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Updates from GameSpot - Galleries GameSpot Image Galleries In the 09/30/2018 edition: 13 NES Games We Want To See On Nintendo Switch Online The Biggest Movies To Watch In 2018 Best New Games To Play (September 2018 Update) The Best PS4 Games Right Now (September 2018 Update) Destiny 2 Forsaken Exotics: Malfeasance And All New Exotic Armor / Weapons So Far 16 Fall 2018 Movies That You Shouldn't Miss It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia: The 13 Best Episodes Dark Phoenix Trailer Breakdown: The Latest X-Men Movie Is Intense Transformers Card Game: How To Play, Contents, And Price All Fortnite Season 6 Battle Pass Cosmetics: New Skins (Including Dire Werewolf), Sprays, Emotes, And More New Riverdale Season 3, Episode 2 Photos: Jughead And Betty On The Prowl PlayStation Classic: The 14 PS1 Games We Want On The Mini Console 13 NES Games We Want To See On Nintendo Switch Online By Array on Sep 29, 2018 08:30 pm After nearly a year and a half since the Switch's launch, Nintendo has finally rolled out the console-hybrid's online service. While it now requires players to pay for online play, you do at least get some nice perks. The most noteworthy among them is access to a library of Nintendo Entertainment System games. What's more: each game now supports online multiplayer functionality, so you won't need a second player to be in the same room with you. Even games that didn't originally come with multiplayer support have been given light multiplayer functionality via the addition of a cursor system where your second player can point at the screen and even applaud. The release of Nintendo Switch Online's NES library got us thinking about all the games we want to be added in the future. After all, more are slated to release in the months ahead. We have our own ideas as to what should appear on the service. In this feature, we've highlighted 13 games we'd love to see appear on the service and talk about how each would benefit from the added online functionality. For your reference, check out our comprehensive list containing all the games in service's NES game library. Like its competitors, Nintendo Switch Online can be purchased in different tiers. A single month costs $4/£3.50; three months costs $8/£7; and a whole year costs $20 / £18. Of course, if you have multiple people in your house who want their own accounts, you can purchase a family plan, which costs $35/£26 per year and allows up to eight people to play online. On top of online play and access to NES games, the service also allows for save data cloud save backup and access to special offers, such as the ability to pre-order Switch-compatible NES controllers. Which NES games do you want to appear on Nintendo Switch Online? Let us know in the comments below. Iron Tank Iron Tank is a strange game that's evocative of its era. It's not the kind of game you see anymore, and an idea that only seems feasible when costs for games were low and the industry was more experimental. Players control a tank from a bird's-eye perspective, while they slowly progress up a map shooting missiles and their turret at other tanks and enemy vehicles, or running over infantry, which is kind of hilarious. In many ways, the game resembles vertical scrolling shooter games like Legendary Wings or 1942 with various power-ups the tank can collect, but with the action slowed down and multiple paths the tank can traverse (plus the lack of scrolling) this game is its own unique beast. While multiplayer was never implemented into the game, it feels like the perfect game to get a boost from the experience. Adding a 2-player option with two tanks on screen would be an absolute blast in this game, especially with some of the bosses and later missions getting especially challenging. The main gameplay experience is fun to begin with, but an NSO multiplayer boost would be a blast to see. | Dave Klein Bubble Bobble Cooperative NES games are an obvious choice to highlight the Switch's added online play, and Bubble Bobble offers one of the best co-op experiences of the era. You and a partner play as adorable dragons who blow bubbles to encase enemies--and then pop them. Each stage is a single-screen, and eliminating all the enemies lets you progress to the next one. You can get the standard ending by playing alone, but to reach the real final boss and truly beat the game, you'll need to play with a friend. Oh, and the music is an endlessly looping earworm so catchy it might get lodged in your head forever. | Chris Reed Castlevania Castlevania is the type of hard-as-nails action-platformer that warrants multiple players working together to complete it. Unfortunately, it was exclusively a single-player affair, meaning that any willing second players were forced to sit on the sidelines. While it would be great to see Castlevania brought to NSO's NES games library for posterity's sake, it would be even better if it included the ability for two players to play the game together and switch off play after death. This would benefit the experience as a whole because let's be real: Castlevania is demoralizingly difficult, so a competitive dynamic between two players would be a great way to keep things going. Those pesky medusa heads and stiff platforming are enough as it is to deal with on your own, so to have a shared bond in that suffering would really elevate the experience. It's a small tweak that shouldn't demand too much effort to implement, and it's one we firmly believe could make this classic vampire hunting adventure even better on NSO. | Matt Espineli Contra When people mention Contra these days, it's usually in reference to the 30-lives code the game popularized. But the reason people remember the code in the first place is because the game is so much fun to play--and replay, and play again. The controls are tight, with running, jumping, and shooting mechanics that feel pixel-perfect. You can equip a nice selection of weapons that help you defeat the alien threat, and each of the eight stages has a unique look and feel to it. Better yet, you can blast through the entire game with two players on screen the whole time, making it an ideal title to bring to the Switch's collection of newly online games. | Chris Reed Gauntlet Gauntlet is probably remembered best by fans for its various entries on arcades. However, the series' first entry saw an NES port that became one of publisher Tengen's most popular games. The game itself is a birds-eye view action game, with players stuck in a dungeon they're trying to progress and get out of as hordes of enemies attack them. In true arcade fashion, every monster killed results in the player gaining a number of points, and dungeons themselves are sprinkled treasure for you to pick up. Monsters have items on the screen which spawn them, and in most dungeons, players are required to kill these monster spawns in order to truly progress. While this is all fun to do for the sake of seeing how far you can get, where the game truly shines is in its multiplayer. Players pick from one of four different characters to control, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The arcade version supported up to four, while the NES port had to drop this down to two players. Nintendo Switch Online would be perfectly suited for this game, but Nintendo really wanted to up the ante, re-implementing four-player multiplayer into the NES port would be an amazing way to improve the game for the service and allow NES players an experience they've only dreamed of. | Dave Klein Kirby's Adventure The loveable pink puffball first debuted on the Game Boy back in 1992 with Kirby's Dreamland, but it was 1993's Kirby's Adventure that would truly turn Kirby into the icon he is today. While Kirby's Dreamland set the stage, Kirby's Adventure would first introduce Kirby's copy ability. The game has a nice, laid back pace to it and which also makes it a great candidate for NSO's multiplayer, as it's one of the few NES platform games that doesn't really heavily on fast-twitch reflexes. If multiplayer were implemented, a second player could control a cret that floats around and drops explosive coconuts on enemies--only with limited ammo. Or, to get really wild, and in the territory of probably not going to happen, the game could take a page out of "Kirby Super Star" and allow a second player helper to be created by the first player. | Dave Klein Legendary Wings Legendary Wings is one of the earlier games from the vertical scrolling shooting genre of games. However, unlike most of the time, it also contains horizontal scrolling shooting segments, making it somewhat of a hybrid. While the gameplay is fairly simplistic--shoot all of the enemies as you come across them without getting hit--it's that simplicity that makes Legendary Wings such a blast to play, with various power-ups you can get to help along the way. And it's perfectly suited for NSO's multiplayer features since it technically includes multiplayer. While it's a fun game to see how far you can get by yourself, we imagine it'd be even better to play with friends online. | Dave Klein Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels With Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3 already included in Nintendo Switch's NES library, it's only a matter of time before the western version of Super Mario Bros. 2 is also added to the lineup. But while that game is most commonly accepted as Mario's second adventure, the original Super Mario Bros. 2--known outside of Japan as The Lost Levels due to how long it took to release in other regions--also deserves a spot in the library. On the surface, The Lost Levels looks and feels very much like the original Super Mario Bros., albeit with a few notable distinctions. For one, the title only supports a single-player; rather than being able to take turns playing as Mario and Luigi, you'll have to choose one of the plumbers at the outset, and they each now have their own distinct characteristics. The biggest difference, however, is its sheer difficulty. The Lost Levels is much more challenging than any of Mario's other NES adventures; environmental hazards are more plentiful, and hidden blocks are placed fiendishly around certain levels to knock you into a pit when you least expect it. It's this difficulty that would make The Lost Levels such a great addition to Switch's NES lineup. Despite its lack of multiplayer, you can still virtually pass control of Mario or Luigi between each other after the other player loses a life, making it fun to attempt the game cooperatively. You can also simply watch a friend struggle (likely in vain) to make it to the end. As they say, misery loves company. | Kevin Knezevic Mega Man (2 & 3) While we've had our fair share of Mega Man ports recently with Legacy Collections 1 & 2, Mega Man is such a classic it's hard to imagine an NES collection without it. Mega Man 3 actually had 2-player capabilities with the 2nd player being able to give the first player various abilities, such as a super jump. Bringing this back for Mega Man 3--and introducing it to Mega Man 2--would be a fun way to allow a second player to cooperate in an organic way or to totally screw with the first player. Regardless, these are timeless classics that deserve to be seen on the service, and there would be some fun ways to utilize Nintendo Switch Online's multiplayer functionality to add more value to these already highly recirculated games. | Dave Klein Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II Beat-'em-ups ruled the roost in the early days of co-op gaming, and one of the best examples of the genre on NES remains Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II, the home console port of the 1989 arcade game. Unlike Konami's first (and notoriously difficult) stab at the license, TMNT II is a straightforward brawler, trading its predecessor's overworld segments and clumsy platforming for pure, side-scrolling action. At the start of the adventure, players choose one of the four turtles and fight their way through a series of stages filled with waves of Foot Soldiers, Mousers, and other familiar enemies, each culminating in a boss fight against one of Shredder's tougher minions. While TMNT II is certainly enjoyable solo thanks to its snappy action and catchy soundtrack, like most other beat-'em-ups, the game is at its best when another player jumps in and fights alongside you, which would make it an ideal title to add to Nintendo Switch Online's NES library. Whether or not Konami will ever bring it to the service remains to be seen--there are undoubtedly some licensing hurdles that would need to be cleared before the game could be released on Switch--but TMNT II remains one of the turtles' better video game outings and would be a great title to play online with a friend. | Kevin Knezevic EarthBound Beginnings EarthBound--known as Mother 2 in Japan--is often considered one of the best JRPGs on the Super Nintendo, thanks in part to its modern day setting and quirky sense of humor. However, the series had its humble beginnings on the Famicom with its first entry. The game is infamous for having been fully localized for release in the United States but being dropped due in large part to the upcoming release of the Super Nintendo. Mother was eventually released in western territories for Wii U as EarthBound Beginnings. While it's not the best RPG out there, it would be great if the game was re-released on Switch's NES game library. Despite not having multiplayer functionality, it would still be a great addition for posterity's sake, and with enough support, it might just even