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In the 09/26/2018 edition:

Every Venom Appearance In Video Games
Biggest New Movie Releases In Theaters, On Netflix, And On Demand This Week
The Best Cosplay From Tokyo Game Show 2018
Biggest Games At Tokyo Game Show 2018: Kingdom Hearts 3, Death Stranding, More
The Best Nintendo Switch Games Out Now (September 2018 Update)
The Best PS4 Games Out Now (September 2018 Update)
The Best PS4 Game Exclusives Out Now (September 2018 Update)
Best New Games (September 2018 Update)
Best PC Games From 2013 Onward (Updated September 2018)
Best Xbox One Games Right Now (September 2018 Update)
Spider-Man PS4: The 11 Most Intriguing Marvel References And Easter Eggs
Spider-Man PS4: Every Suit You Can Get And Their Comic Book Origins
First-Person Red Dead Redemption 2, Horse Drifting, Gun Customization, And All The New Features

Every Venom Appearance In Video Games

By Mat Elfring on Sep 26, 2018 12:02 am

Since his first, full appearance in 1988's The Amazing Spider-Man #300, Venom has captivated the minds of an entire generation. While the Venom symbiote's first appearance came almost 50 issues earlier, it wasn't until David Michelinie and Todd McFarlane put the black costume onto journalist Eddie Brock that fans caught their first glimpse of what eventually become a wildly-popular character.

With Venom coming to theaters on October 5, we're taking a look at all of Venom's appearances in this history of video gaming. From his early appearances in handhelds to Venom becoming a playable character in more recent fighters, the anti-hero symbiote has appeared in plenty of games. So here they all are, presented in chronological order.

The upcoming movie follows journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) who uncovers human experimentation at the Life Foundation run by Dr. Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed). Brock finds himself in the middle of it all when an alien symbiote bonds with him, turning him into the super-powered anti-hero Venom.

If you're looking for more on Venom, check out every appearance the character had in movies and television series.

The Amazing Spider-Man (1990)

Console: Gameboy

In this relatively short game, Venom appears as the final boss, dropping down on Spider-Man, shooting webs, in a sewer.

The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin (1990)

Consoles: Sega Genesis, Game Gear, Sega CD

Venom appears halfway through the game as one of the bosses, where Spider-Man fights him on some rooftops.

Spider-Man: The Video Game (1991)

Console: Arcade

In this beat 'em up game, Spider-Man and company fight Venom on two occasions, back to back. First is a normal battle on the ground, then Venom gets gigantic, and Spidey and friends have to shoot projectiles at him while climbing a building.

Spider-Man & Venom: Maximum Carnage (1994)

Consoles: SNES, Sega Genesis

Based on the comic story of the same name, you play as either Spider-Man or Venom to take down Carnage and his symbiotic gang. This was the first time Venom was a playable character.

Spider-Man (1995)

Consoles: SNES, Sega Genesis

In this side-scrolling beat 'em up, Venom appeared as the final boss of the game.

Venom/Spider-Man: Separation Anxiety (1995)

Consoles: SNES, Sega Genesis

Much like Maximum Carnage, Separation Anxiety was based on a story from the comics, and once again, you could play as either Venom or Spider-Man in order to try and take down Carnage.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of the Superheroes (1998)

Consoles: Arcade, Dreamcast (Later released on PlayStation 3)

Venom made his first fighting game appearance in the first Marvel vs. Capcom, which--as the name suggests--pitted characters from both the Marvel and Capcom universes against each other.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000)

Consoles: Arcade, Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360

Returning to the MvC sequel, Venom's gameplay was relatively the same as his appearance in the first.

Spider-Man (2000)

Consoles: PlayStation, Game Boy Color, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, Windows

Spider-Man was really the first Marvel 3D adventure game releasing on multiple systems--though the GBC version was a side scrolling beat 'em up. Halfway through the game, Spider-Man fights Venom.

Ultimate Spider-Man (2005)

Consoles: Nintendo DS, GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Windows, Game Boy Advance

Venom was a huge part of the Ultimate Spider-Man game. Spider-Man starts off in a fight with the villain, and later, you get to take control of Venom himself. This happens in both the console and handheld versions, even though they're both very different games.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects (2005)

Consoles: GameCube, PS2, PSP, DS, Xbox

You probably don't remember this game--because it wasn't good--but you could play as Venom in this 3D fighting game.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (2006)

Consoles: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, GameBoy Advance, Windows, Xbox and Xbox 360

Now we're talking! Marvel: Ultimate Alliance was the spiritual successor to the X-Men Legends series, which was available for multiple systems. However, Venom was only a playable character on the Xbox 360, as long as you bought the Villains Pack DLC.

Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (2007)

Consoles: Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360

Inside of an ancient church, players get to fight Venom. However, the only way to beat him is by getting rid on the symbiote webs on some old bells and then ringing them.

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Consoles: Game Boy Advance, Microsoft Windows, GameCube, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360

Based on the Sam Rami night terror of the same name, Spider-Man 3 loosely follows the plot of the movie, and the final boss of the game is none other than Venom.

Spider-Man: Web of Shadows (2009)

Consoles: Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, and Xbox 360

In this game, Spider-Man can switch between his traditional costume and the symbiote costume. You get to fight Venom early on in the game, but Eddie Brock ends up also being the final boss, when you fight a gigantic Venom. The DS, PSP, and PS2 versions of the game were side-scrolling beat 'em ups.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (2009)

Consoles: PlayStation 3,Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Wii

With the Ultimate Alliance sequel, Venom became a playable character on all systems without having to purchase DLC. However, you had to unlock him by playing the Wakanda level. The character had two costumes, the Ultimate Alliance and the classic comic book version.

Marvel Super Hero Squad Online (2011)

Consoles: Windows, iOS

In this online game, there were multiple versions of Venom to play as. You could play as the traditional Venom, Anti-Venom, or even Agent Venom. The character was a mission boss as well.

Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth (2012)

Consoles: Xbox 360 and Wii U

In this chaotic and forgettable fighter, Venom is a playable character. This is the only Marvel game to be published by Ubisoft.

Lego Marvel Superheroes (2013)

Consoles: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows

In this Lego adventure game, Venom was a purchasable character with in-game currency. He could use his symbiote ability to phase through walls or turn into a hulking character that could move heavy objects.

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2014)

Consoles: PlayStation 3, PlayStation4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360 and Xbox One

As long as you purchased the physical Disney Infinity figure, Venom was playable in the game.

Lego Marvel Superheroes 2 (2017)

Consoles: Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and iOS

There is a whole lot of Venom in the newest Lego Marvel game, as long as you work to unlock it all. You can play as Venom, Ultimate Venom, Venom 2099, Carnom (Carnage and Venom hybrid), and Agent Venom.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (2017)

Consoles: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

After being left out of Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Venom made his return to Infinite last year. His gameplay and moves were very similar to his last appearance in he Capcom series.

Biggest New Movie Releases In Theaters, On Netflix, And On Demand This Week

By Dan Auty on Sep 25, 2018 11:32 pm

September is traditionally one of the quietest months on the movie release calendar. The big summer movies have mostly left theaters and are heading rapidly towards the small screen, while the prestigious awards-season movies are yet to be released. The only notable new movies this week are the Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish's comedy Night School and the horror movie Hellfest, plus Robert Redford's final movie The Old Men and the Gun.

Perhaps the most anticipated film of the week, however, is on Netflix. Jeremy Saulnier's previous thrillers Blue Ruin and Green Room picked up many fans and much acclaim, and his next movie, the intense Hold the Dark, debuts on the streaming service this Friday. There's also the Netflix debut of the lavish fantasy A Wrinkle In Time, and Dwayne Johnson fans can buy this summer's action-packed Skyscraper.

The landscape for consuming movies has really changed over the past few years. The biggest films still debut in the old fashioned-way--in theaters, with home releases still a few months off. But with the rise of streaming and Video on Demand, we are increasingly seeing simultaneous releases for smaller movies, with films getting a limited theatrical release on the same day that they are available to buy and rent digitally.

The rise of Netflix and Amazon as major players in film production has also disrupted standard release patterns. Netflix in particular has attracted some major directors, and their movies will bypass theaters entirely and premiere worldwide on the streaming platform. And of course, movies that did get a theatrical release continue to move to digital platforms after a few months. This is a great way to catch up on movies you might have missed on the big screen--or are keen to rewatch. So here's our look at the best and most interesting new movies in theaters and available to watch at home this week.

Night School

Watch it in theaters on September 28

Girl's Trip was one of 2017's most successful comedies and provided the hugely talented Tiffany Haddish with her breakthrough role. Night School sees Haddish reunite with Girls Trip director Malcolm D Lee and teams her with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle star Kevin Hart, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Haddish plays a teacher at a night school, who has some rather unorthodox methods to make her sure her adult students pass their exams. Hart is one of these reluctance students, and while the film doesn't exactly look subtle, it does look damn funny.

Hellfest

Watch it in theaters on September 28

October is nearly upon us and that means the month of Halloween--and horror movies. First out of the gate this year is Hellfest, which combines three of our favorite things--Halloween, slasher movies, and theme parks. The movie traps a bunch of unwitting visitors to a horror theme park, where a masked killed is erasing the boundary between haunted house fun and real-life terror. It's produced by genre veteran Gale-Anne Hurd (The Walking Dead, Aliens, The Terminator) and will hopefully deliver the gory goods.

The Old Men and the Gun

Watch it in theaters on September 28

Legendary actor Robert Redford has confirmed that this crime drama will be his final movie. It's a moving, elegiac way for him to close his career and focuses on the real-life story of Forrest Tucker, a bank robber who was arrested at the age of 76, having performed more than 80 hold-ups in his life. The film is directed by David Lowery, who made last year's beautiful and moving fantasy A Ghost Story.

A Wrinkle in Time

Watch it on Netflix on September 25

This lavish fantasy adventure is based on the classic novel and directed by Ana DuVernay, best known for the 2014 drama Selma and the acclaimed documentary 13. It wasn't exactly met with great reviews when it hit theaters back in March--GameSpot's review described it as "a disaster of galactic proportions, a two-hour jumble that sometimes borders on incoherent while striving for emotional greatness." But it's on Netflix from this week, so curious subscribers can decide for themselves.

Hold the Dark

Watch it on Netflix on September 28

Jeremy Saulnier's gripping thrillers Green Room and Blue Ruin proved that he is one of the most exciting young directors around, and Hold the Dark looks like it will continue his hot streak. It's one of several upcoming movie from acclaimed directors that Netflix will be releasing over the next few months, continuing their move into serious film production. It stars Westworld's Jeffrey Wright as a retired tracker who is hired by a young mother to hunt the wolves that killed her young son. There is, of course, a lot more going on than that, so expect a seriously intense and violent--but unmissable--experience.

Skyscraper

Own it digitally on September 25

Dwayne Johnson has starred in no fewer than three big movies in the past year, but while Skyscraper wasn't as big a hit as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle or Rampage, it's definitely worth a look at home. Johnson is a retired FBI hostage rescue agent who now works as a security assessor for the world's biggest skyscraper, which inevitably becomes the target of some very dangerous terrorist-types. The movie's commercial disappointment means we're unlikely to get a sequel, but it's still undemanding fun and will tide fans of The Rock over until Hobbes and Shaw arrives next year.

Gotti

Own it digitally on September 25

There are bad films, and then there are films so bad that they become must-sees. The crime biopic Gotti gained notoriety earlier this year when it became one of only a handful of movies to hold a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, something which the producers subsequently used as part of their marketing campaign. It stars John Travolta as legendary mobster mobster John Gotti, and while we can't exactly recommended it, it has all the makings of future cult classic (for all the wrong reasons).

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Rent it digitally on September 25

This year's Star Wars spin-off might have been a box office disappointment in comparison to other recent entries in the blockbuster franchise, but it's certain to do great business at home, particularly amongst more casual Star Wars fans who skipped it in theaters. It's out to rent this week and remains a supremely entertaining space adventure. In his review, GameSpot's Michael Rougeau said that while Solo "wasn't an essential story to tell," it was nevertheless "surprisingly fun, [with] some really juicy surprises and Easter eggs that connect Solo to the larger Star Wars universe in delightfully unexpected ways."

The Best Cosplay From Tokyo Game Show 2018

By Peter Brown on Sep 25, 2018 04:25 am

The Best Cosplay From Tokyo Game Show 2018

Press and other industry types get to explore Tokyo Game Show in advance before the doors open to the public on the weekend, yet there's a good excuse to brave the crowds on Saturday morning even if you've played everything on your list: the cosplay stage at the edge of the convention center. It's then and there that a wave of cosplayers turn up to represent their favorite characters from games and beyond, and it's always impressive to see who turns up.

This year was no different, and it was awesome to see such a strong turnout despite the unfavorable heat and humidity. We've collected a bunch of our favorite appearances from the event, and when possible, given credit and provided links so you can find out more about past and future appearances from specific cosplayers.

First up is a trio of cosplayers representing Persona 4. From left to right, we've got Naoto Shirogane (Twitter: @cha_cofee), Chie Satonaka (Twitter: @libra_hope), and Yukiko Amagi (Twitter: @y_kanata5).

When you're done checking out these photos, take a chance to make sure you're all caught up on the new trailers for some of the biggest games at TGS. Capcom has new videos for both Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry 5. We got the chance to play new demos for both games, and though our RE2 coverage will hit down the road, we've got a pair of videos on DMC5 ready to roll. Take a look at 20 minutes of S-Rank gameplay, and then hear our thoughts on Nero's new Devil Breaker system (and the latest iteration of the original silver-haired demon hunter, Dante).

Square Enix took the opportunity to show off new Kingdom Hearts III gameplay as well, this time focused on Big Hero 6's setting, San Fransokyo, but there are plenty of quicker glimpses within at locales from Frozen, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Monsters Inc. to enjoy as well.

The big surprise was a new Death Stranding trailer. During a presentation by Hideo Kojima on the show floor, he also showed off a mysterious new character voiced by none other than Troy Baker. As with every Death Stranding reveal, we are given cool stuff to look at with the least amount of context possible. It's weird, intriguing, and yet another piece of the messy puzzle that is Death Stranding's protracted marketing.

Zelda - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Next up is Breath of the Wild's Zelda, played by Kasei Cosplay (Facebook: @KaseiCosplay).

Kain - Final Fantasy IV

Now here's one you don't see that often! It's rad to spot Final Fantasy IV's Kain Highwind getting some love at TGS.

The Hunter - Bloodborne

Hey kids, important message from The Hunter from Bloodborne: No smoking, OK? It's bad for cosplayers and bad for your health.

