By Matt Espineli on Nov 03, 2017 11:36 pm
A Closer Look at the X
Update: Check out our Xbox One X review here. The Xbox One X is the latest in Microsoft's line of Xbox One consoles and is far more powerful than its predecessor. Formerly code-named Project Scorpio, the Xbox One X sports a higher-powered GPU, HDR and 4K resolution support, and a bevy of other hardware improvements. Microsoft touts it as the most powerful home console in the market. We recently got our hands on a unit and have taken photographs to show what it looks like. Click ahead to check out some the finer details of Microsoft's latest addition to the Xbox One family of consoles. Xbox One X releases November 7 for $500/500 Euros/380 GBP. Like the PS4 Pro, Xbox One X is designed to improve the performance of pre-existing and future games for the console. You can find a comprehensive list here.
By Jimmy Thang on Nov 03, 2017 11:05 pm
What is a teraFLOP?
Update: As you'll read in our Xbox One X review, Microsoft's upcoming console is capable of six teraFLOPS, but what exactly is a teraFLOP? And which consoles have the most? We're going to answer those questions and rank the consoles by their FLOPS in this gallery. What are FLOPS? They stand for floating point operations per second. They're used to measure a console's maximum graphical potential. In this story, you'll see us mention gigaFLOP and teraFLOP. The former represents a billion FLOPS and the latter represents one trillion FLOPS. How do you calculate a teraFLOP? The basic formula for computing teraFLOPS for a GPU is: (# of parallel GPU processing cores multiplied by peak clock speed in MHz multiplied by two) divided by 1,000,000 The number two in the formula stems from the fact that some GPU instructions can deliver two operations per cycle, and since teraFLOP is a measure of a GPU's maximum graphical potential, we use that metric. Let's see how we can use that formula to calculate the teraFLOPS in the Xbox One. The system's integrated graphics has 768 parallel processing cores. The GPU's peak clock speed is 853MHz. When we multiply 768 by 853 and then again by two, and then divide that number by 1,000,000, we get 1.31 teraFLOPS. Imperfections with teraFLOPS While teraFLOPS can provide a relatively good indication of a console's performance, it isn't perfect. TeraFLOPS only measure a segment of GPU performance. For instance, AMD's RX 480 graphics card offers 5.8 teraFLOPS, but is generally a little slower than Nvidia's GTX 980, which offers 4.6 teraFLOPS. This metric doesn't take into account a console's video memory, which can act as a GPU bottleneck. It also doesn't take into account CPU, system RAM, storage speed, thermals, and power limits, all of which can bottleneck performance. Now that we've explained the technical lingo, let's get to the console teraFLOP rankings.
14. Sega Dreamcast
We're starting with the Dreamcast, because it's the first console we have precise FLOP numbers for. Sega's console came out on November 27, 1998, and featured a 100MHz PowerVR2 integrated GPU, which offered 1.4 gigaflops of performance. Notable graphic-intensive games: Jet Grind Radio, Soulcalibur, Shenmue, Shenmue II, Resident Evil Code: Veronica, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, Rez
13. Sony PlayStation 2
Released on March 4, 2000, Sony's PlayStation 2 used a 150MHz Graphics Synthesizer solution that offered 6.2 gigaflops of performance, which is 4.4x more than the Dreamcast. Notable graphic-intensive games: God of War, God of War II, Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy XII, Shadow of the Colossus, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Onimusha 3: Demon Siege, Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal, Gran Turismo 4, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner, Jak 3
12. Nintendo GameCube
Released on September 14, 2001, the GameCube's Flipper GPU allowed Nintendo's console to reach 9.4 gigaflops, which is 1.5x the competing PlayStation 2 released a year before it. Notable graphic-intensive games: Resident Evil 4, Star Fox Adventures, Star Wars Rogue Squadron: Rogue Leader, Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2 Echoes, F-Zero GX, Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
11. Nintendo Wii
Released five years after the GameCube on November 19, 2006, the Nintendo Wii used ATI's Hollywood GPU clocked at 243MHz. With the Wii, Nintendo opted to go with an innovative control scheme, rather than to focus on processing power. It offered 12 gigaflops, which represents a 1.27x improvement over its GameCube predecessor. In terms of FLOPS, this is the smallest leap between console generations in this list. Notable graphic-intensive games: Red Steel 2, Donkey Kong Country Returns, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Mario Kart Wii, Super Smash Bros. Brawl
10. Microsoft Xbox
Despite releasing five years before the Wii on November 15, 2001, Microsoft's original Xbox offered 1.6x more FLOPS than Nintendo's motion-based console with its Nvidia NV2A GPU. Its graphics solution was clocked at 233MHz, which allows it to break into the top 10 with its 20 gigaFLOPS. Notable graphic-intensive games: Ninja Gaiden Black, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Burnout Revenge, Doom 3, Dead or Alive Ultimate, Forza Motorsport, Chronicles of Riddick, Far Cry Instincts, Halo, Halo 2
9. Sony PlayStation 3
Sony released its PlayStation 3 console on November 11, 2006. With its Nvidia RSX Reality Synthesizer graphics solution, it offered 230.4 gigaFLOPS. That's 11.5x as many FLOPS as the 2001-released Xbox before it. Compared to its predecessor, the PS2, it offers 37.1x as many FLOPS and represents the largest generational jump in graphical performance on this list. Notable graphic-intensive games: God of War 3, Killzone 3, Gran Turismo 5, Heavy Rain, Uncharted 2, Uncharted 3, The Last of Us, Beyond: Two Souls
8. Microsoft Xbox 360
Despite releasing a year before the PlayStation 3 on November 22, 2005, the Xbox 360 has 9.6 more gigaFLOPs than Sony's system with its 240 gigaFLOPS offering. With its ATI Xenos GPU clocked at 500MHz, it offers 12x more FLOPS than Microsoft's first console. Notable graphic-intensive games: Gears of War 3, Alan Wake, Dirt 3, Fight Night Champion, Viva Piñata, Crysis 3, Forza Motorsport 4, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Halo 4, Dead or Alive 5: Last Round
7. Nintendo Wii U
Released on November 18, 2012, Nintendo's Wii U is powered by a 550MHz Latte graphics chip from AMD. It offers up to 352 gigaFLOPS of performance, which is 29.3x as much as the Wii before it. Notable graphic-intensive games: Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Super Mario 3D World, Bayonetta 2, Xenoblade Chronicles X, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
6. Nintendo Switch
The Switch is Nintendo's only console to date that offers a teraFLOP of performance. This makes it 2.8x as graphically powerful as the Wii U before it. Released not long ago on March 3, 2017, Nintendo opted to focus more on portability rather than raw power, and went with a custom Nvidia Tegra mobile processing chip as a result. Notable graphic-intensive games: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Arms, Fast RMX
5. Microsoft Xbox One
Released a few days after the PlayStation 4 on November 22, 2013, Microsoft's Xbox One uses an AMD Radeon graphics solution clocked at 853MHz that offers 1.31 teraFLOPS, which means it offers 310 more gigaFLOPS than the Switch that launched after it. It also offers 5.4x as many FLOPS as its Xbox 360 predecessor. Notable graphic-intensive games: Forza Horizon 3, Quantum Break, Gears of War 4, Titanfall 2, Rise of the Tomb Raider
4. Microsoft Xbox One S
Released on August 2, 2016, Microsoft's Xbox One S received a marginal seven percent GPU frequency boost over the stock model. This was primarily done to accommodate the extra overhead that HDR introduces. This raises the console's overall teraFLOP count to 1.4. Notable graphic-intensive games that support HDR: Battlefield 1, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Gears of War 4, Mass Effect Andromeda, Resident Evil 7
3. Sony PlayStation 4
Despite garnering a top three spot, the PlayStation 4 is actually the first console to break through the one teraFLOP barrier with its 1.843 offering. Released on November 15, 2013, a week before the debut of the Xbox One, its integrated AMD Radeon GPU allowed it to offer 533 more gigaFLOPS than Microsoft's competing Xbox One console. It offers 7.9x as many FLOPS as its PS3 predecessor. Notable graphic-intensive games: Infamous Second Son, Killzone Shadow Fall, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, Horizon Zero Dawn, The Order: 1886
2. Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
Released on November 10, 2016, the PlayStation 4 Pro represents a mid-generational console jump for Sony that can bolster certain games' frame rate and/or resolution. With its AMD Radeon-based GPU clocked at 911MHz, it offers 4.2 teraFLOPS. This is 2.2x as much as the original PS4. Notable graphic-intensive games that support PS4-Pro enhancements: Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, The Elder Scrolls Online, Ghost Recon Wildlands, Horizon Zero Dawn, inFAMOUS Second Son, The Last of Us Remastered, The Last Guardian
1. Microsoft Xbox One X
The Xbox One X is set to release on November 7, 2017. With its custom, integrated AMD Polaris GPU clocked at 1172MHz, it offers 6.0 teraFLOPS. This puts it 1.8 teraFLOPS ahead of the PS4 Pro. It offers 4.5x as many teraFLOPS as its predecessor, the Xbox One.