lead to the release of Mother 3 on the service when Nintendo inevitably adds SNES games to the service. Keep the dream alive! | Dave Klein Cocoron Cocoron is a much more obscure game on our list, in part because it was never brought to the States. The game is another NES platformer, this time with players having the ability to customize the main character's look before playing the game, which also affects what abilities they'll have. Players can decide the order in which the tackle the levels, and for defeating bosses, will be able to create new allies they can play as. While it sounds like any other platform game, it was actually created by Akira Kitamura, the main designer of Mega Man. Not only that, but composer Takashi Tateishi, who composed music for Mega Man 2 also worked on the project. It would be great to see games that never came to the states get a release via Nintendo Switch Online's NES library. A game like Cocoron would be a fantastic start, as it would require little translation work. And wIth the multiplayer functionality, it would be great if two players could each create their own characters and take turns playing after one player dies. While only a minor tweak, it would enhance an already amazing game that has for the most part gone unplayed by western audiences. | Dave Klein Punch Out!! Punch-Out!! Is an absolute NES classic, and one of the defining games of the console, with Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! being a major selling point for the system in America. While the game hasn't received many sequels, in part due to its simplistic gameplay being hard to adapt into a more intricate game, the original still stands the test of time with its basic reactionary gameplay holding up to this day. While it's hard to imagine multiplayer in the game, there are some ways to get creative with it. On a basic level, a 2nd player could cheer along whenever Lil Mac knocks out their opponent. But a versus mode could be added with players attempting to knock each other out. If they're playing online, they could still both get the same perspective from their boxer's back. Imagine if players could choose different boxers from the game to play as. Of course, all of that sounds like a dream, but Mr. Dream is a part of the Punch-Out!! Series, so we're going to go with it. | Dave Klein The Biggest Movies To Watch In 2018 By Dan Auty on Sep 29, 2018 01:52 pm Fall has arrived, and so far 2018 has been a mix of huge hits, critical smashes, and inevitably, a few disappointments. Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Deadpool 2, Incredibles 2, and Mission Impossible: Fallout have smashed records, and while Solo: A Star Wars Story proved to be a commercial disappointment, there's still plenty of excitement for next year's Episode IX, which is now in production. All the big summer movies might have been released, but there's still loads to look forward to in the rest of 2018. There DC's Aquaman and the Transformers spin-off Bumblebee, plus the return of Lisbeth Salander in The Girl in the Spider's Web. The first of Sony's Spider-Man spin-offs arrives next week in the shape of Venom and the classic Halloween series returns just in time for, well, Halloween. Once we hit the fall, the big awards-season movies start arriving too, with films such as First Man, Widows, and If Beale Street Could Talk sure to get plenty of Oscar buzz. So here's what you can look forward to over the rest of the year... Venom Although the deal between Disney and Sony has ensured that Spider-Man is currently part of the former's Marvel Cinematic Universe, the movie right to the character ultimately remain with Sony. As a result, the studio is launching its own interconnected universe of characters from the canon of Spidey comic-books. Venom is first up; it stars Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, a photographer who ends up with superpowers after he is taken over by the alien parasite of title. It's directed by Zombieland's Ruben Fleischer, and the impressive supporting cast includes Michelle Williams, Woody Harrelson, and Riz Ahmed. Release date: October 4 First Man Given Neil Armstrong is the most famous astronaut ever, it's surprising that he's never had his own biopic until now. First Man is set between 1961 and 1969 and tells the story of Armstrong's preparations for his history-changing journey to the moon. It stars Ryan Gosling as the man himself and is helmed by Gosling's La La Land director Damien Chazelle. The impressive cast also includes Claire Foy, Kyle Chandler, Jon Bernthal, and Pablo Schreiber. Release date: October 12 Bad Times at Le Royale As a writer and director, Drew Goddard is best known for his work in sci-fi and fantasy, with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Cloverfield, The Martian, and The Cabin in the Woods all part of his impressive CV. Bad Times at the El Royale sees Goddard stretching out into thriller territory. It focuses on seven strangers who gather one night at a shady motel, and the impressive cast includes Jeff Bridges, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, and Chris Hemsworth. The movie has been compared to the wave of funny, violent thrillers that followed in the wake of Pulp Fiction back in the '90s and should deliver some slick thrills. Release date: October 12 Johnny English Strikes Again While it's unlikely that a third Johnny English film was high on anyone's most-anticipated movies list for 2018, the previous two spy spoofs were major box office hits, earning more than $320 million worldwide. Johnny English Strikes Again sees Mr. Bean actor Rowan Atkinson return as the inept superspy, who this time must thwart a master hacker. As the first trailer reveals, English travels to France with his loyal sidekick Bough to track his enemy down--and also launch missiles at French cyclists. Oscar winning actress Emma Thompson co-stars, alongside Olga Kurylenko, who appears to be parodying her role in the 2008 James Bond movie Quantum of Solace. Release date: Fall 208. Halloween The Halloween series might be one of longest-running and most profitable horror franchises in movie history, but most fans would agree that every entry hasn't necessarily been a good one. The last time Michael Myers stalked the screen was in Rob Zombie's hugely divisive remakes a decade ago, but now, on the 40th anniversary of John Carpenter's original movie, the killer also known as The Shape is back. Plot details for this latest Halloween are under wraps, but it's got an impressive pedigree. It's directed by acclaimed indie auteur David Gordon Green and produced by Blumhouse Films, which has scored major successes in recent years with the likes of Get Out, Paranormal Activity, and the Purge movies. Original star Jamie Lee Curtis returns, and if that wasn't enough, Carpenter himself is creatively involved and providing another iconic soundtrack. Could this be the Halloween reboot that finally gets it right? Release date: October 19 The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Disney's series of live-action fairy tale adaptations has proved to be box office gold over the past few years, and this is the studio's latest offering. While the title might not be as recognisable as The Jungle Book or Beauty and the Beast, expect it to make serious money this fall. It's based on the classic 19th century fairytale and stars Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, and Morgan Freeman, with Mackenzie Foy in the lead role as Clara, a young girl who is pulled into a mysterious, magical world on Christmas Eve. Release date: November 2 Bohemian Rhapsody This biopic of Queen legend Freddie Mercury has been in development for many years, with various directors and stars attached to the project. Even when the cameras started rolling the problems didn't stop--director Bryan Singer was fired by the studio during production, to be replaced by British filmmaker Dexter Fletcher. But the movie is now finished and set for release in November. Mr. Robot star Remi Malek takes on the role of the iconic frontman, and it charts the rise of the band through the '70s to their world-conquering success in the '80s. It's produced by the band, and the trailer suggests that it might be more a celebration of the music than a look at the darker side of Mercury's life. But it looks like an absolute must-see for Queen fans. Release date: November 2 Suspiria David Gordon Green's upcoming Halloween reboot/sequel isn't the only late-70s horror classic getting a remake from an acclaimed director in 2018. Dario Argento's supernatural masterpiece Suspiria has been updated by Luca Guadagnino, the Italian filmmaker behind last year's Oscar-nominated Call Me By Your Name. This is a tale of a ballet school run by ancient, evil witches, and it stars Dakota Johnson and Chloë Grace Moretz as students who uncover the school's dark secrets. Argento's original movie is noted for its incredible visual style and thunderous soundtrack; Radiohead's Thom Yorke is providing the score for the remake, and hopefully Guadagnino will deliver something just as stylish. Release date: November 2 Overlord There were rumours earlier this year that this JJ Abrams-produced World War II horror film would form the next part of the Cloverfield universe. After all, 10 Cloverfield Lane and this year's The Cloverfield Paradox started life as unconnected movies with different titles before being rewritten to form part of Abrams' loose sci-fi series, so it wouldn't be surprising if he had the same thing in mind for Overlord. Abrams has subsequently denied this is the case, and the first trailer revealed last week certainly seems to point to this being a standalone movie. Either way, it looks like a suitably scary movie in which a squad of US soldiers are forced to parachute into occupied France, where they encounter a group of Nazis performing some terrifying experiments. Release date: November 9 The Grinch The classic Dr. Seuss story How the Grinch Saved Christmas was adapted into a hit Jim Carrey movie 18 years ago, and a new animated version hits the screen in November. Doctor Strange and Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch will provide the voice of the Holiday-hating title character, and the first trailer arrived last week. The movie was actually meant to be released last year, but the trailer is colourful and fun and the movie will hopefully be worth the wait. Release date: November 9 The Girl in the Spider's Web Although David Fincher's 2011 adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo was a commercial disappointment, the lead character, Lisbeth Salander, is returning to the screen. The Girl in the Spider's Web is based on the first Salander novel written by another author (Larson died in 2004), and stars The Crown's Claire Foy as the iconic hacker, taking over from Rooney Mara. Despite the change of actress, the movie is set to be a similarly dark tale of crime and revenge. Salander is described as "the girl who hurts men who hurt women," and the recent first trailer gives us a brutal taste of what to expect when it arrives in November. Release date: November 9 Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald The Harry Potter series might have finished in 2011, but the wider movie universe goes from strength to strength. The success of 2016's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them led to the announcement of a further four movies, the first of which arrives in November. Eddie Redmayne returns as Newt Scamander, with Jude Law as the young Dumbledore, who enlists the help of Newt to help defeat the dark wizard Grindelwald (Johnny Depp). David Yates directs once more, from a screenplay by Potter creator JK Rowling. Release date: November 16 Instant Family Mark Wahlberg was last seen running, jumping, and shooting people in the action thriller Mile 22, but his next movie is a lot more light-hearted. It's a comedy in which he and Rose Byrne (Insidious, Bridesmaids) play a couple who decide to foster three siblings, with predictably chaotic results. The movie reunites Wahlberg with his Transformers: The Last Knight co-star Isabela Moner, who will next be seen playing Dora the Explorer. Release date: November 16 Widows Ocean's Eight isn't the only high-profile heist movie coming our way in 2018. Widows is the latest film from Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave) and is written by Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn. The movies focuses on four women whose husbands are killed in a failed heist, who then decide to finish the job themselves. It's based on a British TV show of the same name from the 1980s, and the star-studded cast includes Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Colin Farrell, Liam Neeson, and Get Out's Daniel Kaluuya. Films like 12 Years and Shame proved that McQueen can deliver prestigious, acclaimed dramas, so hopes are high that he is equally adept at making edgy crime thrillers. Release date: November 18 Creed 2 While most thought that the legendary movie boxer Rocky Balboa had finally hung up his gloves, the 2015 spin-off Creed not only gave the character one of his finest movies, it paved the way for director Ryan Coogler to get the job of directing Marvel's wildly successful Black Panther. Coogler won't be back for the sequel, but star Michael B. Jordan is, once again playing the son of the original movies' Apollo Creed. Rocky creator and star Sylvester Stallone is back too, as both co-star and co-writer. Steven Caple Jr. directs this time, and it's rumoured that Creed 2 will bring back another iconic character from the original series--Rocky IV's Russian