By Alessandro Fillari on Nov 04, 2017 10:30 pm
The Gaming Twilight Zone
The video game medium and its community are no stranger to weird rumors and stories that can slowly spiral into something more. From the early days of gossip at the arcades to the 24-7 cycle of communication on the internet, certain games have managed to latch onto our collective interest, pulling us into a deeper web of intrigue and suspicion that can blur the lines between fact and fiction. Because of this, several stories--some skeptical, and others entirely fictional--have added a level of scrutiny and mystique to certain games.
With this in mind, GameSpot is taking a look back on the many urban legends that have sprouted out from video game community. While some of these stories are hotly debated, and others have since been admitted to be an elaborate hoax or misunderstanding, the impact of these events have had--and what they've done to the gaming community--still lingers. Here are nine of the most bizarre and strange urban legends in gaming.
The Legend Of The Nude Tomb Raider Code
Starting off with one of the more infamous gaming urban legends, the Lara Croft nude code was a phenomenon that surrounded the original Tomb Raider in 1996 and ended up drawing far more attention to the game than it could on its own. Originating from a nude patch from the developers at Core Design, which was intended for generic character design and programming purposes, gamers on PC caught wind of this and sought ways to produce this for their own games.
Eventually, rumors began to spread online about a secret nude code for console versions of the game. While the developers continually denied the existence of such a code, crafty gamers on PC eventually made their own custom mods that allowed them to create their own "Nude Raider." Most console gamers were unaware of the specifics of PC mods and assumed it was a secret part of the game after searching for images online, adding further mystique and attention to it. Moreover, game cheat devices jumped on the wave of interest, even advertising that their devices would allow access to naked Lara Croft.
It didn't take long for news outlets to pick up the story about a naked female character in a video game, adding more scrutiny to Tomb Raider. Due to the unwanted attention, publisher Eidos took action against websites that hosted mods and access to data on nude mods, resulting in several cease and desist letters from their legal team. Though proving they still had a sense of humor about it, the developer added the rumored nude code in the Tomb Raider sequels, resulting in Lara Croft suffering an instant death from spontaneous combustion. Still, this particular code became infamous due to its unusual nature and how the internet gossip machine turned a simple developer tool into something more than it really was.
The Strange Prank From The Classic Gaming Magazine -- Street Fighter II: Shen Long Unlock
In the pre-internet era, gaming magazines were an invaluable resource for fans to gain knowledge and stay up to date on the latest news, tips, and tricks. But when Electronic Gaming Monthly--one of the premiere video game outlets of the time--took the opportunity to pull a prank on fans of Street Fighter II, it started a lasting and common misconception about an incredibly popular game, which ironically inspired the developers at Capcom to introduce new features to the game.
In Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, there were references to a specific character known as Shen Long, the master of Shoto fighters Ryu and Ken. According to EGM in a 1992 issue, there was a way to battle and unlock the character if players managed to clear the game on a no-damage run with Ryu. When fighting M. Bison, players would have to force the match into a draw by avoiding damage from the Shadaloo leader and without dealing any damage themselves. After several rounds, Shen Long would come onto the scene and engage in a fight to the death. Due to the popularity of the game, there was a large amount of interest in uncovering its secrets, and tips on how to unlock a new character quickly spread around the world. EGM eventually stated it was an elaborate prank in their following issue, but the scrutiny the magazine received from this prank didn't stop the editors from doing it once more in the 1997 April Fool's issue for Street Fighter III.
However, this particular urban legend resulted in a pleasant turn of events that put a surprising end to this myth. Over the years, the developers at Capcom were continually hounded by rumors and references to Shen Long from fans, but were still humbled at the wave of interest that came to the game. This hoax would eventually go on to inspire the demonic antagonist Akuma, who barges into fights in Super Street Fighter II Turbo, and is now an established characters in the series. When the long-awaited Street Fighter IV was finally ready for its release--which was set sometime after the events of SFII--they introduced Gouken to the roster. While similar to Shen Long, Gouken is an original character and separate from the Shen Long referenced in-game, and the game features more advanced versions of Ryu, Ken, and Akuma's fighting styles.
The Most Dangerous Arcade Game: Polybius
As one of the more infamous gaming urban legends, the Polybius arcade cabinet has a reputation for being the most dangerous video game ever made. But of course, the claims and lack of evidence make this one hard to believe. According to myth, an arcade in Portland, Oregon during the early '80s possessed a strange arcade machine named Polybius. It was essentially a top-down shooter with bright and chaotic vector graphics, and you'd have to clear out waves of enemies to make it on the high-score list.
What makes this particular game so unusual was that players who came in contact with it were apparently met with severe nausea, night terrors, panic attacks, and other psychological effects after playing. Eventually, witnesses claimed that several men in black visited the arcade to take data from the machine before carting it off. The game was never seen again after that.
There were never any public records of Polybius, nor any details of the developers or even a publisher. While there have been many instances of players falling ill after long-term gaming from other titles, particularly of the tragic case of a young teen playing several hours of the arcade game Berzerk and suffering a heart attack, Polybius looks to be a tall tale resulting from an amalgamation of true gaming horror stories and government conspiracy theories. Some communities online focusing on retro-gaming have even made mock versions of Polybius based on descriptions found online. Hoax or not, the myth of Polybius continues to live on.
The Curse Of The Madden Cover
Becoming the cover athlete for the annual Madden football series should feel like a high honor, but over the years it's become something that many fans and players dread. Dubbed the "Madden Curse," almost every athlete that has graced the cover of the EA's Madden series over the last twenty years has either performed poorly during the following season or received an injury. As one of the few urban legends with real-world ramifications, this supposed curse has many fans and pro football players nervous. While some cover stars managed to avoid the curse, many were not so lucky, giving this urban legend some added believability.
While there are many years to cover, there are a couple notable standouts for the Madden Curse. On the cover of Madden 2002, Daunte Culpepper of the Minnesota Vikings made a name for himself as a starting quarterback straight out of college. But he soon found himself with a serious knee injury in the following season after making the cover and subsequently missed the rest of the 2001 season. In another, more unusual instance, Madden 2010 featured two cover athletes--Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals and Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers--resulting in further belief of the curse. While Fitzgerald had a largely solid season that year, Polamalu did not, with two injuries that caused him to miss several games.
Currently, Tom Brady of the New England Patriots is the cover athlete for Madden 18. Though his season has been spectacular so far, and he's gone on record to say that the Madden Curse isn't real, though there's still that apprehension from fans who are worried that the curse will strike at the worst possible time.