Ulala - Space Channel 5

It's the fifth photo, so it's naturally got to feature Space Channel 5's reporter-meets-performer, Ulala.

Faust - Guilty Gear

Faust, the disgraced doctor from the Guilty Gear series, is NOT to be upstaged.

Chun Li - Street Fighter

Chun-Li was out enforcing the #1 rule at these events: always ask permission before you take photos!

Inkling Girl - Splatoon

Watch your back or you might get splattered by Splatoon's Inkling Girl!

Old Revolver Ocelot, Big Boss, Young Revolver Ocelot - Metal Gear Solid series

Snake! Watch out! Ocelot is flanking you from two separate timelines!

Cayde-6 - Destiny 2

Cayde-6 also made an appearance in Tokyo, with his favorite chicken, Colonel, in tow.

Blood Stalk - Kamen Rider Build

It's not a video game character, but this sharp take on Blood Stalk from the live-action Kamen Rider Build show was too good to pass up.

9S, 2B, and Anemone - Nier Automata

A dashing trio of characters from Nier Automata.

Sora and Riku - Kingdom Hearts

With Kingdom Hearts making a big splash on the show floor, it's no wonder that Sora and Riku made an appearance outside, too.

Big Boss - Metal Gear Solid series

We spotted Snake again, and what do you know, Ocelot's nowhere to be found. Never underestimate the power of CQC.

Eric - Dragon Quest XI, Alena - DQ IV, Hero - DQ XI, and Jade - DQ XI

We didn't see a whole lot of Dragon Quest cosplay, but that's perhaps because this group was so good that no one else dared to be compared. The second character from the left is Alena from Dragon Quest 4, but everyone else is from Dragon Quest 11, including Jade on the far right in the Warrior Princess costume--a special set of gear that can only be acquired through crafting.

Prompto and Noctis - Final Fantasy XV

It was good of Prompto and Noctis to take a break from their never-ending road trip to make an appearance at TGS this year, and they are kicking off a series of costumes from the Final Fantasy series--be sure to stick around to the final slide for a gathering of every Final Fantasy cosplayer at TGS.

Tidus and Yuna - Final Fantasy X

This pair of cosplayers are perfectly suited for their roles as Yuna and Tidus from Final Fantasy X.

Cloud and Aerith - Final Fantasy VII

Midgar's favorite couple, Cloud and Aerith, staring dramatically.

Tifa - Final Fantasy VII

Tifa was also on hand to help lighten the mood a little...

Sephiroth - Final Fantasy VII

And then Sephiroth appeared, to remind everyone who the real star of Final Fantasy VII is. Better to play along, lest he summons "mother."

And last but not least, here's every Final Fantasy character represented at TGS. A special shout out goes to the Marlboro in the middle and Kimahri in the back!

Biggest Games At Tokyo Game Show 2018: Kingdom Hearts 3, Death Stranding, More

By Array on Sep 25, 2018 02:19 am

Show us your games, Tokyo!

Tokyo Game Show 2018 is under way and, like all major video game conventions, the biggest upcoming games are out in full force. While Tokyo Game Show tends to have quite a healthy selection of mobile and indie titles, console blockbusters also receive a great deal of attention.

This year we walked around the show floor, visiting booths and taking note of the biggest games being exhibited so we could give you an overview of the hot up-and-coming experiences that Japanese gamers are eager to play. While we made an effort to take pictures of every booth for the relevant games, in some cases photography was prohibited, so we've used recent screenshots for them as a substitute.

Tokyo Game Show has already delivered some exciting news and trailers. Most notably, Capcom has released a new Devil May Cry 5 trailer and detailed the Deluxe Edition. A Resident Evil 2 Remake trailer focused on Claire also made its debut during the show. In the week leading up to the start of Tokyo Game Show, Sony held the PlayStation LineUp Tour and provided a fresh look at some brutal Sekiro: Shadow's Die Twice gameplay, played host to the announcement of a new Samurai Shodown, and revealed Judge Eyes, a new project from the team behind the Yakuza series.

Coinciding with the start of Tokyo Game Show was also the announcement of the PlayStation Classic, a mini version of the original PlayStation that comes with 20 "generation-defining" games. The PlayStation Classic is set to launch in December.

Without further ado, join us on an abridged look at the massive show floor at Tokyo Game Show 2018.

Ace Combat 7 - PS4, Xbox One, PC

The Ace Combat series has always deliver satisfying aerial dog fights, with players desperately chase after aircrafts at breakneck speeds, weaving in and out of incoming gunfire, and opportunistically launching missiles to swat their target out of the air. However, what really makes this series hit hard with fans is the melodrama and surprisingly human stories that are occasionally told in between the bombastic jet-on-jet showdowns. To ensure fans won't be disappointed, Ace Combat 7 returns to its roots and the "strangereal" universe of earlier entries in the series, which means there's more of an opportunity to get weird and cheesy with the story, which is exactly what everyone wants. For those who can stomach the speed and neck-breaking twists and turns, Ace Combat 7 will also have a PlayStation VR experience when it launches in January 2019.

Catherine Full Body - PS4/Vita

Catherine was a sleeper hit on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and Atlus is giving it a second chance on both PlayStation 4 and Vita in 2019, despite the handheld ceasing production next year. There are some additions planned, including a new major character. At Tokyo Game Show, the Catherine Full Body booth stood out for its size, but also due it its unusually on-brand entryway.

Days Gone - PS4

Days Gone will be one of the early 2019 PS4 exclusives when it releases next February, and though it didn't have a massive presence at Tokyo Game Show, the motorcycle at Sony's booth proved to be a popular attraction with attendees.

Dead Or Alive 6 - PS4, Xbox One

Dead or Alive 6 is the first mainline entry in the series in six years, and the first for the current console generation, running on a new engine that allows for visible damage on fighters. We got the chance to play a few rounds on the show floor and found the fighting to feel very familiar, but there are two new systems at play for veterans to explore when the game ships next year: Fatal Rush and Break Gauge. Fatal Rush is a mechanic that lets you initiate a series a heavy, slow attacks that deal a lot of damage. The first strike counts the most, but the wind up leaves the initiator vulnerable to incoming attacks. Your Break Gauge, once full, can be used to break free from holds and combos to interrupt your opponent's momentum and regain the upper-hand in a fight. There are 12 characters revealed from the roster thus far, but there is still a lot more to learn about this promising sequel, which is scheduled to release in 2019 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Death Stranding - PS4

Death Stranding has a presence at Tokyo Game Show, though more in spirit than anything else. Lead creator Hideo Kojima is scheduled to have a live chat on stage with several of the game's voice actors but attendees otherwise have the chance to warm up to a lifelike statue of actor Norman Reedus, decked out in his lookalike space/hazard suit, baby in a bottle and all. There's still no telling how Death Stranding will function as a game, but Kojima's track record is all most people need to be excited for what's to come--whenever and whatever that may be.

Deracine - PSVR

Nowadays From Software is mostly known for the Souls series of games, but if you look back in the studio's history you'll find an eclectic mix of games across a wide range of genres. While the upcoming Sekiro seems to follow in Souls' footsteps, Deracine is a PSVR game that veers in a very different direction. It's pitched as an adventure game set in a boarding school, and while the details therein remain a mystery, it's clear that the game is going for a foreboding and mysterious approach to its storytelling. Deracine is due to come out later this year, and is a PSVR exclusive.

Devil May Cry 5 - PS4, Xbox One, PC

Capcom has made a big deal about Devil May Cry being back in a big way for the fifth entry in the mainline series and, based on what's been shown so far, it seems like a return to the over the top, quintessentially Japanese take on action that fans have come to know and love. While Devil May Cry 4's Nero is technically in the lead protagonist role, the series' flamboyant favourite son Dante will also be returning for another outing. During Tokyo Game Show, Capcom released a trailer for Devil May Cry 5 showing him in action using the Cavaliere motorcycle weapon. The trailer also featured a nice nod to another iconic Capcom hero: Mega Man. Devil May Cry 5 launches for PS4, Xbox One, and PC on March 8, 2019.

Dragon Quest Builders 2 - PS4, Switch

The original Dragon Quest Builders was something of a surprise when it released--most people expected it to be nothing more than a simple cash-in on Minecraft's success. It turned out that surface level comparison belied the game's distinct Dragon-Quest charm and true RPG-like qualities, and Builders ultimately earned a reputation all its own. A sequel is on the way later this year in Japan, with a little help from Koei Tecmo no less, but there's no telling at the moment when it will come to the West.

Dragon Marked For Death - Switch

Inti Creates is a Japanese studio that's all but dedicated to crafting 2D games that recreate the magic of mid- to late-'90s action games. Dragon Marked For Death stands out from the rest of the team's output (Mega Man Zero, Azure Striker Gunvolt) with its multiplayer structure. Players can team up in this side-scrolling RPG locally or online, and pick from four classes to diversify their squad. The grand mission at hand is yet unclear, but based on Inti Creates track record, we're optimistic that the gameplay and art are reason enough to keep an eye out as its December 2018 release date draws near.

Everybody's Golf VR - PSVR

Sony's long-running Golf series is headed to PSVR, and while the game will continue the tradition of offering welcoming and charming golf courses, the shift to VR means that players can now simulate swinging their clubs using either a Move or DualShock 4 controller. Everybody's Golf VR is currently scheduled to release in 2019.

Fortnite

It will come as no surprise to you that Epic's quirky battle royale title is also a pretty big deal in Japan. While perhaps not the cultural phenomenon that it is in the western world, Fortnite maintains a healthy presence, in thanks due to its availability on so many platforms and the fact that it offers players small, achievable tasks on a regular basis. If you haven't been keeping up with it, Fortnite Season 5 is set to official wrap up on September 25, but Season 6 is on the horizon. A mysterious cube has shown in the game world and submerged itself in the water, completely changing the area around it. What this will mean for the game and the new seasons remains to be seen, but we don't have long to wait for those answers as Season 6 is scheduled to begin shortly after Season 5 ends.

Ghost of Tsushima - PS4

One of the most exciting upcoming PlayStation 4, Ghost of Tsushima exclusives is actually set in Japan. Specifically, it's set in Tsushima, an island that was invaded by Mongols in the 13th century. Having faced the ruthless Mongols and watched the population get captured and subjugated, the samurai are forced to evolve and adapt Ninja-like tactics. Developer Sucker Punch strives to balance realism with its own dramatic fictionalization of Japanese history. It does not have a confirmed release date yet.

Judge Eyes - PS4

It should come as no surprise that the developers behind the Yakuza series, in which you play as a gangster embroiled in the politics and scheming of the Japanese mafia but also spend time managing cabaret clubs and do menial tasks for random members of the public, is weird. On its surface, Judge Eyes seems like a more serious project from the developers. You play as a lawyer and investigate murders, but also use drones to find out if husbands are cheating on wives and drop kick hoodlums in the street, for some reason. At this point, the Yakuza team has turned taking baffling scenarios and making them compelling into a fine art, so expectations for Judge Eyes are high. The game is set to launch for PS4 in Japan in 2018. A western release will follow in 2019.

Kingdom Hearts 3 - PS4, Xbox One

After an excruciatingly long wait, the Kingdom Hearts saga is set to come to a close, at least when it comes to Sora's journey anyway. From what we can tell, developer Square Enix is looking to go out with a bang and has managed to get some of the most popular recent Disney properties into the game. For Tokyo Game Show, Square Enix showed off more of San Fransokyo, the city from Big Hero 6. Players will be able to travel to the futuristic city and meet up with Baymax and Hiro to adventure together. Sora's journey will also take him to a Toy Story and Frozen world, among others. The Kingdom Hearts 3 cover art, which is designed by Tetsuya Nomura, also made its debut around TGS. Kingdom Hearts 3 is set to release on January 29, 2019 on Xbox One and PS4.

Mega Man 11 - PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

It remains to be seen if Capcom will heed the cries of Mega Man fans everywhere and restore the stalled mid-air transition that happens when entering boss battles in classic Mega Man games, but that nitpick aside, Mega Man 11 is nonetheless one to look forward to if you long for classic side-scrolling action. It's been eight years since the last mainline Mega Man game, and in that time we saw the spiritual successor Mighty No. 9 ride the wave of nostalgia before crashing on a beach of disappointment. Hopefully Mega Man 11 will prove that there's still life left in the classic formula when it releases next month.

Ninjala - Switch

Ninjala projects the same candy-coated attitude of Splatoon, but its PvP battles are designed around a very different set of mechanics and rules that distinguish it from Nintendo's light-hearted shooter. Rather than pit players against each other with ranged weapons, every combatant blows bubblegum bubbles to generate melee weapons of relative strength: the bigger the bubble, the stronger (and slower) the weapon. There's an inherent risk to the process as well--you will get trapped by your gum should another player knock you out of commission. It's too early to tell if Ninjala's mix of presentation and game design will rise meet the expectations from its perceived visual mimicry of Splatoon, but based on the extravagant booth at TGS 2018, it's clear that publisher Gung-Ho is betting big on its flagship 2019 Switch release.

Persona Q2: Full Cinema Labyrinth - 3DS

Persona Q2 is an upcoming 3DS dungeon-crawler from Atlus that combines characters from Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5. The Tokyo Game Show booth was a surprisingly accurate recreation of the counter from Persona 5's in-game cafe, offering a familiar and fitting setting to demo the upcoming game. Western Persona fans are anxiously awaiting an announcement of a Western release, but Persona Q2 will release in Japan this coming November.

Resident Evil 2 Remake - PS4, Xbox One, PC

Capcom's overhaul of the beloved Resident Evil 2 is a major star at TGS, both for having a killer booth and for offering a great demo, pitting players against the ghastly mutated form of poor William Birkin. Resident Evil 2 Remake comes out early next year, but we've got plenty of new coverage on the way in early October. Stay tuned!

Tetris Effect - PS4/PSVR

Tetsuya Mizuguchi is a game developer with a penchant for mixing music and digital dreamscapes, as seen in his work on games like Rez and Child of Eden. His relatively young production house, Enhance, Inc., is hard at work on Tetris Effect in an effort to bring these qualities to the tried and true Tetris formula in VR. The PlayStation 4 exclusive is scheduled to come out this coming November.

Warriors Orochi 4 - PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Don't be fooled by the photo above; Orochi Musou 3 is technically Warriors Orochi 4 in the West. It had a major presence at TGS 2018 at the Koei Tecmo booth, and with a cast of over 170 playable characters, it wasn't hard for the publisher to fill out its floor space with dozens of unique faces, all ready for battle. The Orochi series takes place in an alternate dimension where Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors characters fight side by side at the behest of the one, the only, Zeus, the Greek god of thunder. Warriors Orochi 4 releases soon in Japan (September 27) and will arrive in other territories this October.

