Tag: coolest
This Detective Sim Is Making Its Case As One Of The Year’s Coolest Surprises
A detective simulation is one of the best-suited setups for an immersive sim game, and after a few hours with Shadows of Doubt, out now in Steam Early Access, its execution of the genre’s key mechanics is something you need to see for yourself, especially if you enjoy games like Deus Ex, Thief, and virtually anything from Arkane.
At first glance, the voxel-style detective game might look like the sort of indie you find by the dozens when browsing Steam, but its remarkable freedom of choice and impressive city simulation help it stand out on a crowded digital storefront. It’s obvious the team at ColePowered Games understands the genre, and though the game is still being shaped in its early access period, it’s already become one of my favorite games of 2023.
Shadows of Doubt casts players in the role of a private eye living out of a small apartment and chasing down leads across a rain-soaked neo-noir city. Even before players can get to the point where they wake up in the dark of their bedroom, it’s interesting to find that the city is actually a seemingly infinite number of procedurally generated cities. While a story mode exists to walk players through a particular string of cases through a particular cityscape, there is also a more unpredictable sandbox mode that creates new cities and cases on demand, much like loading a new seed in Minecraft. Detectives themselves are similarly made up on the spot through a combination of player choices on features like skin color and gender, as well as a name generator that can be handcrafted or randomly re-rolled endlessly.
The 28 Coolest Star Wars Droids Ever, Ranked
The 28 Best Star Wars Droids From Movies, TV, Books And Video Games
Any Star Wars fan knows the franchise is only as good as the droids that populate its galaxy. After all, what is Star Wars without C-3PO, R2-D2, and BB-8? And we thought what better way to celebrate Star Wars day (May 4th) than by looking back on the absolute coolest droids ever. After all, it’s genuinely surprising how much heart this roster of robototic characters can bring to the franchise–in the movies, on TV shows, and even in theme parks.
What may surprise you, though, is exactly how many droids fans have met throughout the films, TV shows, video games, books, and even theme park experiences. Beginning with Star Wars: Episode 4 – A New Hope back in 1977 and all the way through the Disney+ original series The Mandalorian, Star Wars has provided some of the best mechanical friends a space traveler could have.
Which are the best droids, though? It’s a tough question and one that takes some time to contemplate. Luckily, we love thinking about Star Wars and have done exactly that. Take a look below at the 28 coolest droids in a galaxy far, far away. Did your favorites make the list? Drop a note in the comments to shout out your favorite droid.
28. Aly San San
First appearance: Star Tours
This spokesdroid appears only in the Star Tours ride at Disney attractions, but it lives in the hearts of many a sentimental park-goer. She not only pops up in advertisements within the ride’s queue, but also gives public safety announcements to riders.
Image: Lucasfilm
27. RA-7 (Death Star Droid)
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
When introduced, the RA-7 units are seen on the Death Star and the Jawa Sandcrawler. With their insect-like heads, they stand out almost immediately. That’s both a good and bad thing; sometimes it’s hard to look away from those creepy bug eyes.
Image: Lucasfilm
26. Viper Probe Droid
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
This droid’s crash into the surface of Hoth kicks off what becomes an action-packed movie. Plus, its arrival–and subsequent self-destruction–is an omen for the Empire’s arrival.
Image: Lucasfilm
25. Interrogation Droid
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
While the interrogation droid doesn’t get a ton of screentime in A New Hope, its presence still haunts our nightmares. After all, this is a droid whose entire purpose is getting information out of a helpless captive, even through torture.
Image: Lucasfilm
24. 2-1B
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
It’s not a major part of the Star Wars franchise, but this surgical droid plays a key role in Episode V. If not for 2-1B Luke Skywalker would still have only one hand.
Image: Lucasfilm
23. AP-5
First appearance: Star Wars Rebels
AP-5 is a very special RA-7 unit. Not satisfied with his life as an inventory droid, AP-5 befriends Chopper and joins the rebellion. This particular droid gets to show a lot of personality–even if it is a grumpy one.
Image: Lucasfilm
22. TT-8L (Gatekeeper Droid)
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
The infamous eyeball-on-a-stick droid is one of the most bizarre in the Star Wars universe. When C-3PO and R2-D2 meet the security guard in Return of the Jedi, it’s hard not to laugh.
Image: Lucasfilm
21. R0-GR (Roger)
First appearance: LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures
Like his fellow Battle Droids, he once served in an army, but Roger is not programmed to be Rowan Freemaker’s best friend. There are many droid sidekicks throughout Star Wars, but Roger might be the only one considered a member of his master’s family.
