By Matt Espineli on Dec 19, 2018 11:30 pm
GameSpot's nominee countdown for the Best Games of 2018 is over and our choice for Game of the Year has finally been revealed. Each game we've highlighted is among this year's best and should be at the top of your queue if you haven't played them already. Our list was formed by our global team of GameSpot editors and video producers, who spent hours locked in fierce debate fighting for the games they felt most passionate about. Like in 2017, this year's nominees were difficult to compile. After all, there was no shortage of amazing games to play across PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile in 2018. The toughest decision was narrowing down which game we wanted to be Game of the Year. This year, we selected 10 unranked nominees and then selected the Game of the Year from those candidates, rather than ranking our entire list. After several hours, we were able to compile a nominee list of the 10 best games culminating in our overall Game of the Year choice. The games in this features are informed by an array of tastes and preferences, reflecting our team's diverse gaming backgrounds and opinions. Read on to see why we chose each game as one of the best for 2018, and scroll to the very bottom to see our choice for Game of the Year 2018. For more on our picks of the best games of the year across various categories, as well as features focusing on the year's performance, check out our Best of 2018 hub. In the meantime, which games did you love the most this year? Let us know in the comment section below.
Monster Hunter World
"It's been said over and over again this year that Monster Hunter World is the most accessible game yet in the long-running Japanese action RPG series. Monster Hunter's detractors know that doesn't mean much--World may be the easiest entry point yet, but it's still pretty obtuse for all but the most diligent, attentive, and detail-oriented newbies. Either you need to have the dedication and persistence to fight through hours of ignorance while you speed-Google every new thing the game throws at you, or you need a monster-hunting veteran friend to lend a hand. But that's fine--some subjective concept of "accessibility" isn't what makes MHW so great. And besides, cooperative multiplayer happens to be exactly where Monster Hunter World shines brightest." -- Michael Rougeau, Senior Entertainment Editor For more on why we chose Monster Hunter World as one of the best for 2018, check out our full write-up.
Into The Breach
"Into The Breach is focused. It is an exceptional distillation of turn-based tactical strategy. The compact, chessboard-sized 8x8 maps mean that confrontations and problems arise immediately. The short missions means there's a constant urgency. The clear transparency of its systems shows you absolutely everything that is going to happen in the next turn--what enemies are targeting, how much damage they will deal, and any effects that will occur. It's a game that tells you everything you need to know, keeps randomness to a minimum, and never wastes your time." -- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Producer For more on why we chose Into the Breach as one of the best for 2018, check out our full write-up.
God of War
"The new God of War from Santa Monica Studio is a masterful reinvention of a now-classic PlayStation series and, primarily, its lead character. Kratos went from being a killing machine driven solely by rage in previous games, to, well, a killing machine driven by paternal instinct and a promise made to his deceased wife. But even without being compared to his former self, Kratos' newfound sensitivity and self-awareness are as effective as they are because of how well the character and his journey are executed in general. For fans, it's great to witness the character's pivot from yesteryear's action darling to today's loving father figure in disguise, but Kratos and the game he leads are simply excellent on their own terms." -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor For more on why we chose God of War as one of the best for 2018, check out our full write-up.
Dead Cells
"On paper, Dead Cells is an amalgamation of familiar ideas, some of which have been recycled to the point of overexposure; the exploration, discovery, and gradual empowerment of Castlevania and Metroid, the trial-and-error runs of Spelunky, and the oblique world of Dark Souls. But what truly distinguishes Dead Cells is the harmony it achieves between these individual elements. Developer Motion Twin successfully captures the essence of each of the games it is inspired by and uses them to give life to an experience that is refined and refreshing." -- Tamoor Hussain, Senior News Editor For more on why we chose Dead Cells as one of the best for 2018, check out our full write-up.
