• Monster Hunter Series Producer Promoted to Chief Product Officer of Capcoms Development Divisions
    gamingbolt.com
    Capcom has announced changes to its personnel and directors, promoting Ryozo Tsujimoto to Chief Product Officer of its development divisions. He will replace Yoichi Egawa, who retires on April 1st.Tsujimoto is best known as the producer of the Monster Hunter series. On top of successful outings like Monster Hunter World (currently the best-selling title in Capcoms history) and Monster Hunter Rise, he also produced the recent Monster Hunter Wilds. The latter saw nearly 1.4 million peak concurrent players on Steam, though sales numbers have yet to be revealed.The impact of Tsujimotos promotion remains to be seen, but Capcom has a pretty healthy line-up ahead. Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches in 2026, starring Miyamoto Musashi as the protagonist (with late actor Toshiro Mifunes likeness). It also helped establish Clovers to develop a sequel to Okami. Head here for more story details.As for Monster Hunter Wilds, its first Title Update arrives in early April, adding Mizutsune as a new monster, the Gathering Hub, and a new difficulty.
    0 Commentarios ·0 Acciones ·30 Views
  • Rockstar Games Acquires L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files Developer Video Games Deluxe
    gamingbolt.com
    Video Games Deluxe, a Syndey-based studio known for the L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, will be acquired by Rockstar Games. The Grand Theft Auto publisher also confirmed its renaming to Rockstar Australia.Headed by Brendan McNamara, who founded L.A. Noire developer Team Bondi, the studio is also responsible for the recent upgrades to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy The Definitive Edition. Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar Games head of publishing, said, After working closely over many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia.McNamara added, Its been an honor to work closely with Rockstar Games this past decade. We are thrilled to be a part of Rockstar Games and to continue our efforts to make the best games possible.Rockstar Australias new responsibilities and projects are unknown, so stay tuned for more details. It could assist Rockstar North on the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6, scheduled for launch this Fall on Xbox Series X/S and PS5.Set in modern-day Vice City, it focuses on two criminal protagonists with further story details yet to be revealed. Following its reveal in December 2023, Rockstar Games hasnt showcased any more gameplay or a release date. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick warned of potential slippage for its launch, though nothing is confirmed. Stay tuned for more updates.
    0 Commentarios ·0 Acciones ·30 Views
  • 0 Commentarios ·0 Acciones ·31 Views
  • 0 Commentarios ·0 Acciones ·33 Views
  • 0 Commentarios ·0 Acciones ·33 Views
  • Rockstar Games acquires Video Games Deluxe, now known as Rockstar Australia
    www.gamesindustry.biz
    Rockstar Games acquires Video Games Deluxe, now known as Rockstar AustraliaSydney-based developer recently worked on upgrades to GTA: The Trilogy Definitive EditionImage credit: Rockstar Games News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on March 4, 2025 Rockstar Games has acquired Sydney-based developer Video Games Deluxe, rebranding it to Rockstar Australia.Video Games Deluxe worked on the re-releases of L.A. Noire and L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, in addition to upgrades on Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy Definitive Edition."It's been an honour to work closely with Rockstar Games this past decade," said Video Games Deluxe founder Brendan McNamara. "We are thrilled to be part of Rockstar Games and to continue our efforts to make the best games possible."Rockstar Games head of publishing Jennifer Kolbe added: "After working together closely for many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia."Video Games Deluxe was founded in 2013 by former Team Bondi creative director McNamara. Team Bondi developed the Rockstar-published detective game L.A. Noire released in 2011.The game had a long development cycle, one that was reportedly fraught with poor working conditions. Team Bondi entered administration in 2011 after splitting from Rockstar following these accusations.
