K-Pop Demon Hunters: The animation and music behind Netflix’s record-breaker
Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters blends anime, 2D/3D fusion, and Korean culture to set new records and redefine modern animation.
Notebookcheck opinion articles
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Opinion articles only express the individual opinion of the author, and not of that of the entire editorial team. To avoid any possible confusion, these articles are clearly labeled as „comment“ and have a distinct visual style as compared to news articles and reviews.
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Deal | XCOM with a techno-cultist skin: Warhammer 40,000 Mechanicus 80% off for a limited time
If you are interested in the recently announced Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II, this may be a great time to check out the 2018 original, which is now 80% off on Steam. The XCOM-inspired turn-based tactics game also comes with an incredible soundtrack.
Superman, rendered: The engineering that makes James Gunn’s reboot feel new
James Gunn’s Superman (2025) doesn’t try to win the loudness war. It wins the clarity war. The team stacked practical flight rigs, photographed skies on an LED stage, locked the show’s look before VFX, and built the sound mix in the edit room so jokes, dialogue, and chaos actually play together. The result is a big, generous movie that reads clean in IMAX and still feels tactile at home.
Fate Trigger initial impressions: Rough around the edges with plenty of scope for improvement
Fate Trigger is a free-to-play game that is somewhat reminiscent of Fortnite. Its closed beta ended recently, and the game will enter early access sometime in Q1 2026. It is a stereotypical Battle Royale game that attempts to stand out with Anime-themed characters. But, is it any good?
This simple, open-source bipedal robot is a DIY makers' dream
A team of engineers at the University of Tokyo has unveiled Mevita — an open-source bipedal robot designed to be strong yet simple to build. The robot uses a minimal number of individual metal parts, which can all be ordered online and welded together.
Google Pixel 10a specs leak brings disappointing news
The budget-friendly "Pixel a" lineup is known for its balance of features and price. However, the first spec leaks for the Google Pixel 10a are here, and they bring bad news. Rumors speak of Google reusing old hardware, including previous-generation chips, to keep the price tag under control.
Deal | This Galaxy Buds 3 Pro discount makes the Galaxy Buds 3 FE dead on arrival
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE will be available to buy in a week for $149.99. However, the more premium Galaxy Buds 3 Pro can be purchased for just $123.99 on Amazon.
Leak hints the Motorola Edge 2026 may lose its (curved) edge, and that's a good thing
Motorola's Edge series is known for its curved displays which look aesthetically nice but can be a pain to deal with. Now, it seems Motorola has taken feedback from users and plans to switch to a flat display for next year's Motorola Edge.
RedMagic 6R: A budget gaming champion in 2025
Is the Nubia RedMagic 6R still a good gaming phone in 2025? I revisit ZTE’s 2021 release to see if its performance and features hold up today.
🎙️ OpinionCasio Edifice x motorsport: The history of collab watches with NISMO, TOM’S, Honda, and AlphaTauri
CheckMag Casio Edifice’s collabs span across Honda Racing/Type R, NISMO, TOM’S, Scuderia AlphaTauri/Toro Rosso, and Initial D/MF Ghost, with limited runs featuring team colors, special materials, and logos, including the new ECB-S10NIS-7AJR. This list covers some of the most special Edifice collabs ever.
Splitgate 2 developers want something fans seldom give: A second chance
The development team behind Splitgate 2, 1047 Games, is appealing to gamers who were originally interested in the franchise to give them one more chance after a less-than-stellar launch and several controversies.
🎙️ OpinionI played Battlefield 1 immediately after Battlefield 6’s Open Beta - and I didn't want to leave
CheckMag I tried the Battlefield 6 Open Beta, then jumped back into Battlefield 1. These are my thoughts on how they feel different in gameplay, map size, pacing, and teamwork. It's impressive how BF1 holds up well to this day - and that it might be one of the greatest games in the franchise for this reason.