The Strange Occurrence Of The Voxel Doppelganger: Minecraft
During the early years of Minecraft's dominance of the gaming market, there were many stories of players experiencing bizarre and strange events from the game. Since Minecraft is set in a procedurally generated world, and has many enemies hiding underneath the dense caverns and ruins under the surface, players can encounter all sorts of surprises if they dig long and hard enough. But there have been other instances where players have come into contact with something so unusual and haunting that it would seem like it wasn't supposed to be part of the game.
On an online forum, a player claimed to have encountered a strange, white eyed doppelganger of the hero while exploring. Initially keeping its distance, this character known as Herobrine continually stalked the player, even venturing inside his home. One streamer in particular encountered Herobrine, which was documented on his livestream, but many claim it to be a hoax. Since it came from an online forum, many speculated that it was an elaborate trick to attract interest. Still, that didn't stop players from becoming fascinated by the event, even coming up with their own backstories for the character and where it came from.
Due to the popularity of Herobrine and other scary moments players had in-game, Mojang introduced a number of horror themed updates, including Slenderman-esque creatures known as Endermen, and other creatures that unnerve players while exploring at night, which attracted the interest of horror enthusiasts. Still, Herobrine in particular is an odd case, and while many players believe it to be just an elaborate story, the developers aren't shy about making references to the community legend in their patch notes, continually stating over several updates that Herobrine has been removed from the game.
Ben Drowned: The Haunting In The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask
In another strange case of a cursed video game, Ben Drowned is an infamous urban legend about an elusive and apparently haunted copy of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. While the game on its own is creepy and remarkably bleak, detailing a world on the brink of destruction, the Ben Drowned myth created a far deeper sense of dread. One anonymous user who came across this copy of the game detailed his experiences with the corrupted version Majora's Mask online.
As the story goes, the user found an unmarked copy of Majora's Mask for the N64 and went home to play it on his Nintendo 64. After loading up the game, he entered the menu screen and saw a lone save file with the name "BEN" listed on the page. Ignoring this, he created a new save file, but over the course of his playthrough, characters referred to him as only "BEN". What followed took the user through a nightmarish version of Majora's Mask, with distorted music and visual effects populating the many safe areas, and even an enigmatic statue resembling Link routinely stalking the player throughout his journey--which he detailed with videos and pictures on his personal social media pages.
This story hits many notes found from a popular urban legend, but what is interesting about it was the reaction it got from other players. Many were entranced and disturbed by the journey this particular user went on and followed along with the updates and media that were posted after. Due to its popularity, the urban legend eventually spiralled out into a popular ARG event, with users online trying to figure out what or how the game came to be. Even many years after, the case of Ben Drowned still stands as one of the strangest events to happen online.
The Shadow People of Shiverburn Valley -- Super Mario Galaxy 2
While Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a vibrant and colorful game focusing on Mario's exploits venturing out into a vast universe and that tests your reflexes, there's an odd and unsettling presence in one of the levels that put a number of players on edge. In the Shiverburn Valley level, there's a cluster of dark figures standing atop one of the nearby mountains. While they make no contact with Mario, nor do they ever come down from their cliff, their presence had many players bothered nonetheless.
Some players, not looking to leave this well enough alone, began extracting data from the game's files and uncovered some odd details about the level. According to people that sifted through Super Mario Galaxy 2's data, the file with the image of the shadow people is known is "HellValleySkyTree," giving players the impression that this could be a part of a something hidden in the game. This caused many players to look around the stage for clues and hidden passages, though none were found. Despite many fans strongly believing that this has a connection to an elaborate secret held within the game, the shadow people standing on top of the mountain are never seen again after Shiverburn Valley.
What makes this particular event so unusual is that it often conflicts with the style and visuals set by Super Mario Galaxy, making the Shadow People really stick out. While claims that they're the remnants of a lost level for Galaxy 2 are still common, with clues pointing to "Hell Valley" being a level that's no longer in the game, there's been nothing conclusive. Nintendo unfortunately hasn't been much help, choosing not to comment on the strange presence in the level. With no comments from the developers, this has left fans to come up with their own theories and ideas of who the shadow people are and where they came from.
The Search For The Elusive Bigfoot Of San Andreas -- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
At the time of its release, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was biggest game in the popular open-world series. Featuring three distinct locations, along with deserts, forests, and coastal areas surrounding the main cities, there was a lot of ground to cover. Because of this, players claimed to have seen some rather bizarre sights and oddities while traveling--such as a strange run-down car with no driver and derelict houses with a strange presence inside. But one of these stories sticks out more than others, and that's of the infamous Bigfoot, who many claimed could be found inside one of the game's more dense locations.
San Andreas featured a plethora of easter eggs, secrets, and odd references to real-life events and locations,so it wasn't too hard to believe that there would some secrets that would go a bit further than others. As the legend goes, Bigfoot could be found lurking deep within the woods of Flint County. This rumor began to spread when players noticed the name "Big Foot" in the game manual's Special Thanks section, making players believe that this was in fact a clue that the infamous Sasquatch was in the game. While some players posted videos and pictures of their encounters, the veracity of their evidence came into question. With countless players searching for Bigfoot in the PS2 release of the game, everyone turned up short with little to show for it.
Eventually, San Andreas found its way to PC, resulting in a number of mods adding an actual Bigfoot to the game. Unfortunately, this was more of salve to the urban legend, and didn't actually offer resolution for fans. As the years went on, and other games from Rockstar had come and gone, the developers decided to make some acknowledgements of the myths behind Sasquatch in San Andreas in both Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto V, which poked fun at the appearances of the fabled creature. While John Marston found himself responsible for the near-extinction of Sasquatch in the Undead Nightmare expansion, GTA V featured a more humourous take on the legend, having Franklin hunt down a Bigfoot impersonator who simply had an unhealthy interest in the creature.
The Curious Case Of Lavender Town Syndrome -- Pokemon Red & Blue
While many Pokemon fans remember the first generation of games fondly, there are a number of morbid and bizarre myths surrounding it. Along with the story of the rare Pokemon Black version--a supposedly hacked version of Pokemon Blue that features only Ghost Pokemon and an increasingly dark plot--one particularly dark urban legend surrounding the original Pokemon unfortunately has some basis in reality.