The Best Nintendo Switch Games Out Now (September 2018 Update)

By Matt Espineli on Sep 25, 2018 02:10 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.

Undertale -- 9/10

"Three years after its initial release on PC, Undertale has found its way to the Nintendo Switch--and of course, the game is every bit as charming, challenging, and harrowing as it was the first time around. Undertale may seem like a straightforward retro-style RPG, but it subverts player expectations every chance it gets, which never gets stale because of clever writing and an evocative chiptune soundtrack. Thankfully, it plays just as well as it does on other platforms without any performance hitches or bugs after putting about four hours into this version. Like its console counterparts, you can fill the screen with an adaptive border that thematically fits with the location you're in (Undertale plays in a 4:3 aspect ratio). Dodging enemy attacks in the bullet hell-style defensive phase in combat works just as well with the Joy-Con analog sticks.

Undertale isn't afraid to break convention, and because it does so in a way that's thoughtful and humorous throughout, the result is an emotional rollercoaster that fills us with determination." [Read the full review]

-- Michael Higham

Into the Breach -- 9/10

"There is so much strategic joy in seeing the potential destruction a swarm of giant monsters is about to unleash on a city, then quickly staging and executing elaborate counter maneuvers to ruin the party. Into The Breach's focus on foresight makes its turn-based encounters an action-packed, risk-free puzzle, and the remarkable diversity of playstyles afforded by unique units keeps each new run interesting. It's a pleasure to see what kind of life-threatening predicaments await for you to creatively resolve in every new turn, every new battle, and every new campaign. Into The Breach is a pristine and pragmatic tactical gem with dynamic conflicts that will inspire you to jump back in again, and again, and again." [Read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran

The Messenger -- 8/10

"The Messenger takes the best parts of the action-platformers it takes influence from and reinterprets them well. With clever writing, well-designed levels, and balanced difficulty curve, the game continuously hooks you with enticing skill-based challenges and satisfying payoffs. Your character might have an immediate imperative to delivering a world-saving scroll, but the journey there is definitely one to savor." [Read the full review]

-- Alexander Pan

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

The Best PS4 Games Out Now (September 2018 Update)

By Matt Espineli on Sep 25, 2018 02:09 am

The Best Around

It feels just like yesterday, but PS4 launched over four years ago, and a ton of games have come out in that time. As such, it can be tough to sort through all of them and decide what to play. Luckily, we at GameSpot have played tons of PS4 over the years and have more than a few recommendations to start you off with--whether you're a new PS4 owner or have had the console and are just looking for something you might've missed.

In this feature, we've collected the best PS4 games so far. This includes many of the games that have received an 8 or higher on GameSpot, and we've prioritized games that were nominated for our end-of-year Best PS4 Game lists. Check out our choices for the best games released on the PS4. 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 more PS4 games on a budget, see our roundups of the best cheap games on PS4, and make sure to check out our gallery of the best PS4 exclusive games confirmed for 2018 as well as the biggest PS4 games of 2018 for everything coming to the console.

There are heaps of amazing PS4 games out there. Which PS4 games do you love the most? Doesn't matter if it's popular or incredibly underrated. Let us know in the comments below.

Marvel's Spider-Man -- 9/10

"Minor shortcomings don't detract from Insomniac's achievement in creating a game that feels like an authentic interpretation of a beloved creation. The feeling of embodying Spidey and using his abilities is astonishing, and the time spent on exploring its major characters help make its story feel heartfelt, despite superhero bombast. There have been open-world Spider-Man games before, but none so riveting and full of personality, none that explore and do justice to this many facets of the universe. Insomniac has created a superior Spider-Man experience that leaves a lasting impression, one that has you longing for just one more swing around New York City, even after the credits roll." [Read the review]

-- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Producer

Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition -- 10/10

"From lonely farmhouses through pitched battles with gods in far-flung dimensions, Divinity: Original Sin II is one of the most captivating role-playing games ever made in both its original and Definitive incarnations, with the latter proving that even the most complicated role-players can be ported successfully to gamepad-limited consoles. This immaculately conceived and emotion-wrought fantasy world, topped by brilliant tactical combat, make it one of the finest games of recent years, and it remains an instant classic in the pantheon of RPG greats." [Read the review]

-- Brett Todd

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

Dead Cells -- 9/10

-- Daniel Starkey

Onrush -- 9/10

"When it comes to crumpling metal and high speed thrills, not all of Onrush's game modes are on equal footing in terms of consistent excitement. Yet its foundations are so strong, and so unique, that it's easy to lose hours upon hours barreling around these disparate tracks. The question of longevity will, of course, depend on post-release support, with new classes, game modes, and tracks potentially on the horizon. Considering you need 12 players to fill a full room, it would be a shame if Onrush doesn't find the kind of audience that will give it the lifespan it deserves. Part of this will depend on how Codemasters iterates on the game from here on out, but they've shown a proficiency in knowing how arcade racing games click, and Onrush is such a bold, refreshing twist on the genre that there should be little hesitation in putting your faith in them to succeed."

-- Richard Wakeling

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life -- 8/10

"Yakuza 6 reins in its scope, but doubles down on what has made the series great. It's a unique and fascinating representation of the modern Japanese experience, worth playing even if you're a newcomer. The narrative is dramatic and sincere, and the game's endearing characters--coming from all walks of life--are interesting studies. The world is dense and rewarding to exist in, the dynamic combat system stays exciting even after you've kicked the crap out of five thousand enemies, and perhaps most importantly, Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life serves as a fulfilling conclusion to the turbulent, decade-long saga of its beloved icon, Kazuma Kiryu." [read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Video Producer

God Of War -- 9/10

"In many ways God of War is what the series has always been. It's a spectacular action game with epic set pieces, big-budget production values, and hard-hitting combat that grows more feverish and impressive as you progress. What may surprise you is how mature its storytelling has become. Like Kratos, God of War recalls the past while acknowledging the need to improve. Everything new it does is for the better, and everything it holds onto benefits as a result. Kratos is no longer a predictable brute. God of War is no longer an old-fashioned action series. With this reboot, it confidently walks a new path that will hopefully lead to more exciting adventures to come." [read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Bloodborne -- 9/10

"The finest treasures are found within the city of Yharnam and the forests, lakes, and purgatories beyond it. Only Bloodborne would be so bold as to bury an entire factional player-versus-player mechanic within an optional region, which is in turn buried within a series of oblique steps you might miss if you aren't exploring every nook and cranny, or ignore the game's enigmatic hints. I finished Bloodborne in less time than I did Dark Souls II, yet I treasure it more in spite of its few missteps. In death there is life, and in blood, there is redemption. More hyperbole, yes, but for a game this theatrical, only hyperbole will do." [read the full review]

-- Kevin VanOrd

Monster Hunter: World -- 8/10

"Ever since the title was first announced last year, 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 full review]

-- Ginny Woo

Celeste -- 9/10

-- Oscar Dayus, Staff Writer

What Remains of Edith Finch -- 9/10

"Developer Giant Sparrow managed to strike the delicate balance between joy and sorrow in 2012's The Unfinished Swan, but What Remains of Edith Finch transcends even the latent sadness of that game, finding the beauty--even sometimes the fun--in what's always fundamentally a tragedy. It's not often that a game's plot slips past the bitterness of grief to finally get to the acceptance, but that's the triumph in What Remains of Edith Finch. Ultimately, if the game has any resemblance of a moral, it's that the bravest, most beautiful thing every one of us does is choose to keep going, despite knowing what's coming." [read the full review]

-- Justin Clark

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus -- 9/10

"The New Colossus never lets you forget who and why you're fighting. Nazi brutality is on full display, from the blown-out, irradiated remains of Manhattan to each of the resistance members, who all carry mental scars if not physical ones. You're never given a chance between cutscenes, missions, and even downtime on the U-boat to lose sight of the Reich's cruelty. Wolfenstein's tense gameplay elevates this further by giving you the power to truly resist--and come out of each battle ready for another fight." [read the full review]

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Sonic Mania -- 9/10

-- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor

Stardew Valley -- 9/10

"On the surface, Stardew Valley is a game about farming, but there are more adventures awaiting curious players beyond cultivating a rich and bountiful garden. From mining and fishing to making friends and falling in love, Stardew Valley's Pelican Town is stuffed with rewarding opportunities. As modern day woes give way to pressing matters on the farm and within your newfound community, Stardew Valley's meditative activities often lead to personal reflection in the real world. It's a game that tugs at your curiosity as often as it does your heart." [read the full review]

-- Mary Kish

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard -- 8/10

"By the end of the campaign, I was ready for the game to be over, but that's okay. RE7 ends just as it starts to outstay its welcome, and after the fact, I felt like I'd survived a truly harrowing journey. The boss fights may be slightly inconsistent and certain sections might drag after a while, but RE7 is still a remarkable success. It has a clear vision and executes it with impressive patience and precision. By returning to horror, Resident Evil has once again become something special." [read the full review]

-- Scott Butterworth

Night in the Woods -- 9/10

"Both intensely personal and widely relatable, Night in the Woods doesn't just tell a story--it gracefully captures complex, often unpleasant feelings and experiences. From the quiet melancholy of doing nothing on a rainy day to the emotional vacuum of severe depression, I felt deeply, sometimes too deeply, while wandering through the cartoon-animal version of a small Midwestern town. Its witty writing and character development keep its crushing existential themes grounded, making Night in the Woods one of the most evocative games I've played in a long time." [read the full review]

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Overwatch -- 9/10

"Overwatch is an exercise in refined chaos. There are multitudes of layers hiding beneath the hectic surface, and they emerge, one after another, the more you play. This is a shooter that knows how to surprise, one that unfolds at a frantic pace, one that takes a handful of great ideas, and combines them into something spectacular." [read the full review]

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End -- 10/10

"Uncharted 4's gameplay pushes the narrative forward, the narrative feeds off its gameplay, and every detail coalesces to create something bigger. Uncharted 4 bounces between set pieces and personal moments with such grace, with such skill and poise and affection for its characters, that you don't mind when the guns stop firing, and the smoke clears, and Nathan gets a moment to breathe." [read the full review]

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Titanfall 2 -- 9/10

"Titanfall 2 demonstrates a vitality that its predecessor couldn't. Whereas the first Titanfall kept up its breakneck pace throughout the entirety of every match, Titanfall 2 understands that sometimes, dialing things back for a few moments can make the long run much more enjoyable. In many ways, Titanfall 2 feels like the game Respawn should have made in 2013. It's a fantastic sequel. It's a fluid shooter. It's a spectacular game." [read the full review]

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Dishonored 2 -- 8/10

"Any time I'm given a choice between stealth and action, I go stealth. I love the hold-your-breath tension of hoping a guard didn't spot you and the hard-earned triumph of executing a perfectly timed plan. Dishonored 2 delivers that sneaky satisfaction, arming you with stealth essentials like hiding bodies, peering through keyholes, and silent takedowns. But it's also an incredible engine for gleeful chaos, one so engrossing and amusing that I kind of accidentally beat the entire campaign raining hilarious, elaborate death on my enemies." [read the full review]

-- Scott Butterworth

Dark Souls III -- 8/10

"I didn't expect to have so much fun with Until Dawn, and the depth with which my choices mattered and affected the final outcome encouraged repeat playthroughs. The visuals can be wonky at times, but in the end Until Dawn succeeds in being a thoughtful use of familiar mechanics, a great achievement in player-driven narrative, and a horror game you shouldn't miss." [read the full review]

-- Alexa Ray Corriea

The Last Guardian -- 9/10

"It isn't clear whether or not The Last Guardian means to be frustrating at times--if it's a concerted effort to test your patience for a lovable-yet-stubborn creature. Your affection for Trico and sympathy for both characters blossom nonetheless, culminating in an enrapturing series of revelations that cements your attachment to their personalities. Trico is the undeniable star of the show, exhibiting believable physicality and emotional range, but the boy is a valuable lesson in how to be patient and resilient when faced with unforeseen challenges.

When the book closes on their story, it's hard not to open it up again and begin anew. The trials you overcome endear you to both characters, but the emotions Trico elicits make you want to give it another chance--to be the patient, effective partner it truly deserves." [read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Rocket League -- 9/10

"The joy of Rocket League rests on the countless plans that are conceived and discarded every other second in any given match. Trying to predict where and how the ball will bounce next is a game within the game. Despite the use of cars, Rocket League emulates the emotional surges typical of The Beautiful Game, such as the rush of an unexpected fast break or a well-timed header into a goal. With Rocket League, the promising concept of combining two wonderful things--cars and soccer--is equally magnificent in execution. You can't say the same thing about, say, combining cake and fruit to make fruitcake, as the comedian Jim Gaffigan observed." [read the full review]

-- Miguel Concepcion

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice -- 8/10

"Hellblade's most notable achievement is the handling of an incredibly sensitive subject matter within an engaging and well-crafted action/adventure game. At its heart, the story is about Senua's struggle to come to terms with her illness. In the process, she learns to find the strength within herself to endure, and to make peace with her past. And in a profound and physical way, we go through those same struggles with her, and come away with a better understanding of a piece of something that many people in the world struggle with." [read the full review]

-- Alessandro Fillari, Editor

MLB The Show 18 -- 9/10

"Sony's flagship baseball franchise has never been better. With its best-in-class controls and visuals, and impeccable attention to detail for the small stuff, MLB The Show 18 is worth catching for any baseball fan." [read the full review]

Horizon: Zero Dawn -- 9/10

"This is the first departure from the Killzone series for developer Guerrilla Games, and though you might think the team took a risk by stepping out of its FPS comfort zone to create a third-person open-world action game, you'd never know it was their first rodeo. For every minor imperfection, there's an element of greatness that recharges your desire to keep fighting and exploring Zero Dawn's beautiful and perilous world. Guerrilla Games has delivered one of the best open-world games of this generation, and redefined its team's reputation in the process." [read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Nier: Automata -- 9/10

"Thanks to Platinum Games' knack for riveting and gratifying combat, Automata is Yoko Taro's most exciting game to date. The combat mechanics click after hurdling a low learning curve, and the end result is a skillful dance where balletic dodges complement wushu-inspired aggression. Moreover, this multi-ending trip is generously peppered with surprises and revelations, as well as easter eggs that call back to the first game and the Drakengard series from which Nier spun off. It's a meaty, often exhilarating trek that showcases Platinum Games' and Yoko Taro's unique blend of genius." [read the full review]

-- Miguel Concepcion

Persona 5 -- 9/10

"Within Persona 5 is a complex set of interconnected gameplay mechanics, and in almost every aspect Atlus has executed on its vision exceptionally, barring the pacing issues towards the end. At every turn, it presents something to marvel at, whether it's the fluid combat, vibrant world, or the many memorable characters. It's a game I could talk about for hours; I haven't mentioned the ability to connect to the Thieves Guild, which lets you see how other players spent their day or ask them for help answering questions at school. Or the thumping acid-jazz-infused soundtrack that I've not been able to get out of my head. Or even just the joy of seeing how it stylishly transitions between menus. But that encapsulates why Persona 5 is a game that shouldn't be missed. It's stuffed to bursting point with gameplay ideas and presentation flourishes--there's an overwhelming level of artistry in every part of Persona 5, making it a truly standout entry in the series. It's a refined, effortlessly stylish RPG that will be talked about for years to come." [read the full review]

-- Lucy James, Video Producer

Unravel Two -- 8/10

"With its charming yarnlings and a newfound style of platforming, Unravel Two remains welcoming even at its most foreboding. Sure, a forest fire breaks out in one of the latter stages, but even then, the race to keep ahead of the blaze is fun and frantic instead of stressful. In almost every moment you're given ample time and space to breathe and take in the stunning photorealistic world from the viewpoint of the tiniest creatures. It's a game with boisterous birds, chases through meadows, and most importantly a cheerful partnership with a companion who's always got your back. With only six chapters that run roughly 30 minutes apiece, Unravel Two doesn't last long, but it's a game where the time you have is meaningful, memorable, and downright pleasant from beginning to end."

