WWE 2K25 is here in early access, but is it worth your time? Despite some major missteps with its new Island mode, it's hard to argue against the rest of what's includedTech12:36, 07 Mar 2025Intergender matches are finally here(Image: 2K)At its heart, WWE (and pro wrestling in general) is all about storytelling. At the micro-level, thats the spots in a match that we talk about for months and sometimes years after. At the macro, its all about the pageantry, the music, the surprise turns.WWE 2K25 recognises this in so many ways, from its brilliant Showcase mode to its sandbox-like Universe mode that now has 300 stars to choose from (with more coming). Its the best the series has been in years, but also works itself into a shoot with a clumsy, ill-advised heel turn with its disappointingly money-hungry Island mode that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.As you'd expect, Punk is one of the top stars(Image: 2K)In many ways, 2K25 feels like WWE 2K24 with knobs on, and thats not the worst impression to make (we dubbed 2K24 one of the best wrestling games of all time).Like a grappler eclipsing their mentor, it steps out of the shadow of last years game bigger and badder than ever, adding an array of new features that enhance that storytelling core.Giants, a new archetype, need to be worn down before they can be dealt damage, leading to the challenge of balancing offense with having enough left in the tank to go the distance in a longer match. It makes David and Goliath matches feel less one-sided for the little guy by drastically slowing their movement, too, meaning each match feels like it flows more like the real thing as players chip away at the big guys' shield.Playing as the little guy in an Underground match might not be the best idea, though, as ropes are removed so high-flying moves are harder to come by. Regardless, its an exciting match type where one big counter can set up a finisher for the TKO, and that makes it always feel exhilarating.Some people are happy with their look in the game and some were not(Image: WWE/2K Games)Elsewhere on the laundry list of fan requests that 2K has ticked off this year, intergender matches are finally here. Given how strong both mens and womens competition is in the real WWE product, Im still surprised it took this long, but if youve ever wanted to pit Becky Lynch against CM Punk, nows your chance.Speaking of the roster, it is absolutely stacked this year. There are the usual gimmicky options like action figure versions of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, along with multiple versions of stars like The Rock and Roman Reigns, but the sheer volume of playable characters is, frankly, incredible. Legends like Ultimate Warrior and Undertaker share the screen with modern-day grapplers like LA Knight, while the superlative creation suite means it wont be long before anyone fills what few gaps there are (heres hoping for a classic Kane outfit for us Attitude Era oldies).They all look better than every before, too, with remarkable upgrades on last years already impressive presentation, and new camera angles that can be switched between during most entrances. Add in fresh backstage areas, arenas, and a new MyRise which features storylines featuring stars like CM Punk and youve got an absolutely staggering amount of content and thats before we touch Showcase.Roman Reigns is outshone by Paul Heyman(Image: 2K)As I mentioned in my preview, this years Showcase mode is anchored by Paul Heyman, whos larger-than-life personality and inimitable style shine through in every one of his vignettes.While the Bloodline is on the back of the box, it runs deeper than just Roman and the current cabal, running things back across generations of Samoan superstars.The Bloodline headline this year's Showcase(Image: 2K)Not only that, but it introduces surprising matches that didnt take place, like the Wild Samoans taking on the Dudley Boyz in their preferred Tables Match. Its a what if of wrestling history just as much as it is a chance to engage with current storylines, and I couldnt get enough, regularly going back to adjust my strategy to complete more Showcase objectives.While I was initially a little disappointed that the Slingshot tech, which seamlessly transitions between archival footage and gameplay, was absent this time around, theres a lot less downtime as a result.Wouldn't like to tackle this lot in an Underground match(Image: 2K)The shame of it is that I really wanted to like WWE 2K25s The Island since it was announced. Whereas sister franchise NBA 2Ks various City and Neighbourhood variations have felt like a way to ram microtransactions down a players throat at times, I was hoping that The Island would offer a more lighthearted way to wander around a WWE theme park.There are areas themed after iconic moments, sure, but just like any trip to a theme park, theres a hint of cynicism to every step. It all feels hollow, an excuse to get you to drop money on customisation options or stats, with the latter being the literal definition of a pay-to-win mechanic.It all feels at odds with the fantastically flexible creation suite and WWE Universe modes that allow for endless user-generated roster updates and dream matches. Why spend money building a custom wrestler when you can do the exact same thing in the CAW suite or download someone elses creations?After spending some time there, its not something Im eager to return to, and thats a shame for one of the biggest new features in this years game.Aside from the Island pulling a heel-turn to make John Cena proud, WWE 2K25 is a Hall of Fame entry for a series that just a few years felt like it was approaching release.Article continues belowIts the most fun you can have with a wrestling video game right now, and while its not a massive change from whats come before, it marks the series' most refined entry yet.Reviewed on PS5 Pro. Review copy provided by the publisher.