Known as Lavender Town Syndrome, this urban legend speaks of a strange trance-like feeling players fall into when inside the dark and moody Lavender Town. As one of the more creepy areas of Pokemon, the town featured graves of fallen Pokemon and also housed a number of Ghost Pokemon within its central tower. This gave the setting a somewhat haunted vibe, making it contrast heavily with other more whimsical areas. Adding to this was the music, which was equally eerie also a far cry from the hopeful songs heard in other towns. Because of this, Nintendo made some adjustments to the game's music for its western release--lowering the pitch and frequencies of some beats and notes of the theme--as they felt it would be too off-putting for international audiences.
Around the height of Pokemon's popularity in the '90s, there were several reports in Japan of fans developing an unhealthy interest in the game. During this time, many health experts attributed Pokemon to the wave of deaths among the young population at the time, most of whom were playing the game. Fans online noticed the differences between the songs for Lavender Town in the West and back in Japan, and wondered if there was a connection--which resulted in the Urban Legend of Lavender Town Syndrome. While these theories are purely speculation, this particular urban legend gained popularity over the years as Pokemon caught on in the West.
By Matt Espineli on Nov 04, 2017 05:04 pm
Cards of the Underground
With the announcement of Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft's new expansion called Kobolds & Catacombs comes a multitude of new cards. The major new addition is Dungeon Run, a rogue-like single-player mode, where you explore a dungeon, defeating bosses, and collecting loot. The expansion also adds a new keyword, Recruit, which summons a random minion from your deck. Additionally, you'll see a new type of Legendary card, Legendary weapons, which will be available for each class. Finally, treasures are a new type of card exclusive to Dungeon Run; these are too powerful to include in regular decks and thus can only be used against the AI. Each time you defeat a boss in Dungeon Run, you'll earn new cards. Click ahead to get the first look at some of the new cards you can expect to get as you progress, as well as some standard collectible cards from the expansion. Blizzard revealed a slew of new updates and announcements for its many games during today's BlizzCon opening ceremony. In addition to two new characters for Heroes of the Storm, Overwatch will soon get a new hero named Moira, as well as a brand-new theme park map called Blizzard World. If you're a fan of Overwatch lore, the company also revealed a new short starring the rocket-hammer wielding Reinhardt. You can find all of the big announcements from the BlizzCon opening ceremony in our roundup.
By Tamoor Hussain on Nov 04, 2017 06:29 am
It's been 31 years since Mario hopped onto arcade screens in Donkey Kong, and everyone's favourite portly plumber shows no signs of slowing down. His latest adventure, Super Mario Odyssey, brings him to the Nintendo Switch, where--once again--Princess Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser, and little ol' Mario needs to save the day. Unlike the last few Mario games, Odyssey fits into the same gameplay mould as Super Mario 64 and Sunshine. It presents large, open areas and lets players hop, skip, jump, and buttstomp their way around in search of collectibles. The magic of these Mario games is in exploration and experimentation; using your athletic abilities to poke at nooks and crannies to find secrets, and Odyssey is a game that certainly rewards that curiosity. Nintendo has put in subtle little gameplay mechanisms that can help you on your quest to get Power Moons--both obvious and hidden. Some of these systems are explained in-game, but may be easy to miss, while others are left a bit vague. We've put together a collection of tips that'll give you a little leg-up, and get you skipping on your way to rescuing Peach. Check out our full review of Super Mario Odyssey, and for more about the game, check out our roundup article containing features, gameplay videos, and everything you need to know about Super Mario Odyssey. You can also check out our roundup containing tips, guides, and things we wish we knew.
Jump up! Jump up! And Get Down!
This is an incredibly obvious thing to point out, but given how important it can be to success in Odyssey, it's worth stating: when you first get the game, spend some time jumping around. Mario's basic jump is perfect for crossing small gaps and pouncing on enemies, but he has a wide range of tools that are absolutely essential for the game's trickier platforming moments. You'll need to have mastery of all of these abilities to find most of the hidden Moons. Mario's jumps can be modified by jumping repeatedly using specific timing, butt-stomping before a jump, or leaping by crouching before a jump. These moves, and some of his others, are easy to pull off once you're comfortable, but you'll want to practice so executing them is second nature. It's best to do this in a safe space, instead of when you're caught between a Bullet Bill and a perilous fall.
Cappadonna
Cappy, the sentient cap accompanying Mario in Odyssey, is primarily used for taking control of enemies or objects, but can also be used to extend jumps. We suggest learning the hat-throw and leap combo, as it's undoubtedly one of the most useful moves in the game. Jump in the air and throw Cappy, then keep the button held down to have Cappy hover a moment. While the hat is spinning, hit crouch and jump and you'll leap forward and launch back into the air. This can be repeated a second time to gain even more ground. Thankfully, Mario Odyssey features an Action Guide, where all of the advance moves are available for you to read about. On top of that, Cappy will remind you about things you can do when you're travelling between worlds. Practice makes perfect!
Coins Rule Everything Around Mario
Again, another obvious tip worth repeating: Pick up coins. It can be tempting to skip a few coins in the distance when you're running around, but coins have more value than ever before in Odyssey. Instead of using the traditional life system, where each death counts down to a Game Over screen, Odyssey nicks some coins from Marios deep pockets. There's no punishment for dying with zero coins, but it does mean that you'll have less to spend on other goodies. Coins are also used to buy things from various shops scattered around Odyssey's worlds. Each shop usually has a top up of hearts on offer, as well as a Moon. Those looking to get every single Moon in the game will want to be especially diligent about grabbing coins, as more Moons become available to purchase from shops in the later game.
Fashion Killa
Of course, coins are also used to purchase new outfits for Mario, and you have to purchase the hat and jumpsuit portions separately. The price for a hat is usually 50 coins, but suits can range from 100 to 150, and--trust us--you'll want all of them. They don't change the way Mario plays by adding abilities, but it's pretty darn cool to see him dressed up as a cowboy or a race car driver. We won't spoil them here, but there's also quite a few costumes that ignite a wave of nostalgia in longtime fans of Mario, so make sure your balance is high to avoid disappointment. Coins are also used for one other thing, which leads nicely into our next tip…
Man On The Moons
There are multiple ways to find Moons in Odyssey. To fly to new locations your ship needs a certain amount of Moons to power it, and the game denotes the recommended amount of Moons on screen. The simplest way to find these is to just play through each world and keep your eyes peeled for them, as many are visible along the main path. However, if you're going for the full Moon completion, you'll need to explore as they're hidden away behind mini-puzzles. Thankfully, when you complete an area by beating its boss, Hint Toad will appear near the Odyssey. As the name implies, Hint Toad will mark the location of a Moon on your map for 50 coins, which is very useful. You might think this is a bit of a cheat, but it's still quite tricky to get these Moons as the indicators are just a vague hint at where it is, and doesn't pinpoint exactly where they are, or what you need to do to get them.
