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lol646 casino SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates LBRDA, CFB, NBR on Behalf of ShareholdersKeith Higgins Jr. scores 22 to lead Lehigh to 87-67 victory over Neumann

Justin Thomas with big drives and a few big putts takes 1-shot lead over Scheffler in the BahamasFirst Half_1, Orlando City, Enrique, 9, 39th minute. Second Half_None. Goalies_Atlanta, Brad Guzan, Josh Cohen; Orlando City, Pedro Gallese, Javier Otero. Yellow Cards_Williams, Atlanta, 59th. Referee_Armando Villarreal. Assistant Referees_Kathryn Nesbitt, Chris Elliott, Greg Dopka. 4th Official_Pierre-Luc Lauziere. Lineups Atlanta_Brad Guzan; Luis Abram, Pedro Amador, Stian Gregersen (Tristan Muyumba, 73rd), Derrick Williams; Ajani Fortune, Saba Lobzhanidze, Dax McCarty (Xande Silva, 69th), Bartosz Slisz; Aleksey Miranchuk, Jamal Thiare (Daniel Rios, 43rd, Ronald Hernandez, 49th). Orlando City_Pedro Gallese; Robin Jansson, Rafael Santos (David Brekalo, 90th+1), Rodrigo Schlegel; Cesar Araujo, Wilder Cartagena, Martin Ojeda, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson (Kyle Smith, 79th), Facundo Torres; Ivan Angulo (Nicolas Lodeiro, 79th), Ramiro Enrique (Luis Muriel, 69th).

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Statewide requirements to help prevent copper wire theft will become law on Jan. 1 despite a lawsuit by the scrap metal workers claiming the legislation will effectively shut down their industry. The new law requires anyone recycling scrap metal copper for profit to obtain a state-issued license. Licensed electricians and other trade and contracting groups are exempt. Last month, the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. filed a civil suit against the Minnesota Department of Commerce alleging the law would negatively impact the scrap metal industry. Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office has filed a motion for dismissal on behalf of the State of Minnesota and Department of Commerce, which is set for a hearing in February. On Dec. 18, a Ramsey County judge denied a temporary restraining order requesting to pause the law from being enacted. Ramsey County Chief Judge Sara Grewing said the harm cities face if the law was blocked “far outweighed” the consequences to the industry. The new law partially stems from both St. Paul and Minneapolis experiencing a rash of costly copper wire thefts from municipal lampposts. In April, government officials testified that the law would help prevent copper wire thefts by making it difficult for people to profit from the sale of stolen copper wires. The group that brought the lawsuit to stop the new legislation said the goal is to work to craft laws that will “put criminals behind bars while not crippling recycling.” “We agree with the goal of last year’s bill — make it harder for criminals to sell stolen copper wire from lampposts or other electrical infrastructure. However, we think that can be done without sending thousands of tons of recyclable material to the landfill,” Jack Perry, an attorney representing the lawsuit brought by the Recycled Materials Association, formerly called the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, said in a statement Saturday. City officials in Minneapolis and St. Paul are praising the new legislation. St. Paul officials said that in 2023, the city spent more than $1.2 million to address copper wire theft. Minneapolis officials said that over the past two years, the city spent $545,000 replacing stolen copper wire. The lawsuit points out that copper wire and metal can be found in all scrap metal including sterling silver, car brakes and radiators, electronics, circuit boards, coins, gardening tools, home decor, windows, gutters and costume jewelry. Because of this, legitimate businesses will be breaking the law if they continue their practices after the law goes into effect. Perry said the new law and its requirements will be a major impediment to anyone recycling products containing copper “either as a component or as an alloy. Copper is found in everything from brass and bronze to aluminum alloys and much more. We have already reached out to the authors of last year’s bill and asked for their help making changes to narrow the law’s focus.” “We are seeking injunctive relief, giving legislators time to work through changes and implement workable solutions,” Perry said. Related Articles Politics | Confrontation between two men and a convenience store employee leads to gunfire injuries, an arrest Politics | Mary Stanik: In these days of bitter politics, how should auld acquaintance come to mind? Politics | At South St. Paul’s Sunlight Restaurant, four veterans in their 90s still meet to reminisce Politics | Popular on TikTok, ‘magical’ homeware business Cheerware navigates Twin Cities, impending platform ban Politics | St. Paul’s homicides in 2024: Who was killed, where they happened and which remain unsolvedEdo: PDP, APC clash over invasion of secretariatNEW YORK , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating the following companies for potential violations of the federal securities laws and/or breaches of fiduciary duties to shareholders relating to: Liberty Broadband Corporation (NASDAQ: LBRDA)'s sale to Charter Communications, Inc. for 0.236 of a share of Charter common stock per share of Liberty Broadband common stock. If you are a Liberty shareholder, click here to learn more about your legal rights and options . CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CFB)'s sale to First Busey Corporation for 0.6675 shares of Busey common stock for each share of CrossFirst common stock. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, CrossFirst's shareholders will own approximately 36.5% of the combined company. If you are a CrossFirst shareholder, click here to learn more about your legal rights and options . Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE: NBR)'s merger with Parker Wellbore. Per the terms of the proposed transaction, Nabors would acquire all of Parker's issued and outstanding common shares in exchange for 4.8 million shares of Nabors common stock, subject to a share price collar. If you are a Nabors shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits on behalf of shareholders. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Shareholders are encouraged to contact the firm free of charge to discuss their legal rights and options. Please call Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or email sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Halper Sadeh LLC Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shareholder-investigation-halper-sadeh-llc-investigates-lbrda-cfb-nbr-on-behalf-of-shareholders-302325145.html SOURCE Halper Sadeh LLPJimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’

The ongoing fight between some faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur and the administration at the premier engineering school, mainly the director Virendra Kumar Tewari, may end up before the courts, with the faculty threatening to approach the Calcutta High Court. Some of the professors have also threatened to launch a hunger strike. “We have already sent a letter to the chairman of the board of governors for his intervention. Sit-in demonstration has started since Wednesday. If our demands our not met we would go for a hunger strike. We are also planning to move court early next week,” said one of the professors who received a show-cause notice, asking not to be identified. While the immediate provocation for both the hunger-strike and the plan to move the high court, is a show-cause notice issued by the institution’s registrar last week to 86 faculty members, the controversy has been brewing since September. That was when the Indian Institute of Technology Teachers’ Association (IITTA) sent a letter to the Union human resource development minister accusing the institute’s director of nepotism, arbitrary recruitment of faculty, failure to start a multi super-speciality hospital, unlawful recovery of excess payment from faculties and vitiating the harmony between the IIT campus and the neighbouring community. Tewari, the director of the institute took charge in December 2019 for a period of five years. His tenure ends in January 2025. “The letter sent to the Union minister on September 20 stated that several letters sent to the director, board of governors and the chairman over the issues in the past went unanswered. The ministry was requested to appoint a new director of high academic repute and experienced in practising inclusive governance,” said a second professor and a member of the IITTA, who too didn’t wish to be named. In response, the IIT administration issued show-cause notices to the office bearers of the IITTA, including the body’s president, general secretary, vice president and treasurer on November 12. A separate show-cause notice was issued to Amal Kumar Das, a professor and general secretary of IITTA. “The institute is deeply concerned by the contents of your letter and accordingly you are required to provide a detailed written explanation with evidence,” the letter stated, giving the respondents a week’s time to provide satisfactory explanation. On November 28, 86 faculty members, under the umbrella of IITTA petitioned the institute, threatening to go on a hunger strike if the show cause notices to the four IITTA office-bearers were not rolled recalled. But the institute doubled down and issued show cause notices to these 86 too. “We, the faculty members of IIT Kharagpur demand that the two show cause notices, against the office bearers and Das, be withdrawn immediately and disciplinary proceedings are also stopped,” the petition said. In response, on November 29, the administration issued show-cause notices to all the 86 faculty members. The show-cause letter cited the Conduct Rules of the Institute, statute 15 (17) Schedule B, point 16 (b) which states: “No employee shall be signatory to any joint representation addressed to the authorities for redress of any grievances or of any further matter.” The director also replaced three heads of departments – Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics and Bioscience and Biotechnology, earlier this week. They had all signed the petition. HT got in touch with the IIT Kharagpur director’s office and sent an email seeking his response on the developments. There was no response till the time of going to print. On Wednesday, at least 100 professors staged a sit-in before the institution’s administrative building, holding placards and wearing black badges.Emissions from four Punjab district shows stubble burning leads to poorer health