Monster Hunter Wilds is one of the biggest games of the year, but fans have discovered something that looks less like it's from the Wilds, and more from a Galaxy Far, Far AwayTech11:34, 07 Mar 2025Go from Hunter to Jedi with this fun carving knife(Image: Capcom)Monster Hunter Wilds is finally here, and if you're anything like us, it's been a long wait since 2018's Monster Hunter World.The game hit huge player numbers on launch day (despite performance issues that may have been caused by a typo of all things), and helped Steam hit new records for concurrent players.Not convinced it's worth a look, even if you're not a franchise aficionado? Maybe a lightsaber will change your mind. As spotted by fans, the Carving Knife your Hunter will change depending on the armour you're wearing, and one will look pretty familiar to Star Wars fans.As spotted on the Monster Hunter subreddit, the carving knife you use to lop off parts of your felled monsters changes depending on what armour you're wearing specifically your chosen belt.The image above gives you a rundown of what each one looks like, but you'll notice that the last one looks very sci-fi."For anyone wondering: Yes, the Artian one is a straight up lightsaber," one commenter said. Artian weapons are some of the game's most powerful, reserved for those who have hunted Tempered monsters, but it appears it's worth the effort.Despite PC issues, Monster Hunter Wilds is popular on Steam(Image: Capcom)It's not the only cool carving knife, either, with others looking more like mini weapons, but given the carving knife is a very important part of a Hunter's gear and bestowed upon them in the game's lore by The Guild, it makes sense they're pretty special in their design.How the lore explains a lightsaber is beyond us, but we're OK with it given how cool it looks.For more on Monster Hunter Wilds, be sure to check out our review. In it, we called it "a fitting sequel to World that expands upon it in every way".Article continues below"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."For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Another Donkey Kong game returns but is it a Nintendo Switch 2 tease?Adam StarkeyPublished March 7, 2025 10:59amUpdated March 7, 2025 10:59am Nintendo is going DK mad (Nintendo)Nintendo has announced two new retro games for Nintendo Switch Online, and one might be another hint as to the next 3D Super Mario.A successor to 2017s Super Mario Odyssey feels long overdue at this point and if rampant speculation is to be believed, that is exactly what is planned for early on in the Nintendo Switch 2 s lifespan.Nothing has been announced about the next inevitable 3D Mario, but there are plenty of signs it could involve his historic rivalry with Donkey Kong based on rumours going back to 2021, the recently launched Donkey Kong Country area at Super Nintendo World, and a number of re-released games over the past few years.Nintendo also appears to be hammering the point home in its latest additions to the Nintendo Switch Online service, with one of the titles being another classic Donkey Kong entry.As of today, 1994s Donkey Kong and 1995 puzzle game Mario Picross which were both originally released on the Game Boy have been added to Nintendo Switch Online.The former is a sort-of sequel to the 1981 Donkey Kong arcade game, which combines the classic barrel-dodging sprints with levels where you guide Mario around to hunt for keys and open locked doors, in manner similar to 2004 spiritual successor Mario vs. Donkey Kong.Mario Picross, meanwhile, is exactly what youd expect from a Mario-themed Picross game. The game was a flop in the West but sold well in Japan, leading to two sequels, Marios Super Picross (also available on Switch Online) and Picross 2, which were Japanese-only exclusives.While at face value these are pretty innocuous additions, Nintendo appears to be doubling down on Donkey Kong as of late.Aside from the apes key role in the Mario movie and the newly launched theme park, weve had a Mario vs. Donkey remake, a Donkey Kong Country Returns remaster, and several Donkey Kong Country games added to Switch Online over the past year. Hes even received a re-design in the next Mario Kart on Switch 2.After several years in the wilderness, it certainly seems as if Nintendo is trying to revive interest in the character and, even without the rumours, that makes it reasonable to imagine theyre working on a new game.More TrendingDonkey Kong was Marios main antagonist before Bowser stole his thunder in 1985s Super Mario Bros., but hes never had a key role in a major 3D Mario outing although arguably the best part of 2017s Super Mario Odyssey was a sequence inspired by the Donkey Kong arcade game.If Donkey Kong is a key part of the next 3D Mario, the big question is in what capacity? It could be a co-op adventure, taking cues from their joint sequence in the Mario movie, or an evolution of the sandbox design in Bowsers Fury, whereby Donkey Kong is a looming antagonist instead of the King of the Koopas.Of course, theres a chance Nintendo is doing this for no particular reason, other than to get more mileage out of some of their older games, but theres enough circumstantial evidence to suggest this is all a considered move towards an ape relaunch. Hopefully, with Funky Kong included.We might find out about Donkey Kongs potential comeback in Nintendos upcoming presentation for the Switch 2, which is slated for April 2. The Donkey Kong redesign is in the new Mario Kart (YouTube)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