Snitch
For those that need a little extra guidance, there's Talkatoo, a loose-lipped, wide-jawed parrot that hangs around in the main hub of each area. Chat to Talkatoo and it will tell you the name of the Moon, which usually provides some further insight into where they are or what you need to do to grab them. Bear in mind, there's a limit to how many times you can use Hint Toad and Talkatoo. When you beat the game, you can buy unlimited Moons from the shop, but if you want to do it the natural way, there's a few more subtle ways to find Moons...
Good Vibrations
Moons, and other hidden treats, usually have some other kind of way of making their presence known to you, all you have to do is listen for them and feel them out--literally. Moons make a little twinkling sound when you're close by. On your travels around the world, make sure to keep your ears open as well as your eyes peeled. It can be easy to set your sight on a Moon on the main path and focus on it, but often you'll find that there are extra ones tucked away behind secret walls or placed just out of view. Another way to find hidden Moons or coins is through controller vibrations. This one is much trickier as running around usually makes the controller vibrate just a bit, however, the feedback should be stronger when you're near a secret item. A lot of goodies hidden underground usually have a shaft of colorful light to draw your attention to them, but this isn't always the case.
Snoop, Doggy
A more delightful way of finding hidden items is to let the adorable little Nintendog sniff out treats. You'll find him very early in the game chilling out in a shop in the desert world, but after you complete it he'll venture out. When you see him, he'll excitedly bark at you and run off into the distance, give chase and he'll lead you to something good. The lizards in this area also worth following, as they've got the hookup on coins. Nintendog will appear in other locations during your journey too, so keep an eye out for him. And once he's found something for you, why not show your appreciation and play frisbee with him? Chuck Cappy at the puppy from a distance and he'll grab it in his mouth. It's wonderful.
Mo' Moons, Mo' Problems!
Scattered around each of Odyssey's worlds a little puzzle rooms. These are accessed by finding doors with little hats on them, or by jumping into the iconic green pipes. Each of these rooms will test your mastery of platforming, or ask you to possess an enemy using Cappy, and then use their unique abilities to solve a puzzle or reach areas inaccessible to Mario in his tiny human form. The extra secret with these rooms is they usually have more than one Moon hiding within them. This isn't the case 100 percent of the time, but it pays to go into each one with the mindset that there's more than meets the eye in there. Be extra vigilant when running through them, and take the time to stop frequently and spin the camera around a bit, often you'll find a Moon is only visible if you're looking at it from a specific angle. As previously mentioned, a good way to figure out if a room has more than one Moon hidden in it is to buy a marker off Hint Toad and chat to Talkatoo for an extra clue. Between them, they'll be able to point you in the right direction. If that wasn't enough, keep your eyes out for little rockets. By getting over to these and then throwing Cappy on them, you can blast off into the clouds and into more secret areas where, naturally, even more Moons await. No one would fault you for feeling a little overwhelmed by all these Moons, clues, and hints, but Mario Odyssey's overworld--or overspace--map is a very handy way of keeping track of everything. When you're floating over the planet in Odyssey, you can hit the Y button to bring up stats on each world. This menu has essential information on all the Moons available in each location, making it easy to see what you have and what remains. It's a simple touch that makes getting 100% completion just a bit more manageable.
It's Amii-bo!
Another character that's very useful is Uncle Amiibo, the little roomba-like device hovering around near the Odyssey. If you're a collector of Nintendo's Amiibo figures, they'll come in very useful in Mario Odyssey as they can be used to locate stray Moons. Tap your Amiibo on the NFC reader and Uncle Amiibo will send it out on the hunt, it takes five minutes, but once that time is up he'll let you know where you can find a new Moon. There's a limit on how many times you can use Uncle Amiibo to find Moons, so it's better to use him when you're really struggling. Amiibo are also useful for a little coin injection, if you touch a figure while just out in the world, you could get some coins to add to your purse. This is useful when you're a little short on funds and want to purchase an item from the shop. For maximum efficiency, get Uncle Amiibo to send out three Amiibo to hunt for Moons, then go out and try and get some yourself. When you get back, there will be a few more for you to go and grab. This assumes you have three Amiibo, of course. If you don't, you can just use the same Amiibo over and over. There you have it, all the tips you would-be plumbers need before embarking on an Odyssey. Super Mario Odyssey is a big game and we'll be digging into deeper over the coming days. In the meantime, you can check out our video review, or read our full written Super Mario Odyssey review.
By Matt Espineli on Nov 04, 2017 06:20 am
Amiibo Odyssey
Like many of Nintendo's games in recent years, Super Mario Odyssey supports Amiibo functionality. By default, scanning an Amiibo show Mario where a Moon is on the map. It can also grant coins to hearts, and some Mario-themed Amiibo can even get a Life-Up heart, which grants your health an additional 3 extra hearts. However, the game allows you to scan in both Odyssey and general Mario Amiibo to unlock a special costume themed around the character scanned. For example, if you scan an Odyssey Peach Amiibo, you'll get a Wedding Dress outfit. As you scan Amiibo, it's important to note that the unlocked costumes can also be obtained by simply playing the game. But if you'd rather have them now, feel free to scan away! Click ahead for more details on what each Super Mario Odyssey Amiibo gives you. Super Mario Odyssey is out now for Nintendo Switch. It's the latest installment of Nintendo's tenured franchise starring the lovable Italian plumber. You once again control Mario as he works to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. But this time around, he has the help of a new hat sidekick named Cappy, who he can throw at certain objects or enemies to temporarily possess them and use their unique abilities. Check out our full review of Super Mario Odyssey, and for more about the game, check out our roundup article containing features, gameplay videos, and everything you need to know about Super Mario Odyssey. You can also check out our roundup containing tips, guides, and things we wish we knew.
Where To Scan Your Amiibo
In order to activate your Amiibo, you need to talk to Uncle Amiibo, a tiny robot who generally hangs out beside your ship after you beat a kingdom. Talk to him and a menu will appear, then simply place your Amiibo of choice over the NFC reader on the right Joy-Con and reap the rewards.
