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Slain Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman to be laid to rest in private funeral service

NPR News Headlines - Sat, 06/28/2025 - 04:01

The Minnesota lawmaker was killed during a string of attacks against Democratic elected officials in the state.

(Image credit: Stephen Maturen)

Categories: News

Where the Voting Rights Act stands after the Supreme Court punts on a Louisiana case

NPR News Headlines - Sat, 06/28/2025 - 04:00

The Supreme Court delayed ruling on a Louisiana congressional redistricting case that some legal experts say could end up further weakening protections against maps that dilute minority voters' power.

(Image credit: Michael M. Santiago)

Categories: News

Looking forward to July 4 fireworks? Tariffs may take the spark out of your fun

NPR News Headlines - Sat, 06/28/2025 - 04:00

Fans of fireworks may face higher prices this Fourth of July. That's because most fireworks are made in China and importers now have to pay tariffs of at least 30%.

(Image credit: Timothy A. Clary)

Categories: News

Big beautiful bottleneck: Trump's high-stakes week at home and abroad

NPR News Headlines - Sat, 06/28/2025 - 04:00

From trade talks to the fate of his legislative agenda, what happens over the next 10 days or so, domestically and abroad, could come to define Trump's presidency.

(Image credit: Joe Raedle)

Categories: News

Apple users rejoice, this browser promises privacy nirvana by giving each tab a unique IP address

TechRadar News - Sat, 06/28/2025 - 02:48
  • Security-focused Apple browser Psylo isolates tabs into silos with private proxies per tab
  • Each silo blocks trackers and fingerprinting for deeper privacy
  • No data or identity gets stored, only bandwidth tied to random ID

Browser fingerprinting tracks users by collecting device details to build a unique profile, allowing cross-site tracking without cookies or static IPs.

Apple users looking for privacy-first web browsing now have a new option for blocking this kind of tracking in Psylo, a browser developed by Canadian security researchers Talal Haj Bakry and Tommy Mysk.

Available on Apple’s App Store it offers a fresh approach to online privacy via isolated browser tabs and built-in proxy protections.

True tab isolation

Psylo is built around the idea of isolating every browser tab as its own “silo,” with separate storage, cookies, and even unique IP addresses.

This approach not only adds privacy but makes tracking users far more difficult. “Psylo stands out as it is the only WebKit-based iOS browser that truly isolates tabs,” Tommy Mysk told The Register.

Each silo connects through Psylo’s private proxy network, offering more than 40 high-speed servers in locations like Canada, Germany, and Brazil.

Unlike traditional VPNs, which mask only IP addresses, Psylo adjusts browser fingerprints per silo. It aligns timezone and system language to the chosen proxy location, a feature aimed at preventing fingerprinting techniques that can bypass VPNs.

The app is fully self-contained. It doesn't modify system VPN settings or require any setup.

Protections such as DNS-level tracker blocking and automatic HTTPS upgrades are built-in. There are no ads, no crypto incentives, and no AI agents running in the background.

Psylo also allows multiple account usage through web versions of social platforms like Instagram or X.

Tabs can run side by side without sharing data or tracking information between them. Users can choose between persistent silos for daily browsing or ephemeral ones that delete data after closing.

Mysk says that no browsing history, IP addresses, or personally identifiable information is stored. Bandwidth data is the only thing recorded, and it is tied only to a random identifier created at signup. Apple handles all payment data.

Psylo is available now on iOS and iPadOS. Users can try it free for seven days without creating an account. Monthly and yearly subscriptions are available, starting at $9.99 per month.

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Categories: Technology

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Tesla finally launching robotaxis (kinda) to Samsung's foldables teaser

TechRadar News - Sat, 06/28/2025 - 02:00

Want to catch up on the biggest tech news stories you might have missed from the past seven days?

You're in luck, as we've rounded up the biggest events from Tesla launching its robotaxis (in a way) in Austin to reports of PS5s failing as an old debunked issue resurfaces.

