IT General

Enemies-to-lovers is a common and often hot romance trope. But what if what makes you enemies is your love? 

Being raised queer and religious can be a minefield, as all your worth and goodness might be cast aside by your community because of who you desire. In such homophobic settings, queer people are told we must deny our desires or risk being ostracized, attacked, and damned. The new Australian horror movie Leviticus explores the agony of this experience through a supernatural horror story that thunders over a tale of first love. 

Australian writer/director Adrian Chiarella makes his sensational feature directorial debut with Leviticus, a title that refers to a book of the Bible in which homosexuality is declared an "abomination." However, rather than being a film that condemns the queer boys at its center, Leviticus empathizes with their yearning and the terror caused by the parents who should love them. Brewed with equal parts desire and dread, this Australian horror thriller explores how homophobia can be the real monster in the closet. 

Leviticus is a possession tale with a unique twist.  Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen star as two boys in love and trauma in "Leviticus." Credit: NEON

Talk to Me's Joe Bird stars as Naim, a high school boy who's new to a town that's quiet, conservative, and deeply Christian. He has no friends, and is intrigued when a beautiful, curly-haired blonde boy named Ryan (Stacy Clausen) invites him to hang out. And before the afternoon is over, they've flirted, wrestled, and made out on the floor of an abandoned mill. 

Heated Rivalry fans will note a similar dynamic to Ilya and Shane, minus the hockey rivalry. Like Ilya, Ryan is cocky, showing his interest through playful barbs, and even some physical aggression. Similar to Shane, brunette Naim is excited by this muscled blonde's attention, even if he's not ready to recognize what that excitement might mean. But where the wildly popular TV show has being outed as a storm cloud that resolves relatively brightly, Leviticus goes dark, pitting the boys against each other. 

It all begins with a "deliverance healer," called to exorcise the evil out of the queer members of the church. The conversion ceremony is first conducted on Ryan and another boy. But before long, Naim is also subjected to this strange ritual. From then on, he is followed by a mysterious creature that looks and sounds like Ryan. But if they give into their desire for each other with a kiss, this Ryan lashes out, violently assaulting Naim. And he soon learns Ryan is being stalked by a doppelganger of Naim. In both cases, no one else can see their seductive assailants. No one — not the cops nor Naim's recently widowed mother (producer Mia Wasikowska) — believes him as he seeks salvation from this seeming demon. 

Leviticus awes with its ambiguity, but is ruthlessly scary.   Tyallah Bullock plays Marnie in "Leviticus." Credit: NEON

Surely, horror fans will point to It Follows as an inspiration point, as that film also dealt with a strange, stalking demon who is passed on by sexual contact. Both films certainly reflect the fear of sex and death common in horror. But where It Follows uses nude bodies to shock and repulse its audience, Leviticus only shows how Naim sees the demon — as Ryan, a handsome boy with lust in his eyes. This perspective urges audiences to understand what it is to look upon someone and both desire and fear them. This clever creature has no tells that suggest he is not Ryan, until he attacks. 

"This is what they wanted," the real Ryan seethes, "us to be scared of each other." And in this, Leviticus reveals its aching heart. Here are two boys falling in love. But their story becomes a nightmare, not because of wicked desires but because of a viciously conformative community that would rather see them dead than queer and happy. This revelation makes all the scenes that follow not just frightening but also stomach-churning. Naim desperately wants to reconnect to Ryan, the only person in this "shithole" who sees him for who he is and accepts him as he is. But because of this ritual, he can never be sure it's Ryan's eyes he's looking into or his kiss he's accepting, until the possibility of violence arises. 

By focusing on Naim's perspective exclusively, we too can't be certain of what's real. And one particular jump scare — which had me full-throated screaming — suggests that isolation is no answer either. But what to do when your community and your family reject you? This place is both home and not home. Chiarella reflects that through elegant choices in sight and sound. Cinematographer Tyson Perkins paints this small town in pale but warm hues of pinks, blues, and golds. This does not seem the kind of place where a teen boy would be ripped to pieces with a shrug from the community. But it is. Here, the score by Jed Kurzel bolsters this shudder-inducing truth, giving an eerie echo of percussion that sounds like a racing heart, running down a long, endless hallway. And yet…

Leviticus is defiant in its queer joy, despite the bleak setup.  Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen star as two boys in love and trauma in "Leviticus." Credit: NEON

While Chiarella's script does follow the supernatural horror trope of having his heroes try to chase down a solution to best their monster, Leviticus is not really about that quest. At its core, it's about Naim and Ryan and what they will choose. There is no ceremony that will magically convert their parents to compassion. If they can't fare better with a mysterious demon, what path is left? 

Some might be frustrated with Chiarella's answer. But I found it awesome. Leviticus won't give an easy answer, just as it won't lay out simple rules of how this vicious monster operates. The movie never even declares it a demon. But based on genre tropes and my own Catholic upbringing, I'm calling it a demon. 