Console Teraflop Rankings Over Time
Above is a chart that plots out all of our console's FLOP rankings over time beginning with the Sega Dreamcast in 1998 and ending with the Xbox One X in 2017. | Console | FLOPS | Release Year | | Dreamcast | 1.4 GFLOPS | 1998 | | PlayStation 2 | 6.2 GFLOPS | 2000 | | GameCube | 9.4 GFLOPS | 2001 | | Xbox | 20 GFLOPS | 2001 | | Xbox 360 | 240 GFLOPS | 2005 | | PlayStation 3 | 230.4 GFLOPS | 2006 | | Wii | 12 GFLOPS | 2006 | | Wii U | 352.0 GFLOPS | 2012 | | PlayStation 4 | 1.843 TFLOPS | 2013 | | Xbox One | 1.310 TFLOPS | 2013 | | Xbox One S | 1.4 TFLOPS | 2016 | | PlayStation 4 Pro | 4.2 TFLOPS | 2016 | | Nintendo Switch | 1 TFLOPS | 2017 | | Xbox One X | 6 TFLOPS | 2017 |
It's worth reiterating that an increase in FLOPS doesn't translate exactly to a proportional bump in performance. In addition to the bottlenecks we mentioned earlier, with different hardware, software, and APIs, this adds an additional learning curve for developers to overcome. How many teraflops will it take developers to get to "photorealistic" graphics? When we asked revered Epic Games Founder Tim Sweeney that question, he told us, "You know, we're getting to the point now where we can render photo-realistic static scenes without humans with static lighting. Today's hardware can do that, so part of that problem is solved. Getting to the point of photo-realistic dynamic environments, especially with very advanced shading models like wet scenes, or reflective scenes, or anisotropic paint, though...maybe forty Teraflops is the level where we can achieve all of that." Click here for a deeper dive at all the modern console specs. Related
By Meg Downey on Nov 03, 2017 09:30 pm
How many have you read?
Thor: Ragnarok is an explosion. It's a neon-smeared, over the top, bombastic fireworks show of retro sensibilities and camp--but we've known that since the trailers and posters started to drop. What's surprising is how well Ragnarok manages to reconfigure, repurpose, and remix its comic book source material into something seamless and new. From Kirby to Simonson, from Silver Age camp to Modern Age grit, Thor: Ragnarok speaks "comics" fluently. So with that in mind, it's time to break down the hows, whys, and whats of Thor: Ragnarok's biggest comic book shout-outs, references, and re-imaginings.
Angela, Queen of Hel
The remixing of Hela's backstory for Thor: Ragnarok put her less on track with her classic comic book counterpart and more in line with a more recent addition to the Marvel Universe. Aldrif Odinsdottir, or Angela, is a recently revealed secret daughter of Odin and Frigga who was stolen away from Asgard as a child during a cosmic war. The MCU Hela cuts whole swaths from Angela's history, folding them and repurposing them and configuring them in new ways to reimagine Hela as the long lost sister of Thor, bent on revenge for the slights of their father.
Thor Disassembled
The demonic Surtur is maybe the most faithful comic adaptation Thor: Ragnarok has to offer, besides some slight shifts in context (a very specific vendetta against Odin and Asgard for one). However, his role in the movie is lifted nearly beat-for-beat from the final arc of Thor volume 2, where Thor allows Surtur to invade and destroy Asgard to break the cycle of death and rebirth the Asgardian gods have found themselves locked in. It's an emotional moment--both in the comic and the film--where Thor must come to terms with the fact that the destruction of his home realm is the only real way to save it. The film, however, doesn't broach topics like the fates or reincarnation.
Thor volume 1, #362
The spirit of Walt Simonson's iconic five year run on the Thor ongoing (that's roughly Thor vol. 1 #337-382, for those of you playing along at home) runs through all of Thor: Ragnarok, hopscotching around between the Kirby visuals and the modern narrative patchwork like an electric current. But perhaps the most direct Simonson quotation can be found in Karl Urban's Skurge the Executioner, a dimwitted and unwitting henchmen of Hela with a love for Midgardian weapons. Cinematic Skurge has less breathing room than his four-color double, but his heroic last stand is a shot-for-shot nod to Simonson's work on the character. "He stood alone at Gjallerbru, and that is answer enough."
Thor volume 1, #382
It's difficult for a film to quote a fight scene from a comic book wholesale, so it wouldn't be totally incorrect to cast a wide net over all of Simonson's Thor when looking for the inspiration feeding Thor and Hela's battles on screen. However, you'd be hard pressed to find a single issue more exemplary of the energy and dynamism shown between the warring gods than the "giant sized 300th issue" of Thor volume 1, or Walt Simonson's Thor #382. Everything from the stakes to the family drama--though in a decidedly different context onscreen versus on the page--can be found here as the god of thunder clashes with death herself.
Thor: God of Thunder
While the most obvious references in Thor: Ragnarok come from the classics of the '60s and '70s, director Taika Waititi clearly spent some time borrowing from the more recent entries into Thor's continuity as well. The references made to 2012's ongoing Thor: God of Thunder are mostly visual--and can specifically be seen at the start of the film, when Thor is encountering Surtur for the first time, hanging over the ground, bound by thick iron chains.
Planet Hulk
Marvel's Planet Hulk event is one of the single most readily apparent sources for Thor: Ragnarok's inspiration, and something the movie has been decidedly upfront about since the earliest days of its marketing campaign. From the planet Sakaar, to the lovable CGI side characters Korg and Miek, Ragnarok cuts-and-pastes whole elements of Planet Hulk into its narrative, though it's far from a shot-for-shot recreation. In fact, even the most faithfully replicated moments are still remixed pretty heavily. But, hey, Sakaar's "Great Portal" vortex gets a specific shout out (and a new name), so there's that.
Marvel Super Heroes: Contest of Champions
Thor: Ragnarok replaced Planet Hulk's Red King--Sakaar's dictator and the keeper of the gladiatorial ring prior to Hulk's arrival--with the eccentric but not-all-that-threatening Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) following a precedent set by a slightly obscure limited series from the '80s called Marvel Super Heroes: Contest of Champions. In it, the Grandmaster acts as the "master of games," pitting heroes against one another in brutal arena matches to the death. It's also probably worth noting that the Grandmaster is commonly accepted to be the brother of the Collector, played in the MCU by Benicio del Toro, so it's not hard to figure out another possible reason this change would have been made.
Journey into Mystery volume 1, #112
Jack Kirby's influence is one of the most obvious and remarkable things about Thor: Ragnarok, but his visual aesthetic isn't the only thing the movie lifted from the King. The first ever proper Thor vs. Hulk grudge match happened in Journey into Mystery #112, back in 1965, though the seeds of this rivalry had actually been planted as early as Avengers #3, just a handful of years prior. This fight would blaze a trail that would lead to decades of sometimes playful, sometimes bloody punchouts between the gamma monster and thunder god. From animated films to modern Avengers ongoing runs, the idea that Hulk and Thor might be a little threatened by one another's strength has become a tradition for Marvel Comics. "Strongest Avenger" indeed.
