By Array on Aug 28, 2018 05:40 am
It's hard to believe, but it's been 25 years since Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers first debuted in 1993. It first premiered on Fox on August 28, 1993, and made heavy use of the colorful battle sequences from the Japanese TV show Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger. While actors were hired to play the teenagers in Power Rangers, the actual ranger scenes were typically repurposed from the Japanese series. It was a formula that saved him and money, as far as creating a kids show goes, and it worked. Since then, over the course of 22 different versions of the superpowered team--if you include the short-lived Alien Rangers--the franchise has continued to reinvent itself again and again. With those reinventions, obviously, come new teams of rangers tasked with saving the planet, galaxy, timeline, or whatever else they're in charge of. However, each new take on Power Rangers also comes with at least one new Megazord. When the challenge is too big for a group of highly-skilled fighters, they call on their massive robot friends, zords, to continue the battle and come together to form a massive fighting machine--the Megazord. Each Power Rangers series has its own Megazord, and some have more than one. The series has run for 25 years, and it shows no signs of slowing down, as the next iteration has already been announced. While there's no known release date for Power Rangers Beast Morphers yet, GameSpot is taking a stroll down Morphin' memory lane and looking back at each of the Megazords from throughout the series to celebrate the franchise's 25th anniversary. We should note, this gallery isn't focused on individual zords or the myriad of bonus combinations that they result in. Trust us, we love Ultrazord too. Titanus wasn't actually any ranger's zord, though. We are putting the spotlight on the Megazords, arguably the most powerful robots in the galaxy--at least, as far as the Power Rangers are concerned.
Megazord
While the Battle Mode is pictured, this zord could also transform into Tank Mode. Appearances: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Seasons 1-2
Mega Dragonzord
When the Megazord combines with the Dragonzord, it turns into the Mega Dragonzord, which usually just fires a single weapon at its opponent, destroying it. In addition, there is also a battle version. Appearances: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Seasons 1-2
Thunder Megazord
Appearances: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Seasons 2-3
Mega Tigerzord
This was a combination of the Thunder Megazord and the White Tiger Zord. Appearances: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Seasons 2-3
Ninja Megazord
Appearances: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Season 3 and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.
Ninja MegaFalconzord
Appearances: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Season 3 and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.
Shogun Megazord
Appearances: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Season 3
Zeo Megazord
This Megazord has interchangeable heads, each with its own special ability. Appearances: Power Rangers Zeo [Season 4 of the series]
Zeo Mega Battlezord
This Megazord is a combination of the Zeo Megazord and the Red Battlezord. Appearances: Power Rangers Zeo [Season 4 of the series]
Super Zeo Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Zeo [Season 4 of the series]
Turbo Megazord
Appearances: Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, Power Rangers: Turbo [Season 5 of the series]
Rescue Megazord
Appearances: Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, Power Rangers: Turbo [Season 5 of the series]
Astro Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers in Space [Season 6 of the series]
Mega Voyager
Appearances: Power Rangers in Space [Season 6 of the series]
Astro Delta Megazord
This Zord is formed when the Astro Megazord and the Delta Megazord combine. Appearances: Power Rangers in Space [Season 6 of the series]
Galaxy Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Lost Galaxy and Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue [Season 7 and 8 of the series]
Lightspeed Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue [Season 8 of the series]
Supertrain Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue [Season 8 of the series]
Time Force Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Time Force [Season 9 of the series]
Wild Force Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Wild Force [Season 10 of the series]
Storm Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Ninja Storm [Season 11 of the series]
Thundersaurus Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Dino Charge [Season 12 of the series]
Delta Squad Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers SPD [Season 13 of the series]
Titan Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Mystic Force [Season 14 of the series]
DriveMax Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Operation Overdrive [Season 15 of the series]
Jungle Pride Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Jungle Fury [Season 16 of the series]
High Octane Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers RPM [Season 17 of the series]
Samurai Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Samurai and Power Rangers Super Samurai [Seasons 18 and 19 of the series]
Gosei Great Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Megaforce and Power Rangers Super Megaforce [Seasons 20 and 21 of the series]
Legendary Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Super Megaforce [Season 21 of the series]
Dino Charge Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Dino Charge and Power Rangers Dino Super Charge [Season 22 and 23 of the series]
Ninja Steel Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Ninja Steel and Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel [Seasons 24 and 25 of the series]
Bull Rider Megazord
Appearances: Power Rangers Ninja Steel and Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel [Seasons 24 and 25 of the series]
Appearances: Power Rangers Ninja Steel and Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel [Seasons 24 and 25 of the series]
By Chris E. Hayner on Aug 28, 2018 05:39 am
It's that time of year again, when Universal Studios theme parks around the world gear up for the spookiest time of year. Every Halloween, the theme parks present haunted mazes and scare zones based on some of the scariest movie and TV franchises in an effort to terrify those who dare enter Halloween Horror Nights. Thankfully, 2018's version of the annual event is no different. While there are a handful of original maze concepts and scare zones, especially at Universal Studios Orlando, there are also some very exciting movie and TV show adaptations being presented. If you're wondering about the difference in mazes and scare zones, the former is a walkthrough experience meant to guide you through a particular story, while the latter are themed areas within the parks where monsters and ghouls are on the loose. In past years, a wide variety of modern and classic franchises have been brought to life, including The Shining, American Horror Story, The Cabin in the Woods, Resident Evil, Freddy vs. Jason, and The Exorcist. This year, there are eight different properties being adapted, promising a creepy and fun time with some of the most recognizable titles in horror, including the first-ever Stranger Things maze, which will be seen at multiple parks. And if you're a true completist, it's important to note that no two mazes are identical. Each park has it's own creative team, meaning Orlando's Stranger Things maze will be quite different from the one in Hollywood. Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights kicks off at the Universal parks in Hollywood and Orlando on September 14 and runs through November 3. Singapore's take on the event launches on September 27 and ends on October 31.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Maze
Trick 'r Treat
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Maze and scare zone
Stranger Things
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Orlando, and Universal Studios Singapore Type of haunt: Maze
Poltergeist
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Maze
Revenge of Chucky
Location: Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Scare zone
Killer Klowns from Outer Space
Location: Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Scare zone
The Walking Dead
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood Type of haunt: Maze *This maze is open year-round at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The First Purge
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Maze *Orlando's maze is part of The Horrors of Blumhouse
Happy Death Day
Location: Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Maze *Part of The Horrors of Blumhouse.
Truth or Dare
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood Type of haunt: Maze *Part of The Horrors of Blumhouse.
Unfriended
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood Type of haunt: Maze *Part of The Horrors of Blumhouse.
Universal Monsters
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood Type of haunt: Maze *Monsters in the maze will include The Wolf Man, The Invisible Man, The Phantom of the Opera, Dracula, Dracula's Bride, Frankenstein's Monster, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Mummy, and more. The original score for the maze will be created by Slash.
By Chris E. Hayner on Aug 28, 2018 05:38 am
For nearly as long as there have been Power Rangers, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, there have been kids that are jealous of Tommy Oliver, who was played by Jason David Frank. The character, first introduced in Season 1 of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, has controlled more powers than any other "teenager with attitude" on the series. While so many eventually become ready to grow up and move on with their lives, Tommy just can't get being a Ranger out of his blood. It's led him to control seven different types of Ranger powers over the years, many of which are actually kind of amazing--at least in the fashion department. After all, the trademark of a good Tommy Ranger is found in the costume design. Does he stand out and make the rest of the team look sort of silly? If so, chances are that's a great version of Tommy. Since it's been 25 years since Power Rangers first arrived, GameSpot has dug back through far too many episodes of the various incarnations of the show, along with a few comic books, to bring you the definitive ranking of Tommy Oliver's Rangers. You may disagree with their placement, but I think we can all agree that the White Ninja Ranger is simply the worst. If it's more Power Rangers content you're looking for, don't forget to check out our rundown of every Megazord, as well as the weirdest monsters in the show's history.
7. White Ninja Ranger
The worst and cheapest of Tommy's Ranger identities, the White Ninja powers game late in the Mighty Morphin' series, when the old costumes and Zords just weren't cutting it. The Rangers went to the Desert of Despair and met a giant blue robot ninja thing named Ninjor, who bestowed on them Ninja powers and new costumes, which look suspiciously like bedsheets. Then again, in Tommy's case, it also looks a little too much like a KKK robe.
6. Zeo Ranger V: Red
This was when Tommy went from hero to zero. Well, five. After losing their Mighty Morphin' powers, the Rangers used Zeo crystals to become heroes once again. It's a whole, long convoluted thing. To sum it up, though, the show got an awesome new theme song, and Tommy became just another Ranger. Losing his White Ranger powers, he became Zeo Ranger V: Red and got a standard costume like the rest of his team. The only thing that really stands out is the shape on his helmet is a star, but it brings absolutely nothing to his powers and looks more awkward than anything else. At least he got a cool zord, in the Sky Phoenix. Still, once Jason returned as the Gold Zeo Ranger, it was clear who the cool one was on that version of the show. Sorry, Tommy.