Instead, Leviticus relies not so much on rules or rituals to build its world and message, but on the performances of Bird and Clausen. As in Talk to Me, Bird has a riveting vulnerability onscreen. Here, his eyes flicker with lust, fear, jealousy, and bliss. His slightness compared to Ryan makes him seem fragile, whether he's risking a kiss or running for his life. He is alive, and how could an audience not fall under the skin of his experience, getting goose bumps in arousal and horror right alongside him? 

Joe Bird in "Leviticus." Credit: NEON

As to Clausen, he has two roles, Ryan and the demon version of Ryan. The former is mercurial, code-switching at school to perform hetero masculinity, even as he steals a glance at his crush. When they are alone, mischief sparkles in his eyes, then joy. His self-assuredness is an invitation for Naim to join him, which makes the demon wearing his face and openness as a mask all the more harrowing. This version of Ryan switches seamlessly from provocative lover to dead-eyed terror. When idle, the demon Ryan evokes Michael Myers in his Halloween mask, standing on a once-quaint lawn. When he attacks, his smile vanishes into a ruthless sneer or an inhuman wail. And each time, I felt my breath catch in my throat, until I finally let loose a scream so loud it alarmed even me. 

All this is to say that Leviticus is a religious horror movie about being queer, but one that, despite its demon, does not demonize queerness. Nor does this thriller drown in the bleakness of religious trauma. Instead, Chiarella expertly coaches his cast to plunge into the depths of such pain, so that their characters can surface gasping for air. And because he does so with such immersive intensity, we're left gasping too. 

Supremely suspenseful, smartly done, and ultimately rebellious, Leviticus is an absolute stunner. 

Leviticus opens in theaters on June 19. 

It's impossible to watch The Death of Robin Hood and not think of Logan. Both films star Hugh Jackman, and both mar his leading-man good looks with old age makeup, scars, and mangy facial hair. In each, he plays an anti-hero whose legend is one of noble heroism but whose reality is a trail of senseless carnage. And in both, his withered humanity is revived by protecting an orphaned girl. In this comparison, The Death of Robin Hood only suffers. 

SEE ALSO: A24's 'The Death of Robin Hood' trailer teases a dark spin on the classic tale

Logan co-writer and director James Mangold created an emotionally rich drama, punctuated by breathtaking action sequences that showed new potential for superhero films viewed through a revisionist lens. The Death of Robin Hood's writer/director Michael Sarnoski, who has previously made the superb slow-burn thriller Pig and the awful horror prequel A Quiet Place: Day One, pursues a similar goal in re-interpreting the folk legend renowned for robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. But his interpretation lacks complexity, offering in its place much brooding, after a first act overstuffed with truly repulsive onscreen violence. 

There is an attempt at balance, as Sarnoski introduces female characters meant to be a soft and compassionate foil to Robin and his not-so-merry men's brutality. But that feels frustratingly reductive and shallow. 

What is The Death of Robin Hood about? Credit: Aidan Monaghan / A24

Set around 1247 A.D., this trudging drama begins on the side of a mountain, where cold winds roar across a treacherously frozen terrain. There, a haggard old man lives determinedly alone. This is Robin Hood (Jackman), an outlaw whose thievery has been praised because of the tales of how he redistributed the wealth to aid the poor. But — as the tagline for the film declares — he was no hero. 

Over and over, any chance this Robin Hood gets, he will grumble that those were lies. He and his Little John (an equally grumbly Bill Skarsgård) robbed, maimed, and murdered so many men, women, and children that he cannot remember their names or faces. So, now, he hides in isolation, apathetically fending off would-be killers who are seeking vengeance for crimes he cannot recall. It's a grim beginning, and it will only get grimmer. 

When Little John returns to him, asking for help in fighting off a family that has stolen his land and kidnapped his wife, Robin begrudgingly agrees, noting they both might die. His tone even suggests that's Robin's wish, to just be over with it all. Still, he'll battle hard for his friend, slaying not only the invading men but also employing his legendary archery skills to shoot a fleeing child through the back of his skull and left eye. 

The sound effects chosen for such moments of violence pull no punches, offering sharp cracks of bone, wretched tearing of flesh, and the squish of internal organs ripped asunder. It's stomach-churningly effective in hitting home how efficient Robin is at delivering carnage. By the end of the first act, not only have Little John's foes been felled but Robin himself has too, following a gross and grisly battle of blood, muck, and fire. To the credit of cinematographer Pat Scola, such scenes of violence are both beautiful and horrid. His shots make clear the agony and injury, but play these fights off a backdrop of blazing fire and night sky. The contrast is dizzying and exciting. But soon, this contrast and conflict will be moved to a far-off island, the colors shifting from brown and orange to grays and radiant blues. 

At an ancient priory, a gorgeous nun called Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer) offers aid to the ailing. She's taken in Robin Hood, unaware of his identity. (He tells her his name is Randolf). As his wounds heal, Little John's only child, Little Margaret (Faith Delaney), arrives on the island, orphaned and traumatized. Though at first Robin only wished to die, and failing that, to escape this blissful place of restoration, he is slowly enchanted by Brigid's compassion and by Little Margaret's thirst for a father figure. Reluctantly befriending a persistent leper (Murray Bartlett), Robin begins to consider if this might be "another life" for him — when yet another vengeance-seeking stranger turns up at the priory. 

