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"That Christmas" hits Netflix December 4.

SAVE UP TO 54%: This week, shop major savings on tablets at Amazon. Find deals like the Apple iPad 9th generation for $199.99, saving $129.01 for 39% off or the Amazon Fire 7 Kids for just $59.99, knocking $70 off the price for 54% savings.

Best tablet deals Best tablet deal Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13 chip, 64GB, Wi-Fi) $199.99 at Amazon (Save $129.01) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet $59.99 at Amazon (Save $70) Get Deal Best Samsung tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus $169.99 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal

With Black Friday around the corner, we're hunting down the early deals to make the holiday shopping season a little bit easier. Whether you plan on shopping in-person or online, it never hurts to browse to find the best early deals.

Tablets are having a moment this week, with deals on Amazon Fire tablets, Apple iPads, and Samsung tablets all coming in real hot. Tablets are up to 39% off, and you can find deals under not just $200, but under $100, too. Here are all the best tablet deals this week.

Best tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13 chip, 64GB, Wi-Fi) $199.99 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $129.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Apple iPads have become the go-to tablet, and for good reason. Even older models, like the 9th Generation iPad, are still zippy thanks to the A13 chips that power them. Compatible with the first generation of Apple Pencil, you can use the tablet for work and play as you can illustrate, read, stream, and navigate the internet all from this 10.2-inch tablet. Plus, it's the first iPad to dip under $200. Find it now for 39% off, saving $129.01.

More iPad deals

• Apple iPad Mini (A15 chip, 64GB, WiFi) — $349.99 $499 (save $149.01)

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2 chip, 128GB, WiFi + Cellular) — $649.99 $749 (save $99.01)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M2 chip, 128GB, WiFi) — $699.99 $799 (save $99.01)

Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet $59.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon is taking us by surprise with some stellar deals on Fire tablets. The deals are back down to their lowest price ever, including on the Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet. This tablet is loaded with parental controls that prevents ad-free content and limits screen time. Plus, if it breaks within two years of purchase, Amazon replaces it completely free.

It's down to $59.99 ahead of Black Friday — its lowest price ever. That saves you $70 for 54% off.

More Amazon Fire tablet deals

• Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet — $74.99 $139.99 (save $65)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet — $109.99 $189.99 (save $80)

• Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet — $139.99 $229.99 (save $90)

More tablet deals

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus — $169.99 $219.99 (save $50)

• Google Pixel tablet — $319 $399 (save $80)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE — $326.53 $449.99 (save $123.46)

Disclaimer: Since this is a review-in-progress, the final score is subject to change.

It’s been 12 excruciating, miserable years, but BioWare has finally made a pretty good video game again.

And if “pretty good” is all Dragon Age: The Veilguard is, then so be it. This is not a generational RPG on the same level as Baldur’s Gate 3, nor does it reach the modern BioWare heights of Mass Effect 2. But after 30 hours, I’ve settled into a largely positive rhythm with Veilguard, thanks to its mostly strong (if a little cloying) character writing, best-in-the-series combat, and a focused, dense game design philosophy that prioritizes quality over quantity in side quests.

Ah crap, I accidentally let out some evil gods Whoops! You don't look very nice. Credit: BioWare/Steam

I played 80 hours of Dragon Age: Inquisition when it came out in 2014 and came away not really understanding or caring about its big twist at the end, which directly sets up this new adventure. Veilguard does a substantially better job of establishing stakes and getting you to care in the first two minutes after hitting “new game.”

That twist was that one of Inquisition’s central party members, Solas, is actually an ancient elven god with an arcane plan to perform a magic ritual that may or may not destroy the world. Veilguard’s prologue sees new protagonist Rook (who can be anyone you want them to be thanks to a remarkable character creator) trying to stop Solas from doing all of that. 

Of course, things go awry, a couple of eldritch nightmare gods are unleashed upon the world, and it’s up to Rook and a group of six or seven diverse heroes to stop them. It may not be as strong as Mass Effect 2 killing the protagonist in a spaceship explosion 10 minutes into the game, but it’s an effective enough intro that gets players into the action relatively quickly.

Group therapy in the magical dimension I like the party in this game! Credit: BioWare/Steam

The A-plot in Veilguard is a perfectly adequate excuse to travel from place to place, removing nasty blight infestations and solving a variety of other problems for a variety of people. Of course, this is a BioWare game, so the real meat is in the characters, and Veilguard’s commitment to its party is one of its best qualities.