Image: Lucasfilm
20. MSE-6 (Mouse Droid)
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
It may not be weaponized, but it’s hard to forget the mouse droid. The tiny, wheeled robot can often be seen scurrying along in the background, headed to fix anything in need of repair. Without them, most of the galaxy would probably fall to pieces.
Image: Lucasfilm
19. Pistoeka sabotage droid
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Their ability to attach to a ship in-flight and disassemble it makes them a powerful weapon. Our inability to pronounce their name, though, puts them at a disadvantage.
Image: Lucasfilm
18. WAC-47
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
WAC-47, a pit droid piloting a ship, has a bit of an attitude, but it for good reason. It hates seeing other droids treated like property. #resist
Image: Lucasfilm
17. EV-9D9
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi
While 9D9 appears in only one movie, it certainly is a memorable moment. The supervisor droid is quick to put C-3PO and R2-D2 to work within Jabba the Hutt’s palace, paying no attention to their antics.
Image: Lucasfilm
16. AZI-3
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
This medical droid befriends ARC trooper Fives and ends up assisting in uncovering the Order 66 conspiracy.
Image: Lucasfilm
15. Professor Huyang
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
At over 1,000 generations old, Huyang is a little-known iconic piece of Star Wars history. The Garrick Ollivander of the Star Wars universe, this droid teaches Jedi younglings how to assemble lightsabers. One of those younglings: Yoda, who went on to become a Jedi Grand Master.
Image: Lucasfilm
14. D-O
First appearance: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
This little wheelie droid rolled its way into the hearts of many when it first appeared in the final chapter of the Skywalker Saga. We may wee D-O again–but then again we may not. If this is the little bots only entry in the franchise, it’s cute enough to make an impact.
13. Battle Droids
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace
These droids might be the most memorable thing about the first Star Wars prequel, thanks to their attack on Naboo. Equal parts silly and brazen, these droids are the perfect easily disposable foils in the movie.
Image: Lucasfilm
12. R2-KT
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The story behind R2-KT is what makes this pink droid do special. It first debuted in the real world, built for a young Star Wars fan suffering from brain cancer. After the droid made a cameo appearance in the Clone Wars movie, it went on to also appear in The Force Awakens.
Image: Lucasfilm
11. Droideka
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace
The battle droids are easily disposable in The Phantom Menace, but these destroyers are a different story. These vicious droids were heavily armed and come with forcefields that make them equal parts very cool and very deadly.
Image: Lucasfilm
10. T3-M4
First appearance: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
It’s hard to imagine KOTOR without this droid, which essentially functions as your closest ally. Clearly derived from R2-D2, T3-M4 has a quirky personality and is useful throughout the game.
Image: Lucasfilm
9. HK-47
First appearance: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
This assassin droid is more blunt than T3-M4 but makes for a much better ally in Knights of the Old Republic. It calls humans “meatbags” and is ready to kill anything that crosses it, but HK-47 is a fun and funny companion to have, regardless of what side of the Force you’re on.
Image: Lucasfilm
8. BD-1
First appearance: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Cal’s sidekick in the Fallen Order video game is one of the best droids a guy can ask for. BD-1 is an exploration droid and Cal’s mission in Fallen Order would have been impossible without him there to help along the way. Like most of the best droids, he has a unique and intriguing design that immediately makes you want to be his friend.
7. K-2SO
First appearance: Star Wars: Rogue One
Perhaps the funniest droid in all of Star Wars, K-2SO may also be the heart of Rogue One. The companion of Cassian Andor, K-2 is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the galaxy.
Image: Lucasfilm
6. C1-10P (Chopper)
First appearance: Star Wars Rebels chapter books
What R2-D2 is to the original Star Wars saga, Chopper is to Rebels. While it may come across as a grump at first, Chopper is loyal to the end when it comes to protecting the crew of the starship Ghost.
Image: Lucasfilm
5. R-3X (DJ Rex)
First appearance: Star Tours
This pilot droid may have originated as part of the Star Tours ride, but thanks to Star Wars Rebels, it is now a canonical character. What’s more, after his tenure on Star Tours, Rex is now the DJ at Oga’s Cantina at Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge theme park land. Actor Paul Reubens voices all versions of the droid.
4. IG-11
First appearance: The Mandalorian
While it wasn’t long for this work, the bounty hunter droid voiced by Taika Waititi was the perfect dose of comedy in the first season of The Mandalorian. What’s more, thanks to its reprogramming, it was the best protector Baby Yoda could have possibly asked for, ultimately sacrificing its existence to keep the little green fuzzball safe.
