Starfield
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Starfield has some old familiars as well as some new ideas, and there are plenty to choose from when you’re gallivanting around the galaxy. Here are the ten best throwables in Starfield.
Nell Smith — the teenager best known for her collaboration with The Flaming Lips — has died.
Smith was supposed to have her first solo album released by record label, Bella Union, before she passed away last weekend, according to the company’s owner, Simon Raymonde.
Her family said in a statement Smith was “cruelly taken from us on October 5,” describing her as “feisty, talented, unique, beautiful.” They said they were still reeling from her death because she had so much more to experience in life.
Bella Union also expressed their condolences. In an Instagram post, Raymonde said “we are all shocked and devastated” over Smith’s sudden death in British Columbia.
He said Smith was getting ready for the early 2025 release of her solo record on the Bella Union label.
Meanwhile, The Flaming Lips singer Wayne Coyne announced Smith was killed in a car accident during the band’s Saturday concert in Portland, Oregon. Smith recorded an album with the group three years ago when she was just 14.
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Smith was 17 at the time of her death.
RIP
I have a lot of screwdriving solutions, and it is my earnestly held belief that each one is beautiful and special. (Editor’s note: This is true!) Sometimes you need the power and endurance of the impact driver; other times, the compact ratcheting screwdriver with the extra bits tucked away in its butt.
It was first recommended to me (endlessly) by my colleagues at The Verge, and I purchased it because… well, again, all screwdrivers are beautiful and special. But its convenience has helped it earn a spot in my office, instead of the garage, when I need to tinker on some gaming stuff. A brief list of things I’ve used the Hoto electric screwdriver to do:
I can’t tell you what the right price for this level of convenience would be — that’s between you and your accountant — but I can tell you that it is currently on sale during Amazon Prime Day for $39.99, or 43% off its list price. That is not as cheap as last year’s Prime Day deal, but isn’t everything more expensive these days?
Some caveats: First, the Hoto electric screwdriver comes with 12 bits — three Phillips head (PH1, PH2, PH3), four hex (H3, H4, H5, H6), three Torx (T15, T20, T25), one flat blade (SL4), and one Pozidriv (PZ2) — which should be enough to get you through a lot of tasks. But if you don’t already have a set of electronics bits, this $19.99 iFixit set is a great complement (and will get you the 3.8mm and 4.5mm Gamebit bits necessary to open older Sega and Nintendo consoles and cartridges).
Second, it only comes with the USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and does not include a USB-A charger. Presumably you have been alive the last quarter century and have a junk drawer full of them, but on the off chance you do not, there is a Prime Day sale on this Anker two-pack for $12.99, and it comes with two USB-C cables. You can put the extra in that junk drawer and start your collection now.
Looking for more deals? Check out all of Polygon’s favorite Prime Day 2024 deals right here, and subscribe to our newsletter below to get great deals delivered to your inbox every week.
Ubisoft has announced a 10,000-piece NFT collection linked to its upcoming game Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E.. The collection will be available on Magic Eden and minted on the Ethereum Layer-2 network Arbitrum.
Holders of the NFTs—called Niji Warrior IDs—will gain early access to the top-down multiplayer shooter featuring characters from Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, and Beyond Good & Evil.
The NFTs will evolve with player progress, offering perks and governance participation within the game.
Source: Magic EdenThe Niji Warrior ID NFT collection consists of 10,000 unique tokens that will allow players early access to Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E..
Set in a dystopian world inspired by the Netflix series Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix, the game will feature familiar characters from Ubisoft’s franchises.
Holders of these NFTs will also gain additional in-game benefits as the NFTs evolve based on player progress. Beyond access, the Niji Warrior IDs will also serve as tools for governance within the game.
Ubisoft has not yet released full details on how these governance features will function, but the NFTs are expected to play a role in decision-making for game updates and changes.
Source: Magic EdenThe Niji Warrior ID mint is expected to occur in the coming weeks, with thousands of players already gaining early access through beta testing and community challenges.
The closed beta in August required participants to sign non-disclosure agreements, limiting public footage. However, early reports suggest that the game will feature fast-paced, multiplayer combat in a top-down shooter format.
The collection will be minted on Arbitrum, a Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum and the first to introduce Arbitrum support on Magic Eden, which has previously hosted projects on Solana, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other networks.