Mario Wedding Outfit (Super Mario Odyssey Series)
What It Unlocks: - Top: Mario's Top Hat
- Bottom: Mario's Tuxedo Suit
Bowser Wedding Outfit (Super Mario Odyssey Series)
What It Unlocks: - Top: Bowser's Top Hat
- Bottom: Bowser's Tuxedo Suit
Peach Wedding Outfit (Super Mario Odyssey Series)
What It Unlocks: - Top: Peach's Veil
- Bottom: Peach's Wedding Dress
Luigi (Super Mario Series and Smash Bros. Series)
What It Unlocks: - Top: Luigi Cap
- Bottom: Luigi Suit
Wario (Super Mario Series and Smash Bros. Series)
What It Unlocks: - Top: Wario Cap
- Bottom: Wario Suit
Waluigi (Smash Bros. Series)
What It Unlocks: - Top: Waluigi Cap
- Bottom: Waluigi Suit
Mario (30th Anniversary, Smash, and Super Mario Series)
What It Unlocks: - Top: Classic Cap
- Bottom: Classic Outfit
Dr. Mario (Smash Bros. Series)
What It Unlocks: - Top: Doctor Headware
- Bottom: Doctor Outfit
Diddy Kong (Super Smash Bros. Series)
What It Unlocks: - Top: Diddy Kong Hat
- Bottom: Diddy Kong Suit
Mario - Gold Edition (Super Mario series)
What It Unlocks: - Top: Gold Mario Cap
- Bottom: Gold Mario Outfit
By Matt Espineli on Nov 04, 2017 06:16 am
References & Allusions
There are countless costumes to collect in Super Mario Odyssey with each one you acquire nearly as charming than the last, and they're actually more closely associated to Mario's history than you might think. In fact, most of the costumes are direct references to outfits that Mario has worn throughout his 30+ year career. To show just how far back Super Mario Odyssey reaches in history, we've gathered all the costumes that refer to past games or media in the Mario franchise. Super Mario Odyssey is out now for Nintendo Switch. It's the latest installment of Nintendo's tenured franchise starring the lovable Italian plumber. You once again control Mario as he works to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. But this time around, he has the help of a new hat sidekick named Cappy, who he can throw at certain objects or enemies to temporarily possess them and use their unique abilities. Check out our full review of Super Mario Odyssey, and for more about the game, check out our roundup article containing features, gameplay videos, and everything you need to know about Super Mario Odyssey. You can also check out our roundup containing tips, guides, and things we wish we knew.
Explorer Outfit
The Explorer Outfit is an homage to Mario's appearance in Mario's Picross, which first released on the original Game Boy in 1995. Mario could be seen wearing the outfit in the game's promotional art and on the top left corner of the screen as you played.
Builder Outfit
Mario's Builder Outfit references his appearance on the cover of Super Mario Maker for Wii U in 2015. In that game, you could only use the outfit in 2D-pixelated form. However, in Super Mario Odyssey, you can finally wear it in full 3D.
Chef Suit
The Chef Suit is an homage to Mario's appearance in Yoshi's Cookie, a tile-matching puzzle game released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992. Mario could be seen wearing the outfit as he controlled the machine that guided the puzzle pieces that came down.
Space Suit
The Space Suit is one of the cooler outfits in Super Mario Odyssey. You might not know this, but Mario has actually worn an astronaut suit previously in the Space Zone levels in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins in 1992. The Space Suit was likely added into the game as homage to Mario's earlier space adventures.
Doctor Outfit
This one should be obvious, but the Doctor Outfit is a clear reference to none other than Mario's appearance in Dr. Mario for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990.
Mechanic Outfit
The Mechanic Outfit you can purchase from the Crazy Cap store is a reference to Mario's appearance in Famicom Grand Prix II: 3D Hot Rally on the Famicom Disk System in 1988. Both Mario and Luigi can be seen wearing the outfit the game's promo art and instruction manual.
Classic Suit
Hardcore fans will instantly recognize the color scheme of the Classic Suit. It's a reference to Mario's appearance in none other than the iconic 1981 arcade game where he made his first appearance, Donkey Kong.
Black Tuxeudo
It's possible to acquire a Black Tuxedo costume in Super Mario Odyssey. While it may seem like a simple re-skin of the White Tuxedo, the color swap is actually a reference to Mario's appearance from the front cover of Super Mario-All Stars on Super Nintendo.
Poncho Costume
Mario's Poncho costume comes from the Game Boy port of arcade puzzler, Qix. In that game's intermissions, Mario wore a sombrero and poncho while playing a guitar in the middle of a desert.
Painter Outfit
If you've spent a significant amount of time playing Mario Paint on Super Nintendo back in the early '90s, then you're likely to get a huge kick out of the Painter Outfit. It's the outfit that Mario can be seen wearing on the game's front cover.
Boxer Shorts
Gamers were shocked when Nintendo first unveiled Mario's Boxer Shorts outfit in one the game's later trailers. However, it was first showcased in the Summer 2016 wallpaper released by Nintendo of Japan and Play Nintendo.
Golf Suit
Mario's Golf Suit is a reference to his appearance in Family Computer Golf: U.S. Course for the Famicom Disk System in 1987. However, most fans are likely to recognize the outfit from NES Open Tournament Golf for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987.
Swimwear
A bit of a deep cut, the Swimwear outfit is a direct reference to Mario's appearance from the 2016 Club Nintendo calendar. Mario can be seen wearing the outfit in the calendar's August section.
Samurai Armor
The Samurai Armor is a reference to the T-shirt that Shigeru Miyamoto wore during the Super Mario Run debut on Jimmy Fallon in 2016. As this was before Super Mario Odyssey had been officially announced, the shirt became the subject of fan speculation towards a new Mario game.
Fashionable Outfit
Mario's Fashionable Outfit is a reference to an outfit he wore in a Japanese commercial for the New Nintendo 3DS.
Cowboy Outfit
While not a direct 1:1 match in appearance, the Cowboy Outfit is likely an homage to the clothes Mario wears in Western Land in Mario Party 2 on Nintendo 64. Thankfully, you don't have to complete an abundance of mini-games to get it.
Mario 64 Suit
This incredibly nostalgic and low-poly costume is perhaps one of the coolest in the game. The visual detail of this outfit is directly inspired by Mario's appearance from the iconic Super Mario 64 on Nintendo 64.
Metal Mario Suit
Adding upon the super nostalgic costumes you can get in the game is the Metal Mario Suit. It's modeled exactly the same as the Mario 64 Suit but with a thick coat of chrome. Important Note: We understand that image above is from Super Mario 64. Like you, we've only recently purchased the game and are working hard to acquire this costume. We'll be sure to update this slide once we get a solid screenshot.