3. BB-8
First appearance: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
What to say about this ball-like breakout hit of The Force Awakens? With a personality that’s equal parts childlike and sarcastic, BB-8 has quickly become one of the most personality-packed droids in all of Star Wars.
Image: Lucasfilm
2. C-3PO
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
One half of the droid team that started it all, C-3PO is essentially R2-D2’s straight man. Having appeared in every saga movie thus far, 3PO provides a major throughline for the Star Wars universe; his importance can’t be overstated.
Image: Lucasfilm
1. R2-D2
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
Who else would rank as the best droid in Star Wars? R2-D2 captures everything that is fun about this franchise. Its happy-go-lucky, brave, selfless attitude as it goes on wide-ranging adventures are exactly what you’d hope for in Luke Skywalker’s companion.
Image: Lucasfilm
Zero-gravity FPS Boundary is quietly one of April’s coolest new releases
April 2023 Coolest
Acer ebii E-bike, Carl Friedrik X SECRID Card Wallet, MAAP Alt_Road apparel, and more
Read the full blog post at Menswear Style here
Article by Menswear Style
This modder is making the coolest keyboard ever by putting little OLED screens in the keycaps
We live in the UK’s coolest neighbourhood – here’s why we’re convinced area will make us millionaires
PEOPLE living in one of the UK’s coolest neighborhoods say it’s a “cracking place” and much cheaper than London.
The once gritty neighborhood of Digbeth is just a stone’s throw from Birmingham and has become a magnet for arty and creative types.
Tulah Searle, Ruby Rai Kieran Botting love the ‘vibe’ in Digbeth[/caption]
The forthcoming arrival of the HS2 train service has ‘ramped up interest’ in the area[/caption]
Street artist Ginger Dan lives in Great Barr but spends most of his hours in Digbeth[/caption]
Digbeth has been dubbed one of the “Coolest Neighbourhood” in the UK by the Sunday Times,.
It boasts disused warehouses converted into designer apartments, independent stores, bars and trendy art venues.
And some residents are convinced that living here could make them millionaires.
Dad-of-two Lee, 48, who has sons aged 18 and 14, told The Sun: “People think Birmingham is not as cool as London but check Digbeth out. It’s a cool place, it’s like Brazil where I once lived.”
Lee says the forthcoming arrival of the high-speed HS2 train service has ramped up interest in the area.
The savvy property guru has already snapped up a bungalow for investment on a corner plot – just 800 meters from the HS2 intended terminal – and near two universities.
Most read in The Sun
He confessed: “I got it for a good price and I am hoping that I get planning permission to develop the land and maybe build an apartment block for 50 students.
“In years I could double, treble, quadruple the price paid, and I could become a millionaire. It would be my pension.”
Street artist Ginger Dan whose real name is Dan Evans was up a ladder at the entrance to the “must-see” Red Brick Market, putting the finishing strokes to his new eye-catching mural.
He said: “Digbeth draws people here – it’s the creative quarter of Birmingham.
“My job is to embody this amazing market as an illustration and turn the outer walls into a giant mural.”
Dan lives in nearby Great Barr but spends most of his hours in Digbeth.
He added: “It’s a cracking place, with good pubs and spots, performance art and galleries, and tattoo studios.”
He stressed that he was just one small part of the street art scene, and said many others should also take credit for their work – transforming dull red bricks into colourful and striking murals.
Carrie – who is responsible for running the market – said: “It is for everyone, a little bit alternative and there is no age range.”
The busy market trader runs two of the many and varied stalls, taxidermy and gothic fashion.
While serving customers at the site – which used to be an old button factory – she added: “It is for everyone, a little bit alternative and there is no age range.”
The 40-year-old said: “I absolutely love it here and the house prices are a lot cheaper than London.
“I lived in London for six months and for the amount I was paying in rent for one room in a shared house I can rent a three-storey, five bed Victorian house with a massive garden just outside Digbeth for £1,100 a month.”
Carrie – who has managed the market for two years – said: “Digbeth is for eclectic people and it’s nothing like your typical High Street.
“The appeal is independent shops and alternatives and not having anything the same.
“The place is always buzzing with poetry nights, drink and draw nights, and The Ruin pub is the best.
“There are bands, dining clubs and bottomless brunches, ball pits and baseball batting cages.”
Among the crowds of visitors, a cool teen trio caught our eye.