-- Justin Clark

Madden NFL 18 -- 9/10

"Overall, Madden 18 marks an unusually large shakeup in a series that, due to its annualized releases, rarely features much more than small, iterative changes. The Frostbite engine allows the game to reach new levels of realism in its visuals, and EA has put a lot of effort into constantly evolving the game to keep it in line with real-world events. But it is the Longshot story mode that defines Madden 18. Some of Longshot is unnecessary spectacle, but its lasting value comes from the humanity that it brings to the game. The moments of vulnerability and sincerity between Devin Wade and Colt Cruise during the story are worthy of celebration and give the overall game a weight that Madden hasn't had before. And if that's not enough to entice you, it's also simply a terrific football game." [read the full review]

-- Alex Newhouse

Far Cry 5 -- 9/10

"Despite some brief irritations and missed opportunities with its narrative, spending time in the world of Hope County remains absolutely delightful. Far Cry 5 boasts a wonderfully harmonious flow to its adventure, with its smart changes to exploration, discovery, and progression distinctly bolstering the enjoyment of creatively engaging and experimenting with its spectacular open world." [read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran, Senior Producer/Editor

Transistor -- 8/10

"Transistor is always a good-looking game, but in these instances, it demonstrates a rare knack for combining its visuals and music to powerfully convey both narrative information and tone, driving the story forward with Red's own unwavering resolve. So in the end, yes, Transistor is a fun action role-playing game with a neat combat system, but beautiful moments like these make it more than that. They make it a game with a soul." [read the full review]

-- Carolyn Petit

Yakuza 0 -- 8/10

"Unless you have a strong aversion to violence, sex, or middling graphics, you owe it to yourself to give Zero a chance. Its story will surprise you, its inhabitants will make you laugh at every turn, and its ambitious scope will redefine how you think about open-world games. It's a fascinating adventure no matter how you approach it, and it's proof positive that a game can be wildly inconsistent yet remain a great experience." [read the full review]

Inside -- 8/10

"This is a beautiful, haunting, and memorable game, a worthy follow-up to Limbo. Its puzzles, although rarely difficult, are engaging complements to the story. The real achievement of this game, though, is the way that it crafts its narrative: detailed environments convey the bizarre world that you travel through; introspective moments are filled with minimalist sound design and just the barest touches of music; and the things you must do to complete your journey force you to confront the realities of humanity, freedom, and existence." [read the full review]

-- Alex Newhouse

Blazblue: Cross Tag Battle -- 9/10

-- Michael Higham, 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 full review]

-- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Video Producer

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 + 2

-- Steve Watts

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 full review]

-- Justin Clark

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age -- 9/10

"Innovation in games is talked about a lot, but it's also great to see traditional gameplay formulas that have been around for decades presented exceptionally well. Dragon Quest XI is one of the best modern examples of this; its beautiful presentation, both visual- and story-wise, combines with a tried-and-true gameplay formula for a journey that's full of heart and soul. Once you find yourself sucked into the world of Dragon Quest XI, it's going to be hard to put down until you reach the grand finale." [Read the full review]

-- Heidi Kemps

The Best PS4 Game Exclusives Out Now (September 2018 Update)

By Jordan Ramée on Sep 25, 2018 02:08 am

The PlayStation 4 launched in November 2013 and Sony's done a phenomenal job making sure a stream of excellent exclusives continues to launch on the platform. That trend isn't slowing down in 2018, with the phenomenal God of War releasing earlier this spring and Insomniac Games' Spider-Man on its way in just a few months.

Click ahead to view GameSpot's highest-rated PS4 exclusives since the console's launch. The titles are in alphabetical order and don't reflect our own personal ranking of each game. The list only includes games we've awarded an 8/10 or higher. We've also limited the gallery based on console exclusivity, so you'll see a few games in this gallery that are also available on PC or PS Vita. This means games that originally released for PS2 or PS3 and launched again on the PS4 without any additional content (like Beyond: Two Souls) are not included. Remasters, remakes, and reboots are all fair game though.

Be sure to check out our list of the best cheap PS4 games to find the best deals on some of these exclusives, including top-tier titles like The Last of Us Remastered and Bloodborne.

Think you've got an insane amount of GameSpot knowledge? Put it to the test. We've reviewed a lot of PS4 exclusives since the console's debut in 2013, but only one of them has gotten a perfect 10/10 review score. Do you know what it is? Click ahead to find out, and we'll send a virtual high five your way if you happen to know the answer. If you also happen to know which PS3 game released again on PS4 with a perfect 10/10 GameSpot score (but couldn't make this list because it's not a remaster), then we offer you a virtual salute.

Also, let us know what your favorite PS4 exclusive is in the comment section down below. Doesn't matter if the game was critically acclaimed or criminally underrated. Be sure to check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch console exclusives and best Xbox One console exclusives as well.

For review, we gave:

MLB 14: The Show an 8/10

MLB 15: The Show an 8/10.

We gave the game an 8/10.

In our Tooth and Tail review, Daniel Starkey wrote, "Rotating through the band of 20 fighters will offer plenty of depth on its own, too. There's plenty of room to fake out foes by overbuilding one type and feinting a foe into countering that so you can sweep them with your own reserves. If you don't have quite the squads you need to deal with enemies in the best way, you'll have to adapt -- and strong variety will give you the tools to come up with unique combinations and tactics on the fly.

When all of that comes together in a tight, four-player battle royale, it is a thing of beauty."

Transistor

We gave the game an 8/10.

In our Transistor review, Carolyn Petit wrote, "Transistor is always a good-looking game, but in [certain] instances, it demonstrates a rare knack for combining its visuals and music to powerfully convey both narrative information and tone, driving the story forward with Red's own unwavering resolve. So in the end, yes, Transistor is a fun action role-playing game with a neat combat system, but beautiful moments like these make it more than that. They make it a game with a soul."

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection

We gave the collection an 8/10.

In our Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "At various times throughout the Uncharted games, our protagonist carries the ring of Francis Drake on a leather band around his neck. The ring's inscription reads: "Sic Parvus Magna," or, "greatness from small beginnings."

I can't imagine a better way to encapsulate this collection. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune was a fine game in 2007, but its wrinkles are deeper now, its age more apparent.

With Uncharted 2 and [Uncharted 3], though, Naughty Dog transcended Drake's own small beginnings. The Nathan Drake Collection is a firsthand account of Naughty Dog's growth as a storyteller, and this collection is the best way to relive that history, and witness its transformation up close."

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

We gave the game a perfect 10/10.

In our Uncharted 4: A Thief's End review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "And most of all, as its final moments make clear, this is a story about storytelling--the importance we lend our idols, legends, and myths. How we pass down the ones that inspire us. How an old photo of three friends sitting on a pile of gold can unleash a flood of memories. Uncharted 4 is a challenge to the medium. In its writing, in its design, in its understanding of what makes games unique, Uncharted 4 is something to aspire to. It's a shining example. And we'll be talking about it for years to come."

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

We gave the game a 9/10.

In our Uncharted: The Lost Legacy review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "The Lost Legacy doesn't signify a new era for Uncharted so much as it presents an opportunity to show the series from new perspectives, for which Chloe and the AI-controlled Nadine are perfectly capable. With a new playable treasure hunter comes new settings and character motivations, wrapped in a comfortingly familiar Uncharted package. The thrill of playing through set pieces that call back scenes from the earlier games is all the more enhanced when seen through the gameplay mechanics introduced in A Thief's End. The initial hours of The Lost Legacy give an "Uncharted Greatest Hits" vibe, but it grows into a more nuanced, clever experience, ranking among the best in the series while also making its own mark as a standalone Uncharted that isn't anchored to Nathan Drake's harrowing exploits."

Until Dawn

We gave the game an 8/10.

In our Until Dawn review, Alexa Ray Corriea wrote, "I didn't expect to have so much fun with Until Dawn, and the depth with which my choices mattered and affected the final outcome encouraged repeat playthroughs. The visuals can be wonky at times, but in the end Until Dawn succeeds in being a thoughtful use of familiar mechanics, a great achievement in player-driven narrative, and a horror game you shouldn't miss."

Wipeout Omega Collection

We gave the game a 9/10.

In our Wipeout Omega Collection review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "By focusing on this specific era of the series, Wipeout Omega Collection maintains a level of cohesion you wouldn't get if this compilation included, say, Wipeout Pure or Fusion. While each of the three games exude style and stimulation in their own distinct ways, they collectively showcase the best elements of franchise's engrossing racing and silky smooth visuals. And even though it doesn't completely scratch the itch that only a completely new PS4 sequel can offer, this collection is easily the next best thing."

Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life

We gave the game an 8/10.

In our Yakuza 6: The Song of Life review, Edmond Tran wrote, "Yakuza 6 reins in its scope, but doubles down on what has made the series great. It's a unique and fascinating representation of the modern Japanese experience, worth playing even if you're a newcomer. The narrative is dramatic and sincere, and the game's endearing characters--coming from all walks of life--are interesting studies. The world is dense and rewarding to exist in, the dynamic combat system stays exciting even after you've kicked the crap out of five thousand enemies, and perhaps most importantly, Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life serves as a fulfilling conclusion to the turbulent, decade-long saga of its beloved icon, Kazuma Kiryu."

Best New Games (September 2018 Update)

By Matt Espineli on Sep 25, 2018 02:07 am

The Cutting Edge

There's always an abundance of new games that come out every month. Some are incredibly big-budget releases that we've been eagerly waiting years for while others are smaller, more surprising independent titles that no one sees coming. In addition, there's plenty of other games found near and around those releases. You get games from mid-sized publishers and even the occasional remaster or re-release of gaming's most definitive adventures.

There's a lot of exciting games coming out in the future. We recently got to see debut gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077, and we already can't wait for it. In addition, Nintendo did a Direct presentation and announced 22 upcoming Switch games. 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 Now

Marvel's Spider-Man -- 9/10
Yakuza Kiwami 2 -- 8/10
Guacamelee 2 -- 9/10
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series - The Final Season Episode 1 -- 8/10
Madden 19 -- 8/10
Unavowed -- 9/10
Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition -- 10/10
Phantom Doctrine -- 9/10
Dead Cells -- 9/10
Overcooked 2 -- 8/10
Valkyria Chronicles 4 -- 8/10
No Man's Sky Next -- 8/10
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age -- 9/10
Monster Hunter World (PC) -- 8/10

Check 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.

The Gadrens Between -- 8/10

"It may only take two to three hours to see everything The Gardens Between has to offer, but the warm and fuzzy feelings from start to finish ensure that your memories of playing it will live on. The expressive faces of the two teens and the relatable memories they share will speak to anyone who's ever had a close childhood friend, and while the puzzles won't go down as the most ingenious or demanding, they nevertheless give you more time to spend frolicking in a nostalgic and heartwarming world where friendship is all that matters." [Read the review]

-- Peter Brown, Managing Editor

Wasteland 2 (Nintendo Switch) -- 7/10

"Wasteland 2 is still a very special outing. If you haven't spent your time in this irradiated desert just yet, this is one of the best times to do so--especially since the portability of the Switch reissue lets you take the journey on long treks of your own, or as a dense RPG to curl and nestle in with, as you might with an excellent book. On such a screen, the interpersonal dramas feel a bit more intimate, the tension of sneaking your way pay this or that NPC a bit more tangible. Plus, in the Switch's handheld mode, the rather dated-looking visuals aren't so grating. All-told it's a phenomenal port and still one of the better RPGs in recent years." [Read the review]

-- Daniel Starkey

428: Shibuya Scramble -- 8/10

"A few bugs, however, don't ruin the game. 428 is a truly rare beast, a special and unique experience that would have once been completely passed over for a Western release. While it's not without its flaws, it's hard to think of many other games that blend text-driven storytelling and well-constructed visuals and sound this well. From the first hour of the in-game day, you'll be riveted by this story's unexpected twists and turns. If you want a story- and character-driven game with a presentation you won't see anywhere else, 428 is a game not to be missed." [Read the review]

-- Heidi Kemps

Undertale (Switch) -- 9/10

-- Michael Higham

NBA 2K19 -- 7/10

"It's impressive that the game of basketball has translated to controllers and screens in the way it has. If you want to immerse yourself in the sport and culture, NBA 2K19 has you covered with a breadth of content. But even that has its limitations after several years of iterations. Although those willing to grind for everything will eventually get rewarded, the system of VC still comes off as exploitative. But there's a lot of fun to be had in NBA 2K19 despite its flaws, especially if you have a strong love for the sport." [Read the review]

-- Michael Higham, Associate Editor

Valkyria Chronicles 4 -- 8/10

"Ultimately, this is a return to form for the Valkyria Chronicles series as a whole. It stays so true to the franchise's first iteration that it'll feel as if almost no time has passed in the decade or so since the original game first came out. In revisiting the concerns and the environments of the first, it makes the most of those parallels and invites comparison in a way that highlights its strengths. Valkyria Chronicles 4 doesn't necessarily tell a new tale, but it doesn't have to; for all of its clichés and expected twists, there's a charm to the game's unwillingness to let up as it drives you and your friends forward at a rapid clip towards its bittersweet end." [Read the review]

