De La Soul appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to perform a medley of ‘Run It Back’ and ‘The Package’, two songs from their new album Cabin in the Sky. Watch it happen below.
Cabin in the Sky, the group’s first album in nine years, arrived last Friday. It marks their first LP since the death of David “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur, who passed away unexpectedly in 2023.
The Notwist have announced a new album called News From Planet Zombie. The follow-up to 2021’s Vertigo Days is set for release on May 13, 2026. It’s led by the single ‘X-Ray’, which is as nervy as it is twinkly. Check it out and find the album cover below.
“The river here in Munich I often go to has been there forever and will be there long after us,” Markus Acher said in a press release. “Always the same but always changing. Very calming, but also always reminding me that like this river time only flows into one direction and you can’t go back. Every moment is very precious.”
News From Planet Zombie Cover Artwork:
News From Planet Zombie Tracklist:
1. Teeth
2. X-Ray
3. Propeller_
4. Red Sun
5. The Turning
6. Snow
7. Silver Lines
8. Who We Used to Be
9. How the Story Ends
10. Projectors
11. Like This River
Music is one of the most powerful tools in gaming. It sets the mood, supports the story, and makes moments more memorable. From quiet background sounds to loud battle tracks, music helps shape the way we experience games.
Let’s take a closer look at how sound and play work together across different gaming styles.
Every great game starts with the right atmosphere. Music plays a big role in this. In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the soft and mysterious music at the start lets players know they’re about to go on an adventure. It feels magical right away.
Games like Halo do something similar but on a larger scale. That famous choir music gives a sense of something epic. It tells players they’re stepping into something big.
Even smaller indie games use sound to pull players in. Journey is a great example. Its music changes depending on what the player is doing. This makes the game feel alive, even without dialogue.
Each game genre uses music in its own way. In fast-action games like Doom Eternal, the music is loud and intense. Heavy metal plays during fights to get your heart racing. It matches the gameplay perfectly.
On the other hand, role-playing games like Final Fantasy VII use softer melodies. These songs help tell the story and bring out emotions. Players still remember Aerith’s Theme because it played during a key moment in the game. That music is tied to the memory.
Puzzle and rhythm games also rely on sound. Games like Tetris Effect and Lumines mix music with gameplay. The beats line up with player actions, making everything feel smooth and connected.
Some games use dynamic or adaptive music. This means the music changes while you play. It reacts to your actions in real time.
In Red Dead Redemption 2, the soundtrack shifts as you move through the world. Riding through peaceful lands? The music is soft. In the middle of a gunfight? It becomes tense and loud.
The Witcher 3 does something similar. Each area has its own sounds. When a battle starts, the music builds up. When it ends, it fades away. These changes feel natural and help keep players immersed in the world.
Some game music sticks with us long after we’ve finished playing. Classic games like Super Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda have music that almost everyone recognizes. These simple tunes bring back strong memories.
Modern games continue this trend. Pokémon games often reuse old songs in new versions. They update the sound while keeping the original melody. This creates a feeling of nostalgia for longtime fans.
There are also music-based games where sound is the main focus. In Guitar Hero and Beat Saber, you play along with the music. The game is all about rhythm and timing.
Not every game is long or story-heavy. Many players enjoy casual games that only last a few minutes. These games still use music to keep things fun and fresh.
Crossy Road has light, cheerful music that makes it feel playful. Monument Valley uses relaxing piano music to match its puzzle-solving pace.
Even online casino slots use music to enhance the player’s experience. For example, in Gonzo’s Quest, the adventurous soundtrack reinforces the lost‑city theme and deepens immersion. Another title, Big Bass Bonanza, pairs cheerful fishing‑themed music with bright visuals to create a light‑hearted mood.
These games often match bright visuals with upbeat sound effects. The music helps create a theme, whether it’s ancient Egypt, outer space, or a jungle. It keeps the player engaged and fits the tone without being overwhelming.
Sometimes, silence is used instead of music. Horror games do this well. In Amnesia: The Dark Descent, long, quiet moments build tension. You’re waiting for something to happen, and the silence makes it worse.