5. Red Turbo Ranger
Why is the Red Turbo Ranger ranked higher than Zeo Ranger V: Red when they are essentially the same thing? It all comes down to the disappointment factor. When Tommy was made into the red Zeo Ranger, it was a massive letdown because it felt like a major downgrade. By the time Power Rangers Turbo came along, with the show's popularity fading, it didn't seem like a big deal for him to be stuck with another boring set of Ranger powers and a costume that paled in comparison to the glory days. As a Turbo Ranger, Tommy controlled a race car zord, which combined with a series of other massive robot cars to form the Turbo Megazord. Yes, cars aren't as intimidating as dragons, tigers, or even a phoenix, but there were only so many things they could pattern giant robots after.
4. Black Dino Thunder Ranger
Go Go Oldest Ranger! A full seven years after he left the Power Rangers franchise during Power Rangers Turbo, Tommy came back. This time, though, he had graduated college and gotten a doctorate. Not bad for a guy who never seemed like he was top of the class. In Power Rangers Dino Thunder, he takes on the mantle of the Black Dino Ranger and fights alongside three of his students. This is notable because it was a return to form, as far as being the coolest-looking Ranger goes. This time, he essentially had gold shoulder pads and a much more detailed helmet than the other rangers, but it still helped him stand out.
3. White Ranger
When Tommy lost his Green Ranger powers and went away, it was clear an important piece of the puzzle was no longer there. Thankfully, it didn't take too long before he got a new set of powers and came back as the White Ranger. The only thing keeping the White Ranger from being as good as the Green Ranger is he was essentially a copycat. The Dragon Dagger was swapped out for Saba, both rangers had a unique shield that helped their costume designs stand out, and instead of the Dragonzord, Tommy's White Ranger powers summoned the Tigerzord.
2. Lord Drakkon
This is a peculiar entry, but one that can't be denied. Lord Drakkon has not appeared on any TV series and technically isn't the same Tommy as the rest of these Rangers. Leaving him out would be a huge mistake, though. Drakkon is actually an older version of Tommy from an alternate dimension that comes to this Earth to battle the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers in BOOM Studios' comic book series based on the show. In it, he controls a zord called the Black Dragon and wreaks havoc on the Power Rangers. What makes Lord Drakkon such a great entry in Tommy's Power Ranger identities is his backstory. On his alternate Earth, he worked with Rita Repulsa to ultimately destroy Zordon and the Power Rangers, before disposing of his former master and taking control of the world. From there he set out to conquer more Rangers and brought his war to this Earth. Of course, he also has a really cool costume that is essentially a mashup of the Green and White Ranger suits.
1. Green Ranger
The original is still the best. Though he started out as a villain, the Green Ranger went on to become arguably the most popular Power Ranger of all time--thanks in large part to that awesome gold shield he wears. While the Power Rangers were all exciting to see, Tommy stood out from the pack as unique and more powerful. He also has the Dragon dagger--which was also a flute for some reason--and Dragonzord, which helped him go a long way in coming off as better than his fellow color-coded superheroes. The Green Ranger was simply cool, and on a show like Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, that's what matters most.
By Matt Espineli on Aug 28, 2018 03:56 am
Assassin's Creed Through The Ages
It's hard to believe, but Ubisoft has released 20 Assassin's Creed games in the span of a decade, and we're already primed for a new one this year with Assassin's Creed Odyssey. In the years since the franchise's 2007 debut, we've received a wealth of fantastic games that have each managed to refine the series' classic open-world formula, while at times pushing it in exciting new directions. Of course, not every Assassin's Creed game has met fan expectations, but the franchise is still packed with a ton of thrilling adventures that are well-worth experiencing and even revisiting today. It all began with the first Assassin's Creed, a flawed game that showed great promise with its innovative climbing mechanics and sci-fi/historical drama narrative. This potential was eventually realized with Assassin's Creed II, which proved a remarkable improvement thanks to more varied design and a historical setting that stood out from other open-world games of the time. Its follow-up, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, remains a satisfying sequel that refined much of what we loved about AC II while giving us new combat and exploration mechanics to engage with. The next major highlight in the franchise came from Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, a pirate-themed adventure telling the redemption tale of Edward Kenway, an errant thief soon to be made an Assassin. The game's naval combat and exploration brought new life to the series' increasingly stale urban environments. Rounding out the series' most noteworthy entries are Assassin's Creed Syndicate and Assassin's Creed Origins. Syndicate brought hope back to the series after one of its most debilitating lows, but Origins completely revitalized the franchise while transforming it into an action-RPG series. You can experience the highs and lows of Assassin's Creed by checking out our reviews of nearly every single game in the franchise in the slides ahead. It's worth noting that we do not have reviews of lesser-known games in the series: Assassin's Creed: Pirates and Assassin's Creed identity. Though, if you're interested in the deeper cuts of the franchise and want an in-depth look at Assassin's Creed in all of its ups and downs, be sure to watch the video above discussing the franchise's history and its impact on the gaming industry. In the meantime, which Assassin's Creed games do you love the most? Which games disappointed you the most? Feel free to discuss all your thoughts in the comments below.
Assassin's Creed -- 9/10
"Assassin's Creed will stay with you long after you finish it. Here is one of the most unique gameworlds ever created: beautiful, memorable, and alive. Every crack and crevasse is filled with gorgeous, subtle details, from astounding visual flourishes to overheard cries for help. But it's more than just a world--it's a fun and exciting action game with a ton of stuff to do and places to explore, rounded out with silky-smooth controls and a complex story that will slowly grab you the more you play. Make no mistake: Assassin's Creed is one of the best efforts of the year and a must-own game." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles -- 6/10
"You could finish Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles in around four hours, but even the promise of a harder difficulty level won't likely lure you back for a second play-through. It's hardly a bad game; in fact, the final hour mixes the various elements together nicely and hits a smooth stride as a result. Nevertheless, the game offers few surprises, and some sloppy execution problems get in the way far too often to make it outright recommendable." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines -- 5/10
"Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines doesn't get it. On the surface, it offers many of the features you'd want from an Assassin's Creed game on the PSP. It puts you in control of Altair, the first game's nimble protagonist, and sends you on a mission to assassinate your Templar enemies, who are equally eager to plunge their swords into you. If you delve a little deeper, however, you'll find that Bloodlines skimps on what makes the console games so special. The joy of rooftop running has been diminished by flawed platforming and smaller environments, bustling cities have been replaced by barren districts on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, and AI problems render the stealthy approach all but irrelevant. Bloodlines still delivers the brief bloody thrills you get from a well-timed counterattack, but on the whole, it is a neutered and unsatisfying adventure." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed II -- 9/10
"At first, Assassin's Creed II might seem as if it has added more than its foundation was meant to handle, but once all the new features are completely introduced, it develops that magic that so few games can cast. This is the rare sequel that offers fans of the original the basics they would expect, while adding and changing so many other aspects that even those who didn't appreciate the first should take the plunge, without hesitation. A few more contrivances notwithstanding, Assassin's Creed II is a better game than its forebear and is a beautiful and memorable experience on its own terms. But it's more than just a game--it's an escape to a place and a time that feel so welcoming, you'll be making return trips even after your initial adventure is over." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed II: Discovery -- 7/10
"In spite of its flaws, Assassin's Creed II: Discovery does a good job of bringing the Assassin's Creed vibe to a handheld platform. The scope is condensed but the spirit remains, thanks to fluid combat animations, familiar sound effects, and little touches, like cowering citizens, that pay homage to the vibrant cities of the console games. It's got its share of quirks, but Discovery is the first right step toward fitting a world of secret assassins and crazy conspiracies in your pocket." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood -- 8.5/10
"Almost every aspect of the series has seen enhancements in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, from travel (you can whistle for a horse and ride it almost anywhere) to value (you can now replay any completed memory). There is joy in leaping across the Roman rooftops, taking in the grand sights in front of you and realizing that it is all your own playground. Stealing a combatant's spear from him and impaling him on it is a brutal pleasure. And the little touches--the way Claudia meets Ezio's stare with one of her own, or the fluid animations that characterize your agile maneuvers--are constant reminders of what makes these games so enchanting. This may not be Assassin's Creed III, but like Ezio's smirk, Brotherhood is too irresistible to ignore." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed: Revelations -- 8/10
"Even the greatest heroes can't live forever. And so it goes for Ezio Auditore di Firenze, who finally steps aside to make room for new champions in Assassin's Creed: Revelations. This is another quality entry in a quality series, and it unleashes you in a visually stunning re-creation of 16th-century Constantinople. Additions to the movement mechanics make exploring the city a joyous exercise in high-flying parkour, with you as Ezio leaping across rooftops and flinging yourself up exterior walls like a Renaissance superhero. Like many sequels, Revelations giveth, and Revelations taketh away, so you lose certain elements (horses) in favor of a slew of new ones (bomb crafting). Lots and lots of new ones. Assassin's Creed: Revelations is sometimes a lumpy Frankenstein's monster of a game, half-formed appendages stitched into place regardless of whether they belong there or not. Thankfully, when Revelations remembers to be an Assassin's Creed game, it soars into the Turkish skies, reminding fans why they fell in love with this freewheeling series." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed III -- 8.5/10