    0 Commentarios ·0 Acciones ·36 Views
  • Agentic AI vs. AI Agents: A Technical Deep Dive
    www.marktechpost.com
    Artificial intelligence has evolved from simple rule-based systems into sophisticated, autonomous entities that perform complex tasks. Two terms that often emerge in this context are AI Agents and Agentic AI. Although they may seem interchangeable, they represent different approaches to building intelligent systems. This article provides a technical analysis of the differences between AI Agents and Agentic AI, exploring their definitions, architectures, real-world examples, and roles in multi-agent systems and human-AI collaboration.Definitions and Fundamental ConceptsAI Agents:An AI agent is an autonomous software entity that perceives its environment, makes decisions, and acts to achieve specific goals. At its core, an AI agent follows a simple loop: sense decide act. The agent receives inputs through sensors or data streams, processes this information using decision-making logic (which can be rule-based or learned), and outputs actions via actuators or APIs. Examples range from chatbots that provide customer support to self-driving cars that interpret sensor data and navigate roads. These agents typically have a fixed scopehumans define their high-level goals, and the agents determine the best actions within that boundary.Agentic AI:Agentic AI, on the other hand, refers to a newer paradigm where AI systems possess a higher degree of autonomy and adaptability. An agentic AI is designed to autonomously plan, execute multi-step tasks, and continuously learn from feedback. Unlike traditional AI agents, which often follow a predetermined or static policy, agentic AI systems can break down complex goals into sub-tasks, invoke external tools, and adapt their strategies in real time. For example, an agentic AI tasked with building a website might autonomously generate code, design graphics, run tests, and even deploy the siteall with minimal human intervention. While every agentic AI is an AI agent, not every AI agent exhibits the dynamic, goal-driven behavior that defines agentic AI.Key Technical DistinctionsAutonomy and Goal ExecutionTraditional AI agents vary in their level of autonomy. Many operate within narrow, predefined scopes and require human input for more complex decisions. Agentic AI pushes this boundary by emphasizing extensive autonomy. These systems can interpret high-level goals and devise a sequence of actions to achieve them. Instead of a simple one-step response, an agentic AI continuously iterates on its decisions, adjusting its plan as it gathers new data and feedback.Adaptability and LearningMany AI agents are trained using a two-phase approach: an offline training phase followed by a static deployment phase. Some agents may update their policies over time using reinforcement learning, but this learning is often isolated from real-time operation. In contrast, agentic AI systems are built to be adaptive. They incorporate continuous learning loops where feedback from the environment is used to adjust strategies on the fly. This dynamic learning capability allows agentic AI to handle unexpected changes and improve over time without the need for explicit retraining sessions.Decision-Making and ReasoningTraditional AI agents often rely on a fixed decision-making policy or a one-step mapping from input to action. In many cases, they lack an explicit reasoning process that explains or justifies their actions. Agentic AI systems, however, incorporate advanced reasoning techniques such as chain-of-thought planning. These systems can generate internal narratives that break complex tasks into manageable subtasks, assess potential strategies, and select the best course of action. This iterative, multi-step reasoning approach enables agentic AI to tackle complex, novel problems with a level of flexibility that simpler agents lack.Architectures and Underlying TechnologiesAI Agent ArchitectureAt the core of an AI agent is a loop consisting of perception, decision-making, and action. The architecture is usually modular:Perception: Sensors or data input interfaces that gather information.Decision Module: The brain of the agent that processes inputs, often using rule-based systems, decision trees, or learned policies.Actuators: Components or APIs that execute actions in the environment.Many AI agents are designed using frameworks that support reinforcement learning or rule-based decision-making. In robotics, for example, an agent might integrate sensor data (from cameras or lidar), process it through a neural network, and control motors accordingly.Agentic AI ArchitectureAgentic AI builds on the basic agent architecture by incorporating several advanced components:Cognitive Orchestrator: Often an advanced language model that interprets goals, reasons about the task, and plans a sequence of actions.Dynamic Tool Use: The agent can autonomously invoke external tools or APIs (e.g., databases, search engines, code interpreters) as part of its problem-solving process.Memory and Context: Unlike simple agents, agentic systems maintain a memory of previous interactions, allowing them to reference past data and improve consistency over long-horizon tasks.Planning and Meta-Reasoning: Agentic AI can generate multi-step plans and adjust them on the fly if the situation changes, often using techniques derived from chain-of-thought reasoning.Multi-Agent Orchestration: Some agentic systems are designed to spawn or coordinate with other specialized sub-agents, thereby dividing tasks and enhancing efficiency.Developers are using frameworks like LangChain and Semantic Kernel to build these advanced systems, combining the strengths of large language models, reinforcement learning, and tool integration.Real-World ApplicationsRobotics and Autonomous VehiclesIn robotics, traditional AI agents are seen in systems like robotic vacuum cleaners or warehouse robots. These agents follow a set of predefined rules to navigate and perform tasks. However, agentic AI systems take robotics further by allowing robots to adapt to changing environments in real time. Consider a self-driving car that not only follows traffic rules but also learns from its environmentadjusting to road conditions, recalculating routes when unexpected obstacles arise, and even coordinating with other vehicles. This level of autonomy and adaptability is a clear demonstration of agentic