Marvel's Spider-Man
"Marvel's Spider-Man is special, if for no other reason than that it's the closest a video game has come to capturing what it feels like to be everyone's favorite friendly neighborhood wall-crawler. It's exhilarating to step off a skyscraper and hear the orchestral score begin to swell, only to crescendo and level out as you start swinging towards your next objective; there's never a moment in the game's 20-hour run-time where you don't want to be flying through the air. You're constantly unlocking or discovering tricks that Spidey is known for pulling off in the comics--like firing out a web from both shooters to slingshot yourself through a hanging pipe--that make traveling from point A to point B the most thrilling part of the game." -- Jordan Ramee, Associate Editor For more on why we chose Marvel's Spider-Man as one of the best for 2018, check out our full write-up.
Return of the Obra Dinn
"Armed with a magical pocket watch that allows you to see and explore each victim's final moment and a mostly empty notebook to fill in--as well as your own detective skills and possibly a real-life notebook--you go from corpse to corpse gleaning what you can from short snippets of voiced-but-not-animated scenes frozen in time. Your notebook includes a passenger manifest with names, jobs, and countries of origin as well as an artist's rendition of life on the ship, and differentiating between one seaman and another is no small feat. Return of the Obra Dinn does not hold your hand, and you have to pay very close attention to keep track of who's who, how they died, and, if they were murdered, who did it." -- Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor For more on why we chose Return of the Obra Dinn as one of the best for 2018, check out our full write-up.
Tetris Effect
"Tetris Effect is unquestionably the prettiest version of Tetris there is and it uses that aspect of its personality to enhance the core draw of the puzzle game within, making it easier for you to find that unspeakable bond between mind and game. It's an unforgettable experience that marks a new chapter for one of the medium's most familiar and beloved properties, and when people talk about Tetris from now on, Tetris Effect will undoubtedly be used to reference the original game's timeless appeal." -- Pete Brown, Managing Editor For more on why we chose Tetris Effect as one of the best for 2018, check out our full write-up.
Hitman 2
"Like its predecessor, Hitman 2 can be many things to many people. The variety of possible approaches allows for wildly different experiences. You might opt for a more head-on plan that involves killing anyone who gets in your way. Maybe you use the briefcase for its intended purpose and sneak in a sniper rifle to take your target out from a distance. Or perhaps you opt for something far more elaborate: Discover the use of a high-powered fan in a movie shoot, recover and deliver a missing script to the crew so filming can continue, and then rig the fan to blow your target off the roof once the cameras are rolling. (It made for great footage, the film's producer concedes in a private phone call afterward.) It all sounds sadistic on paper, but with Hitman 2, developer IO Interactive has continued to hone its comedy chops by instilling a sense of humor into so many of your actions and every corner of the map." -- Chris Pereira, Engagement Editor For more on why we chose Hitman 2 as one of the best for 2018, check out our full write-up.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
"Over 70 unique characters from nearly 30 different video game franchises, with more to come. A refined combat system that is still exciting, still accessible, and still has a high skill ceiling. A number of varying modes to enjoy on your own or with others. An immense library of great video game music. There are so many wonderful things packed into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate that, even in the short time between its release and our Best Of The Year discussions, it has filled us with an immense amount of joy." -- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Producer For more on why we chose Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as one of the best for 2018, check out our full write-up.
Game of the Year: Red Dead Redemption 2
"It can be frustrating, in an open world game, to be forced into actions you didn't want to take. Red Dead Redemption 2 gives you a ton of choices but very few outcomes; there's often nothing you can do to change how a story mission ends. It can feel like you're fighting against the game, but that's why it's brilliant. Your weariness and your frustration are also Arthur's, and that gives you a greater understanding into the inner turmoil he experiences throughout the story. Those feelings draw you into him, his relationships, and his world, and that's a connection that's hard to shake when it's all over. Of everything about Red Dead Redemption 2, from its responsive, living world to its most meticulous details, that is its greatest achievement." -- Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor For more on why we chose Red Dead Redemption 2 as our Game of the Year in 2018, check out our full write-up.