The Death of Robin Hood is an unpleasant and cynical slog, despite a promising cast.  Credit: Aidan Monaghan / A24

Like Logan, The Death of Robin Hood functions like a revisionist Western, wherein the lifelong gunslinger looks back on his journey and wonders if all the blood he's spilled can ever be washed clean. Put another way, can a man of violence ever become a man of peace? 

Intellectually, there's something interesting in this cliche. However, Jackman's portrayal in The Death of Robin Hood feels like an echo of his achingly poignant work in Logan, but with less rage and thus less energy. Plus, Sarnoski's approach is dull and episodic. Again and again, someone will ask Robin if he recalls a particular act of violence, and he shrugs his heavy shoulders in response, his expression world-weary. And then the person explains how Robin's actions hurt them personally, to which Robin gives an inscrutable stare in response, over and over. 

It's a tedious way to establish Robin's cruelty. More irksome, he only starts to care about the consequences of his actions once he falls for the lovely nun. While Comer is a critically acclaimed actress thanks to her bold and brilliant performances in Killing Eve, The Bikeriders, and The Last Duel, she — like Jackman — cannot elevate Sarnoski's shallow script, which reduces men and women to archaic archetypes. For instance, to illustrate that Sister Brigid has desires beyond being a loving nurse to the sick and mother to the orphaned, Sarnoski includes a bizarre scene where she sneaks off at night to a cave to masturbate by candlelight. How else could he possibly show a woman could be spiritual and sexual? 

Little Margaret is similarly underwritten, existing chiefly to follow Robin like a sullen shadow with the sad eyes of a Margaret Keane painting. Noah Jupe, who earned praise last year for playing Hamlet in Hamnet, is compelling in a brief role as a boy on the brink of a pivotal decision. To Bartlett's credit, he brings some levity as a leper who talks with fearless sass, even though he knows Robin's true identity and wickedness. But with much of his face covered by bandages and, later, rotting prosthetics, his charisma is almost completely swallowed. Essentially, though most of the other characters exist to balance Robin's unrelentingly grim brooding, the balance is off. So, much of the movie is a muck of unrelenting maudlin reflection, undercutting any attempt at hope of rising above. 

Most frustratingly, from beginning to end, I couldn't get a grip on the why of it all. Not why in terms of Robin Hood's cruelty or ruefulness, but why re-imagine a figure upheld as a rebel for fairness and community as one of careless violence, unchecked cruelty, and selfishness? 

Sarnoski's past films were a more successful mix of darkness and light, offering hardened heroes who fought for joy or love, even as they understood full well the world around them was merciless and cruel. Here, however, we start with a protagonist who is merciless and cruel, and the only reason we are given to follow him, to invest in his journey, is that he is played by Hugh Jackman. Beyond that, this deeply cynical spin on the legend of Robin Hood has no discernible message beyond some trite platitude of the power of second chances. Despite its star-studded cast, and a powerful blend of hard-hitting sound effects and jolting on-camera violence, The Death of Robin Hood feels politically, spiritually, and emotionally hollow. 

The Death of Robin Hood opens in theaters on June 19.

Morale at Meta is reportedly near the worst it's ever been. To help fix it, the tech giant will offer staff more snacks.

Business Insider reports that Meta's chief technology officer Andrew "Boz" Bosworth admitted the grim mood during an internal call earlier this month, stating that while employee morale has been worse before, the current situation is "probably up there" on the scale of severity. 

SEE ALSO: Meta faces employee backlash over tracking tool

"I can think Cambridge Analytica was probably the worst," Bosworth reportedly said in the June 2 meeting. The Cambridge Analytica scandal made international headlines in 2016 after it was discovered that the firm had acquired over 50 million Facebook users' data without informed consent and used it to target voters.

Meta's current cratering morale appears attributable to recent shake-ups by management. The company conducted a mass layoff of 8,000 workers last month — amounting to 10 percent of its workforce — while at least 6,500 others were involuntarily reassigned to work on its AI models in its new Applied AI division. Employees have reportedly found the work drudging, menial, and "soul-crushing," with the overwhelming majority deeply unhappy with the change. The tech giant is further facing backlash after announcing it would track U.S. employees' keystrokes and mouse movements to train AI.

Meta CTO Andrew "Boz" Bosworth promised more investment in employee perks in an attempt to boost morale. Credit: David Paul Morris / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Bosworth acknowledged widespread employee dissatisfaction in an internal post this Monday, as reported by WIRED. Though he reportedly stated that employees will need to make sacrifices and work on jobs they find "don't find as personally fulfilling," he pledged to fix Meta's culture and make it a "fun and enjoyable" workplace.

