Latest news with #Bithell
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TRON: Catalyst (PC) Review
When I first tried TRON: Catalyst, I was pretty happy with what I had experienced. Although my initial preview was only a vertical slice within the city of Vertical Slice, the game introduced enough good ideas that I was eager to get my hands on a much more extensive play session. My time with TRON: Catalyst has been somewhat of a mixed experience. On the one hand, I really admire what both Bithell and the game itself are trying to do here. However, the game really needed to iron out some kinks to create a really amazing game, and it doesn't really look like they have. I talked about it a bit during my preview, but I'll reiterate it here. Players take on the role of Exo—a simple Courier program who is caught in a massive explosion during a routine delivery. Little did she know, the explosion was caused by a Glitch Catalyst, which distorts her code and gives her the ability to rewind time back to key loop points, allowing her to use abilities and knowledge gained to outsmart and outmaneuver her opponents. This sets off a chain of events that will lead to who decides the fate of Vertical Slice city as Exo fights against Core—the city's malevolent rulers—and a ruthless program named Conn, who pursues her throughout the Arq Grid. While I mentioned how much I liked how the game weaved its gameplay concepts into its narrative, one thing I didn't mention was how much I appreciate the game's protagonist. Since TRON: Catalyst is set somewhere before the events of TRON: Legacy, Exo isn't just a regular program, but an Iso—Isomoprhic Algorithms that were created from nothing in Flynn's Grid. This allows not just the story to maintain the themes of race politics that were present in the film, but it also gives our protagonist a lot more agency and identity. She has the freedom to be whatever she wants to be, and allowing her to manipulate not just her own code, but the systems around her gives the game a lot of depth and nuance that isn't made immediately present in the writing. Not only that, I really liked how TRON: Catalyst is somewhat of a sequel to TRON: Identity, as characters and factions that were established in that game find their way into this one. Gameplay is where TRON: Catalyst leaves something to be desired. Initially, I said the game was 'Surprisingly simple,' and honestly, I feel that works both for and against the game. On the one hand, it makes it so it's not hard to get into, and gives players a lot of freedom to get good at it. On the other hand, it's never particularly challenging or as cool as something with the TRON license could be. The biggest place this exists is in the combat. While it works well enough, giving players a pretty straightforward way to engage enemies both with their Discs and in Lightcycle chases, it always feels a little basic and by the numbers. It doesn't have the sense of fluidity or cool that was present in TRON: Evolution. When it works, it can be pretty enjoyable, but I think longtime TRON fans like myself might be left wanting for a bit more. Not only that, but since TRON: Catalyst doesn't reward players with traditional experience—like I mentioned in my preview—it feels like some pretty basic moves like reflecting enemy Discs are locked behind a fairly restrictive wall. And while you do get a lot of cool new abilities as the story progresses, it could've made accessing the more basic ones a bit easier. Also, and this might just be a me thing, the game really could've done with a better trajectory line, particularly for bouncing your Disc off walls to hit enemies. This is why TRON: Catalyst probably exists best as a smaller experience better suited to something like the Nintendo Switch. It creates the sense of a world that is technically small but feels big, and it's so rich with TRON lore and its world feels so genuinely realized that it's definitely worth experiencing, but in a more relaxed, second-screen kind of way. Where TRON: Catalyst really stands out is in its visuals. The sleek, techno-cool aesthetic of TRON: Legacy is captured in an incredibly detailed and authentic way, and you can see the love and care put into the environment in every area you walk into. The music is appropriately matched. Dan Le Sac did an excellent job capturing the vibe of Daft Punk's soundtrack for TRON: Legacy, but putting his own unique touch on it for something that sounds genuinely his but uniquely TRON. Honestly, I know this review probably sounded more negative than I wanted it to, but I think there is a lot to like about TRON: Catalyst. Like I said in my preview, Bithell stepped a bit outside their comfort zone and took a big chance, and for the most part, I think it paid off. While I wished it had a little bit more, I really loved what was there, and I think a lot of TRON fans will too.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Roads become first 20mph routes in North Wales to revert to 30mph