There are many buzzing crypto market opportunities, and investors are searching for the best next crypto to explode. These 10 cryptocurrencies with emerging and some of the best of all times coins can skyrocket in value as they use innovative projects driving blockchain gaming, DeFi, and the metaverse. Let’s take a closer look at why these 10 are worth your time. 10 Next Crypto to Explode: These 10 coins are innovative, promising massive growth potential. On the list, Aureal One is available for $1 in the presale stage. Technological advancements give them an edge in competitive markets. Each project targets unique, high-demand use cases. Investing early could maximize returns as the next crypto to explode gains traction. 1. Aureal One (DLUME) Aureal One is leading the Blockchain Gaming and the Metaverse with its innovative technology and quickly expanding ecosystem. Aureal One boasts unmatched scalability, lightning-fast transactions, and zero gas fees, making it a base pillar for the gaming industry, estimated to grow past $250 billion by 2025. >>Visit AurealOne Official Website An incredible entry point for investors is the DLUME token at $0.00428082, available only in its presale. Aureal One is a top contender for the next crypto to explode with the potential for 10X growth. Great flagships like DarkLume and Clash of Tiles show its potential. 2. DexBoss (DEBO) DexBoss is building a decentralized finance (DeFi) system that’s accessible to all. It offers its intuitive platform and stellar tokenomics, such as regular buybacks and burns, to guarantee that the project will rise steadily and be profitable to long-term investors. The DEBO token presale presents a truly special opportunity with 15X returns available for early adopters. With features like staking, liquidity farming, and governance participation, DexBoss is the project you want to watch to get your hands on the DeFi market. 3. 5th Scape (5SCAPE) A VR blockchain gamer out of 5th Scape is at the forefront of virtual reality (VR) gaming with real-world transaction capabilities. 5th Scape tokenizes in-game assets, introducing virtual real estate and opening the landscape of gaming and investment into new dimensions. This project is already gaining ground among gamers and crypto enthusiasts as the presale investors are poised for 800X returns. 5th Scape’s innovative platform continues to lead the way in VR gaming as it grows. 4. TerraGlobe (TERRA) With TerraGlobe, sustainability, and innovation are combined into a carbon-neutral blockchain platform. An energy-efficient consensus mechanism for industries such as supply chain management and healthcare is provided. TerraGlobe offers presale prices under $0.01, thus making it a perfect green interface for eco-conscious investors. 5. MetaVersePlay (MVP) MetaVersePlay merges gaming and blockchain, rewarding players for their achievements with MVP tokens. NFTs are integrated seamlessly into the platform so players can trade in-game assets. With the play-to-earn model gaining traction, MetaVersePlay is destined to become a force to be reckoned with in this space. 6. AstroLink (ASTRO) AstroLink is simplifying cross-chain transactions by enabling users to transfer assets between blockchain networks. It is building the foundation for next-generation decentralized finance, concentrating on low fees and user-friendly interfaces. 7. NovaDex (NOVA) NovaDex is a decentralized exchange (DEX) for beginners (newbies) and seasoned traders. Despite its presence in a crowded DEX space, its competitive fees and secure infrastructure separate it from the pack. To date, NovaDex is gaining traction as one that promises to focus on accessibility and reliability. 8. GreenMeta (GMETA) GreenMeta is tackling the environmental issues of NFTs with a platform for eco-friendly token minting. GreenMeta speaks to environmentally conscious investors who would like to invest in something contemporary, sustainable, and integrated with the metaverse. 9. SphereFi (SPFI) Lending, Borrowing, and Yield Farming DeFi On A SphereFi is a comprehensive DeFi Platform. SphereFi’s robust infrastructure and attractive returns to its liquidity providers make it a viable project to be a one-stop shop for decentralized finance. 10. BlockVerse (BVERSE): Scaling the Metaverse Economy With BlockVerse, developers can easily create scalable virtual worlds. BlockVerse is building foundations for the decentralized metaverse economy with tools such as smart contract templates and 3D asset libraries. Conclusion Each of these 10 projects brings a unique value proposition, whether leading innovation in blockchain gaming, creating eco-friendly solutions, or simplifying DeFi transactions. Aureal One, DexBoss, and 5th Scape stand out for their groundbreaking technologies and unparalleled growth potential. With presale prices starting as low as $1, now is the time to invest in these transformative cryptocurrencies. If you’re ready, these 10 projects are the next crypto to blow up to grow your portfolio. These cryptocurrencies are redefining industries and new opportunities by revolutionizing 5th Scape’s VR innovation and Aureal One’s blockchain game developments. Don’t let your opportunity to invest early and grow your wallet pass.Hormel: Q4 Earnings Confirm It's Better To Own The Retailer Than The Brand (Downgrade)

What next for Bitcoin after bursting $100k barrier?Syrian insurgents say they have entered Damascus as residents of capital report sounds of gunfire

Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’Cross River: Shelve planned strike – Gov Otu begs labour over minimum wage