Once you're up to speed on all that, be sure to check out the 7 new movies and TV shows to stream this weekend (June 27).

8. We hosted Smart Home week

(Image credit: Getty Images / Kemal Yildirim)

Ever wanted to get started with smart lighting, set up a home security system, or automate everyday chores? This week, we've brought you a heap of expert advice and tutorials to help you get started with smart home tech. Whether you're getting connected for the first time or want to get more out of the devices you already have, we're here to help.

Smart home tech is all about making your life easier, so we’ll show you the devices that will do the most for you and show you how to connect them all together in a seamless system. It’s a lot simpler and more affordable than you might expect, and you’ll be amazed at just how much it can do for you!

7. Windows 10 fans got a new lifeline

(Image credit: Shutterstock - Wachiwit)

Microsoft is officially cutting the cord on Windows 10 on October 14, but this week it threw a buoy to anyone who needs a bit more time to switch to Windows 11.

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program brings important security patches to Windows 10 for a year after official support ends. And there’s now a new wizard to help you get your PC enrolled – it’ll be available in the Windows Insider Program in July, before rolling out more widely in August.

The wizard can’t, unfortunately, wave its wand to make Windows 11 go away, but it will help you kick that can down the road for another year if you aren’t quite ready to make the leap.

6. Cambridge Audio made us even crazier about music

(Image credit: Future)

Until now, Cambridge Audio’s wireless earbuds have been ‘pretty good’, but in a market so chock full of plucky contenders, ‘pretty good’ is usually not good enough. And so the company is back with a very concerted effort, in the shape of the new Melomania A100.

Look, it’s not every week that such a gifted set of earbuds arrives. Here is a product priced to compete squarely in the mainstream, but with so few apparent compromises – yes, they sound great; yes, the ANC is very effective – it makes the price tag seem unfathomable.

In every respect (build quality, specification and, especially, performance) these earbuds outperform their asking price by a wide margin. Highly recommended.

5. Multiple users reported PS5 failures

(Image credit: Sony)

Panic stations, folks; reports of PS5 failures due to liquid metal leaking issues are resurfacing, despite previously being debunked. This comes from the founder of indie developer Alderon Games, who claims that developers and multiple players reported constant abrupt shutdowns while playing its Rise of Titans game.

It’s perhaps the worst possible time for issues to occur, as arguably the most anticipated game of all time, GTA 6, is almost upon us; therefore, it’s advised to place consoles horizontally to avoid any potential complications.

4. Bond found its next movie director

(Image credit: MGM)

The first James Bond movie of the Amazon MGM Studios era is starting to take shape with a new director set to take over the reins that you might have heard of: Denis Villeneuve.

Known for big blockbusters like Dune, Arrival, Sicario, and Blade Runner 2049, the filmmaker has been trusted with taking over established franchises before, and so understands that the Bond movies are “sacred territory”.

A self-proclaimed “die-hard Bond fan”, the announcement of Villeneuve’s appointment has been largely welcomed by fans, with many taking to social media to say how excited they are. Although some have raised concerns that Villeneuve’s other upcoming projects, like Dune ,3 might mean there’ll be a longer wait.

3. Tesla’s self-driving robotaxis hit the road

(Image credit: Tesla)

After quite the wait, the Tesla robotaxi service has ‘launched’ in Austin, Texas, so now you can be ferried around in a Tesla vehicle with no human driver behind the wheel.

However, it’s a very limited thing. Not only does it only cover a very specific part of Austin – a region that's been thoroughly mapped by Tesla's software – but you also have to receive an invite to even try the service.

You won’t be alone on your ride for now either, as each robo taxi comes with its own robo taxi employee who can shut the car down if it gets into trouble, which bodes well for how Tesla thinks this test will go.

2. Chromecast with Google TV finally got its update

(Image credit: Google)

The Android 14 update, which we first reported that Chromecasts would be getting back in March, is at last available for everyone.