"Assassin's Creed III is a big game that gives you a lot to do, some of which is fleshed out relatively well, and some of which isn't. It is not, however, content to rest on the series' laurels. It takes chances with its opening, with its story, and with its characters. It expands the series' gameplay in enjoyable and sensible ways. As with many ambitious games, not every arrow fired hits the bull's-eye, yet this big, narratively rich sequel is easy to get invested in. Other games stimulate emotion with manipulative music and teary monologues; Assassin's Creed III rouses your mind and your heart by giving you a glimpse into its characters' souls and letting you judge them on their own merits." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed III: Liberation -- 6.5/10
"Though Assassin's Creed III: Liberation toys around with intriguing concepts and centers its story around a character you desperately want to know more about, none of it comes together especially well. Liberation often excels, but it stumbles just as much. The result is a game that fails to bear the standard of quality that has defined this series for years." [Read the review] -- Shaun McInnis
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag -- 9/10
"Black Flag presents a world full of adventure and opportunity, where treasures scavenged in a remote jungle can be used to turn the tide in a massive naval battle against mighty Spanish warships. It's a game where you can sail the seas for hours at a time, either hunting great white sharks or simply listening to your crew sing one infectious sea shanty after the next. There's an incredible scope to what you can do in Black Flag, with a level of harmony between its component parts that encourages you to try it all, and a story that keeps you invested throughout the whole thing. If there was ever any question that Assassin's Creed needed something ambitious to get the series back on track, Black Flag is that game and then some." [Read the review] -- Shaun McInnis
Assassin's Creed: Freedom Cry -- 6/10
"With the strongest ensemble cast in the franchise, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag wasn't short of assassins and pirates worthy of their own playable tales, DLC or otherwise. Freedom Cry is more than just another Assassin's Creed IV chapter with a reskinned protagonist, but its troubled handling of dark themes makes this a turbulent voyage." [Read the review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Assassin's Creed Unity -- 7/10
"Not all of Unity's more progressive touches are for the best then, but you might spend more time noticing what's old than what's new. The terrific city atmosphere of Paris, the focus on parkour, and the incentives for performing stealthy assassinations, all these things hint at a game that's trying to return to its roots after branching out so wildly in its past two iterations. Yes, Unity is the most ACII-like of the series since, well, ACII, and while it never really hits the dizzying heights of Ezio's jaunt through 15th century Italy, Unity's similarities are comforting enough to take the edge off its less-than-successful changes. But is it the next-gen Assassin's Creed game we've all been waiting for? Not quite. It's very good, maybe even great in places, but the story's smaller focus has come at the expense of its exquisitely rendered backdrop. The grandness and spectacle that so often graces the finest Assassin's Creeds is sadly sorely lacking here." [Read the review] -- Mark Walton
Assassin's Creed Rogue -- 6/10
"Outside of a few additions like an air rifle and grenade launcher (which is used exactly one for mission), there's next to nothing in Rogue that moves the franchise forward. And even if you simply wanted more of Black Flag, that the missions are so sparse makes it difficult to want to drag yourself across the vast expanse of Rogue's oceans. Instead of a rich, fleshed-out game, Rogue is a short, mildly entertaining adventure that's thin on core content, but thick with information. It's intriguing information though, particularly if you're a series fan, just don't expect the best of adventures while you're taking it all in." [Read the review] -- Mark Walton
Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China -- 6/10
"Assassin Shao Jun really wants a box. Apparently, the box holds a precious artifact left from the time of the First Civilization, but it is simply the ultimate in MacGuffins; it's the Maltese Falcon, the briefcase from Pulp Fiction, and the Ark of the Covenant. What it does is irrelevant and never elaborated upon, at least not in this story, for its purpose is to kick an adventure into action--in this case, a beautiful and ultimately boring trek that cribs from Mark of the Ninja but can't capture the earlier game's cleverness or excitement. It's tempting to praise Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China for squeezing the series' signature elements into two-and-a-half dimensions, and for making stealth gameplay more vital than it has been in an Assassin's Creed game for years. But Chronicles rests on being pretty, adding new mechanics over time but flattening the pace and allowing exploits and glitches to suck out the rising tension." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed Syndicate -- 9/10
"[Assassin's Creed Syndicate] is a triumphant return to form for the franchise, and presents a beautifully structured tale with heart and soul to spare. Ziplining through London is thrilling, and the game allows you to organically discover missions and leaves you open-ended solutions lets you to create a meaningful, personal experience within its world. Coupled with strong, loveable leads and a seemingly endless procession of ways to leave your (fictional) mark on London's history, Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a shining example of gameplay and storytelling." [Read the review] -- Alexa Ray Corriea
Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India -- 7/10
"For the mainline Assassin's Creed games, the history and characters are the bones holding the gameplay upright. For the Chronicles series, the curiosities presented by the setting act as a thin veneer that only momentarily distracts from the flaws beneath. Like Arbaaz himself, these great moments have a bad habit of vanishing into thin air when you least want them to, bit there is still a lot of fun to be had in this Indian adventure." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Assassin's Creed Chronicles: Russia -- 5/10
"[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: Russia's] art style is ultimately indicative of the problems with the series, in that, even at its most colorful or active, it falls flat. We're given few reasons to care about the story or characters, and gameplay doesn't escalate in a way that make sticking around for the complete three-game journey worthwhile. Newcomers may still find fleeting joy in one of the games for being a bite sized portion of Prince of Persia-style journeys through an exotic land. But the idea of sticking around for seconds or thirds has been proven to be a fool's errand, and that single portion turning out to be Russia would give a lackluster impression of the rest. Chronicles ends not with a bang or a whimper, but a shrug." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Assassin's Creed Origins -- 7/10
"While Assassin's Creed Origins reaches great heights in this new setting, it routinely runs into issues that bog down the overall experience. Technical issues make for an inconsistent experience and its new gameplay pillars wobble under the weight of its systems. But despite this, the world of Origins remains fresh and exciting to explore, which is a testament to the remarkable setting and compelling story. Assassin's Creed has undergone many changes in its long and storied history, and Origins feels like the first step in the start of a new journey. It has its fair share of problems, but the vision for its future is one worth pursuing." [Read the review] -- Alessandro Fillari, Editor
By Matt Espineli on Aug 28, 2018 03:32 am
A Celebration Of PlayStation's History
Sony recently announced that it has sold over 525.3 million PlayStation consoles worldwide. To celebrate this milestone, the company has unveiled a limited-edition PS4 Pro as a thank you to its fans. Known as the 500 Million Limited Edition PS4 Pro, the dark blue colored console comes with a controller, PlayStation Camera, Vertical Stand, and mono headset; it even comes with a hefty 2TB hard drive. However, the coolest part about the console is that it's translucent and illuminates when turned on, which should be a nice perk for those looking for a PS4 Pro with a little more style and flair than the standard model. The 500 Million Limited Edition PS4 Pro model is priced at $500 and will be available in North American regions at Best Buy and Target on August 24 (UK and AU region retailers may be different). Only 50,000 units are being made worldwide, so if you're interested in picking one up, you better nab one quickly before they're gone. Of course, a purchase like this is a bit of an investment, so we understand if you're unsure whether or not you want to take the plunge. Sony sent us a unit and we took a bunch of photos of it for your reference. In the slides ahead you can see the console from numerous angles, as well as a closer look at its translucent shell. We also took shots of the console's accompanying controller and PlayStation camera. If you're more interested in the 500 Million Limited Edition PS4 Pro's controller, you're in luck. It will also be available as a standalone for $64.99 USD. In addition, a 500 Million Limited Edition-themed Gold Wireless Headset featuring will be available separately at $99.99. What do you think of the 500 Million Limited Edition PS4 Pro's design? Are you looking to nab one for yourself? Let us know in the comments below.
By Matt Espineli on Aug 28, 2018 03:26 am
Switch Games That You Need To Play
The release of the Nintendo Switch marked the beginning of a new generation for Nintendo. After the lukewarm reception of the Wii U, many were beginning to wonder if the company would be able to survive in today's console market. However, it defied all expectations with its hybrid console/handheld console. Alongside the Switch's release was the universally praised The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, giving it the killer app it needed to quickly rise to the top of console sales charts and dramatically increase Nintendo's revenue. In the year since its launch, there has been no shortage of amazing games coming, from huge first-party games like Mario and Splatoon to indie darlings like Owlboy and Celeste. There's even great third-party games, like Octopath Traveler and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. The library only seems to be expanding and improving with every consecutive release. In this feature, we're taking a look back at the best Switch games so far. This includes games that have received a score of 8 or higher on GameSpot since the console's release, as well as reviews for new games and updates to reviews of older games that were ported to Switch. Check out our choices for the best games released on the Switch. And with the console's library continuing to expand, make sure to check back often as we update this feature over the coming weeks and months. For an analysis of Nintendo Switch's first year, be sure to read our retrospective feature discussing the console's various successes and failures. In addition, you can also check out our features detailing all the Wii U games we ported to Switch, 13 things we want to see from the console. The Switch already has hundreds of games, so many that some are bound to fly under our radar. The games covered here are only a small handful of the experiences out there. Which games do you think are some of the Switch's finest? Let us know in the comments below.