By Chris E. Hayner on Dec 19, 2018 04:52 am
The latest version of Deadpool 2 has arrived--the third cut we've seen of the movie yet. Once Upon a Deadpool has been edited into a PG-13 film and includes a bunch of new footage, along with alternate takes and lines, plus segments of the original Deadpool 2 that have been simply dropped because they're too graphic. Given that we've already delved into the differences between the theatrical cut and the Super Duper Extended Edition, it only seemed right to dig through Once Upon a Deadpool to figure out exactly what was changed. If you've seen trailers for the new cut, you already know about one of the biggest differences. Once more, Ryan Reynolds dawned his signature Deadpool suit to film some new scenes for the film, this time in a plot where he kidnaps The Princess Bride star Fred Savage to tell him the sanitized story of Deadpool 2. Well, sanitized by Deadpool standards, anyway. Take a look at the major differences we found between Deadpool 2 and Once Upon a Deadpool. Then go ahead and sound off in the comments with any other chances you might have noticed when you watched Deadpool 2 yet again. Honestly, at this point, we've probably all seen this movie too many times to count, based solely on how many times it's been altered and released. And if you've somehow never seen any of the three versions of Deadpool 2, spoilers are coming!
1. Princess Bride intro
Right from the beginning, Once Upon a Deadpool is very different as it opens on a shot of the recreated bedroom Fred Savage's character has in The Princess Bride.
2. Fred Savage has been kidnapped
It doesn't end there, as the biggest new character in Once Upon a Deadpool is none other than Fred Savage, who has been kidnapped and trapped in this bedroom by Deadpool.
3. The King James Edition
Clearly, this version of Deadpool 2 has been edited for content. According to the book Deadpool is telling the story from, this is technically the King James Edition of the sequel.
4. The bar full of villains has been cut
Naturally, there was going to be some heavy editing due to the insane violence throughout the movie. Thus, one of the first scenes removed entirely is the one that sees the merc with a mouth killing lots of people in a bar.
5. The Sicilian funeral massacre is gone
Also gone is the killing Deadpool did at the funeral in Sicily.
6. The Tokyo bathhouse scene has also been removed
Continuing the trend of killing off the killing, the Tokyo bathhouse scene was entirely removed from Once Upon a Deadpool.
7. And the strip club scene has been cut
The last huge cut is the removal of the strip club scene that sees Deadpool working the pole before doing some killing.
8. Where's the blood?
In this version, when Deadpool goes on his rampage toward the man who will eventually kill Vanessa, all of the blood has been removed. Instead, it looks a lot like everyone is getting killed with Nerf weapons. They get hit and just fall down. Honestly, it's pretty funny.
9. The cursing has disappeared
One of the funniest things about the Deadpool movies is the insanely creative cursing the characters use. We'll never forget the time Juggernaut let us know, "'Let's Fuck Some Shit Up' is my legal middle name." In a PG-13 movie, though, that's not allowed. Well, most of it anyway...
10. Once word can be said a lot, though
Much like certain cable networks, PG-13 films allow for one particular word is able to be said as much as humanly possible. Honestly, try to count the number of times someone says "s***" in Once Upon a Deadpool.
11. Pegging isn't PG-13
If foul language isn't allowed in a PG-13 version of Deadpool 2, jokes about pegging were certainly not going to make the cut. Sorry, Wade, no super babies for you.
12. Fred Savage calls out the movie for fridging Vanessa
Bless Fred Savage for addressing the biggest issue with Deadpool 2, that it kills off the main character's girlfriend simply to serve his story. It's good to see that the writers of the film finally understand their major misstep.
13. The opening credits sequence is gone
Poor Celine Dion doesn't get the respect she deserves in Once Upon a Deadpool, as her theme song for the movie--and the entire opening credits sequence-- was dropped from the new version.
14. The cocaine in Big Al's house is not labeled "Booger Sugar"
Is cocaine PG-13? Probably not, which is why it's relabeled "blood sugar" in the new cut.
15. Deadpool's suicide attempts from the extended cut are included
The footage from the extended cut of Deadpool 2 is put to good use here, showing some alternate ways Deadpool tried to kill himself before blowing himself up.
16. In fact, lots of alternate takes and lines from the extended edition are used
The suicide attempts aren't the only extended footage used. Alternate lines and takes appear throughout the movie, which is a treat for those who haven't already picked up Deadpool 2 on Blu-ray.