Inside, a dark platform game, also uses very little music. It relies on natural sounds like footsteps and wind. This choice makes the world feel lonely and strange.
Silence can be powerful. It makes players pay attention to every small sound.
In games that focus on story, music supports the emotional parts. Life is Strange uses indie songs during calm scenes. This helps players connect with the character’s feelings.
To the Moon is another great example. It has a soft piano soundtrack that adds weight to its story. The music helps players feel what the characters feel. It makes the experience more touching.
Entryways are exposed to dirt, moisture, and heavy foot traffic daily. Protecting these spaces requires thoughtful choices in floor coverings. Carpeted mats offer a practical solution, promoting cleaner interiors and reducing maintenance needs. Selecting the right matting makes a notable difference in both appearance and function.
An entryway is an area that acts as the first line of defense against the outside world. If left unchecked, dirt, dust, and water can get in. These mats reduce airborne particles that would otherwise find their way onto floors, making them both dirtier and less safe. Minimized tracked-in debris can also lengthen the life of your interiors and save money in the long run. You should evaluate exactly how carpeted mats add a professional look while extending the life of flooring surfaces.
Mats with carpet are better at absorbing moisture and catching dirt. These mats have fibres in them that trap bad things that come from shoes, unlike a bare floor. This feature eliminates the ground for slip-and-fall situations and keeps the entrance looking clean. The added cushion that runners provide also translates to the feel of the entry, and many people enjoy having that subtle lift underfoot.
There are numerous components to consider when choosing your mat. Effectiveness is determined by size, backing material, thickness, and design. Bigger mats cover more ground and can catch dirt more quickly. The anti-skid backings enable the mats to stay in place, preventing them from sliding on the surface during use. A heavier mat will retain more moisture and dirt and is best suited for areas with the highest foot traffic.
Carpeted mats are made from a variety of materials. Here, we look at their characteristics. Nylon mats: Long-lasting and simple to clean. Versions made from polyester are resistant to stains and fade less easily, making them suitable for everyday use. The polypropylene choices dry quickly and resist mold and mildew, making them ideal for wetter climates. To make things last and work well, you must use the right material.
Creating the right first impression, especially at entry points, is important. Various colors, patterns, and textures are available for carpeted mats. A carefully chosen design can blend seamlessly into an existing décor, enhancing its welcoming nature. Others have raised patterns that scrape dirt out of shoes but have a little more visual interest.
Cleaning regularly is the best way to maintain these mats in excellent condition. Carpeted mats can be vacuumed most easily, which involves removing dirt from the fibers. Regular washing with a soft detergent restores their appearance and functionality to their original state. Allowing the mat to dry completely prevents mold and bad odors. Regular maintenance ensures the longevity of these essential items.
Safety remains the primary concern in entryway design. Slippery or unclean flooring can result in slips and falls. Mats made from carpet provide traction, which minimizes the risk of accidents. Mats with sloped edges reduce the risk of tripping and give a more seamless transition from one surface to another. Additionally, be vigilant for signs that a mat has deteriorated and requires replacement.
For many households and businesses, sustainable choices have become a crucial consideration. Certain mats with carpeting utilize nimble materials or environmentally friendly production techniques. These alternatives help reduce waste and conserve resources. It is possible to perform well and stay in tune with the broader sustainability agenda by selecting eco-friendly products.
Carpeted mats have the greatest impact when placed correctly. Most dirt comes in on your shoes; a large mat is a great way to catch it before it enters your home. A second mat just inside the door acts as a bit of a wet-weather buffer, flipping between the tiled porch and the carpeted interior. The higher the likelihood of trapping dirt or moisture, the better. Having mats over the main walking path is crucial.
They are quite an investment initially, but you will save a lot in the long run. Durable mats need to be replaced less often, removing slush from shoes that would otherwise add to cleaning costs on interior floors. Taking into account the purchase price and the subsequent savings is the way to make the best decision. Investing more money in the beginning can save you both hassle and money in the long run.
Selecting a reputable mat supplier ensures the quality of your products. Pick providers with good reviews who can clearly explain what’s best for their clients. Others have the option of a custom-made product, allowing for a special size or design. A reliable service and comprehensive warranty also ensure peace of mind with your purchase.