Like any other game from the studio, going to a hub area (in this case, a magical lighthouse that doesn’t exist in the tangible world) and talking your homies through their personal problems is a core part of the gameplay loop. Your mileage will certainly vary depending on your disposition, but I think this is a damn solid BioWare party. 

SEE ALSO: Watch 'Baldur's Gate 3' speedrunner beat game in 4 minutes 15 seconds

Unfortunately, it takes a while to see it that way. The first few hours of Veilguard are dominated by characters who, for lack of a better term, are very millennial-coded. The dwarven archer Harding, for instance, has a little bit too much of that Joss Whedon-esque snark in her dialogue that plagued Mass Effect: Andromeda. Her personal story does eventually pick up and go to some neat places, but you have to do a little digging to get there.

Later additions to the cast start out in a better spot and only improve from there. I’m particularly partial to Lucanis, a hot assassin who is possessed by an asshole demon that only he can see and hear, but pretty much everyone is worth keeping around. Others include a cynical, hard-boiled magic detective, a quirky middle-aged necromancer with an intense fear of death, and a dragon hunter with a personal journey that’s sure to resonate with a lot of players.

Having deep, personal chats with these people is easily one of Veilguard’s highlights, but it’s not without some minor problems. The total number of dialogue choices you’ll have in a given conversation is pretty low (to be fair, BioWare’s been on this path since Mass Effect 3) and conflict resolution can occasionally be a little too convenient.

To explain, I’ll just echo what a friend said to me: Everyone in this game talks like they’ve been in therapy. They’re all generally careful not to say things that could be taken the wrong way and everyone has a degree of self-awareness about their own issues that I certainly didn’t until after about five years of professional help. 

At times, especially early in the game, this can make some interactions feel unnaturally easy to work through. To BioWare’s credit, though, there are at least a couple scenes of tense interpersonal strife between party members later in the game, so again, good things come to those who wait.

Veilguard feels like a response to Inquisition’s problems Minrathous is a good example of a zone that has a lot to do, but isn't very big at all. Credit: BioWare/Steam

In the minds of many, Dragon Age: Inquisition was the last good BioWare game. I am not one of those people because it was nakedly trying to chase Skyrim with nearly 100 hours of bloated, boring side content that got in the way of solid character work. The combat was also terrible, which has generally been the case in Dragon Age games. 

Good news! Veilguard goes out of its way to make sure neither of those problems are present here. This isn’t a short game (I expect my finished save to come in at around 45-50 hours), but it’s one that feels intentional and focused in its design, which makes the pacing breezy and engaging after the opening chapter or two. 

Inquisition’s open-world ambitions have been replaced by a series of comparatively small but incredibly dense “exploration areas,” which can feature everything from random enemy encounters to optional quests, hidden areas full of treasure, and puzzles to solve. Most fascinating is the inclusion of Metroid-style progress checks in the form of character abilities. Each party member has a specific environmental puzzle-solving power that only unlocks after they join the party, so you’re encouraged to go back to old areas and explore them further after the first sojourn into them.

While the level design doesn’t come close to Dark Souls qualitatively, the philosophy is there. These exploration areas fold in and around each other with lots of optional shortcuts to open and secrets to find. Going off the beaten path is almost always rewarding in some way, as you’re usually given high quality gear with genuinely useful bonus effects for doing so. 

Stanced up. Credit: BioWare/Steam

None of this is revolutionary, of course, but it crucially gives you things to do between fights that are actually kind of fun most of the time. It doesn’t hurt that Inquisition’s bloated gear crafting system is gone, in favor of a new system in which the total amount of gear in the game is pretty small, but you gradually unlock interesting upgrades for each piece over time. 

And while the last Dragon Age overflowed with side quests that typically felt like time-wasting drudgery, Veilguard’s optional missions almost always feature some kind of bespoke elements (like unique areas or even enemies in some cases) that make them feel more robust. Most impressive is that disparate side quests in one area can actually converge into one level-specific storyline, so pursuing everything so far has been fulfilling.

Companion-specific quests also return and have been fleshed out from previous BioWare efforts. Each party member has their own personal storyline that gradually develops over the course of the entire game. Sometimes they’ll ask you to walk-and-talk with them in the woods and other times they’ll ask you to do a totally unique and optional dungeon with them, but every companion activity progresses whatever that character’s arc happens to be.

It’s a compelling reason to keep returning to the hub and talking to people as often as possible. While most of the side quests follow a familiar “run to the objective marker and do whatever it says” rhythm, they at least feel like they exist for a reason other than padding out an hour count. That’s really all I ask. Plus, it’s just nice to take a walk and chat with a friend.