Tulah Searle, 17, a barista and waitress from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, gushed: “It’s so cool here – the atmosphere and people.
“It would be great to live here – maybe one day!”
Her pal Ruby Rai, 17, an events co-ordinator from Leamington Spa, added: “We always come to Digbeth for clothes shopping. It’s better than all the places back home.”
Kieran Botting, 16, a supermarket sales adviser from Stratford, chipped in: “I love the vibe here, it’s the best.
“It beats the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham.
“It’s a nice place to be and be seen.”
Old warehouses are being transformed into cool spaces and designer apartments[/caption]
He said it is a “must-visit.”
From the legendary Custard Factory full of hip and trendy bars to Birmingham’s oldest pub, The Old Crown, and Digbeth Dining Club, plus street art, it is clear to see how the former industrial heartland has won over a new generation.
Molly Brockhouse, a supervisor at The Old Crown, said: “We all love Digbeth, it is quite quirky and people are different.
There’s a vibe, we’re a good crowd!”
Molly, 23, from Solihull, West Mids, added: “There are a lot of decent shops and art classes, and it’s better than Broad Street.”
Her friend and fellow bar supervisor Scarlett Ball, 23, said: “There’s a great scene and everyone knows everyone.
“Digbeth’s up and coming and a very desired place to live and the prices are not outrageous.
“All the buildings are interesting.
“I say to my grandma what a cool place Digbeth is now and she can’t believe it saying: ‘What the Hell are you saying about Digbeth, it’s a dump, isn’t it?’”
Property director Lee Blake who lives on the outskirts but is investing within the neighbourhood, believes the “cost of living crisis” is drawing more Londoners to the area.
While working on his laptop in the courtyard garden of The Old Crown, he told our team: “It’s a lot cheaper living here than in London and the cost of living crisis is attracting new people.
“It’s easy to work from home now, or the pub, or commute to the office in London.”
According to property website Rightmove, a Birmingham home costs an average of £259,821 – almost £400,000 less than in London.
And Digbeth has reggae and pop links as a selling point.
Landmark pub the Eagle and Tun was made famous by UB40 and was the setting for the band’s top-charting Red Red Wine video.
But the Victorian boozer is now being demolished to make way for the controversial high-speed line.
Molly Brockhouse, supervisor at The Old Crown pub and her friend and fellow supervisor Scarlett Ball[/caption]
Property director Lee Blake lives on the outskirts but is investing in the area[/caption]
March Coolest Stuff
Featuring Percival, Ruark Audio, TOMS, Tomatin, TRIWA, Ben Sherman, and Breitling
Read the full blog post at Menswear Style here
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Toasters, pulleys, wheels and giant hats: the coolest Alt Ctrl games at GDC 2023
Alt.Ctrl.GDC is a regular fixture at the Game Developers Conference, and this year I spotted some properly incredible creations from its largely student-led group of exhibitors. There was a big focus on co-op games and time trial demos in this year’s cohort, with nearly every stand having some sort of whiteboard pinned up that was constantly being scrubbed out with new fastest lap times and corresponding visitor names. There was also lots of friendly hooting emanating from them as well, as mates and strangers attempted to co-ordinate their gaggles of limbs to steer various game characters in the right direction.
It was excellent fun, and I sampled a bunch of games that used toasters, intricate pulley systems, papier-mache tree stumps, bike wheels and more in place of your typical controllers and mice and keyboard. There were also plenty more I didn’t get to try out, mainly due to time, and you can see the full list over on GDC’s website. For now, though, here are some personal highlights of what I saw, including the largest bowler hat I think I’ve ever seen in my life.
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s coolest new feature is named as a tribute to Nintendo’s pre-gaming past
We’re in the midst of a fairly exciting time in video games right now, where the history of gaming is such that there can be exciting looks back as well as leaps forward.
I’m not talking about remakes and remasters here, either – I’m just talking about those silly little winks and nods that just add texture to the culture of a medium. Things like when you hear the Wilhelm Scream or Tarzan Yell in TV or film; a nudge in your ribs with a knowing grin. For a long time, gaming generally felt too young to embrace this sort of thing, but now we have enough history behind us that it’s becoming delightfully more common.
One company that’s been able to do this more often than most, however, is Nintendo. Founded 133 years ago, Nintendo’s history stretches back long before Hiroshi Yamauchi decided to take a punt on digital games, with a history making real-world toys and playing cards. It follows that occasionally Nintendo dips back into that history for a reference or two – and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has a delightful new one.