"We've undermined the trust you have that your specific expertise and contribution will be valued, that you will grow and advance your career, and that this will be a place where you can actually have an impact," Bosworth wrote in the post seen by WIRED. "We shook up the management structure that was providing you stability while rapid changes in strategy, including the boom/bust cycle of hiring, left entire teams in the lurch."

As such, Bosworth stated that Meta will give managers a maximum of 20 direct reports and provide employees with more personalised support. He also assured employees that Meta doesn't intend to fully replace AI workers with AI, however they do need to know how to use it, and will be given access to optional "AI coaching" tools.

"We obviously did an atrocious job explaining the vision, giving people a clear picture of how we would support them and their careers in the shift, and painting a picture of how it would change over time," wrote Bosworth.

Bosworth further attempted to raise employees' spirits by promising improved snack areas, increased travel budgets, and investments in office social events. Considering the dire state of morale, it seems as though the time-honoured tradition of the office pizza party has a formidable amount of heavy lifting to do.

WIRED sighted internal memos earlier this month in which Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg pledged there would be no further mass layoffs, and Applied AI vice president Maher Saba said that those who'd been reassigned to the team would now be allowed to apply for other roles within the company. Even so, assurances that their situation merely may not get worse is likely of little comfort to already disgruntled employees.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Bodily fluid.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

LYMPH

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Hush hush.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

TABOO

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Scratchy.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

ITCHY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A string instrument.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

VIOLA

Final Hurdle hint

To hate.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

ABHOR

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The lunar cycle is well underway, and the Moon is becoming more and more noticeable each night. Its bright crescent shape continues to grow as we head towards the First Quarter phase.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, June 19, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 33% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

With just your naked eye, tonight you'll be able to see the Mares Fecunditatis and Crisium. And with binoculars, you'll also catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater. If you have a telescope, this will help you see all this plus the Apollo 17 landing spot and the Mare Nectaris.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on June 29.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth in about 29.5 days, moving through eight recognised phases along the way. While the same side of the Moon always faces our planet, the amount of its surface lit by the Sun changes as it travels around Earth. As a result, we see the Moon appear in different shapes over the course of a month, from slender crescents and half moons to a bright Full Moon. This repeating sequence of phases is known as the lunar cycle.

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 19, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 18, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for June 19 Pips

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 3-5, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this red space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for June 19 Pips

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 4-6, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this red space must be equal to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for June 19 Pips

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically; 1-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this red space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 1-5, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 6-4, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 2-6, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

UPDATE: Jun. 19, 2026, 12:13 p.m. Disney+ has posted an update on X at 10:06 p.m. ET / 7:06 p.m. stating that the issue has now been fixed. The cause of the outage has not yet been revealed.

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Original story follows.

Disney's streaming service Disney+ is currently suffering a global outage, with users reporting that they're seeing an error message when attempting to log in.

Crowdsourced outage tracker Downdetector began receiving reports of issues with Disney+ just after 6:40 p.m. ET / 3:40 p.m., with over 20,000 submitted by users in the U.S. alone by 7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. (Disclosure: Mashable and Downdetector share the same parent company, Ziff Davis.) 

Though the cause of the Disney+ outage is currently unknown, Disney has acknowledged the issue in a post on the official Disney+ support X account.

"We’re currently investigating issues affecting login for some users and hope to have this resolved soon," the official Disney+ support X account posted at 8:49 p.m. ET / 5:49 p.m. PT. "Thank you for your patience!"

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The account has also been responding to X users' complaints by apologising and directing them to Disney+'s feedback form.

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Getting Disney+ back up soon is of the essence for many users, as the streaming service is airing the 2026 FIFA World Cup in some South American regions. Fortunately, it shouldn't be too disruptive to these soccer fans. Though matches featuring Argentina, Columbia, Ecuador, and Uruguay will be aired on Disney+ Premium in their respective countries, none are scheduled for today. The match between Mexico and South Korea is currently scheduled to kick off at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

This is a developing story…

Thirty years after the original made us try to catch our toys in action, Toy Story 5 is here. And as a Pixar film, there's always one question on audience minds at the end of the film: Is there a secret scene during or after the credits?

Hidden credits scenes have become synonymous with the Disney studio, from the staged blooper reels of Monsters Inc. to the not-so-perfect dentist escape at the end of Finding Nemo. Elio has one. Inside Out 2 has one. While Toy Story's first film doesn't have an end-credits scene, Toy Story 2, 3 and 4 do.

And sure enough, there's fun in the credits of Toy Story 5.

SEE ALSO: 'Toy Story 5' review: AI toys are the hook, not the heart of this comedy

Featured Video For You Toy Story 5 Junket

We won't spoil what happens in the scenes, but just know you should definitely stay for the credits for three reasons:

1. There's a mid-credits scene that's high drama.

2. There's a post-credits scene that's a sweet time.

3. Thousands of people worked on this film. It's nice to stay for the credits.

It's not the only Easter egg you'll find in Toy Story 5 either.

Toy Story 5 opens in cinemas on June 19.