Some people did initially manage to start installing the update, so this new rollout is for two versions – a smaller package for anyone who downloaded the initial Android 14 update before it was pulled, and a larger one for anyone who didn't and whose device is still running Android 12.

According to Google, the update should lead to "a snappier, more responsive TV experience".

1. Samsung set the date for Galaxy Unpacked

(Image credit: Samsung)

After numerous hints from Samsung and many rumors about the next Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy Watches, you can now officially mark your calendars for July 9, 2025.

The Galaxy Unpacked festivities will kick off at 10am ET / 7am PT / 3pm BST on July 9, 2025, and the event will be live-streamed. TechRadar will be on the scene in Brooklyn, New York, reporting live, so we’ll be breaking down err... Unpacking everything that Samsung unveils.

The teaser says 'Ultra Unfolds' suggesting we might also see the rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Ultra.

Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Saturday, June 28

CNET News - Sat, 06/28/2025 - 01:34
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for June 28.
Categories: Technology

I'm tempted by this huge 57-inch dual 4K curved monitor but I'll definitely have to get a bigger desk

TechRadar News - Sat, 06/28/2025 - 00:32
  • TCL’s 57-inch 57R94 offers wide dual 4K view in a single curved monitor
  • Promises strong color performance with 2304 dimming zones and HDR support
  • Includes full connectivity with 90W USB-C and multiple display ports

If you’ve ever dreamed of replacing your dual-monitor setup with a seamless ultra-wide beast, TCL’s new curved monitor might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

The 57R94 is a 57-inch, 32:9 ratio, dual 4K display that looks more like a command center than a typical desktop monitor and may require the purchase of a new office desk to accommodate it.

It delivers a resolution of 7680 x 2160, giving users the space of two 4K screens on a single curved panel. That curvature, rated at 1000R, keeps every inch of the screen more consistent in viewing distance. It refreshes at 120Hz and supports a 1ms response time, which should help with fast visuals in creative tasks like video editing or gaming.

A solid selection of ports

With 2304 dimming zones, the panel can finely adjust light output across its surface. This means deeper contrast, with black areas that stay dark while highlights pop up to 1200nits.

Its HDR performance is certified to meet VESA DisplayHDR 1400 standards, and the display also scores high marks for color, covering 98% of the DCI-P3 gamut.

Color accuracy is a big plus, with a Delta E under 1. It also has Pantone certification, so colors should stay true to the original.

The display also limits blue light exposure, meeting Rhine's low blue light standard to help reduce eye fatigue.

The 57R94 has dual HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 90W USB-C that can deliver power and handle video at the same time. There’s also a USB-B upstream, four USB-A ports for peripherals, and a headphone jack. Built-in dual speakers provide basic sound capabilities.

No word on pricing or availability as of yet, but we wouldn’t expect to see much (if any) change from $1500 when it does arrive.

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Categories: Technology

What is birthright citizenship and what happens after the Supreme Court ruling?

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 19:29

Within two hours of a Supreme Court ruling that limits the ability of federal courts to impose universal injunctions, lawyers for immigrant rights groups filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of their clients.

(Image credit: Alex Wroblewski)

Categories: News

A fourth judge has blocked a Trump executive order targeting elite law firms

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 18:36

The ruling, involving the firm Susman Godfrey, marks the fourth time out of four that a federal judge has permanently blocked one of Trump's executive orders seeking to punish an elite law firm.

(Image credit: Andrew Harnik)

Categories: News

Pilgrims and clergy gather in remote Alaska village to canonize first Yup'ik saint

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 18:18

The Orthodox Christian tradition is strong in the tiny village of Kwethluk, Alaska. It recently welcomed clergy and pilgrims from around the world to canonize a local midwife and healer as a saint.