As the end of the year approaches, the budgeted salary increases for 2025 across Southeast Asia are projected to be higher than in 2024, according to a November report by professional services firm Aon. On top of that, businesses in the region are likely to maintain or increase their overall workforce numbers, according to the study, which was conducted from July to September 2024. It analyzed data collected from more than 950 companies across Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are Notably, the failure to attract and retain top talent has emerged as a key risk for organizations in the Asia-Pacific, moving from the ninth top risk in 2021 to the fourth in 2023, according to Aon's Global Risk Management Survey . "The salary increase rates are still [anticipated to be] higher [in 2025] than they were [in 2024], while we are anticipating a lower inflationary, lower interest rate environment going forward," Rahul Chawla, Aon's partner and head of talent solutions for Southeast Asia, told CNBC Make It. "So what that really means is that in spite of a softening inflationary environment, salary increases are still hardening up, which means that there is a talent supply and demand discrepancy which goes beyond inflation," he said. While inflation remains an element in the expected increases, other factors also come into play, such as the high demand for skilled talent in the region. For example, Southeast Asia has been "a sandbox environment for a lot of technology companies, i.e. in Singapore, to be setting up shop, so it is attracting capital... and then that creates a demand for talent to serve this growth," Chawla said. Money Report Asia markets set to open higher as Aussie stocks hit record high; India GDP and Korea rates in focus Stock futures rise Sunday ahead of shortened trading week: Live updates "It's also the speed of technology evolution, right? So things like prompt engineering — probably not something that would have existed as a big skill set two years ago, but now, with ChatGPT ... it's a very new skill that now there is a demand for," said Cheng Wan Hua, director of talent analytics for Southeast Asia at Aon. Here's how much salary budgets are projected to increase in 2025 across six Southeast Asian countries, according to Aon. Actual salary increase in 2023: 7.5% Actual salary increase in 2024: 6.4% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 6.7% Actual salary increase in 2023: 6% Actual salary increase in 2024: 5.7% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 6.3% Actual salary increase in 2023: 5.2% Actual salary increase in 2024: 5.4% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 5.8% Actual salary increase in 2023: 5% Actual salary increase in 2024: 4.9% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 5% Actual salary increase in 2023: 4.7% Actual salary increase in 2024: 4.4% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 4.7% Actual salary increase in 2023: 4% Actual salary increase in 2024: 4.2% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 4.4% Salary increases also vary across industries in Southeast Asia, with technology and manufacturing budgeting for the highest bump at 5.8%, according to the report. Retail; consulting, business and community services; and life sciences and medical devices are set for a bump of 5.4%. On the lower end of the spectrum are the energy (4.9%), financial services (4.8%) and transportation (4.1%) industries, according to the data. Notably, the survey also found that the budgeted salary increases in Singapore and Thailand are expected to fall behind the broader region in 2025, at 4.4% and 4.7%, respectively. "Singapore salary increases typically lag other markets in Southeast Asia. Because Singapore is a developed market, inflation tends to be lower compared to other countries which are growing at a faster pace," said Chawla. In addition, gross domestic product growth rates in the city-state tend to be lower than other countries in the region, thus also contributing to the smaller budgeted salary increase, he added. Thailand, on the other hand, has had less economic growth than other countries in the region, Chawla said. In addition, as the country's talent pool is "less mobile from a language and deployment perspective," it tends to stay within its own market, he added. Also on CNBC In forgotten parts of Singapore's iconic shopping street, a new era is taking shape Indonesia wants Apple to sweeten its $100 million proposal as tech giant lobbies for iPhone 16 sales Vietnam's FPT Software discusses its Japan business strategyIn a landmark case that has drawn widespread attention across Spain, four men were convicted on Sunday for their roles in the homophobic murder of Samuel Luiz, a 24-year-old nursing assistant. The conviction comes after the brutal assault outside a nightclub in A Coruna in July 2021, which led to nationwide protests against hate crimes. The accused, Diego Montaña, Alejandro Freire, and Kaio Amaral, were found guilty of aggravated murder. Montaña, identified as the ringleader, mistakenly believed Luiz to be gay due to his mannerisms and clothing, hurling homophobic slurs before and after the attack. Meanwhile, Alejandro Míguez was convicted of complicity. The jury's verdict followed an intensive deliberation spanning five days after a trial lasting nearly a month. Sentencing is forthcoming, with the prosecution seeking prison terms ranging from 22 to 27 years. The case highlights broader issues as recent data from Spain's Interior Ministry reports 364 hate crimes related to sexual orientation in 2023, reflecting persistent challenges in addressing such offenses. (With inputs from agencies.)