17. The ADR is very noticeable
It's clear that Once Upon a Deadpool just dubbed in new words over several instances of cursing. However, we can easily see these characters are repeatedly saying the word "f***."
18. Fred Savage is a Cable Superfan
This cut definitely includes a better introduction of Cable. As it turns out, Fred Savage is a superfan of the character and rattles off his comic book history.
19. The X-Force deaths are far less graphic and bloody
The deaths of most of the X-Force were super gory and disgusting. Thanks to some clever editing and quick cuts, though, most of the more disturbing aspects of this skydiving sequence have been removed.
20. Fred Savage freaks out over Brad Pitt being in the movie
We all freaked out when it was revealed that the Vanisher was actually Brad Pitt with special invisibility powers. Clearly, in Once Upon a Deadpool, Fred Savage is all of us.
21. Fred Savage goes on a long rant about wanting to fight Matt Damon
Also, Fred Savage is clearly all of us when it comes to Matt Damon. In one scene, he makes it clear he's always wanted to fight Matt Damon just to see what would happen. Deadpool, always looking to make a joke, censors the word fight so it sounds as if he definitely wants to f*** Matt Damon.
22. Fred Savage doesn't understand Deadpool's powers
When Juggernaut rips Deadpool in half, Fred Savage actually asks some very important questions. What happens to his old legs when he grows a new pair? Do they sprout a new torso? Are there two Deadpools now? Inquiring minds want to know!
23. The leg cross of baby legs Deadpool is pixelated
Shockingly, the shot of Deadpool's junk as he's growing back his lower half if pixelated. Of course, you can't show a penis--CGI or not--in a PG-13 movie.
24. The end of the movie makes Fred Savage cry
The emotional climax of Deadpool 2 is really strong. Wade Wilson realizes his family is this group of murdering heroes and the bloodthirsty cab driver he hands out with. Cable gives up his one chance to go home to he can save Deadpool. Russell accepts that he doesn't have to become a supervillain. It's a lot to handle, so seeing Fred Savage cry over the beauty of it makes sense.
25. Fred Savage is free at last
We also get some new post-credits material in the form of Deadpool finally freeing Fred Savage from his confinement. Of course, that's when he finds out he's not wearing pants and has been strapped to the bed for three days, leaving him without feeling in his legs.
26. Stan Lee post tribute
After the post-credits comes a legitimately sweet moment. As a tribute to the late Stan Lee, outtakes from his cameo shoot for the No Good Deed short are shown, along with a piece of an interview he did at one point. When asked what he hopes people say about him when he's gone, Lee simply says, "He wrote some good stories."
By Kevin Wong on Dec 19, 2018 04:17 am
The live-action Pokemon movie is coming next year.
Founded in 1995, the Pokémon franchise is the highest grossing media franchise of of all time, including video games, trading cards, manga, television shows, and movies. There have been several animated Pokémon films, but no live-action films--until now. Conventional wisdom might dictate that the first live-action Pokémon movie would be an adaptation of the original anime series, starring Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, and Team Rocket. Instead we're getting Detective Pikachu, an action/mystery adventure starring the famous, electric-powered pika, due out in 2019. We only have one teaser trailer so far, which unveiled a photorealistic approach to these iconic characters. Here's everything we've learned so far.
1. What's the release date?
Detective Pikachu will release worldwide on May 10, 2019. It will be competing for ticket sales against Avengers: Endgame, which will release two weeks prior, and the live action adaptation of Aladdin, which will release two weeks after.
2. In front of the camera
The main human protagonist is Tim Goodman, who's performed by Justice Smith (Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom); he already has some experience in being a foil to CGI characters. Pikachu is performed (motion capture and voice) by Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool), and is Tim's father's former partner. Tim is the only one who can understand Pikachu; whereas everyone else hears the familiar, chirpy "Pika Pika!," he hears Ryan Reynolds making sarcastic quips.
3. Behind the camera
The director and co-writer of Detective Pikachu is Robert Letterman, who is also known for writing and directing Shark Tale and Monsters vs. Aliens. The other writer is Nicole Perlman, who wrote the original draft for Guardians of the Galaxy, and developed the story for Captain Marvel.
