If you like puzzles, check out this trippy comic-style escape room game for Playdate
Meeting an online friend in person for the first time can be pretty awkward. If only there were a way to skip the weird small talk part and get right into the flow of real conversation — like, say, getting shrunk down to the size of a chess piece and trapped in a series of board games, forcing you to communicate so you can find your way out. That's exactly the scenario in which characters Alex and Sarah find themselves in the Playdate game Escape the Boardgame , and it's incredibly charming.
Escape the Boardgame is kind of like an interactive comic, and it's the second such game by Julie and Anders Bjørnskov, following 2024's Escape the Arcade . You use the crank and sometimes the D-pad to move the story forward panel by panel, running into puzzles along the way that will serve as temporary roadblocks until you've come up with the solution. While it is an escape room of sorts, this isn't a high-tension situation; Alex and Sarah are stuck in a cozy boardgame cafe, not Jumanji . As they try to make their way out the door by traversing various game boards, they encounter a bunch of quirky but ultimately harmless characters.
Just because it's casual doesn't mean it'll be a breeze to solve the puzzles, though. They're really creative, sometimes requiring you to pay close attention to every little detail on the screen in order to crack some obscure code, and other times forcing you to zoom out and consider the whole picture to see what's hidden in plain sight. The games within the game, like one in which you need to match pets with their correct owners, are a delight to take in. There are multiple hints for each puzzle, which you can access in the menu, so you can have varying degrees of assistance depending on how stuck you are.
Savvy puzzle solvers will probably finish Escape the Boardgame in under an hour, so this one is perfect for when you just want to play something easygoing that can be wrapped up neatly in one sitting. Instead of leaving you frustrated, it's a brain teaser you're likely to walk away from feeling all warm and fuzzy.
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The Verge
2 days ago
- The Verge
Playdate's second season is off to a great (and very weird) start
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Bride Wakes Up in Agony After Wedding Disaster—Then Comes the Diagnosis
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Sarah said: "I knew it was serious, but I couldn't admit it. This was our dream day, and I couldn't bear the thought of it not happening. So, I made sure it did, even if it killed me (which it nearly did). "We never had our first dance because I knew I'd collapse. I didn't dance at all, other than part of one song at the end of the night that my friends pulled me up for. I had this stunning wedding dress with a corset that I loved, but I had to take it off within an hour because it hurt too much." The day before flying back to the U.K., Sarah finally told Luke, 36, about the pain she was experiencing. It was clear she needed to get to hospital, but she insisted on returning home before receiving medical attention. It was an excruciating 10-hour flight, but Sarah did her best to sleep through it. With an hour left before landing, she awoke in agony and had to be given an oxygen mask to help her breathe. She was in and out of conscious by the time they landed and was medically evacuated from the plane. Sarah and Luke were taken to the nearest hospital via ambulance, by which time she'd become unresponsive. Medical staff ran several tests as soon as the newlyweds arrived, but Sarah doesn't remember much of it. "They found that I had a ruptured infected cyst in the inguinal canal, and I was in full-blown sepsis. My body was shutting down, and even before they told me, I could feel it. I wasn't fully aware of everything, but I could feel my body giving up. I knew I was dying," Sarah told Newsweek. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that happens when an underlying infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body. Around 1.7 million American adults develop sepsis every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The common symptoms include clammy or sweaty skin, confusion, extreme pain, fever, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath. 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After learning that she'd unknowingly got married while battling sepsis, Sarah posted about her experience on TikTok (@lipsticknlouboutins_). By documenting her symptoms and diagnosis, she hopes to raise awareness for sepsis and help others recognize the early signs before it's too late. Her TikTok videos have gone viral, one even generated over 1.3 million views in just a matter of days. The online reaction is beyond anything Sarah expected, adding that the support she's received has "meant the world." For now, wedded bliss isn't quite what Sarah and Luke had in mind as they continue to go back and forth between hospital visits. However, they've already started saving money to go on another vacation and "relive the wedding [they] never got" in the future. Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Days of Our Lives Recap: Carrie Comes Home