powerhouse Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). Release date: November 21 Robin Hood Ridley Scott's 2010 version of the the Robin Hood myth wasn't a critical or commercial success, but that hasn't stopped yet another version of the story heading to screens in 2018. This time we have a younger Robin, with Kingsman star Taron Egerton in the lead role. The cast also includes Jamie Foxx as Little John and Rogue One's Ben Mendelsohn as the Sheriff of Nottingham, and it's directed by TV director Otto Bathurst (Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror). The first trailer is suitably action-packed, but we'll find out in November if this Hood is any good. Release date: November 21 Ralph Breaks the Internet The 2012 animated comedy Wreck-It Ralph was a critical and commercial hit, and the sequel arrives in November. It focuses on the arcade game villain-turned-hero of the title, who this time enters the internet after the arcade his game lives in goes online. John C. Reilly is the voice of Ralph, with Sarah Silverman, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk, Taraji P. Henson, and James Corden also part of the voice cast. Release date: November 21 If Beale Street Could Talk It was always going to be hard for director Barry Jenkins to follow his acclaimed, Oscar-winning drama Moonlight, but If Beale Street Could Talk looks like he might have made something just as good. Based on the classic novel by James Baldwin, the film is set in Harlem of the early '70s, and focuses on a pregnant woman who must race against time to free her wrongly-imprisoned boyfriend from jail. The fantastic first trailer was recently released, and the movie looks every bit as powerful and stylish as Moonlight. Expect lots of awards buzz for this one. Release date: November 30 Mortal Engines While Peter Jackson's first post-Hobbit directorial effort is yet to be revealed, he is heavily involved with this upcoming sci-fi adventure. Jackson produces and co-writes alongside his regular collaborator Fran Walsh, while Christian Rivers--who has worked with Jackson since his early horror days--makes his directorial debut. Mortal Engines is an adaptation of the first of four YA novels written by Philip Reeve and is set in a post apocalyptic steampunk world where motorised cities-on-wheels are at war with one another. As you'd expect from Jackson, it all looks truly spectacular, and if the storytelling matches the level of visual invention, it should make a lavish treat this Christmas. Release date: December 14 Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is easily one of our most anticipated films of the year. Produced by Lord and Miller of The Lego Movie fame, and starring Shameik Moore as Miles Morales, Jake Johnson as Peter Parker, and Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy, Spider-Verse will take us into the, well, spider-verse. That means Spider-folks from various parallel universes will make appearances, from Spider-Man Noir (played by Nicholas Cage) to Spider-Ham, a cartoon pig in a Spider-Man outfit, voiced by comedian John Mulaney. It's not just the humorous cameos we're looking forward to, though, as Into the Spider-Verse overall looks like one of the coolest Spider-Man movies ever made. Release date: December 14 Mary Poppins Returns In what must be one of the longest gaps between an original movie and its sequel, the follow-up to the 1964 family classic Mary Poppins arrives just in time for Christmas. Set in 1935, 25 years after the first movie, it sees the much-loved magical nanny return to London for another adventure. Emily Blunt takes over from Julie Andrews in the title role, while the cast also includes Colin Firth, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw, and Meryl Streep. There's also a role for Dick Van Dyke, who co-starred with Andrews in the original. It might have been 54 since the original movie, but the perennial popularity of that Disney classic ensures that the sequel is a guaranteed hit. Release date: December 19 Aquaman The DC universe has had a bumpy ride so far, with only Wonder Woman connecting with both audiences and critics. But there's every reason to be hopeful that Aquaman could do the same. Director James Wan is a skilled genre operator, whether delivering crowd-pleasing horror (Saw, The Conjuring) or blockbuster action (Furious 7), and there's a killer cast that includes Patrick Wilson, Willem Defoe, Nicole Kidman, and '80s action icon Dolph Lungren, plus Jason Momoa as Aquaman and Amber Heard as Mera. Wan recently debunked the rumour that the film would be overstuffed with multiple villains, and promises an "emotional and powerful" origin movie. Release date: December 21 Bumblebee The future of the Transformers franchise might be uncertain, but we're definitely getting at least one more movie. The spin-off Bumblebee arrives in December and will focus on the earlier adventures of the much-loved yellow VW Autobot. It's set in California in the 1980s and stars Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) as a young woman who finds Bumblebee in a trash heap. WWE star John Cena also features in the cast, and the recent trailer suggests that this is going to be a more family-orientated movie than the main Transformers series. It's directed by Travis Knight, who previously helmed the Oscar-nominated animated movie Kubo And The Two Strings. Release date: December 21 Best New Games To Play (September 2018 Update) By Matt Espineli on Sep 29, 2018 07:04 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. Life Is Strange 2 Episode 1 -- 8/10 "As the first episode of Life Is Strange 2 concludes, Sean finds himself driving south, away from Arcadia Bay, the setting of the first game. The references to that town and all that happened within it are few and far between in the sequel, but the excellence in character and worldbuilding remain. Dontnod retains its expertise in depicting a teenager's unique struggles with their identity, relationships, and the way they fit into their world, while adding new gameplay mechanics that lend a stronger emotional investment to your decision-making. Life Is Strange 2: Episode 1 is a triumphant first chapter, featuring a narrative that fearlessly reflects the lives of two Latino brothers living in our politically-charged climate." [Read the review] -- Jess McDonell Forza Horizon 4 -- 8/10 "There's such a diverse range of activities stuffed into every corner of Horizon 4, and meaningful changes contribute to smart driving dynamics and a more consistent sense of achievement. Everything you do in Horizon feels valuable, no matter how big or small--from the basic thrills of speeding a fast car down a gorgeous mountain highway to spending time tinkering with your favorite ride to manage seasonal road conditions to just hanging out with friends and strangers online and goofing off in friendly games. The charm of the Horizon series is as palpable as ever, a winning, all-inclusive recipe that celebrates the joy of driving above all else." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran 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 "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 review] -- 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 "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 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 "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 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 "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 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 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 Yakuza Kiwami 2 -- 8/10 "The tale of Tokyo and Osaka, Kiryu and Sayama's partnership, and Kiryu and Goda's rivalry remains one of the Yakuza's best stories, and Kiwami 2's minor missteps don't affect the heart of that experience. The modernization of its presentation and its mechanics elevate it, making it absolutely worth revisiting or experiencing for the first time. Yakuza is an exemplary, if flawed series that does an incredible job of steeping you in contemporary Japanese-style crime drama, and establishing an evocative sense of place. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is an excellent example of the series at its best, coupling its most memorable stories and characters with its most sophisticated mechanics yet." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran, Editor and Senior Video Producer Guacamelee 2 -- 9/10 "Everything about Guacamelee 2 comes off as smarter and more thoughtful than the first game, even while indulging in its self-aware shenanigans and Rick & Morty-esque dimensional hijinks. The game never stops finding new ways to hook you in, to the point that even the most painstaking and intensive playthroughs feel like they just fly by. Saving the numerous timelines in Guacamelee 2 is just as much about partaking in a marvel of devious, meticulous game design as it is about saving Juan and his family from peril." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series - The Final Season Episode 1 -- 8/10 "The full scope and breadth of The Walking Dead: The Final Season has yet to be laid out, though perhaps the best hint can be found in the game's fancy, HBO-esque title sequence, showing Clementine and A.J. walking into Ericson, but also showing a silhouetted dead walker rotting away in the front yard, being overtaken by ivy, and, eventually, sprouting a yellow flower. Beautiful things are possible in the new world and the new ways to play that Telltale has laid out in Done Running. But something ugly and horrifying is likely to happen first, and it is going to be captivating to watch." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark Phantom Doctrine -- 9/10 "In spite of the lackluster visuals, Phantom Doctrine succeeds in making an incredible impression with its intricate and engaging mechanics. There is a lot to admire, with a single-player campaign taking about 40 hours to complete, full of varied and interesting mainline missions and procedurally-generated side content. The ability to play as either a CIA, KGB, or Mossad agent (the latter unlocked after one complete playthrough) also offers the tantalizing prospect of different narrative perspectives. Phantom Doctrine takes the familiar framework of isometric turn-based strategy and confidently repurposes it into a unique and satisfying experience. It wholly embodies the paranoia and tension of the 1980's Cold War setting in every aspect of its numerous gameplay systems, and completely immerses you in that all-encompassing state of mind." [Read the review] -- Alexander Pan Flipping Death -- 7/10 "Flipping Death's logic is sometimes too ridiculous for its own good, and frustrating platforming sections add some tarnish. But the game's silly puzzles, self-aware humor, and crazy characters still make a wonderful experience filled with plenty of chuckles, which help to leave you satisfied as the credits roll." [Read the review] -- Seamus Mullins Madden 19 -- 8/10 "Madden 19 is an excellent football game that improves on last year's entry in almost every way. There are problems, but there has never been a football game that more authentically represents the NFL than this in terms of presentation, controls, and depth." [Read the review] -- Eddie Makuch Unavowed -- 9/10 "But Unavowed's greatest strength is that it maintains an admirable focus on incredible characterization that feeds into every quest and conversation. Every question you ask, every decision you make, and every sacrifice you make carries you and your team members on an impassioned journey that epitomizes the best qualities of an adventure game. It never rests on tropes, a strong sense of empathy is present through its entirety, and not only do you come to wholly understand character motivations, the way these people deal with supernatural situations helps to build a bond between them and you as a player. From its wonderfully realized locations and its inviting, three-dimensional characters, Unavowed will have you eager to discover the captivating stories lurking in the demonic underworld of New York City." [Read the review] -- David Rayfield Monster Hunter World (PC) -- 8/10 "Ever since the title was first announced, it was clear that Capcom was gunning for something grander than Monster Hunter Generations. It has succeeded, and this is likely the biggest and best that the franchise has ever been. It's not just the comparative depth of the narrative; it also boasts almost seamless integration between combat systems that were previously incomprehensible for amateurs. The Monster Hunter formula has definitely honed its claws, and all the above factors play their part in making Monster Hunter World a meaningful evolution for the series at large." [Read the review] -- Ginny Woo Overcooked 2 -- 8/10 "Overcooked 2 undoubtedly shines in local co-op and the versus arcade modes. New recipes and obstacles provide a fresh challenge for veterans, but it remains approachable for new players with simple controls and short playtimes. The new throwing mechanic, too, adds a new dimension to both strategy and the inevitable chaos without overcomplicating things. It's a strong foundation, and with the right friends, Overcooked 2 is one of the best couch co-op games around." [Read the review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor Dead Cells -- 9/10 "Dead Cells is a phenomenal effort to blend together some very disparate genres into a tight, cohesive whole. It's one of the better examples of how to remix ideas without losing their individual strengths." [Read the review] -- Daniel Starkey No Man's Sky Next -- 8/10 "At its absolute best, No Man's Sky is a measured, gentle experience where you are rarely the agent of change, but a perpetual visitor who's constantly dwarfed by the magnitude of a universe neutral to your presence. It is not your job in these stories to colonize the universe. Your job is to comprehend it. Your job is to recognize the spirituality in it. The primary gimmick of No Man's Sky, since day one, has been awe. The best things about the Next update feed that gimmick. While features like multiplayer and base-building certainly put more proverbial asses in seats, they're also the least memorable additions to an otherwise thoughtful experience." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark The Best PS4 Games Right Now (September 2018 Update) By Matt Espineli on Sep 29, 2018 07:04 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 "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 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 "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 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 "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 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 "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. But of course, we fight our way through the darkness, and find our way out. There are a few stumbles along the way, but in the end, Dark Souls III is well worth the riveting climb." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt -- 10/10 "Where the Witcher 2 sputtered to a halt, The Witcher 3 is always in a crescendo, crafting battle scenarios that constantly one-up the last, until you reach the explosive finale and recover in the glow of the game's quiet denouement. But while the grand clashes are captivating, it is the moments between conflicts, when you drink with the local clans and bask in a trobairitz's song, that are truly inspiring." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd Rise of the Tomb Raider -- 9/10 "Rise of the Tomb Raider's first shot pans over the vast, foreboding landscape we'll soon come to know. In many ways, it functions as a promise on the part of Crystal Dynamics: there are big things ahead of us. And at the end of Lara's journey, after we've seen her through this adventure, and experienced everything the world has to offer, it's clear that promise was kept." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain -- 10/10 "There has never been a game in the series with such depth to its gameplay, or so much volume in content. The best elements from the past games are here, and the new open-world gameplay adds more to love on top. When it comes to storytelling, there has never been a Metal Gear game that's so consistent in tone, daring in subject matter, and so captivating in presentation. The Phantom Pain may be a contender for one of the best action games ever made, but is undoubtedly the best Metal Gear game there is." [read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor Fallout 4 -- 9/10 "Fallout 4 is an engrossing game that lures you in with mystery and the promise of adventure. Its wretched wasteland can be captivating, and you never know what odd person or settlement lies around the next bend. Fallout 4 uses its dark world as a canvas for exciting combat and gripping stories, and when you dig deeper into its post-nuclear-apocalypse version of Boston--defending yourself from violent scavengers and using your wits to climb social ladders--you become attached to the new you, and ultimately invested in the fate of your new world." [read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor -- 8/10 "This is a great game in its own right, narratively disjointed but mechanically sound, made up of excellent parts pieced together in excellent ways. I already knew what future lay in store for Middle-earth as I played Shadow of Mordor; I'm hoping that my own future might one day bring another Lord of the Rings adventure as stirring as this one." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd Dragon Age: Inquisition -- 9/10 "Inquisition's characters and world recall the grand gestures of the original Dragon Age, even though the game as a whole is so structurally different to its predecessors. It offers the thrill of discovery and the passion of camaraderie. It features a glee club called The Sing-Quisition, and a dwarf with writer's block. It establishes connections with its world in big ways and small, with the sight of a titanous temple and the smirk of an Orlesian commander in love. Dragon Age: Inquisition is a wonderful game and a lengthy pilgrimage to a magical world with vital thematic ties to one we already know." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd NBA 2K17 -- 9/10 "Despite its few drawbacks, NBA 2K17's excitement for basketball is contagious, and it's hard not to get wrapped up in it. Apart from the lacking 2KU mode and stiff recreations of commentators, the rest of the game looks great and plays even better. After finally devoting a significant amount of time to one of these games, I now see why it's such a well-regarded series, and it makes me wish that every sport got the same treatment that basketball does in NBA 2K17." -- Mat Paget Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag -- 9/10 "There's an incredible scope to what you can do in Black Flag, with a level of harmony between its component parts that encourages you to try it all, and a story that keeps you invested throughout the whole thing. If there was ever any question that Assassin's Creed needed something ambitious to get the series back on track, Black Flag is that game and then some." [read the full review] -- Shaun McInnis Until Dawn -- 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 "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 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 "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 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 Destiny 2 Forsaken Exotics: Malfeasance And All New Exotic Armor / Weapons So Far By Array on Sep 29, 2018 02:42 am Last week saw the release of the third new DLC expansion for Destiny 2, Forsaken. It's much larger than the last two, being positioned as the equivalent of the previous entry's game-changing Taken King expansion. Whether it'll add the long-term legs players crave remains to be see, but early signs are encouraging. In the meantime, there is a lot of new stuff to take in--including Exotics (both weapons and armor) for Hunters, Warlocks, and Titans to get their hands on. Be sure to check out our Forsaken review-in-progress for thoughts on what we've played so far. [Update: New Exotics have been added since launch; you can jump to the end to see Malfeasance, which is the reward for a long and arduous quest line. Additionally, Bungie says it plans to address complains about duplicate Exotic drops by making you less likely to find something you already own. Hallelujah.] Following the recent changes made as part of the 2.0 update, among the many additions and changes in Forsaken and the 2.0.0.1 update are a new Power level cap, Strikes, story missions, areas to explore, a Raid (now live), Gambit mode, Crucible maps, and much more. But players take part in many of these activities with one goal: to secure new gear, and specifically Exotic weapons and armor. You can always buy some old ones from Xur, but it's the new stuff that's most exciting. There's also new Legendary gear to get through Iron Banner, including a number of weapons and a set of full armor for each class. No doubt there are many hidden Exotics to uncover, some of which may not be available right away. But already we've either gotten our hands on or been able to preview a ton of the Exotic weapons and armor included, and you can see them above, including one of the new weapon type, bows. We'll continue to expand this as we come across more. One thing to bear in mind is that there are a select number of items that you'll only find on PS4. As with previous Destiny content releases, Sony has a timed exclusivity arrangement that sees certain things released first on PS4. With Forsaken, that includes a Strike called Broodhold, an Exotic weapon called Wavesplitter (pictured above), an Exotic ship (Great Beyond), and an armor set for each class: Thorium Holt (Warlock), Red Moon Phantom (Hunter), and Mimetic Savior (Titan). All of this will eventually release on Xbox One and PC, but not until at least Fall 2019. Warlock Warlock Warlock Warlock Titan Titan Titan Titan Hunter Hunter Hunter Hunter 16 Fall 2018 Movies That You Shouldn't Miss By Mat Elfring on Sep 29, 2018 02:40 am We're coming into October, and it's the start of Halloween season, which means there are jumps and scares in the theaters right around the bend, including the direct sequel to John Carpenter's Halloween. Now, there are plenty of movies coming out in the next few months, but we have some suggestions to make your film selection process a bit easier. Taking a look at movies coming out between September and November, there are some big and under the radar releases you should keep your eye on. As you're probably well aware, right in the smack dab of this three month period is October, which is home to Halloween, so of course, there are going to be a few new horror movies to check out. Obviously, the one to keep your eye on is first on the list, The Nun, breaking out of the Conjuring universe; that's in theaters now. If you're still looking for familiar fare, there is a new Predator movie in September, Venom in October, and the Fantastic Beasts sequel in November. And mixing both familiarity with horror is the sequel to John Carpenter's Halloween, which ignores every sequel to the first Michael Myers movie. Because there are plenty of movies coming out, we've narrowed it down to 16 that look pretty awesome and should be on your list to check out from horror, to sci-fi, to comedy, and more… But mainly, lots of horror. Click below to jump ahead: October November The Nun September 7 Spinning out of The Conjuring 2, The Nun examines the phantasmic creature originally seen in the 2016 Conjuring sequel. A priest heads to Romania to investigate the death of a young nun, and of course, he has to confront the titular demonic entity. The trailer of the movie is frightening enough. It's so frightening, in fact, that it had to be pulled from YouTube. Read our The Nun review. Mara September 7 If you've been jonesing for another Freddy Krueger movie, and are too impatient to wait around for another reboot, then Mara might be just the movie you're looking for. Olga Kurylenko plays Kate, a criminal psychologist who is assigned to a murder with mysterious circumstances. Kate learns of an ancient demon who kills people in their sleep. To set it apart, the film deals with the very real affliction known as sleep paralysis as well. The Predator September 14 It's been eight years since the last Predator movie, and fans should be pretty excited about the next addition to the franchise. In this newest installment, the extraterrestrial hunters come back to Earth and do what they do best: kill. The trailer looks like a lot of fun, and I'm just glad this isn't a reboot. Read our The Predator review. Don't Leave Home September 14 Following in the footsteps of Hereditary, The Witch, and It Follows, Don't Leave Home is the story of an American artist who heads to Ireland to investigate an urban legend, and things get weird. The movie debuted at 2018's SXSW and earned 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. It's an atmospheric horror movie, so don't expect jump scares left and right, and from the looks of the trailer, the movie will dive into Catholic and Irish folklore and mythos. Hell Fest September 21 If you're looking for more traditional "jumps and scares" horror, Hell Fest will be the movie to check out. At a horror-themed amusement part, a serial killer shows up and murders people left and right. A group of friends think this is real while the rest of the park-goers think it's all part of the show. Check out the trailer for yourself. I Think We're Alone Now September 21 In this post-apocalyptic movie, Peter Dinklage plays a man who thinks he's the only survivor after the apocalypse. However, he discovers there's another survivor, played by Elle Fanning. We've only seen one brief trailer for the movie, but it looks pretty cool. Additionally, it's being directed by Reed Morano, whose previous work includes a few episodes of Hulu's A Handmaid's Tale. I Still See You September 27 Speaking of cataclysmic events on Earth, I Still See You starts off with an unknown amount of people simply disappearing. However, remnants of the long gone still exist on Earth, like ghosts. You can see them but they're merely echoes of the person. You cannot interact with them. One woman thinks one of these remnants is trying to kill her, so she and a friend try to figure out who this remnant was before he died. It's a bit of a teen horror-thriller, but the trailer looks pretty fun and the concept is great. Venom October 5 Venom is the only choice for superhero faire during the fall. However, it's the perfect character for the Halloween season. The movie follows Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, who investigates a company using alien symbiotes on human hosts. Somehow, Brock gets a symbiote of his own, and he becomes an anti-hero with a weird voice. Sure, the trailers have been polarizing--to say the least--but it's a comic book movie and hardcore comic fans will see it regardless. Bad Times at the El Royale October 12 The trailer for Bad Times at the El Royale