Ricardo Scofidio, Co-Founder of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Passes Away at 89Save this picture!Portrait of Ricardo Scofidio. Image via Diller Scofidio + RenfroRicardo Scofidio, a distinguished figure in the world of architecture, passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in New York City in 1935, Scofidio co-founded the influential architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) with his partner Elizabeth Diller in 1979. Together, they brought to the profession a conceptual art sensibility, influencing the design of globally recognized cultural landmarks and public spaces. Among their most notable projects are the High Line in Manhattan and the transformation of Lincoln Center, each reflecting the studio's ambition of challenging conventional architectural premises.Save this picture!Under their leadership, DS+R gained recognition for its approach to architecture that often questioned traditional client expectations and fostered dialogue about the role of buildings in urban spaces. The firm was awarded a MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant in 1999, reflecting its significant impact on contemporary architecture. Over the years, DS+R developed a diverse portfolio that spans concert halls, museums, and academic institutions. This includes the Museum of Modern Art's 2019 renovation and the Shed, an experimental arts venue in Manhattan, each underscoring Scofidio's emphasis on detail and creative problem-solving.Save this picture! I'm always a little shocked when people try to make me realize we're a big firm doing big projects, because that was not the goal. - Ricardo Scofidio in an interview for the Architectural Digest in 2019 Related Article "Making Problems is More Fun; Solving Problems is Too Easy": Liz Diller and Ricardo Scofidio of Diller Scofidio + Renfro Throughout his career, Scofidio oversaw a wide array of projects both within New York and internationally, including the Broad Museum in Los Angeles, and the V&A East in London. Additionally, their designs include Zaryadye Park in Moscow and the Tianjin Juilliard School, a center for performance, practice, research, and interactive exhibitions in China. Despite the growth of DS+R, Scofidio maintained a focus on the conceptual aspects of architecture and remained actively involved in the design process up until his later years.Save this picture! I've become what I consider to be the troubleshooter when there are snags or hang-ups, I'll work to find a solution. - Ricardo Scofidio Save this picture!Ricardo Scofidio's legacy extends beyond his projects and award recognitions; it is also evident in his teaching and impact on architectural discourse. From his early career as an architect at Cooper Union to his role in co-leading one of the prominent architectural firms globally, Scofidio's work contributed to a re-examination of architectural narratives. As Diller Scofidio + Renfro continues its work, the principles and ideas introduced by Scofidio will likely influence both contemporary and future architects in the field.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCite: Maria-Cristina Florian. "Ricardo Scofidio, Co-Founder of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Passes Away at 89" 07 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027727/ricardo-scofidio-co-founder-of-diller-scofidio-plus-renfro-passes-away-at-89&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Osprey House / Desai Chia ArchitectureSave this picture! Paul WarcholShelter Island, United StatesArchitects: Desai Chia ArchitectureAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:3700 ftYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Paul Warchol, Jake Balston Lead Architects: Katherine Chia, Arjun Desai More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Wildlife thrives along the marshy shores of Shelter Island, and tucked into its tree line is the Osprey House- an architectural threshold at the edge of Mashomack Preserve. A one-lane dirt road winds around the Preserve, culminating at this property at Cedar Island Cove. Our client, Joe Quinn, wanted to build a home for his family here that would foster their love for beach walks, kayaking, and living within nature.Save this picture!Joe is a local builder from Sag Harbor who built two other projects for our clients over the past decade. When it came time to build his own home, Joe asked for our help, as he loved our design methodology, integration of light, use of materials, and attention to detail. The home was inspired by its neighbors- native osprey. Osprey thrives throughout the nature preserve and their nests are ubiquitous, appearing in treetops, telephone poles, and nautical piers. Their marine nature, adaptability, and high nesting places inspired the home's materiality, organization, and relationship with the coast.