Who doesn’t love fighting? Ordering your buddies around works as well as ever. Credit: BioWare/Steam

Dragon Age is a lot of things to a lot of people. For most of my friends, it’s a dating sim that has an RPG in it. That stuff is cool, for sure, but if you happen to like crunchy, satisfying action RPG combat, Veilguard has that for days.

It doesn’t have an overwhelming amount of tactical depth a la Baldur’s Gate 3, but it’s a frenetic, skillful power fantasy at its best. Fights often require situational awareness of large arenas full of enemies casting ranged magic at you while some variety of giant brute tries to kick your ass up close. Darting around the place while awesome-looking spell effects pop off every few seconds makes for really fun encounters most of the time.

A straightforwardly good class and upgrade system helps seal the deal. You’ll choose from one of three main classes (warrior, rogue, and mage) at character creation, but each class has a large skill tree that can take you towards one of three specializations. I went with a mage and worked towards the “spellblade” specialization, which involves teleporting around the battlefield while casting lightning magic at baddies and using a dagger to create magic explosions around them. It’s incredibly fun.

Mass Effect: Andromeda may be the most embarrassing game in BioWare’s catalog, but it did introduce the primer/detonator system that helps make Veilguard’s combat sing. The way this works is that combat abilities with negative status effects attached to them can act as “primers,” while other abilities can “detonate” them to create a big kaboom that can do all sorts of things to enemies depending on how you spec out your party.

Putting together a successful three-person party is all about synergizing characters who can prime with other characters who can detonate, as no character can do both on their own. The only bummer here for me is that commanding your homies to prime and detonate is about as far as the tactical depth goes on the default difficulty. You can also command allies to attack specific targets, but otherwise you’re left to focus on your own survival during fights.

Veilguard doesn't have Andromeda problems

Real quick, I'd like to shout out Veilguard's general sense of polish that didn't really exist in the last couple of BioWare games.

By that, I mean that I've encountered only minor visual bugs in my 30 hours of gameplay, and absolutely nothing in the realm of glitches that impede gameplay or progress. The worst thing that happened to me was that my character's hair disappeared after a cutscene, but it came back when I rebooted the game. Compared to Andromeda, which was infamously busted at launch, Veilguard is a massive step up.

Similarly, performance is not a problem, at least on PlayStation 5. It's got quality and performance modes like any other game, and they work as you'd expect. Quality mode targets and, as far as I could tell, hits 30 frames per second, while performance mode actually does an excellent job of consistently running at 60FPS. On top of that, it's just a handsome-looking game all around, with expressive lighting and cool environment design to go along with high quality character models.

Is Dragon Age: The Veilguard worth getting?

I am here to tell you that Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a solidly good RPG. Its character work is admirable, as are its exploration philosophy and combat acumen. Taken strictly on its merits, this is a fine game that I think will make Dragon Age fans happy.

The problem is that it’s hard to take this game strictly on its merits during a particularly active and vibrant time in the RPG genre. I don’t think Veilguard is as good as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Metaphor: ReFantazio, not to mention Baldur's Gate 3, which by most accounts is a generational role-playing experience. 

But what I would say specifically to people who want to compare and contrast Veilguard to Baldur’s Gate 3 is: don’t. One of them was developed with seemingly consistent leadership and a coherent creative vision to go along with fan feedback via an extended early access period, while the other was made under the Electronic Arts umbrella and faced numerous public development challenges over the course of several years. 

That Veilguard exists at all is something of a miracle, and that it’s the first good BioWare game in more than a decade feels nearly impossible. It may not be a new standard-bearer for the genre, but merely being pretty good feels like something of a triumph.

For more Mashable game reviews, check out our OpenCritic page.

GET $30 OFF: As of Oct. 28, you can get up to 43% off Madden NFL 25 at Amazon. Buy it for $39.99 now.

Opens in a new window Credit: Electronic Arts Our pick: Madden NFL 25 (PS5) $39.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

If you’re into football and have some free time on your hands, Amazon has some pretty good deals on EA Sports games right now, including College Football 25, Madden NFL 24, and Madden NFL 25.

As of Oct. 28, you can score $30 off Madden 25, bringing the price down to $39.99. This is a sweet deal on a game that came out this spring. Even if you’re not a huge football fan, this game is worth checking out at least once. (It’s available to PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC gamers.)