Thor volume 1, #352
While Thor: Ragnarok's Surtur owes more to the 80s incarnation of the character, the movie still found ways to pepper homages back to Simonson's iconic Surtur Saga here and there. One of the fire demon's biggest motivators--and the source of his power in the movie--is the sacred flame, kept locked away in Odin's vault on Asgard. In Simonson's version of the character, the Sacred Flame powers Surtur's sword, lighting it with the ability to "fling fire" across the nine realms. It may not be the crown and sudden, enlarging effect we see in the movie--cinematic Surtur doesn't get to use a sword, for one--but the nod is definitely there.
By Matt Espineli on Nov 03, 2017 06:26 am
Rise of the Assassin
Assassin's Creed Origins is an immense game packed with an abundance of quests to complete and new systems to experiment with. From the get-go, the game quickly pushes you forward, lightly familiarizing you with its mechanics and expansive skill trees, while putting you on a path towards the numerous regions of its vast world. With so much to do all at once, you're likely to get overwhelmed--or even worse--you're likely to neglect essential information that could be of great help to you. That's why we've put together a beginner's guide focused on helping you through the game's early hours. Put these handy tips into practice and you'll be a master Assassin in no time. If you want a look at some of the cool things you can do in the game, check out our guide detailing tips we wish we knew before starting. You can also read our guide highlighting the 12 best abilities. For even more guides, check out our Assassin's Creed Origins guide roundup containing all our tips and walkthroughs. Assassin's Creed Origins is out now for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It's the latest entry in the long-running Assassin's Creed franchise. Unlike past games, which continually pushed the ancestor timeline forward, this entry is a prequel. Set in Egypt, you play as Bayek, a warrior whose struggle against the corrupt forces of the time leads him towards becoming the first Assassin. Check out our Assassin's Creed Origins review, and for more about Assassin's Creed Origins, check out our feature detailing everything you need to know about the game. And if you're looking to get caught up on the series' narrative, read our Assassin's Creed story recap.
Approach Enemies Cautiously
AC Origins isn't like past games where you can charge through a fort and easily kill an enemy battalion. Levels determine enemy power and ability now. If you get surrounded, you can be easily killed if you're not properly leveled or equipped with the right weapons and armor. When exploring the world, pay attention to enemy levels. Consider how you can dispatch foes efficiently. Whether it's by stealth killing them one by one or fighting them in a controlled environment, try to be more meticulous in your approach.
Sidequests Are Essential To Progression
As you play, there's often an inclination to keep progressing the story. While you're free to do so, know that story missions recommend you be at a particular level to survive, as they often have enemies and targets that can make short work of you. To prepare yourself for these missions, complete as many side quests as you can for hefty boosts to your XP, and then invest any earned points towards new skills. This may all seem like a given, but the need to keep earning XP to upgrade Bayek's strength is pivotal to your success against the tougher foes you'll find in the game's main missions.
Attack Camps At Night
If you're having a tough time infiltrating camps, try hitting them at night. Most of the guards will be asleep, making for reduced sentry counts and easy assassinations. To make this easier, be sure to acquire the Dawn & Dusk skill to advance time at will--which spares you the trouble of standing around all day while waiting for the game's world to turn to night.
Overpower Is Your Friend
While you might feel inclined to tough out a combat encounter with nothing but the strength of your skill and reflexes, know that every attack you make builds up your adrenaline bar. Once you've got enough stored, you have access to the Overpower ability that--depending on the weapon you're using--can unleash a devastating attack or strength buff that helps turn tough battles in your favor. Be judicious with how you use Overpower. Instead of unleashing it on any unsuspecting foe, try saving it for the highest-level enemy in a group. If you want to upgrade its effectiveness, look into unlocking the other Overpower skills to enhance its strength even further. Overpower Chain Throw is a favorite of ours, as its "two bird with one stone" kill chain is invaluable.
Pay Attention To Guaranteed Damage
When you point your bow at an enemy's head or approach an enemy for a stealth takedown, you'll notice a red indicator fill up their health bar. This represents the amount of damage you're guaranteed to inflict upon them. Keep track of the red indicator, as there will be times when a particular attack won't kill a foe. Always pay attention to this to ensure that you take the best course of action.
Senu: Reconnaissance And Combat Expert
Senu is a valuable tool for infiltration, combat, and objective hunting. She can tag guards for your reference, and if you obtain the Eagle Harass ability, she can distract enemies and even assist you in combat. Use Senu to get a read of what's ahead, as well as to pick up on any important points of interest in the world.
Be A God Of Crafting
The components you obtain from hunting and exploring the world are paramount towards upgrading your gear. Whenever you enter a new region, take control of Senu to find and track whatever animals and components are out in the world. To find out what you need to improve your equipment, simply highlight the piece you wish to upgrade in the crafting section at the bottom of the Gear screen. It's important to take time to gather the necessary materials to upgrade your gear, as you always want to be equipped with best armor possible. If you're really struggling to get what you need, you can resort to dismantling weapons to gain additional materials. Never neglect crafting--lest you purposefully want to be underpowered against stronger foes. If that's a challenge you seek, then you're better off changing the difficulty to Hard.
Loot All Things
New to AC Origins is the introduction of a loot system, which ensures that there's always gold, weapons, armor, and crafting materials to pick up from just about anything you can investigate, from the dead bodies of elite Greek guards to shiny ceramic pots. We cannot overstate this enough: do not forget to loot. It can be easy to get caught up killing guards, thinking you'll get around to it once everyone's dead. But more often than not, the flow of a mission pushes you forward, making it easy to forget about all that loot. If this task is a tough habit for you to build up, try investing in the Assassination Loot or Kill Loot skills, which allow you to automatically pick up loot after dispatching a foe. It helps to alleviate the pain of having to grab everything manually.
Unlock Fast Travel Points
Whenever you enter a new area, make it a goal to unlock all of its fast travel viewpoints. Not only does it make getting across long distances easier, it also grants you 100+ XP and an increase to Senu's perception skills.
By GameSpot Staff on Nov 03, 2017 06:22 am
How To Be A Nazi-Killing Machine
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is a no-nonsense narrative-driven first-person shooter focusing on mowing down as many Nazis as possible. Between stealth, perks, dual wielding, and ax throwing, there's a lot to think about when entering a hostile environment. There's also plenty of collectables and activities to accomplish between missions aboard the Evas Hammer Resistance, the main base of the Resistance. To help you better your chances of survival in Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, we've compiled 10 essential beginner's tips to follow. Be sure to check out our full review of Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, along with our 10 Things We Wished We Knew guide before starting your Nazi-killing campaign. For more info on the sequel, head over to our guide on everything you need to know about the game, and along with our video on the History of Wolfenstein.
For more tips and guides on Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, head on over to our dedicated hub for all things treasure hunting and Nazi-slaying.
How Do Health And Armor Work?
The Health and Armor pickups that Blazkowicz finds in the heat of battle are the only things keeping him from death's door. After an intense battle, you'll pretty much want to spam the pickup button when clearing through the aftermath of the carnage. Armor protects you from enemy fire and will tick down as you take damage. Armored enemies will always drop pieces of armor and scrap, which add to your counter. So be sure to loot them after defeating them. Along with restoring your base health, restoration items also have an "Overcharge" mechanic. Any health pickups that put Blazkowicz's health above 50 puts him in an Overcharged state. His health can eventually get to 200, but will continuously tick down until it reaches 50. The best strategy to use is to pick up health and get in the action and put that extra health to good use before it's gone.
