55 h. ago Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles review – remastered 1997 classic is even more politically resonant now

PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch/Switch 2, Xbox, PC; Square-EnixThis landmark role-playing game remains a revolutionary tour de forceAt first glance, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, first released in 1997 and now available in newly remastered guise, does little to separate itself from other boilerplate fantasy fiction. There is a hero, Ramza – an idealistic nobleman with luscious blond hair who cavorts about the medieval-inspired realm of Ivalice in search of high adventure. But quickly, and with narrative elegance, the picture complicates: peasant revolutionaries duke it out with gilded monarchists; machiavellian plots plunge the kingdom into chaos. Ramza must navigate this knotty political matrix, all while experiencing his own ideological awakening.There is a strong case to be made that Final Fantasy Tactics tells a better story than the landmark Final Fantasy VII (which saw Cloud Strife and a ragtag bunch of eco-terrorist pals taking on the shady megacorporation S...

Politics

63 h. ago 'Unusual' symptom young people often dismiss may be dementia sign

Dementia experts have highlighted key signs and symptoms following the death of Britain’s youngest dementia patient at the age of 24

Politics

64 h. ago Britain's key role as US forces pounce on rogue tanker bound for Russia

British forces helped the US in a dramatic high seas raid to intercept the Marinera, a rogue oil tanker and 'Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel', bound for Russia yesterday.

Events

3 d. ago A key hurdle to Ukraine peace deal has been overcome thanks to Britain and France – this is what’s next

Zelensky himself has admitted that a ceasefire is unlikely given Moscow’s refusal to accede on its demands. But a pledge by the UK and France to deploy troops in Ukraine if there is a peace deal represents progress, writes Bel Trew

Economics

4 w. ago Who is Al Carns? Former Marine and Labour minister with sights on leadership

Ex-special forces colonel, who is sounding alarm on Russia, has risen swiftly to role of armed forces ministerA former special forces colonel, government minister Al Carns was this week on manouevres warning that the UK needs to be preparing for war with Russia.“The shadow of war is knocking on Europe’s door once more. That’s the reality. We’ve got to be prepared to deter it,” he said, in comments that go beyond previous warnings by his boss, the defence secretary, John Healey. Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago Shameless legend David Threlfall, 72, is forced to pull out of leading role in West End show after being struck down with a mystery illness

The Shameless legend, 72, who is known for his portrayal of Frank Gallagher in the Channel 4 series, is no longer going to star as Tiger in Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.

Politics

last month Church of England reviewing complaint against incoming archbishop of Canterbury

Sarah Mullally accused of mishandling abuse complaint against priest in London, where she serves as bishopThe Church of England is reviewing a complaint against the incoming archbishop of Canterbury over her handling of an abuse allegation.Dame Sarah Mullally is due to take up the role next month, after Justin Welby was forced to resign over the way he dealt with a safeguarding scandal. Continue reading...

Economics