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In the 01/07/2018 edition:

11 Things That Will Definitely Happen During 2018 In Gaming (Maybe)
10 Fantastic PS4 Games Coming Out Sooner Than You Think
All The Overwatch League Season 1 Teams And Players
All The Best Overwatch Cosplay We've Seen
The Biggest PC Games to Play in 2018
All The Best DC Cosplay We've Seen
All The Best Marvel Cosplay We've Seen

11 Things That Will Definitely Happen During 2018 In Gaming (Maybe)

By GameSpot Staff on Jan 06, 2018 07:30 pm

At the start of every year, the GameSpot staff gathers together and tries to figure out what's in store for the future. Sure, we hear more rumors and speculation than your average gaming buddy, but most of the predictions we share here are simply guesses. These are things that we hope might happen, or that the cyclical nature of the game's industry indicates are likely to occur. Or we just make something up and hope really hard that it comes true.

2017 rumbled along with what seemed like a never-ending cycle of surprises: Nintendo went from flailing in the market with the Wii U to having the fastest-selling console ever with the Switch. And at E3, the company revealed Metroid Prime 4 is in the works along with a new Pokemon game for Switch. Niantic confirmed the long-running rumors that its next game would be based on the Harry Potter franchise. Capcom revealed a console version of Monster Hunter at E3. And Bethesda announced and released two massive sequels--The Evil Within 2 and Wolfenstein 2--in the span of just a few months!

Even with high expectations, 2018 is probably going to have some surprises we're not even considering right now. But that's what makes trying to guess the twists and turns of the new year so fun! Here are our predictions for the announcements and reveals that are going to shape gaming in 2018. And if you'd like to take a look back at some of our past attempts, here are our predictions from 2014, 2016, and 2017 (we skipped 2015 for some reason).

What do you think will happen? Is there anything that we're way off-base on or that seems too far-fetched to actually occur? Let us know in the comments below!

Nintendo will announce Mother 3 for Switch

Yes, I predicted that the final chapter in the Earthbound trilogy would come out in the West in 2016. And then again in 2017. But finally, Nintendo has a strong reason to stop holding out: the Switch. I think my previous predictions never quite ended up coming true because Nintendo had already pivoted its primary focus to its new console, and it'll want to introduce the Virtual Console replacement with something ridiculously exciting.

An unofficial (but entirely excellent) patch makes Mother 3 playable in English, so the heavy lifting of bringing a story-heavy game like Mother 3 to West is already done. And the game works on Nintendo's current systems--Mother 3 came to the Wii U in Japan just a few years ago. Although Mother 3 was originally a GBA release in Japan, and we've had plenty of GBA ports to 3DS over the years, I have a feeling that this will be one of the tentpole titles for Nintendo's 2018 digital content service. | Justin Haywald

Nintendo will release a new Zelda game or expansion

After a stellar year of game releases and the successful Switch launch, Nintendo finds itself in an enviable position heading into 2018. One of the many impressive feathers in its cap is Breath of the Wild. It stands as one of the most inventive open-world games of all time and is poised to influence the future of the format . The Champions' Ballad DLC released in early December 2017 is supposed to be the final say on this chapter in Link's never-ending quest to protect Hyrule, but if you've explored the edges of the map, you know there's still room for the game to grow, with invisible walls preventing you from exploring clearly visible landmasses. What's there? Who knows! But it'd be great if Nintendo gave us an opportunity to find out.

Of course, Zelda games aren't limited to a single concept, and Nintendo could fan the flames by releasing something akin to a classic Zelda experience. This may come in the form of Switch ports of games like the 3DS remasters of Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask--or Wii U's Twilight Princess and Wind Waker. Those are the most likely scenarios, but there's also a small chance we'll see a follow-up to A Link Between Worlds, the previous highly regarded original Zelda game. Should this come to pass, the only question that remains is whether or not Nintendo will dare to put it up against Breath of the Wild on Switch, or if it will grace the 3DS during its final stage of relevance. | Peter Brown

Bethesda Game Studios will announce its next game at E3 2018

After the launch of Fallout 4 in 2015, Bethesda Game Studios has kept its next big project a secret. While fans have been largely satiated with consistent updates to the developer's current games, including re-releases of Skyrim on PS4, Xbox One, and Switch, these have been mostly appetizers for Bethesda's next game--which I believe will be revealed this year.

In recent years, Bethesda has been in the habit of announcing new games during its E3 showcase and releasing them later in the year--such as Fallout 4, Wolfenstein II, and The Evil Within 2. While I believe the publishing arm of the company will have plenty to offer this year, it'll likely take a less aggressive approach for its slate of games, which will include the upcoming title from its in-house dev team. So even with the announcement, I don't think a 2018 release is a guarantee. Of course, what type of game Bethesda will show is up for speculation--but there have been some indications of what it could be.

