Latest from Metro
Metro
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Donkey Kong Bananza is Nintendo and gaming at its best - Reader's Feature
A reader is very impressed by Donkey Kong Bananza on the Nintendo Switch 2 and praises it for focusing on being a video game above all else. From the moment the game boots up, Donkey Kong Bananza feels like a celebration of everything Nintendo stands for: bold creativity, joyful chaos, and a deep respect for its own legacy. It's not just another platformer, it's a vibrant love letter to the spirit of play. The game doesn't try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it polishes it to a gleam and sends it rolling down a jungle hill with barrels flying and bongo beats thumping. It's Nintendo in full swing, embracing its roots while swinging forward with confidence. The character of Donkey Kong himself is emblematic of Nintendo's genius. He's not sleek or edgy, he's a big-hearted brute with a goofy grin and a penchant for bananas. And yet, he's iconic. In Bananza, his personality bursts through every animation, every sound effect, every triumphant chest pound. There's a tactile joy to his movement, a weight and rhythm that makes every jump and roll feel satisfying. Nintendo's mastery of feel is on full display here, and it's something few other developers can replicate. What makes Bananza shine is its level design. Each stage is a playground of surprises, packed with secrets, alternate paths, and clever environmental puzzles. The game trusts the player to explore, to experiment, to fail and try again. It's challenging without being punishing, whimsical without being shallow. There's a sense of craftsmanship in every vine swing and barrel blast, a deliberate layering of mechanics that rewards curiosity and skill. It's the kind of design that makes you smile not just because you succeeded, but because the journey was so much fun. The music is pure Nintendo magic. Infectious jungle rhythms, cheeky melodies, and atmospheric flourishes create a soundscape that's both nostalgic and fresh. It's the kind of soundtrack that sticks with you, that you hum while making toast or walking to the bus. It elevates the game's energy and reinforces its identity – playful, adventurous, and unmistakably Nintendo. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Multiplayer in Bananza is another triumph. The game fosters laughter and camaraderie and makes use of Game Chat in the most perfect way. It's chaotic in the best way, with moments of unexpected hilarity and clutch teamwork. Nintendo has always understood that games are better when shared and Bananza leans into that philosophy with gusto. It's a game that brings people together, whether they're seasoned gamers or just picking up a controller for the first time. But perhaps what makes Donkey Kong Bananza truly special is its heart. There's no cynicism here, no gritty realism or forced drama. It's pure joy, distilled into pixels and sound. It reminds us why we fell in love with games in the first place – not for high scores or achievements, but for the thrill of discovery, the delight of movement, the laughter of shared moments. Nintendo at its best doesn't just entertain, it uplifts. It creates worlds we want to live in, characters we want to root for, and experiences we want to revisit again and again. More Trending Bananza is a triumph not because it's perfect, but because it's unmistakably Nintendo. It's bold, it's silly, it's brilliant. And in every vine swing and banana hoard, it reminds us that play is a beautiful thing. By reader BaldB3lper The reader's features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro. You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@ or use our Submit Stuff page and you won't need to send an email. MORE: The best thing the PS6 can do is be less powerful than PS5 – Reader's Feature MORE: The standards for video game reviews need to be higher - Reader's Feature MORE: Zelda: The Wind Waker is still an amazing game that can inspire future sequels – Reader's Feature
Metro
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Daily horoscope: July 20, 2025 astrological predictions for your star sign
The Moon passes through Gemini and links with Uranus, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto in speedy succession – a cosmic collaboration of energy and inspiration. Aries, Gemini and Virgo, with this pattern of planetary alignment your mind might be running at top speed, sudden revelations and shifting spirits may catch you off guard. Remember, there's beauty in stillness, a slower pace might help you re-align. As impulsive energy tries to overpower logical thought, take time to slow down and consider your options, the most effective choices are the ones that resonate with your soul. Ahead, you'll find all the star signs' horoscopes for today Sunday 20, July 2025. Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox. To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit March 21 to April 20 As the Moon zips through Gemini, it links to four major planets in quick succession, so your mind may be buzzing. You'll be ready to make one or more decisions fast, but not too fast. That lightning bolt of brilliance might need vetting. Today's line-up is full of inspiration, but not every idea needs immediate action. The best decisions will not only feel exciting, but also right. Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries April 21 to May 21 Thoughts about money, values or security could shift suddenly. One minute you'll be budgeting, the next you may be booking a vacation. Inspiration is rich, but so is the potential for impulsiveness. The key? Stay curious but avoid making snap decisions. Let the ideas flow, but don't sign anything in ink or make a commitment to purchase that big ticket item, just yet. Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus May 22 to June 21 With the Moon moving through your sign and linking with Uranus, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto, your mind may be running at top speed. Insights and revelations are flying in thick and fast as the cosmos leaps into action. This is a day for gathering intelligence, not rushing decisions. Write it down, talk it out and let your thoughts marinate. Your genius needs room to stretch. Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini June 22 to July 23 Your thoughts and emotions may seem to jump from one scenario to another. You may also be wrestling with old shadows or buried dreams. Don't rush to make sense of it all just yet. This is a chance for quiet observation and for letting your intuition have its say. Something is stirring beneath the surface, so let the insights flow without forcing conclusions. Just trust yourself. Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer July 24 to August 23 Your social life could become very busy. Invites and intriguing people may swirl through your day, but don't be fooled by appearances alone. Uranus brings surprises, Neptune brings dreams, Saturn asks for substance and Pluto wants depth. A little discernment goes a long way, so chat, brainstorm and laugh. One golden thread could lead somewhere powerful. Follow that spark. Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo August 24 to September 23 You may be juggling ten priorities and twelve potential outcomes. Career questions, partnership dynamics, future dreams and everything else feels up for review. But don't try to solve it all today. Instead, take stock of any insights and reflect on them. You're getting a preview of what's possible, but patience is your secret power. Research all the factors before locking in your next move. Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo September 24 to October 23 Fascinating thoughts could fly in from every direction and some will be inspiring, some perplexing and a few might just change your perspective entirely. Today's cosmic mix asks you to expand your thinking without it affecting your balance. Be very curious, but you may be best holding off on a firm commitment just for now. A conversation, article or even a random daydream could yet spark something profound. Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra October 24 to November 22 Today, your emotional landscape is anything but dull. Deep thoughts, sudden insights and a few buried feelings might surface like fascinating twists in your personal mystery novel. Whether it's about money, trust or something unspoken, the cosmos is nudging you to explore beneath the surface. But don't rush to decode every signal, trust that you'll notice what needs to be seen. Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio November 23 to December 21 With the Moon in Gemini syncing with Uranus, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto, your day may be a total revelation. Expect sudden ideas, shifting moods and curious conversations. Relationships could reveal surprises, your work might demand focus, and your dreams may tread water. Something meaningful is trying to get your attention, but it will whisper rather than shout. Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius December 22 to January 20 You may feel like you're caught in a wind tunnel as your usual measured pace can ramp up to the extreme. Tasks multiply, priorities can suddenly shift, and your well-crafted plans take you in unexpected directions. New ideas may surface about how you manage your time, energy and goals. Something unusual yet practical might emerge if you allow yourself to think differently. Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn January 21 to February 19 With the Moon moving through airy Gemini and linking to Uranus, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto in the span of a few hours, your mental gears can be in overdrive. Conversations may take unexpected twists, and your perspective could shift several times. But try to pause amid all this activity. One of these ideas could be a game-changer, but only if you give it room to develop. Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius February 20 to March 20 More Trending Your inner world may be doing a delicate balancing act. Home, emotions and that active imagination of yours are buzzing with possibilities but also asking for clarity. One minute you're inspired to re-decorate your entire life, the next you're lost in a daydream about starting afresh somewhere completely new. There's wisdom in the chaos, so catch it gently, like stardust in your hands. Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces View More » Your daily horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page. MORE: Leo Season helps you glow up — your star sign's tarot horoscope forecast MORE: What's my horoscope for today? July 19, 2025 astrological predictions for your star sign MORE: What's my horoscope for today? July 18, 2025 astrological predictions for your star sign
Metro
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
Oleksandr Usyk's next fight quickly revealed as promoter confirms opponent
Oleksandr Usyk named a string of possible next opponents after knocking out Daniel Dubois on Saturday night, but it appears one man is at the front of the queue. Usyk (24-0) stopped Dubois (22-3) in the fifth round at Wembley after an entertaining, if quite brief, scrap for the undisputed world heavyweight title. The Brit started brightly and did manage to impose himself on the unbeaten champion, but Usyk's class and quality shone through. Dubois looked to be tiring pretty quickly and the Ukrainian ruthlessly put an end to his night in the fifth, dropping him and then stopping him with a brutal left hook. It was the second time Usyk has beaten Dubois, while he has also beaten Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua twice as well. The pound-for-pound great also beat Derek Chisora back in 2020, meaning his last opponent who was not a Brit was Chazz Witherspoon in Usyk's heavyweight debut in 2019. It now appears that he will take on non-British opponent, though, with New Zealand's Joseph Parker at the front of the line as the WBO mandatory challenger. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed to the BBC after Usyk stopped Parker: 'The WBO I'm sure, well they already have, ordered that as the WBO champion he has to make his mandatory defence against Joe Parker, so it's Joe Parker's time.' Usyk, who now holds the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight straps seemed less clear about his immediate future, suggesting he could meet former foes yet again. 'Maybe it's Tyson Fury. Maybe we have three options,' he said. 'Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua. Maybe Joseph Parker. Listen I cannot now say because I want to [go] back home.' He added: 'Nothing is next. It's enough, next, I don't know. I want to rest. My family, my wife, my children, I want to rest now. Two or three months, I want to just rest.' Parker (36-3) has won his last six fights , with impressive victories over Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakolie putting him in position to challenge the undisputed heavyweight king. The 33-year-old has been world champion before, winning the WBO strap in 2016 when he beat Andy Ruiz, before losing it to Joshua in Cardiff in March 2018. He was in attendance to watch Usyk remain at the top of the heavyweight pile but was clear that he wants the next shot at the champ. 'There's always respect between fighters but I do want what he has,' Parker told the BBC. 'He looked incredible tonight. Power aggression, punching with bad intentions. Daniel put up a great fight from the beginning, it was back and forth, but in the end Usyk broke him down systematically and got him out of there. More Trending 'Usyk is a sensational fighter who has beaten everyone put in front of him so I would love the opportunity to see if I could make the different. 'My dream fight is this guy right here. I want to fight for all the belts. Undisputed unified champion of the world is what I want.' Meanwhile, Fury has confirmed that he will come back from his latest retirement and fight again in 2026. MORE: Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2: Fight time, TV channel, undercard and odds MORE: The stats that show why Oleksandr Usyk could be untouchable against Daniel Dubois MORE: Daniel Dubois can eclipse Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua after making vital change
Metro
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Yellowstone star, 54, marries weather presenter fiancée, 34, in Vatican wedding
Yellowstone star Josh Lucas, 54, has tied the knot with his 34-year-old fiancée Brianna Ruffalo in the Vatican. The actor, known for his roles in films including Sweet Home Alabama and Ford v Ferrari, and weather presenter Brianna Ruffalo announced on Friday that they had said their vows at the official residence of the Pope in Rome, Italy. Brianna, who works for ABC7 in Los Angeles, captioned an Instagram carousel from their special day: 'Mr and Mrs Incredibly blessed to receive this sacrament together inside the heart of the Catholic Church and holy city.' She shared a selection of snaps from their ceremony inside one of the chapels, which showed Josh planting a kiss on her inside the church and photos of them posing outside the famous St Peter's Basilica. 'I love you! Easily one of the greatest days of my life. I am so so grateful,' Josh wrote in the comments section as others rushed to share their congratulations, including Brianna's ABC7 colleagues. He also shared photos on his account as he thanked people for who helped 'make the dream of wedding in the Vatican come true'. 'Congratulations my friend. This is the good stuff,' commented White Lotus star Walton Goggins while Oscar and Emmy-winning actress Alison Janney shared her good wishes and House of Cards' Michael Kelly added: 'Perfect!!! Congratulations yall!!!' Brianna gave a hint at what it entails to get married in the holy location – something only open to Catholic couples – in a follow-up post on Saturday evening, where she shared a gorgeous portrait of her and her husband posing on a balcony outside together in their wedding finery, heads together. 'We are grateful to the many people who helped us get to this moment in the Catholic Church,' she began. 'I am so thankful for Father Winters at the parish I grew up in, and Sister Angelica at the archdiocese of Los Angeles – as well as several others within the archdiocese. 'We also absolutely couldn't have done this without our stellar wedding planning team who coordinated with the Vatican. Thank you for making our wedding day so beautiful and easy.' Upon announcing their engagement last July, the American Psycho actor – who has recently delighted fans by portraying the young version of Kevin Costner's character John Dutton on smash-hit cowboy show Yellowstone – shared that he was 'grateful and thrilled' that Brianna had agreed to be his wife after he popped the question during a romantic Italian holiday. The happy couple, who had been together for almost two years, shared their news on Instagram, with a tearful Brianna laughing as she showed off her diamond ring while musicians played Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love. Josh captioned his post: 'For the last 2 years in every way and every day this beautiful soul has made me and my life better, deeper, and more whole. 'I am so grateful and thrilled she said 'Yes'. I WAY love you Brianna. Thank you to our families and all the people and places that made this come true. I am absolutely aware I got crazy lucky.' Meanwhile, Brianna said that accepting Josh's proposal was the 'easiest and best question' she'd ever answered. She wrote on her own page: 'Almost 2 years ago this fall, and with no expectations, Josh walked into my life… and we knew almost immediately we had each found our person in a way we've never experienced – on every level. This was the easiest and best question I've ever answered. So, here's to forever with my love, my best friend. I can't wait to keep living this life with you.' Josh was previously married to ex-wife Jessica Ciencin Henriquez, with whom he shares 13-year-old son Noah. The former couple were engaged six weeks after meeting in 2011, marrying in 2012 and then divorcing in 2014. More Trending He previously joked that Brianna is 'fully' on the side of Patrick Dempsey's character Andrew Hennings in his classic 2002 rom-com Sweet Home Alabama. The movie sees Reese Witherspoon's Melanie Smooter leave her fiancé Andrew for Josh's character Jake Perry at the end of the film. He told Entertainment Tonight: 'In [Brianna's] mind, she's like, 'But you're the guy that kind of ruined their relationship!' 