By Matt Espineli on Nov 04, 2017 06:12 am
Photographic Antics
Super Mario Odyssey is packed with vibrant and charming visuals that are a joy to capture using the game's photo mode. Throughout our journey, we've documented a wealth of fun and ridiculous moments. From our antics with the adorable fedora-wearing Shiba Inu, to the ridiculous shots we've taken using the photo mode's fish eye lens, there's a lot to showcase. We've gathered some of our best photos ahead for your viewing pleasure. After much anticipation, Super Mario Odyssey is out now for Nintendo Switch. It's the latest installment of Nintendo's tenured franchise starring the lovable Italian plumber. You once again control Mario as he works to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. But this time around, he has the help of a new hat sidekick named Cappy, who he can throw at certain objects or enemies to temporarily possess them and use their unique abilities. Check out our full review of Super Mario Odyssey, and for more about the game, check out our roundup article containing features, gameplay videos, and everything you need to know about Super Mario Odyssey. You can also check out our roundup containing tips, guides, and things we wish we knew.
By Array on Nov 04, 2017 06:11 am
Even More Secrets And Easter Eggs
If you've read our previous feature on Super Mario Odyssey's secrets and easter eggs, you'll know that it's a game packed with fun secrets and references to past Mario games. With so many to discover, we've gathered nine more fascinating secrets and easter eggs that we've found in the game so far. Click ahead to see what we saw during our early runnings with the game. Be wary; there will be some potential spoilers. After much anticipation, Super Mario Odyssey is out now for Nintendo Switch. It's the latest installment of Nintendo's tenured franchise starring the lovable Italian plumber. You once again control Mario as he works to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. But this time around, he has the help of a new hat sidekick named Cappy, who he can throw at certain objects or enemies to temporarily possess them and use their unique abilities. For more about the game, check out our roundup article containing features, guides, gameplay videos, and everything you need to know about Super Mario Odyssey. You can also check out our roundup containing tips, guides, and things we wish we knew.
Seeds Are Sewn
In your travels, you'll occasionally encounter a seed that you can throw into a planting spot located somewhere in the kingdom. Successfully transporting it to a pot will cause a small sapling to sprout. If you leave and return sometime later, the plant will reveal a Power Moon.
Warp Paintings
Mario travels from kingdom to kingdom using his trusty airship, but it isn't the plumber's only means of voyaging between levels. Scattered across all the Kingdoms are warp paintings that instantly transport you back to a specific world without having to take your ship. While these paintings are a convenient way to revisit a previous kingdom, they also take you to a secret area where you can pick up a new Power Moon. Keep an eye out for these portals to other kingdoms; though, if you'd rather skip looking for them on your own, you can refer to our warp painting location guide.
Dorie The Gentle Sea Dragon
Dorie the gentle sea dragon returns in Super Mario Odyssey. First introduced in Super Mario 64, this aquatic ally can be seen swimming around both the Lake Kingdom and the Mushroom Kingdom wearing a flashy new top hat.
Coin-Coffer (Money Bags)
The Coin-Coffer, found in the Deep Woods section of the Forest Kingdom, marks the return of Money Bags from Super Mario 64. Where now you can toss a hat on one and become a Coin-Coffer yourself--we don't recommend it as you just spurt out all your hard-earned coins--his previous appearance was more straightforward, as an easy source of five coins in Mario 64's Snowman's Land.
Klepto The Vulture
Klepto was an enemy in Super Mario 64 that would grant you a star for catching up to him. He would also--much like in Super Mario Odyssey--take Mario's hat. The implications in the hat-obsessed Odyssey are greater, but it's good to see that Klepto hasn't changed all that much over the years.
Captain Toad: Time For Adventure!
Captain Toad makes several appearances in Super Mario Odyssey. This weighty backpack wearing adventurer was first introduced in a mini-game found in Super Mario 3D World, and eventually starred in his own spin-off, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. He can often be found hanging out around the hard-to-reach corners of a Kingdom, awaiting your arrival so he can give you a Power Moon he's collected on his own adventures.
Donkey Kong Street Names
As you explore the streets of New Donk City in the Metro Kingdom, you'll notice several street signs alluding to characters from the Donkey Kong series. Signage like "Diddy's Mart" and "Dixie Street" are direct references to Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong. There's even "Cranky" and "Krool" street signs, which clearly refer to Cranky Kong and King K. Rool.
Donkey Kong Level In The Metro Kingdom
During the music festival in New Donk City, you travel through various classic levels that tell the story about the city's origins. The final area you traverse is a direct copy of level design seen in the original Donkey Kong.
Mushroom Kingdom
One of the final levels you explore in the game is none other than the famous Mushroom Kingdom. Its appearance in Super Mario Odyssey is heavily based on how it looked in the iconic N64 classic, Super Mario 64. But don't be fooled by the lush green hills and familiar-looking castle: the new Mushroom Kingdom is packed with activities, but isn't as extensive as the original from Mario 64, where it served as the hub world for the entire game.
