Black Hole Shadows: How Matter Warps Spacetime
![The study demonstrates how the presence of a dark matter halo influences time evolution, exhibiting distinct behaviors in regimes of low compactness versus those where compactness exceeds a critical threshold [latex]C^{\text{LR}}[ /latex].](https://arxiv.org/html/2512.22267v1/x17.png)
New research explores how surrounding matter distributions subtly alter the gravitational landscape around black holes, impacting everything from light paths to orbital behavior.
![The study demonstrates how the presence of a dark matter halo influences time evolution, exhibiting distinct behaviors in regimes of low compactness versus those where compactness exceeds a critical threshold [latex]C^{\text{LR}}[ /latex].](https://arxiv.org/html/2512.22267v1/x17.png)
New research explores how surrounding matter distributions subtly alter the gravitational landscape around black holes, impacting everything from light paths to orbital behavior.

Like with any game category, a few titles really stand out thanks to special features and innovative gameplay that make them incredibly fun and memorable. Naturally, one game excelled so much it became our top pick of the year.

If this sounds good to you, you’re probably like us – someone who enjoys a challenge! You’ll definitely appreciate the items on this list. Each one will push you in a unique way, but the effort will be well worth it, as these are experiences you won’t want to skip.

We’ve tested a wide range of games and selected our top picks to help you find something fun for the holidays and beyond, while we eagerly anticipate new releases in 2026. Here are our nominations for the best PC games of 2025:

Electronic Arts revealed it’s shutting down the servers for Anthem, a game many had forgotten about. Microsoft’s Halo Infinite has also scaled back its ambitions, moving into a maintenance phase instead of launching a decade-long expansion as originally planned. Even recently released games struggled – Remedy’s FBC: Firebreak didn’t perform well, leading to financial losses and the resignation of the studio’s CEO.

Modern gaming has shown that well-crafted remakes can be very successful. Thinking about games that offered something truly different, we were reminded of one from the past that stood out: Cold Fear. This survival horror game is particularly intense and might not be for everyone, especially those sensitive to unsettling experiences.

Shao Kahn is a famously dangerous villain in the Mortal Kombat universe, and he appeared in the movie Mortal Kombat Annihilation. However, many fans felt that film didn’t quite get his look right. The upcoming Mortal Kombat II seems determined to do better, and a recent photo shared by producer Todd Garner suggests they’re on the right track. Actor Martyn Ford, who stands at 6’8”, looks incredibly intimidating in Shao Kahn’s costume. The outfit includes the character’s iconic red cape and overall creates a much more powerful and fearsome presence.

These characters often define important scenes, serving as examples for others to follow. Their calm demeanor, even when things get tough, and their mysterious quality keep viewers engaged and wanting to know more.

Released in 2009, From Time to Time is a fantasy film directed by Julian Fellowes. It’s set near the end of World War II and tells the story of a teenager named Holly who discovers she can travel back to the 19th century while staying with her grandmother at their country home. She can even meet and interact with her family’s ancestors who appear as ghosts.

The Green Lantern Corps constantly fights incredibly powerful enemies that threaten the entire universe, relying on their immense willpower to succeed. Here are some of the most overlooked villains faced by those who’ve been Green Lanterns.