AI.Finance and TradingIn finance, AI agents are used for algorithmic trading. A trading bot may execute transactions based on predetermined signals or patterns in market data. An agentic AI trading system, however, can autonomously adjust its strategy based on real-time news, economic indicators, or even social media sentiment. By continuously learning and adapting its policy, an agentic trading agent can optimize portfolio management and risk assessment far more dynamically than its traditional counterpart.HealthcareTraditional AI agents in healthcare include virtual assistants that manage patient queries or monitor vital signs. Agentic AI systems, however, have the potential to revolutionize personalized healthcare. For example, an agentic healthcare AI could manage a patients treatment plan by continuously monitoring health data from wearable devices, adjusting medication dosages, scheduling tests, and alerting healthcare professionals if anomalies are detected. This kind of system not only automates routine tasks but also learns from patient data to provide increasingly personalized care.Software Development and IT OperationsIn software development, AI agents like coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot) offer real-time code suggestions. An agentic AI could take this further by autonomously generating entire codebases from high-level specifications, debugging issues, and deploying applications. In IT operations, agentic AI agents can monitor system metrics, detect anomalies, and automatically initiate corrective actions such as scaling resources or rolling back problematic deployments. This proactive approach enhances system reliability and reduces downtime.Multi-Agent Systems and Human-AI CollaborationMulti-Agent SystemsIn multi-agent systems, several AI agents work togethereach with a specific roleto solve complex tasks. Traditional multi-agent systems have fixed roles and communication protocols. In contrast, agentic AI systems can dynamically spawn and coordinate with multiple sub-agents, each tackling a segment of a larger task. This dynamic orchestration allows for a more flexible, responsive, and scalable approach to problem-solving, enabling rapid adaptation in complex environments.Human-AI CollaborationTraditionally, AI agents have been seen as tools that perform tasks upon command. Agentic AI, however, positions itself as a collaborative partner capable of autonomous decision-making while still being under human oversight. In a business setting, for example, an agentic AI could handle routine operational taskssuch as scheduling, data analysis, and reportingwhile allowing human supervisors to focus on strategic decision-making. The AIs ability to explain its reasoning and adapt based on feedback further enhances trust and usability in collaborative environments.ConclusionWhile both AI agents and agentic AI share the core concept of autonomous systems, their differences are significant. AI agents generally execute predefined tasks within a fixed scope, often without extensive real-time learning or multi-step reasoning. Agentic AI, by contrast, is designed for high autonomy, adaptability, and complex problem-solving. With architectures that incorporate dynamic tool use, memory, and advanced reasoning, agentic AI systems are poised to revolutionize industriesfrom autonomous vehicles and finance to healthcare and software development. Sana HassanSana Hassan, a consulting intern at Marktechpost and dual-degree student at IIT Madras, is passionate about applying technology and AI to address real-world challenges. With a keen interest in solving practical problems, he brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of AI and real-life solutions.Sana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/HippoRAG 2: Advancing Long-Term Memory and Contextual Retrieval in Large Language ModelsSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Self-Rewarding Reasoning in LLMs: Enhancing Autonomous Error Detection and Correction for Mathematical ReasoningSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Stanford Researchers Uncover Prompt Caching Risks in AI APIs: Revealing Security Flaws and Data VulnerabilitiesSana Hassanhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sana-hassan/Beyond a Single LLM: Advancing AI Through Multi-Model Collaboration Recommended Open-Source AI Platform: IntellAgent is a An Open-Source Multi-Agent Framework to Evaluate Complex Conversational AI System' (Promoted)
    0 Commentarios ·0 Acciones ·38 Views
  • Every Marvel TV Show in the MCU Era Ranked
    www.denofgeek.com
    Look out, here comes Daredevil, the Man Without Fear! Seven years after the Netflix series ended with its third season, Daredevil: Born Again brings back stars Charlie Cox and Vincent DOnofrio, this time for Disney+.Daredevils journey from star of a canceled, violent Netflix series to new entry completely in the Marvel Cinematic Universe highlights the strange case of Marvel shows. Although Marvel has been a constant presence on television since the cartoons of the 1960s, the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe reinvigorated public interest in the characters.Yet, while the movies boasted a shared universe, in which Captain America can drop by Asgard (albeit as a Loki projection) in Thor: The Dark World, the TV shows were strangely sequestered. Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones lived on Netflix. Cloak & Dagger and Runaways stayed on Freeform. Characters from the movies got spun off into shows on Disney+.However, with Born Again bringing the Netflix series back, its time to look at all of the shows produced under the Marvel Cinematic Universe banner mostly. A few shows that came out during the MCU era fall a bit outside the scope of this list. Legion and Gifted both deal with the X-Men, but they dont even wink at the MCU and instead tell their own idiosyncratic stories. Likewise, the animated series Spidey and His Amazing Spider-Friends, Hit-Monkey, and M.O.D.O.K. might have some overlap with characters that appear in the MCU, but they have radically different takes and dont even acknowledge the multiverse like shows that are on this list.Even cutting out those shows leaves a ton of superhero action left to cover, some better than others. So lets dive into the world of Marvel heroes that have been forever changed by the MCU.28. InhumansPerhaps the least essential creation