While most would assume that the next Elder Scrolls game is coming up, Pete Hines, Bethesda VP of Marketing and PR, stated that they aren't in a rush to follow up Skyrim--even going further to say that he didn't want BGS to fall into a pattern of making only two different games. There have also been rumblings about a new IP swirling around for quite some time. Named "Starfield," which ZeniMax filed a trademark for two years ago, this new game--judging by the title and studio pedigree--seems to be an open-world RPG game with a greater focus on sci-fi. There's still much to speculate over, but I'm confident in saying that the time is right for Bethesda Game Studios to reveal its next project this year at E3 2018. | Alessandro Fillari

Nintendo will announce (and release) Smash Bros. for Switch

Less than a year after launch, the Nintendo Switch already has a strong library of smaller games and big-name franchises alike. Between Zelda, Mario, and the knowledge that Pokemon and Metroid are on the horizon, there's one obvious thing Nintendo fans are missing: Smash Bros.

The problem with releasing a new Smash Bros. is its relatively long development cycle; there were six years between Smash 4 in 2014 and Brawl, and seven years between Brawl and Melee. Nintendo can get around that by upgrading Smash 4, similar to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe--which is the fastest-selling Mario Kart of all time--and adding new stages and a character or two to start. Despite the challenges of a small screen, Smash 4 was a hit on 3DS, selling nearly 9 million copies. Releasing a definitive version of Smash 4 with all its DLC, on an equally portable console with a bigger and better screen, is a no-brainer.

And if that wasn't enough of a reason, remember that Switch update in October 2017, the one that quietly made the Wii U GameCube adapter compatible with the Switch? Remember how the sole purpose of that adapter was to play Smash? I rest my case. | Kallie Plagge

Cyberpunk 2077 will be re-revealed at E3 2018

Cyberpunk 2077's first and only teaser was revealed four years ago. Yes, that's before The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt came out. Since then, Skyrim was re-released three times, Red Dead Redemption 2 was announced and given a release window, and both the Nintendo Switch and Super Mario Odyssey were announced and released.

Given how big Cyberpunk 2077 is rumored to be, it's no surprise it's taking so long. Based on leaks and job listings, it sounds like Cyberpunk 2077 will go beyond the Witcher 3's already massive scope in nearly every way--destructible environments, drivable vehicles, a bigger world, and a multiplayer component have all been hinted at.

We still don't know much about CD Projekt Red's next big game, but now that The Witcher 3 is a few years behind us, 2018 seems like the perfect time to pull back the curtain. I think it will be a while before we can actually get our hands on Cyberpunk 2077. But I'm willing to bet CDPR will release a trailer and show off some gameplay at E3 2018. | Jake Dekker

Mass Effect ain't dead; Trilogy HD Remaster will come this fall

Is the Mass Effect franchise dead? Not if the original trilogy gets remastered for all current-gen platforms! Andromeda soured a bunch of longtime fans (including myself), and the state of the franchise is in limbo, but cleaned-up versions of 1, 2, and 3 would be the best reminder of just how great the series can be. PC versions hold up well, but slight modern tweaks (revamped menus, HD textures) and a graphical boost for console versions (1080p/4K, 60 FPS) can make all the difference when juicing up the past games for a modern audience.

The series' world-building and depth of lore is still impressive. I often think about the history of its alien races, the bonds forged with my squadmates, and the critical decisions that were all woven through three 50+ hour action-RPGs. I also realize that the first game is 11 years old at this point. If I had to guess, there are a lot of people who love games today that haven't had the opportunity to experience the Mass Effect universe from its inception.

If we can get any good will out of the Mass Effect name, an HD remaster for the original trilogy would be the right start. There isn't any evidence that points to whether or not BioWare and EA would make this happen, but a second life for the biggest sci-fi franchise of the last generation sounds like a no-brainer. Here's to wishful thinking! | Michael Higham

From Software's project teased at the 2017 Game Awards is Tenchu

The 2017 Game Awards reveal of From Software's next project was an "effective" teaser in every sense of the word. It was brief, visually enthralling, and of course, fueled tremendous speculation on what the game is. It can be a challenge to discern anything from this cryptic, single-shot video, where the camera is closely focused on a mysterious device that seems to be tightening in a disturbing manner. But as someone familiar with From Software's games and who has read his fair share of Hidetaka Miyazaki interviews in recent years, I'm confident that the next game from the director of Dark Souls, Dark Souls III, and Bloodborne is the next installment in the stealth action Tenchu series.

First, there's Miyazaki's assertion that his time with the Dark Souls series as a director is over, which is partly motivated by his desire to focus on From Software properties that haven't had game releases in recent years, Tenchu being one of them. Moreover, the kanji calligraphy in the video's background implies either a Chinese or Japanese setting. Further inspection of the center of the video reveals a kunai, a multipurpose farming tool that is generally associated in video games as a ninja weapon. This narrows down the location to Japan. While you can argue that these clues don't rule out Otogi--another series owned by From Software--it's the title card at the end that reads, "Shadows Die Twice" that affirms the video's connection to Tenchu. The line is a reference to a quote in Tenchu 3 by main antagonist Onikage, who says, "Shadows can die twice."

Even as a Miyazaki fan who is eager for any credible hints of the existence of a Bloodborne sequel, no amount of wishful thinking can dissuade my confidence that this next project is a new Tenchu game. Whether it's a sequel, a reimagining, or both, I'm sure we'll find out in 2018. | Miguel Concepcion

Nintendo will release the N64 Classic

Considering we got the NES classic in 2016 and the SNES Classic in 2017, it stands to reason that we'll get an N64 Classic in 2018. The N64 had dozens of notable standouts that include Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Mario Kart 64. This means that it would make for an excellent miniaturized Nintendo compilation.