It all begins with the proper carpeted mat at your entryways to keep your interior safe. They do a fantastic job of trapping dirt inside the mat, controlling moisture, and enhancing safety, making them a must-have at any entryway. A strategic choice of size, texture, and placement yields a better outcome. That kind of consistent care will allow mats to continue performing as intended, not only keeping the inside of a facility cleaner but also making the entranceways safer for every individual who crosses a threshold.
With hundreds of online casinos available, players often struggle to identify platforms that are both trustworthy and rewarding. CasinosAnalyzer simplifies this process by providing clear, data-driven comparisons that highlight differences in licensing, game offerings, bonuses, and security measures. By analyzing these factors, CasinosAnalyzer empowers users to make informed choices that maximize entertainment while minimizing risk.
Players gain access to detailed insights, including practical evaluations of wagering requirements, payout systems, and platform reliability. This knowledge allows them to quickly distinguish between casinos that deliver genuine value and those that may compromise their experience. Through its comprehensive, transparent approach, CasinosAnalyzer ensures that every decision in online gambling is smarter, safer, and more enjoyable.
For players looking to get started without a significant investment, many trusted casinos now offer an introductory bonus of €10. This small, risk-free starting amount allows users to explore games, experience the platform, and test the bonus mechanics firsthand, all while benefiting from the guidance and analysis provided by CasinosAnalyzer. It’s a practical way to begin enjoying online casinos with minimal financial commitment.
A major challenge for players comparing online casinos is determining whether a platform is legitimate and secure. CasinosAnalyzer addresses this by thoroughly assessing casino reliability, including licensing credentials from authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, and Gibraltar Regulatory Authority. By verifying that each casino complies with strict legal and operational standards, CasinosAnalyzer ensures that users can safely engage with platforms that follow established regulations.
Beyond licensing, CasinosAnalyzer examines security protocols, including encryption methods, secure payment options, and data protection practices. Players are given transparent information about how casinos safeguard personal and financial details, which is crucial for confident engagement. The platform also monitors user feedback and complaint histories to highlight recurring issues such as delayed payouts, restricted withdrawals, or problematic bonus conditions. Key reliability and security factors evaluated by CasinosAnalyzer include:
By providing clear comparisons of reliability and security, CasinosAnalyzer helps players distinguish trustworthy casinos from risky operators. Users can make informed decisions based on verified data rather than flashy promotions or marketing hype, creating a safer and more confident online gambling experience.
Online casino bonuses vary widely, and understanding their real value is essential for making informed comparisons. CasinosAnalyzer simplifies this process by thoroughly evaluating promotions, including deposit bonuses, free spins, loyalty rewards, and game-specific offers. The platform examines critical factors such as wagering requirements, cashout limits, eligible games, and expiration periods to reveal which promotions deliver genuine value and which could lead to disappointment or wasted effort.
For example, a 200% deposit bonus with a 40x wagering requirement may initially seem more appealing than a 100% bonus, but the smaller offer could actually be more achievable, practical, and financially reasonable. CasinosAnalyzer highlights these nuances clearly, giving players the information they need to choose bonuses that align with their gaming style, goals, and bankroll management strategy.
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By presenting these comparisons in a structured, evidence-based format, CasinosAnalyzer transforms bonus evaluation into a strategic and reliable part of casino comparison. Players can confidently prioritize offers that maximize entertainment and potential returns. For further insights and updates, users can follow CasinosAnalyzer on LinkedIn, where the platform shares verified information on the latest promotions, bonus analyses, and casino reviews.
A critical factor in casino comparisons is the fairness and quality of games. CasinosAnalyzer evaluates game providers, software certifications, and return-to-player (RTP) statistics to provide transparent insights into gameplay integrity. Reputable developers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, and Yggdrasil are analyzed through independent testing agencies such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI, confirming that slot machines, table games, and live casino offerings operate without bias and that outcomes are genuinely random.