of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, the Inhumans work best as supporting characters within the Fantastic Four franchise. A messy royal family who support eugenics, the Inhumans are hardly the most likable characters from the House of Ideas. Yet, back when the X-Men adaptation rights were with 20th Century Fox instead of Disney/Marvel, then Marvel chief Ike Perlmutter pushed the Inhumans as replacements for the mutants.To that end Perlmutter advocated an Inhumans movie, something that Kevin Feige resisted as much as he could, bumping the project to a short ABC miniseries. And what a terrible miniseries it was. Despite some likable actors such as Anson Mount and Ken Leung, Inhumans never justified its own existence. When Medusa (Serinda Swan), a character with the cool power of long hair she can control, gets her head shaved at the start of the series, smart people forgot about Inhuamans until Black Bolts delightful death in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.27. Marvels RunawaysHeres the thing about the Runaways: they have to run away. By issue #2 of the acclaimed comic book series by Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona, the primary teens had escaped from home, upon learning that their parents were supervillains. For some reason, the television adaptation kept the kids in the house for almost the entirety of the series. Even when the kids officially left home, they kept breaking into one anothers houses for one reason or another.Without actually much running away and with superpower usage limited by television budgets, Runaways only had generic teen angst let to portray. It portrayed the angst ably, but covered the same ground that other shows had done first and better, leaving us viewers wondering why anyone even bothered making Runaways.26. HelstromThe best shows on this list figure out a way to take concepts from Marvel Comics and translate them to the medium of television. The worst get that balance wrong, hoping that the slightest gestures at one end can make up for deficiancies on the other. Case in point, the supernatural crime series Helstrom, starring Tom Austen and Sydney Lemmon as Daimon and Ana Helstrom.In the comics, Daimon and Satana Hellstrom are the literal children of Satan and a human woman, who struggle to make sense of their conflicting heritages. The television show turns the two into children of a demon-possessed serial killer and send them to investigate spiritual mysteries, not unlike Supernatural or Lucifer (a show that does a much better job adapting a comic book to procedural television). The result is a show that trades in tired tv tropes that its occasional concessions to the comics cannot overcome.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!25. Secret InvasionThe most damning thing that anyone can say about Secret Invasion is that it doesnt matter at all. You could skip it and not be confused at all when Nick Fury shows up again in The Marvels, seemingly unfazed by what happened in his own show a show that included the deaths of strong supporting characters Maria Hill and Talos and revealed that Fury had a wife who was a Skrull.Frankly, those who skipped Secret Invasion were probably the happiest with the show. Despite strong work from the reliably great Samuel L. Jackson and Olivia Colman being Olivia Colman, the show couldnt decide if it was a sci-fi show about aliens, a spy thriller, or a political satire, resulting in a forgettable, sloppy mess.24. The DefendersAs this list will show, the Netflix Marvel series were a mixed bag, never able to balance the superheroics of the characters with the more grounded tone the shows wanted to achieve. Its fitting, then, that the crossover miniseries The Defenders exemplifies all of the other shows problems.The eight-episode mini wisely builds out of Daredevil, the strongest of the Netflix shows, with a plot that involves Hand ninjas trying to gain control of a super weapon called Black Sky, which turns out to be Daredevils girlfriend Elektra. As much as the Hand leader Alexandria, played by a disinterested Sigourney Weaver, talks about the end of the world, The Defenders feels shockingly tiny, mostly a bunch of people in business suits having conversations in officers.23. Iron FistLike The Defenders, Iron Fist also confuses conversations in office buildings with compelling genre television. Somehow, a comic book series about a young man who becomes kung fu master after thrusting his hands into a dragons heart transformed into a show about corporate intrigue. Then again, given star Finn Joness nothing of a take on the main character Danny Rand, maybe producers didnt have faith that he could carry the action scenes.The shows second season benefits from a change in showrunner and more of a focus on the strong supporting cast, which includes an outstanding turn by Jessica Henwick as Colleen Wing. However, it was too little too late, and very people even cared enough to tune in for a second season. 22. EchoUnlike the aforementioned Helstrom siblings, at least Maya Lopez had a strong MCU showing before getting spun off into her own miniseries Echo. As portrayed by Alaqua Cox, Lopez made for a compelling antagonist to Clint Barton in Hawkeye. But Mayas connection to Wilson Fisk, which does exist in the Daredevil comics in which she debuted, overshadowed the character, making her feel like a supporting character in her own show.Then again, theres not much to the show itself. Despite gathering some of the best Native actors working today (including most of the cast of the far superior Reservation Dogs), Echo drags across its five episodes, biding time until Maya can finally face off with Fisk. At least creative leads Marion Dayre, Amy Rardin, and Sydney Freeland work in enough underseen elements of Choctaw culture to give Echo some flavor it would otherwise lack.21. She-Hulk: Attorney at LawEasily the most divisive show on this list, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law will certainly rank much higher for some and perhaps even lower for others. No one would place the show in the middle. On one hand, the strong reactions speak to the shows willingness to break the MCU model, something to be applauded. Harnessing the irreverent humor of writer and artist John Byrnes comic run, She-Hulk stars Tatiana Maslany in a self-aware legal comedy.However, the shows success relies entirely on how much the audience finds the