is a bit confusing. What is this movie? What genre does it fit under? Why do I want to see this so bad? The movie comes from writer/director Drew Goddard, who is the mind behind Netflix's Daredevil and Cabin in the Woods--along with Joss Whedon. The story revolves around a hotel on the literal border of California and Nevada. A group of people are staying there, all of whom have a dark past. Halloween October 19 There have been a lot of Halloween sequels--as well as a reboot which had its own sequel. However, the 2018 Halloween movie tosses all of the sequels out the window, as this movie will be a followup to the 1978 original film. Jamie Lee Curtis returns to reprise the role of Laurie Strode, who is still haunted by the events of that Halloween night, 40 years prior. It looks fantastic, and this could finally be the Halloween sequel we've been waiting for. Sorry, Busta Rhymes. Overlord October 26 Originally rumored to be part of the incredibly confusing Cloverfield universe, Overlord takes place on the eve of D-Day as American paratroopers go behind behind German lines and find that there's a Nazi experiment with some supernatural forces behind it. At least, that's what the trailer makes it seem is happening. It's a bit confusing. However, the movie has some exceptionally talented writers behind it, so this should be solid. Bohemian Rhapsody November 2 Rami Malek stars as the legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in this upcoming biopic. According to the synopsis, the movie will follow the band up until their appearance at Live Aid in 1985. Malek has been fabulous as Elliot Alderson on USA's Mr. Robot, so it will be exciting to see how he steps into the role of Mercury, which is a far departure from Elliot. Suspiria November 2 Remakes are a part of Hollywood, and that's just how it is. While many times, a Hollywood remake of an awesome movie can turn out to be a disappointment, Suspiria seems like it will be pretty fantastic, especially after the release of the latest trailer. The movie follows a young woman who joins a German dance company, and she finds out there is something sinister and supernatural happening. The original is amazing, and you should see that as well, but maybe do it after you see the remake. November 16 The next installment in the Fantastic Beasts series, which takes place in the Harry Potter universe--decades before Potter's birth--is The Crimes of Grendelwald. We're assuming it will examine the crimes of Johnny Depp's character Gellert Grindelwald. The new movie takes place at Hogwarts and features Jude Law playing a young Albus Dumbledore. Ralph Breaks the Internet November 21 A sequel to the Disney hit Wreck-It-Ralph, Ralph Breaks the Internet follows the titular character voiced by John C. Reilly. He and his pal Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) venture out of the arcade and into the world of the internet, where they will undoubtedly go on a crazy adventure, which features a ton of Disney princesses. It will be a light-hearted and fun movie, which we'll all probably need after that slew of horror movies from the past two months. Creed 2 November 21 Closing out November is the sequel to 2015's Creed. This time around, Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) is training for the biggest fight of his life, as he takes on Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu). In Rocky IV, Viktor's father Ivan Drago killed Adonis' father Apollo Creed during a boxing match. While Rocky may have gotten closure on the event, Adonis hasn't. Hopefully, the robot from Rocky IV makes a brief cameo, and hopefully, it's to give someone else a birthday cake. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia: The 13 Best Episodes By Mat Elfring on Sep 29, 2018 02:36 am Now in its 13th season, FX's It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia has had its cast of characters do some incredibly despicable things over the years. From exploiting the gas crisis, to getting drunk on planes, to putting on a rock opera that's just a marriage proposal ploy, the show contains some hilarious and truly memorable episodes. The show follows the owners--and employee--of Paddy's Pub in Philadelphia: Ronald "Mac" McDonald, Dee Reynolds, Dennis Reynolds, Frank Reynolds, and Charlie Kelly. Together, this group of friends is toxic and ruins the lives of everyone around them through malicious schemes and plots to try and make themselves seem like better people. In honor of the show's 13th season, the folks at GameSpot came together to debate which episodes are the best. Obviously, this is no easy task because so many of these episodes are amazing. After plenty of debate, looking at every scheme, every violent encounter, and every hilarious moment, we figured out the best 13 episodes from the series. Let us know what your favorite episodes are in the comment section below. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia currently airs Wednesdays at 10 PM on FXX. 13. The Gang Gives Frank An Intervention Season 5, Episode 4 Frank has gone off the wagon with his drinking so Dee, Dennis, and Charlie want to give him an intervention. Meanwhile, Frank is trying to have sex with his sister-in-law, who Mac is pursuing as well. However, Frank settles for her daughter, Gail the Snail, who is simply the worst (and one of the show's best side characters, despite being underused). This episode is the point where Frank really goes off the deep end--Season 2 Frank is very different from what the character eventually becomes--and once he starts plumbing the depths of his depravity here, he'll never stop. This episode is a great example of the group dynamic, which involved getting as drunk as possible (this time with wine in soda cans) and berating each other. 12. The Gang Wrestles For The Troops Season 5, Episode 7 This episode has the first appearances of both Da Maniac and Ben the Soldier. Mac, Charlie, and Dennis decide nothing is more American than wrestling and decide to put on a wrestling show for the troops. They book Da Maniac, played by the late Roddy Piper, a deranged wrestler with a heart of gold who ends up getting arrested before the show. Meanwhile, Dee meets her online boyfriend Ben but passes him off to Artemis when Ben shows up in a wheelchair after spraining his ankle. One of the best moments of the episode is when Charlie, Mac, and Dennis come to the wrestling ring as "The Birds of War," singing their entrance with drawn on abs. It's one of the few times the majority of the gang actually tries to accomplish something where they aren't benefiting from it in some way and gives the viewer some hope that these people aren't all that bad. Also check out Season 9, Episode 4: "Mac and Dennis Buy a Timeshare" 11. Maureen Ponderosa Wedding Massacre Season 8, Episode 3 This is the only episode on this list where it really helps to have watched previous episodes revolving around the relationship of Dennis and his ex-wife Maureen Ponderosa. The Wedding Massacre all takes place in flashback form as Frank, Dennis, Charlie, and Mac are telling the story of what happened at the Maureen Ponderosa/Liam McPoyle wedding, which ended like a zombie movie. It's a combination of two major antagonists in the gang's lives that haven't crossed over before. It's tonally a bit different than a traditional Always Sunny episode, as it's darker and a tad creepy, but it works. This episode is a pivotal point in Maureen's storyline, right before she begins transitioning into a cat. Plus it's always fun to spend time with the whole McPoyle clan--not least the raving mad Pappy McPoyle, played for some reason by none other than Guillermo del Toro. Also check out Season 6, Episodes 1 & 2: "Mac Fights Gay Marriage" and "Dennis Gets Divorced." 10. Paddy's Pub: Home of the Original Kitten Mittens Season 5, Episode 8 While the series had already been on the air for five years at the time, The original TV spot for the "Kitten Mittens" episode went viral, as a cat wearing socks tried to walk across a table as Charlie looked on. In the actual episode, everyone in the gang tries to develop products to market Paddy's Pub, which leads them to The Lawyer (played again by Brian Unger). This episode sets up a couple recurring gags, like Charlie believing he's a lawyer or "man of the law" and Frank trying to sell an egg dyed green as a stress ball and "jumping off point." The episode also has one of the best sight gags in the series, with Mac's "D**k towel," a crudely drawn penis on a shower towel. It's a stand-alone episode that's just moment after moment of really solid comedy writing. 9. The Gang Broke Dee Season 9, Episode 1 For eight seasons, the gang has been brutal to Dee Reynolds, and at the start of Season 9, she cracks like the shell of an egg that she would lay (because she is a bird). Mac, Charlie, and Frank try to lift her spirits by encouraging her to try stand-up comedy again. She actually does well for herself. While this is happening, Dennis tries to hook her up with a "select," a mediocre man Dee can settle down with. The turn at the end episode is outstanding and unbelievably mean. It's so malicious toward Dee, and it ends up breaking Dennis, for very different reasons. While it's an extremely cold-hearted episode, it's amazing to see the depths these characters will go just to one-up each other. 8. Dennis and Dee Go on Welfare Season 2, Episode 3 Right after Danny Devito joined the cast as Frank Reynolds, Always Sunny started finding its footing, as the series offered more of a variety in how the gang split up into different alliances and they began to get more depraved than ever. "Dennis and Dee Go on Welfare" is a great early example of this. As the title suggests, Dennis and Dee quit their jobs to milk the welfare system--which leads them to become crack addicts--while Charlie and Mac spend all of Frank's money in his secret bank account. This episode sets up a few reoccuring things in always Sunny, like Dennis and Dee's addiction problems and Frank's casual racism. It's actually a great starting point for the series, as it gives the audience a greater understanding of how far these characters are willing to go in order to please their own egos, even if it means turning to addiction so they don't have to work anymore. 7. A Very Sunny Christmas Season 6, Episode 13 Originally a straight-to-video release and added a year later to Season 6, this 43-minute episode gives the audience plenty of insight into the gang's childhood and why they're all such damaged people. As kids, Frank would buy himself what Dennis and Dee wanted for Christmas and rub it in their faces. Mac learns his family would steal gifts from other families. Charlie learns his mother was a prostitute that had sex with men dressed like Santa Claus. Also, there's a claymation sequence that is bonkers, and one of the top Sunny gags ever, involving a stark naked, glistening Frank bursting from the bowels of a saggy leather couch in the middle of an office holiday party full of strangers. While this episode tends to be overlooked, it is crucial to understanding these characters, as nowhere else do we see a better blueprint for who these characters are and where they came from. 6. The Gang Solves The Gas Crisis Season 4, Episode 2 The gang is always coming up with schemes, none of which are good on paper nor do they play out as planned. "The Gang Solves The Gas Crisis" sees Mac, Dennis, and Charlie selling barrels of gasoline to people door-to-door in order to profit from the high gas prices at the time. Meanwhile, Frank and Dee try to besmirch Bruce Mathis (Dee and Dennis's real father) after he plans on donating the late Barbara Reynolds' inheritance. This episode starts the trend of Charlie as the "wild card" of the group, as he dresses up like a Texas oil man, tries to seduce a banker, and throws a fireball at Mac's head. "The Gang Solves The Gas Crisis" sets the trend for how the group's schemes will turn out--poorly--but it delivers the idea that they can work together, despite being despicable people. Out of all of the schemes the gang has come up with throughout the series, this one tops the list. Also check out Season 8, Episode 2: "The Gang Recycles Their Trash" 5. The Gang Beats Boggs Season 10, Episode 1 Throughout its 13 seasons, Always Sunny had plenty of road trip episodes where the gang leaves the bar to go on adventures. The best of them all is "The Gang Beats Boggs." With Mac acting as commissioner, the gang goes on a cross-country flight in order to try and beat Wade Boggs' record of drinking 70 beers in one flight. Meanwhile, Frank wants to start "The Air Sex Society," by getting it on with someone on the flight. Where the episode shines is in the group dynamic. The gang is reved up for their plan, but as the episode goes on, one by one, they give up or find something they deem more interesting to focus on. This is a repeating trend throughout the series, and an element we've seen before, but no other episode does it as well as "The Gang Beats Boggs," as it contains this all within a tight location, weaving multiple storylines, and keeping the dialogue comedic. Also check out Season 13, Episode 3: "The Gang Beats Boggs: Ladies Reboot" 4. Charlie Work Season 10, Episode 4 Not only is "Charlie Work" a hilarious and chaotic mess (in the best way possible), but it is shot beautifully, with plenty of long, single-shot takes following Charlie throughout the bar. In the episode, Charlie learns that the health inspector is on her way to inspect Paddy's Pub, so Charlie kicks into high gear to make sure the bar is up to code. However, while this is happening, the rest