Dead Cells -- 9/10
"Dead Cells is a fascinating amalgam of several of today's most popular indie genres. It juggles elements of tough-as-nails action games and Metroid-inspired exploration platformers, with the procedurally generated levels and random item allotments found in roguelikes. It's impressive how it all comes together without a hitch, especially given that the persistent character growth found in games like Dark Souls or Metroid squarely conflicts with the randomized resets emblematic of Rogue-inspired games." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 + 2
"In a way, the entire collection itself is the museum--an entire series, with all its beauty and its blemishes, on display for its audience to judge and assess years later. Parts of this legacy have aged horribly, but they're still undeniably a piece of Mega Man X history. We've been told that the upcoming Mega Man 11 was greenlit thanks in part to fan interest in the original Mega Man Legacy Collection. If Capcom follows with a proper sequel to Mega Man X, this compilation provides valuable lessons on what the series is, what it isn't, and what it can be when given the chance." [Read the full review] -- Steve Watts
Octopath Traveler -- 8/10
"Despite the lackluster stories that pull you through the world, Octopath thrives on its character progression and the temptations of high-level challenges and rewards. The promise of new jobs, exciting boss fights, and powerful gear will inspire you to poke around every corner, and there are no shortage of discoveries to strive for. And all the while, you're treated to one of the most interesting and effective re-imaginings of a retro aesthetic around. Octopath will likely be a divisive game due to its fractured storytelling, but it's one worth playing despite its lesser qualities. Its high points are simply too good to ignore." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Captain Toad
"Despite a smattering of minor complaints, Captain Toad stands as a pint-sized version of Nintendo's stellar first party pedigree. It's among the best Mario spin-offs around and a delightful iteration on old ideas." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus -- 8/10
"As long as you're able to play the entire game in docked mode, The New Colossus is the same fantastic game it is on other platforms. It runs well and, despite some minor visual compromises, it still looks pretty good. Handheld mode is unfortunately far less optimized, and the Joy-Cons simply don't feel as good to use as the Pro Controller. If Switch is your only way to play it, The New Colossus is absolutely worth your time--just not on the go." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
West of Loathing -- 8/10
"There are a few minor issues--inventory management on Switch becomes cumbersome as you collect an increasing amount of things, fights with a lot of enemies can obscure some pertinent information, and the stakes sometimes feel a little too low to be completely motivating. But West of Loathing's focus on maintaining a flexible, open-ended nature and lighthearted, humorous feel keeps you engaged in what feels like an imaginative pen-and-paper Dungeons and Dragons campaign, led by a game master whose only goal is to make sure you're laughing and having a fun time. West of Loathing's visuals are monochromatic, but there's enjoyable comedy painted between every line, a pitch-perfect Spaghetti Western soundtrack, and a full spectrum of role-playing possibilities to choose from that make it a consistently enjoyable madcap cowboy jaunt." [Read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, Editor and Video Producer
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle -- 9/10
"Whether playing through the story mode alone or against hardened opponents online, Cross Tag Battle is an absolute joy with a surplus of possibilities within its wide roster and versatile fighting system. Even with all the ridiculousness of the overarching plot, I reveled in the charm of my favorite characters and embraced the many moments of fan service. It's a masterful unification of styles and mechanics from four different universes that compels you to dig deeper and dedicate the time to getting the most out of the beloved members of this cast." [Read the full review] -- Michael Higham, Associate Editor
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection -- 8/10
"That's more or less the story of the 30th Anniversary Collection. It won't satisfy every specific demand, but it's still a big collection of awesome games and behind-the-scenes content that no Street Fighter fan should miss. Street Fighter is a series worth celebrating and Digital Eclipse has managed to do so in a manner that feels respectful to the series and to the people who keep the spirit of arcade battles alive." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition -- 8/10
"Those returning to the fray will likely be a little disappointed as there just isn't enough new content to rouse fresh excitement. For newcomers, though, Hyrule warriors is a delightful, bizarre outing that opens up the Zelda series, taking us places we've been before, just with thousands of monsters and awesome, screen-clearing magical attacks." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Battle Chasers: Nightwar -- 8/10
"Beyond the challenge of combat, Battle Chasers is sustained through the strength of its story, a rollicking tale that takes our heroes literally to hell and back. It's bolstered by some sharp dialogue, gorgeous artwork, and an ensemble that plays extremely well off of each other. Lots of work has gone into Nightwar since its first release, and the balancing improvements make it an easy game to recommend on all platforms." [Read the full review] -- Justin Clark
Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze -- 9/10
"Tropical Freeze isn't a heavy-hitter from Nintendo in the same way Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey are, but it's a fantastic platformer that's bursting with creativity and expertly designed challenges. It's tuned just right--always tough but rarely frustrating--to ensure that even the most common moments feel great. If you missed out when the game first debuted back in 2014, give it a shot today. It easily stands the test of time." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Bayonetta 2 -- 10/10
"But it's a challenge you'll want to experience again as soon as you put down the controller. Bayonetta 2's combat is so expertly constructed, and its presentation so joyously insane, that you'd have to try so very hard to get bored of it all. In a year filled with the promise of ever more elaborate experiences on all the shiny new hardware, that Bayonetta 2--a homage to classic game design and escapism--should be the most fun I've had playing a game all year is unexpected. But maybe it shouldn't have been. After all, its predecessor still stands as one of the finest games of its genre. To have surpassed that with Bayonetta 2, and to have created a game that will be remembered as an absolute classic, is nothing short of astonishing." [Read the review] -- Mark Walton
Celeste -- 9/10
"It's a testament to convincing writing and ingenious design that after playing Celeste I felt like I'd been on the same journey as Madeline. Her struggle is one made easy to empathize with, her low points painful to watch, and her high notes exhilarating to experience. Her tale is delicately told and beautifully illustrated, confidently coalescing with the satisfying, empowering game it lies within. Not bad for a game about climbing a mountain." [Read the full review] -- Oscar Dayus, Staff Writer
Dragon Quest Builders -- 8/10
"The excellence of Dragon Quest Builders illustrates the versatility of this 30-year-old franchise as much as it speaks to the engrossing appeal of Minecraft-inspired creation. The story-advancing draw of quests goes hand-in-hand with the depth of a crafting system that cleverly uses monster drops as some of the game's building tools. Whether you want to focus on completing assignments or build with no specific purpose, the game is feature-rich enough to suck up untold hours, even if this happens to be your first Dragon Quest experience." [Read the review] -- Miguel Concepcion, Editor
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim -- 8/10
"The original version of Skyrim is still an immense, engrossing RPG, and the quality, number, and variety of its quests makes it as easy to become lost in its world as ever. With the addition of Zelda-themed gear that's actually useful--and the fact that you can play anywhere--the Switch version of Skyrim is a great excuse to revisit a much-loved RPG." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Golf Story -- 8/10
"It can take a little while for the narrative to ramp up in Golf Story and for you to feel like you've really cultivated the skills of a champion, but based on the sheer scope of what the game delivers, there's likely something for everyone to enjoy whether their shtick is mini-golfing or terrorising delinquents with frisbees. It has successfully captured the trappings of yesteryear's RPGs, and the witticisms and idiosyncrasies of the characters you encounter are a great palate cleanser between rounds. Switch has had a swathe of indies hit its eShop recently, but if you're looking for something that'll give you satisfaction in terms of an interesting story and a rewarding mechanic, then Golf Story is certainly par for the course." [Read the full review] -- Ginny Woo
Gorogoa -- 8/10
"Few games take the concept of altering reality to as artistic a level as Gorogoa. This labor of love made chiefly by one developer is a gorgeous and intriguing puzzle game that works because of its stunning art and intelligent puzzle design. Far from a traditional game, Gorogoa is a slow and methodical trip into the surreal." [Read the full review] -- Jason D'Aprile
Kirby Star Allies -- 8/10
"Star Allies is yet another Kirby game, but it's up there with some of the best. It's an artistic showcase, and a great opportunity for co-op platforming. The one real complaint you can levy at it is that it gates off its more challenging aspects, but the fact that they are present to begin with will please anyone who's grown weary of the series' painless platforming." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild -- 10/10
"No matter how gorgeous its environments are, how clever its enemies are, and how tricky its puzzles get, the fact that Breath of the Wild continues to surprise you with newfound rules and possibilities after dozens of hours is by far its most valuable quality. It's a game that allows you to feel gradually more and more empowered yet simultaneously manages to retain a sense of challenge and mystery--which, together, creates a steady, consistent feeling of gratification throughout the entire experience. Breath of the Wild is a defining moment for The Legend of Zelda series, and the most impressive game Nintendo has ever created." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle -- 9/10
"Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle exudes off-beat optimism that never dissolves. It's a consistent delight, no matter how challenging the road becomes, because Kingdom Battle's unique turn-based tactics system is in every way a pleasure to engage with. Coupled with the annoyingly infectious allure of Rabbids, and the always delightful, colorful world of the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is an implausibly engrossing formula that is positively challenging and endlessly charming." [Read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, Editor