How To Remain Stealthy
It's always a good idea to start an area with stealth, especially in an area with a commander. You can always tell if there's a commander nearby with an icon that appears at the top of the screen, indicating your distance from a commander. If that icon turns red, get ready for a fight because you've been spotted. There are different ways to stay out of sight. You can sneak up behind enemies and execute a stealth takedown, silence your Pistole with a weapon upgrade and get a few quiet shots in, you can throw hatchets to take down enemies with a well aimed throw. If you choose the latter, be sure to go retrieve your ax if you can while staying hidden. Be sure to take advantage of the lean maneuver to keep yourself hidden. If you want to see what is waiting around a corner, lean instead of walking out and exposing yourself. Don't worry about the dead bodies you find along the way. Other enemies will notice them, but they won't sound the alarm. A good strategy to use is to silently take down an enemy with a stealth takedown or a silenced weapon, and then sit back and silently snipe the other enemies who approach the dead body to investigate.
Using The Map
If you're obsessed with collecting stuff, Wolfenstein II has you covered. There are nearly 400 different items to collect throughout the game from the different levels and the main hub aboard the Evas Hamer. Fortunately, you don't have to check every nook and cranny to find them all. The handy map in the mission menu reveals where everything is hidden. This makes finding the game's many collectables much easier for completionists. Additional maps are also scattered around the levels, offering additional intel on item locations. While these items can still be found without the maps, it's always best to stay up on item locations, especially if you think you may have left one behind.
Choosing Weapons To Dual Wield
Taking cues from Wolfenstein II, B.J. can dual-wield almost every weapon he gets his hands on. That means you can hold two of the same weapon type or mix and match them--such as holding a shotgun and machine gun at once. There are a couple good strategies to use when dual wielding your weapons. It's never a bad idea to choose one ranged weapon and a second weapon for close quarters. That way, you can eliminate enemies who are right in your face, and others who are charging in. There really isn't a "one size fits all" approach to dual wielding, and you'll have to assess the situation and plan accordingly. For instance, if you're up against a Panzerhund, you're going to want range. The shotgun, as powerful as it is, isn't going to do much for you. Equip two Sturmgewehrs and start pelting it from long range. You can still dual-wield if you're trying to be stealthy. Equip dual silenced Pistoles to quickly and silently eliminate Nazis without making a sound. However, there is a tradeoff to using two weapons at once. Keep in mind that dual-wielding isn't as accurate as just holding one weapon and aiming down sight.
Weapon Upgrades
Weapon upgrade kits are scattered around the game world and are for one-time use. While you may be eager to put these kits to use and boost your gear, there are a couple things to consider before committing.. Each gun has three possible upgrades to unlock. Those upgrades can be turned off at will from the weapon menu, and can all be equipped at the same time. Once you apply an upgrade, it cannot be undone. Take careful consideration in how you use these kits, as they're put to better use matching your particular playstyle. If you want to stick with a stealthy approach to battles, unlock that silencer for the Pistole first. Since there isn't a sniper rifle in the game, unlocking the ranged scope for the Sturmgewehr isn't a bad choice. Each of the weapon upgrades have their uses, so there is never really a bad choice.
Getting The Most Out Of Your Perks
After spending some time taking out the Nazi hordes, be sure to take a look at your progress on the perks page. While in action, you'll occasionally see prompts about various milestones, such as the number of heavy weapon kills and headshots you've landed. Head into the perks page to view your current progress across the Stealth, Mayhem, and Tactical trees. Once you accomplish a milestone, you can take advantage of the new boost to B.J's performance. If you see a perk you like, switch up your playstyle to make some progress towards unlocking it. Always keep an eye on the perk page, and put in the work to unlock the best skills that fit your Nazi-killing playstyle.
Juggling Heavy Weapons
As you're mowing down Nazis en masse, you'll eventually encounter tougher variants that need extra effort to put down, but the heavy weapons they drop. These guns come in either the Lasergewehr or Dieselgewehr. While they pack a serious punch, they can slow you down significantly. Plus, the heavy weapons need to warm-up before letting loose with their power. It's best to assess the situation and see if it's a good time to use one of these power weapons. If you're surrounded by a bunch of Nazi foot soldiers who have you pinned down, then it may be better to hold off on using them. The heavy weapons, while powerful, can turn you into an easy target, which is undeniably true on harder difficulties. If you're up against a huge enemy tank, then definitely pick up a heavy weapon and use it. That's when these weapons work best. These heavy weapons are also a good way to conserve energy. Like the Laserkraftwerk and Dieselkraftwerk smaller arms, these heavy weapons run on electricity or fuel, which can be found in dispensers scattered around most levels. If you're low on ammo for the guns in your inventory, heavy weapons can bail you out in a pinch.
Navigating The Evas Hammer
The enormous U-boat known as the Evas Hammer is the base of the American Resistance, and can be daunting to explore when finding your way around it between missions. The ship has long hallways, and dozens of different rooms where the crew holds meetings and just hangs out. As the story progresses, the ship's crew will expand, opening more areas to explore. It's a good idea to explore the ship early and then check out the new areas once the crew expands. If collectables are your thing, the Hammer is littered with them, but don't go crazy trying to collect them all from the beginning. Many of these collectables are behind locked doors and can only be found later in the game when those areas unlock. The hammer isn't only reserved for getting to know your crew. It can also be used for getting to know your weapons. Set put together a shooting range in the lower levels of the ship. You can check out any guns you've unlocked and take them for a spin. There's even a leaderboard so you can see who's the best marksman on the crew. Don't get your hopes up though. There's no reward for coming in first.
What To Do With Enigma Codes
While searching the bodies of fallen commanders, you'll collect an Enigma Code. While they don't seem useful initially, collecting these code will increase the perk that extends the length of time between when B.J. is spotted and the commander alarm sounds. Later in the game, you'll use these codes to unlock the location of other commanders scattered across the country. You'll then be able to charter a course to find and eliminate them in Deathcard missions. The Enigma Codes themselves come up while exploring the Evas Hammer, which will lead to cutscenes with members of the crew.
Save Often
Wolfenstein II has a pretty good checkpoint system that autosaves your progress whenever you complete a task, kill a target or enter a new area, but you can also save and load your game whenever you wish. If you don't trust the autosave system, be sure to take advantage of the game's manual saves. Manual saves can especially be useful during Deathcard missions. There aren't any checkpoints in the Deathcard missions. So, if you die in the middle of one and didn't save your game, you're headed all the way back to the beginning of the mission. Some of these missions can be lengthy with a bunch of enemies, so be sure to save your progress before you go charging into an area with a Panzerhund and other armored Nazis.
By GameSpot Staff on Nov 03, 2017 06:10 am
The Tools Of War
There are a number of violent and grotesque ways to dispatch the Nazi hordes in Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. But to do so efficiently, you'll need to learn the best perks and resources to have at your disposal. Perks in Wolfenstein are entirely dependent on how you play. As you complete certain objectives, like headshot kills, you'll automatically unlock perks that support one of three playstyles: Stealth, Mayhem, and Tactical. Weapon upgrades, on the other hand, are deliberate choices you can make when using upgrade parts, which you can find scattered around various levels and Eva's Hammer. The New Colossus is not an easy game, and obtaining the right perks and weapon upgrades can give you a much-needed edge against the Nazi war machine. Here are some of our personal recommendations for what you should prioritize. Be sure to check out our full review of Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, along with our 10 Things We Wished We Knew guide before starting your Nazi-killing campaign. For more info on the sequel, head over to our guide on everything you need to know about the game, and along with our video on the History of Wolfenstein.
For more tips and guides on Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, head on over to our dedicated hub for all things treasure hunting and Nazi-slaying.
Stealth Takedown
It's always a good decision to start a battle with a stealth approach. It's easy to get overwhelmed by enemies in this game, and getting overwhelmed by too many enemies often leads to death. Even if you take down one or two enemies before you're spotted, that's two fewer enemies you'll have to deal with when the rest of them swarm you. And taking out the commanders, who can sound alarms and call for reinforcements, is even better. Stealthily defeating enemies improves your crouching speed, which is an excellent perk when slinking past dangerous enemies who could turn and spot you at any time.