'The funny thing is once she said that, all these people have come up to me and been like, 'Yeah, I was Team Patrick too.'' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Stranger Things fans 'figure out who's going to die' after season 5 trailer MORE: Emily Atack announces engagement to boyfriend Dr Alistair Garner with romantic holiday snap MORE: WWE star, 55, gets leg amputated after over 30 surgeries to save limb
Metro
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Two I'm A Celebrity legends 'set to return' for epic All Stars series
The I'm A Celebrity… South Africa all stars series is officially returning to ITV later in 2025—and not one but two legendary jungle stars are in talks to come back. Starting in 2024, I'm A Celebrity… South Africa reunites old campmates from the ITV game show. This time, however, they're trading the Australian jungle for the desert. Last series saw the likes of Shaun Ryder, Gillian McKeith, Helen Flanagan, Phil Tufnell, and Jordan Banjo giving up luxuries for a gruelling challenge once more. The competition was ultimately won by Myleene Klass, who had originally finished second during the show's sixth series almost 20 years ago… but now, two more famous faces are coming for her crown. According to reports, beloved King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp is close to signing on the dotted line with ITV bosses. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. As per The Sun, Harry, 78, who became the oldest-ever winner in 2018 and was paid £500,000 for his stint, will fly back out for round two in autumn before the series airs in the New Year. 'It's going to be a real coup,' a source told the paper. 'Harry is TV gold and was first on the list of wannabe celebrity contestants.' The football icon's win in the main series was watched by 11million people, with the nation reduced to tears as he was reunited with his wife, Sandra, on the bridge after, having frequently declared his love for her while in camp. Harry's first run for Jungle champ made him one of the programme's high earners, but the likes of Coleen Rooney and Nigel Farage still come out on top, having received a mega £1.5million for their signings. And Harry's people are remaining tight-lipped on his career plans currently, as a spokesperson for the sports star said in response to the rumours: 'This is speculation.' Meanwhile, there's another huge name already attached to the upcoming South Africa series… and it's Gemma Collins. The Towie star and TV personality, 44, is one of the most treasured personalities on British TV, and ITV is apparently hoping she'll boost viewing figures again this time around. Gemma infamously only managed three days in the Jungle when she was last on the show and made no secret of how much she hated every second. 'People who murder get treated better than this,' she famously said before quitting. 'That's the truth. Even a murderer gets fed three times a day.' Gemma's tears and tantrums gave social media a meme collection that still gets used today, so it's no surprise she's wanted back. A source told The Sun previously: 'She hated it first time round, but knows it would be TV gold for her fans if she gave it another go. 'The discussions could go either way, but signing her would be a huge win for execs.' For Gemma fans hoping she'll give I'm A Celebrity a second try, the recent rumours line up very nicely with comments the Dancing On Ice star made in 2019. Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show, she said: 'I will never forget getting the call. Looking back, I don't feel I was ready for that show. I was new to TV; I was the underdog on Towie. 'I wasn't the best-looking girl, I didn't have a model figure, I was this car girl from Romford selling cars. I was being put in the Jungle, and in hindsight, I wasn't ready for it.' She continued: I felt hugely out of my depth—I was petrified. If I was to go back now, I've got more experience. I've got a tougher skin now, and I think that's where the GC came into play. If they asked me back, yes, I'd go back.' Things didn't get off to a good start when Gemma went into the jungle in 2014, firstly refusing to parachute into camp with the rest of her teammates. She then withdrew due to panic attacks and later said that her ex-boyfriend, Alexander Moss, had 'severely beaten' her the night before she joined. The reality star said that ITV advised against her entering at first, but Gemma insisted she didn't want to waste the opportunity of a lifetime. Alexander, now 44, was eventually jailed for 21 months in 2019. More Trending Gemma told the Everything I Know About Me podcast: '[There was] all the embarrassment of like, you know what the TV programmes were saying, 'Gemma Collins left the Jungle, she was hungry, she was this.' And it wasn't my fault. 'I can remember lying in my flat where I lived and just thinking, I just want to die. I haven't done anything wrong. I've left the Jungle because of something that happened to me.' ITV has been contacted for comment. I'm a Celebrity… South Africa will return to ITV1 and ITVX early next year. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: 'One of the most important British dramas ever made' joins major streamer MORE: Jeremy Clarkson is launching 'ruthless' Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ITV spin-off series MORE: 'Sensational' sci-fi thriller now free to stream for the first time on ITVX