Days of Our Lives Recap: Carrie Comes Home originally appeared on Daytime Confidential. On today's Days of Our Lives recap: Titan/DiMera: Belle arrives to see Alex to investigate Philip's beating. Alex tries to avoid the topic because he's busy, but Belle says she will be brief. Belle asks about the Sepsis drug and Alex says he's been filled in and can't believe he would do something so stupid, yet again. He goes on to say he didn't know about the fraudulent letter until recently and thinks he could have stopped his cousin before he tried to steal the drug. Alex remembers seeing Philip eating dinner with Kevin Lambert. The next day he say Kevin having a hushed conversation with Steve and Shawn Douglas. Belle says none of this situation is his responsibility. Belle says she knows things the police don't about possible motives for Philip's beating. She suspects Alex knows similar information and straight up asks if he thinks Xander is guilty. He pleads the fifth. Belle says she is building a case and he's going to eventually answer questions from the police. If he knows anything, he may as well come clean. Alex says he saw Xander in the square yesterday coming from the direction of the Salem Inn. He was distracted and tense, made mention of a snag they hit in trying to purchase the hospital, and quickly leaves. Alex didn't say anything because Xander is family and owed some loyalty. He also notes Xander is innocent until proven guilty. Belle asks Alex to get Xander to call her and makes her exit. DiMera Mansion: EJ calls Brady to talk about his meeting with the hospital board when he learns about John. EJ presses about the board meeting but Brady hangs up. Kristen is listening in and asks her brother what happened to John. EJ tells Kristen that John was badly burned in an explosion. She asks for details and EJ indicates his chances aren't very good. Kristen can't believe John is in such danger and EJ awkwardly tries to comfort her. She apologizes for making things awkward as she remembers John as her first love. EJ says she was always willing to do anything to keep him, including passing him off as her child (I forgot about that!). Kristen says she wasn't in her right mind and was blinded by her feelings for John. EJ notes the creepy nature of transferring her feelings for the father to the son. Kristen shoots back about EJ sleeping with his ex-wife's sister as well as his dalliances with both Kate and Billie. He backs down and they think about how they came by their penchant for odd love interests honestly. EJ makes direct reference to Marlena as his queen of the night. University Hospital – John's Room: Marlena sits at John's bedside and discusses all the visitors he's had today. As she speaks, Carrie arrives (squeal!) and embraces Marlena. She thanks Carrie for coming and asks about Austin. Carrie says he stayed behind so Noah could walk at his high school graduation. Carrie breaks down and says how much she loves Marlena and John and once again they embrace. Carrie says she thought about John the entire flight over. She remembers when she and John thought Marlena was dead (the house exploded) and how it brought them so close (this was also when John was Roman). Flashback: Roman (John) tells young Carrie that Marlena is dead. In real-time, Carrie says she knows John is a hero but being a dad to her, Sami, Eric, Paul and Brady is his ultimate talent. Marlena says John has a soft spot for his girls. Carrie notes that includes Sami, despite all the grief she gave him over the years. She remembers the number of times John made her feel safe both as a little girl and an adult. Carrie says some folks don't even get one good father but she has two. Marlena recalls meeting five year old Carrie and what a spitfire she was. Carrie can't imagine the trouble she caused. Marlena says she always knew Carrie was Roman and Anna's daughter but she always felt like she was her daughter too, as well as John's. Carrie thanks her for always treating her like a daughter. Marlena says family is who sits in your heart and makes life worth living. With that, they both break down in tears and embrace. Flashback: John and Carrie decorate the Christmas tree. Carrie says it feels like Marlena is with them and they embrace. Carrie says their world was shattered when they thought Marlena was gone. She remembers how amazing John was during that time and how she told her school friends her father was superman and believes he still is. Just then, Carrie holds John's hands and he responds. Brady Pub: Roman arrives to find Johnny at a table. He asks about Philip and Roman says Kate is at the hospital speaking with his doctors. They switch over to John and Johnny recalls his visit with his grandfather the day before. Roman says Eric is on the way home and Johnny indicates Will is also heading home. Johnny mentions Allie can't fly because Henry has an ear infection. He notes his mother and Sydney