Dual Wield Kills
When stealth goes out the window, that usually means it's time to bring out the big guns. Dual-wielding is the best tactic to use in order to increase your firepower. All guns can be dual wielded and you can even mix and match them how you would like. Of course, this means that you can't aim down the sights, but who needs precision when you can spray and pray? Racking up kills with weapons while dual wielding increases the amount of ammunition you can carry. This is especially useful later in the game when Blazkowicz is faced with a huge number of enemies and resources are scarce (or dangerous to get to).
Overcharge Kills
Having more health is always a good thing. Picking up health items will overcharge your health past its soft ceiling of 50, but will continuously tick away until it gets back down to 50. Getting kills while your health is overcharged will improve the overcharge perk, which causes overcharged health to deplete more slowly. The best way to use this strategy is to get right into the action as soon as you pick up a health item. Later in the game, you'll have the option to get a perk that stops the drain of overcharged health until you start to take damage. Combining these two perks makes for one powerful Blazkowicz.
Quick Commander Kills
Quick commander kills doesn't mean that you have to kill them up close with your ax. You can snipe them from a distance, but you have to kill them before they sound the alarm. Successfully earning quick commander kills increases your damage with suppressed weapons. Suppressed weapons are your best friend when attempting stealth, so concentrate on this perk early on. Eventually, your suppressed weapons will be able to take down enemies with a just a couple shots to the body. If you're able to get in close and use a stealth takedown of a commander, that works too. Any way you can get a kill counts as long as it's before they sound the alarm.
Headshot Kills
It's always a good idea to aim high. Racking up headshots will increase the damage of all weapons while aiming down sights. You'll be faced with so many nazis that you'll likely strengthen this perk by accident. With all the bullets that fly around Wolfenstein II, a couple are bound to hit an enemy in the head. It's easiest to earn headshots when you're entering an area with stealth. Aim your silenced pistol high and get an easy headshot on a stationary target. But if you're in a tough fight and need to get a better shot at dropping a tough enemy, upgrade the Sturmgewhr to attach scope for more accurate shots.
Constrictor Harness
Later in the game, you'll have the option to choose one of three contraptions. Even later, you'll have the ability to earn all three and the perks that come with them. But for starters, you'll have to settle for just one. They don't tell you what perks come along with with these contraptions and some of the perks are actually more useful than the contraptions' abilities themselves. Along with giving Blazkowicz the ability to squeeze through very tight quarters, the Constrictor Harness also silences his normal footsteps and temporarily slows time when enemies first spot him. The latter perk makes it easier to tell when you've been spotted and eliminate the threat before he alerts his comrades. These perks are fully unlocked as soon as you equip the contraption.
Battle Walker
The Battle Walker contraption has its own set of useful perks. Not only does this device extend your legs so you can reach high and secret areas, but it comes with quick draw and adrenaline. Quick draw slows down time when accessing the weapon wheel. In a game where juggling weapons is a constant battle in itself, being able to take a breather while you make your selection is a very nice perk. Adrenaline strengthens the overcharge perk. All overcharged health is kept and doesn't start depleting until Blazkowicz starts taking damage. These perks are fully unlocked as soon as you equip the contraption.
Ram Shackles
The Ram Shackles contraption turns BJ into a rugged battering ram. Once equipped, you are able to charge through weak walls and metal grates. This ability is enabled automatically and activates while sprinting. BJ can withstand explosive blasts thanks to one of the Ram Shackles' perks. Without them, explosions from fuel tanks or grenades knock you to the ground. And if you rely heavily on axe throws, definitely consider going with this contraption. It increases the range and speed of throws, which makes them more accurate when throwing at long distances. The Ram Shackles are best suited for those who have high Mayhem perks. Other than the axe throw perk, they will help in high-intensity situations involving running and gunning against many enemies.
Key Weapon Upgrades
While most weapon upgrades come down to personal preference, there are a few must-owns for any Wolfenstein II playthrough. The silencer on the Pistole helps with any stealthy situation. Before this upgrade, you can only rely on axe throws and stealth takedowns up close. The silenced Pistole gives some much needed ranged attacks. If you're looking for more firepower to drop enemies faster, just dual wield two of them. The Marksman Scope turns the Sturmgewehr into a much more accurate killing machine than its default fully automatic mode. Dual wielding the fully automatic rifle can get unwieldy at times. The Marksman Scope changes its firing mode to semi-auto, making it accurate and manageable even when dual wielding. Moreover, the Sturmgewhr can be upgraded to have armor-piercing rounds, which are essential against heavily armored enemies. The Schockhammer is a powerful shotgun on its own, but equipping the Rotor upgrade makes it one of the most powerful guns in the game. Rather than shooting one shot before the barrel rotates for the next shot, the Rotor upgrade fires three simultaneous shots from all the barrels. But be careful. It's easy to burn through all your ammo quickly with this upgrade, especially when dual wielding. That's why having the dual-wielding perk that allows you to carry more ammo is so crucial later in the game.
By GameSpot Staff on Nov 03, 2017 06:09 am
The Spoils Of War
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus does a great job of explaining its game mechanics thanks to a simple tutorial system. While these introductions explain basics like movement, stealth and combat, there are still some things that would be good to know when starting a new game. What difficulty should you choose? Is it worth searching every inch of every level to find all of the game's collectables? And how does that early story choice affect your game going forward? The answers to these questions and more can all be found in this list of 10 things we wish we knew before starting Wolfenstein 2. Be sure to check out our full review of Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, along with our beginner's guide on everything you need to know when diving into the Nazi-killing campaign. For more info on the sequel, head over to our guide on everything you need to know about the game, and along with our video on the History of Wolfenstein.
For more tips and guides on Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, head on over to our dedicated hub for all things treasure hunting and Nazi-slaying.
Choosing A Difficulty
Don't take the choice of difficulty lightly. Wolfenstein II can get difficult even on the medium settings. If things get too intense, you can change the setting up on the fly at any time without penalty. The difficulty only affects the gameplay and doesn't have an impact on the story. There are six difficulty choices with one extra hard option that's added after you complete the game. The "Can I play, Daddy?" is the easiest difficulty and is as easy as it sounds. On this difficulty, you can easily go toe-to-toe with any mechanized Nazi in the game and soak up nearly all the bullets that are sent flying your way. The hardest difficulty, "Mein Leben," is just like the original hardest difficulty, but you only get one life to live. Dying means game over. Choose the best difficulty for you. If you're looking for a challenge that can even be a little frustrating at times, try one of the harder difficulties. If you're more into experiencing the story, go for an easier one. The game doesn't punish or reward you either way other than the trophies or achievements you earn from completing the game.
How The Story Changes Based On Who You Sacrifice In The Beginning
Wolfenstein II doesn't load a previous save from decisions made in Wolfenstein: The New Order, but it does replay a segment from that game. At the beginning, Blazkowicz has the choice to sacrifice Fergus or Wyatt. This will not only change your companions aboard the Evas Hammer between missions, it also changes your weaponry. Wyatt is a zany character who enjoys listening to his music and studying the metaphysical aspects of the world. Fergus is a wisecracking englishman who is in a constant battle with his robotic arm. Both characters add a little something different to Wolfenstein II's narrative. Fergus and his arm are definitely worth conversing with. The big thing to consider is the gun you'll get depending on who you choose. Choosing Fergus gives you the Laserkraftwerk and Wyatt gives you the Dieselkraftwerk. Both of these guns can be recharged throughout most levels with electricity plugs or gas pumps that are located on walls. The Laserkraftwerk is the more practical weapon in most combat situations. It shoots a powerful blast of electricity that vaporizes human targets in a single shot. The Diselkraftwerk works as a grenade launcher. It fires projectiles that can stick to surfaces and be detonated later. The projectiles can also be stuck to patrolling enemies without them knowing, which makes for some interesting strategies.