SEE ALSO: So your NFL team stinks: The 2025 NFL Draft online resources you need to survive

“The gameplay in this year’s Madden is a more refined experience, a culmination of previous work by EA Orlando within the Frostbite Engine,” Mashable’s General Assignments Editor, Chance Townsend, writes in his review. “When stacked against the recently released College Football 25, which emphasizes fast and flashy gameplay, Madden 25 adopts a more cerebral, methodical pace that captures the essence of the pro game,” adding, “It genuinely feels like EA Orlando has perfected their use of the Frostbite engine’s animations.”

GET 50% OFF: Walmart+ is just $49 for an annual membership! This 50% off deal lasts through Dec. 2, 2024.

Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Walmart+ Annual Membership $49.00 at Walmart
$98.00 Save $49.00 Get 50% off through Dec. 2, 2024 Get Deal

If you’re looking for even more ways to save money this holiday season, you may want to consider signing up for Walmart+.

Through Dec. 2, 2024, new, expired, monthly, and current Walmart+ trial members can sign up for an annual Walmart+ membership for just $49 — half the regular annual membership fee.

SEE ALSO: Walmart's multi-part Black Friday plans involve new surprise deals and extra early access for members

With Walmart+, you can get early access to Black Friday deals, free shipping and delivery, gas discounts, and more. Whether you’re a frequent Walmart shopper or want to take advantage of the savings before holiday shopping kicks into high gear, this limited-time offer is definitely worth checking out.

Here’s a closer look at what Walmart+ has to offer and how the half-off annual membership deal works.

Walmart+ perks

• Early access to deals: As a Walmart+ member, you get early access to online Black Friday deals (starting Nov. 11 at noon ET). Scoop up the best savings before they sell out!

• Free delivery from your store: Get same-day delivery on groceries and more with Walmart+.

• Free shipping with no order minimum: With Walmart+, you can enjoy free shipping on every order — no more worrying about minimum purchase amounts.

• Fuel discounts: Save up to $0.10 per gallon at over 13,000 stations worldwide.

Other Walmart+ benefits include free online pet care through Pawp, 25% off at Burger King (plus a free Whopper with any purchase every three months), a free Paramount+ subscription, free tire repairs through Walmart Auto Care Centers nationwide, and more.

How to sign up for Walmart+

To get the discount on the Walmart+ annual membership, you'll need to be a new member or have an expired or monthly Walmart+ subscription.

Here's how to sign up:

1. Go to walmart.com/plus

2. Click “Claim offer now.”

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your Walmart+ annual membership signup.

Remember, this deal is only good through Dec. 2, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

SAVE $20: As of Oct. 28, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max has dropped to $39.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 33% from its $59.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

There are a wide variety of streaming devices to choose from, but if you're looking for a smooth, high-quality option for your TV setup, Amazon's 4K Max Fire TV Stick can deliver. And better yet, it's currently available with a nice discount on Amazon. Normally retailing for $59.99, it's down to just $39.99 for a limited time. That's a 33% discount on list price.

This Fire TV Stick usually pops up on sale during both Prime Days and Black Friday, so it's nice to see a limited-time deal appear at a point between the two sale events. It's worth the investment, as it offers smooth 4K streaming with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos. Compared to its standard 4K counterpart, it also offers double the storage capacity at 16GB with WiFi 6E support.

SEE ALSO: Every single Stephen King movie adaptation, ranked

Alongside the vast library of streaming services to choose from, you can also utilize Xbox Game Pass with this device. With an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership you can access Game Pass's massive library via cloud gaming to play through a wide variety of different games. It's a device that's sure to keep you busy from all of your favorite sources of entertainment.

As listed on Amazon's page, this is a limited-time deal, so if you've had the Amazon 4K Max Fire TV Stick on your radar now's a great time to grab it at Amazon. If you happen to miss out on this deal, though, don't worry, Black Friday is right around the corner and this deal is sure to pop up again during that sale event.

Are some of your Instagram videos lower quality than others? There's a reason for that.

Instagram head Adam Mosseri recently spoke about video quality in an AMA, confirming that Instagram video quality is dependant, in part, on views.

SEE ALSO: Why Instagram carousels sometimes start on the second slide

"If something isn't watched for a long time because the vast majority of views are in the beginning, we will move to a lower quality video," said Mosseri. "And if it's watched again a lot we will re-render at a higher quality video."

Mosseri went on to say that if someone is watching on a slower internet connection, that will also result in videos being rendered in lower quality. "The goal is to show people the highest quality content that we can."

