Month: January 2016

One of the game's many sculptures.

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After 30 hours of intense play, I had not beaten The Witness, the latest video game from acclaimed designer Jonathan Blow. I'd reached an ending sequence, but I knew damn well the Myst-like game had more puzzles for me to solve. Three months later, between occasional returns to the game and a very recent speed run, in which I retraced my steps on its virtual island and re-solved most of its puzzles, I still have not "completed" the game, as far as I can tell.

At the moment, I have remained stumped about a few of its most intense puzzles, the ones still staring me in the face. That won't last too much longer, I imagine, because I will eventually muster the brainpower and discover some hidden in-game clues to beat them, or because I'll cave in and seek help from thousands of fervent fans devouring this long-awaited follow-up to indie classic Braid.

What will persist after that moment—after the final circle has been connected along the final line to the final neat-tipped conclusion on the panel—is a sensation that this video game is not meant to be "completed." I've made my peace with that belief after months of play, which has included many long walks along its beautiful environs, many reflections upon its toughest puzzles, and many questions about its mysterious decorations.

(credit: Andrew Cunningham)

If you've had a hankering for a gold smartwatch, you may have a more affordable option soon. Samsung announced the global launch of its new Gear S2 Classic smartwatch, which it revealed at CES a few weeks ago. While the company did not officially release pricing of the new Gear S2 Classic models, some reports spotted the watch up for preorder in Europe for €480. That would make the watch about $520 when it comes to the United States.

To put that in perspective, Apple's gold smartwatch will cost you about $17,000—but there's a key difference between Apple's device and Samsung's. The Gear S2 Classic has a stainless steel body (like the original) that now comes plated in rose gold or platinum. Apple's smartwatch is made of solid gold, which explains its hefy price tag.

The new Gear S2 Classic models are made of more premium materials than the original Classic, and they will have a few new matching watch faces to go along with the color schemes. Other than the new materials, the new Classic has the same specs as the original. While the original Gear S2 has a nice, rounded design, it sports a much more futuristic look than the Classic models, which provide a more traditional, modern style.