Toy Story 5 is careening into cinemas with its foot to the floor, like a Pizza Planet employee behind on their deliveries. And if you're concentrating, you'll spy a very fast Easter egg that's become a staple in Pixar movies.

With Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the gang back for the fifth adventure in the franchise, I had my eyes peeled for any throwback moments. And while there aren't many, one is clear as day — though it's blink-and-you'll-miss-it-fast.

SEE ALSO: 'Toy Story 5' review: AI toys are the hook, not the heart of this comedy

Featured Video For You Toy Story 5 Junket

Without spoiling the storyline, you can spot the reference in the third act of the film. A group of characters is travelling along a rural road when a vehicle approaches, causing them all to freeze in their signature Toy Story way. It absolutely fangs it past them.

That vehicle? It's a Pizza Planet truck. Unmistakeable in its yellow-and-white body and characteristic urgency, this is the vehicle of choice for the forever flustered delivery worker from the franchise's space-themed restaurant and arcade. Pizza Planet appeared all the way back in Toy Story, when Woody tried to trick Buzz into flying home to Star Command.

The Pizza Planet truck has become a bit of a cameo classic in most Pixar films from Turning Red to Onward — of course, there are Reddit threads — and appearing in every Toy Story film (even as a tattoo in Toy Story 4). Those pizzas have got to be ice cold by now.

Toy Story 5 opens in cinemas on June 19.

Best early Prime Day deals under $25 at a glance Best earbuds deal Soundcore P30i $24.99 at Amazon (save $25) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Botanicals Mini Orchid $23.95 at Amazon (save $6.04) Get Deal Best streaming stick deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $24.99 at Amazon (save $25) Get Deal Best smart home deal Govee LED Smart Light Bulbs (2 pack) $19.99 at Amazon (save $6) Get Deal Best water bottle deal Owala FreeSip (24 ounces, off road) $23.99 at Amazon (save $6) Get Deal

Attention shoppers: Amazon Prime Day starts on June 23. In theory, you could wait to shop until Tuesday, but if you're in the mood to score some deals before the sale begins, you're in luck. Amazon tends to drop prices before the sale starts, and as long as you check on price history with camelcamelcamel to make sure you're actually getting a good deal, you might not have to wait.

For those sticking to a budget this Prime Day, consider that some of our favorite items are sitting at under $25. A great pair of budget earbuds, fancy smart bulbs, and an emotional-support water bottle are all on sale before Prime Day. Shop now, and you'll avoid potential shipping delays.

These are the top early Prime Day deals under $25, should you want to get a head start on shopping.

Best deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore P30i $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The Soundcore P30i earbuds fall well within a budget price but don't skimp out on features. As an early Prime Day treat, Amazon has them on sale for only $24.99 in select colorways, down from the list price of $49.99 at Soundcore.

According to Mashable's list of the best budget earbuds, the Soundcore P30i have the most impressive sound for an option under $50 (now under $25). "The active noise cancellation on them is impressive for their price, able to block out the bustle of busy streets or the noisy gym," wrote Mashable Shopping Reporters Bethany Allard and Samantha Mangino.

More deals under $25

• Govee LED Smart Light Bulbs (2 pack) — $19.99 $25.99 (save $6)

• Lego Botanicals Mini Orchid — $23.95 $29.99 (save $6.04)

• Owala FreeSip (24 ounces, off road) — $23.99 $29.99 (save $6)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

Not quite a tablet and much more compact than a book, e-readers are basically a compact, digital library. And having tested a lot of e-readers and tablets for Mashable, I can tell you the Amazon Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices.

All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle and how to make the most of it. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don't have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.

But there's no better Kindle hack then waiting to buy one on Prime Day.

How much will Kindles be on Prime Day?

Here's a fact: Kindles always go on sale during Prime Day. As one of Amazon's most popular devices, they get big discounts, so it's not a question of if but instead a question of how much. Not only do I test Kindles, but I also track the best deals on Kindles, too.

So, ahead of Prime Day on June 23 to 26, I have a pretty good idea of how much Kindles will cost during the sale.

I tracked the price of the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite over the past four sales to predict this year's prices. Credit: Mashable

The Kindle Paperwhite's lowest price ever is $124.99, which the device dropped to during Black Friday, Prime Big Deals Days, and of course, last year's Prime Day. So, unless Amazon decides to give it a new all-time low price, we expect to see it drop to $124.99 on June 23.

For a more budget-friendly purchase, the basic Kindle has seen even bigger savings. The e-reader had a new, all-time low price during Black Friday 2025 when it dropped to $79.99. This Prime Day, I hope to see that $79.99 price tag again, but an $84.99 price might be more likely.

2026 Kindle updates

As of May 20, 2026, Amazon no longer lend software updates or provide web services to devices released in 2012 or earlier, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.

The affected Kindles include:

• Kindle (1st generation)

• Kindle (2nd generation)

• Kindle DX

• Kindle DX Graphite

• Kindle Keyboard

• Kindle 4

• Kindle Touch

• Kindle 5

• Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)

Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

• How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

• I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.