Instagram's video quality works at an aggregate, rather than an individual, level, Mosseri confirmed in a later post on Threads.

"We bias to higher quality (more CPU intensive encoding and more expensive storage for bigger files) for creators who drive more views. It’s not a binary threshold, but rather a sliding scale."

SAVE $220: As of Oct. 28, the pumpkin carving kit from imarku has dropped from $239.99 to $19.99, with the help of a 50% off coupon you can clip alongside its already massive 83% discount. That a $220 discount, making for some spectacularly spooky savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: imarku imarku Halloween Pumpkin Carving Kit $19.99 at Amazon
$239.99 Save $220.00 Get Deal

Halloween is coming up, and if you're still hoping to carve some pumpkins for outdoor decorations, Amazon has a limited-time deal that's worth checking out. Right now, you can pick up a pumpkin carving kit from imarku for just $19.99, $220 off its list price of $239.99. That's a discount of over 90% in total, after clipping the 50% off coupon, and a fantastic deal for a set that comes with basically everything you need to get started.

This set features 10 carving knives of various shapes and sizes, 25 stencils to work with, and comes packaged in a very cute orange case with a carved pumpkin on the front. The case is helpful for carrying around all of the equipment with you, in the event of any Halloween parties, but it's the tools that really shine from this set.

SEE ALSO: Select Halloween decorations at the Home Depot are 50% off, including the 12-foot skeleton's friends and accessories

Each one has a unique shape to help with any detailing, large or small, you want to achieve while carving. This is incredibly helpful as you can make some really fun and creative designs with your pumpkin that normal knives don't really allow for. Not to mention, with having so many tools in this pack, it works great with a group of people.

Currently, this carving set sits with a 5-star rating on Amazon. That's a very positive reception for a set like this, with many people praising the case and how well all of the tools work. If you're looking for a last-minute solution for your pumpkin carving needs, this limited-time deal is absolutely worth checking out at Amazon.

SAVE OVER $200: As of Oct. 28, the Lenovo Legion Go has dropped to its lowest-ever price. You can score it at Amazon for $499, saving you 29% on its $699.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Legion Go $499.00
$699.99 Save $200.99 Get Deal

There are so many different handheld gaming devices to choose from right now, all with some pretty hefty price tags. But every once in a while a deal comes around that's worth checking out, especially if you've been on the hunt for your own portable gaming PC. Right now, Amazon has a great deal on the Lenovo Legion Go. It's currently available for $499, saving you over $200 on its $699.99 list price.

That's a discount of 29% and marks its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. This model comes with 512GB of storage, 16GB of RAM, an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme GPU, and AMD Radeon graphics so you can enjoy crisp, clear quality from your favorite games while on the go. On top of that, it also features a large 8.8-inch display to take in all of your favorite titles.

We had plenty of positive things to say about the Lenovo Legion Go back when it was released, too. In our review, we said that the "Legion Go can whet your appetite with its gigantic, buttery smooth display, detachable controllers, and more than adequate horsepower for running games new, old, indie, and AAA." It's the kind of device that if "you want to get a foot into the PC gaming door without committing to a way more expensive laptop or desktop PC, the Legion Go can be an ideal choice for you."

We also favored it over its competitor, the Steam Deck. In our breakdown of Steam Deck vs. Lenovo Legion Go, we came to the conclusion that the "Legion Go has a bigger and better display, more impressive internal specs, detachable controllers, and requires much less effort to play games from a variety of online storefronts. Steam Deck is a fantastic device, no doubt, but Legion Go is better in all the ways that matter if you're really serious about PC gaming."

It's true that this is a device for those who are serious about PC gaming. The price tag can still be intimidating even with a discount like this, so it's worth the investment if you've been on the lookout for a portable gaming device that can keep up with you and your favorite games. Deals like this one don't last long though, so if it has caught your eye, it's worth picking it up at Amazon before it's gone.

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 28 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Monday, October 28, 2024:

AcrossPackers hall of famer

• The answer is Favre.

Annoyed

• The answer is Ateat.

Internet slang, similar to "chonk"

• The answer is Thicc.

Permanently borrowed

• The answer is Stole.

"Haven't _____ before?

• The answer is WeMet.

The hapless Corleone

• The answer is Fredo.

DownHaving more excess pounds

• The answer is Fatter.

In for the night

• The answer is AtHome.

Like some threats and brides

• The answer is Veiled.

"_______ Witch Mountain" spawned a popular internet meme of The Rock driving.

• The answer is RaceTo.