Categories: News

How Russia Sees Itself in the World

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 17:51

Ever since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the majority of western countries have been working to marginalize Russia by imposing sanctions and moving away from dependence on Russian oil. This week NATO announced most member countries would dramatically increase defense spending, a move they said was meant to counter threats posed by Russia.

But Russia is eager to show it still has many partners around the globe and quash talk of a possible economic recession at home. Our correspondent takes us to an international conference in Saint Petersburg where the Russian government is putting it's best face forward.

(Image credit: Charles Maynes)

Categories: News

People say they've faced withdrawals from SSRIs. They want recognition and research

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 17:27

A growing number of people who take SSRIs are saying they've suffered difficult withdrawal symptoms from long-term use, including dysphoria and sexual dysfunction.

Categories: News

Look Up on Friday Night and You Just Might See the Bootids Meteor Shower

CNET News - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 17:03
Some folks already caught a sci-fi-level glimpse of it on Thursday, when a blazing meteor put a hole in a Georgia house.
Categories: Technology

Did You Know About the GameStop-Facebook Settlement? Here's How to File a Claim

CNET News - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 16:57
You still have a month and change to get in on this settlement.
Categories: Technology

Supreme Court wraps up term with two big wins for conservatives, and Trump

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 16:52

The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to take steps aimed at implementing its ban on birthright citizenship. It has also made it far more difficult to challenge executive orders.

(Image credit: Alex Wroblewski)

Categories: News

Nvidia could use humanoid robots to build AI servers in Foxconn's US factory - but I wonder where these robots will be built

TechRadar News - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 16:24
  • Foxconn is preparing robots to perform manual tasks such as cable insertion and part assembly
  • Nvidia may become the first to use humanoid robots in its AI server production line
  • Foxconn’s Houston factory was selected for its larger space and adaptable new layout design

Foxconn and Nvidia are reportedly discussing plans to deploy humanoid robots at a new AI server production facility in Houston.

If implemented, this would be the first time humanoids are used in the assembly of Nvidia products and Foxconn’s first AI server line to incorporate them.

Sources familiar with the matter, who declined to be named, told Reuters the deployment could be finalized soon, with operations possibly beginning in the first quarter of 2026.

New factory layout makes robotics more feasible

Houston was considered a strategic choice due to its new facility design and greater available space compared to existing AI server manufacturing sites.

However, neither Nvidia nor Foxconn has officially confirmed the plan, but the reports align with both companies’ growing interest in automation and robotics, particularly in areas that demand speed and flexibility, like AI server production.

Foxconn has been developing its own humanoid robots through its subsidiary Foxconn Industrial Internet and is also training robots to do basic tasks like cable insertion, object placement, and light assembly work.

At a recent event in Taipei, Leo Guo, general manager of the company's robotics division, revealed that two types of robots will be showcased in November 2025.

One version has legs, while the other is mounted on a wheeled autonomous mobile base, which Guo said “would cost less than the version with legs,” though he declined to share specific figures.

Nvidia, for its part, has a strong stake in the humanoid robotics field, as it supplies the AI platforms used by many developers to create humanoid machines.

At its recent Nvidia GTC 2025 event, CEO Jensen Huang stated the widespread use of such robots in manufacturing was “less than five years away.”

Nvidia’s broader plans in Texas include a second partnership in Dallas with Wistron, and both sites are expected to begin production within 12 to 15 months.

Still, one unanswered question lingers: if Nvidia is pushing for humanoid robots in the US, where exactly will these robots be built?

Foxconn may turn to Taiwan, where its robotics unit is based, or to China, where it operates large-scale factories and has previously collaborated with UBTech.

Vietnam and India are also plausible choices, given Foxconn’s ongoing expansion in those countries to reduce production costs.

Alternatively, the company could outsource components to established robotics manufacturers in Japan or South Korea, where the technology is more advanced and well-established.

While the United States could be considered for localized production, this is likely part of a longer-term strategy.

This key detail will determine how scalable the approach is and whether the future of automated manufacturing will rely on global supply chains or more localized development.