Orlando City 1, Atlanta 0

First Half_1, Orlando City, Enrique, 9, 39th minute. Second Half_None. Goalies_Atlanta, Brad Guzan, Josh Cohen; Orlando City, Pedro Gallese, Javier Otero. Yellow Cards_Williams, Atlanta, 59th. Referee_Armando Villarreal. Assistant Referees_Kathryn Nesbitt, Chris Elliott, Greg Dopka. 4th Official_Pierre-Luc Lauziere. Atlanta_Brad Guzan; Luis Abram, Pedro Amador, Stian Gregersen (Tristan Muyumba, 73rd), Derrick Williams; Ajani Fortune, Saba Lobzhanidze, Dax McCarty (Xande Silva, 69th), Bartosz Slisz; Aleksey Miranchuk, Jamal Thiare (Daniel Rios, 43rd, Ronald Hernandez, 49th). Orlando City_Pedro Gallese; Robin Jansson, Rafael Santos (David Brekalo, 90th+1), Rodrigo Schlegel; Cesar Araujo, Wilder Cartagena, Martin Ojeda, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson (Kyle Smith, 79th), Facundo Torres; Ivan Angulo (Nicolas Lodeiro, 79th), Ramiro Enrique (Luis Muriel, 69th).Abbotsford gourmet hotdog vendor Skully White has announced he is no longer seeking the nomination for the federal Conservative Party in Abbotsford-South Langley. White, the owner of Lullys Food Experience, announced the decision in a social media post on Thursday (Dec. 5), saying he is stepping back to devote more time to his family. White married his wife Kelly, a single mom, in September 2023. “I love this community and always will, but anyone who knows me knows that family comes first,” White wrote in the post. “Our youngest child, who has autism and IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities), is having a difficult time transitioning through adolescence into manhood. “My wife is a rock star, having dealt with this by herself for 18 years, and my heart is telling me I need to be close to home to be her support and to help her navigate this next chapter.” White, 55, announced in May of this year that he was seeking the nomination, joining four others vying for a chance to run in the 2025 federal election. The Abbotsford-South Langley riding will replace the Abbotsford riding, which is currently held by Conservative MP Ed Fast, who in March announced he will retire from federal politics after 18 years. Still seeking the nomination are former longtime Abbotsford West MLA Mike de Jong; Fast’s executive assistant, Mike Murray; Steve Schafer, the vice-president of the Langley-Aldergrove Constituency Association; and Shanjeelin Dwivedi, who has served as a director of parliamentary affairs with two MPs as well as a senior adviser and campaign volunteer. A date for the nomination vote has not been announced. White has been a relentless advocate for finding living donors for people in need of transplants after he experienced the life-changing difference it makes in someone’s life. In late 2020, White donated one of his kidneys to customer Tim Hiscock. He stated in his social media post that he will continue with this endeavour. White said that recently seven new people in need of a new kidney signed up, bringing the total in the community to almost 30. “After much soul searching, I recognize how important helping save lives through the kidney campaign means to me and I want to devote my time to helping this cause,” he said. White said he might re-enter the political ring in the future, “as the notion of helping our community on a larger scale” calls to him.