And so on: Abbr.

• The answer is Etc.

Adobe flash file

• The answer is SWR.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

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.

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

Rough, deep voice.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 28 Hurdle Word 1 answer

GRUFF

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Onions have many of these.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 28 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

LAYER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Exonerating whereabouts.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 28 Hurdle Word 3 answer

ALIBI

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A wild plan. The Muppets had a great one.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 28 Hurdle Word 4 answer

CAPER

Final Hurdle hint

A rounded swelling of an otherwise flat area.

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

BULGE

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 Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, October 28, 2024:

Across[I'm SHOCKED!]

• The answer is Gasp.

Last multiple choice option, often

• The answer is In Other.

Material for a mason

• The answer is Stone.

Dye used in many South Asian wedding celebrations

• The answer is Henna.

Animal on an "Xing" sign

• The answer is Deer.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 28 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 28 Down"Isn't that something!"

• The answer is Gosh.

Tagged with an "@," on social media

• The answer is In Atted.

Emitted light

• The answer is Shone.

Tubular noodles

• The answer is Penne.

Backside

• The answer is Rear.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $145: As of Oct. 28, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB) is on sale for $304.99 at Amazon. That's a solid 32% off its usual $449.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung (Amazon) / Mashable Composite Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE $304.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $145.00 Get Deal

Have you been waiting to upgrade to a fun and functional tablet? The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is your perfect match, especially with this bargain from Amazon. Part of Samsung's 2024 lineup, this tablet is set up for multitasking, gaming, streaming, and more.

With its massive 10.9-inch display, dual speakers, and crisp 2304 x 1440 resolution, it's a personal cinema in your hands, no ticket required. The included S Pen also makes doodling, note-taking, and markup a doddle. The pressure sensitivity and form factor make for a fantastic pack-in accessory.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Ring vs. Oura Ring: What are the differences?

The S9 FE has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, so it's built to survive spills, sandy beaches, and wherever your adventures take you. Powered by the Exynos chipset, it can handle everything from heavy-duty apps to endless scrolling without the dreaded lag.

S9 FE sports up to 18 hours of battery life, so you can confidently leave the charger behind for a full day out. If you need to top it up during a solid streaming binge, Samsung's super-fast charging means you can carry on without this tablet giving up.

This deal covers the 128GB version in gray, giving you ample storage. If you need more, you can expand it up to 1TB with a microSD card, offering extra room in your bag without the added weight. There's a really cool "Circle to Search" function that allows you to snap a pic of a friend's shoes and circle them with your S-Pen so you can find them online, for example.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is available in various colors: Gray, Lavender ($499), Mint ($497), and Silver ($599.99). Still, this tablet's Grey 128GB model is availabel with the best deal. Snap one while you can, people.

SAVE OVER $40: As of Oct. 28, the TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router is on sale for $86 at Amazon. That's a saving of 34% off its regular price of $129.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: TP-Link (Amazon) / Mashable Composite TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router $86.00 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $43.99 Get Deal

The TP-Link AX3000 is a WiFi 6 router designed to maximize speed, coverage, and device connectivity. It is ideal for homes that demand more from their network. With dual-band speeds up to 2402 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, this router will handle just about anything you throw at it, from streaming in 4K to high-speed gaming.

To fully enjoy the benefits of WiFi 6, you’ll want a broadband speed of at least 300 Mbps from your internet provider. This will let you experience the fast, low-latency performance WiFi 6 was made for.

SEE ALSO: FCC investigating why broadband data caps are still a thing. What you can do to help.

AX3000 is built for multitasking households, especially those with a few people streaming, gaming, or hopping on video calls at once. WiFi 6 technology uses Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) to allow multiple devices to share one band without slowing each other down. This is perfect for busy homes with smart TVs, security cameras, and gaming consoles competing for bandwidth.

With a strong signal that covers most homes, the AX3000’s four high-gain antennas and beamforming technology help eliminate those pesky dead spots in larger spaces. If you’ve had issues getting a good signal in the far corners of your home, this router can help keep you connected where others may have failed.

TP-Link’s HomeShield security suite offers built-in features like network scanning, parental controls, and device identification, ensuring your network remains safe while your devices stay connected. Add Alexa compatibility for easy voice control, and the AX3000 doubles as a handy smart-home addition.

For $86, the TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router gives you a robust, future-ready network without breaking the bank. Ready to leave buffering behind or want a router that can handle today’s connected household? This deal won’t disappoint. Grab it now while the price is still hot.