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Categories: Technology

I’ve spent 30 hours playing detective in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army on Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s been a memorable case – but not one that's without fault

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 16:00

I’m a huge Atlus fan, and when Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army was revealed back in March, I was absolutely over the moon. See, I never got a chance to play the original JRPG – which first released on the PS2 – but had always hoped to get in on some demon-filled investigative action.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Release date: June 19, 2025

And Atlus has truly served up a full-blown remaster of Raidou’s first adventure, bringing the Devil Summoner’s story to just about every modern platform with full voice acting, fleshed-out 3D environments, enhanced visuals and audio, as well as evolved combat.

Atlus has produced banger after banger for decades, including some of the best RPGs like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Persona 5 Royal. So, can the Switch 2 game Raidou Remastered rise to those same heights

Well, perhaps not quite. But it’s still a fantastic remaster. Here’s what I made of the game after spending more than 30 hours playing it on Nintendo Switch 2.

Where lies man, so lies dark

(Image credit: Atlus)

In 1930s Japan, a young lady approaches the Narumi Detective Agency with a shocking request. She wants you to kill her. But before you can hear exactly why, she’s kidnapped by mysterious individuals in red capes.

So, in steps Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, an apprentice detective at the Narumi Detective Agency who aims to serve the capital – not only by helping citizens with their day-to-day needs, but also by keeping things in check within the Dark Realm – a curious juncture between the real world and the netherworld, where demons lurk.

And now it’s down to Raidou and his allied demons to solve the mystery of the kidnapped girl... which, in turn, leads you to unveil a far greater conspiracy than you could ever imagine.

Of course, I don’t want to give away too many details plot-wise. But I can assure you that there are plenty of twists and turns as the mystery unravels – and that mystery remains gripping throughout. In addition, you don’t have to sit through hours of warm up before the story really gets going.

Best bit

(Image credit: Atlus)

The best part of any Megami Tensei title is witnessing the often wacky and wild nature of the various demons you encounter. At one point, I ran into a deeply troubled demon named Ippon-Datara who felt compelled, desperate even, to construct a wall blocking my path. It was only after I called him stupid, and got an earful about eating brains with a spoon that he eventually cleared the way. Classic SMT.

Yep, you’re flung straight into the middle of a dark case, in a city flooded with characters in need of your support – sometimes in the main story, and other times through brief, yet enjoyable side quests called Case Files. And you’ll meet a real range of individuals throughout the game’s runtime. No really, I ran into everyone from a yakuza captain through to a zany demon-fusing scientist – and that’s just in the real world!

These characters help to expose many of the game's key themes, which are tightly interwoven with the 1930s setting. There are frequent questions around the morality of war and the role of economic injustice on people’s everyday lives, for instance.

And I felt that I could connect to the cast thanks to newly added voice acting – one of the best inclusions in this remaster. Whether it's the somewhat lazy, yet playful Detective Narumi or rival Devil Summoner, Rasputin, expressive voice acting injects so much more personality into each character. Even the demons have some incredibly entertaining – sometimes bizarre dialogue that add so much whimsy to the experience. The commanding voice of Hayataro or the iconic hee-ho’s of Jack Frost even made me reluctant to fuse them into something else.

Your feline companion, Gouto, is also at hand to guide you through the case's key plot points and provide pointers if you get a bit stuck. Those tips are often handy, and generally, Gouto is far less invasive than a certain other cat that Atlus fans will be well acquainted with. I won’t name names of course... but it starts with ‘M’ and ends in ‘organa’.

Raidou’s revamped

(Image credit: Atlus)

So, there’s an engaging plot and intriguing cast to match, but what about gameplay itself. Well, this is where the picture starts to get a little more mixed.

I’ll start with combat. You’re not getting the turn-based press turn battle system from Shin Megami Tensei titles, with this game instead taking a real-time action approach. However, the combat system has been significantly overhauled in Raidou Remastered, when compared to the original game.