The N64's hardware wasn't always up to the task of running games smoothly. Nintendo would really hit it out of the park if the Classic variant ironed out all the performance issues and allowed games to run at a consistent 60 frames per second. The console should also support four controller ports to maintain the N64's cred as a local co-op party machine.

My final prediction here is that if Nintendo releases the N64 Classic, GoldenEye 64 will not come with it, as the rights to the old James Bond game have significantly changed since it came out in 1997. | Jimmy Thang

As a developer, Blizzard is not one to make hasty announcements. Diablo debuted in 1996 followed by Diablo 2 in 2000--then there was a twelve year gap before Diablo III arrived in 2012. D3 has regular updates, and the Darkening of Tristram event made a return this January, but the next logical step is for Blizzard to release the next full chapter in this series.

Last year's Necromancer expansion announcement at Blizzcon felt more like a way to fill time while Diablo 4 went through some internal refinement. And at 2017's convention, there was no mention of Diablo on the main stage at all. But that delay makes it feel even more like a major Diablo announcement is imminent.

While I'm speculating, I'll say there's a good chance we'll finally hear something about a Diablo II remaster soon as well. Blizzcon 2018 has the potential to be very, very exciting for Diablo fans. | Justin Haywald

Phantasy Star Online 2 will finally come to the West

As the first online RPG I ever played, the original Phantasy Star Online holds a special place in my heart. The announcement of a proper sequel, first released in Japan in 2012, was exciting news, and yet more than five years later, here we are without any official means for playing the game in the West.

It's not for lack of interest. Sega's regular earnings reports routinely declare that PSO2 is "perform[ing] strongly" in Japan, which each and every time feels like a personal attack on me and my wishes. The company even collaborated with Sony to release PSO2-themed gear for Gravity Rush 2, despite the fact that PSO2 is unavailable here, just to pour salt on the wound.

While I wouldn't expect to ever see the Vita version localized, PSO2 is available on both PC and PS4, which are perfectly viable platforms in the West. A Switch version has been announced for Japan, and that presents Sega with the perfect opportunity to finally introduce the game to new markets. Zelda: Breath of the Wild and, more recently, Skyrim have shown what a delight it is to have a great RPG on a hybrid console. But with there being no indication that Monster Hunter XX will release for Switch in the West, PSO2 would perfectly fill the niche of online multiplayer-oriented RPG for the system.

With 2018 potentially shaping up to be an even bigger year for Switch than its record-breaking 2017, now's the time for Sega to finally pull the trigger. | Chris Pereira

10 Fantastic PS4 Games Coming Out Sooner Than You Think

By GameSpot Staff on Jan 06, 2018 03:10 am

Over the years, Playstation Experience has been a premiere event for fans of Sony's gaming brand to see the next big games. In addition to several first-party offerings, including God of War, Detroit: Become Human, and Final Fantasy VII Remake from past years, there's also an assortment of other games from third-parties and indie developers that manage to make their mark on the show floor. During PSX 2017, however, things looked to be a bit lean when it comes to first-party titles. Because of this, many other games managed to have more time in the spotlight, allowing fans to try something they wouldn't have otherwise.

After PSX this year, we put together a list of games that left an impression at the show. Sometimes all it takes is a cool idea, creative visual design, or innovative gameplay mechanics to stick out, but it also helps to let your game be weird and quirky where it counts. Here are ten games coming to PlayStation 4 stuck with us after our tour of the show floor at PSX 2017.

Guacamelee! 2

DrinkBox Studio's Guacamelee was a rather odd, yet compelling title that blended Metroidvania design with the mystique and gravitas of Luchadore action. With Guacamelee 2, which was revealed at Paris Games Week 2017, the developers return to the bizarre and vibrant worlds of the living and the dead, but it has substantially upped the stakes this time. Picking up sometime after the original game, Juan and his Lucha compadres confront a new bad guy in the form of an egotistical casanova-type named El Mineco, who is one of several new bosses. While the original Guacamelee had co-op, the sequel doubles down on it, now offering up to four-players locally. While much of the exploration and traversal is in familiar Metroidvania style, Guacamelee 2 refines much of the fighting mechanics and grappling skills-- Juan's chicken form, for example, is now ready to go toe-to-toe with anyone thanks to its pecking combo-attacks. We expect to return to the exotic world of metaphysical Luchadore action when it releases sometime in 2018.

Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition

After a rather rough launch, the fifth entry in Capcom's long-running fighting game series is finally hitting its stride. Coming January 16, Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition will launch as a free update for those that have a season pass, and as a $40 release for those coming in fresh. This add-on features an assortment of new modes, costumes, and stages that pay homage to the 30 year history of the series. And with enhanced fighting mechanics--including updated moves and new V-Triggers for every characters--Street Fighter V is ready for its biggest expansion yet. The standout feature coming to SFV is the new Arcade Mode, allowing players to revisit different eras of the Street Fighter saga in six unique paths modeled after the core entries of the series. Street Fighter V has seen continual improvements, and as one of the most popular fighting games at tournaments, seeing the game in action with top players is always a joy to watch. With new Season 3 characters--including Sakura, Cody, Sagat, and Blanka--revealed at Capcom Cup 2017, it looks like the seasoned fighter is getting finer with age.