Beyond verifying software, CasinosAnalyzer monitors reported anomalies or irregularities, including delayed payouts, malfunctioning RNGs, or software glitches. By documenting these findings, the platform helps players avoid casinos with questionable fairness or inconsistent performance. RTP data, combined with historical game performance, allows users to set realistic expectations, plan their strategies, and reduce impulsive or emotionally driven betting.
CasinosAnalyzer also examines game variety and quality, highlighting platforms that offer engaging experiences across multiple genres. Users can identify casinos that balance fairness with entertainment, ensuring that gameplay remains enjoyable while maintaining integrity. By combining objective metrics, verified user feedback, and thorough provider analysis, CasinosAnalyzer equips players with the knowledge needed to compare casinos effectively. This approach guarantees that the platforms players choose provide both fair outcomes and high-quality gaming experiences, fostering trust and confidence in every session.
Last night, the world witnessed the most extravagant event ever hosted by Earth’s newest and most mysterious ultra-elite club: The Billiponaires — a group so wealthy they don’t even count money anymore; they simply weigh it.
Held in a private floating palace hovering somewhere above Monaco (location shared only via encrypted carrier pigeon), the party promised “a night of pure decadence, minimal clothing, and maximum liability.” And oh boy, it delivered.
Forget limos. Forget yachts. Every guest arrived on the back of a genetically-modified alpaca wearing diamond horseshoes, guided by butlers trained at a secret hospitality academy in the Swiss Alps.
Upon arrival, attendees were handed a glass of champagne infused with “the tears of people who didn’t invest in Bitcoin early.”
A warm start.
The main ballroom — wider than Wembley and taller than the ego of a tech bro who just discovered intermittent fasting — was covered in:
And positioned at every corner?
Large confetti cannons so powerful they were classified as artillery in two countries.
These were not ordinary party cannons. They launched a glitter-gold mix at such velocity that guests described the experience as “being punched in the face by joy.”
No other event features:
At one point, a performer dressed as a giant tax return form walked through the crowd silently judging people. It was art. Or perhaps trauma. Hard to tell.
The food selection was curated by a chef who refuses to work with ingredients that cost less than £200 per gram.
Highlights included:
For guests wanting something “simple,” a 3-Michelin-star grilled cheese station was available, but only to those who could correctly pronounce “croque monsieur” backwards.
Rather than goodie bags, the Billiponaires offered each guest a “Go Home Richer” pack.
Inside:
One guest described it best:
“It’s the only party where you come for the vibe and leave with enough precious metal to accidentally collapse a small economy.”
At midnight, guests gathered for the highly-anticipated finale.
The lights dimmed.
The crowd hushed.
A voice echoed:
“PLEASE LOOK UP.”
And in that moment, the ceiling opened — revealing a sky-full of drones spelling out:
“THE PARTY IS OVER. PLEASE EXIT VIA THE CHAMPAGNE SLIDE.”
Because of course, the exit was a massive slide coated in rosé, delivering guests back to their alpacas for a final, soft-hooved goodbye.
It was opulence. It was excess.
It was the kind of event that made the Met Gala look like an Aldi opening.
And rumors already swirl about the next one — allegedly taking place on Mars, featuring real meteor showers and llamas genetically altered to speak French.
If you weren’t there…
Honestly, it’s probably for the best. Your retinas might not survive that much gold.
In the competitive landscape of filmmaking, the pursuit of artistic vision often clashes with the stark realities of limited budgets. Yet, for Los Angeles-based producer Zhiyan Li, this challenge is not a deterrent but a fertile ground for innovation. With a rich background blending Eastern aesthetics and Western narrative structure, Li has carved a niche for herself by producing compelling, visually distinct films that resonate deeply, often with remarkably modest financial backing. Her philosophy centers on strategic planning, creative collaboration, and a deep understanding of how to translate directorial intent into achievable, cost-effective execution.
Li’s most profound lesson in low-budget filmmaking came during the production of the micro-short film, Liminal. Shot in a single day with a crew of fewer than ten individuals, the project demanded an extraordinary level of resourcefulness. “The lowest budget I’ve worked with was on a micro–short film, Liminal, that had to be shot in a single day with a team of under ten people,” Li explains. “Even with extremely limited resources, we still achieved a polished visual tone through careful planning, minimal but expressive lighting, and designing every shot around what we could realistically execute.”