If you want the best crypto exchanges for trading and investing, Gate.io might be on your radar. Launched in 2013, this platform has become a prominent player in the crypto market, known for its extensive selection of over 2,500 altcoins. This Gate.io review dives into its trading features, fee structure, user experience, and security measures to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Key Takeaways:
Gate.io is a cryptocurrency exchange that offers advanced trading features such as margin trading, 125x leverage trading, P2P trading, copy trading, and automated trading bots.Gate.io charges a base trading fee of 0.1% maker/taker for the spot market and 0.02% maker and 0.05% taker for futures contracts.The Gate.io app is available on both Android and iOS and supports trading in over 2,500 cryptocurrencies, making it a versatile tool for traders on the go.
Founded2013HeadquartersCayman IslandsSupported Cryptos2,500+Trading Fees0.1% maker/taker for spot trading, 0.02% maker and 0.05% taker for futures tradingWithdrawal FeesVaries by crypto (gas fees only)Security Features2FA, cold storage, PoR, multi-sig wallets, security audits, and moreMobile AppYes (iOS & Android)Customer Support24/7 live chat, emailKYC RequirementYesLeverageUp to 125x for perpetual futures contractsStaking OptionsFlexible and fixedAdvanced Trading FeaturesCopy trading, trading bots, API trading, P2P trading, and margin tradingInsurance Fund$100 million SAFUGlobal Availability100+ countries (not U.S.)Our Overall Rating4.3/5
Gate.io is one of the best crypto exchanges that launched in 2013. It offers you a platform to buy, sell, and trade digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many others. Over the years, Gate.io has grown significantly and now serves 17 million users globally.
In terms of market presence, Gate.io consistently ranks among the top 10 cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume. It recorded a daily trading volume of over $4.95 billion, reflecting its strong liquidity and active user base. The platform operates under Gate Technology Inc. and is headquartered in the Cayman Islands.
Gate.io is also committed to transparency, offering Proof of Reserves (PoR) to reassure users that their assets are fully backed. In addition, it has launched its own token, GateToken (GT), which provides users with benefits such as reduced trading fees. The platform also has an insurance fund called Gate.io SAFU, which is worth over $100 million currently.
The Gate.io exchange supports over 2,500 cryptocurrencies, making it one of the exchanges with the widest selection of altcoins. It also provides advanced trading features, such as margin trading, futures contracts, and staking services. Hence, we can say that Gate.io’s trading platform is designed for both beginner and advanced users, with a user-friendly interface and robust tools for technical analysis.
Access to over 2,500 digital currencies, allowing diverse trading optionsIt supports unique products like startup token sales and quantitative trading strategiesMultiple staking options for passive income, including flexible and locked stakingAdvanced order types of high-volume tradersUser-friendly mobile app for Android and iOS devices
Does not allow fiat currency withdrawals, making it difficult to cash out directlyNot available in regions like the USA due to regulatory restrictionsMainly unregulated crypto trading compared to other exchanges like Binance and OKX
Gate.io has a tiered fee structure based on users’ 30-day trading volume and their VIP level. The base trading fee for spot trading is 0.1% for both makers (those who provide liquidity) and takers (those who remove liquidity). This rate can be reduced by holding GateToken (GT) or by participating in the platform’s VIP program.
VIP Level30-Day Trading Volume (USD)GT Rate (Maker / Taker)VIP Rate (Maker / Taker)VIP 00 USD0.09% / 0.09%0.1% / 0.1%VIP 160,000 USD0.089% / 0.089%0.099% / 0.099%VIP 2120,000 USD0.088% / 0.088%0.098% / 0.098%VIP 3240,000 USD0.087% / 0.087%0.097% / 0.097%VIP 4500,000 USD0.086% / 0.086%0.095% / 0.096%VIP 51,000,000 USD0.081% / 0.085%0.09% / 0.095%
For futures trading, the taker fee starts at 0.05%, while the maker fee begins at 0.02%. Like spot trading, these fees are also reduced for VIP users. Plus, Gate.io offers a point system where 1 point equals 1 USDT in trading fee reduction. Points can be used in various trading scenarios, which significantly lower trading costs.
Gate.io does not charge any deposit fees for cryptocurrencies, making it easier to fund your account. However, withdrawal fees differ based on the cryptocurrency being withdrawn.
For example, withdrawing Bitcoin (BTC network) has a fee of 0.0001 BTC, while Ethereum (ERC-20) withdrawals are charged 0.002 ETH. These fees are regularly adjusted based on network conditions.
You can check out the full details of the Gate.io fee structure here.
