Games

The upcoming remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, called Halo: Campaign Evolved, is creating a lot of buzz. Fans are excited to see these classic games updated with modern improvements, especially those who haven’t been thrilled with recent installments. A major highlight is the redesigned Plasma Rifle, a beloved weapon that hasn’t received a significant update in over fifteen years. The fact that this iconic weapon is getting a modern overhaul while still retaining its familiar appearance in Halo: Campaign Evolved feels like a positive step and shows the developers are listening to their fans.

I have to be honest, I haven’t been very impressed with most of the upgraded older games announced for the Switch 2. While the improved graphics and performance are noticeable, it often doesn’t feel worth the extra $10 to replay something you’ve already played. However, the Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is different. It includes several new features that might actually convince players to start a brand new island when it releases on January 15th, 2026. Here’s a complete list of what’s new in this Switch 2 edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

As a huge comics fan, I’ve definitely noticed how much power levels are being pushed these days, especially in Marvel. It’s really impacting the X-Men too! So many of them are way more powerful than they used to be, to the point where some of their abilities are just…over the top. Honestly, it’s wild how strong some of these mutants have become – their powers are completely off the charts!

One issue is that Marvel often focuses on big, flashy action over more nuanced storytelling. Villains who aren’t focused on huge plans or world destruction tend to be overlooked in both the comics and movies. These smaller, more personal conflicts aren’t as marketable as epic battles with villains who pose a global threat. Hopefully, when Marvel runs out of world-ending scenarios, they’ll remember what made their best villains interesting to begin with.

As Bandai Namco continues to bring classic Tales games to modern platforms, Xillia Remastered delivers a reliably enjoyable experience, as expected.

The game features a variety of blasters to suit different playstyles. The Uncivil Discourse, for example, cools down by releasing heat instead of needing to be reloaded. The Modified B-7 Pistol is unique – enemies you defeat with it explode into stasis crystals. Players who prefer a long-range approach can use the Refurbished A499, a powerful sniper rifle that automatically reloads after each shot. And for those wanting a more classic feel, the Heirloom functions like a Wookie Bowcaster, firing explosive bolts.

The popular villains, the Daleks, are back in the latest audio drama, Bernice Summerfield: The Dalek Eternity 3, starring Lisa Bowerman and Nicholas Briggs. This time, they’ve teamed up with Sidney Chen, the nephew of a powerful enemy from a classic Doctor Who story. It appears the Daleks have a new scheme in motion, and it’s up to time-traveler Bernice Summerfield to stop them and their new ally.

Kenta Shinohara’s Witch Watch is gaining momentum as it approaches its climax. The series, which began in Shonen Jump in 2021, features Nico Wakatsuki regaining her full magical power. At the same time, her longtime friend and protector, Morihito Otogi, has revealed his romantic feelings for her, and they’re beginning a relationship just as a major, chaotic battle looms.

To celebrate its 11th anniversary, fan-based animation studio Punch Cat Studios has released a special project where over 150 animators reimagined memorable scenes from the acclaimed mini-series, Over the Garden Wall. Called Over the Garden Wall Reanimated: Harvest Melodies, the project recreates five iconic musical moments. Punch Cat Studios is a non-profit, and all money raised will be donated to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to support mental health initiatives. You can watch the new animation below.

Directed by Nia DaCosta, who also directed The Marvels, Hedda offers a fresh, modern take on Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, Hedda Gabler (1891). Tessa Thompson, known for her role as Valkyrie in the Marvel movies, stars as Hedda, a wealthy and troubled woman who cares for little beyond her own pleasures. During a grand party at her home, Hedda reunites with a former lover, Eileen Lovborg (Nina Hoss), setting off a chain of dramatic and life-altering events. Critics have lauded the film, giving it a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This second collaboration between DaCosta and Thompson is a thrilling and impressive movie that deserves wider recognition.