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Two roads in Wrexham have become the first in North Wales to return to 30mph following the 20mph default speed limit change. The controversial default limit was introduced in September 2023 - triggering huge opposition. When he was appointed Transport Secretary last spring, Ken Skates ordered a review. This saw new guidance issued to councils on 'exception' roads, routes that can revert to 30mph. It is expected that hundreds of roads will change in the coming months. The first two are B5605 Wrexham Rd/High Street, in Johnstown and the A525 Bryn-Y-Grog Road. They have returned to 30mph following public consultation. They are the first of 52 sections of highway where the speed limit is going to be changed to 30mph by Wrexham County Council, following the the publication of revised guidance by the Welsh Government. This is where the other councils are up to on making changes. The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates joined Councillor Bithell, Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change on Wrexham Road. He said: 'The principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties – and we know there is widespread evidence it does that. However, this is about getting the right speeds on the right roads, building from the broad consensus that 20mph is right where people live, work and play. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'I am pleased that Wrexham Council has managed to strike a balance and has started to make the changes following feedback from local people. Our updated guidance allows local authorities to consider making changes where it is safe and appropriate to do so.' While the limit has proved unpopular with many it has seen a fall in deaths and serious injuries on Welsh roads. Councillor Bithell, Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change said: "We have been working with the Welsh Government to make the necessary changes to speed limits following our consultation process and Executive Board decision. Over the coming weeks we will be rolling out changes to speeds from 20mph to 30mph in line with the Welsh Government criteria." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
21-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
Roads become first 20mph routes in North Wales to revert to 30mph
Two roads in Wrexham have become the first in North Wales to return to 30mph following the 20mph default speed limit change. The controversial default limit was introduced in September 2023 - triggering huge opposition. When he was appointed Transport Secretary last spring, Ken Skates ordered a review. This saw new guidance issued to councils on 'exception' roads, routes that can revert to 30mph. It is expected that hundreds of roads will change in the coming months. The first two are B5605 Wrexham Rd/High Street, in Johnstown and the A525 Bryn-Y-Grog Road. They have returned to 30mph following public consultation. They are the first of 52 sections of highway where the speed limit is going to be changed to 30mph by Wrexham County Council, following the the publication of revised guidance by the Welsh Government. This is where the other councils are up to on making changes. The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates joined Councillor Bithell, Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change on Wrexham Road. He said: 'The principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties – and we know there is widespread evidence it does that. However, this is about getting the right speeds on the right roads, building from the broad consensus that 20mph is right where people live, work and play. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'I am pleased that Wrexham Council has managed to strike a balance and has started to make the changes following feedback from local people. Our updated guidance allows local authorities to consider making changes where it is safe and appropriate to do so.' While the limit has proved unpopular with many it has seen a fall in deaths and serious injuries on Welsh roads. Councillor Bithell, Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change said: "We have been working with the Welsh Government to make the necessary changes to speed limits following our consultation process and Executive Board decision. Over the coming weeks we will be rolling out changes to speeds from 20mph to 30mph in line with the Welsh Government criteria."