• What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

• What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month

• Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

• Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle
  

SAVE $5: The Shashibo sensory fidget toy is down to $19.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount off its $24.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shashibo Shashibo Sensory Fidget Toy $19.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $5   Shop Now

The Shashibo sensory fidget toy is down to $19.99 at Amazon, which is its lowest price this year. That’s a small drop from its usual $24.99 price, but it’s still nice to see it sitting closer to the lower end of its range as early Prime Day deals start to roll in.

The shape-shifting cube is built around simple hands-on play that keeps your mind lightly engaged. It transforms into over 100 different shapes, so it never really stays in one form for long. Each movement leads into the next, making it easy to keep going without really thinking about it.

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Beyond just something to pass time, it keeps your hands busy in a way that naturally gets you figuring out different shapes. Repeating patterns and snapping pieces into place uses memory and spatial thinking without feeling like a big effort.

It also fits easily into everyday use, whether on a desk, in a classroom, or at home between tasks. The built-in magnets let multiple cubes connect if you add more, opening up bigger structures to build.

Snag the Shashibo sensory fidget toy on Amazon and let your hands figure out the rest.

SAVE $270: As of June 18, the EF EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is on sale for $429 at Amazon. That’s 39% off its $699 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EF EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station $429 at Amazon
$699 Save $270   Get Deal

The EF EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is on sale for $429 at Amazon just ahead of Prime Day, a 39% discount off its $699 list price. It’s a solid drop for a 1,024Wh backup battery built to keep essentials running when the power goes out, or you’re off-grid. Portable power stations like this usually feel more relevant once you actually need it, not before.

The portable power station charges fast when plugged into a wall outlet, going from empty to 80% in about 50 minutes. That makes it easy to top up at home before a trip or keep it charged in case of a power outage.

SEE ALSO: These 9 early Prime Day outdoor deals will get you prepped for summer

The EF EcoFlow Delta 2 has a flexible setup depending on how much power you need. You can start with the main unit for everyday use and add extra batteries later if you want more capacity for longer trips or heavier use like RVs or off-grid stays. It’s built to last for years, with a long-life battery designed to handle repeated use without wearing out quickly.

You can recharge it in a few different ways, including a wall outlet or solar panels if you’re outdoors or off-grid. It also comes with basic accessories in the box, so you can get started without needing extra add-ons right away.

Catch the price dip on the EF EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station at Amazon while it’s still live.

TL;DR: Get 5 years of flowkey Piano Learning for just $67.97 — the lowest price ever — and learn piano with interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and over 1,000 songs, with code SAVE15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Flowkey flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription) $67.99
$899 Save $831.01   Get Deal

Five years of piano lessons for $67.97 sounds like a typo. It isn’t.

The flowkey Piano-Learning App Classic Plan is available for just $67.97 (reg. $899), making this the lowest price we’ve ever seen for the app. The math is hard to ignore: that’s $831.03 off the regular price for five full years of access.

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Flowkey is designed to take someone from first notes to full songs using step-by-step lessons and real-time feedback. The app listens as you play, so you get instant corrections instead of guessing what went wrong.

It includes features like Wait Mode, which pauses progress until you hit the correct notes, as well as slow-motion playback, looping sections, and split-hand practice. You can also follow synced video performances alongside sheet music, which helps connect theory to actual playing.

The Classic Plan includes access to over 1,000 classical and public-domain pieces by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart, along with arrangements tailored to different skill levels.

There are also foundational courses covering music theory, chords, reading sheet music, and proper hand positioning. It’s structured to support both absolute beginners and returning players who want a refresher.

This fits beginners who want structured guidance without committing to in-person lessons, as well as intermediate players looking to rebuild or strengthen fundamentals. It also works across devices — including laptops, tablets, and phones — as long as you’re using a compatible keyboard or digital piano setup.

This learning app provides a low-risk way to build piano skills over time without recurring monthly costs or high lesson fees.

To learn a new skill and keep things simple, you’ll want structured lessons, interactive feedback, and long-term access with flowkey.

Get it today at its lowest price yet: $67.97 through June 28 at 11:59 p.m.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

When it comes to Amazon Prime Day, many gadgets go on sale well ahead of time. Select smart home devices, big-screen TVs, and even flagship headphones get deep price cuts in the days or weeks leading up to the event. (This year, it runs from June 23 to 26.) Shoppers can scoop up early-bird discounts on these products to avoid day-of chaos, including potential inventory issues.

Not laptops, though. This year's early Prime Day laptop deals are... not good.

I'm Mashable's resident expert on all things PCs, and having covered Prime Day for seven years now, I can tell you that Amazon doesn't release many laptop deals until the sale actually starts. I'm talking legitimately excellent laptop deals on popular models, not sketchy listings that come from third-party sellers or unfamiliar brands, which are annoyingly common on Amazon.