Gate.io offers perpetual futures trading, a type of derivative contract that does not have an expiration date. This means you can hold a position indefinitely, unlike traditional futures contracts.
USDT-Margined Contracts: These contracts use USDT (Tether) as the base currency for both margins and profits. Traders who prefer stablecoins will find this type easier to manage since the margin and profit are calculated in a stable, fiat-like cryptocurrency. Examples include BTC/USDT or ETH/USDT contracts, which are great for users who want to avoid using crypto for margin or profits.Inverse Contracts: Here, cryptocurrencies are used as both the margin and the unit for calculating profits or losses. For instance, in a BTC/USD contract, BTC is required to open a position, and profits are also paid out in BTC. This is ideal for those who already hold crypto and want to trade without converting their assets into a stablecoin.
In addition, leverage plays a big role in perpetual futures on Gate.io. Traders can borrow more than they deposit, allowing them to take larger positions. Gate.io currently supports 125x leverage for BTC and ETH contracts and 100x for lower-cap stablecoins.
Also, since perpetual contracts have no expiry, Gate.io uses funding rates to keep the contract price in line with the real market. Traders pay or receive this funding fee every 8 hours, depending on whether they hold a long or short position.
Here’s a breakdown of the advanced order types offered by Gate.io:
TP/SL (Take Profit/Stop Loss): With a Take Profit order, you can lock in your gains once the price hits your desired target. Meanwhile, a Stop Loss helps limit your losses by automatically selling if the price falls to a set level. This combination is perfect for traders who want to reduce risk without having to constantly watch the market.Iceberg Order: If you’re trading a large amount but don’t want to reveal the full size of your order, an Iceberg order breaks it down into smaller chunks. Only a small part of the order is visible to others at a time in the orderbook.Reduce-only: This order type is all about minimizing risk. When you place a reduce-only order, it will only lower the size of your existing position. It won’t let you accidentally increase your exposure. So, if you’re in a trade and want to gradually exit, you can use reduce-only to make sure you don’t end up holding more than you intend to.TWAP (Time-Weighted Average Price): TWAP is ideal when you want to spread out a large order over time, rather than executing it all at once. It helps you get an average price over a specific period, which can prevent your large order from causing sudden market swings.Trailing Reversal Order: A trailing reversal order is like having an automatic strategy for catching market reversals. It follows the price as it moves, and if the market swings the other way by a set percentage, the order triggers.
Gate.io offers two types of staking options. With flexible staking, you can deposit your crypto and earn rewards, but you have the freedom to withdraw your funds at any time. This is ideal if you want to keep your funds accessible.
On the other hand, fixed staking locks up your assets for a specific period (like 7, 14, or 30 days) in exchange for higher rewards. In flexible staking, you earn only 10-15% APY, whereas flexible staking offers over 100% APY.
It also offers other crypto-earn products such as:
Dual Investment: It allows you to earn based on two different currencies, usually a crypto asset and a stablecoin (like BTC and USDT). Depending on the market’s movement, your payout will be in one of the two currencies.Quant Fund: The Quant Fund is an automated trading tool that uses algorithms to manage your investments. This feature allows you to invest in strategies that are automatically adjusted based on market conditions. Quant funds can be designed to trade based on technical indicators or other market factors.Crypto Loan: Gate.io’s crypto loan service allows users to borrow crypto by using their existing assets as collateral. If you own crypto but don’t want to sell it, you can take out a loan in stablecoins or other crypto assets, using your holdings to secure the loan. Once you repay the loan, you get your collateral back. This option is useful for those who need liquidity without wanting to sell their long-term investments.
Gate.io also offers an “Auto-Invest” feature. This is perfect for users who want to follow a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy, where you invest small amounts over time instead of making large, one-time purchases. It’s a hands-off way to build your portfolio steadily.
Here are the different types of crypto trading bots offered by the Gate.io exchange:
Spot and Futures Grid: These bots use a grid trading strategy. They place buy and sell orders at preset price intervals. The idea is to profit from market fluctuations by automatically buying low and selling high. The spot grid is suitable for long-only strategies, while the futures grid can be used in both rising and falling markets.Smart Rebalance: This helps you manage a portfolio by adjusting asset ratios when prices fluctuate. You set a target allocation (e.g., 40% BTC, 60% ETH), and the bot automatically buys or sells to restore this balance. It’s perfect for those aiming to increase their holdings of specific coins rather than focusing on short-term gains.Spot Martingale: This bot works well during downturns. It buys in increasing amounts as the price drops, which lowers the average purchase price. When the market rebounds, the bot sells all at once to make a profit. It’s useful for traders who believe prices will recover after a fall.Spot-Futures Arbitrage: This strategy aims to profit from the price difference between spot and futures markets. The bot buys in the spot market and sells in the futures market, or vice versa.