jokes actually funny. If watching She-Hulk twerk with Megan Thee Stallion is the height of comedy, then you probably enjoyed the show. If the series felt like watching the charming Maslany try to sell sub-UCB improv, then everything about the show including the terrible effects and awkward MCU connections felt like a drag.20. Cloak and DaggerCloak and DaggerThe television adaptation, starring Aubrey Joseph and Olivia Holt, ditches the costumes and instead plays up the teen drama. As a result, the show works as a melodrama with supernatural elements, gaining a solid following across its two seasons. Fans of weird Marvel characters might be disappointed with the series downplaying of the superhero aspects, but those who wanted off-kilter YA tales were pleased.19. I Am GrootKids love Groot, so what would be better than a kids series about baby Groot getting into misadventures? I Am Groot is beautifully animated and each shows six-minute runtime meant that the adventures had to stay small and focused.And yet, even members of the target demographic get bored after one or two episodes. Ten episodes of the series feel like far too many, especially in the second season, which adds characters like the Watcher and alienates young children even more.18. Marvels What If?What If? might be the most perfect adaptation of a comic book series. Like the long-running comic series, What If? features alternate reality versions of familiar characters, playing out various thought experiments. And like the comic series, What If? was occasionally interesting and mostly dull.Which isnt to say that the entire show was a waste of time. What If? gave us one more chance to see/hear Chadwick Boseman as TChalla and the series recently featured Storm in her Asgardian armor, a fan favorite from the comics. Moreover, Jeffrey Wright proved to be the ideal person to voice the all-powerful Watcher, thanks to his ability to keep tongue in cheek without sacrificing gravitas. Still, its hard to believe that anyone remembers the episodes as soon as the credits roll.17. Moon KnightOnes enjoyment of Moon Knight might depend entirely on ones feelings about Oscar Isaac. For those who like Isaac, but see the actors limitations, then Moon Knight drags every time he deploys his goofy English accent to portray Steven Grant, and depictions of his alternate (and American) identity Marc Spector didnt help things. By the time the show ended with a television CG equivalent of a kaiju battle, Moon Knight was a lost cause.Yet, for those who love everything that Isaacs handing out, Moon Knight is a lot of fun. The series wisely adapts the great Moon Knight run by Jeff Lemire and Greg Smallwood, combining psychological exploration with archeological adventure. Even better, May Calamawy steals every single scene shes in as Layla El-Faouly, leaving us still clamoring for more Silver Scarab.16. Luke CageThe tragedy of the Neftlix Marvel shows is that they could have been really, really good. Luke Cage brims with potential, thanks to a captivating performance by Mike Colter in the lead and ambitious storytelling from showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker, who did not shy away from the social relevance of the characters. Add in ringers such as Mahershala Ali and Alfre Woodard as villains, and Luke Cage was set to match Daredevil for excitement and intensity.Yet, the Netflix shows were mired by some requirement instituted by Marvel, most notably a mandatory minimum of 13 episodes per season. As a result, most of the Netflix shows felt oddly paced, none worse than Luke Cage. The electric charge of the first season fizzled out, even before the show unwisely killed off Alis character and replaced him with the much sillier Diamondback (Erik LaRay Harvey). Coming out of The Defenders, the show lost any direction, saddling the series with uninspired team ups and a generic mystery plot.15. The PunisherThe Punisher might be one of the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe, but hes not one of the richest. The entire appeal of the Punisher comes from the misery of watching broken man Frank Castle inflict all manner of pain on the worst of the worst. So its remarkable that the MCU has wrung two seasons of compelling television out of the character and that were excited to see the Punisher return for Daredevil: Born Again.A lot of the shows success can be attributed to Jon Bernthal, who first played the character in Daredevil. Bernthal finds empathy for Castle, ensuring that he feels human, even when he goes to incredibly dark lengths in his war on crime. Then again, the show didnt always match Bernthals efforts, too often falling back into the standard doom and gloom of the Punishers world. That said, it does have Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Franks usual sidekick Microchip, which will probably come up with some wacky multiverse shenanigans in the Fantastic Four.14. The Falcon and the Winter SoldierAt times, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier pays off the promise of the MCU shows. Where the movies have to tell big stories that leave little room for proper character development, the shows could take their time and flesh out the person behind the mask. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, intended to be the first of the Disney+ series, devotes its best parts to Sam Wilson wrestling with the idea of becoming the next Captain America and to Bucky dealing with the fallout of his crimes as the Winter Soldier.And yet, the show doesnt seem to trust the characters enough to really focus on them. Instead, it borrows from excellent Mark Gruenwald-written Captain America comics from the 1980s to tell a thriller dealing with refugees from the Blip who call themselves the Flag Smashers. Throw in Wyatt Russell as an unstable new Captain America, and theres very little room left over for character growth. Still, the stuff thats there is pretty compelling, and the series ends with Sam fully grown into the Captain America role.13. Jessica JonesNowhere was the 13-episode requirement of the Netflix shows felt more keenly than midway through the first season of Jessica Jones. The series had a fantastic hook, with a perfectly cast Krysten Ritter as the acerbic private investigator facing off against David Tennant as Kilgrave, the mind-controlling Purple Man. And yet, all of the tension dissipated midway through the first season, when a subplot