The Gardens Between

First confirmed for the PS4 at Sony's Paris Games Week event in 2017, The Gardens Between is an unique puzzle game with a time manipulation mechanic at its core. As you progress through the game's stylized levels, you'll be able to rewind and forward time, affecting the environment around you and helping you solve it's key puzzles. There also seems to be an interesting story being told in The Gardens Between, with the two main characters being best friends trying to explore their shared experiences growing up. And from our brief playthrough at this year's PSX, The Gardens Between looks like it might be an evocative if a little sedate puzzler. It is set for release on the PS4 sometime in 2018.

Tiny Metal

There's been longing for an Advance Wars-style game for quite sometime. Though Nintendo has gone without releasing a new entry in the strategy game series since 2008, the developers at Area 35 are looking to fill that void with Tiny Metal. Set for release on December 21, the world of Tiny Metal focuses on the conflict between warring nations as they battle for territory and resources. Despite the cartoonish visuals, the story delves into some rather serious themes, taking inspiration from real-world conflicts such as the Syrian refugee crisis. When you get down to it, Tiny Metal plays like a more modern version of Advance wars, with players as a commander in control several unit types, and tasked with capturing bases by flanking enemies around the field. From what we've played, this little strategy game evokes the familiar sense of tactical foresight and quick thinking, which will channels the same satisfaction you get from Nintendo's classic strategy series. With a free multiplayer update coming later in the Spring, Area 35 plans to support Tiny Metal for quite sometime after its launch.

Donut County

The eccentric Donut County has been making the indie game preview rounds for several years now, so it's great to see that this charming and affable little title will also make its way to the PlayStation 4 sometime in 2018 (running at 60fps to boot, as this latest trailer slyly boasts). In Donut County, you play as a… hole, with your task being to swallow up everything on the screen. Your diameter starts off as being fairly small, and the more you swallow, the bigger you get, allowing you to ingest even larger objects. You'll also have to solve some environmental puzzles along the way, too, as well as delve a little deeper into the stories of the people and animals you've, ummmm, swallowed along the way. It's all very silly and charming, and with gameplay that's equal parts surreal and oddly meditative, it's one that we're definitely looking forward to in the new year.

Anamorphine

In Anamorphine, players go through an introspective journey of one person's struggle with mental illness. As a largely reflective game--with its story told without any dialogue--each level or key event takes place within a memory, where you'll be able to learn more of the regrets and anxieties your character faces. With several perspective-skewing moments throughout, including a number of interesting occurrences diving into one memory, and suddenly finding yourself within another emotionally evocative moment in time--Anamorphine definitely hits the right notes when it seeks to convey a particular character's struggle with overcoming their past and the ensuing regret. Coming next year on January 16, Anamorphine isn't shy about wearing its emotions on its sleeves. If anything, it wants you to know the type of experience you'll find yourself in--which could make the journey, and the ensuing revelations that follow--all the more cathartic.

Wattam

Wattam is yet another indie darling long in gestation, having been first shown way back in 2014. Since then, the game has shed its PlayStation exclusivity and been picked up by a new publisher: Annapurna Interactive. But what's been consistent throughout its long journey is how utterly delightful this game is to play every single time. Created by Keita Takahashi (the mind behind Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy), Wattam is a colorful and endearing little title where you play as a variety of extremely cute characters who like to hold hands and occasionally explode. While that description sounds exceedingly strange, the game exudes an amazing sense of joy as you (and another player) explore your surroundings and the characters that inhabit it. From each of the characters' joyful utterances as an explosion rocks them into the air, to how the game continues to delight and surprise with small revelations, Wattam looks set to be one of those games that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Mulaka

In Mulaka, you take on the role of a young Shaman exploring the wilderness of Northern Mexico in days long past. Using his magical spear and other abilities, the young tribesman transforms into spirit animals to traverse regions of the world, and defeat larger than life foes in order to bring balance to the land and its many inhabitants. As an action-adventure game, players must scavenge and battle dangerous creatures in the wild to survive, all while interacting with the many villagers and characters you come across in your travels. But what's interesting about Mulaka, above all, is its respect for the culture and setting of the game. Pulling from Northern Mexican folklore, particularly from the Tarahumara culture, Mulaka brings a level of authenticity to its setting, channeling some mysticism and unique fantastical elements that leverages the medium to great effect. The developers even travelled to areas of Northern Mexico, where the descendants of the Tarahumara tribe still live, to learn of their culture first-hand. Set for release in early 2018, the developers at Lienzo embraced the world of their game, which will make it an interesting one to fully explore.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance

After its four years in development, the crowdfunded action-RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance is finally set for release next year on February 13. As an open-world Medieval-era adventure, players will be able to interact with historical figures during the time, pick fights with bandits and rival factions, and lay siege to enemy encampments throughout the land. How you choose to go about your travels is up to you, and Kingdom Come gives you free-reign in how you explore the land and its many regions. Moreover, combat in Kingdom Come takes steps further to offer more tactile and elaborate mechanics to match its setting. Presenting a system that tracks real positioning and angles for your sword strikes, you'll have to ensure that you make all your moves count. Ditching fantasy for realism, Kingdom Come: Deliverance looks to offer something quite unique for its open world setting--which many students of the era will want to dive into.