The good news is that your patience usually pays off. Lots of Apple MacBooks and Windows laptops will fall to their lowest prices of the year at some point during Prime Day. The bad news is that, well, waiting sucks. (Then again, so does paying too much for a big-ticket item that goes on sale mere days later. But I digress.)

Fortunately, I will be personally updating this page with the best Prime Day laptop deals once they go live, so keep following Mashable's coverage and check back on June 23.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best early deals to shop already What laptops will go on sale during Prime Day 2026?

While Amazon doesn't share the specifics of its Prime Day deals ahead of time, it has revealed some category-wide discounts that shoppers can expect to see during next week's sale. In the tech department, that includes savings of up to 35% on select laptops (and smartphones and tablets) from brands like HP, Lenovo, and Samsung. Keep that in mind, Team Windows.

On the MacBook side, I'd bet on seeing discounts of at least $200 on the M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, which would match their previous all-time lows. The budget MacBook Neo has yet to get a proper discount on Amazon since launching in March, but Prime Day would be a good excuse as any for Amazon to drop it by $50 or so. My fingers are criss-crossed.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't be too loyal to Amazon during Prime Day if stellar laptop steals and deals are your priority. Other major retailers will be hosting competing sales, including Best Buy, which is promising up to 50% off devices, including laptops, during its upcoming Tech Fest. Notably, Best Buy has a much better selection of Windows laptops and older MacBooks than Amazon. (This week, it's offering $400 off high-end configurations of the M4 MacBook Air.)

If you are planning to check out Amazon's Prime Day laptop deals, bookmark this page. Below, I've collected a list of the laptop discounts that would get me to click the "Buy Now" button if they appeared on Prime Day. All of the models I've included are ones that we've tested ourselves and recommend, so you can be sure the laptop you're getting isn't just a cheap one, but a great one.

MacBook deals I want to see during Prime Day

• Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — now $589.99 $599 (save $9.01); new record low of $549?

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — now $949.99 $1,099 (save $149.01); previous all-time low was $899

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — now $1,149.99 $1,299 (save $149.01); previous all-time low was $1,099

• Apple MacBook Air, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $1,549 $1,699 (save $150); previous all-time low was $1,499

Windows laptop deals I want to see during Prime Day

• Acer Aspire 16 AI (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — now $699.99; previous all-time low was $429.99

• HP OmniBook 5 14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $859.99; previous all-time low was $449.99

• HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $991.30 $1,099.99 (save $108.69); new record low of $949.99?

• Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 15-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $1,499.99 $2,099.99 (save $700); previous all-time low was $1,049.99

• Acer Swift X 14 (Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $1,999.99; new record low of $1,799.99?

• MSI Stealth 16 AI+ (Intel Core Ultra 9 386H, Nvidia Geforce RTX 5070Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $3,099.99; new record low of $2,799.99?

We will be regularly updating this guide with the best laptop deals, so keep checking back. You can also visit our Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest updates and price drops.

Luxury SUVs have always been the go-to status play, mixing road presence with comfort and the latest tech. For years, buyers flocked to European nameplates like the Range Rover for that plush ride and premium feel.

TL;DR: Live stream Mexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has really delivered so far, and we're expecting more of the same from the second round of fixtures. Mexico and South Korea both won their first games, so this contest looks like really interesting. The hosts are probably slight favorites, but they'll need to be at their best to beat a talented South Korea side.

Interested in watching? We can help.

If you want to watch Mexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Mexico vs. South Korea?

Mexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on June 18. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Guadalajara.

How to watch Mexico vs. South Korea for free

Mexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Mexico vs. South Korea for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Watch Mexico vs. South Korea for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Mexico vs. South Korea (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Mexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

Family sedans may not dominate sales charts the way they once did, but they still make a compelling case for buyers who value comfort, efficiency, and driving enjoyment. While many shoppers automatically gravitate toward compact and midsize crossovers, a well-engineered sedan often delivers a smoother ride, sharper handling, and better fuel economy for less money. That's a combination that's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

It's frustrating when you can see a better game inside of a game you enjoy. Case in point: The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales.

Square Enix's latest in a series of smaller, throwback-oriented "HD-2D" games (using the same tech and art style as games like Octopath Traveler 0) is clearly intended to appeal to people who like the old-school Legend of Zelda games. It's also got a big infusion of Chrono Trigger and some elements of other RPGs like the venerable, criminally underrated Ys series.

Those are all things I love, so naturally, I was pretty excited for this one.

Unfortunately, Adventures of Elliot's best qualities aren't enough to overshadow how half-baked its structure feels. Between that and a lackluster story that takes entirely too long to reach its zenith, it's hard to call this one of the best 2D Zelda homages, though it's still pretty fun and worth your time if you're into this sort of thing.

SEE ALSO: 'Octopath Traveler 0' is a hefty investment that rewards your patience Adventures of Elliot's best moments feel like an arcade game

In Adventures of Elliot, you play the eponymous adventurer. Elliot wears a cool hat. Elliot is a solid guy, known far and wide for being kind and reliable. I'd grab a beer with him if I could.