There are no more pesky random encounters, Raidou can now use two demons in battle (as opposed to one in the original), you’ve got the ability to lock on to enemies, and much, much more. These alterations are all most welcome and have made combat feel way more fluid than before.

When doing battle, you’ll want to focus on draining MAG, which is expended when demons use magic attacks, such as the fire spell Agi or volt attack Zio. In order to get your MAG back, Raidou can dish out light attacks, which fill up the bar swiftly, enabling you to regularly exploit enemy weaknesses, and as a result, stagger them for an easier route to victory.

(Image credit: Atlus)

Other than those light attacks I mentioned, Raidou can use heavy attacks, fire his gun, cast magic abilities of his own (Summoner Skills) and unleash highly punishing moves like Devil’s Bane and Spirit Slash. You'll gain new Summoner Skills as the game progresses, and you'll also be able to allocate stat boosts to Raidou when he levels up across strength, magic, vitality and luck.

I went for a mixed strength / magic build, and my main strategy in battle was to whack out as many light attacks as possible, fueling one demon’s use of healing magic and another’s devastating elemental damage. You can also use items in battle, but I basically never needed to do this.

Most of the time, my strategy proved to be a sure-fire way to win battles, meaning that combat could get a little repetitive. Also, despite enhanced battle mechanics – which includes more fluid maneuvering – I found that Raidou could feel a little clunky to control, especially in the air. This was rarely a huge issue, but if you’re expecting incredibly seamless, ultra-smooth movement from this title, you might be a little disappointed.

Boss fights are still good fun, though, and can often pose a decent challenge. Here, I found that blocking and dodging was a bit more important. Just spamming my light attacks and expecting my demons to do the rest was rarely good enough. I’m sure this would ring even more true if you’re playing on hard mode, but I played on Private Eye difficulty – which is essentially the standard level of challenge.

Before we continue talking gameplay, though, I just wanted to flag that this game has a great soundtrack – there are some seriously catchy tunes here. I still can’t get the theme from Narumi’s Detective Agency out of my head.

Battling our demons

(Image credit: Atlus)

Anyway, let’s continue chatting gameplay – and the real highlight here, for me, is filling out the demon compendium and fusing the most powerful creations imaginable.

You can recruit demons pretty much hassle free – not always the case in other Atlus entries (I’m looking at you, SMT 4). And you can also request the help of the peculiar Dr. Victor in the Goumaden, who enables you to fuse multiple demons together and forge new, stronger companions to take into battle. You can also fuse swords, spears or axes for Raidou, which come which come with fresh abilities as well as differing stat boosts.

During demon fusion specifically, you can pass on abilities and passive skills which will help you target the weaknesses of opponents in the Dark Realm – just make sure you keep an eye on their Investigation Skills, which will come in use outside of battle.

And that brings me onto what is, without doubt, the weakest part of Raidou Remastered – solo investigations. These occur when Raidou is unable to progress through an area himself, and he instead enlists the help of his demons (which most humans are unable to see in the real world). You can send a demon out to gather clues or investigate blocked off locations, which sounds interesting, but ends up being just boring.

Most demons move pretty slowly, and the sprint button doesn’t work when they’re out investigating. On top of that, retrieving clues usually just consists of pressing a single button to search an area, read a mind, or squeeze into a tight area. I just wish that these parts of the experience were more interactive, especially given that being a detective is central to the game’s plot.

(Image credit: Atlus)

Finally, a quick note on the experience playing on Nintendo Switch 2. Typically, I played with my Joy-Con 2 controllers, and the game controlled nicely. Switching between targets while locked on took a bit of getting used to – it could, at times, feel a little rigid. But everything else, from using attacks, summoning demons, sprinting and dodging felt totally fine.

Similarly, performance was very strong – though I would expect this given it's hardly the most demanding title out there. It runs at a maximum of 60fps at 1080p, which looks solid, though the lack of 4K may disappoint some.