6 feature-loaded Digital Audio Players that are surprisingly affordable
CheckMag Budget digital audio players can now deliver premium features which were once exclusive to flagship models. From the $60 FiiO Snowsky Echo Mini to the $129 Shanling M0 Pro, this list sheds light on 6 affordable DAPs that offer more than just bang-for-buck.
🎙️ OpinionFramework may soon launch a Laptop 18 as an upgrade to its 16-inch gaming laptop
Framework has been having a lot of fun with cryptic clues in its most recent device launches, and the latest hint seems to suggest that the Framework 16 might just be getting an 18-inch display and chassis upgrade.
🎙️ OpinionThe Analogue 3D is fast becoming another vaporware Smach Z disaster
Surprise, surprise, the Analogue 3D has been delayed again. Allegedly now 'at 99%' development after an original Q1 2025 release date, the Analogue 3D is going the way of the infamous Smach Z, with Analogue having never even shown a prototype unit playing Nintendo 64 cartridges.
The craziest, most upvoted PC setups on r/battlestations
CheckMag r/battlestations is a pretty popular subreddit, where users flex their PC setups. Amidst hundreds of builds being posted each week, some have reached the very top of that list. Here are 8 unique, striking PC builds that have garnered some of the highest number of upvotes over the last 7-8 years.
Batman: Arkham Knight gets an HD texture pack that makes it more beautiful than ever
The acclaimed game Batman: Arkham Knight now benefits from an HD texture pack that considerably improves visual comfort. And the end result is quite impressive, taking you back to the streets of Gotham City more beautiful than ever.
🎙️ OpinionOne of the best game sequels ever made, it is even more relevant in 2025
CheckMag Metal Gear Solid 2 took the stealth action of the first game and pushed it to a whole new level. It surprised players with bold story choices and twists that still spark debate over two decades after its release. That's why MGS2 is easily one of the best sequels ever made.
A new LEGO set from this legendary license has just leaked and it will delight millions of fans
Star Wars fans will be able to enjoy a new legendary LEGO set representing the Death Star. But be careful, because even if this set is sublime and will delight thousands of people, its price is an important factor to consider, too.
🎙️ OpinionExtremely promising free-to-play Steam games that will launch soon
CheckMag From zombie MMOs and pirate survival to wuxia open worlds and roguelite billiards, these six upcoming free-to-play Steam games exhibit a lot of potential. Some of these can be tried out right now, thanks to demos and ongoing playtests.
🎙️ OpinionFirst impressions: Battlefield 6 Open Beta feels like a real return to form
CheckMag Battlefield 6’s Open Beta has brought back chaos, destruction, and squad play the series is known for. It has hints of Battlefield 3’s pace mixed in with some of Battlefield 1’s immersion. Here's what I thought about BF6 during my first 10-12 hours of gameplay.
Reddit is positioning itself to become your go-to search engine
Reddit is actively working to become a primary search destination by leveraging its vast archive of human-to-human conversations. During its second-quarter 2025 earnings call, the company confirmed that making Reddit a go-to search engine is a top priority, alongside improving the core product and expanding internationally. This strategy involves integrating its AI-powered Answers feature with traditional search and highlighting it within the user experience.
UNITing the Whoniverse: What we know about the new spin‑off
The TARDIS is silent; the timelines, uncertain. As The War Between the Land and the Sea rises from the depths, so does a fresh wave of Whovian world-building. In this reflection on past spin-offs like Torchwood, Class, and The Sarah Jane Adventures, we consider if this new story will stitch canon back together or just become another fixed point the writers forgot.
🎙️ OpinionDexter goes corporate: Why Resurrection is targeting institutions, not just killers
Dexter Morgan now hunts institutions—not just killers—inside New York’s sleek façade. Skyscrapers, hotel lobbies, and moneyed backrooms are the man's new hunting grounds in Dexter: Resurrection.
Noctua's attempt to make the perfect fan — Noctua engineer outlines limitations in current fan design
In a technical discussion hosted by Gamers Nexus, Noctua’s Jacob Dellinger offers a detailed breakdown of PC cooling fan design fundamentals, from blade geometry and acoustics to airflow and heatsink resistance. While current designs have been refined over decades, Dellinger suggests that substantial future improvements may require material or systemic breakthroughs.