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe -- 9/10
"For Mario Kart fans, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe might look like more of the same with small Double Dash-inspired tweaks. But thanks to a series of updates both big and almost unseen, it's the version of Mario Kart to get. If you don't own a Wii U or skipped out on Mario Kart 8 the first time around--or even if you've played it before--Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is worth your time. It plays beautifully on Switch in both handheld and docked mode, and its core racing is as exciting as ever. And, most notably, it completely revamps the original's lackluster Battle Mode, rounding out an already great racing game." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Mr. Shifty -- 8/10
"Mr. Shifty isn't a huge game in terms of length, but the three- to four-hour campaign is ample. It's like a shot of adrenalin, offering an exciting, intense experience, and it's easy to forgive the game's performance flaws when it so consistently makes you feel like a badass." [Read the full review] -- James O'Connor
NBA 2K18 -- 8/10
"NBA 2K18 is a hardcore sports simulation. If you want to get good, you have to put in the work. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to improve your skills no matter how you want to play. And the fact that there's so much to do is a bonus, because on the court, NBA 2K18 is also an amazingly well-crafted experience." [Read the full review] -- Seth Macy
Night in the Woods -- 9/10
"From beginning to end to epilogue, Night in the Woods is ultimately open to individual interpretation. How you relate to it depends on your own experiences and choices, including Mae's dialogue and who you decide to spend time with. Though its charming and angsty story works well on its own merits, it's special because of how it prioritizes conveying emotion over telling a straight narrative." [Read the review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Owlboy -- 9/10
"Owlboy is consistently charming and surprising, and when its final act doubles down on every front, it's bittersweet to see it end. As you relish the outcome of the final battle and watch the closing cutscene, you can't help but reflect on the beginning of your adventure and how far the world and its inhabitants have come. You'll never be able to play Owlboy for the first time again, but the memories of its magic moments stick with you. This is more than a treat for fans of old-school games; Owlboy is a heartfelt experience that will touch anyone with an affinity for great art and storytelling." [Read the review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 Plus -- 8/10
"Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 creates an exciting dynamic where ghosts are still dangerous, but the overall game is more forgiving than the original--and it's more entertaining as a result. Arcade ports tend to be games we play in short bursts--mostly for the nostalgia factor. Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 certainly relies on that nostalgia to a point, but it handles the classic game in a way that plays with expectations to surprise you. It's the same game enhanced in the right directions to be make an old concept fun, innovative, and challenging all over again." [Read the review] -- Jason D'Aprile
Puyo Puyo Tetris -- 8/10
"Overflowing with colorful personality, Puyo Puyo Tetris revels in its weirdness. It provides solid versions of both puzzle games and merges the two in bizarre, frantic ways that adds a fresh dash of style to these long-running series. With an array of game variations spanning single-player, along with on- and offline multiplayer, it's an incredibly meaty package that should satisfy gamers for a long time to come." [Read the full review] -- Jason D'Aprile
Rive -- 8/10
"Rive is demanding, but it pushes the kind of near-thoughtless play that shoot-em-ups strive to achieve. When faced with an onslaught of enemies and environmental hazards, you'll have to think fast or die. Rive also doesn't run all that long, but what's here is excellent, top-notch action, and the game delivers some of the most memorable moments in a shoot-em-up in years." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Rocket League -- 9/10
"For people new to the game, they have a lot to look forward to regardless, as it's one of the most fascinating sports games in memory. Nevermind if you don't like soccer or couldn't care less about the growing esports community. Rocket League is a unique game that redefines the concept of what a sports game can be, and Psyonix continues to support it with new content on a regular basis. It's been around for a while, but now that it's on Switch, there's no better time to give it a shot." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment -- 8/10
"Specter of Torment is a finely-crafted 2D platformer that is satisfying in all respects. Simply controlling Specter Knight--flying through the air and slicing through enemies--is a joy in itself, and being able to push your ability to control these skills in overcoming the game's cleverly-designed and challenging levels is always an exhilarating feeling. Specter of Torment is a focussed, polished, and satisfyingly challenging game that's well worth experiencing whether or not you've had the pleasure of playing Shovel Knight." [Read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, Editor
Sonic Mania -- 9/10
"Sonic Mania methodically uses its sentimental appeal to great effect, but in the process, it heals the wounds inflicted by its most disappointing predecessors and surpasses the series' best with its smart and interpretive design. An excellent 2D platformer, Sonic Mania goes beyond expectations, managing to be not only a proper evolution of the series' iconic formula, but the best Sonic game ever made." [Read the full review] -- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
Splatoon 2 -- 8/10
"At first glance, Splatoon 2 seems very similar to the first game. But all the small changes, and even the bigger ones in single player and League Battles, make for a fresh take on the already unique shooter. If you played a lot of the original, the sequel has enough to keep you coming back, and if you're new to the game, it's a fantastic place to jump in." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Stardew Valley -- 9/10
"The sheer number of things to accomplish in Stardew Valley can keep you interested beyond the original three in-game years you need to reach the end of your story--you may just want to start over rather than continue on. You'll work quite hard to gather enough money for your first horse, so that you can quickly move to the mines to get a mineral to complete a bundle at the community center. It's all centered around whatever it is you want to accomplish that day. And that's truly what makes Stardew Valley such a lovely experience, it encourages you to go out and be the best you can be, in whichever task that brings you the most joy. Stardew Valley motivates naturally, with blissful optimism." [Read the full review] -- Mary Kish
SteamWorld Dig 2 -- 9/10
"Every advancement Dig 2 makes to its story and mechanics strengthens your initiative to progress. There's an overwhelming sense of momentum that runs through the adventure; as if developer Image & Form sifted the original in a pan, removing its redundancies while expanding upon what made it so fun to persistently play. In your quest to acquire every upgrade and explore every nook and cranny, there's no shortage of hidden collectables to discover. And with post-game content that unlocks after you unearth every secret, the desire to keep digging intensifies. Dig 2 manages to not only be an exceptional successor, but a great adventure in its own right. Where the first game was a diamond in the rough, Dig 2 is a polished jewel." [Read the full review] -- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
Super Mario Odyssey -- 10/10
"Odyssey is sustained beyond its major milestones not only through colorful worlds and hidden challenges, but through the sheer joy of controlling Mario, who's never felt more responsive or dynamic in action. Even with everything new that's been introduced, Nintendo's forward-thinking platformer retains the series' classic handcrafted appeal, which is even more impressive when you realize how densely packed each kingdom is. Mario's latest outing is big, bold, and bursting with new ideas, and like Breath of the Wild, is another instance of Nintendo going above and beyond to redefine our expectations. It's a shining example of refined creativity, and another crown jewel for Switch that is without equal." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Lumines Remastered -- 8/10
"Lumines is the kind of game that temporarily rewires your brain, splicing together its ability to recognize visual patterns and audible rhythms simultaneously and forcing you to do the hard but delightful work of putting that ability to use. Having that experience so lovingly presented--and on the Switch, having Lumines handheld again for the first time in six years--is an occasion worth celebrating." [Read the full review] -- Justin Clark
By Matt Espineli on Aug 28, 2018 03:24 am
The Cutting Edge
There's always a plethora of new games released every month. Some are highly-anticipated big-budget releases that we've been eagerly waiting years for while others are smaller, more surprising independent titles that come out of nowhere. In addition, there's plenty of other experiences in-between. You get games from medium-sized publishers and even the occasional port or remaster of gaming's most fan-favorite adventures. With so many games coming out year-round, it can be difficult keeping track of what's worth playing. To help keep you in the know, we've compiled all the best new games you absolutely need to play right now. The point of this feature is to focus on the latest and greatest games, so the choices you'll find here have been limited to the past couple months. What you'll find in the slides ahead are games rated 7 or higher by GameSpot. However, you'll occasionally find some lower-rated ones that have been chosen to be included by an incredibly passionate member of our team. We won't hesitate to highlight experiences some members of our staff absolutely love--even if there are others who may not agree. The games included in this feature are ones we personally believe you should check out in some capacity. Here's a brief taste of what you'll see. Best Games To Play Right NowCheck out the slides ahead for all the games we've highlighted as the best out right now. And as the months go by, we'll be continually cycling out the older games with the most cutting-edge experiences out now, so be sure to keep checking back as often as you can. Which new games have you been playing recently? Let us know in the comments below.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 -- 8/10