Overall, though, I love how the game remains faithful, visually, to its PS2 roots, while still ensuring characters and backgrounds look polished. Oh, I also rarely experienced frame rate issues – that is unless I performed Raidou’s ultimate attack, Spirit Slash. This would sometimes cause a little bit of slowdown, but never to a degree that it cost me a battle or anything.

In the end, I had a blast with Raidou Remastered. I was keen to complete almost every Case File, the main story had me hooked, and of course, I loved summoning some of my favorite demons from the SMT series. Combat, though fairly layered, could sometimes get a little samey and I really wish solo investigations didn’t feel like a chore. But overall, Atlus did an excellent job with this remaster and I’m grateful that it’s enabled me – and so many other fans – to solve this mystery for the very first time.

Should you play Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army?

(Image credit: Atlus)Play it if...

You love the worlds of SMT and Persona
If, like me, you adore titles like Persona 4 Golden and Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance, I’d say that Raidou Remastered is well worth your time. It’s not as long as these games and doesn’t offer turn-based combat either (still my preference). But you’ve got mostly the same demons, and another host of awesome characters to interact with – crucial aspects that drew me to previous Atlus entries.

You’re a sucker for narrative-driven RPGs
There’s no vast open world to explore in Raidou Remastered. Sure, you can roam around the capital and get busy working on Case Files, or even take a trip to the Dark Realm. But the main event isn’t really exploration. It’s the games narrative, which at times, takes turns that you may not have foreseen. If you love story-driven RPGs, you’re likely to enjoy this mysterious adventure.

Don't play it if...

You’re not such a fan of real-time action gameplay
So, I mentioned it earlier, but if you’re only really into turn-based combat, it may be worth giving Raidou Remastered a miss. This game makes use of real-time action combat, meaning you’ll engage in much more intense, time-sensitive battles.

You want fully-fledged, shiny current-gen graphics
The bones of Raidou Remastered’s PS2 origins are very prevalent in this game, visually speaking. Personally, I was charmed by that, but I’m certain that it won’t be to everyone’s tastes. Oh, and this game runs at 1080p on Switch 2, rather than 4K, so if you’re expecting to be wowed by the flashiest graphics in the world, you’ll be disappointed.

Accessibility features

The game includes subtitles, button remapping in the controls section, a control stick sensitivity slider, and the ability to toggle vibrations on and off. There are some other subtle changes you can make, such as the option to simply hold the A button, rather than press it repeatedly to confine a demon. There are four difficult modes, including one which makes combat extremely basic for those who want to essentially focus on story alone. There isn’t a colorblind mode for anyone seeking that out, though.

How I reviewed Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army:

(Image credit: Atlus)

I spent more than 30 hours with Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, playing through the main story and the vast majority of Case Files. I had the game set on Private Eye difficulty – essentially normal. I’ve played a ton of Atlus titles before, from Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne through to Persona 3 Reload, so I was already plenty familiar with systems like demon fusion.

I played the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game, which I downloaded digitally via a code supplied by Sega. Usually, I played in docked mode in 1080p at 60fps, but I did try playing for a while in handheld mode too. When docked, I had my Nintendo Switch 2 connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2, with audio playing from the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar.

First reviewed June 2025

Categories: Reviews

Facing Billions in DMA Fines, Apple Lets EU iPhone Users Install Apps Outside the App Store

CNET News - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 15:38
A last-minute rule change lets European iPhone owners download apps from rival stores and developer websites, while introducing new fees that Apple hopes will satisfy regulators in Brussels.
Categories: Technology

Five academics and former diplomats on U.S. strikes, Iran and stability

NPR News Headlines - Fri, 06/27/2025 - 15:04

What 5 academics and former diplomats told Morning Edition about the U.S. strikes on Iran and fallout with Israel.

(Image credit: Jack Guez and Piroschka Van De Wouw/Pool/AFP, Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran)

Categories: News

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