The Adventure Pals

Let's get this out of the way. Your main quest in The Adventure Pals involves saving all the world's old people from being turned into living, angry hot dogs. It doesn't seem like things can get any more absurd than that, but that's only the tip of the iceberg for the bizarre adventure you'll go on. With the main character and their trusty giraffe companion, players will travel the world, meet local mailmen and insecure whales, slay deadly kitten monsters, collect cupcake loot, and of course, free the many aforementioned old people from their meaty forms of imprisonments. Developer The Adventure Pals manages to ramp up the absurdity by several degrees with each passing stage, and with local co-op play, you'll be able to share in these quirky and strange moments with friends. Coming early 2018, this throwback action-RPG game looks to have a lot of fun with its setting and gameplay, which definitely comes out in the right ways.

All The Overwatch League Season 1 Teams And Players

By Alessandro Fillari on Jan 06, 2018 03:08 am

Which team are you rooting for?

With the upcoming season of Overwatch League kicking off on January 10, there's much anticipation brewing from esports enthusiasts and casual fans of Blizzard's popular hero shooter. Coming off of the successful pre-season, which ended this past December, the 12 teams from across the globe will vie to stake their claim for the top spot of Overwatch League, culminating in the eventual playoffs later this year.

In this gallery, we'll run down the current teams and rosters set for this season of Overwatch League. From across the globe, many players will represent several teams from Pacific and Atlantic divisions, where they'll compete in several games with rival squads, and work their way up the ladder.

For more info on Overwatch League, stay tuned to GameSpot as we cover the events of this season as it comes.

Boston Uprising (Atlantic Division)

Owned by Robert and Jonathan Kraft of the New England Patriots, the Boston Uprising's name is inspired by the history of the city they represent, and the role it played during the American Revolution. Channeling a spirit of determination and resilience, the team functions on a balanced and dynamic skill-set that has strong defensive and support play.

The Players:

DreamKazper (Jonathan Sanchez) | Assault

GamsuYoung (Jin Noh) | Defense

Snow (Mikias Yohannes) | Healer

NotE (Lucas Meissner) | Defense

Neko (SeHyun Park) | Healer

Avast (Connor Prince) | Healer

STRIKER (Namju Gwon) | Assault

Kalios (WooYul Shin) | Defense

Mistakes (Stanislav Danilov) | Assault

Kellex (Kristian Keller) | Healer

Dallas Fuel (Pacific Division)

Inspired by the state of Texas and its commitment as the energy sector of the country, and as strong as its competitive gaming community, the Dallas Fuel aims to bring that same drive to the Overwatch League. Owned by Team EnVyUs--the same group behind successful esports teams from League of Legends, StarCraft, and Counter-Strike--the operators of the Dallas Fuel are looking to make their mark within Overwatch League, just as they've done in other games.

The Players:

Chipshajen (Sebastian Widlund) | Healer

HarryHook (Jonathan Tejedor Rua) | Healer

Mickie (Pongphop Rattanasangchod) | Flexible

xQc (Félix Lengyel) | Defense

Seagull (Brandon Larned) | Flexible

Taimou (Timo Kettunen) | Assault

Custa (Scott Kennedy) | Healer

cocco (Christian Jonsson) | Defense

EFFECT (Hyeon Hwang) | Assault

Florida Mayhem (Atlantic Division)

Referencing their "explosive" playstyle, along with the Sunshine State's colorful and energetic vibe, the Florida Mayhem is a team made up of players who have found common ground disrupting the competition's plans. Owned by Misfit Gaming, the organization has already made an impact within Overwatch's competitive community, and they aim to go bigger within the Overwatch League.

The Players:

Manneten (Tim Bylund) | Flexible

Logix (Andreas Berghmans) | Assault

Zebbosai (Sebastian Olsson) | Healer

CWoosH (Johan Klingestedt) | Flexible

TviQ (Kevin Lindström) | Assault

Zuppeh (Aleksi Kuntsi) | Healer

Houston Outlaws (Pacific Division)

As the second Texas-based team, the Houston Outlaws focus on taking the fight to their enemies, and doing it in their own ruthless style. With backing from OpTic Gaming, the same group that's made a name for itself in League of Legends and Counter-Strike competitions, this team brings a number skilled players that focus on quick and decisive acts to gain the upper hand against their opponents.

The Players:

Muma (Austin Wilmot) | Defense

Bani (Christopher Benell) | Healer

Clockwork (Matthew Dias) | Assault

Mendokusaii (Lucas Håkansson) | Assault

Boink (Daniel Pence) | Healer

LiNkzr (Jiri Masalin) | Assault

SPREE (Alexandre Vanhomwegen) | Assault

Rawkus (Shane Flaherty) | Healer

Jake (Jake Lyon) | Assault

Coolmatt (Matt Iorio) | Defense

London Spitfire (Atlantic Division)

Named after the legendary British fighter planes flown during World War II's most intense battles, the London Spitfire channels that same intensity and resilience to overcome mounting pressure from their foes. Owned by Cloud9, this team is looking to make their mark within their division, while trailblazing their way to the top of the global league.