Note: You can also create your own trading bot or copy other bots based on your trading strategy.
Gate.io offers a copy trading service that allows users, especially beginners, to follow the trading strategies of more experienced traders. This feature is simple to use and beneficial for those who want to trade without extensive market knowledge.
You can select a professional trader based on their past performance, such as their return on investment (ROI) or trading style. Once you choose a trader, the platform automatically replicates their trades in your account.
This method is time-efficient since you don’t need to actively monitor the market. You simply copy the trades of a successful trader. Gate.io’s copy trading platform tracks over $1.95 billion in value and highlights the top-performing traders on its leaderboard, making it easier to decide which trader to follow.
Gate.io is considered a secure and legitimate cryptocurrency exchange. It uses advanced security features like multi-signature wallets, where asset transfers require multiple authorizations, which adds an extra layer of protection. It also uses cold storage for user fund storage.
For withdrawals, users must pass two levels of security checks (Google 2FA and SMS-based OTP), and any password changes lock withdrawals for 24 hours to prevent unauthorized access.
Gate.io also emphasizes transparency with its Proof of Reserves audit, ensuring users’ funds are fully backed and verifiable through third-party audits like those conducted by Armanino LLP. With these security measures in place, Gate.io has gained trust over its many years of operation since 2013.
Gate.io offers one of the largest selections of cryptocurrencies on any exchange. You can trade over 2,500 different digital assets, including popular coins like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and altcoins such as Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB). It also lists newly launched tokens and supports various niche and DeFi projects.
Gate.io’s mobile app is designed to be user-friendly. It features a clean trading interface with easy navigation, allowing you to trade and manage your assets effortlessly.
The app supports a variety of functions, including live crypto market data, trading, staking, and more. Reviews highlight the app’s reliability and quick customer service, making it a convenient tool for managing cryptocurrency portfolios on the go. With support for iOS and Android devices, it ensures a smooth experience for traders worldwide.
Gate.io offers responsive customer service through various channels like live chat, email, and social media. Its support is available 24/7, and the platform is praised for its quick responses and helpful assistance.
Many users report high satisfaction with the overall customer service experience, finding it reliable when facing issues related to trading, withdrawals, or technical glitches. Additionally, Gate.io frequently runs interactive activities and offers guides to help you make the most of its features, which enhances the overall user experience.
MEXC and Binance are two of the most popular alternatives to the Gate.io crypto exchange. Here is the quick Gate.io vs MEXC and Gate.io vs Binance comparison:
FeaturesGate.ioMEXCBinanceLaunched Date201320182017Best forSpot and Futures TradingNo-KYC altcoin tradingHigh volume and liquiditySolvent (PoR)✓✓✓Maximum Leverage125X200x125xWeb3 Ecosystem✓✗✓Margin Trading✓✗✓Options Trading✗✗✓Supported Cryptos2500+2800+400+Trading Charges0.% maker/taker0% maker and 0.1% taker0.1% maker/takerUS Availability✗✗Separate platform Binance US availableNative TokenGTMXBNB
In conclusion, the Gate.io review highlights a reputable and versatile global cryptocurrency exchange. With its extensive range of features, low trading fees, and robust security measures, it stands out as a strong option for both new and experienced traders.
Whether you are interested in trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, or lesser-known altcoins, Gate.io provides a comprehensive platform to meet your needs. However, it is restricted in certain countries such as the U.S., Canada, and the UK.
Yes, Gate.io is considered a trustworthy cryptocurrency exchange by many in the crypto community. It has been operating since 2013 and consistently ranks among the top exchanges based on trust scores from reputable sources like CoinGecko.
The platform emphasizes security, employing measures such as two-factor authentication and cold storage for most of its assets. Gate.io has also published its PoR data, which showcases its asset backing, reinforcing user confidence. However, it is not regulated by any major financial agency.
Yes, Gate.io mandates users to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process to enhance security and comply with regulatory standards. The KYC procedure typically involves submitting identification documents, such as a government-issued ID, and verifying your identity.
Accounts that complete the KYC1 verification can withdraw a maximum of $2 million USDT per day, while those that successfully complete the KYC2 verification have an increased withdrawal limit of $5 million.