🎙️ OpinionA love letter to one of the best action-shooter games ever made
CheckMag Released in 2012, Spec Ops: The Line looked like a typical military shooter - but beneath its dusty exterior was a brutal, introspective story that challenged players' morality and reshaped how we view violence in video games. This is a love letter to that game.
One man vs the games industry: Stop Killing Games pushes governments to act, then burns out
Ross Scott’s Stop Killing Games initiative, credited with catalyzing global action against the deletion of paid digital games, is winding down its direct activism. With key legislative and regulatory efforts now in motion across the EU and beyond, Scott reflects on the movement’s progress, personal toll, and future direction — including calls for preserving virtual game worlds through AI and community action.
🎙️ OpinionSquid Game season 3 review: When the stakes are human
Squid Game Season 3 doesn’t just continue the story; it flips it inside out. The violence remains—but it’s the emotion underneath that cuts deepest. The show no longer relies on shock to land its punches. Now, it aims lower. Somewhere you don’t expect.
Cadence export violations cast shadow over Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s tenure
Cadence Design Systems has admitted to violating U.S. export control laws by selling chip design tools to Chinese military-linked entities during Lip-Bu Tan’s time as CEO. With Tan now leading Intel—and with no personal consequences—his case illustrates how executive accountability remains elusive across the tech industry, much like Elon Musk’s ongoing insulation from liability in fatal Tesla Autopilot crashes.
Plastic health crisis fuels urgency for treaty as industry pushes back
Plastics are now tied to serious health effects across all stages of life, from developmental damage in infants to cancer risks in adults. Yet as global talks move toward a plastics treaty to curb production and protect public health, petrochemical lobbyists are working to weaken or delay any binding action.
PC game releases I'm most excited about this August
CheckMag August 2025 is shaping up to be one of the busiest months for PC gaming in recent memory. From big-name remakes like Gears of War: Reloaded and Metal Gear Solid Delta to indie standouts like Sword of the Sea and Discounty, this month’s release calendar offers a nice mix of nostalgia, creativity, and smart design choices.
Gold from mercury? How a tokamak fusion reactor may generate precious metal through neutron transmutation
Fusion startup Marathon Fusion claims its theoretical reactor design could generate up to 3000 kg of gold per year by converting mercury inside a layered neutron blanket. The process would also produce tritium fuel for deuterium-tritium fusion, but remains unproven and unreviewed.
🎙️ Opinion14 iconic Casio collab watches that became instant collectibles upon launch
CheckMag Casio has maintained its relevance over the years due to many reasons - one of them being collaborations with other brands and pop-culture icons. There have been countless collabs since the first one in 1997 - this list covers 14 of the most iconic partnerships with Casio till date.
Flip 7: Redditor’s 'disappointing camera' complaints draw agreement before post is removed
Samsung officially launched its latest generation of foldables on July 9, with 3 devices on roll call: Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. These devices have received their fair share of criticism for reasons ranging from the lack of S Pen support to underwhelming camera performance.
JerryRigEverything claims "dehumanizing" Samsung Mobile US interaction, announces switch to non-Galaxy daily driver
Serial smartphone reviewer Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything has claimed that after a "dehumanizing" chat with a Samsung Mobile US rep, he is switching over to a non-Samsung phone for the first time in 10 years. The development came soon after the reviewers Galaxy Z Fold 7 durability test.
A new game is available for free on Nintendo Switch Online, and it's a nice surprise
Mario fans will be thrilled to hear that Mario Paint is now available for free on Nintendo Switch Online. But be warned, you'll need a subscription to this service to enjoy it and relive old memories.
Deal | Tesla slashes up to $2,000 off select Model Ys; Why now is the time to buy
Tesla is slashing up to $2,000 off the electric Model Y SUV in the US. Customers will, however, need to act quickly to take advantage of all the available bonuses and incentives.