-- Edmond Tran

Frozen Synapse 2 -- 8/10

"It's hard not to be drawn in by Frozen Synapse 2's style, but it's even harder to pull away once the game's combat gets its hooks in you. While the single-player mode ambles through both high and low points, the multiplayer remains a steadfastly enjoyable experience. The anticipation as squads approach in preparation for battle is both thrilling and nerve-wracking, and the ability to switch between multiplayer games on the fly makes tracking multiple games elegantly simple. Technical hiccups aside, Frozen Synapse 2's incredible style and strong tactical combat make it wonderfully gratifying." [Read the review]

-- James Swinbanks

Marvel's Spider-Man -- 9/10

-- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Producer

NBA live 19 -- 7/10

"NBA Live 19 is a capable and competent basketball game that offers a multitude of different ways to play and numerous reasons to keep coming back. Its impressive attention to detail complements the strong foundation set by its presentation and gameplay. However, the AI logic and animation problems are impossible to ignore given they're at the heart of the experience the entire game is based on. These issues, combined with a lackluster franchise mode and a push towards microtransactions, detract from what is an otherwise solid basketball game." [Read the review]

-- Eddie Makuch

Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition -- 10/10

-- Brett Todd

Planet Alpha -- 7/10

"While there are moments of frustration in its platforming, and the puzzles are relatively unsophisticated, the locations of Planet Alpha will most certainly stick with you. It doesn't matter why you're there, or what it is you're looking for. There's great pleasure in just existing on this planet, in navigating its harsh terrain and admiring its vistas, and the sheer beauty of it all makes the game's shortcomings easy to bear." [Read the review]

-- James O'Connor

Strange Brigade -- 7/10

"The grand result is an amusing adventure that makes a powerful case for more creativity with level design, setting, and pacing in co-op shooters, without thoroughly capitalizing on all of its own best ideas. Traps and their extensive use within many of the levels are a joy, and the underpinning gunplay is strong enough to warrant a sturdy recommendation, but it all comes to a head well before it should." [Read the review]

-- Daniel Starkey

Two Point Hospital -- 8/10

"It's remarkable that it's taken so long for a spiritual successor to Theme Hospital to show up, but now that it's here, it feels like it's been well worth the wait. The exaggerated, cartoon look and relaxed approach to management make it inviting enough for most players, while the deeper aspects of its economy are enough to keep seasoned players engaged. Two Point Hospital not only re-works an old formula into something modern and enjoyable, it also iterates on the classic brand of irresistible charm and wit, making something that's truly wonderful." [Read the review]

-- James Swinbanks

PES 2019 -- 9/10

"For as long as EA continues to develop FIFA and hold a monopoly over official licences, PES will be the scrappy underdog just hoping for a surprise upset, even when it's fielding the likes of London Blue and PV White Red. The lack of licences for top-tier leagues remains a disheartening sticking point, but PES continues to make brilliant strides on the pitch, building on what was already an incredibly satisfying game of football to produce one of the greatest playing football games of all time. It might be lacking off the pitch, but put it on the field against the competition and a famous giant killing wouldn't be all that surprising." [Read the review]

-- Richard Wakeling

F1 2018 -- 9/10

"F1 2018 is brilliant, and the most complete Formula One game to date. The changes to career mode make it the strongest and most appealing it's ever been thanks to the revamped upgrade system, while the simulation-like additions to the driving model bring you closer than ever to the feeling of sitting on the grid with 1000+ horsepower at your feet, without overwhelming those who just want to jump in and drive." [Read the review]

-- James Swinbanks

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age -- 9/10

-- Heidi Kemps

The Messenger -- 8/10

-- Alexander Pan

Into the Breach -- 9/10

-- Edmond Tran

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

-- 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

-- Justin Clark

Best PC Games From 2013 Onward (Updated September 2018)

By Kallie Plagge on Sep 25, 2018 02:05 am

Top Tier

PC gaming has been around for decades, but as technology grows, so too do the possibilities! Many, many games come out on PC--especially Steam--at a pretty fast pace, so it can be hard to know what to play. There's also a wide variety of genres to keep track of, plus all those games you buy during the Steam sale. To help you out, we went back a few years and rounded up the best PC-exclusive games.

For this feature, we included some (but not all) of the PC games that received a score of 8 or higher on GameSpot, with priority going to games that were nominated for awards at the end of their release years. To narrow the scope further, we only picked games that released in 2013 or later--sorry, CS:GO.

Many of the games on this list are relatively new, including Frostpunk, Into the Breach, and Divinity: Original Sin II, and a lot of them are among the best released on the platform. You can spend tons of hours in classic CRPG-style games or immerse yourself in more narrative-driven indie adventure games. Suffice it to say, there's plenty of high-quality options available to you.

What PC games from 2013 onward do you love the most? Let us know in the comments below. And for more PC recommendations, be sure to check out our new show, Steam Punks, where we pick out a few hidden gems on Steam for you to try each week. You can also see our list of the biggest PC games to play in 2018 for more of what's to come.

Frozen Synapse 2 -- 8/10

-- James Swinbanks

Two Point Hospital -- 8/10

-- James Swinbanks

Unavowed -- 9/10

"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 full review]

-- David Rayfield

Battletech -- 8/10

"Battletech is a game that selfishly takes its time to be meticulous in every respect, and pushing through the density and idiosyncrasies of its many, slow-moving parts can be tough. But if you have the will to decipher it, albeit, at a deliberate and punishingly plodding pace, you can find yourself completely engrossed in its kinetic clashes. Battletech's intricate components ultimately foster a fascinating wealth of nuanced systems that build a uniquely strenuous, detailed, and thoroughly rewarding tactical strategy game." [read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer

Total War: Thrones of Britannia -- 8/10

"Thrones of Britannia is an exciting experience despite the cuts to integral components of the Total War series, such as city planning hinging on military needs, specific building customization, and expanded intrigue options. But this has given Creative Assembly room to focus on enhancing parts of the strategy experience that aren't quite as impenetrable to newcomers, and to allow the series to return to some of the beloved parts of previous historical games to balance out its newer, slimmer form. While there are minor issues with AI, and pacing suffers when you've comfortably gotten the upper hand, this is still a worthy and engaging contribution to the Total War stable that has successfully taken its cues from history's winners and losers alike." [read the full review]

-- Ginny Woo

Far: Lone Sails -- 8/10

"Lone Sails is a transfixing, lovely experience, one that takes recurring indie game tropes and does something unique and fun with them. It's short enough that you could play through it in a single two or three-hour session, but it will likely stick with you for a long time. I can see myself going back in a few months just to revisit the ship, like checking in on an old friend." [read the full review]

-- James O'Connor

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire -- 8/10

"Deadfire is dense, and it isn't a small game, easily dwarfing its predecessor in terms of scale. There's a lot to do, and it's easier than ever to get lost in the little stories you find, without following the arcs that the game has specially set out for you. Still, it's worth taking your time. The richness of Deadfire takes a while to appreciate, and like the brined sailors that call it home, you'll be left with an indelible attachment to these islands when you do finally step away." [read the full review]

-- Daniel Starkey

Frostpunk -- 9/10

"Frostpunk is among the best overall takes on the survival city builder to date. Its theming and consistency create a powerful narrative through line that binds your actions around the struggle to hold onto humanity in uncertain times. Hope is a qualified good, but you may not always be strong enough (or clever enough) to shelter that flame from the cold." [read the full review]

-- Daniel Starkey

Into the Breach -- 9/10

-- Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer

Divinity: Original Sin II -- 10/10

"From lonely farmhouses through pitched battles with gods in far-flung dimensions, Divinity: Original Sin II is one of the most captivating role-playing games ever made. Its immaculately conceived and emotion-wrought fantasy world, topped by brilliant tactical combat, make it one of the finest games of the year thus far, and it has to be regarded as an instant classic in the pantheon of RPG greats." [read the full review]

-- Brett Todd

Note: Divinity: Original Sin II is coming to PS4 and Xbox One in August.

Total War: Warhammer II -- 9/10

"With Warhammer II, Total War doesn't reinvent anything so much as it iterates on the ideas that made the first so special. At its heart there's still the marriage of Total War's big-scale strategy and Warhammer's precise tactical play. But, through a thousand tiny tweaks, they've refined the experience into one of the most intriguing and exciting strategy games ever." [read the full review]

-- Daniel Starkey

The Red Strings Club -- 9/10

"From the game's opening piano chords, The Red String Club's futuristic exploration of themes regarding human emotion, strong writing, and exciting situations create an experience that is deeply gratifying. The cast of relatable, three-dimensional characters elevate the stakes of every bullet fired, secret divulged and cocktail poured. They are flawed and dangerous, but also convey admirable human characteristics that feel inspirational. The Red Strings Club is a tense adventure about a cast of characters that endanger themselves for goals that aren't necessarily guaranteed, a rewarding journey into the human soul, and a game that pushes the limits of what a point-and-click adventure can do." [read the full review]

-- David Rayfield

Civilization VI -- 9/10

"Civ 6 has a few rough edges, but they're pushed far into the periphery by spectacular strategic depth and intricate interlocking nuances. Any frustrations I experienced were immediately eclipsed by my desire to continue playing. Just one more turn, every turn, forever." [read the full review]

-- Scott Butterworth

Note: Civilization VI's latest expansion, Rise and Fall, received an 8/10 on GameSpot and adds "several key features that both complement and change up the base game." You can read our full review for more.

Endless Space 2 -- 8/10

"4X space sims have long been known as the territory of the serious strategy gamer, but Amplitude has broken away from the pack here. Outstanding depth and tactical challenge have been preserved, although not at the expense of the strong storytelling needed to emphasize the sense of awe and wonder in galactic exploration that's always been a huge part of the genre's appeal. Amplitude has done a masterful job combining these two elements into a single game, where the quests and strategy and politics and economy are all tied into a whole much greater than the sum of its parts." [read the full review]

-- Brett Todd

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III -- 8/10

"An odd chimera of its forebears, there's a lot in this fast-paced RTS that's a little bit off. Parts of the interface don't work sometimes, inter-match army management is half-baked, and the micromanagement needed to use the game's signature hero units effectively doesn't jibe with the extensive base-building you'll need to support them. But those problems fall away when you're in the heat of battle. Dawn of War III builds and maintains an organic tension that yields huge pay-offs, and there's nothing else quite like it." [read the full review]

-- Daniel Starkey

Hacknet - Labyrinths -- 8/10

"The feeling of playing Hacknet in a dark room with headphones on and being absorbed by its engrossing puzzles and soundtrack--full of heavy beats and filthy synth sounds--feels as close as you can get to the Hollywood hacker experience. The puzzles are uniquely challenging without feeling inaccessible, and the Labyrinths expansion takes the formula further by integrating deeper investigations and adding more puzzle variety. Despite the stumbling climax and steady learning curve, Hacknet - Labyrinths is one hell of a ride that leads you down the rabbit hole and back again." [read the full review]

-- James Swinbanks

Orwell -- 8/10

"Orwell is a hard experience to pull back from, even as the dirtiness of your job sinks in. It uses simple mechanics to tell a complex and engaging story, one that feels particularly relevant right now. This is a game where your choices matter and resonate, and which will leave you with plenty to think about once it's over." [read the full review]

-- James O'Connor

World of Warcraft: Legion -- 9/10

"With Legion, it's hard to remember when WoW's narrative and questing were ever this strong before. Time will tell if Blizzard will serve up a healthy dose of new content to keep the expansion and game alive (a la Mists or Lich King) or if it will suffer the fate of Warlords of Draenor, but right now (about a month after the expansion's release) Blizzard has proven it can still craft an MMO experience as well as--if not better--than anyone else." [read the full review]

-- Don Saas

Quadrilateral Cowboy -- 9/10

"Quadrilateral Cowboy succeeds in astonishing ways: It makes you feel like an incredibly accomplished computer hacker and agent of espionage. It creates an eccentric, thorough world that feels good to exist in and creates characters you can empathise with, despite the lack of a clear plot thread. Quadrilateral Cowboy presents you with a spectrum of moments, and each moment makes you feel great." [read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer

Total War: Warhammer -- 9/10

"When you're in the middle of a siege and you're coordinating an assault with a friend, Total War: Warhammer approaches perfection. You'll be tested on all fronts and asked to manage complex battles with broad, nuanced outcomes. Every system and piece feeds into others, and your choices make all the difference. It's a triumph of real-time strategy design, and the best the Total War series has ever been." [read the full review]

-- Daniel Starkey

Offworld Trading Company -- 9/10

"It's a bit chilling to think that in Offworld you're playing out the same obsessive pursuit of capitalism that led to the fall of its finctional Earth--an event hinted at in tutorial dialogue--yet it's so recklessly entertaining and biting with its satire that I couldn't help but get lost. When combined with truly deep and intricate strategic options, Offworld is a revelation. It's almost unparalleled in the genre. Each and every game is thrilling. Every moment is a challenge. And the brutality of the free market ensures that you can never rest on your laurels, less you be quashed by the invisible hand." [read the full review]

-- Daniel Starkey

Devil Daggers -- 8/10

"Most of the time, Devil Daggers finds elegance in its simplicity. By stripping the pomp of many modern shooters, it reveals the complexity beneath, molding the fundamentals into something exhilarating, something always worth one more try." [read the full review]

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak -- 9/10

"Homeworld was always about loneliness. It was always about clarity and focus. Kharak isn't new in that regard, but it is special. It shows us that when you get things right--and excel--that formula isn't easy to exhaust. Kharak does its part to add to that, though. Its use of voice acting and efficient visuals is a brilliant addition that's far from superficial. It helps narrow the scope of what you need to manage, so that it can load you up with as much as your brain can handle. It's a fast, daunting experience that's tough to shake, making Kharak as intoxicating as Homeworld has ever been." [read the full review]

-- Daniel Starkey

That Dragon, Cancer -- 9/10

"It's virtually impossible to not bring one's own biases into That Dragon, Cancer, because death and disease are universal. Just as it's impossible to quantify whether the exploration of those two heavy topics is worth the time and considerable emotional energy, it's impossible to truly quantify the immeasurable value of being able to not just forever present the best version of a person to the world, but being able to earn his presence in every way his parents did." [read the full review]

-- Justin Clark

The Beginner's Guide -- 8/10

"The Beginner's Guide is an absorbing journey into the thoughts and processes involved during the creation of a video game. It succeeds in helping you understand and sympathize with game developers as artists and people. It equips you with important tools to perceive and think about both video games and other mediums in intelligent ways. It's a game that lives up to its namesake--it's the beginner's guide to the meaning of video games." [read the full review]

-- Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer

Her Story -- 8/10

"We have an intimate level of knowledge about this woman in the wake of her own personal tragedy, and the strength of Her Story as a narrative experience is that even as the right clips put the truth in sharp relief, your ability to uncover it is both satisfying and horrifying. This feat of intelligence and insight sticks with you long after the credits roll." [read the full review]

-- Justin Clark

Interloper -- 8/10

"Interloper distills the core elements of every good RTS and adds a little extra to put it over the top. No matter if you love or loathe traditional real-time strategy, the deep tactics and puzzle solving crammed into a nicely condensed package here come highly recommended." [read the full review]

-- Brett Todd

The Stanley Parable -- 9/10

"The Stanley Parable is both a richly stimulating commentary on the nature of choice in games (and in other systems, too, like our workplaces and our families) and a game that offers some of the most enjoyable, surprising, and rewarding choices I've ever been confronted with in a game. Going the wrong way has never felt so right." [read the full review]

-- Carolyn Petit

Arma 3 -- 8/10

"ARMA III is a game with few modern counterparts. The influence of Operation Flashpoint isn't felt in many current games, even the modern OF, leaving the ARMA series to lead a charge accompanied by Red Orchestra, Iron Front, and too few others. With that uniqueness comes a dedicated community willing to overlook the flaws because they crave a kind of tension and large-scale teamwork unavailable anywhere else. You should consider joining that crowd. ARMA III is a beast. It occasionally flails and moans, but once you learn how to balance yourself upon it, it gives you a marvelous, turbulent, and memorable ride." [read the full review]

-- Kevin VanOrd

Dota 2 -- 9/10

"The original Dota was an unexpectedly powerful blend of clashing genres and disparate elements that ended up taking over the world, and Valve's successor retains the original rules and characters while adding in a cheery free-to-play model and slick production values. The experience of playing Dota changes day by day--some evenings will be exhilarating, while others will kick your morale to the curb--but there are few games as worthy of your time investment as this. Those who choose to commit to Dota 2 will find many happy hours within this immaculate update." [read the full review]

-- Martin Gaston

Antichamber -- 8.5/10

"There are moments in Antichamber that remain with you long after you've uncovered your last clue and solved your last puzzle. What has been created within its barren walls is supremely intelligent and wildly inventive, and Antichamber doesn't give up its ideals for the sake of accessibility. The few spells of frustration are fleeting and never compromise Antichamber's powerful achievements in design and style. 'Every journey is a series of choices,' you're told at the beginning of your adventure. You should choose to begin yours in Antichamber: it really is quite unlike anything else." [read the full review]

-- Mark Walton

Best Xbox One Games Right Now (September 2018 Update)

By Kallie Plagge on Sep 25, 2018 02:05 am

Best of the Best

Xbox One launched over four years ago, which means over four years of games! As such, it can be hard to decide what to play. From exclusives to the top multi-platform games to indies, there's a lot to choose from--and even though people joke that the Xbox One has no games, that's just not true!

We've picked out the best Xbox One games so far. This includes many of the games that received an 8 or higher on GameSpot, and we've prioritized games that were nominated for our Best Xbox One Game list in the years those games released. It also includes Assassin's Creed: Origins, which was one of GameSpot's top Xbox One games of 2017 due to its performance on the Xbox One X.

While there are plenty of new games, we haven't included the hundreds of backwards compatible games on Xbox One, which includes many original Xbox and Xbox 360 favorites. Xbox also has a subscription service called which lets you download and play a selection of over 100 games that varies slightly from month to month.

For more Xbox One games, see our roundups of the best cheap games on Xbox One, and make sure to check out our gallery of the Xbox One exclusive games confirmed for 2018 as well as the biggest Xbox One games of 2018 for everything coming to the console.

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice -- 8/10

-- Alessandro Fillari, Editor

Valkyria Chronicles 4 -- 8/10

-- Edmond Tran

Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition -- 10/10

-- Brett Todd

PES 2019 -- 9/10

-- Richard Wakeling

Dead Cells -- 9/10

-- Daniel Starkey

Far Cry 5 -- 9/10

-- Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer

Monster Hunter: World -- 8/10

-- Ginny Woo

Celeste -- 9/10

-- Oscar Dayus, Staff Writer

What Remains of Edith Finch -- 9/10

-- Justin Clark

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus -- 9/10

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Sonic Mania -- 9/10

-- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor

Cuphead -- 8/10

"Everything you've heard about Cuphead is true. It is a difficult side-scrolling shooter with relentless boss battles that demand rapid-fire actions and reactions. Think for too long, and you won't stand a chance against the game's toughest enemies. Battles may only last three minutes at most, but they feel far longer when you know that you can only absorb three hits before you have to start from scratch. When you are navigating your way around bullets, smaller enemies, and pitfalls, while simultaneously trying to damage your primary target, toppling Cuphead's imposing bosses is both a monumental and rewarding task." [read the full review]

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Assassin's Creed Origins -- 7/10

"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 full review]

-- Alessandro Fillari, Editor

Stardew Valley -- 9/10

-- Mary Kish

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard -- 8/10

-- Scott Butterworth

Night in the Woods -- 9/10

-- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor

Overwatch -- 9/10

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Battlefield 1 -- 9/10

"EA DICE splendidly interprets the early 20th century as a world in technological transition while humanizing the war's participants through well crafted, albeit fictional, narrative vignettes. Combined with an enthralling multiplayer component, the overall result is the studio's best work since Battlefield: Bad Company 2." [read the full review]

-- Miguel Concepcion

Titanfall 2 -- 9/10

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Dishonored 2 -- 8/10

-- Scott Butterworth

Forza Horizon 3 -- 9/10

"With Forza Horizon 3, Turn 10 and Playground Games affirm the series' status as the driving game for everyone. The new emphasis on off-road options isn't at the expense of traditional races, thanks to the sheer volume of activities. All the while, Playground Games' calculated kitchen-sink design philosophy and rich reward system persistently tempt you to explore beyond your comfort zone, whether it's gifting your first Ariel Nomad buggy or reminding you that stunt races can impress thousands of fans. Enhancing your own brand might feel like a strange motivation to hit the road, but pulling off sick e-drifts on a mile-long series of curves makes the PR work worthwhile." [read the full review]

-- Miguel Concepcion

Inside -- 8/10

-- Alex Newhouse

Dark Souls III -- 8/10

"Dark Souls III is a game of valleys and peaks, down through dungeons and up over castle walls. It's a plummet into places we shouldn't be--an escape from places we don't belong.

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt -- 10/10

-- Kevin VanOrd

Halo 5: Guardians -- 8/10

"Halo 5: Guardians is fueled by new ideas and propelled by some of the boldest changes to this storied franchise yet. Some of these changes fail, but others succeed, and although Halo 5 falters at times, it whisks us through black holes and across war torn tropical islands at a rapid pace. We can only surrender to its velocity." [read the full review]

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Rise of the Tomb Raider -- 9/10

-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer

Ori and the Blind Forest -- 9/10

"It consistently surprises you with new tricks: gravitational divergences, new ways to move through its spaces, and carefully designed levels that require you to think quickly and respond. It is not as snappy as, say, a typical Mario platformer, seeking instead a broader gameplay arc stretching across a single, interconnected world. It's a superb and thematically consistent approach that allows Ori and the Blind Forest to build joy on a bed of heartache, adding a new layer of mechanical complexity with each ray of hope." [read the full review]

-- Kevin VanOrd

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain -- 10/10

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Fallout 4 -- 9/10

-- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor -- 8/10

-- Kevin VanOrd

Dragon Age: Inquisition -- 9/10

-- Kevin VanOrd

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition -- 8/10

"Lara herself is so well crafted that I grew attached to her exploits and was sad to say goodbye when the credits rolled. And the exquisite visual design is so breathtaking that I continually found myself staring at the scenery instead of pushing onward. Tomb Raider is a great reinvention of this enduring franchise that made me eager to see where Lara goes in her future." [read the full review]

-- Tom McShea

Forza Motorsport 5 -- 9/10

"All of this combined makes Forza Motorsport 5 an outstanding improvement to an already excellent racing franchise. It's far more than just a great racing sim, or a gorgeous showcase for the types of feats the Xbox One hardware is capable of. This is a game built on the romantic thrill of motorsport in all its forms, and that love for its subject matter is all but impossible to resist." [read the full review]

-- Shaun McInnis

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag -- 9/10

-- Shaun McInnis

Spider-Man PS4: The 11 Most Intriguing Marvel References And Easter Eggs

By Matt Espineli on Sep 25, 2018 02:03 am

Despite having its own unique interpretation of the web-slinger's established world, Insomniac's Spider-Man is deeply entrenched in Marvel's expansive lore. The game makes reference to several characters and entities from the comics and movies, which includes mentions of the Avengers, Damage Control, Crusher Hogan, and a lot more. If you're an avid comic book reader or even a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you're likely to catch onto these subtle nods and details. But if you're among the many who love the character but may not be familiar with the more obscure facets of his world and those inhabit it, these references might swing over your head.

During our time spent playing the game, we discovered a wealth of references and easter eggs that we'd be remiss not to share. With so many clever details to notice and discover in Spider-Man's bustling world, we've highlighted the most fascinating Easter eggs and Marvel references.

There's a lot of late game story details present in this feature, so if you haven't beaten the game, we recommend you bookmark this page and return once you've cleared the game. If that doesn't bother you, feel free to click ahead.

Spider-Man is out now and it's a fantastic game that exudes passion for the character at every turn. For our full thoughts on the game, be sure to read our review. You can also check out our guides detailing all the tips we wish we knew before starting the game, as well as our in-depth skills guide. And if you're loving what you're playing, you're in luck. The game's first DLC expansion is set to launch on October 23.

In the meantime, were there any Spider-Man or Marvel Easter eggs you discovered that you don't see here? Feel free to let us know about them in the comments below.

Famous Landmarks

There's a ton of landmarks in Insomniac's take of Manhattan. Some are real--like Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building--but others not so much. After all, this isn't our Manhattan, it's Marvel's version of the famous real-life burrough. As one of Marvel's central superhero (and supervillain) hubs, there are a ton of iconic locations packed in that Marvel fans will recognize.

The first major one folks will notice is likely the Avengers Tower located in the Upper East Side district, but there's so much more scattered around! You can find the Wakanda Embassy in the Midtown district; Peter will make a comment about King T'challa aka Black Panther, wondering if he was bitten by a radioactive panther in order to get his powers. Dr. Strange's home--the Sanctum Sanctorum--is located exactly where it should be in Greenwich Village. And there's even some deeper, like Damage Control HQ, an organization specializing in cleaning up the wreckage of superhero fights. And The Bar With No Name, which is a hidden speakeasy where supervillains can drink and relax in peace.

Spider-Man is littered with Marvel landmarks. We're only scratching the surface here, so we highly encourage you to explore and see the rest for yourself!

Mr. Phillip Chang

One of the side-missions has you helping out a fella named Phillip Chang, an ESU student who has you looking for his missing classmates. He's a resourceful guy, having developed advanced facial recognition technology that allows him to track down people via their social media feeds. Okay, maybe that sounds a bit creepy, but it helped Spidey save the day.

Anyway, Phillip Chang is actually a character from the comics; though, his origins are much different. Peter attended university with Chang and they were even labmates for a time. He was a pivotal character in a story arc involving a deadly gang known as the Tiger's Claw. In his teenage years, Chang lived a troubled life, becoming involved with an underworld organization in China. However, he renounced his ways when the effects of his criminal dealings tragically took the lives of his parents. Chang then moved to the U.S., attending college at ESU where he met Peter Parker. But this peace was soon disturbed by the Tiger's Claw, who noticed Chang's impressive fighting ability and wished to make him their leader. Of course, Chang was reluctant and refused, but this triggered a series of events that ended with Spider-Man saving Chang from the clutches of the Tiger's Claw.

Otto's AIM Contract

After losing their support from the grant committee and having all their resources revoked from them by Norman Osborn, Otto calls in some favors and takes on a few grants in order to fund his research. One of the funding partners should be instantly recognizable to Marvel fans. If you examine some of the new equipment in the lab, you'll discover paperwork detailing a grant from A.I.M. aka Advanced Idea Mechanics. Peter remarks that their reputation is a tad shady, which is a bit of an understatement if we're talking about the very same organization from the comics.

A.I.M. is a privately funded organization of terrorist arms dealers and scientists whose sole mission is to overthrow the governments of the world through the use of technology and scientific advancement. Their list of clientele and allies includes big-name supervillains, like Red Skull, Hydra, General Thunderbolt Ross, and the Serpent Society--which is an enterprise of criminals and mercenaries dressed as snakes. So yeah, pretty shady.

The Taskmaster

About halfway through the game you'll run into a shadowy figure who challenges you to complete some difficult tasks involving beating/sneaking up on goons, disarming bombs, and chasing drones. This menacing foe is none other than Taskmaster, a supervillain who battles Spider-Man every once in a while in the comics. Though, he has also made appearances in the comics of The Avengers, Deadpool, Daredevil, and more. Fighting game fans will likely recognize this skull-faced mercenary, as he was featured several years ago in the roster of Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

As you complete Taskmaster's challenges, you'll start to learn that he has what's called "photographic reflexes," which allows him to duplicate almost any physical activity he sees by simply seeing it performed once. It's literally the reason why he's setup these challenges throughout Manhattan; he wants to take you down by learning your every move. What a creep!

Screwball

In the side-mission, Internet Famous, you get wrapped up in an internet challenge that takes a turn for the worse. After scanning a QR code, you're forced to complete combat and puzzle trials under a strict time limit in order to reveal the location of a kidnapping victim. The individual forcing you to do all this is a social media personality known as Screwball, who is only trying to take advantage of your involvement with the challenge to wrack up more subscribers.

Screwball definitely has some screws loose, that's for sure. Her whole shtick is the same in the comics, committing crimes while a camera crew films her and then uploading the footage on YouTube to earn money. She makes it a point to get Spider-Man in the footage, as she acknowledges that her internet hits are even better with him around. It's worth noting that Screwball was first introduced in 2008 right around the early years of YouTube; her antics are more relevant now than ever before.

Spider-Man 2 Reference

During the latter half of the game, Spider-Man needs to make a quick save in order to stop a speeding subway train after dispatching Mr. Negative. His first attempt should be a familiar one to Spider-Man fans, as it's the same method that he used to save a subway train in Spider-Man 2. The game makes a very clear nod to this, even going as far as to having Spider-Man say "That totally worked the first time!" when it inevitably fails. Nice one, Insomniac, we see watchu doin'.