By Lance Cartelli on Nov 04, 2017 02:52 am
45. Fantastic Four
The Marvel universe is vaster than just a team of Avengers. But instead of listing every film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we've taken the liberty of ranking every single Marvel movie in the universe (including those outside the MCU) according to Metacritic's unique score system. Let's start with one we'd rather forget. It's not very often Marvel is involved in a movie that so blatantly swings and misses. Shackled by horrible reviews, bad dialogue and lackluster action scene, 2015's Fantastic Four reboot is the lowest-rated Marvel movie ever. The film received a 27 on Metacritic. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
44. Punisher: War Zone
The 2008 reboot of The Punisher is filled with a bunch of gratuitous violence, but little else. Punisher: War Zone is still the worst-performing Marvel film at the box office, with a worldwide gross of $10.1 million. War Zone earned a 30 on Metacritic. (Photo: Lionsgate)
43. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
In this 2012 entry, Nicolas Cage reprised his role as Johnny Blaze, the devil's bounty hunter. The sequel to 2007's Ghost Rider was largely panned by critics, but it was a box-office success nevertheless. In 2013, Cage said that he is finished playing the role of Ghost Rider, and a second sequel was subsequently canceled. Spirit of Vengeance received a 32 on Metacritic. (Photo: Columbia Pictures)
42. The Punisher
Back in 2004, the unstoppable vigilante known as The Punisher emerged following the brutal murder of his family. After Thomas Jane, the original Punisher, left for creative reasons, the planned sequel was scrapped for the previously mentioned 2008 reboot, Punisher: War Zone. Jane's Punisher earned a 33 on Metacritic. (Photo: Lionsgate)
41. Elektra
In this Daredevil spin-off, Jennifer Garner reprised her role as the assassin Elektra. The film was so unpopular that a companion video game was never released because developers feared it would fail. Ouch. Garner's Elektra was panned, with a mark of 34 on Metacritic. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
40. Ghost Rider
Aside from the stellar special effects and usual greatness of Nicolas Cage, this movie a mess, littered with bad jokes and hammy dialogue. That didn't stop Ghost Rider from being a success as the box office, however. Cage's Ghost Rider drew a 35 in Metacritic's rankings. (Photo: Sony Pictures Entertainment)
39. Blade: Trinity
The third entry in the Blade saga is also the most unwatchable. Even with a decent cast that includes Wesley Snipes, Jessica Biel and Ryan Reynolds, Blade: Trinity lacks a much-needed narrative direction. The worst entry in the trilogy earned a 38 on Metacritic. (Photo: New Line Cinema)
T-37. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
For years, fans of the adamantium-clawed Wolverine were clamoring for a stand-alone film. They finally got one, but this 2009 prequel did not live up to the immense hype. Although Hugh Jackman turned in another top-notch performance as James "Logan" Howlett, the actor expressed how unhappy he was with the film's final product. Wolverine's first solo film was awarded a 40, per Metacritic's score. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
T-37. Fantastic Four (2005)
The first feature about Marvel's famed superhero team to actually get a theatrical release had rousing action scenes, but little else. The 31st-ranked Marvel film scored a 40, per Metacritic's rankings. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
36. Daredevil
This 2003 feature stars Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who fights for justice as the masked vigilante Daredevil. Despite Daredevil's success at the box office, the superhero film was filled with generic dialogue and a lack of character development. But we did get one stellar performance from the late Michael Clarke Duncan. According to Metacritic, Affleck's first superhero film scored a 42. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
T-34. Blade
In 1998, Blade became the first Marvel comic-book hero adapted to the big screen. The success of this film also helped popularize both superhero and vampire films, which are two of the most successful movie genres today. Wesley Snipes' first turn as the quasi-vampire earned a 45 on Metacritic. (Photo: New Line Cinema)
T-34. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Rise of the Silver Surfer is one of the rare sequels that's actually (slightly) better than the original, according to critics. This film still suffers from a failure to maximize the potential of its talented cast, including Laurence Fishburne as the voice of the Silver Surfer. While the film had some box-office success, a follow-up was canceled in lieu of a franchise reboot. According to Metacritic's scores, this flick scored a 45. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
T-32. Blade II
Here's another sequel that critics believe is better than the original. And moviegoers agree, as Blade II is both the best-reviewed and the highest-grossing film in the saga. What's more, this flick helped introduce Americans to the talents of director Guillermo del Toro, who would go on to helm Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy. Blade II received a 52 on Metacritic. (Photo: New Line Cinema)
T-32. X-Men: Apocalypse, 52
Following the critically-acclaimed Days of Future Past, Apocalypse disappointed many critics and moviegoers. RogerEbert.com called the film a "confused, bloated mess." It received a 52 on Metacritic. Photo: 20th Century Fox
31. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
While this 2014 film might have been a bit overstuffed with plot lines, set pieces and villains, Amazing Spider-Man 2 was still a commercial success. The movie was originally envisioned as a springboard for a shared universe, but it performed below expectations and all subsequent installments were canceled. Spider-Man will instead join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The final Amazing Spider-Man movie earned a 53 on Metacritic. (Photo: Columbia Pictures)
T-29. Hulk
Ang Lee's 2003 art-house rendition of the Hulk is one of the most ambitious Marvel films, with its poignant themes and beautiful cinematography. But it wasn't a good match for the source material. Ultimately, this film just needed more HULK SMASHES! Hulk scored a 54, per its Metacritic score. (Photo: Universal Pictures)
T-29. Thor: Dark World
Poor Thor. The second installment in the god of thunder's saga sits toward the bottom of the Marvel Universe in terms of critical reception. Despite the fact that most of the characters in The Dark World merely seem to be going through the motions of saving the cosmos, when it comes to entertainment value, it could be much, much worse. Metascore: 54 (Photo: Disney)
T-27. Iron Man 2
Following the breakout critical and commercial hit Iron Man, this sequel left much to be desired. Mickey Rourke's Whiplash couldn't quite reach the level of Jeff Bridges' Obadiah Stane. The second Iron Man installment received a mark of 57 on Metacritic. (Photo: Paramount Pictures)
T-27. Thor
This film is quite the rousing action-fest, notable for its imaginative take on the breathtaking world of Asgard. However, Thor is slightly flawed, with a plot bogged down in backstory. But it's worth a watch for fans of the Norse, hammer-wielding god. The first Thor film notched a 57, per Metacritic. (Photo: Paramount Pictures)
26. X-Men: The Last Stand
The final chapter in the original X-Men trilogy is also the worst-reviewed in the saga. The action scenes in The Last Stand were impressive, but the flick was too absurd even for a superhero film. The third X-Men film received a 58 rating, per Metacritic. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
25. Spider-Man 3
Yes, Spider-Man 3 featured everyone's "favorite" character: Emo Peter Parker. But this film was still somewhat entertaining. Tobey Maguire's final appearance as Spidey was the most successful in the franchise's history, with more than $890 million grossed worldwide. A fourth installment was originally planned, but director Sam Raimi and Sony had creative differences, and a reboot, The Amazing Spider-Man, was developed instead. According to Metacritic, the third Spider-Man film earned a score of 59. (Photo: Columbia Pictures)
24. The Wolverine
Wolverine's second stand-alone film moved at a glacial pace, but it was still a critical and commercial success. The sixth film in the X-Men saga, and the first without the name "X-Men" in the title, ultimately couldn't live up to its immense potential. The Wolverine notched a 60, per its Metacritic score. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