No, Gate.io is not available to users in the United States due to regulatory restrictions. However, you can still use its Web3 services in the U.S. For the U.S. traders, you can check out Coinbase or Kraken.
Gate.io is available in 100+ countries, making it accessible to users worldwide. This exchange primarily targets regions with fewer regulatory restrictions. It is currently restricted to the United States of America, Mainland China, Canada, France, the UK, and more.
No, you cannot transfer money directly from Gate.io to a bank account. The platform does not support direct crypto-to-bank withdrawals. Instead, you are allowed to withdraw cryptocurrencies to an external wallet.
Once the crypto is in your wallet, you can convert it into fiat currency using third-party services like MoonPay or Banxa. These services enable you to sell your cryptocurrency for fiat currencies, which can then be deposited into your bank account.
Former first lady Melania Trump has disclosed plans to expand her involvement in non-fungible token (NFT) and Web3 initiatives if she and her husband return to the White House. Her focus would be on using these to further support women, foster children, and their overall well-being.
In an interview with Fox News on October 7, Melania Trump discussed her current efforts in the digital space. She explained, “After I left the White House in 2021, I established my two platforms – Web2 and Web3 blockchain platforms — where I create art and collectibles […] With that, I established the ‘Fostering the Future’ initiative.”
The initiative provides financial support for children from the foster care system, particularly aiding in their education. She added, “If we are back in the White House, I will expand that.”
Melania Trump’s journey into NFTs began in December 2021 when she released her first NFT, which featured a watercolor painting titled “Melania’s Vision.” The painting, which depicted her cobalt blue eyes, was sold to raise funds for children aging out of foster care.
Since then, she has continued to launch other Web3 projects. Among these are the “Head of State” NFT collection, commemorating the Trump administration’s first official state visit, and the “Potus Trump” collection, highlighting key moments from her husband’s presidency.
In addition to these political-themed releases, Melania Trump has explored more casual NFT drops tied to holidays and special occasions. These include a Christmas-themed series and a customizable physical necklace paired with an NFT for Mother’s Day.
Donald Trump has also been involved in the NFT market. He entered the scene in 2022 with a collection of trading cards depicting himself in different settings. The success of this release led to the launch of three more trading card series.
According to an August financial disclosure, Donald Trump’s earnings from NFT licensing fees surpassed $7 million, and his holdings in Ethereum (ETH) are valued between $1 million and $5 million.
How would Hubert de Givenchy react to the knowledge of his maison’s present-day collaboration with America-hailing footwear brand Bogs? While that is answerable by only Monsieur Givenchy himself, one thing’s for certain: Givenchy’s present-day carte blanche is materialising in a direction that reads younger, more modern, and fresh.
To quote that one song, These (Givenchy x Bogs) Boots Are Made for Walkin’. Be it for an all-terrain expedition, or for a strut on a catwalk — as seen on fan favourites like Off Jumpol, Phu Tatchai and Nani Hirunkit — Givenchy’s latest partnership with the outdoor footwear makers shows that there is no compromise between functionality and fashion.
Riffing off on the Oregon-based label’s understanding of hyper-utility, Givenchy now presents 100 percent waterproof, vulcanised boots that are, trust us, sexier than they sound. Taking on forms in cropped Chelsea boots and lace-up versions, the maison’s emblematic 4G branding, savoir-faire detailing and subtle surface treatments see to it that one can find warmth and comfort both in and out of a pair of cold climate-approved stompers.
This article was first seen on Men’s Folio Singapore.
For more on the latest in luxury fashion and style reads, click here.
It’s been 17 years since Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 and its 3D-arena-based combat graced consoles, and ever since, fans have clamored for a return to that old style. Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero has answered the call, with the benefit of an entirely new story arc to explore thanks to Dragon Ball Super–which wasn’t part of the Dragon Ball canon until 2013. For the most part, the Tenkaichi approach still works thanks to its fast and energized battle system; however, repetitive gameplay and limited mode options leave us wanting more from this battle.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is a return to that old Tenkaichi format, where two fighters wage war in an open arena lined with buildings, rocks, cliffs, and more just waiting to be destroyed. Each fighter has a mix of physical and ki-based attacks, highlighted by flashy and bombastic special attacks like the Kamehameha, Final Flash, Spirit Bomb, and other iconic Dragon Ball techniques.