Backpack Collectibles

The game's 55 backpacks are more than just mindless collectibles you grab to upgrade Spider-Man's abilities. They each represent and inform a little about Peter Parker's life and history as a superhero. For example, you can find the last pair of glasses Peter used before he got his powers and even his Mk I web shooters! But there's a lot of other fascinating references and tidbits in-between, like a business card for Daredevil's law practice, and vials containing the blood of The Lizard and the sand of..well, Sandman--both are iconic supervillains from the comics.

There's even a lovely nod to the past with the Arm Web collectible, which Peter comments he tried to use to glide short distances, but never worked. This Arm Web is an iconic aspect of Spider-Man's early designs in the comic books by artist Steve Ditko, who often drew the character with these underarm webs for aesthetic purposes.

The references don't stop at characters and in-universe lore, though. There's a pin for the Spidey Squad, a real-life Spider-Man fan club. Peter acknowledges their presence in-game as his one and only fan club who always supports him when J. Jonah Jameson attempts to attack his reputation.

The backpack collectibles are rich with narrative details that reference both Spider-Man and Marvel history. Don't hesitate to grab them in your travels!

Yuri Watanabe's Potential Secret

Yuri Watanabe is one of your closest allies in the game. As you'd expect, she exists in the comics, but she has a much more fascinating alter ego that's not yet confirmed to exist in this game's universe. In a similar vein, Yuri is an NYPD captain and ally of Spider-Man, but at night she acts as a ghostly vigilante known as the Wraith. She's technically the fourth person to take on the mantle of Wraith, but we won't go too hard on the specifics of the history of that. What matters is that there exists a possibility that this version of Yuri could very well become the Wraith. But will it happen? Time will tell.

The Black Cat

As you'll gather, the stakeout side activity centers around a thief named Black Cat, who is alluded to have quite the history with Spider-Man. In the comics, Black-Cat is a major character. She started out as a supervillain to Spider-Man, but this ended when the two eventually fell in love. Acting as on-again, off-again romantic partners, the couple worked together on several occasions to fight crime. However, the relationship inevitably ended when Black Cat eventually fell back into her thieving ways.

Black Cat is considered one of Spider-Man's most trusted allies. However, at this point in the game's universe, she appears to be going through that same lapse she experienced in the comics. Though, were they romantic partners in this universe? That much remains unsaid. We imagine these stakeouts are a teaser for the upcoming Spider-Man DLC, titled The Heist, where Black Cat is to be prominently featured.

Dr. Morgan Michaels

In your quest to stop the "Devil's Breath" attack, you meet an Oscorp biochemist by the name of Dr. Morgan Michaels. Aside from showing remorse for his actions, you don't get much more out of him. However, this scientist is a lot more in the Marvel universe. In the comics, Michaels is better known as Morbius the Living Vampire. That's right, a vampire.

A brilliant scientist, Michaels suffered from a rare blood disease, which he attempted to solve with an experimental treatment involving vampire bats and electroshocks. Of course, this didn't work out, instead instilling in him a thirst for blood and an intense aversion to sunlight. The resulting shift in his physiology rendered him into an unstable creature of the night. He would go on to fight Spider-Man a few times, but would ultimately become an anti-hero who preys on the blood of criminals.

Those Spider-Suits!

You unlock a multitude of suits as you progress through the story. A few of them are canonical to the story, but the others are all based on Spider-Man suits from the comics and movies. Some standouts include the Stark Suit from Spider-Man: Homecoming; the Scarlet Spider suit from the infamous Clone Saga arc; and the Spirit Spider suit, which is based on an alternate-universe version of Spider-Man who returns from the dead with supernatural abilities. For the full rundown on where each Spider-Man is from, check out our feature highlighting each one and their background.

Spider-Man PS4: Every Suit You Can Get And Their Comic Book Origins

By Array on Sep 25, 2018 02:01 am

Classic Suit (Damaged)

Spider-Man on PS4 has finally arrived and the word is in: the game is practically every bit the superhero simulator we were hoping for. Insomniac Games nailed the traversal, which effectively means that every moment in the game makes you feel like Spider-Man. The dramatic camera angles, the sense of speed, and the characterization of Spidey are easy qualities to love.

The sheer number of unlockables also ensures that you're never far away from a new look or skill to add to your Spider-Man fantasy. In this feature, we are going to take a look at every suit that you can earn while leveling up and completing challenges, as well their relevant reference points and suit powers.

If you're still early in the game, beware: you will be spoiled if you continue through the gallery. That said, you can also check out our beginner guides for the game, including a look at the best skills to prioritize in your unlock tree, and useful tips to keep in mind as you start off. But if you're here for suits and have no interest in our advice, read on.

The first suit we're going to look at is the one you wear at the start of the game, the classic Spider-Man suit, although it's quickly in need of repairs after the opening missions. This kicks off the beginning of a series of upgrades, all thanks to your unlikely patron, Otto Octavius.

Advanced Suit

The Advanced Suit is the first new suit that you unlock, and was designed exclusively for the game by Insomniac. Its suit power, Battle Focus, allows you to generate a charge that can be used to either heal yourself or use powerful finishing moves.

Classic Suit (Repaired)

Once you get your Classic Suit back, it comes with the suit power, Web Blossom. Trigger it to watch Spider-Man leap in the air and spray webbing on almost everything in his immediate surroundings.

Noir Suit

This suit, inspired by 2009's Spider-Man Noir comic-book run, looks cool and grants you an effective suit power. With Sound of Silence activated, enemies that become alerted to your presence will refrain from calling backup.

Scarlet Spider Suit

The origins of this particular suit are a bit unusual. It's the suit of Ben Reilly--a mysterious clone of Peter Parker--who at one point fought crime in Manhattan alongside Spider-Man during the events of infamous comic book arc, The Clone Saga. Its suit power, Holo Decoy, spawns figments of Spider-Man as he moves for a short period of time, and enemies that attack them will wind up stunned as a result.

Spider Armor MK II

This black and yellow suit was designed back in 2011 to help protect Spider-Man from gunfire, and that's exactly what it does when you activate the Bullet Proof suit power.

Secret War Suit

This suit is in reference to the 2004 Secret War comics, and its suit power is one of the most effective in the game. Trigger the Arms Race power to emit an EMP blast that stuns every enemy within a short range, freeing yourself from a swarm of bad guys and opening them up to attack.

Stark Suit

This suit made its debut in the 2016 Captain America: Civil War film and has since appeared in subsequent Marvel films: Spider-Man: Homecoming and Avengers: Infinity War. Its suit power is the Spider-Bro, a mechanical friend that can zap enemies during combat to make them drop their guard.

Negative Suit

The Negative Suit is designed to mimic the game's major villain, Mr. Negative. In addition to its unusual look, its suit power emits a devastating shockwave of negative energy.

Electrically Insulated Suit

This lightly padded suit debuted in issue #425 of The Amazing Spider-Man in 1997 when Spider-Man and the X-Men fought Electro. Activating its Electric Punch suit power charges your fists with electricity and lets you stun enemies on impact.

Spider-Punk Suit

Rock Out to blast enemies with a wave of "righteous sound" with the Spider-Punk's suit power, or simply enjoy his unorthodox superhero costume. Spider-Punk first appeared in comics in 2015, and is the alter ego of an alternate-universe version Hobie Brown aka The Prowler.

Wrestler Suit

Throwing enemies into other enemies is one of the great joys during combat in Spider-Man, and the King of the Ring suit power granted to you by the Wrestler Suit allows you to snag bad guys without having to web them up first. It seems to be the game's version of the wrestling gear Spider-Man wore on the night Uncle Ben was murdered.

Fear Itself Suit

If you just want to punch villains really hard and not bother with a lot of footwork during a fight, using the Fear Itself's suit power, Quad Damage, is the way to go.

The suit itself is based on Spider-Man's appearance from the Marvel crossover Fear Itself, which ran in 2011. The outfit has Spider-Man sporting bracelets made from Asgardian uru, the same magical metal used to create Thor's hammer.

Stealth ("Big Time") Suit

This black and green suit gives you a power that, when activated, makes you invisible to non-alerted enemies. This is a popular suit that's appeared in a lot of games since its comic debut in 2010.

In the comics, Peter developed the suit using new technology he created from his job at Horizon Labs. It's closely associated by fans with the "Big Time" storylines.

Spider Armor Mk III

If you recall what the previous Spider Armor Mk model did, then it makes perfect sense that this suit takes bullet proofing one step further. Though it won't work for sniper fire, every other incoming bullet will bounce right off of this suit and fire back at the shooter when you activate the Titanium Alloy Plates suit power.

In the comics, the Spider Armor Mk III was developed by Peter as a last resort suit to combat the Sinister Six. How fitting given its power and armored appearance.

Spider-Man 2099 Black

Spider-Man 2099 was a popular 1992 comic series that jumped ahead in time and presented a new hero behind the mask, Miguel O'Hara. The Low Gravity suit power associated with it increases your hang-time while activated.

Iron Spider Suit

The Iron Spider suits is one of the coolest in the game. It looks awesome, and comes with a suit power that causes metallic arms to rise from Spider-Man's back and attack nearby enemies. Though the original Iron Spider suit debuted back in 2006, this version was popularized in Avengers: Infinity War.

Velocity Suit

If you have a need for speed, this Velocity Suit's power Blitz will make you spring away from danger faster in combat, and send enemies flying farther than usual based on your momentum. The suit was designed specifically for the game by artist Adi Granov, who is known more famously for his art in the classic Iron Man: Extremis storyline.

Spider Armor Mk IV

This Spider Armor Mk series returns to a sleeker look for the fourth model. Its suit power can generate a temporary forcefield that protects you from all incoming damage. In the comics, the suit was created by Peter for his friend, Hobie Brown, to use in order to impersonate him. There's more to that story, but we'll spare you the details. Comics amirite?

Spirit Spider Suit

And now for something completely different. This out-there suit is based on a 2011 comic that more or less resulted in Peter Parker becoming infused with the power of the damned. This manifests itself when you use the Spirit Fire suit power, which sets enemies ablaze with mysterious blue flames.

Spider-Man 2099 White Suit

The alternate Spider-Man 2099 suit has a very useful suit power, Concussive Blast, that can send enemies flying off of buildings, making them easy one-hit-kill targets. The suit itself is the second one that O'Hara wears and it was designed by Peter during the All-New, All-Different Spider-Man arc.

Vintage Comic Book Suit

This understated suit is still rather impressive given how its rendered with a cel-shaded visual style that makes it pop. As an homage to its roots in classic Spider-Man comics, its suit power causes Spider-Man to release a series of bad jokes and one-liners that are so cringeworthy that they effectively stun nearby enemies.

Last Stand Suit

This leather-clad suit comes late in the game, which is probably for the better given how impactful its suit power can be. Using Unrelenting Fury prevents enemies, even those with shields, from blocking your attacks. This suit is a reference to a short-lived look at an alternate-future Peter Parker that appeared in 2003.

Undies

More Peter Parker than Spider-Man, swinging and kicking around in your underwear is a thing you can do if you need a laugh, but the suit power you get when you unlock this suit is no laughing matter: activate Equalizer to take out enemies with a single blow, but watch out as this punishing rule will also apply to you. Tread lightly, true believer.

Homemade Suit

This kitchy suit comes from Spider-Man: Homecoming and it can be yours if you take the time to find the 55 backpacks scattered across the map. Without a suit power, this one is more for the entertainment value of seeing Spider-Man in a funny outfit that it is a useful addition to your repertoire.

ESU Suit

Completing all of the photography challenges in Spider-Man will net you this collegiate outfit so you can proudly rep Peter Parker's alma mater--its unofficial suit power. You unlock it by nabbing all of the secret photos.

Anti-Ock Suit

This great-looking suit is unique to the game, and offers the very helpful Resupply suit power, which can be used to refill your gadgets when activated.

Dark Suit

The Dark Suit is earned after you complete all of the Black Cat activities in the game, and is a striking red-and-black suit with looks that make up for its lack of a suit power.

First-Person Red Dead Redemption 2, Horse Drifting, Gun Customization, And All The New Features

By Edmond Tran on Sep 25, 2018 01:58 am

Red Dead Redemption 2: All The New Features

A number of GameSpot staff members recently were able to play a near-final build of Red Dead Redemption 2, which releases in about a month's time (October 26) on PS4 and Xbox One. Despite some initial familiarity as a Rockstar game, we discovered a wealth of new features and systems once we scratched the surface. There are a lot of mechanics to tell you about, a lot of stuff that we haven't seen the full scope of, and potentially a lot of things we haven't even seen yet. And that's without diving into Red Dead Online, which largely remains a mystery and won't launch until November (and even then, only as a beta).

But we're excited to share all the things we discovered in our time with this highly anticipated open-world Western, so we've compiled all the things we noticed in this handy gallery. You'll learn more about the nitty-gritty details about towns, your horse, your weapons, customization, Arthur himself, and more.

We'll continue to update it as we uncover the breadth of Red Dead Redemption 2's systems. Please note that due to the limited amount of available media, not all images will be completely representative of the features they're depicting.

If you haven't already seen our primary Red Dead Redemption 2 preview covering the story missions we saw, make sure you read: Red Dead Redemption 2: We Played It, Here's Everything We Saw.

What do you think of all these new additions? Lets us know in the comments below, and check out all of our coverage through the following links.

Red Dead Redemption 2 News And Details

You Can Play The Whole Game In First Person

The entirety of Red Dead Redemption 2 can be played in first-person, much like Grand Theft Auto V when it was released on PS4, Xbox One, and later, PC.

Like GTA V, this feels like a much more involved first-person experience than a conventional FPS because your actions feel more weighty, and animations are more confronting. We were trampled by a horse at one point, and it felt awful.

You Can Disable The HUD

The HUD is minimal by default, only showing the mini-map in the bottom left corner, with meters fading in as it becomes necessary. An expanded HUD option shows you a larger minimap, but there's also the option to turn everything off, as well as an option to only have a compass on the screen.

Cinematic Camera Has A New Implementation

If you're familiar with Rockstar open-world games, then you're probably familiar with the cinematic camera mode, which can be triggered while you're driving and activates when you're fast-traveling in a cab.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the cinematic camera will now automatically trigger in certain instances, like the long journey to a mission location, and will frame the journey with a montage of shots that emphasize the landscape and traveling group.