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Safety fears mean 'cautious' 20mph reversal
Worries about potential fatalities means there will be a "cautious approach" to reversing the 20mph speed limit on dozens of roads one Welsh county despite overwhelming local support. A public consultation in Wrexham county, which concluded at the end of January, revealed most people wanted to see the 52 roads under consideration to revert back to 30mph. Councils across Wales are reviewing their 20mph roads after almost half a million people petitioned the Welsh government calling for it to be scrapped. The Welsh government said the main aim of the policy was to save lives and reduce casualties. First 20mph year sees 100 fewer killed or badly hurt Thousands give feedback over 20mph road changes Over 8,000 caught breaking 20mph limit on one road Dave Bithell, Wrexham council's strategic member for transport, said there were "safety concerns" over changes to the roads. Although he has delegated powers to make the changes, he said the matter would now go before the executive board for a collective decision. The council has never been in this position, he added. "Whenever we have considered road speeds, it has always been to reduce them," he said. "We have never increased speeds as a council." Bithell said increasing speed upped the risk of harm if there was an accident, "so we need to get this right". "I don't want it on my conscience – and I don't think the executive board want it on theirs either – if there is a fatality after the changes are made." The Welsh government switched the default speed limit on mostly urban roads on 17 September 2023, and with some exemptions most 30mph roads became 20. Data for the first year of the policy revealed there had been about 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured on 20 and 30mph roads. The figures showed the number of people hurt fell by 28% compared with the same period the year before, with 10 fewer fatalities. But the scheme, introduced while Mark Drakeford was first minister, has been one of the Welsh government's most controversial initiatives since devolution began. The policy is now under review, and local authorities are considering whether more roads can be switched back to 30mph. The leader of Wrexham council, councillor Mark Prichard, said the introduction of the 20mph policy had been "a mess" from the start. "The Welsh government were told and no-one listened," he said. "What I would say to any government, not just the Welsh government, is learn from this and don't do it again. The numbers on the petitions, the money that has been spent. "It's millions upon millions at a time when local authorities are struggling for money." Ken Skates, the cabinet secretary for transport and north Wales, said the main objective of the policy had been to save lives and reduce casualties. "Building on the broad consensus that 20mph is right where people live, work and play, we want to ensure we have the right speeds on the right roads," he said. "With Welsh government support, highway authorities have now started the formal process of reviewing their 20mph roads based on the revised guidance and the feedback they received." Mr Skates said a number of local authorities have completed this process with more to follow in the coming weeks and months. Wrexham council is aiming for a target date of May to complete to complete the roll-back. While Bithell said the local authority hoped to work with road safety organisation Go Safe and North Wales Police on a campaign making people aware of the changes.
BBC News
06-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Wrexham: Worries over changes to 20mph limit slow reversal
Worries about potential fatalities means there will be a "cautious approach" to reversing the 20mph speed limit on dozens of roads one Welsh county despite overwhelming local support. A public consultation in Wrexham county, which concluded at the end of January, revealed most people wanted to see the 52 roads under consideration to revert back to across Wales are reviewing their 20mph roads after almost half a million people petitioned the Welsh government calling for it to be Welsh government said the main aim of the policy was to save lives and reduce casualties. Dave Bithell, Wrexham council's strategic member for transport, said there were "safety concerns" over changes to the roads. Although he has delegated powers to make the changes, he said the matter would now go before the executive board for a collective council has never been in this position, he added."Whenever we have considered road speeds, it has always been to reduce them," he said. "We have never increased speeds as a council."Bithell said increasing speed upped the risk of harm if there was an accident, "so we need to get this right". "I don't want it on my conscience – and I don't think the executive board want it on theirs either – if there is a fatality after the changes are made." The Welsh government switched the default speed limit on mostly urban roads on 17 September 2023, and with some exemptions most 30mph roads became for the first year of the policy revealed there had been about 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured on 20 and 30mph figures showed the number of people hurt fell by 28% compared with the same period the year before, with 10 fewer the scheme, introduced while Mark Drakeford was first minister, has been one of the Welsh government's most controversial initiatives since devolution policy is now under review, and local authorities are considering whether more roads can be switched back to 30mph. 20mph policy 'a mess' The leader of Wrexham council, councillor Mark Prichard, said the introduction of the 20mph policy had been "a mess" from the start."The Welsh government were told and no-one listened," he said. "What I would say to any government, not just the Welsh government, is learn from this and don't do it again. The numbers on the petitions, the money that has been spent."It's millions upon millions at a time when local authorities are struggling for money."Ken Skates, the cabinet secretary for transport and north Wales, said the main objective of the policy had been to save lives and reduce casualties."Building on the broad consensus that 20mph is right where people live, work and play, we want to ensure we have the right speeds on the right roads," he said."With Welsh government support, highway authorities have now started the formal process of reviewing their 20mph roads based on the revised guidance and the feedback they received."Mr Skates said a number of local authorities have completed this process with more to follow in the coming weeks and council is aiming for a target date of May to complete to complete the Bithell said the local authority hoped to work with road safety organisation Go Safe and North Wales Police on a campaign making people aware of the changes.