"The tale of Tokyo and Osaka, Kiryu and Sayama's partnership, and Kiryu and Goda's rivalry remains one of the Yakuza's best stories, and Kiwami 2's minor missteps don't affect the heart of that experience. The modernization of its presentation and its mechanics elevate it, making it absolutely worth revisiting or experiencing for the first time. Yakuza is an exemplary, if flawed series that does an incredible job of steeping you in contemporary Japanese-style crime drama, and establishing an evocative sense of place. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is an excellent example of the series at its best, coupling its most memorable stories and characters with its most sophisticated mechanics yet." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran, Editor and Senior Video Producer
Guacamelee 2 -- 9/10
"Everything about Guacamelee 2 comes off as smarter and more thoughtful than the first game, even while indulging in its self-aware shenanigans and Rick & Morty-esque dimensional hijinks. The game never stops finding new ways to hook you in, to the point that even the most painstaking and intensive playthroughs feel like they just fly by. Saving the numerous timelines in Guacamelee 2 is just as much about partaking in a marvel of devious, meticulous game design as it is about saving Juan and his family from peril." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series - The Final Season Episode 1 -- 8/10
"The full scope and breadth of The Walking Dead: The Final Season has yet to be laid out, though perhaps the best hint can be found in the game's fancy, HBO-esque title sequence, showing Clementine and A.J. walking into Ericson, but also showing a silhouetted dead walker rotting away in the front yard, being overtaken by ivy, and, eventually, sprouting a yellow flower. Beautiful things are possible in the new world and the new ways to play that Telltale has laid out in Done Running. But something ugly and horrifying is likely to happen first, and it is going to be captivating to watch." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Phantom Doctrine -- 9/10
"In spite of the lackluster visuals, Phantom Doctrine succeeds in making an incredible impression with its intricate and engaging mechanics. There is a lot to admire, with a single-player campaign taking about 40 hours to complete, full of varied and interesting mainline missions and procedurally-generated side content. The ability to play as either a CIA, KGB, or Mossad agent (the latter unlocked after one complete playthrough) also offers the tantalizing prospect of different narrative perspectives. Phantom Doctrine takes the familiar framework of isometric turn-based strategy and confidently repurposes it into a unique and satisfying experience. It wholly embodies the paranoia and tension of the 1980's Cold War setting in every aspect of its numerous gameplay systems, and completely immerses you in that all-encompassing state of mind." [Read the review] -- Alexander Pan
Flipping Death -- 7/10
"Flipping Death's logic is sometimes too ridiculous for its own good, and frustrating platforming sections add some tarnish. But the game's silly puzzles, self-aware humor, and crazy characters still make a wonderful experience filled with plenty of chuckles, which help to leave you satisfied as the credits roll." [Read the review] -- Seamus Mullins
Madden 19 -- 8/10
"Madden 19 is an excellent football game that improves on last year's entry in almost every way. There are problems, but there has never been a football game that more authentically represents the NFL than this in terms of presentation, controls, and depth." [Read the review] -- Eddie Makuch
Unavowed -- 9/10
"But Unavowed's greatest strength is that it maintains an admirable focus on incredible characterization that feeds into every quest and conversation. Every question you ask, every decision you make, and every sacrifice you make carries you and your team members on an impassioned journey that epitomizes the best qualities of an adventure game. It never rests on tropes, a strong sense of empathy is present through its entirety, and not only do you come to wholly understand character motivations, the way these people deal with supernatural situations helps to build a bond between them and you as a player. From its wonderfully realized locations and its inviting, three-dimensional characters, Unavowed will have you eager to discover the captivating stories lurking in the demonic underworld of New York City." [Read the review] -- David Rayfield
Monster Hunter World (PC) -- 8/10
"Ever since the title was first announced, it was clear that Capcom was gunning for something grander than Monster Hunter Generations. It has succeeded, and this is likely the biggest and best that the franchise has ever been. It's not just the comparative depth of the narrative; it also boasts almost seamless integration between combat systems that were previously incomprehensible for amateurs. The Monster Hunter formula has definitely honed its claws, and all the above factors play their part in making Monster Hunter World a meaningful evolution for the series at large." [Read the review] -- Ginny Woo
Overcooked 2 -- 8/10
"Overcooked 2 undoubtedly shines in local co-op and the versus arcade modes. New recipes and obstacles provide a fresh challenge for veterans, but it remains approachable for new players with simple controls and short playtimes. The new throwing mechanic, too, adds a new dimension to both strategy and the inevitable chaos without overcomplicating things. It's a strong foundation, and with the right friends, Overcooked 2 is one of the best couch co-op games around." [Read the review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Dead Cells -- 9/10
"Dead Cells is a phenomenal effort to blend together some very disparate genres into a tight, cohesive whole. It's one of the better examples of how to remix ideas without losing their individual strengths." [Read the review] -- Daniel Starkey
No Man's Sky Next -- 8/10
"At its absolute best, No Man's Sky is a measured, gentle experience where you are rarely the agent of change, but a perpetual visitor who's constantly dwarfed by the magnitude of a universe neutral to your presence. It is not your job in these stories to colonize the universe. Your job is to comprehend it. Your job is to recognize the spirituality in it. The primary gimmick of No Man's Sky, since day one, has been awe. The best things about the Next update feed that gimmick. While features like multiplayer and base-building certainly put more proverbial asses in seats, they're also the least memorable additions to an otherwise thoughtful experience." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Warioware Gold -- 8/10
"WarioWare Gold might not be entirely new, but it's the best representation available of what makes this series special. It's a true greatest hits package that showcases Wario's unique weirdo vibe, and this style of play remains inventive and thrilling 15 years after the original Game Boy Advance game. We're still hoping for an entirely new title on Switch in the future, but for now Gold is a compelling, generous victory lap." [Read the review] -- James O'Connor
Chasm -- 8/10
"Even when its flaws are obvious, Chasm is a well-crafted adventure, and during the more than 12 hours I spent playing through my first time, I got lost only once. That's a huge bonus in a genre where getting lost is often the most frustrating aspect. Even after I finished, I was eager to venture forth on a new adventure, to test my combat mettle against harder foes and find the one secret that eluded me the first time through. It's a shame the randomization of the world isn't that big of a deal and the challenge could be better balanced, but the superb combat and visual design ensure your time with Chasm will be well spent." [Read the review] -- Tom McShea
The Banner Saga 3 -- 8/10
"As things come down to the wire the two separate groups become more and more interconnected, the consequences of one group's choices directly affecting the potential of the other. This exemplifies the best part about The Banner Saga 3: the feeling that every action you've made in regards to your clan for three games--the friends you've kept and lost, the decisions you've made, and the battles you've picked--will likely influence how well this finale is going to fare. The Banner Saga 3 won't have the same kind of meaningful impact if you haven't experienced the rest of the series. But if you've taken the time to journey with these characters from the very beginning, this finale is a worthwhile and cathartic end to your long journey." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor
Semblance -- 7/10
"Because it's so short, and the puzzles never get particularly fiendish, Semblance is an enjoyable but light experience. This isn't necessarily a bad thing--it's a relaxed game, a good one to clear over a few sessions in bed or on the train if you're playing on Switch--but it also means that it doesn't feel like the game realizes its full conceptual potential. But the fact that I desperately wanted more, and that I was disappointed when Semblance abruptly ended, says more about the game's strengths than its weaknesses. This is a good idea realized and executed well, even though you're likely to come away from it wishing for just a bit more." [Read the review] -- James O'Connor
Mother Gunship -- 8/10
"With the game's clever gun crafting system added into the mix, familiar tropes and techniques from classic shooting galleries feel super-charged in the game's randomized bullet-hell dungeons. When Mothergunship is firing on all cylinders, it's a satisfying and thrilling shooter where it really counts. With an incredibly fun and never uninteresting gun-crafting mechanic, it certainly goes a long way with its clever hook and an endless flow of enemies to gun down." [Read the review] -- Alessandro Fillari, Editor
Fighting EX Layer -- 8/10
"On a pure gameplay level, Fighting EX Layer is an absolute treat. What it lacks in bells and whistles it delivers in pure, fun combat. This is a game made for the sort of people who will spend hours perfecting an impractical, extremely-precise combo in training mode simply for the satisfaction of having done it. If that describes you, then Fighting EX Layer will be worth everything you put into it." [Read the review] -- Heidi Kemps
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- 8/10
"Despite a smattering of minor complaints, Captain Toad stands as a pint-sized version of Nintendo's stellar first party pedigree. It's among the best Mario spin-offs around and a delightful iteration on old ideas." [Read the review] -- Daniel Starkey
Octopath Traveler -- 8/10
"Despite the lackluster stories that pull you through the world, Octopath thrives on its character progression and the temptations of high-level challenges and rewards. The promise of new jobs, exciting boss fights, and powerful gear will inspire you to poke around every corner, and there are no shortage of discoveries to strive for. And all the while, you're treated to one of the most interesting and effective re-imaginings of a retro aesthetic around. Octopath will likely be a divisive game due to its fractured storytelling, but it's one worth playing despite its lesser qualities. Its high points are simply too good to ignore." [Read the review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Sonic Mania Plus -- 9/10