ASX to drop after tech giants slide in the US

Maybe it’s because there are so many games, or maybe it’s because the rise of digital distribution and subscriptions means there are more sub-groups of game-players and fewer massive mainstream hits, but it feels like this year the “best games” lists are more diverse and individual than ever. Even as someone who tries to play broadly across all platforms, there are some games cropping up on end-of-year lists that I didn’t play, and some of the best ones I did play draw blank looks when I discuss them with others. So, while it’s impossible to make anything approaching an objective list of the best, I’ve attempted it anyway. Here they are in no particular order. I didn’t have ‘help a rapping tree’ on my 2024 bingo card, but I’m glad it happened. Astro Bot PS5 At once a celebration of PlayStation’s 30-year history and a whimsical Nintendo-style platformer the likes of which the brand has never seen before, Astro Bot is a beautiful theme park of running and jumping, filled with hidden depth, incredible gimmicks and great music. I’m not a huge fan of the emotionless robot protagonist or the Sony branding, but the combination of flawless gameplay design, hilarious environments, oodles of nostalgia and cutting-edge tech puts this on par with some of Mario’s most memorable outings. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Side-scrolling platform adventure games are ubiquitous and there were heaps of good ones this year, but the best was also a return to relevance for a beloved franchise. The fictional Mount Qaf is a wonderful setting that blends Iranian history and Arabian mythology with the series’ penchant for vicious traps and time distortion, while new protagonist Sargon brings a fresh and edgy vibe that marries the acrobatic focus of the Sands of Time trilogy with the methodical platforming of older Prince adventures. By invoking familiar poker hands, Balatro brings the satisfying hook of a rougelite game to a wider pool of players who have no idea what that is. Balatro Android, Apple Arcade, iOS, PC, PS5, Switch Xbox In an industry plagued by gambling disguised as play, it’s gratifying that one of this year’s most successful games employs the aesthetic of cards and casinos with no gambling to be found. Upgrade and augment your deck with special powers and tarot effects, stack up game-changing jokers to synergise with your favourite cards, and try to break the game with impossibly powerful poker hands. The work of one individual developer, it’s incredible, and arguably addictive, but you’ll pay no more than the purchase price. Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch Mario Party is a dependable choice for casual group play or a family game night. But, unexpectedly, Jamboree is the absolute height of the series. There are heaps of playable characters, more than 100 great new minigames, seven unusually interesting and diverse game boards and extra modes for playing on your own or online with randos. But the icing on the cake is the ability to enforce “pro mode” to make the winner less chance-based, opening up the possibility of truly competitive play, and it’s so much fun. It may take its broad structure from one third of a decades-old game, but Rebirth has plenty original to say. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth PS5 I was expecting a middle chapter for Square’s epic three-part remake of a 1997 classic, but this turned out to be so much more. From the layered character customisation and combat systems that feed seamlessly into one another, to the completely optional collectible card game that I quickly became obsessed with, this is unexpectedly a much broader, deeper and more open game than its predecessor. An astonishing RPG that more than stands on its own merits, and even overshadows part one for ambition and creativity, it’s a remarkable achievement. Star Wars Outlaws PC, PS5, Xbox A streamlined and multi-planet take on Ubisoft’s familiar open-world action, paired with an original-trilogy-era Star Wars tale that follows an up-and-coming scoundrel rather than a Jedi or Imperial, Outlaws has everything a long-suffering franchise fan could hope for in a sandbox scum and villainy game. The overarching story is a bit of a letdown, but the main appeal here is simply being able to exist in this rich and incredibly well-realised universe, being a dirtbag and pulling off heists. Fans of Monty Python or The Mighty Boosh will find a lot to love exploring Barnsworth. Thank Goodness You’re Here PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox A cartoony and hilariously vulgar adventure set in a small northern England town, this is a point-and-punch exploration game that’s fondly reminiscent of classic daft British sketch comedy, with heaps of funny visuals and sound effects plus the voice talents of Matt Berry and others. Mechanically it couldn’t be simpler, but the writing and timing are masterful. From an unexpected exposed penis in a seagull-gathering side-mission to a prolonged sequence combining fish and cigarettes, it’s crassly artful and unforgettable. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Switch Despite her name being in the titles, Princess Zelda has had few starring roles in Nintendo’s beloved adventure epics. This game marks a change in that regard, and introduces a brilliant new approach to items and combat where Zelda can copy and paste objects and enemies to fight and solve puzzles, but it’s otherwise business as usual for the series; this is a beautiful, joyful and surprising fantasy world to explore, with just the right mix of nostalgia and innovation. Eventually you’ll be filling out pages of details before you can even grasp the nature of the crime you’re supposed to be solving. And you’ll be loving it. The Rise of the Golden Idol Netflix, PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox The first Golden Idol was a wonderfully epic tale of paranormal serial murder, and Rise is even better. Set 200 years later, you’re tasked with solving 20 crimes, each painted as a beautifully grotesque painted moment. You analyse the scene to collect clues, words and names, then use those to fill in the blanks and uncover the truth. It’s like a multidimensional murder sudoku, which only gets more complex and tells a compelling alternate history detective story. Dragon Age: The Veilguard PC, PS5, Xbox Bioware is responsible for some of the greatest role-playing games ever, but this is their best in more than a decade. The narrative and fantasy settings are incredible, and the action-focused combat feels great, but the true strength is in the constant choice-making that affects your friendships in real and unexpected ways. Early on, the game makes you choose between two companions, the consequence of which leaves one with permanent visible bruises and scars for the rest of the game. This is Dragon Age telling you how it’s going to be. Unicorn Overlord has the familiar Vanillaware look, but it may be the studio’s deepest game yet. Unicorn Overlord PS5, Switch, Xbox Vanillaware has spent two decades crafting interesting and complex games with astounding hand-drawn art. The studio has a cult following but I think Unicorn Overlord might be its first true breakout hit. It’s a twist on the traditional turn-based tactical RPG, where instead of just skirmishing you define the parameters of each unit’s actions and priorities ahead of time, and then watch as they play out in battle. And, of course, it’s gorgeous. Sonic x Shadow Generations PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Since 2011’s excellent Sonic Generations was already a reimagining of the series’ high points, half of this new package is arguably remaking remakes. But the other half — an all-new campaign featuring Shadow the Hedgehog — contains some of the most excellent 3D Sonic gameplay ever made. It serves as a great introduction to the character alongside his big-screen debut, but it also presents his tortured backstory and most memorable game moments in a surprisingly cohesive and enjoyable manner. No combat, no explanations, just a blob in a cursed VHS tape of ghostly animals. Animal Well PC, PS5, PS Plus, Switch, Xbox Animal Well , another amazing work from a solo developer, is on the surface a stunning CRT-filtered Metroid-like with a spooky animal theme. But dig a little deeper past the cursed herons and sleepy capybara and you’ll find a complex latticework of puzzles combined with interesting power-ups, a focus on physics play and a near total lack of combat. Some secrets require specific power-ups from around the world (a yo-yo, a slinky, a frisbee), while others need lateral thinking or knowledge gleaned from other areas. UFO 50 PC A package of 50 new games, styled and presented as a library of retro titles by a fictional company for their fictional home computer, this compilation evokes the feeling of finding a dusty 1980s machine and a box full of disks, and putting them in to see what you find. The games are all surprisingly full in scope, and they run the genre gamut from beat-em-ups to top-down driving games to narrative horror. Best of all are the two-player options, which offer a peerlessly strange retro bonding experience. The Great Circle takes Indy to many cultural epicentres around the globe, from Italy to Egypt to the Himalayas and more. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Game Pass, PC, Xbox Games based on movie franchises can go very wrong, but MachineGames (the Swedish studio known for the Nazi-hunting 2010s Wolfenstein series), had a clear vision for the world’s most famous archeologist . Each level is an exploratory puzzle with dozens of smaller riddles within, filled with fascists to sneak around and artefacts to recover. Combat is slapstick, gunplay is scarce, the iconic whip gets plenty of creative use and voice actor Troy Baker puts in an astonishing Harrison Ford impersonation. The narrative overall (concerning a trek across the globe to stop the Nazis achieving a mystical power) is the best the franchise has seen since 1989. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday. Sign up here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Video games Tim Biggs is a writer covering consumer technology, gadgets and video games. Connect via Twitter or email . Most Viewed in Technology LoadingNone