How The Perks Work
Wolfenstein II has a detailed perk system that rewards the specific way you play. You can check out the perk page from the character screen. There are six perks in each of the three different categories: Stealth, Mayhem, and Tactical. Nearly every kill you perform throughout the game will increase your level for a specific perk. For example, every stealth takedown will increase your mastery of that perk. Performing more of them will increase your speed while crouching. Racking up kills while dual-wielding weapons will increase the amount of ammunition you can carry. No matter your play style, you'll increase your perks making you a stronger, faster Blazkowicz. Stealth and Mayhem are the best categories to strengthen first. You should start every area with a few stealthy kills until you're spotted. Once that happens, it's best to switch to dual-wield weapons for maximum firepower. Being able to carry more ammunition is always a good thing.
What Weapon Should You Upgrade First?
Weapon upgrade kits are scattered around the game world and are for one-time use. There are a couple things to consider when upgrading your weapons. Each gun has three possible upgrades to unlock. Those upgrades can be equipped and unequipped at will from the weapon menu, and can all be equipped at the same time. Weapon upgrade kits cannot be reused, so choose wisely. The pistol suppressor is the best upgrade to choose first. It completely silences all gunfire from this weapon, giving you silent ranged attacks for when you're trying to be stealthy. The Sturmgewehr, or assault rifle, has the Marksman scope upgrade, which is also a good candidate for an early upgrade. This adds a scope and turns the weapon into a single-shot rifle instead of fully automatic. There isn't an upgrade to manage the gun's recoil, so changing it to single shot helps make the Sturmgewehr easier to manage especially when dual-wielding two of them. The best part: you can remove the scope while the weapon is equipped to turn it back to a fully automatic gun if you wish. If you're thorough enough, you'll have more than one upgrade for your favorite weapons by the end of the game. Endgame content also allows you to find more upgrades to further strengthen your arsenal.
Does Being Stealthy Pay Off?
The short answer: yes, being stealthy pays off. As soon as the "signal detected" icon appears at the top of the screen, that means a commander is nearby. That's usually a good indication that you should stay quiet. It's not always easy, or even possible, to stealthily eliminate these threats, but it will make your life much easier if you can. If you're spotted by anyone before eliminating an enemy commander, the commander will trigger an alarm and Nazis will storm your position. If you're able to take out the commander before that happens, you'll have to deal with far fewer enemies. Early on, you'll have a lot of stealthy attacks that you can use to kill Nazis while being hidden in the shadows. You achieve stealth takedowns by sneaking behind your enemies. There's the hatchet throw that counts as an automatic kill if you land it. The Pistole and Maschinenpistole can both be outfitted with silencers that make them completely silent. Be sure to lean around corners to see if an enemy has his back turned. This ensures that you stay hidden without revealing yourself.
Choosing Contraptions
Later in the game, Blazkowicz will be able to choose one of three contraptions without being given much information on them. The stress of choosing just one of these devices may be too much to bear, but fear not, you'll be able to find the other two through side missions later in the game. Set allows you to choose between three contraptions, which include: the Constrictor Harness which allows Blazkowicz to stealthily squeeze into very tight quarters, the Ram Shackles which provide the ability to crash through certain walls, and the Battle Walker that extends his legs like stilts to reach high platforms. What the game doesn't tell you is that these contraptions give you specific perks that aid your playstyle. The Constrictor Harness helps with stealth by making your footsteps completely silent, the Ram Shackles prevent you from being knocked over from explosions, and the Battle Walker grants the Quick Draw and Adrenaline perks--while also slowing time when viewing the weapon wheel, also stopping the loss of overcharged health. These perks are active immediately after equipping one of these contraptions, making them extremely valuable. Choose the contraption that best fits your playstyle.
Are the Collectables Worth Getting?
Like many single-player games, Wolfenstein II is littered with collectables. There are 366 in all, which includes Gold, Starcards, Concepts, Max's Toys, Deathcards and Records. None of them will give you any enjoyable perks, or beef up your arsenal. They're more or less to give you a few nice items to search for so you can say you found the whole collection. To answer the question simply, no, these objects aren't really worth putting in the time it takes to find them. Deathcards are the only ones that can be considered worthy of your time, as they are essentially rewards for killing commanders thus completing smaller side missions after you've completed the game. These missions revisit past events from the story, but have slight changes in the environments and enemies you encounter. Deathcards missions are the majority of the endgame content. Other than that, pick up the items you come across, but don't feel obligated to find everything. Keep in mind that the map in the mission menu shows where to find different collectables. There's no big secret to where everything is, which makes it even more like busy work.
Are The Deathcards Worth Collecting?
The Deathcard missions are fun, small missions toward the end of the game. They take place in areas that you've already visited, but each mission has slight changes to the area that change the gameplay. If you didn't get your fill of killing Nazis during the story, definitely check out the Deathcard missions and kill all the high-ranking captains. Each commander that you kill throughout the game drops an enigma card. These cards can be used at the enigma machine on the Hammer. If this hasn't been introduced to you yet, don't worry. It'll be introduced later in the game. These simple puzzles unlock the location of high ranking Nazi commanders. You can then set a course to their location and take them out. Each of these officials carries a Deathcard that you can collect to cross their name off the list. Be careful. These officials carry powerful grenade launchers that can drop you in one or two shots, so don't take them lightly. Take them out from a distance if you can. Each Deathcard mission has collectables to find, including weapon upgrades. So, if you're looking for stages to strengthen your weapons, check out the Deathcard missions.
Is There a New Game Plus?
There isn't a New Game Plus mode. Do not try to start a new game after completing a game. If you do try to start a new game on the profile with the completed game, it will erase all of your game saves and start a brand new game. Nothing will carry over and statistics will be erased. While there is no way to replay exact missions from the story, you can hunt down remaining Kommandants in the Deathcard missions. Deathcard missions take place in areas from the main storyline, but with new twists. Environments and the enemies encountered are slightly different, making each area feel new again. After the credits, you are transported back to the U-boat where you can set courses for these missions.
By Matt Espineli on Nov 03, 2017 03:09 am
Master of Possession
New to Super Mario Odyssey is the introduction of Cappy, a living hat that Mario can throw at certain objects or enemies to temporarily possess them and use their unique abilities. There is a plethora of enemies and inanimate objects that Mario can possess. With so many to discover, we've gathered them all here for your viewing pleasure. Be wary; there are spoilers ahead. If you'd rather find out what you can posses yourself, then we recommend going elsewhere. Super Mario Odyssey is out now for Nintendo Switch, and it's the latest installment of Nintendo's tenured franchise. You once again control Mario as he works to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. As a 3D-style Mario game, the emphasis is on exploration. The game sports a multitude of open sandbox environments to navigate, which are each packed with enemies and platforming challenges. Check out our full review of Super Mario Odyssey, and for more about the game, check out our roundup article containing features, gameplay videos, and everything you need to know about Super Mario Odyssey. You can also check out our roundup containing tips, guides, and things we wish we knew.
Frog
Spark Pylon
Paragoomba
Chain Chomp
Big Chain Chomp
Broode's Chain Chomp
T-Rex
Binoculars
Bullet Bill
Moe-Eye
Cactus
Goomba
Knucklotec's Fist
Mini Rocket
Glydon
Lakitu
Zipper
Cheep Cheep
Puzzle Part (Lake Kingdom)
Poison Piranha Plant
Uproot
Sherm
Fire Bro
Tree
Boulder
Coin Coffer
Picture Match Part (Goomba)
Tropical Wiggler
Pole
Manhole
Taxi
RC Car
Ty-Foo
Shiverian Racer
Cheep Cheep (Snow Kingdom)
Gushen
Lava Bubble
Volbonan
Hammer Bro
Meat
Fire Piranha Plant
Pokio
Jizo
Bowser Statue
Parabones
Banzai Bill
Chargin' Chuck
Bowser
Letter
Puzzle Part (Metro Kingdom)
Picture Match Part (Mario)
Yoshi
By Chris E. Hayner on Nov 03, 2017 02:14 am
Every CW Superhero, Ranked From Worst To Best
With four shows so far, the DC Comics universe of heroes on The CW is mighty. Whether it's Team Flash, the Arrow gang, the Legends, of the crew at the DEO on Supergirl, these shows have been populated with so many heroes, that sometimes it's hard to keep straight. Not all of these superheroes stand out, though. Follow along as we rank every superhero from the Arrow-verse, from worst to best.