The Players:

Gesture (Jae-Hui Hong) | Defense

birdring (Ji-Kyeok Kim) | Assault

Fissure (Chan-Hyung Baek) | Defense

Bdosin (Seung-Tae Choi) | Healer

NUS (Jong-Seok Kim) | Healer

Hooreg (Dong-Eun Lee) | Assault

Rascal (Dong-Jun Kim) | Assault

Fury (Jun-Ho Kim) | Fleixable

HaGoPeun (Hyeon-Woo Jo) | Healer

WooHyaL (Seung-Hyun Seong) | Flexible

Profit (Jun-Young Park) | Assault

Closer (Won-Sik Jung) | Healer

Los Angeles Gladiators (Pacific Division)

As one of two teams representing Los Angeles, the Gladiators are the polar opposite to its rival the Valiant. Owned by Stan and Josh Kroenke of the LA Rams, the Los Angeles Gladiators bring ferocity and a strong-sense of competition to their games, which they plan to bring all the way to the top of the global ladder within the Overwatch League.

The Players:

Asher (Jun-Sung Choi) | Assault

Surefour (Lane Roberts) | Assault

iRemiix (Luis Galarza Figueroa) | Defense

Bischu (Aaron Kim) | Flexible

Shaz (Jonas Samuel Suovaara) | Healer

Hydration (Joao Pedro Veloso de Goes Telles) | Assault

BigGoose (Benjamin Ville Aapeli Isohanni) | Healer

Los Angeles Valiant (Pacific Division)

Representing Los Angeles along with the Gladiators, the Valiant go about achieving their goals a bit differently compared to their city rival. Owned by the eSports team Immortals, the Valiant represents the ideals of Los Angeles being the city where imagination and hard work can make your dreams into reality. With much on the line this season, the Valiant are looking to realize their goals and overcome the competition.

The Players:

Silkthread (Ted Wang) | Assault

Grimreality (Christopher Schaefer) | Assault

Kariv (Young-Seo Park) | Healer

Fate (Pan-Seung Koo) | Defense

Verbo (Stefano Disalvo) | Healer

Envy (Kang-Jae Lee) | Flexible

Space (Indy Halpern) | Flexible

Numlocked (Sebastian Barton) | Defense

Unkoe (Benjamin Chevasson) | Healer

Agilities (Brady Girardi) | Assault

Soon (Terence Tarlier) | Assault

New York Excelsior (Atlantic Division)

Channeling the spirit of optimism, hope, and perseverance, the New York Excelsior brings the Big Apple's charm and attitude to their team's overall dynamic. Under ownership of Sterling VC, the team focuses on keeping their momentum going, even under mounting pressure. Excelsior is latin for "ever upward," and with the group seeking to reach the top spot of the global league, the team repping New York looks to keep their spirits high as they gun it for the lead.

The Players:

Saebyeolbe (Jong-Ryeol Park) | Assault

Meko (Tae-Hong Kim) | Defense

Pine (Do-Hyeon Kim) | Flexible

Janus (Jun-Hwa Song) | Defense

Jjonak (Seong-Hyun Bang) | Healer

Mano (Dong-Gyu Kim) | Defense

Libero (Hae-Seong Kim) | Assault

Ark (Yeon-Jun Hong) | Healer

Philadelphia Fusion (Atlantic Division)

Owned by Comcast Spectacor, the Philadelphia Fusion have a lot to prove this upcoming season. Due to several issues, the team had to miss out on the pre-season. Without the chance to get a feel for the competition, the players will have to play catch-up with the rest of the league. Despite this, the Fusion features a number of promising players, who plan to bring the spirit of Philadelphia--with the city's innovative and diverse charm--into their team dynamic.

The Players:

Joemeister (Joseph Gramano) | Healer

Boombox (Isaac Charles) | Healer

Carpe (Jae-Hyeok Lee) | Assault

Snillo (Simon Ekström) | Assault

fragi (Joona Laine) | Defense

Eqo (Josue Corona) | Assault

ShaDowBurn (Georgii Gushcha) | Assault

Neptuno (Alberto González Molinillo) | Healer

DayFly (Jeong-Hwan Park) | Healer

Hotba (Hong-Jun Choi) | Flexible

Poko (Gael Gouzerch) | Flexible

SADO (Su-Min Kim) | Defense

San Francisco Shock (Pacific Division)

Owned by NRG esports, the San Francisco Shock is the third team repping California along with the Los Angeles Gladiators and Valiant. Representing a balance between the old and new ways--balancing brute force with long-range action--the San Francisco Shock keeps the action up-close and personal, while making sure the frontline stays in top form.

The Players:

super (Matthew DeLisi) | Flexible

BABYBAY (Andrej Francisty) | Assault

sinatraa (Jay Won) | Assault

sleepy (Nikola Andrews) | Healer

Danteh (Dante Cruz) | Assault

dhaK (Daniel Martinez Paz) | Healer

Nomy (David Lizarraga Ramirez Osmar) | Defense

iddqd (André Dahlström) | Assault

Nevix (Andreas Karlsson) | Flexible

Seoul Dynasty (Pacific Division)

South Korea is no stranger to the esports phenomenon. With games like StarCraft and League of Legends already a pastime in the country, even landing several players sponsorships and spots on billboards, the country's passion for esports has had a major influence on the evolution of the medium as we know it. With Overwatch League, the team known as Seoul Dynasty--owned by KSV esports--is looking to dominate the competition and show that South Korea's passion for esports is still going strong.