of the gang has a convoluted scheme involving live chickens, airline miles, and steaks. Charlie has to make sure the health inspector isn't wise to the scheme, all while keeping her none-the-wiser. The episode shows that Charlie is actually incredibly competent as one of the owners, and one of the best gags of the episode is set up right under your nose the entire time. It gives the audience a whole new perspective on the character, and you'll come to respect him more. 3. "The D.E.N.N.I.S. System Season 5, Episode 10 It's well-established now that Dennis Reynolds is a full-blown sociopath, but it was this 2009 episode that really defined how awful the character is. Dennis explains to the gang his technique for seducing women, which involves Demonstrating his value, Engaging her physically, Nurturing her dependence, Neglecting her emotionally, Inspiring hope, and Separating entirely. A good portion of this system relies on Dennis making threatening phone calls as a disgruntled neighbor. We also learn about the M.A.C. System, which is just Mac trying to swoop in after Dennis leaves these women. This episode is a big turn for the character. Instead of being a typical scumbag who uses women, we learn that he's a straight-up monster who plays a game to inflate his own self-worth. You'll never look at Dennis the same way again. Fun fact: The pharmacist Dennis dates in this episode is Glenn Howerton's wife in real life. 2. Charlie MacDennis: The Game of Games Season 7, Episode 7 Without anything fun to do, the gang introduces Frank to a convoluted board/drinking game they created, Chardee MacDennis. Based on board games they loved as children--combined with their love of alcohol--the gang's homebrew tabletop game is pure insanity and the whole goal of the game is to belittle the losers. It's one of the more bizarre episodes and shows that this group thrives on being awful to other people, even if it's to each other. The episode expands on the relationships between the characters and delivering a really fun plot, while never leaving the bar. More importantly, it's one of the most light-hearted episodes in the series, with the endgame of the gang not being anything too crazy. Also check out Chardee MacDennis 2: Electric Boogaloo (Season 11, Episode 1) 1. "The Nightman Cometh" Season 4, Episode 13 In the Season 4 finale, Charlie and the gang decide to put on a rock opera based on Charlie's song "Night Man" from Season 3. The opera's story revolves around a young boy who must stop the Night Man in order to win the heart of a princess of a coffee shop. He does this by turning into the Day Man. There's a huge turn at the end, as Charlie appears and asks the Waitress--who is in the audience--to marry him. While it's undeniably one of the funniest episodes, especially when Frank--who plays the Troll--can't get the lyrics right, it's incredibly dark when you realize that this could be the story of Charlie, as a young boy, escaping the clutches of his Uncle Jack. It's a prime example of taking a character who the audience tends to perceive as dumb and showing another side to him, as Charlie is--in many ways--a musical genius, even if the content of the music is disturbing. Also check out "Sweet Dee's Dating a R****ded Person" (Season 3, Episode 9) Dark Phoenix Trailer Breakdown: The Latest X-Men Movie Is Intense By Mat Elfring on Sep 29, 2018 02:34 am The first trailer for Dark Phoenix is here, and the latest X-Men movie is going in a very different direction. The trailer dropped during an episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden, where Dark Phoenix star Sophie Turner was a guest. Although we're still almost half a year away from the film hitting theaters, the first trailer showed off quite a bit of the movie. Dark Phoenix follows the story of Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) as a young girl who manifests mutant abilities. From there, Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) takes her into his school for the gifted to help her learn how to control her newfound abilities. However, his years of work are for naught as Jean Grey loses control in this latest film. Originally, the film was supposed to hit theaters this November, but the trailer did reveal the new release date of Valentine's Day, February 14, 2019. Aside from Turner and McAvoy, Dark Phoenix features the return of Michael Fassbender, Tye Sheridan, Evan Peters, Alexandra Shipp, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, and Kodi Smit-McPhee in this latest X-Men outing. A lot happens in this trailer, and we're breaking it down to figure out what we can about the upcoming 2019 film. A young Jean Grey stands in front of Xavier's mansion. She is alone--and we'll find out a little more about that later. She asks Xavier if he can "fix" her, and he reassures her that she is not broken. She seems very young, much younger than most people in the X-Men cinematic universe when they realize they have superhuman abilities. In the comics, Jean manifested her powers when she was around eight years old after her friend was hit by a car and killed right in front of her. Jean sits in Xavier's office. We can hear McAvoy say, "The mind is a fragile thing." He continues saying that even a slight tap can move it in the wrong direction. Foreshadowing! What is this moment that causes Jean to break? We saw some of her Dark Phoenix powers in 2016's X-Men: Apocalypse. Could that have unlocked something when Jean went full force at the end of the movie? Hank McCoy (Nicholas Hoult) is running some tests on Jean in the laboratory under the X-Mansion. It seems like the early parts of the film will revolve around trying to find a way to "fix" Jean, who has become broken. Earlier, we saw Jean get dropped off at the school alone. That's because her parents are more than likely dead. While riding in the back seat of the car, with her parents upfront, Jean's powers manifested--or were just uncontrollable at that moment--and her mind moved the car into oncoming traffic, where it collided with a truck. From the look of it, Jean was the only survivor. An adult Jean Grey looks for answers and finds herself at a commune. There, she finds Magneto and wants his help. She tells him that she's looking for answers. Now, Magneto--in the comics and in the movies--is a guy who wants to be left alone when he's not in the heat of battle. Magneto--in this scene--is on Genosha, the island nation he eventually led in the comics that is home to mutants. Jessica Chastain shows up in a church. She's playing a character named Smith. She tells Jean she doesn't belong "here." Does this "here" mean in the church, on the X-Men, or maybe even on Earth? There are plenty of rumors surrounding her real identity. Some people think she's actually Mr. Sinister--an immortal geneticist who is pretty evil--while others think she's Lilandra--the Empress of the Shi'ar, and alien with a knack for metal helmets. Could she even by Mastermind, a telepathic mutant--and member of the Hellfire Club--known for manipulating Jean in the comics. He was also an instrumental part in creating Dark Phoenix. This role is top secret, and all we know is Smith is a shapeshifter and an alien. That's it. Mr. Sinister isn't an alien, but Lilandra isn't a shapeshifter. I know this is the X-Men Cinematic Universe and all, but maybe she's a Skrull? There are a few glimpses of X-Men we've come to know and love throughout the series. Quicksilver (Evan Peters) seems to have cleaned up his act. Storm (Alexandra Shipp) has left Egypt and become a full-fledged member of the X-Men. This is the first time we see a real change in Jean Grey. There is a little bit of orange in her eyes. Because this is a movie and not a direct adaptation of the comic book story, it's hard to know if the Phoenix Force is a cosmic entity or just another side of Jean that's been buried for years. We're going to go with the latter, and this is the start of a darker version of Jean. Here's your X-Men team lineup for the latest movie. From left to right, we have Quicksilver, Nightcrawler, Beast, Professor X, Cyclops, Storm, and Mystique. The movie is going to get to a point where Jean may be beyond help and the X-Men--the people in her life who truly care for her--will have to try and stop her. The X-Men won't be the only people after Jean. She's going to do something that gets the attention of the some form of military. As to what event made this happen is unknown, but it's going to have to be something big. However, Jean won't be running and hiding. In the next scene, she uses her telekinesis to take down a helicopter. Yes, that's the X-Men's jet--the Blackbird--headed into space. So much of the later parts of Dark Phoenix Saga comic story involves space travel, primarily confrontations with the Shi'ar and Lilandra. Will Dark Phoenix be adding that to this movie? Things start to get really crazy when we notice a rift between McCoy and Xavier. Beast says to him, "This is your fault, Charles." This is more than likely referring to something Xavier did with Jean's mind as a child that made the whole Phoenix debacle worsen as she aged. The Blackbird--flying in space, above the Earth--has a fireball emitting energy behind it. This is probably Jean Grey/Phoenix, and the battle has been taken to space. Did the X-Men leave Earth because Jean had become so powerful she could destroy the planet? "You're always sorry, Charles, and there's always a speech, but nobody cares." Magneto says this as we see him pick up his helmet and put it on. Aside from Beast, it seems Magneto is not happy with the decisions Xavier made dealing with Jean Grey. Lines have been drawn and Beast has parted ways from Charles. He's now teamed with Magneto and two other mutants we can assume are from Genosha. "Don't do this," Xavier says to Beast, Magneto, and company as the two groups face off with one another. Xavier's team--at this point--is made up of Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Storm, and himself. What happened to Mystique and Quicksilver? Please don't let this be the funeral for Quicksilver. We already saw him die in Age of Ultron. Both Xavier and Beast stand on opposite ends of the dirt mound. Not even in death can their rift be repaired. Also, why is it always raining at funerals in movies? Jean goes full Phoenix towards the end of the trailer. Bizarrely enough, she's wearing an X-Men outfit, which matches the others we saw earlier on. This could be earlier on in the story, where Dark Phoenix takes over Jean, when she's still a full-fledged member of the X-Men. Transformers Card Game: How To Play, Contents, And Price By Mat Elfring on Sep 29, 2018 02:07 am The Transformers Card Game Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast--the brand behind Magic: The Gathering--have a new card game that is now available in stores now, revolving around the world of Transformers. The game has players pitting famed Autobots and Decepticons against each other in battle, while adding equipment to them to make the characters more powerful. Essentially, it's a very stripped-down version of Magic, using some familiar faces from the very popular Transformers line. Currently, there are two packs available to help you get going with the new game. Autobots Starter Set ($15): It's enough content for two people to play. The set comes with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Ironhide, and Red Alert character cards, as well as 40 battle cards. Booster Pack ($4): Each booster comes with one character card and seven battle cards. These boosters are all random, so you have no clue what you're getting. In total, there are 40 different character cards and 81 battle cards available within the Booster Packs. Here is the full listing of cards and their rarities. It doesn't take many cards to get a game going, which is a good thing. But how do you play this new game? Using the Autobots Starter Set and two Booster Packs sent to us by Hasbro, we're going to run you through the cards and how to play the game. Official rules, in the way of videos, are available on the Transformers Card Game website. Character Cards (Alt Mode) Here are the characters in their vehicle (or dinosaur) mode, which is called "Alt Mode." Most cards have a unique ability to use during gameplay--which we'll get into later. Additionally, the stars on the bottom left of the card are essentially the power of each card, which you'll use when picking out your decks. Bot Mode Here is the Bot Mode for those same cards. When you flip these cards, its attack (orange) and defense (blue) may change, but its health (red) will always stay the same. Character Ability Many character cards have abilities you can use during your turn. In Dinobot Swoop's case, when you flip from Bot to Alt Mode you can move 1 damage from this character to an enemy. Moving damage around is a unique part of the game. Board Setup Each player picks some character cards for their match. However, the stars added together for both of your characters should be equal to your opponents. However, in this case scenario, the team of Optimus Prime and Red Alert equal 13 while the team of Cliffjumper and Bumblebee equals 14. This isn't an ideal setup as Cliffjumper and Bumblebee will have a slight advantage. All your characters start in Alt Mode at the beginning of the game. Shuffle and equally split the battle cards for each player. The official rules recommends 20 per player. I recommend building a battle card deck for yourself--that's as long as the person you're playing has their own set of cards as well. Before the game starts, each player draws three Battle cards. Next to your undrawn Battle