are trying to get a flight out as they speak. Johnny mentions his name (John Roman) and doesn't think he's doing it justice. Roman takes a seat and says he needs to stop blaming himself for what happened with the adoption and notes they are now back together. Johnny says he will never let his wife down again. Johnny shifts topics and asks if he can grab some to go coffee for her. When he goes behind the bar, Johnny sees the lockbox with the gun is gone. Roman says he moved the lockbox because he didn't want folks asking questions. Johnny pushes and Roman says the gun disappeared the night of EJ's shooting. He remembers mentioning it to Johnny that same evening. Johnny wonders if he's being asked if he shot his father and vehemently denies it. With that, he storms out. University Hospital – Lobby: Paulina and Abe arrive and chat with Kate about both Philip and John. Paulina says she's working closely with Jada and apologizes Xander was let go. She says Belle is on the case and is determined to bring the culprit to justice. Paulina heads off to grab coffee and Abe asks Kate why she thinks Xander would try to kill his own brother. Kate thinks Xander is a vicious thug who doesn't want to share his birthright with his brother. Abe thinks she is holding back and pushes for more. Just then, Kate spies Philip's doctor and quickly makes her getaway. Paulina returns and asks what happened. DiMera Mansion – Living Room: Kristen brings Rachel in and says her Grandpa John is home but had an accident. She explains about the fire and how he is now in the hospital. Rachel says she doesn't feel well and says it's been that way since the tea party. Kristen thinks she's upset because her friends didn't come over. Rachel considers her mother's words and suddenly says, 'I heard a gunshot.' Kristen thinks she's talking about a dream but Rachel thinks she heard it in real life. University Hospital – John's Room: Abe walks in and embraces Carrie. Marlena thinks Abe should take a seat and visit with his friend. With that, Marlena and Carrie leave them alone. Abe takes a seat and says he's heard about all the folks who have Withbeen coming to see him. He thinks his partner has to stick around so as not to disappoint all his friends and family. As important as everyone is, the most important person is Marlena. Abe notes he was there for the origin of their love story. Flashback: John and Marlena are about to get married. He wonders why Abe never told him about how his beloved felt about her. Abe says he promised not to tell as it was during the time when he was getting married to Kristen who was actually Susan (look it up). John asks if Abe will do him the honor of, once again, being his best man. In real-time, Abe says he was so honored to have stood up for him and hopes, someday, his son (Theo) will marry his granddaughter (Claire-Bear) and they will be able to stand up for them together. He says they are family and always will be. University Hospital – Lobby: Marlena introduces Paulina to Carrie, who she recognizes as Roman's daughter. Carrie says Paulina's sister, Tamara, was always so kind to her. With that, Carrie heads off to grab coffee. Paulina wants Marlena to go change clothes, but she says she's staying and heads back to her beloved's room. Horton Square: Johnny runs into Belle and they chat about John. Belle says no one wants to be in a position where your father is dying and you haven't said what you need to say. Johnny picks up what she's laying down but says he's settled up with his father in every way he needs. Before he storms off, he advises Belle to stay the hell away from his father. Endings Carrie runs into Belle and the two embrace (I believe this is the first time Martha Madison and Christie Clark have shared scenes together). Belle asks about her dad and Carrie says he squeezed her hand. Further, Kayla says John's vital signs are improving and she just knows he is going to pull through. Marlena sits at John's bedside. Flashback: Marlena is asleep when the french doors to the balcony blow open. She hears John calling out for her and feels him all around her. She feels his essence exiting and screams for him not to go. In real-time, Marlena tells John not to ever leave her. EJ calls out for Johnny in Horton Square. Johnny heads the other direction when EJ loses his balance and hits the pavement. Johnny runs to his father as he tries to get up. Before he offers his father a hand, Johnny walks away. Kate joins Roman back at the pub and reports Philip is improving and will hopefully regain consciousness soon. She asks what's wrong and Roman tells her about his encounter with Johnny and their conversation about the lockbox and the gun. He's not certain he believes his grandson when he says he didn't shoot his father. Rachel tells Kristen the night of the shooting she woke up because she heard yelling. She came downstairs and saw Johnny, with a gun, fighting with EJ. Keep checking back for the latest Days of Our Lives recaps! This story was originally reported by Daytime Confidential on May 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