The Players:

Bunny (Jun-Hyeok Chae) | Assault

Miro (Jin-Hyuk Gong) | Defense

XepheR (Jae-Mo Koo) | Flexible

gido (Gi-Do Moon) | Flexible

Wekeed (Seok-Woo Choi) | Assault

Munchkin (Sang-Beom Byun) | Assault

ZUNBA (Joon-Hyeok Kim) | Flexible

KuKi (Dae-Kuk Kim) | Defense

tobi (Jin-Mo Yang) | Healer

ryujehong (Je-Hong Ryu) | Healer

FLETA (Byung-Sun Kim) | Assault

Shanghai Dragons (Pacific Division)

With China becoming a bigger player in the competitive gaming scene, the Shanghai Dragons are looking to make their mark in the new Overwatch League. As one of the country's most popular games, Overwatch represents a major foothold for the Chinese competitive gaming scene. Under ownership of Chinese internet company NetEase, the Shanghai Dragons have a strong balance of support, defense, and offense skills, the team aims to make the top spot theirs.

The Players:

Freefeel (Peixuan Xu) | Healer

Xushu (Junjie Liu) | Defense

Fiveking (Zhaoyu Chen) | Healer

Altering (Yage Cheng) | Healer

Undead (Chao Fang) | Assault

MG (Dongjian Wu) | Defense

Roshan (Wenhao Jing) | Defense

Diya (Weida Lu) | Assault

All The Best Overwatch Cosplay We've Seen

By Gajan Kulasingham on Jan 06, 2018 03:03 am

Overwatch cosplay had a strong presence this year at events across the world as fans dressed up as their favorite characters from Blizzard's popular shooter. Check out some of the best cosplayers we saw in 2017!

For more Overwatch cosplay, check out the outfits we saw at Comic-Con 2017 and Blizzcon 2017.

Anime Expo 2017

BlizzCon 2017

Fanime 2017

Gamescom 2017

MCM London Comic Con 2017

PAX Australia 2017

PAX West 2017

San Diego Comic-Con 2017

The Biggest PC Games to Play in 2018

By GameSpot Staff on Jan 06, 2018 03:03 am

What's Coming For PC In 2018

While 2017 had its share of great PC games, 2018 is also going to be filled with a wealth of heavy hitters. Notable games include Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, Pie People, World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth, Sea of Thieves, and more. With so many to keep track of, we've compiled all the biggest games coming in 2018 (that we know of, as of the end of 2017). Click ahead to see what's coming to PC.

If you're curious about the biggest games to play in 2018 on other platforms, check out our individual features highlighting the most anticipated PS4 games, Xbox One games, and Switch games. You can also check out our feature focusing on the biggest games to play 2018 in general.

If you want to see our choices for the best games this year, check out our Game of the Year 2017 Top 10 List. And 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 for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch, check out our Best of 2017 hub.

A Way Out

A Way Out is the next game written and directed by Josef Fares, one of the creative forces behind the excellent Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. For those who may have missed it, Brothers gave you control of two characters, both controlled simultaneously and independently via the analogue. As a result, it featured challenging, but rewarding platforming and puzzles, and a heartwarming story to boot.

Like Brothers, A Way Out leans in to the idea of telling the story of two characters and allowing you to experience them concurrently. This time, however, the two characters are prisoners trying to escape from jail and eventually live out their lives on the run. To successfully put their escape plan into action, both characters will need to work together to, for example, distract a guard while the other scopes out a route or acquires a tool that will aid them. Developer Hazelight Studios has said A Way Out will feature multiple characters to interact with, and the solutions to their problems aren't obviously prescribed. This encourages communication between the two players, who can be playing together on a couch or over the internet. From a gameplay standpoint, A Way Out is an intriguing prospect, but we're more interested in seeing its handling of storytelling.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

Super-realistic clouds. Intense dogfighting action. A melodramatic military soap-opera that only Metal Gear Solid could top. These are the things that make Ace Combat great. But if you've been a long-term fan of the series you'll likely agree that the most recent entries have been a let-down because of attempts to mimic Western-style military blockbuster games.

That's all set to change with Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, the first numbered entry for the series in 10 years. Using that number is a purposeful decision, too. The Project Aces team, led by Kazutoki Kono, are attempting to bring the series' original flavour back, refocusing on their hypothetical world where they can take more liberties with their stories of political intrigue and emotional character moments. That's backed by a long-term refinement of the game's accessible jet-fighting controls and intense combat scenarios to go with it. Here's hoping that the return of one of Namco's formerly beloved franchises sticks the landing well enough to reclaim its glory.