As is immediately noticeable, the visual style of Sparking Zero is top-notch, from the main menu to the heat of battle. Every character moves and fights fluidly, and the small scenes that play during a successful ultimate attack are a delight, which makes connecting with those moves even more exhilarating. In particular, attacks like the Point-Blank Kamehameha performed by Ultra Instinct Goku’s Sign form–the animation complete with scenes ripped right from the anime–are amazing to close out a match with.
Moving around the arena and approaching a battle is exciting, but before long, each fight devolves into button-mashing exercises. Every character on the roster shares the same basic control scheme: Close-range physical attacks are assigned to one button, short ki blasts are set to another, and special moves are performed by holding a shoulder button while pressing either of those two buttons. They can also dodge, dash, ascend into the air or descend back to the ground, and counter while being attacked. Finally, if a character charges their ki beyond full power and activates Sparking, they have access to a devastating ultimate attack.
The adrenaline is there in every match, as mashing the attack button feels very close to the rapid-fire punches and kicks seen in the anime, but those looking for complex, skill-based fighting tech will not find it here. In fact, the majority of battles fall into a familiar loop: The match would begin, we’d unleash a few attacks and knock the opponent away, then we’d charge up our ki meter and repeat the process until the match was over.
There’s an exciting energy to this type of battle–pulling off a Super Spirit Bomb and watching the sequence play out is intensely satisfying every single time–and learning about different characters throughout Dragon Ball’s lore is genuinely fun and interesting. However, the lack of depth in the core battle scheme gives it a limited shelf life that’s better for quick-play sessions rather than marathon gaming. Then again, this is also true of previous Budokai Tenkaichi games, and that hasn’t stopped diehard fans from enjoying it, so series vets may feel right at home.
Nowhere is this more evident than in Episode Battle, the main single-player experience in Sparking Zero. Here, you’ll select one of the franchise’s main characters and run through the story from that character’s perspective, fighting all of the key battles that character faces along the way. Cutscenes between each fight range from still images with voices talking over them to short, fully animated scenes featuring a conversation between different characters.
This creates a repetition that, despite the battles themselves being fun, wears thin fast, as the cutscenes don’t consist of much more than a few quips before jumping into the next battle. This repetition is exacerbated by a few odd difficulty spikes sprinkled throughout the adventure. Granted, most of these come at the most climactic moments in the series and against the big bads of Goku’s adventures, but some of these spikes are downright unfair; no matter how big Great Ape Vegeta is, that monkey should not be able to tank a 10-hit combo without flinching, grab you before you can land hit number 11, and instantly deplete one of Goku’s five health bars. Furthermore, losing a battle causes a brief but unskippable cutscene to play before you can choose to retry, and multiple losses means multiple trips through said cutscene, with the same voice clips playing every time. That gets annoying fast.
There are some attempts at variety in Episode Battles, as some of the cutscenes offer choices or win conditions that lead to branching storylines. These choice-based moments are a novel way to spice up the oft-trodden story beats of the saga–Dragon Ball Z’s arcs, especially. In one early choice, when Piccolo approaches Goku about fighting Raditz together, you can choose to eschew his invitation and go it alone, which results in Krillin joining Goku instead in a “what if” scenario.
These one-offs are neat, but they ultimately result in nothing more than one or two extra fights before returning to the established path–which make these “what ifs” little more than temporary distractions. Episode Battle as a whole does a good job of retelling the winding story of the Dragon Ball series, but with the exception of the Dragon Ball Super story arcs, this is ground that’s been covered many times before, and the choice-based alternate routes don’t do quite enough to mix things up.
In standard matches, the number of playable characters on the Sparking Zero roster sits in the triple digits: 181, to be exact. However, as is a running trend in Dragon Ball fighting games, that number is artificially inflated by the faces found in some of those slots. For starters, there are 19 different versions of series hero Goku, including four “base forms”–where Goku is in his normal, black-haired state. Every transformation from Super Saiyan to Ultra Instinct has received its own slot, as well as his kid versions from Dragon Ball GT and that version’s transformations. That 19 figure also doesn’t include Goku Black–the villainous alternate version from Dragon Ball Super–and his various forms, nor does it include Goku’s various fusions with Vegeta and those transformations.
Goku’s not alone in excessive roster representation, as Vegeta holds 14 slots (again not including fusions or his GT villain alt Baby Vegeta), Gohan fills 11, and Trunks fills nine. Villains are also not immune to these roster-padding techniques, with Frieza, Cell, and Buu also occupying at least five slots each. Some of these forms can even transform into other forms mid-match, which makes the overabundance of “unique” character slots seem even more arbitrary.