cards will be your scrap pile, for used and discarded Battle cards. Battle Cards There are four types of battle cards: Upgrade - Utility Upgrade - Armor Upgrade - Weapon Action Each character can only have one of each type of Upgrade attached to them. So if your character already has a Weapon attached, and you attach another one, the first one goes in the scrap pile. Action cards are used and immediately put in the scrap pile. Notice the colored squares in the top right corner? They're called Battle Icons and they will be explained a little bit later, as they're a part of the attack phase. What To Do On Your Turn Decide who goes first. When it's your turn, here's what you do: Draw a battle card Transform one of your characters to its other mode by flipping it (Battle damage carries over) From your hand, play one Action card From your hand, play one Upgrade card onto a character You always draw a battle card first, and there is not a hand limit. However, the following three actions you can do in any order you want or not at all. After you play an Action card, it goes into your scrap pile at the end of you turn. Note: The player who goes first at the start of the game can't play actions of upgrades for their first turn. According to the official rules, to start the second turn, the other player can only play one action or upgrade on that turn instead of two. For personal play, we skipped the latter part of this ruling. Attack Phase Here is the Attack round. You first choose one of your untapped characters to attack one of your opponents tapped characters. If none of your opponent's characters are tapped, the attacker chooses who to fight. You cannot have a character attack two turns in a row, unless it is your only character left. After the attacker and defender are figured out, here are the next steps: The attacking card becomes tapped Both attacker and defender flips over the top two battle cards from their deck. If any of the flipped cards have the white Battle Icons, that player flips two more battle cards, but this bonus only happens once per attack round. We'll be taking a closer look at the next steps on the next two slides. Attack Phase Part 2 On the attacker's side, Bumblebee has 4 attack power. When that player flipped over the Battle cards for the attack, there were two orange Battle Icons on the card, so those get added to Bumblebee's attack power for a total of 6. Attack Phase Part 3 Red Alert is being attacked and has a defense of 2, which becomes a total of 3 after adding the one defensive Battle Icon card. Now, some simple math. 6 Attack - 3 Defense = 3 Damage to Red Alert. Attack Phase Part 4 You use the provided damage counters to add to the card. Personally, I'd suggest grabbing some D20 dice instead to use as damage counters, or even a few D6s to keep track of damage, as these counters aren't great. Red Alert has 3 damage counters on it, meaning its health is currently 7. End Phase After the attack is over, put all the flipped Battle cards for the fight into the scrap pile. Your upgrades stay on your character. Keep Fighting That's pretty much it. Players go back and forth, attacking each other's character cards, until one player's character cards are all KO'd. Full rules are listed on the Transformers Card Game website, both in PDF and video formats. The gameplay is extremely simple but there's a lot of room to grow, especially with some homebrew rules. The Transformers Card Game is available now at local retailers. All Fortnite Season 6 Battle Pass Cosmetics: New Skins (Including Dire Werewolf), Sprays, Emotes, And More By Array on Sep 29, 2018 01:49 am Season 6 is here, and it brings with it a brand-new Battle Pass for Fortnite full of items to unlock. Although you can enjoy some rewards as part of the free tier, to truly unlock the full customizable potential of Epic's Battle Royale title, you'll need to spend 950 V-Bucks to get the premium Battle Pass. If you own that, all you've got to do is sink time into the game and complete challenges, which in turn level up the pass and unlock the corresponding rewards. As the Battle Pass ranks up, new items will unlock that you can equip. There's over 100 rewards to get and, if previous seasons are any indication, it'll take you between 70 to 150 hours of play to get it all. If you're new to it all, we've got a rundown of how the Battle Pass works to get you up to speed. For the Fortnite veterans, we've put together a look at everything that's included in the Battle Pass. Over the next few pages you'll see all the skins, emotes, bling, and pretty much everything available. The start of Fortnite Season 6 brings with it a big new update and numerous changes to the game. As detailed in the Fortnite update 6.0 patch notes, there's a bunch of new things to keep an eye out for in-game. Perhaps the most exciting is the introduction of Pets, which tag along with you in game and will react to things that happen around you. In battle, for example, they growl, and if you're leaping great distances they'll hang on for dear life--and look adorable while doing it. You can get your hands on all three Pets through the premium Battle Pass; you can see them above. In addition to that, a number of items and weapons have been put into the Vault, meaning you'll no longer find the through regular play. These include the Impulse Grenade, Suppressed Submachine Gun, Light Machine Gun, Bouncer, and Remote Explosives. Although they're not usable in the core gameplay mode, you can jump into Playgrounds if you miss them. The update also makes some changes to the Island by introducing new map locations to Fortnite. The patch notes name the Floating Island, Corrupted Areas, Corn Fields, and Haunted Castle as being among them, but also tease players with more by saying "drop in and find the rest in-game," so there's bound to be plenty more. DJ Yonder Outfit (Epic) Calamity Outfit (Epic) Spiderweb Spray (Uncommon) Pickaxe Spray Calamity Loading Screen (Uncommon) Bang Emoticon (Uncommon) Calamity Spray (Uncommon) Regal Wave Emote (Uncommon) Picnic Glider (Uncommon) Campfire Spray Battle Bus Emoticon (Uncommon) Emoticons Loading Screen (Uncommon) Floating Island Spray Bonesy Pet (Epic) Squeaky Clean Music (Rare) Fabled Cape Back Bling (Epic) Ghost Spray Smash Up Harvesting Tool GG Potion Emoticon (Uncommon) Exhaust Contrail (Rare) Meow Moon Spray (Uncommon) Pastel Patrol Loading Screen (Uncommon) Crossfire Glider (Uncommon) Crack Spray Giddy-Up Outfit (Epic) DJ Yonder Loading Screen (Uncommon) GG Potion Spray (Uncommon) Plunger Emoticon (Uncommon) Tomato Toy (Rare) Camo Pet (Epic) Guiding Glow Harvesting Tool (Rare) Manhole Cover Spray (Uncommon) Running Man Emote (Rare) Dice Banner Icon Valkyrie Loading Screen (Uncommon) Fireflies Contrail (Rare) Llama De Muertos Spray (Uncommon) Waveform Back Bling (Epic) Camper Emoticon (Uncommon) Covered Crusader Glider (Rare) DJ Yonder Spray (Uncommon) Rock On Banner Icon Scales Pet (Epic) Fate Loading Screen (Epic) It's Go Time Emote (Rare) Ghost Emoticon (Uncommon) Fable Outfit (Epic) Wallcrawler Spray (Uncommon) Supply Llama Loading Screen (Uncommon) Lightning Banner Icon Black Cat Emoticon (Uncommon) Eerie Music (Rare) Jack-O-Lantern Contrail (Rare) Cactus Maze Spray (Uncommon) Dusk Wings Back Bling (Epic) Meeet Emoticon (Uncommon) Bat Banner Icon TP Emoticon (Uncommon) White Bonesy Style (Epic) Tomato Temple Loading Screen (Uncommon) Fancy Tomato Toy (Epic) Game Over Spray (Uncommon) Ravage Loading Screen (Uncommon) Brick Pattern Banner Icon Slitherin' Emote (Rare) Bug Banner Icon Chopmasters Loading Screen (Uncommon) Bats Contrail (Rare) Bubbles Banner Icon Dusk Outfit (Epic) Gremlins Spray (Uncommon) Pink Scales Style (Epic) Dusk Loading Screen (Uncommon) Swarm Glider (Epic) Oni Spray (Uncommon) Skull Banner Icon Spectral Essence Contrail (Rare) Nightshade Outfit (Epic) Flamenco Emote (Epic) Night Cloak Back Bling (Epic) Pixel Raven Spray (Uncommon) Mocha Bonesy Style (Epic) OG Remix Music (Rare) Dire Loading Screen (Uncommon) Clown Emoticon (Uncommon) Black Scales Style Dire Spray (Uncommon) Dire Outfit (Legendary) New Riverdale Season 3, Episode 2 Photos: Jughead And Betty On The Prowl By Chris E. Hayner on Sep 29, 2018 01:07 am The third season of Riverdale has yet to premiere. That's not stopping The CW from teasing fans with what's to come. The network has released some new photos from Episode 2 of Season 3 and a little information about what to expect. According to the official episode description for "Chapter Thirty-Seven: Fortune and Men's Eyes," the events of this installment will help in kicking off one of this season's driving forces. It reads, "After a gruesome discovery is made in the forest, Jughead and Betty team up to investigate Riverdale's latest mystery. As Archie navigates his new surroundings, Veronica devises a plan to bring a bit of home to him. Elsewhere, when Moose decides to join the RROTC, Kevin worries he may be pulling away from him." What does this tell us? First and foremost, someone's going to find something truly awful in the forest. Given how often people are murdered on Riverdale, we're guessing there will be at least one dead body involved. As the photos show, Jughead and Betty will be doing their own detective work, rather than the cops. These kids will do anything to skip class. Meanwhile, the interesting part of the description is Archie adjusting to his new surroundings. In the Season 3 premiere, Archie is on trial for murder. If he's doing that kind of adjusting--and Veronica is helping him be less homesick--chances are that trial isn't going to go well. So let's recap: Archie is a singer/songwriter, a football player, a mafia member, part of a biker gang, and potentially a convicted murderer. That's a lot of baggage for a high school junior. Can you even begin to imagine what he'll be like in college? Riverdale returns to The CW on Wednesday, October 10. Before then, check out our spoilers and teases for Season 3. PlayStation Classic: The 14 PS1 Games We Want On The Mini Console By Jordan Ramée on Sep 29, 2018 12:45 am Classic PS1 Games Taking a page out of Nintendo's book, Sony is producing a mini version of an old console that plays classic games. Called PlayStation Classic, Sony's upcoming console comes preloaded with 20 different PS1 games. Final Fantasy VII, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3, and Wild Arms have been confirmed, but the remaining 15 titles are still a mystery. We've got our own ideas as to what should be included on the PlayStation Classic. In the following gallery, we've laid out our choices for 14 games that we hope make it onto Sony's upcoming console. We've left one spot open, so let us know in the comments below which PlayStation game should fill out that final slot and why it deserves to be there. The PlayStation Classic costs $100 / $130 CAN and will release on December 3, exactly 24 years after the original console launched in Japan. You can pre-order it right now. First releasing in Japan in 1994, the original PlayStation spread to the west in 1995. For the following four years, hundreds of different games arrived on the console. The PlayStation would ultimately be superseded by the much more popular PlayStation 2 in 1999, but Sony's original console set the stage for some of gaming's longest running franchises and gave the Nintendo 64 some healthy competition. Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night If Sony wants its mini console to be a time capsule of influential games from the PS1 era, it's hard to find a better inclusion than Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. It seems as if every other week there's a slew of new "Metroidvania" games hitting the market, and half of that moniker is due to this masterclass in game form and function. It defined Castlevania for a generation, and it changed action-RPGs forever. But this is no staid relic or academic slog. Everything about Symphony of the Night holds up beautifully and is still fun to play today. The combat is so sharp and responsive that modern games like Dead Cells are praised for matching it. The RPG hooks are deep but not suffocating. The exploration is rich and varied and surprising. It's one of the pinnacles of the genre and the platform, and it absolutely deserves to be included. -- Steve Watts Chrono Cross To say that Chrono Cross had some big shoes to fill would be a massive understatement. Its predecessor, Chrono Trigger, stands as one of the 16-bit era's most impressive and memorable role-playing games, with an inventive time-travel focused narrative and several different endings over the course of its story. Chrono Cross would rekindle the same type of magic when it released on PlayStation, but it also did enough to make a name for itself. Chrono Cross is still one of the original PlayStation's finest RPGs. Though it remains a contentious game among fans of the series, it still provided a memorable and heartfelt journey through time and space. Joining the lead character Serge was a massive roster of smugglers, rangers, magicians, and other vagabonds from across two parallel dimensions. Throughout the mostly non-linear story, you'd often head to places and run into people you'd least expect. Even without a fondness for the original, Chrono Cross works as a complex and involved RPG, and its spot in the PlayStation Classic's lineup would allow a new audience to see what was so special about it. -- Alessandro Fillari Digimon World Digimon and Pokemon have butted heads on a lot--anime, card games, and video games mostly--with the latter franchise winning out popularity-wise when it comes to games. In Japan, PlayStation's