Some typical fantasy video game stuff happens in the game's first few hours, setting Elliot on a quest to save a princess. He's joined by an exceptionally talkative and annoying fairy named Faie. The two of them quickly gain the ability to travel through time, ultimately unlocking four different periods the player can freely explore.

Adventures of Elliot wears its Zelda inspiration on its sleeve. It's all about running around a relatively open-ended (but not very big) world, using a combination of Elliot's weapons and Faie's fairy powers to explore a cornucopia of caves and dungeons.

Faie's powers are one of the more novel aspects of the game, as you can control her separately with the right analog stick. The game will often ask you to direct her around obstacles that Elliot can't pass in order to light torches or carry items from one point to another.

This is one element of Adventures of Elliot that makes it stand out, and I appreciated it.

He's got swag, I can't lie. Credit: Square Enix

I found it fun to ignore quest objectives and idly explore Elliot's world, largely because the simple and accessible real-time action combat is the highlight of this adventure. Elliot quickly unlocks six different weapons, including a sword, a spear, a bow, and a hammer, and he can equip himself with any two of them at the same time.

None of the weapons are all that complex on their own — but there's a cool upgrade system which allows you to add unique traits to each one, unlocking an admirable amount of versatility. By the end of the game, my bow could do the following things, all at once:

1. Home in on enemies with a charged shot

2. Bounce additional arrows between enemies after the initial hit

3. Light any enemies who had been hit on fire

4. Cause explosions every time an arrow hit an enemy who was on fire

Every weapon has a unique, cascading set of upgrades like this, and it rocks. There's also a simple, arcade-like combo meter that goes up when you get a kill and resets when you take damage (the higher the number, the better the loot you'll get from enemies).

In short, combat is fast, fun, and generally a great time.

This time travel story does little with its premise The only town on the world map is basically the only part that meaningfully changes from one period to the next. Credit: Square Enix

Sadly, good combat is pretty much all Adventures of Elliot has to offer. There is a story with lots of cutscenes and voice acting, but most of it is a particularly forgettable brand of corny and overly sentimental.

There are worse sins for a fun action RPG to commit than having uninteresting cutscenes, though. And I regret to inform that Adventures of Elliot has other skeletons in its closet.

The time travel mechanic adds next to nothing to the game, aside from padding. There are four versions of the world map set across the ages, a la Chrono Trigger, but they simply aren't different enough from one another. The volcano zone is always a volcano zone and the swamp area is always a swamp area.

There are plenty of optional caves and dungeons, but the most Adventures of Elliot has to offer, if you're thorough about exploring every cave in every time period, is an extra treasure chest or two.

Ultimately teh game fails to make good on its premise, both mechanically and narratively. The different stories in the different time periods fail to meaningfully interact with one another until very late in the game's plot. Adventures of Elliot has multiple endings, and the path to the true ending is the only time the game does anything compelling at all in this regard.

I'm fine with a game saving its best for last, but a 25-hour adventure that is only just OK for the first 20 hours doesn't feel particularly satisfying .

The fact that Adventures of Elliot is fun to play only serves to make the rest of it more disappointing. This really could have been a neat fusion of Zelda and Chrono Trigger, but it's merely a fair imitation of the former and doesn't even come close to reaching the heights of the latter.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales launches on June 18 for PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series consoles, and PC.

Dust off those Amazon gift cards — Amazon Prime Day is back and runs from Tuesday, June 23, to Friday, June 26 (and plenty of great deals are available). 

If you previously redeemed a gift card and want to check the remaining balance, we’ve got you covered. We'll also explain how to reload a gift card. Follow the steps below to make sure your Amazon gift cards are ready for the four-day Prime event. Happy shopping!

How to check your Amazon gift card balance on your desktop

Follow these quick steps to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance from your computer browser:

Total Time

• 2 minutes

What You Need

• Computer

Step 1: Navigate to Amazon

Open the Amazon website.

Step 2: Accounts & Lists

Click on Accounts & Lists in the top right corner of the screen.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website

Step 3: Select Gift cards

A new menu page will open on the website. Select Gift cards.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website

Step 4: Redeem or reload gift card

Once you click, you'll be able to see the existing balance on your gift card. If you are checking the balance on an unredeemed gift card and wish to redeem it, you can click on Redeem a Gift card. You can also opt to Reload your card in this menu or check your transaction history, which is listed below the gift card balance.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website How to check your Amazon gift card balance in the app

Follow these simple steps to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance from your phone or tablet:

Total Time

• 2 minutes

What You Need

• Smartphone

Step 1: Go to Account

Open the app and click on the account icon at the bottom of the landing page (the little person illustration). Then choose Account at the top of the landing page.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 2: Navigate to Payments

Scroll down until you see the Payments section.

Step 3: Manage gift card balance

In the Payments section, click on Manage gift card balance.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 4: Check balance or reload

Use the new menu that opens to check your gift card balance, reload your gift card, or check past activity.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon