was difficult to get too attached or enthused about everything we were accumulating.Mecha Breaks secret weapon, especially as a live service game, might be its impressive suite of customisation options. Every body part on every mech, even down to tiny components, can be given a paint job or adorned with emblems a process we would have gladly tinkered with for hours. Its unclear though, how generously these cosmetics will be doled out in the final game. Mecha Break lands in spring 2025 (Amazing Seasun Games)A similar level of customisation is available for pilots of your mech, although it is disappointing how generic these look in comparison. It isnt the worst problem to have, considering how little you actually see of your pilots, outside of the respawn cut scene in matches, but whether youre male or female they all look like dead-eyed mannequins where sexual titillation has been prioritised above anything else with four sliders dedicated to your bum alone.More TrendingYou will be able to play as your pilot in a hangar area though, which is briefly teased in the beta. Here, you can freely explore a hub and enter your pilots bedroom, but very little was interactive. Developer Amazing Seasun Games has previously said, however, that it will include some kind of shooting range in the future, suggesting pilot combat will be added down the line.The big question hanging over Mecha Break is how invasive its live service bones will be over the entire experience, which will only be properly answered when it fully launches sometime in spring this year. Based on this beta though, this feels like it has all the potential to give mech freaks, both old and new, something to finally Starscream about.Mecha Breaks open beta is available to download now on PC and will be available on Xbox Series X/S at a later date. A PlayStation 5 version has been vaguely hinted at but not yet confirmed. Gundam style (Amazing Seasun Games)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

By AJ Dellinger Published February 24, 2025 | Comments (0) | Image of AI-generated video depicting Donald Trump kissing the feet of Elon Musk with a text overlay that reads 'Long Live The Real King.' Marisa Kabas/Bluesky We might never get the alleged Donald Trump pee tape, but thanks to generative AI and someone with access to displays in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), we now have the feet tape. An AI-generated video depicting Donald Trump absolutely smothering Elon Musks weird feet with his whole mouth with a text overlay that read Long Live The Real King ran on a loop on TVs throughout the agencys headquarters this morning, according to multiple reports and eye-witnesses. Marisa Kabas, independent journalist and author of The Handbasket, shared a video of the clip as it appeared on a HUD TV Monday morning. Per Kabas, the clip played about five minutes before someone finally stopped it. Building staff couldnt figure out how to turn it off so sent people to every floor to unplug TVs, she wrote on Bluesky. this video of Trump kissing Elon Musks feet is playing in the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development cafeteria this morning (per source @HUDgov) pic.twitter.com/hrojPdLDHQ Rachel Cohen (@rmc031) February 24, 2025 The video was confirmed by the Washington Post reporter Jeff Stein, who received pictures that showed the video of Trump slurping on Musks toes could be seen on TVs throughout HUDs headquarters in Washington, D.C. Steins paper ran a story about the situation in which it labeled the video possibly AI-generatedwhich hey, you gotta be careful these days, you can never quite be sure whats real and what isnt. We cannot say with 100% certainty that this is not a genuine video of President Donald Trump sucking on Musks little piggies. Likewise, theres no way to know for sure whether Elon Musk actually has two left feet, as the video shows. The text in the video, Long Live The Real King, is likely in reference to last weeks inexplicable news cycle in which Trump declared himself King and then the official White House social accounts all shared images of Trump wearing a crown with the caption Long Live The Kingone of those things that happens in a Trump news cycle where it seems like its kinda a big deal but also it disappears almost immediately because something else absolutely bonkers happens, like, I dont know, podcaster Dan Bongino getting named deputy director at the FBI. Anyway, the video shows Trump kissing the toe ring of Musk, who is depicted as the real king.Its understandable why members of HUD might be at the start of a rebellion against the king. Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency has its eyes on HUD and is reportedly planning to slash as much as half of the agencys workforce while gutting its funding. Its never really a good time for that, but now is a particularly bad time: The cost of purchasing a home recently hit an all-time high, rent prices keep climbing as available units shrink, and the growing frequency of extreme weather has increased the need for rebuilding after disaster. Whoever at HUD decided to put together this video of Musk getting his feet lathered in Trump slobber is going to have a lot to report in their weekly email to Musk detailing what they accomplished this week. Its only Monday and theyve already done so much!Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By AJ Dellinger Published February 21, 2025 By Thomas Maxwell Published February 21, 2025 By Lucas Ropek Published February 21, 2025 By AJ Dellinger Published February 21, 2025 By Matthew Gault Published February 21, 2025 Adam Kovac and George Dvorsky Published February 21, 2025

The Wheel of Time is heading back to Prime Video for its third season in just a few weeksbringing another round of adventures for Rand alThor and his pals, frenemies, and enemies, including (maybe?) that long-promised Last Battle. So far, Amazon hasnt announced additional seasons for the fantasy series, but it could theoretically go on for many more years, given the mountain of source material in Robert Jordans novels. At a recent Wheel of Time press day, io9 asked showrunner Rafe Judkins if he already knows how the show will end. I always have an end game in mind, he said. Were always plotting and planning how we want to do everything weve got. Youll see stuff falling into this season that [hints at our] plans for the top of season four or into season five. So, were always approaching it from the writers room as if were going to make it to the end of this thing, and that this is how we want to tell that story. I think a lot of shows arent given the benefit of as many seasons anymore, but I think Amazons been an amazing network in terms of, from the outset on this, they really set out to tell the whole story. And so, Im hopeful that even in the current world that we get to tell the whole story of the Wheel of Time. Given that Jordans series spans 14 novels, plus a handful of related works, by Jordan (who passed away in 2007) and later co-author Brandon Sanderson, the first season of The Wheel of Time was very careful to explain lore and plot points, to ease new fans into its complex fantasy world. Judkins said keeping the balance between the books and whats been created for the screen is one of the most carefully considered topics in the shows writers room. As were going into production, as well, and even in post, you really have to make the show for both audiences. We know that theres a huge audience for this show that has never read the books before, and theres a huge audience for the show that has, like I do, a deep emotional connection to these books and these characters that they want to see brought to life for the first time, Judkins said. So its always in our minds of balancing what were doing for those two audiences, but never sacrificing one or the other. Its really important that we tell the story from the books as best we can in this medium that were in, and make sure that its first and foremost a great TV show. One of those Wheel of Time characters that fans are excited to see more of in live-action is Lanfear, played by Natasha OKeeffe. Introduced in season two, shes the slippery, seductive Forsaken with a special connection to Rand, both in reality and in the dream realm she uses to further creep into his consciousness. But Lanfear isnt entirely villainous; despite her ties to the Dark One, shes mostly out for herself first and foremost, which makes her fascinating to watch.I think shes on a journey of self-discovery all of the time, OKeeffe told io9. I think its forever evolving. Yes, she knows what she wants to get, but in terms of relationships and how she gets what she wants, and what she wants with Rand, its confusing. Its actuallyshe is conflicted herself. But truth be told, I think shes more hungry for power. Judkins added, She always is! I think thats one of the things thats likable about her, actually: she certainly is interested in Rand and whats developing with Rand, but her ultimate goals are for herself, and they always have been.The Wheel of Timereturns for season three March 13 on Prime Video. The first three episodes will drop together, with a weekly drop to follow until April 17. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.