The Dark Tower has been on Stephen King's mind for months now.

After weeks of dropping hints on X (formerly Twitter) over the summer, the horror master finally said what a new story set in the universe of his eight-book series might look like — and now he's confirmed that he's actually got something in the works.

SEE ALSO: Every single Stephen King movie adaptation, ranked

"I'm back in Mid-World...and the Territories," wrote King over the weekend. "Don't know if it will develop into anything--I never know--but it's good to be back."

Tweet may have been deleted

Obviously there's not much to go on there. We don't know what the length of this new story might be (it could be a short or a full-length novel), or really anything about the plot. But King does mention "The Territories", which feature in both the main series and King's other novels that he co-authored with Peter Straub, The Talisman and The Black House.

Of course, we also don't know if this story will ever actually see the light of day. King's post makes it clear that he's in the early stages, and isn't even sure if it will "develop into anything." But for fans of The Dark Tower, even the possibility of a return to Roland Deschain's world is exciting news.

SAVE $150: As of Oct. 28, you can score the Samsung 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Ultrawide QHD Monitor for only $199.99 at Amazon. That’s a sweet 43% off the usual $349.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung (Amazon) / Mashable Composite Samsung 34-Inch ViewFinity S50GC $199.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

The Samsung 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Ultrawide Monitor is a productivity workhorse for your workspace. With its 21:9 aspect ratio and crisp 1440p QHD resolution, it offers a panoramic view that’s perfect for tackling multiple tasks at once.

No more shuffling between tabs and windows. This monitor gives you the digital space to keep everything visible, from your Slack conversations to that Netflix binge (no judgment). The ultrawide format is a solid choice for designers, video editors, and data crunchers, letting you expand timelines, layouts, and spreadsheets without straining your eyes or neck.

SEE ALSO: Samsung gives your doodles the AI treatment with 'sketch-to-image'

Beyond the real estate, ViewFinity brings serious color depth to the table with HDR10 and over a billion shades, making it a standout for photo editing, content creation, and streaming. You’ll get rich contrast and vibrant colors that typical monitors can’t match. And if gaming is in your wheelhouse, the 100Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync keep the action smooth and stutter-free, so you can dive into casual gaming without sacrificing visual quality.

Samsung’s Eye Saver Mode and ambient light sensor ensure that long hours don’t leave your eyes feeling fried. The monitor’s Flicker-Free technology also helps reduce strain by adjusting brightness based on your lighting, which means fewer headaches after a long day of work or play. With its sleek, borderless design, the ViewFinity looks as good as it performs, adding a modern touch to any setup.

At $199.99, Samsung 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Ultrawide Monitor is a rare steal for anyone ready to level up their workspace or entertainment station. But deals like this don’t last long, so snag it while you can.

SAVE $145: As of Oct. 28, you can snag the Apple iPad Air (M2, 256GB, WiFi) with two years of AppleCare+ for $668 at Amazon. That's $110 off the usual $778 price tag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple (Amazon) / Mashable Composite Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) $668.00 at Amazon
$778.00 Save $110.00 Get Deal

The Apple iPad Air is more than just a pretty screen (though to be fair, it’s a gorgeous 11-inch Liquid Retina display). With the M2 chip at its core, this tablet handles everything from multitasking to gaming without breaking a sweat.

Fancy diving into creative projects or just bingeing your favorite show? The iPad Air delivers sharp visuals and smooth performance alongside features like True Tone, P3 wide color, and ultra-low reflectivity.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Ultra 1 vs. Ultra 2: We'll make this simple

The iPad Air has ample storage for apps, media, and documents without constant cleanouts. It also sports WiFi 6E, which means the iPad Air keeps up with fast internet connections and outputs better streaming (fewer buffering headaches). The Apple M2 chip in the iPad Air is a multitasking beast, ready for everything from editing videos to diving into graphics-heavy games without a stutter. Its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU make apps fly, while the Neural Engine easily handles tasks like photo edits and AR. Designed for speed and efficiency, the M2 keeps things smooth, and the battery lasts all day so you’re not tied to an outlet.

The bundled AppleCare+ adds peace of mind, covering unlimited accidental repairs with minimal fees ($29 for screen repairs and $99 for other damage) for two full years. AppleCare+ activates automatically upon delivery, so your iPad Air is protected from day one without any extra setup. Amazon sends the coverage details directly to your inbox.

Available in Blue, Purple, Space Gray, and Starlight, this limited-time deal is a rare chance to get both Apple power and protection at a discount. Just don’t wait too long; these savings won’t last forever.