23. The Incredible Hulk
This reboot came out just five years after Ang Lee's rendition of the Hulk. The new entry did a considerably better job at depicting the spirit of the green Goliath, and, at the time, its visual effects were unrivaled. The 18th-ranked Marvel movie received a 61, according to Metacritic. (Photo: Universal Pictures)
22. Iron Man 3
Following the disappointing Iron Man 2, Marvel bounced back with the third film in Tony Stark's saga. While this movie never quite reached the heights of the original, it definitely injected some much-needed heart that was missing from the previous entry. Robert Downey Jr. has floated the idea that he might reprise his role for a fourth Iron Man film. The third Iron Man movie scored a 62, per Metacritic. (Photo: Disney)
T-20. Ant-Man
Yes, he's Marvel's smallest superhero, but Ant-Man more than makes up for it with his big heart and super strength. Ant-Man, and the affable Paul Rudd, were easy to root for in this fun popcorn flick. The 2015 film scored a 64 on Metacritic. (Photo: Disney)
T-20. X-Men
This 2000 film gave the world its first live-action X-Men flick, and it did not disappoint. Director Bryan Singer's first choice to play Wolverine was Russell Crowe. The actor turned Singer down, but Crowe then suggested his friend, Hugh Jackman, for the role. And the rest is history. The inaugural X-Men movie received a 64, per Metacritic. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
T-18. Deadpool
The fourth-wall-breaking antihero has been a sensation ever since his film, Deadpool, was released. The foul-mouthed film has set a number of box-office records en route to becoming the highest-grossing R-rated comic book film of all time. And a sequel is already on the way. The Ryan Reynolds-starring movie notched a 65, according to Metacritic. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
T-18. X-Men: First Class
First Class represented a fresh revival for a franchise that desperately needed some new blood. The 2011 prequel brought together a perfect combination of stylish directing, a strong script, and powerful performances to create one of the best origin stories in any comic book feature. First Class kicked off a fresh franchise with a score of 65, per Metacritic. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
T-15. The Amazing Spider-Man
The reboot of the popular Spider-Man franchise was met with generally favorable reviews from top critics. However, many reviewers believed that The Amazing Spider-Man reused the same plot points from 2002's Spider-Man. Nevertheless, Andrew Garfield's witty one-liners made this one of Marvel's more entertaining films. Garfield's first turn as the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man scored a 66 on Metacritic. (Photo: Columbia Pictures)
T-15. Avengers: Age of Ultron
While the second Avengers adventure couldn't quite top their first film, its genuine sense of fun and camaraderie helped make Age of Ultron one of the better Marvel movies. According to Metacritic, the second ensemble Avengers movie scored a 66. (Photo: Disney)
T-15. Captain America: The First Avenger
This movie absolutely scratches the itch for those looking for a classic World War II comic-book tale. With a pulpy style similar to Indiana Jones, The First Avenger finds that healthy balance between action thrills and nostalgia. This film earned a 66, per Metacritic. (Photo: Disney)
14. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Bigger and brighter than the original, Guardians of the Galaxy 2 packs a ton of action and witty one-liners in the worthy sequel. Don't miss out on the five (!) post-credit scenes. MetaScore: 67 (Photo: Disney)
13. X2: X-Men United
Here's one sequel that is definitely bigger and better than its predecessor. The follow-up to X-Men features a tight script, solid acting, and the best cliffhanger in any comic-book movie. X2: X-Men United received a 68 on Metacritic. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
12. The Avengers
Director Joss Whedon brings together an all-star cast of fan favorite Marvel characters in this raucous adventure. Not surprisingly, The Avengers is one of the most entertaining Marvel movies to date, with its witty script and playful acting. Marvel's first Avengers soared to a 69 on Metacritic. (Photo: Disney)
11. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The second entry in the Captain America saga barely edges out The Avengers in a surprising upset. The Winter Soldier also has huge ramifications on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the dismantling of S.H.I.E.L.D. The Winter Soldier scored highly, with a 70 on Metacritic. (Photo: Disney)
10. Doctor Strange
Marvel took a big risk in green-lighting this psychedelic movie about one of its lesser-known heroes, a doctor-turned-sorcerer. But the risk definitely paid off: The feature took in $85 million in its opening weekend. Critics loved the film, too, giving it a strong score of 72 on Metacritic. (Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
T-7. Thor: Ragnarok
In the Thor franchise's third film, the god of thunder must escape the planet of Sakaar before Hela (Cate Blanchett) wipes out Asgard. This movie smashed its way to a 73 on Metacritic. (Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
T-7. Spider-Man
This 2002 film signaled the beginning of the avalanche of superhero films, which are ubiquitous today. At the time of its release, Spider-Man had the highest-grossing opening weekend ever; it was the only film to eclipse $100 million in its first weekend. And that upside-down kiss between Spidey and Mary Jane Watson is one of the most iconic smooches in recent memory. The sixth-highest ranked Marvel film scored a 73, per Metacritic. (Photo: Columbia Pictures)
T-7. Spider-Man: Homecoming
After returning to Queens following the events of Civil War, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) struggles to maintain his school life and deal with the Vulture (Michael Keaton). The Marvel film also features cameos by Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Jon Favreau, who reprises his role from the Iron Man series. Homecoming scored a 73 on MetaCritic. (Photo: Columbia Pictures)
6. X-Men: Days of Future Past
It's the best-reviewed X-Men film in the series and one of the rare movies to actually make time travel work. Days of Future Past also has the distinct honor of being the only X-Men film in the series to be nominated for an Academy Award (Best Visual Effects). On top of that, the sequel to First Class serves as a resolution to the original trilogy's messy storyline. The time-traveling feature notched a 74 on Metacritic. (Photo: 20th Century Fox)
5. Captain America: Civil War
An adorable new Spider-Man and a wickedly suited-up Black Panther freshen the MCU lineup, but the fight scenes alone are worth the price of admission. Captain America: Civil War soared to a score of 75 on Metacritic. (Photo: Disney)
4. Guardians of the Galaxy
This fun film delivers a breath of fresh air to the overly serious universe of comic-book franchises. Guardians of the Galaxy features a bevy of lovable losers, along with an upbeat soundtrack that will get your nostalgia juices flowing. This rousing film is simply a Marvel classic. Guardians earned a score of 76, according to Metacritic. (Photo: Disney)
3. Logan, 77
In his final appearance as the Wolverine, a grizzled Hugh Jackman delivers one of his finest performance as the adamantium-clad mutant. RogerEbert.com said of the film, "Logan is the rare blockbuster that could be a game-changer. It will certainly change the way we look at other superhero movies." Logan clawed its way to a 77 on Metacritic. Photo: 20th Century Fox
2. Iron Man
Surprise, surprise: The film that kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes up slightly short of the top spot on this list. The first Iron Man simultaneously resuscitated Robert Downey Jr.'s career while helping to make comic book movies super cool once again. The inaugural Iron Man blasted its way to a 79 on Metacritic. (Photo: Paramount Pictures)
1. Spider-Man 2
This Academy Award-winning 2004 sequel to Spider-Man is the best reviewed Marvel film, and it's not particularly close. All the big players reprise their roles in Spider-Man 2, but what elevates this feature is Alfred Molina's brilliantly complex portrayal of Doctor Octopus. The top Marvel film scored big with an 83 on Metacritic. (Photo: Columbia Pictures)
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