46. Hawkgirl (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
The more left unsaid about the first season of Legends of Tomorrow, the better. Hawkgirl's powers of flight, strength, and reincarnation are impressive but she doesn't bring much to the team besides her ridiculous helmet. Image: The CW
45. Hawkman (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
Hawkman doesn't have much to offer, either, with similar powers to his female counterpart and an equally silly costume. Image: The CW
44. Rip Hunter (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
This character's biggest problem is that Legends of Tomorrow has yet to find a decent fit for him. From his time as an overbearing team boss to his amnesia to his current rivals storyline, Rip needs to find a purpose and stick with it.
43. Obsidian (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
The Justice Society was, at first, an exciting prospect. Unfortunately, the team--including Obsidian--hasn't stuck around long enough to make any lasting impact. Image: The CW
42. Hourman (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
Like the rest of the Justice Society, there wasn't much of a chance for Hourman to shine. Still, as the leader of the group and the man who tracked down the Legends of Tomorrow, he's integral to their success. Image: The CW
41. Dr. Mid-Nite (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
With the ability to see perfectly in the dark, Dr. Mid-Nite is an intriguing superhero that should be explored more. But like the rest of his Justice Society cohorts, he hasn't been featured in a major role. Image: The CW
40. Stargirl (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
With the powers of flight and energy manipulation, Stargirl may be the most powerful member of her little-known Justice Society. Image: The CW
39. Guardian (Supergirl)
It's easy to love James Olsen on Supergirl. His self-interested evolution to Guardian, however, has put both himself and Winn in danger, making him a questionable hero. Image: The CW
38. Miss Martian (Supergirl)
White Martian M'gann M'orzz is one of a few of her people who doesn't hate green Martians. Instead, she forms a powerful alliance with the Martian Manhunter that's cut short when she returns to her home planet. Image: The CW
37. Human Target (Arrow)
Being a master of disguise might not be the most useful superpower in this universe. That said, it comes in handy when Oliver Queen--or anybody--needs a decoy. Image: The CW
36. Katana (Arrow)
While she hasn't adopted the name Katana on Arrow, Tatsu Yamashiro plays a significant role in Oliver Queen's flashbacks, even donning the character's signature mask. Still, it's hard to tell how useful she'd be as a team member. She's more of a lone wolf. Image: The CW
35. Commander Steel (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
Like the rest of the Justice Society, Commander Steel hasn't stuck around. He was there long enough to inspire his grandson to become Citizen Steel, though. Image: The CW
34. Jonah Hex (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
While Jonah Hex is an expert marksman and usually does what's right--including being an ally to the Legends when needed--he's still a man of another era. Shooting bad guys dead makes him a better fit for the Wild West. Image: The CW
33. Vixen (Arrow)
This hero, who harnesses the life forces of various animals, has made appearances in animated shorts on CW Seed and in an episode of Arrow. With her power, she could have a big impact on her universe... if only she would return. Image: The CW
32. Ragman (Arrow)
Ragman has a silly name, but he brought something special to Team Arrow: actual superpowers. Unfortunately, when the mystical Devarim rags lost their power, he left the team. Image: The CW
31. Deathstroke (Arrow)
Deathstroke blurs the line between hero and villain, depending on where in the timeline his appearance takes place. But he always comes through for the Green Arrow when it matters most. Image: The CW
30. Deadshot (Arrow)
Deadshot is another hero who walks the line of villainy. He does good things as part of the Suicide Squad but often in the worst way possible. Image: The CW
29. Connor Hawke (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
If Spartan's son, Connor, was a regular fixture in this universe, he's surely be in the top ten. Sadly, he's only appeared once in a potential future, as the new Green Arrow. Image: The CW
28. Speedy (Arrow)
Speedy replaced Arsenal on Team Arrow, but she was never meant to be a vigilante. She's since removed herself from that life. Image: The CW
27. Vixen II (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
Amaya is the only Justice Society member to become a major fixture in her universe. Image: The CW
26. Gypsy (The Flash)
Gypsy is still fairly new to the CW superhero universe. But with her ability to jump around the multiverse whenever Team Flash needs a little help, she's proving herself to be a valuable ally and, whether she likes it or not, a pretty good superhero. Image: The CW
25. Arsenal (Arrow)
Roy Harper's journey to becoming Arsenal is as good as superhero origin stories get. A kid from the wrong side of the tracks, he trains under the Green Arrow. In doing so, Roy saves not only the city, but himself, too. Image: The CW
24. John Constantine (Arrow)
Constantine was a great superhero even before arriving on The CW thanks to his one-season NBC series. Still, this master of the occult needs to show up on screen more. Image: The CW
23. Citizen Steel (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
With the power to transform himself into solid steel and the drive to follow in the heroic footsteps of his grandfather, Commander Steel, Citizen Steel is on his way to being one of the greatest superheroes of all time. For now, though, he's still a rookie. Image: The CW
22. Mr. Terrific (Arrow)
It's hard to figure out why Curtis chooses the life of a vigilante over running the operation behind the scenes. Still, as time goes by, he's proving himself a worthy hero in the field. Image: The CW
21. Jesse Quick (The Flash)
Upon getting her speedster powers, she seemed to mature quickly. Now, as the hero of Earth Three, she's rarely seen. Hopefully, she'll continue to grow in the role. Image: The CW
20. Black Canary II (Arrow)
Like Oliver Queen, Dinah Drake was once lost in grief and seeking revenge. Hopefully, she'll continue to grow as a character and a hero. Image: The CW
19. Mon-El (Supergirl)
The Prince of Daxam has an impressive list of superpowers, including invulnerability to Earth's weapons and accelerated healing. Image: The CW
18. Killer Frost (The Flash)
Caitlin Snow may waver between hero and villain, but she's shown time and again that there is good in her heart. She just needs to be that person more often. Image: The CW
17. Wild Dog (Arrow)
This newer recruit has proven himself a good student in the Green Arrow's style of vigilantism. Still, he has some maturing to do if he wants to rise up in the ranks. Image: The CW
16. The Atom (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
This universe's answer to Iron Man--a billionaire who creates his own suit of super armor--has become much more than that as the heart of the Legends. It's a welcome surprise to anyone who watched Season 3 of Arrow. Image: The CW
15. Overwatch (Arrow)
While some may want to debate Felicity's status as a superhero, she's been given a hero's nickname--Overwatch. The Green Arrow would be utterly lost without her guiding the way. Image: The CW
14. Captain Cold (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
Like his best friend Heat Wave, Cold got his start as a villain before becoming a hero. While Cold's death prevents him from reaching his full potential, his sacrifice still registers as a powerful final deed. Image: The CW
13. Jay Garrick (The Flash)
The Flash of Earth Three is not only a terrific hero but also the mentor Barry has needed. If only he could be around more often. Image: The CW
12. Firestorm (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
It wasn't smooth sailing when Jefferson Jackson and Martin Stein first joined together to become Firestorm. But now that they've figured out how to work together to harness their powers, it's hard to image Legends without them. Image: The CW
11. Heat Wave (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
Though he was introduced as a villain on The Flash, Heat Wave's inclusion in Legends of Tomorrow--along with his reckless attitude and twisted sense of humor--has made him a fan-favorite. Image: The CW
10. Kid Flash (The Flash)
While Wally is still a relatively new speedster, he's already a powerful member of the team--perhaps moreso than The Flash himself. Kid Flash's future is bright. Image: The CW
9. Martian Manhunter (Supergirl)