4. Powers of deduction
Detective Pikachu is not an entirely new creation. The movie is based on a 2016 adventure game for the Nintendo 3DS, also called Detective Pikachu. In that game, Tim and Pikachu are investigating a series of incidents in Ryme City, in which Pokémon who have been mysteriously drugged turn violent and rampage the city. At the end of the game, it's revealed that a news network is planning to release the drug en masse, manufacturing a catastrophe they can then report on.
5. Parallels to the game
This plot of the game could definitely be an inspiration for the movie. Kathryn Newton, the female lead opposite Justice Smith, is playing the role of news reporter Lucy Stevens. And in the video game, the love interest is also a young news reporter, named Emilia Christie. In both the game and the movie, Tim's father, Harry Goodman, is missing. But in the game, Tim and Pikachu don't start looking for the father until the very end of the game. In the movie, the search for Tim's father is the main thrust of the movie.
6. Pika PG-13?
And keeping with that darker tone, there are rumors that Detective Pikachu could be PG-13. While this may keep the youngest children out of the movie theaters, it might be good for the artistic vision of the film. The noir genre is not a PG-rated undertaking. And they'll likely be able to do the fight sequences justices with a little bit more leeway.
7. Fur vs. Skin
The photorealistic approach has garnered criticism from some of the fandom, who find the fur to be weird, gross, or off-putting. The smooth, solid look from the anime defines people's conception of these characters, so to see additional texture can be a bit of a shock. Ultimately, the story and its characters will succeed on their own merits. And people's attention to the more aesthetic elements will depend on the overall movie's success.
8. Pokémon cameos galore
There's lots of Pokémon, both major and minor, that can spotted in the trailer. We see Jigglypuff, angry at being interrupted while singing. We see Psyduck as Lucy Stevens' companion. We see a band of Greninjas attacking someone. We see a Charmander walking down the street, flaming tail and all. We see a herd of Bulbasaurs. We also see a raging Charizard, who seems poised to eat Pikachu. Expect some visually intense battles with a big-screen budget to back them up.
9. Why not Ash?
Despite his prominence and ubiquity within the larger franchise, Ash is not the protagonist of Detective Pikachu. In an interview with director Robert Letterman, IGN discovered the answer. It comes down to The Pokémon Company wanting something fresh and new: "The Pokémon Company, they've already made many, many movies of Ash, and they came to Legendary with this idea of using a new character," said Letterman. "So when I came on board, I was pitched this character of Detective Pikachu, and I fell in love with the story behind it."
By Meg Downey on Dec 19, 2018 02:42 am
Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame aren't the only major MCU releases slated for 2019--we've also got more Spider-Man well on the way with the sequel to Homecoming, Far From Home, swinging into theaters next July. Details on the movie are still pretty scarce, though last weekend's ComicCon Experience in Brazil offered fans some details care of a panel with stars Tom Holland and Jake Gyllenhaal--so we do have some info to work with as we patiently wait for our first teasers, trailers, and posters. We've rounded up a list of everything we know about Spider-Man: Far From Home, including the returning cast, scheduled release, and mysterious plot details that have managed to make it out into the wild. If you want to learn more about 2019 movies that we're excited to see, check out our everything we know galleries about Godzilla: King of Monsters, Captain Marvel, Shazam, Wonder Woman 84, Star Wars: Episode IX, Toy Story 4, and Game of Thrones Season 8.
It's coming out next year
Maybe one of the only parts of Far From Home not completely shrouded in mystery and speculation is its release date: July 5, 2019.
Virtually everyone is coming back
If you're a fan of Spider-Man: Homecoming, rest easy--virtually everyone you know and love from the MCU's first official Spidey film is on their way back for the sequel. Here's who we know will be around: - Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker
- Zendaya is back as Michelle "MJ" Jones
- Jacob Batalon is Ned Leeds
- Marisa Tomei is Aunt May Parker
- Jake Gyllenhaal is joining the cast as Quentin Beck aka Mysterio
- Samuel L Jackson will reprise his role as Nick Fury
- Cobie Smulders is Maria Hill
- Jon Favreau is Happy Hogan
- Tony Revolori is Eugene "Flash" Thompson
So, Peter is okay?