SAVE $80: As of Oct. 28, the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet is on sale at Amazon for $109.99. That's 42% off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet $109.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

If you're looking for a tablet that's great for kids, Amazon's Fire range should definitely be on your list. With robust parental controls, educational content, and access to TV and games, the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet is one to check out. Just take a look at what we thought when we gave it a review.

As of Oct. 28, this tablet is currently on sale at Amazon for $109.99, reduced from $189.99. The only other time this model has been priced so low was during the recent October Prime Day, so you know you're getting a great deal. And, if you have an older device, you can trade it in for an extra 20% off.

This tablet is designed for six to 12-year-olds and offers 25% faster performance than previous models. It has a large 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display that shows off all your kids' favorite shows and games and runs effortlessly thanks to 3GB of RAM.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets: iPads are great, but have you tried literally anything else?

The device is fully monitorable too. Parents can manage pretty much everything from their phones, so they can ensure it is being used safely. This includes educational content and authorization of app downloads, such as Netflix and Disney+. And while it has an impressive 13 hours of battery life that can keep kids entertained all day, parents can set up screen time limits.

But most importantly, it comes in three bright colors to suit each personality: Happy Day, Mint, and Nebula.

Amazon advertises the device as perfect for both entertainment and education, but as our reviewer notes, this one is just a little too cool for school.

This is a limited-time deal, so head to Amazon before it runs out.

SAVE OVER $90: As of Oct.28, the Apple iPad Air 2024 (13-inch) is on sale for $799.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 11% on the list price and the lowest it's ever been priced at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 2024 (13-inch) $799.99 at Amazon
$899.00 Save $99.01 Get Deal

Earlier this year Apple announced the beloved iPad Air would be redesigned and released in a new size. The 13-inch model promised to provide a larger display to give more room to work, learn, and play. And as of Oct. 28, this model is on sale at Amazon, so you can try it out for yourself. And check out our extensive review while you're at it.

Reduced from $899, you can save almost $100 with the new discounted rate of $799.99. Not only that, this is the lowest price the 13-inch has ever been at Amazon. This deal is available on the WiFi-only model, 256GB, and without AppleCare+.

Now featuring a faster CPU, GPU, and the new M2 chip, the 2024 13-inch iPad is a much more powerful device than its predecessors. Built for Apple Intelligence, it helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AI

The display offers P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, ensuring vibrant visuals. With up to 1TB of storage, you’ll have ample space for all your apps and documents, while the all-day battery life keeps you productive on the go. However, as our reviewer noted, the screen doesn't work well outdoors, so this is only really beneficial if you'll be working inside.

The latest model also includes a landscape 12MP Ultra Wide front camera that supports Center Stage for videoconferencing and clear Portrait mode selfies. The 12MP Wide back camera is perfect for capturing photos and 4K videos. Plus, it features landscape stereo speakers and two microphones, delivering incredible sound.

This deal is only available for a limited time, so head to Amazon before it runs out.

SAVE OVER $90: As of Oct. 28, the Beats Solo 4 are on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 50% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 $99.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $99.96 Get Deal

If you’ve been eyeing up new headphones, the Beats Solo 4 might be exactly what you’re looking for. Released earlier this year, these headphones bring major upgrades to the Solo lineup — and as of Oct. 28, you can grab these headphones for just $99.99, saving almost $100 on the list price.

This deal is available across all colorways at Amazon: Black/Gold, Cloud Pink, Matte Black, and State Blue. These headphones have only been priced this low at Amazon once before, during the recent October Prime Day, so this is a great deal. However, this price is only available when purchasing without the power adapter. You can add this on for a price of $114.98 (reduced from $218.95).

SEE ALSO: Beats headphones are up to 35% off — shop the Solo 4 and Studio Buds at Amazon

The Beats Solo 4 headphones were only released earlier in the year, so to see such a big discount already, and outside of a sale event is something to seriously consider.

This latest model in the Solo range boasts a battery life of up to 50 hours and a super-quick 10-minute charge time. The Solo 4 also introduces new, personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. This is a technology that creates a 3D surround sound, and a more immersive listening experience by adjusting sound based on your head movements, so music, movies, and calls feel more lifelike.

And as with all Beats devices, the sound quality is stellar for all types of listening. Enjoy a punchy bass and balanced sound, whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or watching videos.

This is a limited-time offer at Amazon, so don’t miss out on snagging these stellar headphones at a reduced rate.