Granted, it is a good thing to have all of these different forms represented, and to the game’s credit, each form is not an exact copy of the other. Combo animations vary between forms, while the special moves performed while holding R2 are also different–think of them like Echo Fighters in Smash Bros. rather than unique characters. However, since the game’s control scheme is the same for every character, those unique moves feel less special when the same buttons are pressed to unleash them. There’s a lot of bloat in this character roster, and it only takes one look at the select screen to see how.
This massive roster can battle in one-on-one matches and World Tournament brackets both offline and online, though the latter leaves a bit to be desired. In our time with the game pre-launch, we were only able to link into one online match despite trying multiple times in multiple different ways. The match ran well for the most part, with only an occasional stutter throughout, but without a full player base to work with, that small sample may betray the actual experience. Your mileage may vary on launch day.
Sparking Zero also offers Custom Battles, where you can frame a battle with custom cutscenes that play before and after the fight. The in-game editors allow you to choose scenes, backdrops, poses, and even dialogue for the characters, and then upload scenarios to an online server and let others test them out. This idea is very cool in theory, as it lets you create your own mini-episode of the anime and highlight it with a big battle. In practice, however, there is a major limitation that affects the personal touch the mode strives for.
That issue is with the dialogue, as what you can “write” is not free text; instead, you have to choose between a list of pre-written phrases and choose which characters are saying them. Certain words highlighted in green within the pre-written phrases can also be switched for something else, but again your choices are assigned rather than freely written. The risks in giving free reign to write dialogue for these scenes are understood, but that lack of freedom completely hampers the entire idea. The lines provided are generic and limited, and they don’t generate a ton of excitement for the scene, leaving the mode feeling underwhelming.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero does a serviceable job instant-transmissioning the Budokai Tenkaichi format into the modern age. However, a lot of the pitfalls of that former era–lack of variety in the control scheme, shallow gameplay, limited mode selection–have also made the journey through the decade-plus hiatus. The core fighting experience is fun and exciting, and it looks terrific in motion, but repetition sets in quickly. The modes that are here allow you to relive your favorite Dragon Ball stories from different points of view, but the experience runs dry quickly.
There’s fun to be had in Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, but ultimately this return to form does not spark as much joy as we’d hoped.
In Coronation Street spoilers for next week, the police find Joel’s body in the river and investigate what happened to him in a whodunnit mystery.
Elsewhere, Sam takes a trip to the hospital after suffering a knife injury.
All this and more in Coronation Street spoilers for next week.
The search for Joel’s body following the discovery of his car and suicide note is in full swing – and the police make a shocking discovery.
Craig and Kit study CCTV from a train station car park and see Joel and then his dad around a locker. Following the lead, Kit interviews Gus in a desperate attempt to reveal the truth.
Later on, three lads are passing by the river and see a body floating in the water.
Off-screen, Craig announces to Lisa and Kit that the body is Joel’s.
Kit steals himself to break the news to Dee-Dee and Lauren at the hospital, while Lisa breaks the news to people in the Rovers.
Meanwhile, coroners undergo a post mortem, which reveals Joel was dead before he was chucked into the river.
Thus, a murder investigation ensues and everyone asks, who could be responsible?
Multiple leads are being inspected, with Kit first questioning Lauren asking where she was on September 27th, the night of his death.
Elsewhere, Dee-Dee reveals to Ed and Ronnie that Joel was murdered…
More details of the post mortem are revealed, which say that Joel died from two blows to the head with a heavy weapon, most likely a crowbar.
While on the cobbles, DS Swain learns from Yasmeen that she threw Mason out because he had a crowbar, something which puts him as a main suspect.
Ever the protective mother, Lisa tells Betsy to stay away from Mason, which only leaves her intrigued.
Betsy warns Mason that the police are onto him. Hearing her warning, Mason disposes of the crowbar in a bin behind the factory.
However, it doesn’t go smoothly as he is caught in the act by Kit.
Meanwhile, Dee-Dee explains to Ronnie that the police believe Joel was attacked with a crowbar.
Mason is also causing tension elsewhere on the cobbles, this time between Stu and Yasmeen.
Stu grows angry with Yasmeen after she reveals a social worker has found alternative accommodation for Mason.
In a fit of rage, Stu tells Yasmeen he is thinking of moving – not just out, but to Germany.
He claims he wants to be with Eliza and Dom and away from Weatherfield.
How will Yasmeen react?
