Games

The Xbox ROG Ally X feels like a significant upgrade to last year’s ROG Ally X, more of an expansion than a completely new device. Given how powerful the original Ally X already was, that’s impressive – it’s currently the most powerful handheld console available. With a new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, faster memory, and an AI processor, it’s up to 30% faster while staying cooler and offering the same battery life as the previous model. It generally outperforms both the Steam Deck OLED and the Legion Go. However, those who prioritize screen size might prefer the larger display on the Legion Go, as the Ally X has a 7-inch FHD screen. I was particularly impressed with how well the 1080p 120Hz display handled glare.

When discussing the inspirations behind their game, *Exodus*, Archetype Entertainment’s King mentioned *Mass Effect* frequently. He explained that the two share common elements, like a large-scale space setting and impactful choices that affect the story across multiple games. They also looked at combat systems in *Mass Effect* and *Horizon* for ideas.

After four and a half years, a proper sequel to that game is finally here. Instead of simply updating the previous game with minor changes, Game Freak and The Pokemon Company have taken a bold new approach with *Legends ZA*. Like *Arceus* before it, *Legends ZA* embraces experimentation and innovation, but in entirely new ways. Here are ten key differences between *Legends ZA* and *Legends Arceus*.

According to *Variety*, the new film *One Battle After Another* is expected to lose $100 million. Its high production cost of $130 million, combined with a $70 million marketing campaign, means it needs to earn $300 million just to break even. Warner Bros. will also have to share ticket sales with theaters, and star Leonardo DiCaprio likely receives a percentage of the revenue upfront. Warner Bros. has responded to the *Variety* report with a statement.

Bouchard explained the immense pressure they’re under while making the show. It’s not about the quantity of episodes, but the fact that they’ve already created so much content. Fans are rewatching everything, often very soon after it’s released, and they remember details incredibly well. This means the creators can’t reuse old ideas or repeat themselves. They’re constantly trying to create something new and original while also building on past successes, which is becoming increasingly difficult – that’s where the pressure comes from.

I’m so thrilled to hear that *Splinter Cell: Deathwatch* is getting a second season! It’s amazing how quickly Netflix renewed the show – clearly, people are loving seeing an older Sam Fisher brought to life in animated form. Liev Schreiber is *perfect* as the voice, and this take on Sam is seriously cool – I think he could even give Solid Snake a run for his money! Netflix hasn’t announced a release date yet, but they did share a brand new poster confirming Sam and McKenna will be back, which is awesome. I can’t wait!

Before the release of the next *Avatar* film, *Avatar: Fire and Ash* – which will likely be the last for several years (with a fourth film planned for December 2029 and *Avatar 5* in December 2031) – James Cameron has signed on to adapt two books into movies. These are *Ghosts of Hiroshima*, a true story about a man who survived both atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and *The Devils*, a fantasy novel. While *The Devils* seems like a great fit for Cameron’s next big project, there’s already a potential issue brewing.

Thanks to a major marketing campaign by EA, the new first-person shooter has become the most successful launch in the series’ history, with record-breaking sales during its opening weekend.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

Ghost of Yōtei