involving Jessicas best pal and an unstable cop took the center stage while Jones and Kilgrave bided their time.Jessica Jones settled into a better rhythm for its second and third seasons, and Ritter remained strong throughout. But without Tennants Kilgrave as the main villain, those later seasons feel solid if unremarkable. Still, thats all a testament to what a remarkable show Jessica Jones was with Kilgrave as the antagonist, adding a level true menace to the procedural structure and adding true pathos to Ritters disaffected exterior.12. Agatha All AlongFor its first few episodes Agatha All Along felt like Marvel at its least essential. The draw to the series seemed to be watching the always-delightful Kathryn Hahn pal around with other great actors, including Patti LuPone, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, and Debra Jo Rupp as back-biting witches, alongside Joe Locke as a mysterious magic user mostly just called Teen and Aubrey Plaza as a flirtatious enemy.But by the time that the second half of the season kicks in, Agatha All Along finds surprising pathos. Its not just the depths to Agathas backstory, but especially a Doctor Who style twist to LuPones time-displaced witch and a tale of displacement and found family with the Teen. What began as a lackluster spin-off became a starting point for one of the Young Avengers, giving the MCU a shared universe boost that once was the franchises calling card.11. Agents of SHIELDIts hard to judge Agents of SHIELD for what it was, not what it could have been. Agents of SHIELD debuted at the height of Marvel mania, promising more MCU action by following fan-favorite Phil Coulson and his secret agents as they do superhero espionage. Yet, that first season quickly revealed itself as a pretty by-the-numbers procedural with only the slightest MCU trappings. When the movie Captain America: The Winter Soldier ended by completely recreating SHIELD, it seemed like the series would find its footing in season two, but that didnt happen either.And yet, once expectations fell away (and, frankly, a lot of people stopped watching), Agents of SHIELD got room to breathe. Its likable ensemble cast settled into their roles and the show got room to be more experimental and fun. Kree soldiers, Ghost Rider, and actual supervillains became part of the story. The less that people paid attention to Agents of SHIELD, the more it got to be itself, and the show was better for it.10. Werewolf by NightBy this point, readers have certainly noticed a reoccurring complaint across this list, that some shows waste even good ideas because they stretch their stories across too many episodes. The first of two specials created for Disney+, Werewolf by Night fills every one of its 53 minutes with delightful detail, not wasting a second.Directed by composer turned first-time filmmaker Michael Giacchino, Werewolf by Night pairs Gael Garca Bernal at his most lovable with a flinty Laura Donnelly, the former playing a good man cursed with lycanthropy and the latter the unwilling scion of monster hunters. Giacchino channels the gothic thrills of Universal Horror and even manages to put Man-Thing on screen without generating any guffaws. By the time Werewolf by Night ends, were still hungry for more, a rarity among MCU shows.9. Agent CarterObviously, Agent Carter isnt the best show on this list. But Agent Carter does the best job at translating the Marvel Universe to television. The series spun-off Hayley Atwells scene-stealing Peggy Carter from Captain America: The First Avenger and lets her be so much more than the long-lost girlfriend of Steve Rogers.Even better, the World War II setting protected Agent Carter from the expectations that hobbled Agents of SHIELD, letting it play in its own corner of the universe. Yes, Edwin Jarvis and Howard Stark show up, but Agent Carter mostly got to be a high-energy spy show. The fact that it lasted just two seasons proves that Marvel didnt always know what to do with its shows.8. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-ManGiven all of the changes that the show experienced in pre-production, given its cast overstuffed with Marvel supporting characters, its remarkable that Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man managed to be as breezy and fresh as it is. Showrunner Jeff Trammell remixes over-familiar story beats to give us a modern-day take on Peter Parker, unlike any version seen in movies, comics, or television.All of the changes work. Perennial B-list villain Tombstone gets a tragic arc, Harry feels like proper 2024 rich boy, and Colman Domingo gives us one of the most compelling takes on Norman Osborn ever seen. The entire show comes via stylized animation that recalls both the Spider-Verse films and Steve Ditkos pop art, capturing the timeless quality of Spider-Man.7. HawkeyeNo one in their right mind would pick Clint Barton as their favorite Avenger. Although played well by Jeremy Renner, he could never shake the fact that he was just a normal guy with bows and arrows among gods. Avengers: Age of Ultron effectively turned Clints weaknesses as strengths, but no one expected him to carry a television series.Hawkeye works, in part, because he doesnt have to carry it. The MCU gets a shot in the arm by adding Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, a rich girl who takes up the mantle of Hawkeye. Bishops tangled life, which includes a dashing Tony Dalton as a potential villain and a cameo by Florence Pugh as the White Widow, pairs nicely with Clints domestic stress. Plus, the series uses its Christmas setting and gives us Rogers: The Musical. What more could you want?6. LokiIf Loki didnt come back for a second season, it would have ranked much lower. The first series gave fans more of the MCUs first real breakout Tom Hiddleston and paired him with the only person he could love, a variation of himself called Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) as well as a perfectly-cast Owen Wilson as company man Mobius. M. Mobius. Fun, yes, but the multiverse shenanigans muted the shows emotional stakes.To the shock of everyone, Lokis second season did the exact opposite, amping up the emotional power by leaning into the multiversal elements. Even adding Jonathan Majors, then burdened with scandal and failed franchise plans, doesnt slow things down, as the second show combines the end of all realities as an existential crisis for the God of Lies. The show sticks the landing, giving Loki something so rare among Marvel characters: a proper ending.5. Ms. MarvelAfter Avengers: Endgame, Marvel hoped that younger characters could fill the gaps left by Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans. The execution of these new characters has been hit or miss, but Marvel absolutely scored a home run when they got Iman Vellani to play Kamala Khan, the fangirl who becomes superhero Ms. Marvel.The idea of making a Marvel superfan into a superhero could be self-congratulatory, but Villani plays it with such a lack of guile that no one feels upset. Grounded by a great ensemble cast playing her friends and family, Ms. Marvel takes surprising chances, from the pop art look of the first two episodes to an episode that depicts the Partition of India to an unexpected X-Men twist. Ms. Marvel could be the future of MCU, if only the franchise would let her lead.4. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday SpecialLeaving aside the fact that the only holiday celebrated in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is Christmas, its hard to imagine a more perfect use of the MCUs Disney+ connection. After two movies and supporting parts in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, the Guardians of the Galaxy had become some of the most beloved characters in the Marvel Universe, and that affection helps us forgive some of the clunky setups in the special.Even better, the Holiday Special shows off what James Gunn does best, finding an unexpected genuine pathos in what seems like a goofy, somewhat metatextual tale, in which Mantis and Drax kidnap Kevin Bacon to give Starlord some Christmas cheer. And, of course, it has a killer soundtrack.3. DaredevilDaredevil isnt exempt from the problems that plagued the other Netflix series. The second season in particular sags under the weight of too many plots and characters, and even the mostly-great first season spends way too much time with Matt Murdock recovering from his injuries. But when Daredevil is working, its among the best in superhero television.The show establishes itself within its first three episodes. We meet Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, an endlessly charming man whose tragic history and complicated Catholicism drive him to dress up as a devil and pummel baddies. Hes matched by the Kingpin of Crime Wilson Fisk, whom Vincent DOnofrio plays as a hurt child in the body of a massive killer. The electricity between the two powered the series not just through its low points, but through seven years after its cancelation, making Daredevil: Born Again the most anticipated show of the year.2. X-Men 97X-Men 97 didnt have to be this good. It could have just brought back the characters and cast from the 90s show and make us all feel like kids again. It could have been fantasy escapism, letting us grown ups ignore the problems in the real world.X-Men 97 does the exact opposite. Yes, we have the same characters from the 90s show, many of whom have the same voice actors. And yes, the series continues to adapt stories from the incredibly popular but artistically questionable X-Men comics of the era. But the series leans hard into our current situation, making the mutant as minority metaphor more explicit than ever before and offering a thrilling vision of resistance.1. WandaVisionFor a minute, it seemed like Marvel television would be something truly special. Intended to air after The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, WandaVision ended up making it to Disney+ first and announced itself as the ideal television adaptation. For its first two thirds, WandaVision took favorites from the MCU, namely Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany as her robot husband Vision, and put them in riffs on classic television.One could argue that the drops in quality toward the end, when the television aspect falls away and traditional Marvel heroics take over. But the show does an excellent job weaving larger universe mystery throughout those early episodes, earning its big ending. Plus, the show wisely balances Wandas CGI off against Agatha with Vision having a deep conversation with himself. By the time it finished, WandaVision set a standard no other MCU show has been able to match. Yet.
    0 Commentarios ·0 Acciones ·36 Views
  • NVDC adapts 1980s former Glasgow bank into private hospital
    www.architectsjournal.co.uk
    The former Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) building on Bath Street in Glasgow had lain empty since the bank vacated the site in the early 2000s. Private healthcare specialist Elanic, which has a clinic on the ground floor of the building, designed by NVDC in 2011, commissioned the practice to create a three-storey hospital for it.The hospital specialises in deep tissue surgeries such as orthopaedics, gynaecology and weight loss, in addition to cosmetic procedures.The brief called for a fully compliant day surgery and hospital facility with two general aesthetic theatres, five daybeds, bedrooms and recovery rooms, as well as ancillary support spaces such as reception, waiting areas and admission/discharge lounge.AdvertisementA large open-plan office space for marketing and administration staff has also been created on a newly constructed floor within the space that was originally the banking hall.NVDC followed a research-based approach to the development of the healthcare facility. This was applied to the careful choice of colour and materials, finishes and furniture to form a welcoming and calming hospital environment.One of the key drivers was upgrading the existing premises to make it more sustainable and energy efficient. A heat recovery ventilation system in line with Scottish Health Technical Memoranda guidelines has been implemented, and all windows replaced with double glazing. Where possible new insulation has been installed.The 132 Bath Street site housed the largest department store in Scotland until it closed in 1974. The building was demolished and replaced by a shopping centre and car park in 1986, in which the branch of RBS sat.With the demise of retail and the high street in city centres throughout the UK, it is hoped that the introduction of a new kind of adaptive use will encourage more community activity.AdvertisementArchitects viewThe Elanic Hospital project in Glasgow stands out for its innovative reuse of an existing commercial unit within an