Obviously, it's pretty much impossible for Tom Holland to film another Spider-Man movie after the events of Infinity War without becoming a sort of walking spoiler. Yes, something happens during Endgame to make sure Peter Parker is alive and kicking--we just don't know what that something is yet, or what, if any, caveats are attached to the resurrection process. We know for certain, thanks to on set photos, that Tom Holland is suiting up, so feel free to put your "it's not actually Peter behind the mask this time" theories to bed, but we don't know anything else. With a comic book history full of magic and clones and rebooted timelines, we'd have to say that really anything is possible for Spider-Man at this point, and it's best not to take anything for granted.
Robert Downey Jr. isn't confirmed
We may have been able to glean Peter's fate from the announcements and images we've had to work with, but Tony Stark is another story. So far, there has been no confirmation of Robert Downey Jr.'s involvement in the film, despite Tony and Peter's very close almost paternal connection in both Homecoming and Infinity War. We're not saying to start panicking but, well, maybe start at least being a little bit concerned.
Mysterio is the villain, maybe
Jake Gyllenhaal has officially confirmed he will be joining the cast as classic Spider-Man villain, Mysterio, but plot details have surfaced that may indicate a shift in the character's alignment. According to Tom Holland at ComicCon Experience in Brazil, Mysterio and Spider-Man will be teaming up--at least initially--to a deeper cut piece of Marvel lore, the Elementals. Though, it's worth noting that because Mysterio's abilities revolve around mind control, hypnosis, and illusion, it's probably best not to take anything about this at face value.
Wait, the Elementals?
Apparently, Far From Home will be introducing the Elementals to the MCU--four immortal beings with elemental powers who ruled the Earth back before ancient kingdoms like Atlantis rose to power. Their names are, traditionally, Hydron, Hellfire, Magnum and Zephyr, and they were predominantly used back in the early '70s going up against the likes of heroes like Carol Danvers. What this could mean for not only Peter but for the MCU at large is a huge mystery--and one we probably shouldn't take lightly. But, again, knowing a master of illusion like Mysterio is in the mix certainly complicates the speculation game a bit.
Peter's (probably) getting a new suit
Fans at ComicCon Experience in Brazil were treated to images of a "stealth suit," an all black, more tactical incarnation of the traditional Spider-Man costume that feels a little more akin to something out of Spider-Man Noir's closet than our typical Peter. The actual purpose of this costume is totally unknown--in fact, we don't actually know if this is the finished look, or a pre-digital enhancement version of the outfit, so there's no shortage of questions to be asked. What happened to Peter's Infinity War costume? What necessitated the change? Is that even Peter behind the mask? We also know that another new suit--one with a white Spider-icon--has been spotted on set, so cosplayers rejoice, your options are multiplying.
Fury and Hill are swinging in
Both Samuel L. Jackson and Cobie Smulders are reprising their roles as SHIELD agents Fury and Hill, which means they two have definitively survived their post-Infinity War dusting. However, we don't know exactly what business they might have with Peter, or what role they're going to play in the events of the movie. Though, it seems likely that if the Elementals really are in the mix, it's probably a bit more than a high school student can take care of on his own, so if we had to guess, they're probably working things out on that front.
The "Far From Home" title is literal
More than just a cute pun on the first movie's "Homecoming" name, Far From Home is taking Peter Parker pretty far out of Queens and landing him in Europe. Obviously, it's harder to get further from home than an alien planet like Titan, but we'll let that slide this time. Why Peter has left the country remains a mystery, but speculation has lead fans to believe it'll be a school trip. On set photos make it seem like MJ has tagged along so, as of right now, that seems pretty likely.
Jon Watts is returning to direct
Homecoming director Jon Watts has not given up the Spider-mantle just yet. He's already wrapped filming for Far From Home along with two of Homecoming's screenwriters, Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. So while the landscape of the MCU might be changing drastically in the post-Thanos world, at least we have that to rely on. Expect a suitably John Hughes-flavored follow up.
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