Though he initially keeps his identity secret, J'onn J'onzz is Supergirl's most powerful ally and a terrific mentor in the ways of being a hero to the world. With his abilities, J'onn plays a major role in keeping National City safe. Image: The CW
8. Vibe (The Flash)
At first, Cisco is horrified by his ability to manipulate dimensional energy. But now that he bridges the multiverse, he's a key player of Team Flash and seems to have fun with his powers. Image: The CW
7. Black Canary (Arrow)
Originally wanting to honor her fallen sister, the Black Canary--one of the Green Arrow's most trusted allies--quickly became a hero in her own right. Sadly, she is killed by Damien Darhk. Image: The CW
6. Spartan (Arrow)
John Diggle's evolution from Oliver Queen's bodyguard to Spartan is one of Arrow's greatest joys. He doesn't have superpowers or a quest for vengeance powering him. Instead, Spartan becomes a superhero because he wants to make the world a better place. Image: The CW
5. Superman (Supergirl)
The fact that the world's most iconic superhero exists in these shows is special enough. This version of Superman, however, is exactly what fans expect: He's positive, helpful, and always there for his cousin Supergirl. Image: The CW
4. White Canary (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)
Following her resurrection, Sara Lance has taken up the mantle of White Canary to fight evil throughout time. She was a danger before, but transformed, she's a true leader of her team. Image: The CW
3. Supergirl (Supergirl)
The Maiden of Might is a powerful force to be reckoned with in National City. Given that she exists on a different Earth than the rest of The CW's DC shows, it puts her in more danger too. Still, it's nothing the Kryptonian can't handle. Image: The CW
2. Green Arrow (Arrow)
The CW's first DC superhero is also one of its best. The Green Arrow protects his city from both common thieves and would-be world-destroyers with magical powers. Image: The CW
1. The Flash (The Flash)
The Scarlet Speedster is the very definition of superhero, always willing to do whatever it takes to save the day. The fastest man alive is exactly what every superhero should aspire to be: selfless, respectable, and unwilling to cross the line. Image: The CW
By Chris E. Hayner on Nov 03, 2017 12:54 am
Wrestling's 22 Best Heel Turns Every Fan Should Know
Every superhero needs a villain to show how good they can be and professional wrestling is no different. Whether it's Triple H, The Undertaker, Ric Flair, or Vince McMahon, himself, the wrestling industry is loaded with some of the most datardly villains of all time. Still, every bad guy has an origin story--a reason they went from being a babyface to a feel in the ring. Here are 22 of the biggest wrestling heel turns that every fan should know, ranked from worst to best. Image: WWE
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin turns on WWE
Nobody expected "Stone Cold," of all people, to turn his back on WWE. When he aligned with WCW and ECW during the invasion angle in 2001, it gave rival companies the legitimacy they desperately needed. Image: WWE
Shawn Michaels turns on Hulk Hogan
The emotionless look on Michaels after kicking Hulk Hogan in the face is one that will be remembered forever. The turn goes down as the moment two of wrestling's greatest titans finally clashed. Image: WWE
Triple H turns on Daniel Bryan
There was no better feel-good story than the rise of Daniel Bryan in 2013. Then it all came crashing down thanks to a pedigree from Triple H and Randy Orton cashing in his Money in the Bank title shot. Image: WWE
Triple H turns on X-Pac
The Attitude Era was loaded with heel turns. Still, the night in 1997 when Triple H pedigreed X-Pac, allowing Shane McMahon to beat him, stands as one of the character's defining moments. It was the necessary next step in his evolution. Image: WWE
Tommaso Ciampa turns on Johnny Gargano
After teaming since 2015--and winning the tag titles-- DIY came to an end in 2017, when Ciampa brutalized partner Gargano by throwing him into the screens and kneeing him in the head. Image: WWE
'Stone Cold' Steve Austin turns on The Rock
The turn of Austin at WrestleMania X7 should have been a major moment. The Texas Rattlesnake aligned himself with rival Mr. McMahon and attacked The Rock with a chair. But the whole scenario was tainted; Austin devolved into an emotionally needy heel that loved to hug. Image: WWE
Sgt. Slaughter turns on America
It's one thing to turn on "Real American" Hulk Hogan; it's another to turn on America. In the middle of the Gulf conflict in 1990, Sgt. Slaughter became a Saddam Hussein sympathizer as he started a feud with Hogan. The Hulkster beat him for the championship. Image: WWE
The Rock turns on the fans
When The Rock returned from filming a movie in 2003, something was different. Gone was the People's Champion. In his place was a cocky, "Hollywood" version of Dwayne Johnson that ate tofu, mocked the fans, and feuded with Hulk Hogan. Image: WWE
Seth Rollins turns on The Shield
In 2014, there was no hotter act than The Shield. That all came to an end when Seth Rollins smashed a steel chair across the backs of Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose--proclaiming he was ready to be a star on his own. Image: WWE
Stephanie McMahon turns on Vince McMahon
The sweet daughter of Vince McMahon proved to be anything but in 1999 when she turned her back on her dad, aligning with the man who, in storyline, drugged and married her in Las Vegas--Triple H. Together, the two ran the WWE as their own personal playground before Vince eventually joined them. Image: WWE
Kevin Owens turns on Chris Jericho
This is a bit of an odd turn, as Owens was already technically a heel. However, he was the cool heel. Destroying his best friend during the Festival of Friendship, though? That was a surefire way to make him hated. Image: WWE
Owens Hart turns on Bret Hart
There's nothing quite as sad as brothers at war. In 1994 though, that's what happened. Owen Hart attacked Bret's injured knee. The feud culminated with a classic match at WrestleMania X, regarded as one of the best of all time. Image: WWE
The Four Horsemen turn on Sting
The year was 1990, and upstart babyface Sting achieved his dream of joining Ric Flair as part of the Four Horsemen. Everything was perfect until Sting accepted a title match against Flair. Then the Horsemen decided to take out the trash. Image: WWE
Bret Hart turns on America
How did the beloved Bret Hart turn heel? By going on a tirade against America and everything it stood for in 1997. Hart remained a hero in every country but America, where he was hated in his final months with WWE. Image: WWE
Andre the Giant turns on Hulk Hogan
When Andre the Giant realized he was being relegated to Hulk Hogan's second fiddle in 1987, he enlisted master heel manager Bobby Heenan and demanded a championship match. When Hogan tried to talk things out, Andre ripped his shirt and tore off his crucifix. Image: WWE
'Macho Man' Randy Savage turns on Hulk Hogan
Anybody that loves '80s wrestling remembers the moment the Mega Powers were torn apart by Savage's jealousy over Hogan's friendship with Miss Elizabeth. It all came to a head during 1989's The Main Event, when Savage slapped his former friend across the face. Image: WWE
CM Punk turns on The Rock
In 2012, CM Punk was the biggest hero in the WWE. That all changed with one clothesline to The Rock, which made him wrestling's most hated villain. Image: WWE
Chris Jericho turns on Shawn Michaels
Jericho has always functioned better as a heel, but never more so than when he smashed Michaels' head through a TV in 2008. Image: WWE
The fans turn on The Rock
Rocky Maivia did not endear himself to fans at first. The crowd often chanted "Rocky sucks!" The only choice, of course, was to embrace the hate and become the villain. He took on the name The Rock, and launched his career. Image: WWE
Shawn Michaels turns on Marty Jannetty
This superkick heard 'round the world took Shawn Michaels from tag-team wrestler to legit star. It was 1991 when Michaels gave friend and partner Jannetty a dose of Sweet Chin Music. Image: WWE
Vince McMahon turns on Bret Hart
This is the heel turn that may have saved WWE from bankruptcy. As the egotistical head of WWE, "Mr. McMahon" was the ultimate villain and waged a feud with Steve Austin that helped the company rebound and win its ratings war with WCW. Image: WWE
"Hollywood" Hulk Hogan turns on WCW
The biggest hero in the history of wrestling turning his back on the fans? With his popularity sinking in 1996, Hogan went heel in the greatest turn of all time. The New World Order ran roughshod over WCW for the next few years -- and eventually ran it out of business. Still, there's no understating the importance of Hogan's turn in wrestling history. Image: WWE
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