Digimon World came out about a month before Game Boy's Pokemon Red, and the pocket monsters beat out the digital ones in a landslide. That doesn't mean Digimon World deserves to fade into obscurity, though. Bandai Namco's 1999 game has you team up with a partner--either Agumon or Gabumon--before venturing out and catching "feral" Digimon that you then train, raise, and evolve. Where Pokemon Red and Digimon World differ is in how you raise your monsters, with Pokemon solely focusing on growth through combat and Digimon relying on both battles and multiple systems of micromanagement, such as sleeping and feeding. Remember Tamagotchi? Digimon World is like that but in 3D and with an actual story. The game would be great on PlayStation Classic as something relaxing to check on between playing other titles. -- Jordan Ramee Driver While it was Grand Theft Auto that would go on to receive much of the acclaim and success (and huge amounts of money) with its open-world games, it was Driver that first offered a similar style of driving action. Unlike the top-down games in the GTA series on PS1, Driver presented you with a third-person perspective not unlike that of Gran Turismo and Need for Speed, but it offered a wide-open world to explore. It's hard to overstate how thrilling the prospect of this was in 1999; you weren't bound to closed tracks, but instead were free to explore condensed versions of real-world cities like San Francisco. While there are games like the Forza Horizon series that continue to offer open-world driving action, there's still nothing quite like Driver, with its thrilling, mission-based police chases and dedicated burnout button. It's been bested in countless ways, but its basic formula remains enjoyable to this day, and it well deserves a spot on the PlayStation Classic alongside any of the other, bigger-name racing games that Sony could choose. -- Chris Pereira Grand Theft Auto 2 Fortnite might be the hottest thing going right now, but it's hard to overstate the sustained success that Grand Theft Auto V has enjoyed since its release. GTA as a franchise has been hugely popular ever since it went 3D with PS2's GTA III, and PlayStation Classic could offer a fun nostalgia trip (and history lesson) by taking us back to GTA's more modest days as a top-down action game. Rockstar has done this to a small degree with a special mode in GTA Online, but why not do it right and include GTA 2 in the PlayStation Classic? Particularly for those who have played the GTA III-era of games but none of the earlier entries, GTA 2 would be a great way to see how many of III's ideas were already firmly established. Stealing cars, freely roaming the city, Rampages, wanted levels, side missions with vehicles like taxis, hidden packages--this was a game that firmly had the roadmap of GTA established. It simply took the less abstract third-person viewpoint of III to really catch on. All of that aside, GTA 2 would be worth including because it remains very fun. -- Chris Pereira Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver As the years go by, it seems like the cult favorite Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is slowly getting lost to time. Developed by Crystal Dynamics and directed by Amy Hennig (Uncharted series), Soul Reaver is the quintessential entry in the long-dormant Legacy of Kain series, whose last entry released in 2003. The game puts you in control of Raziel, a vampire lieutenant turned soul-sucking wraith after being betrayed by the tyrannical vampire lord Kain. Brought back to life by the Elder God, Raziel must embark on a journey across the desolate kingdom of Nosgoth to exact vengeance against his former master and vampiric brethren. Soul Reaver's grim narrative and intriguing characters remain some of gaming's most memorable. Its combat system--which focused on taking advantage of vampiric weaknesses--is incredibly clever and creative. And its bevy of puzzles to solve and secrets to unearth still keeps you constantly engaged with the lore that covers the game's haunting world. Sony could do right in including this dark gothic epic in the PlayStation Classic's game lineup--not only to remind folks what it is, but to give them an opportunity to experience one of the console's best third-person action-adventure games. Make it happen, Sony! -- Matt Espineli Mega Man Legends Mega Man has had plenty of spin-offs. Maybe too many. But even by the gonzo standards that brought us Mega Man Star Force, Legends is uniquely zany. Capcom's first attempt to experiment with Mega Man in full 3D produced a strange Zelda-like concoction with loot and dungeon-crawling elements. Exploring the ruins underneath a humble town uncovered mechanized destroyers--Reavers--and a compelling mystery about their origins and purpose. It didn't work perfectly. Mega Man Legends was oftentimes difficult and imprecise to control, a side effect of new technology finding its footing. What set Mega Man Legends apart the most, though, was its lovable cast of characters. This was an early example of a game taking full advantage of the PS1 disc space with a staggering amount of voice acting, and each of them brought character and flavor to their roles. Mega Man and Roll were the earnest heroes, of course, and they were joined by a quirky cast of villains: the frazzled Teisel, take-no-guff Tron, and baby Bon-Bonne. It would be worth revisiting just to fall in love with these characters again--and revive demands for the cancelled Mega Man Legends 3. -- Steve Watts Metal Gear Solid Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Metal Gear Solid was a defining game of the PlayStation era. Featuring a unique brand of stealth-action gameplay, Hideo Kojima's homage to western-centric military action films featured a remarkably mature story, coupled with some fourth wall-breaking weirdness that ultimately made for one of the 1990s' most memorable 3D games. And with the coming release of the PlayStation Classic, Metal Gear Solid totally deserves a spot on the throwback console's lineup. What made Metal Gear Solid so groundbreaking at the time was that it was keenly aware of itself as a game. Along with some clever use of the then-new controller vibration, several moments throughout the game pulled tricks on players. In one of gaming's most iconic boss battles, the villain Psycho Mantis uses his mind-bending powers to read the protagonist Solid Snake's mind. But as it turns out, he was reading the player's memory card to name drop Konami games they played recently. While it seems like a neat gimmick, this was mind-blowing back in the day, and it's also a testament to the game's forward and out-of-the-box thinking. Metal Gear Solid, even today, is a remarkable game, and the PlayStation Classic would be sorely lacking without it. -- Alessandro Fillari Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee If you thought Limbo was the world's first dark puzzle-platformer, you probably haven't played Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. In Abe's Oddysee, you controlled an enslaved alien who discovers the factory in which he and his fellow Mudokons are forced to work is preparing to turn them all into snack cakes. That's when this unlikely hero burst into action, trying to escape the factory and save as many of his fellow slaves along the way. If you made one mistake, you'd get peppered with bullets, ground up by saw blades, mauled by dog-like creatures, or subjected to other, even worse fates. It was a tough game, but by the time you made your way to freedom you probably loved the doofy, farting protagonist. -- Chris Reed Resident Evil 2 Following up on the original Resident Evil's success, Resident Evil 2 took things much further. Bringing the scares and sense of dread to an overrun city, the sequel introduced two of the series' most memorable characters and upped the stakes by making their struggle for survival more of a connected journey. While the original game introduced the concept of the survival horror game, Resident Evil 2 perfected it, making for one of the best action-horror games on the PlayStation. With the remake of Resident Evil 2 releasing next year on January 25, now would be a perfect time to get players refreshed or even introduced to the original game. What made Resident Evil 2 so innovative was that it greatly expanded upon the concept of two playable protagonists. Known as the Zapping system, each character had their own particular campaign and perspective on events. After finishing one character's story, you'd move on to the next, and often deal with the choices from the previous run--such as one character leaving little to no ammo for the other survivor. It all made for an experience that tasked players to think ahead, which was a series hallmark. Though Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3 were fantastic games, the middle point of the trilogy is the game that best used all these aspects of survival horror, making for one of the PlayStation's best horror titles. -- Alessandro Fillari Silent Hill The original 1999 Silent Hill has this eerily timeless quality that still produces a good scare in even long-time horror game veterans. Ironically, it's been able to stand the test of time by relying on the PlayStation's hardware limitations instead of trying to push for realistic graphics. The mysterious fog that blankets the town is supposed to hide that draw distance on the original PlayStation isn't very good, but it also keeps Silent Hill's frightening horrors hidden from you until they're within striking distance. It's terrifying to hear the soft sounds of something approaching and not being able to see what it is. If the Resident Evil franchise is the primary inspiration behind shooter-heavy modern-day survival horror games like Dead Space and The Evil Within, then Silent Hill is the precursor to horror titles where your options for fighting back are very limited. For that alone, it deserves to be remembered, but Silent Hill is also a major influence for moving horror video games away from the Western-style of blood and gore and towards the Japanese style of psychological terror. Putting it on the PlayStation Classic is a good way of keeping the game from fading into grainy obscurity and will help dull the pain of losing PS4's Silent Hills. -- Jordan Ramee Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 While skateboarding was popular in the late '90s, the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series elevated it to unbelievable levels and acted as somewhat of a gateway for many future skaters. This was done by way of an easy-to-learn, hard-to-master trick system that had players pulling off grinds, flips, and grabs in an attempt to land a high score. Of course, that was just the first game; Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 allowed you to link all of these tricks together into mind-bending combos. At first, these combos seemed impossible and only doable by those who made the game, but to the players who just didn't stop playing, they soon became second nature. I can't count how many times I've played through each entry in the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series. Even today, I'll throw the disc into my console just to speed through each level and revisit the virtual playgrounds that are burned into my mind. The game I revisit the most is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 on the original PlayStation, as its levels are some of my favorite in the series. However, none of them are quite as memorable as Warehouse from the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Paired with Superman by Goldfinger, it's my generation's version of Super Mario Bros.' 1-1. Thanks to those licensed soundtracks, and the roster of real pro skaters, THPS 1 and 2 are not likely to be included on the PlayStation Classic, but that doesn't mean either shouldn't. This series is one of the best the PlayStation has ever seen. -- Mat Paget Twisted Metal 2 A system like PlayStation Classic is surely meant to evoke nostalgia and represent what made the platform special back in the day. If so, an entry from the Twisted Metal series--one of the platform's defining exclusive franchises--is an essential inclusion. There are plenty of Twisted Metal games to choose from, as a total of five were released on PS1. The easy choice is Twisted Metal 2: the final PS1 entry from David Jaffe and developer SingleTrac before 989 Studios took over and created a lesser copycat that lacked the soul of the first two games. Twisted Metal 2 represents the best the series would have to offer until the PS2's Black in 2001. It offers a demolition derby-style arena filled with gun-equipped cars, with the simple goal of wiping out the competition. With a varied arsenal of weapons, distinct vehicles, and numerous secrets to uncover, it made for a killer multiplayer experience--which would pair nicely with the predominantly single-player lineup of games revealed for the PlayStation Classic so far. -- Chris Pereira Recent Articles: Best Nintendo Switch Games Out Now (September 2018 Update) Best PS4 Game Exclusives Out Now (September 2018 Update) Best PC Games To Play From 2013 Onward (September 2018 Update) You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. https://Gamefeed.us10.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=b01828b2bfdd2acf079c9de40&id=55a5ab23e0&e=96854223cb&c=8a648cf46e Gamefeed https://Gamefeed.us10.list-manage.com/profile?u=b01828b2bfdd2acf079c9de40&id=55a5ab23e0&e=96854223cb demo-mailchimp-gamefeed15032015@mailcatch.com VCard: Gamefeed Gamefeed Mumbai, Mh 400001 Add us to your address book