old shopping centre. This unit, surrounded by active retail and commercial spaces on all sides, has been transformed into a compliant, functional, and enjoyable non-institutional hospital facility in the heart of Glasgow City Centre.Designing hospital facilities is inherently challenging due to their highly serviced, complex, and heavily regulated nature. This complexity is amplified when working within an existing multi-tenanted city centre building, especially one with only a single external faade and limited scope for external alterations due to planning constraints and the existing building design. Our team undertook a detailed and intricate study of the communal areas and existing service routes within the building to identify pathways for the new services required for the hospital.Our design for the new hospital facility not only meets the client's brief in terms of programme and compliance with NHS regulations and guidelines but also creates a non-institutional and uplifting atmosphere. This required a meticulous and surgical approach by the entire design team to navigate the complexities of the existing building and breathe new life into the unit, resulting in a state-of-the-art healthcare facility.The Elanic Hospital project exemplifies how thoughtful design and innovative use of existing structures can create a sustainable, efficient and aesthetically pleasing healthcare facility that benefits both the community and the environment.Farahbod Nakhaei, principal, NVDC ArchitectsClients viewIt's 14 years since NVDC completed our original surgery, specialising in cosmetic procedures (Elanic Clinic, which is below the new hospital) which is so well designed it continues to fulfil all our functions. So when I wanted to go ahead with the new hospital, NVDC Architects was the natural choice in terms of its vast experience in delivering health buildings that satisfy the rigours of Scottish Health Technical Memoranda regulations.The hospital has been created to allow us to expand our services into general healthcare. This includes a new state-of-the-art theatre equipped with the latest ultra-clean ventilation canopy, allowing us to perform deep tissue surgeries such as orthopaedics (hip/knee replacement), gynaecology and weight loss in addition to Elanic Clinics core business of cosmetic procedures.Our facilities are the most advanced in Scotland in terms our hip and knee technology. We aim to carry out more complex surgeries as day procedures, which isnt done in any other private hospitals in Scotland, moving towards a more progressive method of healthcare, where we encourage mobility as quick as possible after surgery, which leads to an earlier discharge and faster recovery at home.Putting a prefab in an out-of-town location is always going to be a cheaper alternative, but it may not be the nicest alternative. In Elanic Hospital we have created a cutting-edge facility, right bang into the city centre, with unique features such as a glass frontage to the main theatre and recovery rooms, bringing in natural light and spectacular views across the city. Its also an ideal location in terms of accessibility, with excellent transport links. A lot of people thought that it couldnt be achieved but NVDC has done it, and in a responsive and innovative way.Dr Vivek Sivarajan, medical director and founder, ElanicProject dataLocation GlasgowStart on site June 2022Completion date January 2025Gross internal floor area Ground floor: 102m2, first floor: 509m2, second floor: 453m2Form of contract or procurement route Standard Building Contract with Quantities for use in Scotland SBC/Q/Scot (2016 Edition)Construction cost 5 millionConstruction cost per m2 4,700Architect NVDC ArchitectsClient ElanicQuantity surveyor CRGP (initial stages), GCMM+E consultantCharles Scott & PartnersStructural engineer The Structural PartnershipPrincipal designer Wilson Adrain Safety ManagementCDM co-ordinator Wilson Adrain Safety ManagementMain contractor Redpath ConstructionCAD software used Vectorworks
    0 Commentarios ·0 Acciones ·32 Views
  • Meghan Markle's New Docuseries Is Out Now: How to Watch
    www.cnet.com
    Good news for Meghan Markle fans: The Duchess of Sussex's new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, is out now.With Love, Meghan, is a brand new lifestyle series featuring Markle sharing her favorite tricks for cooking, gardening, crafting and hosting. We know from the trailer that there is a number of guest stars, including chefs Roy Choi and Alice Walker, TV showrunner Mindy Kaling and Markle's former Suits co-star and close friend Abigail Spencer. And yes, we do see Prince Harry make a cameo or two, so we can expect to see him as well, though we expect this show will be different than their mega-popular docuseries Harry & Meghan where the couple shared memories of their relationship and royal life.The show was initial set to release last month but was delayed during the California wildfires. In a statement, Markle said she was "thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California." The new release date is Tuesday, March 4.Markle and her husband reside full time in Montecito, California, where the show was filmed. During the wildfires, the couplevolunteered at an evacuation center and food bank for first responders and those displaced by the fires, and donated "clothing, children's toys and other essential supplies," according to CNN. The recovery process is ongoing, and you can check out theseorganizations working on the ground in Los Angeles County for more information.How to watch Meghan Markle's new showWith Love, Meghan premieres exclusively on Netflix on Tuesday, March 4 at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT. You'll need a Netflix subscription to watch the eight-episode season, which luckily for fans is dropping all at once. James Martin/CNET Any level of a Netflix subscription will get you access to With Love, Meghan. You can grab the cheapest plan available for $7 per month. If you prefer to upgrade to ad-free services, you can grab the standard plan for $15.50 per month and the premium plan for $23 a month. See at Netflix With your Netflix subscription, you'll also be able to watch Harry & Meghan, the popular docuseries about the couple's relationship and royal life. You can also check out these other unmissable Netflix movies and how to access Netflix'ssecret menu codes.
    0 Commentarios ·0 Acciones ·33 Views