This very experience, she notes, fundamentally reshaped her approach to all subsequent low-budget endeavors. “That experience shaped the way I approach all low-budget projects now: by leaning into simplicity, clarity of intention, and creative restraint rather than trying to imitate large-scale productions.”
The success of Liminal wasn’t a matter of luck, but meticulous planning and a deep commitment to collaborative spirit. Li elaborates on the pragmatic strategies employed: “On LIMINAL, most of the work was driven directly by the director (Jiaying Jing) and myself, and our total cash spending was very low. To make it possible, we minimized fixed costs and maximized collaboration.”
Resource acquisition was a key focus. “We secured additional equipment support through small grants and sponsorships, which allowed us to access higher-quality camera and lighting gear without paying rental rates.”
Beyond equipment, Li recognized the power of human capital. “We then pitched the project to crew members who resonated with the story’s themes, inviting people who were genuinely excited about the film rather than assembling a large team,” she said.
This helped cultivate a dedicated, motivated film crew, despite the budget. “Our own motivation helped inspire a focused, efficient environment where everyone contributed beyond their job title.”
Visually, the film’s aesthetic was deliberately shaped to fit the budget. “By shaping the visual style around handheld movement and naturalistic lighting, we avoided expensive setups while still achieving a distinctive look.” The synergy of these elements – “creative planning, community support, and resourceful execution,” notes Li – proved to be the winning formula for Liminal.
Li’s ability to guide directors through the financial constraints of independent filmmaking is a testament to her communication and problem-solving skills. Her approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the director’s vision and a practical translation of that vision into actionable steps. “I translate their creative vision into concrete, achievable actions,” Li said.
The process begins with a clear understanding of priorities. “We clarify what must be protected—tone, performance, key visuals—and what can adapt.” This leads to offering economical alternatives without sacrificing artistic integrity.
“I present cost-conscious alternatives such as consolidating locations, simplifying blocking, or using visual strategies that preserve emotion without additional spending,” she said. Transparency throughout the production process is paramount. “Throughout prep and production, I keep communication transparent so directors understand how each decision affects the budget. This alignment lets them stay creative without risking overspending.”
Fundraising for independent films is an ever-evolving challenge, and Li has employed a diverse range of tactics to secure necessary capital. She acknowledges the multifaceted nature of funding: “I’ve used a mix of private investors, small-scale crowdfunding, and strategic grant applications,” she said.
Crucial to this process is a compelling pitch. “I am used to building pitch decks that highlight a project’s festival potential, themes, and achievable scope.”
Networking and community engagement play a significant role. “Relationships with film programs, alumni communities, and local arts organizations often open unexpected doors.” Perhaps most importantly, Li advocates for a flexible and adaptive approach to production planning.
While not a primary focus, Li has also explored the potential of sponsorships and product placement, particularly in smaller-scale projects. “For small projects, I’ve collaborated with local businesses who provided props, wardrobe items, or locations in exchange for credit or visibility,” she said. This demonstrates a pragmatic approach to securing resources, leveraging community partnerships for mutual benefit.
Zhiyan Li is dedicated to women-focused film narratives. Her unique cross-cultural storytelling perspective, honed through an MFA from ArtCenter College of Design and academic experiences in China and South Korea, inform her production methodology. Her work on critically acclaimed shorts like Ligeia (a gothic reinterpretation of Poe), Liminal (a fusion of Eastern and Western visual sensibilities), and Fragile (a psychological drama exploring perception) showcases her ability to achieve distinct visual tones and emotional depth even within budgetary constraints.
Li’s recent foray into the burgeoning vertical TV drama format, producing high-engagement series for platforms like Drama Box and ShortMax, further highlights her adaptability and mastery of diverse storytelling ecosystems.
As Zhiyan Li continues to champion new cross-cultural and female-led projects, her approach to filmmaking remains a powerful testament to the fact that compelling cinema is not solely dependent on lavish budgets, but on the ingenuity, vision, and collaborative spirit of its creators. “The most important thing is adjusting the production plan to match realistic funding levels, rather than waiting for ideal circumstances—momentum often attracts additional support,” said Li.