"Beyond these additions and small tweaks, including balancing fixes and the ability to use secret options in any of your save files, Sonic Mania is the same exuberant celebration of Sonic's past. While it was already a fantastic package on the outset, this new update makes it even better than before. If you missed Sonic Mania the first time around, now is the perfect time to catch up." [Read the review] -- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
The Crew 2 -- 8/10
"I'm annoyed by the game's lack of public interaction and meaningless gear system, but I'll fondly recall both the tension of flinging sprint boats back and forth through the narrow, artificial canals of The Venetian in Las Vegas, and the easygoing satisfaction of an hour-long hypercar race from New York to San Francisco, where I listened to a podcast and enjoyed the rolling scenery. Despite its shortcomings, The Crew 2 still displays admirable strengths, which lie in its player-friendly features, freedom of movement, and its willingness to bend the rules in order to make things exciting and varied for an accessible, American-themed thrillride." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor
Wreckfest -- 9/10
"It's rare when a racing game manages to modernize and reinvigorate an old formula with spectacular confidence, but Wreckfest does just that. Minor issues with menus and its soundtrack aside, it wows with a gorgeous look and wonderful driving feel, along with a damage system that satisfies in the most brutal of fashions. With its array of different cars, tracks, and event types, Wreckfest is a brilliantly fun and frenetic racing game that can be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone, not just racing game fans." [Read the review] -- James Swinbanks
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus (Switch) -- 8/10
"As long as you're able to play the entire game in docked mode, The New Colossus is the same fantastic game it is on other platforms. It runs well and, despite some minor visual compromises, it still looks pretty good. Handheld mode is unfortunately far less optimized, and the Joy-Cons simply don't feel as good to use as the Pro Controller. If Switch is your only way to play it, The New Colossus is absolutely worth your time--just not on the go." [Read the review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Lumines -- 8/10
"Lumines is the kind of game that temporarily rewires your brain, splicing together its ability to recognize visual patterns and audible rhythms simultaneously and forcing you to do the hard but delightful work of putting that ability to use. Having that experience so lovingly presented--and on the Switch, having Lumines handheld again for the first time in six years--is an occasion worth celebrating." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Mario Tennis Aces -- 7/10
"It speaks volumes that even the multiplayer limitations don't entirely dampen my enthusiasm for Aces. The Tetris Effect is in full swing here; days after the credits rolled, I still crave the satisfying thwack from a Power Shot, mentally replay matches and imagine how I might do things differently given a bit more focus and know-how. Mario Tennis Aces does what this series has done best, and for the most part, improves what it's rarely gotten right prior." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
By Chris E. Hayner on Aug 28, 2018 03:19 am
The Walking Dead Season 9 doesn't premiere until October, but a large batch of new photos from the first episode, showing what life after an all out war with Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) looks like. Somehow, that life seemingly includes very few zombies but lots of personal drama. The photos, which help tee up the final season for stars Andrew Lincoln (Rick) and Lauren Cohan (Maggie), give an idea of how many characters are moving on after the defeat of Negan and the Saviors. For Rick and Michonne (Danai Gurira), it looks like things are rather peaceful. For Maggie, on the other hand, it looks like another battle is in the cards as she gathers her people. Whether that battle is with Rick over leadership of the group or with the rise of Negan's Saviors once again, as one of the photos teases, remains to be seen. Then again, there are also images of everyone working together to achieve a greater good, so perhaps things will work out just fine in the new season. We're kidding, of course that won't happen. This is The Walking Dead, and nothing works out just fine. Carol (Melissa McBride) certainly seems to be trying, though, given what looks like a budding romance with Ezekiel (Khary Payton). The Walking Dead returns October 7. Once again, this will be the final season for both Lincoln and Cohan, with star Norman Reedus expected to step into a leading role. When speaking with GameSpot, Cohan made it clear that Maggie's story will be left open-ended, in case she can return to the series eventually. Lincoln, however, has made a point of noting this is the end of the line for Rick.
By Array on Aug 28, 2018 02:56 am
After Cyberpunk 2077's stunning E3 2018 trailer, folks have been clamoring to see gameplay of the upcoming sci-fi RPG. Much to our surprise, developer CD Projekt Red hosted a livestream that finally gave everyone a glimpse of what the game will play like by showcasing combat, customization, dialogue choices, and more. Suffice it to say, Cyberpunk 2077 is shaping up to be a beast of an RPG. You can upgrade your character's augmentations (aka cyberware), and modify weapons and equipment to tailor to whatever playstyle you want to pursue. For example, you can take on upgrades that increase your level of maneuverability, allowing you to perform a double jump and the ability to bounce off walls. There's plenty more in store in the game's high-level skills, which seem to allow for some exciting and unexpected moments during a firefight. Aside from your abilities, the world itself--Night City--displays an astounding level of detail with a host of different factions and inhabitants to interact with. Not only that, the world will be completely seamless, allowing you to run around and drive across its map without interruption. There seems to be a great degree of choice and possibility embedded into just about any route you take in the game's missions. The debut footage was loaded with talk of mechanics and narrative, so we understand if you missed anything in the show and awe of it all. To help run you down on everything that was shown and discussed, we've compiled this feature containing all the interesting things the demo showed you can do in Cyberpunk 2077. Though, if you're clamoring to watch it all again, we've broken out debut gameplay in full for you. The footage has been making the rounds for quite some time at this year's E3 and Gamescom. "What we're releasing today was recorded from a game deep in development," explained game director Adam Badowski. "Since many of the assets and mechanics in the current version of Cyberpunk 2077 are most likely to be modified, we initially decided to show this gameplay only to media. Elements like gunplay (both in terms of visuals and how RPG stats influence it), netrunning, car physics, or the game's UI--everything's pretty much still in the playtest phase and we felt uneasy about publicly committing to any particular design. Animation glitches, work-in-progress character facial expressions, early versions of locations--all this made us hesitant to release what you're about to see." "However, we are also well aware that many of you want to see what the media saw," Badowski said. "Although this is probably not the same game you'll see on your screen when we launch, we still decided to share this 48-minute video with you. This is how Cyberpunk 2077 looks today. Let us know what you think!" Cyberpunk 2077 is expected to launch on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. No release date has been announced, but in a recent interview, producer Richard Borzymowski said Cyberpunk 2077 is playable from start to finish, so hopefully that bodes well for details concerning a date being shared sometime soon. If your excitement for the game is reaching high levels, be sure to check out our in-depth feature discussing Cyberpunk 2077's ambition and scope, as well as our interview with Borzymowski about the game's world. What did you like most about the Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay reveal? Let us know in the comments below.
Creating A New You
In Cyberpunk 2077, players will be able to customize their own take on the central protagonist V. In addition to male/female options, ethnic background, and stylistic options--including tattoos and hair color--you'll can also select a particular background for your version of V. Some of these backgrounds include being a newcomer to Night City, or a long-time resident, all of which add more flavor to your character.
Partner in Crime
The beefier fella from the E3 2018 trailer of Cyberpunk 2077 is actually your AI partner in-game. His name is Jackie, and he'll help you out during certain missions, providing you cover fire in a gunfight and just being an all-around tough guy.
A Place To Call Home
In Night City, you'll have a place to call your own. While at V's apartment, players can examine emails and messages from other characters, and also customize their look and switch up their loadout from the armory. With your closet full of jackets, you can gain unique stat boosts and additional Street Cred, which act as the experience needed to interact with some areas of Night City. Your pad is a great place to unwind and take yourself away from the hustle and bustle of big city living, even letting you listen to some of the game's original tunes, which includes music from Rockerboy Johnny Silverhand, a returning character from Cyberpunk 2020--the tabletop RPG the game is based on.
Seamless and Sophisticated Open-World
Unlike The Witcher 3's Northern Kingdoms, Cyberpunk 2077's Night City is a seamless open world with no loading screens. Crowds and AI systems have been upgraded, as all characters you come across have a specific title and role in the world's hierarchical structure (Corpo Rat, Slacker, Dirtgirl, Dirtboy, Street Vendor, etc). Characters also have their own programmed routines that shift and change throughout the day.
Factions Of Night City
There are several different factions throughout Night City. A few that are specifically named in the video were the Maelstrom Gang, Militech, Scavengers, and more. The Maelstrom Gang appeared as neon-lit ghouls, and they seemed to be a formidable force that would be tough to take down directly. It looks like you'll be worming your way through the game interacting and aligning yourself with certain factions when the situation calls for it, but then discarding them for others to accomplish your bottom line.
Visiting the Ripper Doc For Some Upgrades
In Night City, there are several places where your character can acquire some new hardware, or as the game aptly calls it: cyberware. While the guns are fairly plentiful, you'll eventually have to visit a Ripper Doc to apply new cybernetic upgrades, which can open up some interesting new gameplay opportunities. While some of these modifications include enhancements to weapons handling and sight--allowing you to view stats from NPCs and scan targets--some of the upgrades are far more substantial, taking you further into the black market territory.