You can break out of it at any time, but it's a nice touch, an enjoyable filmic framing of what might have otherwise been a standard journey. As long as you hold X on PS4 or A on Xbox One to keep pace with the pack (like RDR1), you can just sit back and enjoy the naturally-flowing conversation and scenery.

This feature can also be triggered manually during gameplay.

You Can Inspect Everything

We spent a lot of time in town exploring stores, where items could be examined and purchased off the shelf individually, or via a catalog at the front counter.

Switching to first person, you can make Arthur manipulate the object in his hands as he takes a close look at it. This is also how you'll interact with environmental narrative objects like notes and photographs.

You can also inspect your weapons, which is great for appreciating any customizations you've made to them.

There Are A Variety of Business, Activities, and Secret Stores

We spent time in town browsing the gunsmith and general store, sitting down for a bowl of oatmeal and playing some Five Finger Fillet. Rockstar told us that some stores would have more illicit secret businesses in back rooms.

Your Weapons Are Visible On Your Person

Drawing on learnings from Max Payne 3, all of the weapons Arthur carries will be visible on his body. You'll be limited to carrying two long guns (or one long gun and one bow), two sidearms, a knife, a lasso, and a bunch of throwables.

When we switched weapons in the demo, Arthur would carry his rifle in his left hand while he used his pistol in the other.

There's A Kill Cam That Changes Depending On Your Honor

Visible weapons aren't the only Max Payne 3 DNA in the game--when you take out the final opponent during a gunfight, a kill cam will frame that final blow.

This will change depending on Arthur's moral standing: If you've been a naughty cowboy, these kill cams will be gorier. If you've been upstanding and honorable, they'll be framed in a more heroic fashion.

You Can Break Enemy Weapons

Speaking of heroic behavior, if you want to go the more non-lethal route, it's possible to shoot weapons out of enemy hands. Not only that, but you can even shoot directly at their weapons and break them. This seems like a handy technique if you're looking to be an outlaw with a heart of gold as opposed to a straight-up cold-blooded killer.

Dead Eye Has Five Levels Now

Red Dead Redemption's version of bullet time-style slowdown returns in the sequel, and it has more levels to it. We were able to deduce that Level 1 allows for slowdown, Level 2 allows you to paint targets and unleash a barrage of shots, and Level 3 allows you to manually pick your shooting points.

However, Rockstar also mentioned that you had the ability to highlight critical hit points with higher levels, which will come in very handy for making clean kills when hunting animals.

You Can Customise Your Guns

In Red Dead Redemption 2, you're able to examine environmental objects in great detail, and you can do the same to your weapons, by clicking the right analog stick from the weapon wheel. That's handy because it lets you admire the customizations you can perform on them at gunsmiths, like personalized engravings and leather wraps.

You Can Craft Weapons

Aside from gun customization, you can craft special kinds of weapons and ammo. For example, you can craft molotovs and split-point bullets. This should make the going easier when caught up in firefights.

Your Guns Can Degrade And Jam

You need to take care of your weapon in Red Dead Redemption 2. You have the option to clean it, which is incredibly important to do regularly because guns can rust and jam due to disrepair and environmental conditions. This one's sure to be a controversial feature, if Far Cry 2, which also featured gun jamming, was anything to go by.

You Can Fire Warning Shots

By having your gun unholstered and holding Up on the d-pad, you can fire warning shots into the air. This is handy for intimidating people, scaring off animals, or generally being a rowdy buffoon while you're riding around.

Shooting Is Not Your Only Option, Try Talking

Aiming at people with your gun holstered will give you access to a contextual menu, which lets you chat to people in the world. You'll often find the option to verbally defuse or agitate situations with other inhabitants in the world, and these interactions seemed quite fluid and natural during our short time with the game.

For example, when a carriage rode past us, we had the option to call out to them to stop, greet them in a friendly manner, or antagonize them. We called out to the carriage and were then given the option to hitch a ride among other things, but we took too long to make a decision and the driver rode off. We called out again, and Arthur's dialogue was more unsure and desperate.

The Eyewitness System Returns

The eyewitness system means that nearby onlookers to a crime can report you to lawmen, and like the first Red Dead Redemption, the effect of eyewitnesses can be mitigated if you manage to catch up with them and either kill or bribe them before they report the crime.

In the sequel, however, you have more options. You can speak to them in various temperaments in an attempt to intimidate or convince them not to report you, or you can beat them like a heartless jerk.

Melee Combat Has Been Expanded

We weren't able to get into the mechanical intricacies of this one during our demo, but Rockstar reps mentioned that melee combat had been expanded. We were shown a fistfight where Arthur used grapple moves, blocks, and a variety of different punches to knock out his opponent.

Hunting Is More Realistic, Laborious, And Confronting

The ability to hunt animals and sell their meat and pelts returns, but with a more realistic (and therefore more confronting) presentation.

Once you successfully kill an animal, you can skin it. But where Red Dead Redemption's skinning animation didn't focus on the animal, Red Dead Redemption 2's most certainly does.

You'll see Arthur pull his knife out, get on his hands and knees, plunge his knife into the poor beast, carve the pelt from its flesh, peel it off the body, and roll it up into a bundle. You'll almost certainly wince the first time you see it. Arthur actually carries the pelt now, and he'll need to store it on his horse to free up his hands.

Similarly, to get the meat off a hunted animal, you'll manually have to pick up the bloodied carcass and carry it to a butcher. We had to load a hunted deer on our horse and ride it into the nearest town, where we had the option of getting it chopped up into cookable components or simply selling it whole.

Time Is Cruel

Rockstar reps wanted us to know that these meat components had an expiration date--time would eventually take its toll and both the fresh pelt and carcass would start to rot and attract vermin, reducing its value and making us generally unpleasant to be around.

Time To Shave

Time also has an effect on Arthur's hair, which will grow longer over time. Customizing Arthur's haircut and facial hair styling is also dependent on length since you're allowed to cut things shorter, but won't have access to anything that requires more hair--a more realistic take on personal grooming compared to GTA V.

Time To Open

Time will also affect towns over the course of the game. While exploring, we noticed a half-constructed building and were told that these would eventually become new storefronts as days passed.

Stay Clean

NPCs will certainly react to the stink of your rotting deer corpse if you've been around it too long, or just haven't taken a bath in a while. Arthur needs to get clean and change his clothes every once in a while, since townsfolk may refuse to talk or serve him based on his appearance--having a lot of blood on your jacket doesn't attract the best reactions.

You Can Layer Your Clothes

Rockstar reps explained that the game's clothing customization options will be comprehensive--each character will have different sets to coincide with weather conditions, while customizations would allow layering and minor adjustments, like the option to roll up your sleeves or tuck your pants into your boots.

It's unclear whether outfits will have perks like RDR1, but we know that the type of clothes you wear will affect Arthur's performance. For example, if you wear a weighty jacket during a hot summer day, your running stamina will take a big hit.

You Get A Camera. Yes, You Can Take Selfies

We started a side quest during our time with Red Dead Redemption 2, and the mission giver handed Arthur a camera. This camera could be used at any time via your inventory, and yes, the first thing we did was take a selfie.

These aren't arm-out handheld selfies, though. The mode is titled "self-portrait" and will frame Arthur's whole body as if the camera was set up on a tripod. You'll be able to adjust expressions and poses, too--expect to see a whole bunch of self-portraits depicting Arthur squatting in front of various things.

You Need To Eat

Arthur's core meters are health, stamina, and dead eye, and you'll need to keep him fed with snacks and meals to keep his well-being topped up. If your health or stamina falls below a certain level, Arthur will experience dizziness--he'll have trouble walking, and his vision will be blurry.

Arthur can carry snacks on him for a quick boost, but eating meals in town areas and in camp are more effective.

You Can Gain And Lose Weight

Sure, you need to eat. But don't overdo it! Arthur can both lose and gain weight, much like Carl Johnson in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Presumably, you'll also lose weight by performing strenuous physical activities like sprinting.

Get Better By Doing

In our demo, we noticed that stamina limit could be raised by running. This suggests a similar progression system to previous Rockstar Games where your skill with something increases the more you perform that action.

Horses Are Complex Creatures

Your horse will have its own set of health and stamina meters, and like Arthur, you'll need to keep it fed as well. You'll also need to keep it clean and brushed, since it can become less effective, and you can pet your horse, which acts as a mechanism to calm it down after it's been spooked.

We were told that bonding with your horse by caring for it and riding it regularly can unlock additional skills and improve responsiveness. During our hands-on, we were able to rear our horse on its hind legs, perform drifts to change direction quickly (apologies to equestrian enthusiasts), and move our horse precisely by performing dressage techniques.

You can bond with multiple horses and stable them in different locations around the world, as different breeds will be better suited to certain situations. A Clydesdale warhorse, for example, would be more suitable in a battle than the Tennessee walking horse, which is more of an all-rounder.

And yes, they poop.

Your Horse's Saddlebags Hold Everything

Because Arthur can only carry a limited amount of weapons, your horse also acts as your storage. Being in close proximity to your horse will give you access to your entire arsenal, but you'll need to transfer guns onto your person if you decide to stray.

You can move your horse without mounting it, thankfully, by grabbing the reins and leading it on foot. This gamut of horse interactions is accessed by Red Dead Redemption 2's new contextual menu, by holding L2 with your gun holstered and aiming at your horse.

Also, you can also rob other people's saddlebags. Just make sure no-one is watching.

Side Missions Are Potentially More Involved

The aforementioned side quest was a multi-part mission that we weren't allowed the time to pursue. In it, a biographer fed up with his drunken subject asked Arthur to track down a number of famed gunslingers to ask them about who was the best, with the strong insinuation that we would have to duel them ourselves.

We were handed a number of photographs of the targets, each with some handwritten notes on the back. Physically analyzing these notes and photographs was likely the key to narrowing down our search, reminiscent of the Treasure Maps from the first Red Dead Redemption.

Camps Are Complex And Affected By Time

Your camp will not wait for you. We were told that the members of your gang who reside at camp will come and go, and finding out where exactly they've gone from others will be the basis of a number of quests and side quests.

We found that the day and night cycle will also affect who you're able to interact with at camp. For example, we looked for our gang's cook to try and fix up some of the deer we had prepared earlier, but he was sleeping, and though we prodded him awake, we didn't feel mean enough to make him cook.

The stockpiling of supplies like these is just one of the ways you can affect camp morale. We're told camp morale is an optional mechanic, but keeping this raised can provide Arthur with additional supplies and bonuses.

Gang Members Can Join You In Free-Roam

Rockstar told us that if available, gang members will offer to join you on free-roam activities, giving you access to the same kind of assistance saw in the story missions, like asking them to go ahead and take out an enemy.

You can also spend time talking to gang members at camp, including Read Dead 1 protagonist John Martson, and even butt into conversations midway to add your two cents. Unfortunately, due to the time of day in our demo, we didn't have many of these opportunities to explore.

You Can Swim

Unlike John Marston, it's possible for Arthur to swim. Though, it's worth noting that he isn't all that great at it.

You Have An Instinct Vision Called Eagle Eye

When you're tracking and hunting animals, you can activate what's called the Eagle Eye system. This displays key details in the environment that can help you close in on nearby game. It can also be used to see the scent coming off your body; a handy detail you can use to determine whether or not you should approach animals who might catch onto your presence.

You Can Swap Your Hat

Last, but certainly not least, we noted that while you can easily lose your hat in the midst of a shootout, Arthur can swap his hat for any other hat that just happened to fall off someone else's head by no doing of your own.

Because at the end of the day, if you can't wear the hat you want, what is the point of even playing?

We'll continue to update this gallery as we discover more things about Red Dead Redemption 2. If you haven't already seen our primary Red Dead Redemption 2 preview covering the story missions we saw, make sure you read Red Dead Redemption 2: We Played It, Here's Everything We Saw.

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Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Images from GameSpot - Galleries On 09/26/2018

GameSpot - Galleries

Every Venom Appearance In Video Games

The Amazing Spider-Man (1990)

The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin (1990)

Spider-Man: The Video Game (1991)

Spider-Man & Venom: Maximum Carnage (1994)

Spider-Man (1995)

Venom/Spider-Man: Separation Anxiety (1995)

Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of the Superheroes (1998)

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000)

Spider-Man (2000)

Ultimate Spider-Man (2005)

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects (2005)

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (2006)

Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (2007)

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Spider-Man: Web of Shadows (2009)

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (2009)

Marvel Super Hero Squad Online (2011)

Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth (2012)

Lego Marvel Superheroes (2013)

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2014)

Lego Marvel Superheroes 2 (2017)

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (2017)

Biggest New Movie Releases In Theaters, On Netflix, And On Demand This Week

Night School

Hellfest

The Old Men and the Gun

A Wrinkle in Time

Hold the Dark

Skyscraper

Gotti

Solo: A Star Wars Story

The Best Cosplay From Tokyo Game Show 2018

The Best Cosplay From Tokyo Game Show 2018

Zelda - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Kain - Final Fantasy IV

The Hunter - Bloodborne

Ulala - Space Channel 5

Faust - Guilty Gear

Chun Li - Street Fighter

Inkling Girl - Splatoon

Old Revolver Ocelot, Big Boss, Young Revolver Ocelot - Metal Gear Solid series

Cayde-6 - Destiny 2

Blood Stalk - Kamen Rider Build

9S, 2B, and Anemone - Nier Automata

Sora and Riku - Kingdom Hearts

Big Boss - Metal Gear Solid series

Eric - Dragon Quest XI, Alena - DQ IV, Hero - DQ XI, and Jade - DQ XI

Prompto and Noctis - Final Fantasy XV

Tidus and Yuna - Final Fantasy X

Cloud and Aerith - Final Fantasy VII

Tifa - Final Fantasy VII

Sephiroth - Final Fantasy VII

Biggest Games At Tokyo Game Show 2018: Kingdom Hearts 3, Death Stranding, More

Show us your games, Tokyo!

Ace Combat 7 - PS4, Xbox One, PC

Catherine Full Body - PS4/Vita

Days Gone - PS4

Dead Or Alive 6 - PS4, Xbox One

Death Stranding - PS4

Deracine - PSVR

Devil May Cry 5 - PS4, Xbox One, PC

Dragon Quest Builders 2 - PS4, Switch

Dragon Marked For Death - Switch

Everybody's Golf VR - PSVR

Fortnite

Ghost of Tsushima - PS4

Judge Eyes - PS4

Kingdom Hearts 3 - PS4, Xbox One

Mega Man 11 - PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Ninjala - Switch

Persona Q2: Full Cinema Labyrinth - 3DS

Resident Evil 2 Remake - PS4, Xbox One, PC

Tetris Effect - PS4/PSVR