Film stills courtesy of Liminal.
Olivier Leger is an ocean wildlife artist based in the UK. His intricately detailed paintings and drawings tell stories of our ocean from around the world, inviting people to explore both the artwork and our connection with our blue planet. His art is informed by research trips, scuba diving and collaborations with international conservation groups, and has toured in shows across the UK.
From a young age I found it easier to make sense of the world through drawing rather than words. Over time, the things that were on my mind – our natural world, our place in it – started to show up in my drawings.
That curiosity about how all life on Earth is connected gradually pulled me towards the ocean. We live on a blue planet: the ocean covers around 70% of the Earth’s surface, yet over 80% of it remains unexplored. The more I learnt about marine ecology and ocean systems, the more it turned my understanding of the world on its head. You’ve got these bizarre creatures, strange phenomena like underwater lakes and siphonophores – it’s like science fiction, but real – an alien world right here on our planet!
My work now is really about that feeling of wonder but also concern. I create intricately detailed drawings and paintings that celebrate life in our oceans, draw attention to the threats they face, and highlight the work being done to protect our blue planet.
My paintings are super detailed images of ocean life and they’re certainly meant to be enjoyed as that! But also behind each piece there might be my first-hand experiences as a diver, or conversations with scientists and communities connected to a particular marine environment.
‘Behind the artwork’ videos are a way of sharing those stories. As well as being something to enjoy, the artwork can also be a doorway into a bigger conversation about the ocean and our relationship with it.
Many people in the UK don’t realise we have seagrass meadows just off our shores, let alone how much we’ve lost – myself included just a couple of years ago.
Seagrass is a flowering plant that grows in shallow coastal waters. Project Seagrass and North Wales Wildlife Trust showed me how vital these meadows are to us all, and introduced me to their work conserving and protecting what remains.
I wanted to tell a story through a painting that could help raise awareness and reduce the gap between how important this habitat is and how overlooked and underreported it is.
The seahorse became the perfect main character for this painting. Again, many people don’t realise that the UK is home to two species of seahorse, and one of them depends on seagrass to survive. People love these charismatic, iconic animals, so by putting a seahorse front and centre, covered in seagrass and surrounded by all the life it supports, she becomes an ambassador for seagrass.
Getting out of the studio and into a wetsuit in the Irish Sea was brilliant. I helped collect and plant seagrass seeds around North Wales alongside volunteers from the community. Seagrass restoration is muddy, hopeful work. It’s people on a beach, in any weather, measuring the length of seagrass blades because they care about what these meadows mean for their coast.
Being part of that process shaped the painting. Ambassador became a way of reflecting the biodiversity, people and places I’d met along the way – from the brilliant young people of the North Wales Wildlife Trust’s Ocean Rescue Champions to scientists like Russell Connelly, a PhD researcher at the University of Essex who studies UK seahorses and pioneering ways to detect them – because it turns out they’re really tricky to spot in their seagrass home!
The angel of death in Ambassador is dragging a chain across the seagrass. Seagrass meadows are full of life – they support such beautiful biodiversity and provide benefits for people and nature – but they’re disappearing because of pollution, coastal development, and anchoring or dredging damaging the seabed.
Elsewhere in the piece you see hope such as advanced mooring systems – a simple solution that ligs the chain up to prevent damage.
The details in the painting reflect where we are right now – somewhere between loss and possibility.
Restoring and protecting our natural world will require lots of different approaches. Art is one tool among many, alongside science, community action, policy and more. Science can tell us what is happening and why; art can help people feel why it matters to them.
It can help make an invisible habitat like seagrass feel real. Ambassador now helps share seagrass with lots of people – I’ve shown it on a beach, at a festival, at art exhibitions and online – sparking curiosity and raising awareness.
If art can help people see our blue planet and their connection with it a little differently, and feel that they have a stake in its future, then it becomes a small but useful part of the wider work of restoration.
Explore the details in Ambassador with the artist in this short video.