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!We designed Joe's home with large communal living spaces and an outdoor terrace perched on the second floor in the spirit of an osprey nest, and similar to the local tradition of "upside-down" houses. This offers the raised gathering spaces expansive open views of the marshland ecosystem; the primary bedroom suite and the media room are also on the second floor. The entry vestibule, three bedrooms, and a family room are on the first floor, with beach grass offering privacy.Save this picture!Inspired by the vertical slats of "bird blind" structures that populate the nature preserve, vertical, gray, siding allows the home to blend into the trees. The camouflaging effect minimizes visual disruptions for neighbors on the coast, encourages wildlife to occupy the lot, and allows occupants to inconspicuously observe nature from their perch. The siding has also been lightly charred in a technique known as 'shou sugi ban.' This traditional Japanese method of charring wood makes the faade resistant to fire, rot, and bugs, requires no maintenance, and increases the wood's longevity and durability. The shou sugi ban siding offers a soft texture and color similar to that of driftwood found on the beach, bringing warmth and texture to the interior as it wraps along interior walls. Expansive glazing along the north faade brings in gentle light throughout the day, while a clerestory along the roof ridge allows the exposed beams to be washed with dramatic southern light.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Along the coast, the home's nautical forms project toward the water like a ship's bow, providing covered, outdoor gathering spaces on both the first and second floors. The east terrace is a visual and programmatic anchor to the site, with a stair dropping down from the second level to gracefully rest on the ground, connecting the social and private programs with each other, and the site.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeMaterialsWoodGlassMaterials and TagsPublished on March 07, 2025Cite: "Osprey House / Desai Chia Architecture" 07 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027688/osprey-house-desai-chia-architecture&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

In today's shader tutorial, I show how to make our custom lighting shader modular so it will be easy to swap components in and out. In future videos we're going to be making alternate versions of diffuse, specular, ambient, and reflectance.Take a look at the playlist for the whole series:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL78XDi0TS4lGnGa7L2X4o3UV-XYZEKNwj Here's last week's video on supporting multiple lights:https://youtu.be/sViIMNIo7mQ Shader Book Recommendationshttps://www.bencloward.com/resources_books.shtml ------------------------------Theme MusicPeace in the Circuitry - Glitch Hophttp://teknoaxe.com/Link_Code_3.php?q=1526 Background MusicSpeo - The Little Thingshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvCYuyyLgC0 #UnrealEngine #shadergraph #Unity

Naming a prescription drug can take years.Image: MirageC/Getty Images ShareWhenever we pick up a prescription medication, we see its name printed on the labelsildenafil, fluoxetine, alprazolam, or sertraline, for example. But have you ever wondered how those names are developed? Choosing what to call a medication is a careful process that blends scientific naming protocols with marketing and regulatory considerations.Prescription drugs undergo two naming processes: one for the generic (nonproprietary) version and one for the brand (proprietary) name.Generic names are assigned by international organizations, such as the U.S. Adopted Names (USAN) Council, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or the World Health Organization (WHO), to ensure consistency, clarity, and safety. Drug names follow strict guidelines describing the medications active ingredient, chemical makeup, or therapeutic effect. The drug manufacturer sits this part of the process out so that the name remains based purely on the drugs chemical structure and allows prescribers globally to communicate about a drug without confusion.Take drugs ending with the suffix -statin, which refers to a class of medications that lower cholesterol. Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.If your patient is coming in and says, Oh, Im taking atorvastatin, you may not be familiar with that particular drug, but just from seeing the non-proprietary name that ends in -statin, you immediately can have a recognition that this is a drug to lower cholesterol, explained Dr. Mariana Socal, an associate professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.It conveys that drug family very clearly, she continued. And I think thats a very incredible success from our regulatory system.Biologics, which are medications derived from organic life and tend to be injections or infusions, have a different naming systema nonproprietary name is combined with a distinguishing but random suffix, which helps tell the medications apart. This differentiation was developed to prevent medication errors and to help identify products for adverse effects and other post-marketing surveillance.While the generic names are usually designated based on their chemical composition, brand names are chosen to make the drug memorable, marketable, and legally distinct from competitors. This is why youre probably more familiar with the catchier brand names of the medications listed in the introduction: Viagra, Prozac, Xanax, and Zoloft.Developing the brand name of a medication is equally intense but a bit more interesting. The company develops a name thats catchy, distinctive, and easy to pronounce. In the U.S., that name is submitted to the FDA to ensure its not too similar to existing drug names. If it is, the name is revised so that theyre less likely to cause confusion or problems with spelling.This process can take years because the FDA is a real stickler, explained David Holdford, a professor of pharmacotherapy at Virginia Commonwealth University. They do a very thorough analysis. This includes A/B testing and other consumer research methods in different languages and cultures to assess how the drugs brand name resonates with consumers, and also to ensure it doesnt have unintended negative meanings.Naming a drug so that medical professionals can easily tell the function of a drug their patient is taking without consulting their Merck Manual is a sign of branding success. However, sometimes, a proprietary name can become so ubiquitous that it becomes a trademark issue for the company itselfa double-edged sword referred to as genericide. Think Kleenex and tissues or acetaminophen and Tylenol; while this could increase market share and brand awareness, it could also spell trouble for a company hoping to keep a valuable trademark.PPharmaceutical companies often work with a brand consulting agency like Interbrand to develop a name acceptable to the FDA and differentiate their product on the marketand to, ideally, avoid becoming too synonymous with the generic medication.It is in the best interest of the drug manufacturer to find a name that is highly identifiable, highly recognizable, that can be marketed in a strategic way that can resonate with the users so that it can help the drug gain demand and market share, said Socal.This story is part of Popular SciencesAsk Us Anything series, where we answer your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall. Have something youve always wanted to know?Ask us.

If the big-name language apps have failed you, its probably because theyre, well, boring. Those who would rather read a good book instead of taking grammar drills should check out Beelinguapp, an actually fun way to learn languages. This week only, the app is just $34.99 with code BEELEARN5 at checkout (reg. $100).With this language app, you can read books in new languages without any prior knowledge. Wondering how youll be able to understand Spanish or German? Youll see the same text in English and the new language side-by-side, showing you how words and grammar are used in real-world scenarios.Beelinguapp can teach you up to 14 new languages, including Spanish, German, French, Chinese, and Korean. Since your purchase grants you lifetime access to the app, you can focus on becoming fluent in one or dabbling in all of them.Youll also find a wide variety of books available, with new content added each week:NovelsScience papersFairy talesNewsThe books are also available as audiobooks. You can follow along with the text while listening to a native speaker recite your chosen text.Research shows that listening to new languages deepens your comprehension skills. Plus, youll become very familiar with the correct pronunciation of words.Use code BEELEARN5 at checkout to get your Beelinguapp lifetime subscription for $34.99 this week only (reg. $100).StackSocial prices subject to change.Beelinguapp Language Learning App: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal

Nature, Published online: 07 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00648-5Study that hyped the toxicity of black plastic utensils inspires projects that use large language models to check papers.

Nature, Published online: 07 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00683-2Analysis pokes holes in protocol that underpins Microsofts claim to have created the first topological qubits.