Still in despair and trying to patch things up, Daniel explains to Sarah how Bethany has got it into her head that he won’t want to be with her as she now has a stoma bag.
Daniel emphasises this means nothing to him, but it doesn’t seem to be getting through to an insecure Bethany.
Later, Jenny tells Daisy that she bumped into Daniel and recounted his relationship struggles.
This makes her determined and Daisy sets off to the hospital, to put Bethany straight.
Will she be able to get through to her?
David is still on edge about Gail selling No.8 and has been carefully going over his finances to see if he can buy the house.
He feels particularly mistrusting after Jesse offers to lend a hand and reveals he’s taking Gail on a trip to Whitby.
Sarah and David take a moment to discuss his supposedly ‘strange’ behaviour but the conversation is cut by the arrival of an estate agent putting up a ‘for sale’ sign, making David even more worried.
Jesse, unaware to their suspicions, tells Gail he wants to get to know her kids. He treats David, Sarah and Nick to lunch in the Rovers.
There, the kids quiz him on his finances and he admits he’s awaiting some cash after he sold his home.
Elsewhere, Sarah accuses Adam of stealing Damon’s money from the lock-up. Adam assures her he had nothing to do with it, nor did Daniel, and the most likely suspect is Damon’s cousin who went to “check” on it.
At the lunch, David advises Sarah to forget about Damon’s missing money, but she’s not done yet.
Adam stirs the pot as he says Jesse may have overheard her and David discussing the missing money, and Sarah becomes adamant that Jesse took it.
She follows Jesse after he has to leave early.
Is he hiding something?
In the wake of Nick’s affair and Rowan’s destruction, Leanne is working on picking the pieces up.
She tells Toyah that both of them should move out of the flat to leave time for Nick and Sam. Leanne reveals she has rented the flat above the salon, but Toyah will have to find her own place.
More bad news comes to the family, after Nick tells David that the police called and Rowan is pleading not guilt to blackmail and fraud. All of them will have to go to trial and testify.
Trying to take his mind off things, Nick flirts with a customer, but doesn’t realise Sam is watching.
Feeling unhappy with his dad’s actions, Sam tells the customer that Nick is engaged and unavailable.
In an attempt to reignite Nick and Leanne’s love, Sam prepares a romantic meal at the flat.
However, disaster strikes when he uses a sharp knife to try and open some oysters.
Not knowing what to do, Sam calls on Asha at No.7 and shows her a gash he’s made on his hand.
The sensible paramedic Asha takes a woozy Sam to hospital to have stitches.
How will Nick and Leanne react when they discover his plans to get them together have resulted in him being injured?
Hope’s vaping addiction is still a huge issues at the Dobbs’.
Fiz tells Tyrone that Hope’s too poorly to return to school and she’s taking the day off to look after her.
Tyrone reckons Hope’s brought it on herself by vaping, and encourages a hospital visit.
Dr Gaddas confirms that Hope has a chest infection and her vaping will certainly have played a part.
Is this the wake up call she needs to put down the vapes?
The full trauma of her brother’s death overwhelms Gemma, as she tells Chesney she doesn’t want Joseph to go on the school skiing trip in fear he might get hurt and he could pass away.
Chesney reassures her, but it does little to calm her down.
An understanding Joseph later tells Chesney he doesn’t want to go because he doesn’t want Gemma to feel stressed on his behalf.
Will the family be okay with his decision?
A doctor informs Lauren and Max that Frankie’s condition is improving and he will be well enough to be discharged next month.
Lauren’s friends rally around her, with Bobby taking a particularly strong stand.
He tells Max that he still has strong feelings for Lauren and wants to be with her.
However, he learns that Lauren slept on Max’s couch the other night and they start to act shifty around him.
Could something be going on?
Debbie works behind the scenes to arrange a surprise party for Ronnie to make his 55th birthday.
He figures out the surprise with delight, but his mood is quickly squished when Kit and a colleague arrive to question him and Ed.
Ronnie insists he was home alone the night Joel went missing, while Ed claims he was at No.3 with Dee-Dee and Michael.
In an attempt to get the heat off their backs, Ronnie said he last used the satnav when he and Michael helped Joel move out of his flat ages ago.
At the party, Michael reveals they actually drove to Joel’s flat in his car that time and an unimpressed Debbie realises Ronnie lied to her.
How will she react?
Read more: Complete Coronation Street cast list 2024 – meet them all here!
Coronation Street usually airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV.
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