Hot Wheels
Considering how massive Night City is, you'll need a reliable way to get around. While you'll initially have access to Jackie's car, a sports vehicle with impressive handling and speed, you'll also be able to find other vehicles to take for a spin. Along with other cars, you can also hop onto fast bikes as well.
Random Encounters Influenced By Your Decisions
As you'd expect from an RPG, there are repercussions for you actions. In Cyberpunk 2077, this shows up in the decisions you make in the game's narrative, but they can also manifest themselves as random encounters out in the open world. For example, the Scavengers that V and Jackie messed with in the beginning of the reveal came back to fight them in a high-speed car chase.
Hack Your Enemies
You can hack into enemies and link into their base's internal network. By placing a backdoor into their system, you can hack into enemy weapons and other devices--in the reveal, we saw them hack enemy weapons, rendering them useless. While it was made apparent that this feature was still in the works, we're pretty excited to experiment with the possibilities of manipulating and hacking foes.
You Can Get Hacked Too!
You can hack enemies, but they can hack into your systems too. In the reveal, a corporate agent hacked into V's head in order to see if she was lying. This provided an extra layer of tension to the dialogue choices, as it was possible for them to see through your deception. The other ways in which you can get hacked remain to be seen, but we're crossing our fingers that enemies might be able to mess with our sight a la the Batou convenience store shootout scene from Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence.
A More Personal Approach
Based on your choices, you can open up lethal and non-lethal options for missions. For example, in the encounter with the Maelstrom gang, you could choose the diplomatic route and enter their base and buy a military-grade spiderbot with the money given to you by the corporate agent. However, it's totally possible for you to go in guns blazing, steal the spiderbot, and keep the corpo credits for yourself. CD Projekt Red promises loads of possibilities, so we're eager to see what other approaches we could've taken.
Upon Closer Inspection
Unlike The Witcher 3, you can more closely examine items in Cyberpunk 2077. More than just pretty 3D assets to peruse, inspecting items allows you to learn more about them and find clues that'll help you accomplish missions.
Serious Hardware Found On The Streets
While V can find all sorts of gear after completing missions or by purchasing some of the local gunsmith's merchandise, certain items will be found while out in the field. Starting out with a standard automatic pistol, you'll eventually move up to weapons like shotguns and machine guns--all of which have various modifiers and upgrades attached to them. In addition to street-level weapons, which includes a shotgun that can fire through walls, the protagonist can also acquire special Tech and Corporate weapons that have their own bizarre modifications--which includes homing bullets.
Awesome High-Level Upgrades And Mods
By the end of the reveal, there was a glimpse of some of the high-level upgrades and modifications you can get. A notable weapon upgrade was the ricochet targeting system, which allows you to shoot enemies around corners hiding behind cover. But the coolest one of them all was the Mantis Blades. These are literal blades that spawn out of your arms that you can use to slice up enemies or dispatch non-violently. You can even stab them into the walls for a makeshift perch you can use to get the jump on any unsuspecting guards. These were but two of of the upgrades you can nab later on, but we're already clamoring to hear about more.
Living For The City
Much like CD Projekt Red's pedigree of work, Cyberpunk 2077 is an RPG at its core, and one of its strongest pillars will be focused on player choice. Throughout your many dealings with characters like Dexter Deshawn, the Maelstrom leader Royce, and the mysterious Corporate Agent, you'll make several key decisions on how best to proceed with their requested assignments. While you can simply do what they ask, sometimes it may be best to look out for yourself and make some deals behind their backs. While this can certainly pay off in big ways, this can also lead to some serious consequences further down the line. But of course, that seems to be the norm in Night City.
By Kallie Plagge on Aug 28, 2018 02:40 am
Looking To The Dark Future
After a long wait, we now know a lot more about Cyberpunk 2077. Developer CD Projekt Red showed off a trailer during Microsoft's E3 2018 press conference as well as a behind-closed-doors demo for press. Now, that extended gameplay has been released to the public. While it's not final gameplay, it shows off some character creation, combat, how modding your character works, and more to give you an idea of what the game will be like. We now have a better idea of what 2077's setting, Night City, is like and how combat will work, plus a little bit about cybernetic enhancements and romantic relationships. But there's still a lot we don't know, and that means our imaginations have been running wild. We've put together a wishlist of things we'd love to see in Cyberpunk 2077, from character classes to cool clothes. This includes elements from Cyberpunk 2020, the pen-and-paper RPG 2077 is based on--creator Mike Pondsmith is working closely with CDPR on 2077--as well as our more general RPG hopes and dreams. If you aren't familiar with Cyberpunk 2077, it's a first-person game with some shooting mechanics, but it's not a shooter--it's an RPG through and through with a focus on dynamic decision-making and robust questlines. You create your own character, a mercenary named V. You can select their gender and ethnic background as well as their backstory, including what brought them to Night City or if they're a local. According to associate design director Kyle Rowley, "The things you define in your life path, in your backstory, can modify or unlock things as you're playing through the game." For more on Cyberpunk 2077, be sure to check out our roundup of everything we know so far. You can also read up on the districts of Night City and why 2077 is an even more ambitious game than you might realize. This is just a start, so be sure to let us know in the comments what else you want to see!
A Variety Of Ways To Tackle Each Mission
CD Projekt Red has said that there will be multiple ways to approach each mission, but we have to emphasize how much we want that flexibility. We want to be able to talk ourselves out of a situation, provided we have the skill, or find a way to handle things non-violently. And those decisions need to carry weight. From what we know so far, it sounds like that's the case.
Adapt Cyberpunk 2020's Character Classes
Pen-and-paper RPG Cyberpunk 2020 has nine basic character classes. According to CD Projekt Red, you won't be selecting a class during character creation, since that doesn't allow for flexibility as you play. We're hoping that whatever customization options there are (like a skill tree) will really capture the spirit of Cyberpunk 2020's classes, like the rebellious Rockerboys and the Mad Max-esque Nomads, and give you the freedom to craft the exact class you want to play.
A Romance System With Depth And Variety
We know that there's romance and sex in Cyberpunk 2077, and while that's not new for an RPG, we're hoping that it's more nuanced. Rather than just picking the "right" dialogue options to seduce someone, we want something more emergent, complete with the possibility of being rejected. Not everyone needs to be into you, and the ones who are should feel that way for a reason beyond you saying all the right things.
Tons Of Cosmetic Options
As the Cyberpunk 2020 manual says, "It doesn't matter how well you do something, as long as you look good doing it." Style is a huge deal in the world of Cyberpunk, and we want to see a near-overwhelming number of options when it comes to looking cool as hell. Yes, it's a first-person game, but it's really the principle of the thing. You don't have to always be looking at your character to appreciate a sweet leather jacket.
Customize Your Apartment (Or Even Get A New Place)
In the extended gameplay demo, we got a look at the protagonist's apartment. We want to be able to decorate it however we see fit (and set it up with some cool tech) or even buy a new property, like in GTA Online. Maybe you want to live large, or maybe you just want to live above a ramen shop and lay low.
A Game-Within-A-Game (Netrunner, Perhaps?)
The Witcher 3 had Gwent. The Cyberpunk universe has Netrunner, a now out-of-print collectible card game designed by the creator of Magic: The Gathering. Cyberpunk 2077 could give Netrunner a second life in-game, and just like Gwent in The Witcher 3, it could be more than just a brief distraction in between quests. We'd also be open to something besides a CCG--the "streetslang" in Cyberpunk lore is a mix of major languages, so an amalgamation of classic games from different countries isn't a big stretch.
And A Variety Of Side Activities
Cyberpunk 2077 will have romance (and casual flings), so it's not unreasonable to hope for a substantial nightlife. We want dive bars, clubs, and perhaps some shadier or more dangerous places to really fit the "dark future" setting. Maybe you can go to an NPC Rockerboy's concert. Maybe you can smoke a cigarette to increase your Cool stat...and probably drain your health. The possibilities are endless.
Take Us To The Moon
In the E3 2018 trailer, we saw a scene with passengers aboard a shuttle of some sort, apparently above Earth's atmosphere. There are two lunar colonies in Cyberpunk 2020, and considering there are two open world areas in The Witcher 3, it would make sense (and be really, really cool) if you could go to the moon in addition to Night City in Cyberpunk 2077.
Subvert Cyberpunk Genre Tropes
Although Cyberpunk 2077 is based on a tabletop RPG that is, in turn, based on the pillars of the cyberpunk genre--like Blade Runner--we hope that it will subvert some of the genre's more tired tropes. Many cyberpunk stories have examined the humanity of AI, for example, while glossing over topics like consent and sex work. CD Projekt Red has certainly proven its ability to tell a variety of meaningful stories across RPG quest lines, and it has the opportunity to move the genre forward with 2077.
Dogs
Okay, so this isn't the most serious thing on our wishlist. But dogs make everything better, and this official concept art even has a dog in it. Just because the future is grim doesn't mean we can't find something worth living for.
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