You might think finishing Kirby Air Riders’ story mode is the end of the road, but the game actually has a hidden true ending that only unlocks after you fully complete the campaign and enter New Game Plus. There’s already plenty to do and unlock in Kirby Air Riders, and even its main story mode, Road Trip, offers a surprisingly fun story for a racing game. Getting the game’s first ending is a pretty standard affair, as all you need to do is complete the 11th stage, defeat the final boss, and win a race against Nova Dedede. However, if you are looking for something extra, Kirby Air Riders’ true ending offers a tougher challenge and some (more) grinding. Here’s how you can unlock the true ending in Kirby Air Riders.
To get the true ending in Kirby Air Riders, you’ll have to first beat the Road Trip story mode and unlock New Game Plus. This is so because the game’s true ending only becomes available when you’ve collected all 22 Machines, several of which turn up only on specific routes. After unlocking New Game Plus, you can collect all of the Machines you haven’t collected yet, since the mode will highlight paths with yet to be collected Machines. Then, simply defeat the Final Boss in New Game Plus to access Stage 12 Journey’s End, which is also the mode’s hidden final stage.
Journey’s End plays as a boss rush level and your Machine will automatically be swapped for the Legendary Machine, Leo. You will have to duke it out against Galactic Nova in a two-phase battle that basically has you dodging attacks and striking his weak point when it opens. Completing Journey’s End with Leo will unlock the full true ending.
If you manage to complete over 140 checklist boxes, you will also unlock additional rewards, including Noir Dedede as a playable character and Leo as a Machine.
Once a year theatrics get a dress code, and that’s called the Met Gala. And it’s approaching, which means New York’s oxygen levels are about to be 50% hairspray and 50% anticipation. Creativity goes feral. Stylists stop sleeping, designers enter survival mode, celebrities start writing down their “vision talks”, and the internet prepares itself as the global judging panel. Everyone’s aiming for the sky, or at least the top shelf of the archive.
So, just in case you’re living under a rock, the Met Gala, born in 1948 and now held every first Monday of May, is a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and fashion’s favorite event. For 2026, the date is May 4, feel free to take a note. Basically it’s all prayers to be on the good side of Anna Wintour. Everyone wants the invite, few get it, and the rest watch as brands and designers purchase a minimum of $75000 tickets to secure their table and dress their favorite celebrities and muses, pending approval from Wintour herself. And the lengths people go to catch a glimpse behind that carpet! For most, the only extra content is a bathroom selfie or two, bless you Kim K. It’s a night for exclusivity, couture, and panic, while the rest of the world scrolls and watches from a distance.
Think of the Met Gala as the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition’s premiere. The Gala’s theme is always flirting with the exhibition, they are sort of superglued together. So is every guest’s look with the concept. Every outfit’s goal is to embody it, or at least try. The whole thing shapes the industry for a moment, it affects trends, social media, your favorite campaigns, and designers pulling from art, history and culture. But don’t get it twisted, theme and dress code are two very different things and announced in very different times. Trying to stay on both is basically performance art, which is exactly what makes the night so popcorn-worthy.
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The most judged red carpet isn’t always red, and this year’s theme is “Costume Art”. Curator in charge Andrew Bolton told Vogue that the exhibition looks into “the centrality of the dressed body in the museum’s vast collection,” with more than 5000 years of art sitting pretty across the Met. “It’s the common thread throughout the whole museum, which is really what the initial idea for the exhibition was, this epiphany: I know that we’ve often been seen as the stepchild, but, in fact, the dressed body is front and center in every gallery you come across. Even the nude is never naked. It’s always inscribed with cultural values and ideas.” Bolton basically says that the art world has spent decades pretending the body doesn’t exist, like aesthetics only count if everything feels detached and “above it all”. Very Met, very ironic. So yes, this year the spotlight is on the body itself and “the indivisible connection between our bodies and the clothes we wear.”
When the off-theme anxiety eases and the last camera clicks, the Met’s steps remind us that fashion really is art, and to do it justice, we have to stay connected with every part of it. For one night, the industry ditches practicality, silence, and politeness, and that’s exactly why we’ll be watching.
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