🎙️ OpinionA haunting, mesmeric folk horror experience with minor caveats: One-Eyed Likho - First impressions
This first look at Morteshka’s new game, One-Eyed Likho, sheds light on how its monochrome visuals, folk-horror themes, and atmospheric setting shape a unique story-driven horror experience. Apart from some minor issues, the game delivers on multiple fronts.
🎙️ Opinion8 great Casio Edifice watches under $200 that can challenge Seiko and Citizen's models
CheckMag Casio’s Edifice series is well-known for sports-inspired designs, reliable quartz movements, and solid specs, alongside sapphire crystals, solar tech, and strong water resistance around the $200 mark - making them top value choices over pricier rivals. Here are our 8 top picks in this price segment.
🎙️ OpinionThe best eReader for 2025's biggest books: A reader's guide to the Kindle line up
This one’s for every book lover thinking, “Which Kindle should I actually get in 2025?” I break down the current Kindle lineup while also spotlighting the hottest books blowing up right now (Onyx Storm, anyone?) and giving you a few no-brainer picks if you’re into fantasy, romance, or spicy hockey drama.
🎙️ OpinionThe Sandman’s swan song: A quiet grief and a final farewell
Discussing the emotional impact of Netflix's The Sandman Season 2 Part 1, its impending conclusion, and the parallel loss of Good Omens. Exploring the narrative depth, thematic resonance, and fading magic of modern fantasy television.
🎙️ Opinion9 dumb phones that are actually smart purchases in this day and age
CheckMag As dumb phones gain popularity, here are 9 great models you can invest in if you're in the market for one right now. Some of these are merely functional, while others are more design-focused - and one specific model is poised to launch later this year.
🎙️ OpinionLilo & Stitch live-action remake isn’t perfect, but it might be the first one that matters
Lilo & Stitch (2025) avoids remake fatigue with a tighter story as box office results look solid and audience support seems strong without leaning too hard on nostalgia.
🎙️ OpinionYou’re training AI for free - And it’s not even saying thanks
You're training AI for free with every prompt, click, and CAPTCHA. Here's how human feedback is fuelling billion-dollar models... without a thank you.
This Monster Hunter-inspired LEGO set is sure to make you dream
A Monster Hunter set has been created using various LEGO products. And the result is so surprising that some people are calling for a collaboration between the two licenses.
🎙️ OpinionFrom data to delusion: How AI hallucinations actually happen
AI hallucinations happen when chatbots make stuff up... confidently. Learn why it happens, how it’s being fixed, and how it can impact you.
8 bang-for-buck watches under $150 that punch well above their weight
CheckMag Explore the best quirky, feature-packed watches under $150 from brands like Casio, Seiko, Timex, Orient, and Citizen. We have made a list of some standout models that deliver versatile functionality, exceptional value and a whole lot of character without breaking the bank.
Deal | Ancient Roman time loop mystery with "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating is 75% off on Steam
Based on an ultra-popular Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City is a third-person, narrative-driven, mystery game that takes place in an underground ancient Roman city. The game, which is now less than $7 on Steam, is rated "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam and a 9/10 by IGN, making it a must play.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max to get one of Galaxy S25 Ultra's best display features
Apple might finally be giving fans one of the Galaxy S25 Ultra's most useful features. According to information received by MacRumors, the displays on the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max are said to become much easier to see outdoors.
Deal | Just $4.99 on Steam: Remaster of iconic single-player FPS with phenomenal setting is now discounted by 75%
BioShock Remastered is now less than $10 on Steam. The game is an absolute accomplishment in almost all areas, from art direction and story to combat. As such, IGN gave the game a rating of 9.7/10 in their launch review.
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From the Commodore C64 to modern electric vehicles: J. Simon Leitner has followed the digital transformation since the early days of the home computer era. As a co-founder of Notebookcheck, he has been applying the expertise gained from his studies at the TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology) to fact-based and independent hardware analyses since 2006. With over 20 years of experience as a technology expert, his focus today is on laptops, electric mobility, environmental technology, and the intersection of construction technology and smart home architecture.