The Metrolink connecting Dublin Airport to the city centre has been granted planning permission. The 18.8 km MetroLink rail line, most of which will be underground, is set to run from north of Swords to Charlemont in the south of Dublin city centre, with an estimated cost of €11 billion.

An Coimisiún Pleanála decided to grant permission generally in accordance with an inspector’s recommendation, which is contained in a comprehensive 1,600-page report. In granting the railway order, it also allows for the compulsory acquisition of land required for the project.

Various Metro projects for the capital have been proposed over recent decades, but none have yet proceeded to the construction stage despite more than €100 million being spent on planning those routes. Once operational, trains are expected to run every three minutes during peak periods.

The approval was welcomed by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, who plans to bring proposals to the Government for the establishment of MetroLink as a statutory delivery body responsible for overseeing the project’s construction. This is the largest single investment project outlined in the National Development Plan.

Minister O’Brien stated, “MetroLink will be transformative for the people of North Dublin and the entire country. It will provide a fast, high-capacity, high-frequency public transport route, and it will enable the construction of tens of thousands of new homes.”

Dublin Chamber also welcomed the decision, calling the metro a game-changer for the capital. However, it warned that work must start without delay to realize the benefits as soon as possible.

The Railway Order authorizes all necessary works for the construction of MetroLink. The journey time from Swords to the city centre is expected to be approximately 25 minutes.

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*Note: By the end of 2023, over €150 million had been spent on MetroLink developments.*
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/metrolink-from-airport-to-dublin-granted-planning-permission-1813792.html

**Everything You Need to Know About Ghost of Yotei’s Watanabe Mode**

*Ghost of Yotei* offers an assortment of gameplay modes that players can enjoy, but one mode in particular—Watanabe Mode—has sparked a lot of questions. Here’s a detailed look at what Watanabe Mode is, its inspirations, and how to activate it.

### What Is Ghost of Yotei’s Watanabe Mode?

Watanabe Mode is a special gameplay option that transforms the game’s soundtrack. Instead of the more traditional musical themes you might expect, activating this mode replaces the audio with a set of tracks inspired by the iconic works of anime director Shinichiro Watanabe.

Despite its audio focus, Watanabe Mode can be easily switched on in the *Display* settings tab within the main settings menu.

### Origins of the Music in Watanabe Mode

A common point of confusion is the origin of the tracks featured in this mode. The game’s menu clarifies that the music was created **under the direction of** Shinichiro Watanabe, rather than being composed by Watanabe himself.

Throughout his career, Watanabe has collaborated with highly talented musicians and producers on acclaimed anime such as *Cowboy Bebop*, *Samurai Champloo*, *Space Dandy*, and *Terror in Resonance*. His guidance and vision have helped shape some of the most respected soundtracks in the anime world.

### The Sound and Style of Watanabe Mode

According to a user named Scannerbarkly on Cortex, the music in Watanabe Mode closely follows the stylistic cues of the popular “Lo-fi Beats” genre. This style grew from the influence of artists like Nujabes, whose work on the *Samurai Champloo* soundtrack left a lasting legacy.

Unlike the jazzy, horn-driven themes of *Cowboy Bebop*, Watanabe Mode’s music stays softer and more percussion-light. Compared to Nujabes’ distinctive Boom Bap drum beats, the mode’s tracks lean towards gentler percussion that’s characteristic of modern Lo-fi.

That being said, since the user hasn’t completed the game on Watanabe Mode, there might be hidden musical elements still undiscovered that add further depth and variety to the soundtrack.

### Combining Watanabe Mode With Other Styles

One of the coolest features of *Ghost of Yotei* is the ability to stack Watanabe Mode with other unique modes:

– **Kurosawa Mode**: Changes the game’s rendering to black and white, evoking the classic style of filmmaker Akira Kurosawa.
– **Miike Mode**: Adds more mud and blood effects while tightening the camera angle to mimic Takashi Miike’s intense cinematic style.

Stacking these modes together changes both the aesthetic and audio experience, allowing players to customize how they enjoy the game.

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Whether you’re a fan of anime soundtracks or just looking to try something new in *Ghost of Yotei*, Watanabe Mode offers a compelling way to experience the game’s world through the lens of one of anime’s most influential directors. Don’t forget to explore the other modes as well for even more variety!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146188/ghost-of-yotei-watanabe-mode

A remaster or upgraded version of *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* is rumored to be in development, with a potential release window set for early 2026. This speculation has been circulating online, originating from a Reddit user, bertik11, who shared insights on the Leaks and Rumors subreddit.

According to bertik11, the first game in Warhorse Studios’ series will receive an upgrade sometime between January and April next year. The user also clarified that the studio is not currently working on a new *Lord of the Rings* game, as some rumors suggested, but is instead focused on developing their own fantasy title.

While this information comes from an unofficial source and should be taken with caution, bertik11 has a track record of accurate Kingdom Come: Deliverance-related rumors. For instance, last year, they correctly revealed the delay of *Kingdom Come: Deliverance II* to 2025 prior to the official announcement. They also predicted the medieval village design of the game’s Gamescom booth, which was later confirmed.

*Kingdom Come: Deliverance* was well-received as a solid role-playing game upon its initial release in 2018. However, a remaster could significantly enhance the experience, especially if it addresses some of the game’s most critical issues. Improvements in quality of life, such as streamlining the steep learning curve and refining the user interface, would make the game more accessible. This would benefit players who enjoyed its excellent sequel but have yet to experience the beginning of Henry of Skalitz’s story firsthand.
https://wccftech.com/kingdom-come-deliverance-remaster-early-2026/