Latest news with #FTL
The Verge
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Playdate's second season is off to a great (and very weird) start
A lot of games have been released for the Playdate since it launched in 2022, as a quick browse of or the Catalog shop will attest. But still, there's something unique about the handheld's seasonal format, which just kicked off its second iteration. When it first launched, the Playdate came with 24 games from notable indie developers that were steadily released on a weekly cadence, making a perfect introduction to the little yellow device and its crank. Now, a few years later, we finally have season 2, and it's off to a solid start — and it even includes a bizarre mystery. The new season runs for the next six weeks and totals a dozen games, two of which will drop each week. The entire collection will run you $39. To start, we have a pair of very different games. Fulcrum Defender, from FTL: Faster Than Light developer Subset Games, is sort of like a modern take on Asteroids. You control a little ship in the middle and fire guns at little squares flying toward you. The twist is that you use the crank to rotate the ship around and aim your shots. There's also something of a roguelike element, where you steadily unlock random upgrades like new weapons or a larger spread for your bullets. The goal is to last for 10 straight minutes. It's a pretty challenging game — so far, I've only really had success on easy mode — but it's also surprisingly chill, eliciting that sort of zen state that the best shooters and puzzle games can create. This is helped by its lo-fi soundtrack that pretty much demands you play with headphones on. It's an absorbing game. On the other end of the spectrum is Dig Dig Dino!, developed by Dom2D and Fáyer, who brag that the game 'is perfect to play while watching TV! No time pressure, no quick reflexes needed!' It's a puzzle game where you travel to different dig sites to uncover dinosaur bones, artifacts, and trash. You only have a limited amount of moves per dig, but you can upgrade your capacity over time — while also getting new tools to smash rocks or dig deeper — letting you dig both more and for longer. It's sort of like a really cute take on Minesweeper, one clearly designed for short play sessions. It's not exactly difficult, but there's still something satisfying about uncovering a large dinosaur bone when you're just about to run out of moves. These two games do a good job of showing the breadth of games possible on the Playdate; one is meant for quick bursts, the other for longer, more focused sessions. But the launch week package is rounded out by something a whole lot weirder. It's called Blippo Plus and, well, it's a series of TV channels you can flip between using the crank. Some are nothing but static, while others have giant FMV videos of strange TV shows or commercials. One show, called Tantric Computing, is nothing but closeup shots of someone using a computer mouse. Another, Werf's Tavern, is some kind of musical talk show. There's also a messaging tool and some kind of fax service. What's most interesting about Blippo Plus, though, isn't just that it's odd. It's also a mystery that seems like it will evolve over the course of the season. Playdate maker Panic says that 'Playdate season 2 owners should tune in weekly and make sure they are connected to WiFi when season 2 updates at 10 AM PT on Thursdays.' There are lots of other promising games planned for season 2, including the point-and-click adventure Shadowgate PD and whatever the heck Long Puppy and Tiny Turnip are. But an FMV mystery that unfolds over the course of weeks is something that's pretty unique to this format — and further evidence that the Playdate exists in its own parallel universe.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP condemns and denies role in ‘attack' on Karachi Bakery outlet
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has condemned and distanced itself from the 'attack' on a Karachi Bakery outlet in Shamshabad on the weekend. 'None of our party cadres were involved in the attack. Minister Seethakka should have verified facts before making allegations against our party. We don't indulge in such activities,' asserted former MLC N. Ramchander Rao on Monday. Addressing a press conference at the State office, the BJP leader said that at a time when party cadres have been participating in activities like holding prayers in the temples and supporting the armed forces for 'Operation Sindoor', it is not right to make baseless allegations without proper verification. 'Ransacking shops or attacking houses of political opponents is not part of our culture. It is the Congress and its leaders who have been threatening to lay siege to our party leaders and attack them,' he charged. Mr. Rao advised the ruling party activists not to provoke a confrontation with his partymen by resorting to such acts and warned them of consequences if they did so. Not fair, HYDRAA In a separate press conference, former vice president S. Malla Reddy and other leaders of Medchal-Malkajgiri, Rangareddy and Secunderabad Cantonment — B Srinivas, V. Srinivas Reddy, G. Bharat Goud and so on, objected to notices issued to two apartment complexes and a community hall built under the full tank level of Medigunta lake in Bachupally by the local MRO. 'While it is true these buildings have come up under FTL, people have been staying here for the last six years and are being told to vacate immediately. The flats were purchased only after civic infrastructure was provided, including internal roads, sewage, power and drinking water by the local municipal authority. Did HYDRAA — Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency, not state that 'old' structures will not be touched,' questioned Mr. Reddy. The party has always been fighting for the preservation of water bodies and protection of government lands but the interests of the common people should also be considered whenever drastic action like demolitions are taken up, he maintained. The BJP leaders also objected to the Congress leaders' criticism of Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender and making a vain bid to accost him at this house. The ruling party leaders were advised to focus on policies and issues desisting from using unparliamentary language against fellow politicians.
CairoScene
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
NEW IN: Egyptian RTW Label FTL Launches with ‘Rebirth' Collection
In fashion, the concept of reinvention is nothing new. Trends resurface, silhouettes evolve, and designers are constantly tuning their creative language. But for FTL, the Egyptian brand founded by siblings Youssef and Laila Rashed, reinvention is personal. Their collection, 'Rebirth,' might be their debut, but it also stands for the concept of a fresh start. 'Rebirth is a common phrase used for collections in the fashion industry, but for us, it meant a second chance,' Youssef Rashed says. 'A second chance of rebranding ourselves, and a second chance at doing something we're passionate about.' FTL, short for Form The Label, says it all. 'Our aesthetic is embedded in our name— Form The Label. In fashion, form is everything.' After navigating the fashion industry from different angles—Laila Rashed with a background in fashion studies, Youssef Rashed with hands-on experience through his modelling—the duo came together with one vision: to create clothes that honour structure, fit, and individuality. 'FTL idolises perfection so we asked ourselves: what does perfection mean in fashion? The answer we kept coming back to was simple—nothing feels better than an outfit that fits just right and flatters effortlessly.' The Muse: The collection borrows heavily from the '70s and '90s fashion codes, merging clean, architectural lines with body-conscious fits. 'Our approach is all about movement; how fabric interacts with the body, rather than just sitting on it,' Laila, the head designer, shares. 'The silhouettes are designed to flow organically, sculpting to the wearer's form rather than restricting it.' They focused on a cinched fit and sharp shoulder cuts, elements that enhance natural posture and movement rather than working against them. 'Achieving this required a lot of research– careful selection of fabrics and precise tailoring.' For the set design and makeup, FTL drew inspiration from American designer Kody Phillips' latest collection, but they wanted to take it a step further. 'Instead of a traditional, polished lookbook, we leaned into discomfort—intentionally awkward poses, a sense of unease,' Youssef, who directed the shoot, explains. 'It was an unusual direction, asking models to give us uncertainty rather than confidence, but that tension is exactly what we wanted for the visuals.' Youssef pulled from a range of influences, from global designers like KidSuper and Kody Philips , to bands like Catfish and the Bottlemen . For Rebirth, his main inspiration was the British cult series Misfits , a show he clung to during the isolating days of the Covid-19 lockdown in Newcastle. 'The themes of displacement, rebellion, and trying to find where you belong resonated with me so deeply; to the point where I felt like I was living a parallel experience,' he reveals. That raw, restless energy—moody, edgy, and unapologetic—became the heartbeat of the shoot. Behind the Concept: Shot in a stark, clinical space with blood-splattered walls and scattered luggage, the visuals echo themes of displacement and belonging. The models pose with a controlled sense of defiance—sometimes standing tall, sometimes slouched or contorted—as if caught between breaking free and staying put. Youssef draws inspiration from the idea of the 'misfit'—someone who doesn't conform, someone who exists on the edges of convention. 'I wanted them to look like they didn't belong,' he explains. The styling leans into this narrative, with messy braids, kohl-rimmed eyes, and sculptural hairstyles that almost look like armor. There's a rawness to the way these models inhabit the clothes. 'My goal was to highlight the struggle of not fitting in—whether due to individuality, personal traits, or simply not conforming to societal expectations. I wanted to use clothing as a lens to examine cultural behaviors and the way we navigate belonging.' The Collection Dissected: At first glance, FTL's silhouettes are stark and striking with razor-sharp silhouettes and slightly-exaggerated proportions. Structured blazers and trench coats hold their shape, contrasted by softly draped fabrics like draped wool shawls and raw-cut suedes, that mimic movement. 'Minimalism might be the new way of luxury in the contemporary fashion world,' Youssef shares. Take the Apollo Coat, for example, a hybrid trench that transforms into a cropped jacket. The collection also introduces textures that feel almost primal—suede mini dresses, oversized ponchos with cascading fringe, and a burgundy wrap jacket with exaggerated shoulders and Western-style fringes. Tailoring takes centre stage, but it's never rigid; instead, it molds to the body. Cinched waists, elongated trousers, and sharp-shouldered jackets ground the collection in precision. Earthy tones dominate the palette, which aligns with FTL's principle of wearable, long-lasting fashion. Deep burgundies, charcoal, and rich browns anchor the pieces, and cool-toned neutrals like beige and greys provide balance. 'These foundational hues give an upbeat kick to the collection. To us, the right colours make all the difference—they're what turn a piece from lifeless to timeless,' Laila unveils. The Collection in Three Words: 'Structured, eternal, and bold,' says Laila. How to Style it: The Designers Suggest: 'When it comes to styling, we always consider proportions and elements like the weather—how a piece adapts to different settings,' Laila says. For structured outerwear, layering is key. Their coats pair effortlessly with straight-leg jeans or wide trousers, anchored with a neutral base like a fitted top or crisp button-down. Throw on black boots and gold statement jewelry for a look that feels polished yet effortless. 'Some pieces speak for themselves and need little styling. Take the Dorothy Dress —just add gold earrings and brown or black boots, and you're set.' 'The All the Ways Vest and Valorant Pants can take you from a boardroom-ready corporate look to something more relaxed, depending on how you accessorize,' Youssef suggests. 'Some of our items are also unisex such as our HR Coat and our Valorant Pants .' For off-duty days, the Kurrfew Set is all about ease—just throw on sneakers and minimal accessories, and you're good to go. Scene Styled Suggests: Gevril | GV2 Milan Diamond Women's Watch Gianvito Rossi | 45 suede knee-high boots Toteme | T-Lock Suede Top Handle Tobacco Fyne Jewellery | Gaia Long Drop Diamond Necklace The Collection's Stand-Out Pieces: While working on the Fall/Winter '25 collection, Laila found herself reflecting on her university days in London—back when she was experimenting with fabrics and patterns, figuring out her design voice. One of her favourite pieces in the Rebirth lineup is the HR coat, a hybrid between a blazer and a coat. The inspiration? Watching Brits in the underground layer suit jackets under coats, effortlessly merging structure with practicality. 'Another one of my favourites is the Bonnie & Clyde Set,' she reveals. A tweed two-piece, this set channels the Gatsby-era but reworks it into something modern and sharp. The sleeveless vest and structured shorts read polished but unfussy. What's Next for FTL? 'The blood splatter was a subtle hint—almost like an Easter egg—foreshadowing our next collection.' The brand is already looking ahead, teasing its first exclusive menswear collection, set to debut in Spring/Summer 2025. 'It's time to give men their flowers and to do that, FTL is expanding by creating its first exclusive men's collection for SS'25.' In The Words of Youssef Rashed…. 'What we wanted to convey with 'Rebirth' is simple::you always get a second chance.' The Verdict: FTL understands that power dressing isn't about excess—it's about precision. The brand's value of 'form' makes an appearance with every piece, from coats that cinch at the waist and flare at the hem, to sets that accentuate the natural movement of the body. After all, if fashion is a second skin, shouldn't it fit like it was made for you?