Anthem

Announced at E3 this year, Anthem is the next game from veteran and esteemed role-playing game studio BioWare, specifically BioWare Edmonton (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic). A multiplayer action-RPG, Anthem puts players into the role of a Freelancer on a journey through a "vast open world" to explore unknown planets and protect humanity. A key element of the game are the exosuits, called Javelins. You can customise them, equipping them with a range of new gear that you either craft or acquire. BioWare has a history of masterful world-building and storytelling. While it remains to be seen how these elements will play out in an open-world setting with what looks like more shooting than past BioWare games, we have faith in the legendary developer.

Publisher Electronic Arts has said Anthem will have some form of a "live service" model, and given everything that happened with Star Wars Battlefront II, it's understandable if you're feeling a little uneasy about this. But with Anthem not due out on PC until fall 2018, EA has the time to get things right. From the first trailer and what we've heard, it looks like Anthem is influenced and inspired by games like Destiny and The Division, and it's exciting to think about what BioWare's spin on the online multiplayer shooter might look like.

Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night

Castlevania has changed a lot over the years, but there was a time when game after game followed a familiar formula to great results. The developer largely credited for the series' past greatness is Koji Igarashi, who is presently working on Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, a spiritual successor to Castlevania games of yore.

Early impressions of the game from events like E3 and Tokyo Game Show are positive. Igarashi's handiwork is on full display, meaning that you will explore 2D, gothic environments while fending off demonic enemies and gather new abilities to extend your reach and open new pathways.

It's the familiar "Metroidvania" formula, but the fact that it's coming from the person responsible for popularizing it in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (after Super Metroid laid the foundation) eases the concerns that Bloodstained is just a simple nostalgia trip. Igarashi has been out of the game for quite a while after leaving Konami, and our hope is that his return to 2D action games comes with improvements and innovations. The sub-genre has been approached by many developers in his absence, and we can't wait to see if Igarashi is able to rekindle his old flame in the light of the many great games his earlier works inspired.

Code Vein

While From Software is silent about a follow-up to Dark Souls III or Bloodborne, publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment is due to release Code Vein in 2018, an action-RPG heavily inspired by the demanding and distinct gameplay in From Software's Souls games. Equally significant is that Code Vein is being developed by the division of Bandai Namco Studios responsible for the God Eater franchise, which is also a third-person action-RPG series that features ranged and melee combat, so it's exciting to see this studio approach the Souls series formula.

The "Soulsborne" genre has already seen a wide variety of settings as developers seek to stand out from the shadow of the From Software games that influenced them. For Code Vein, the simple hook is in preserving God Eater's anime aesthetic and depressingly desolate urban settings. Even if it doesn't meet the standards of Dark Souls, one can't help but think it will convert some anime fans to this genre.

Crackdown 3

Crackdown 3 was first announced at E3 2014 and planned for a 2016 release, but a delay pushed it back to November 2017. It was then hit with a another delay following its bold showing at E3 2017, and now it's set to launch at an unspecified date in spring 2018.

Crackdown 3 is going to be one of the Xbox One's marquee exclusive games, featuring immense levels of environmental destruction in an open world--an evolution of the previous games in the series. However, there will be a difference in how this is handled between single-player and multiplayer. The mass destruction in multiplayer relies on server-based cloud technology which will provide the grand spectacle in online games. On the other hand, the single-player campaign will be more tame, akin to a Just Cause. This open-world action game focuses its narrative on taking down criminal syndicates similar to the original Crackdown.

We can expect plenty of superhuman abilities for strength and speed, along with an arsenal of weapons and vehicles. It's apt to compare it to Grand Theft Auto or Saints Row, but Crackdown separates itself by instilling the feeling of being a true superhero.

Darksiders III

After the dissolution of publisher THQ in 2012, the future of the cult favorite Darksiders series was left uncertain. Swedish publisher Nordic Games (now known as THQ Nordic) acquired the rights to create more games in the franchise, but given how relatively unknown the company was at the time, longtime fans began to question if a new game was really coming. In the subsequent years, THQ Nordic released remasters of the first two Darksiders games, continually reassuring that a new entry was in the works. However, it wasn't until this year that the publisher finally unveiled Darksiders III.

The game takes place parallel to the events of the previous entries. It follows Fury, a Horseman of the Apocalypse, as she embarks on a quest to destroy physical manifestations of the Seven Deadly Sins, who are wreaking havoc on planet Earth. It's reassuring to hear that Darksiders III is being developed by Gunfire Games, a studio comprised of several key members from original Darksiders studio Vigil Games. With a tentative release date of sometime in 2018, we're eager to hear more about what Gunfire Games has in store for us with the much-anticipated sequel.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Matching the style and over-the-top action of the Dragon Ball Z series has been a challenge for past games. The upcoming Dragon Ball FighterZ, however, looks to be the exception, pushing the trend of average DBZ fighters aside and bringing the series to new heights. Coming from Arc Systems Works--the same developer behind Guilty Gear Xrd, BlazBlue, and Persona 4 Arena--the new game is not only looking to be a faithful adaptation of the series, but also one of the most exciting fighting games of 2018.

Featuring characters from across the entire Dragon Ball Z series, and even some references from Dragon Ball Super, FighterZ is a mash-up that pits characters in intense 3v3 battles that will level environments and push the fighters to their limits of power. Moving away from the 3D arenas of Raging Blast and Xenoverse, FighterZ brings the action to the traditional 2D plane--and it looks all the better for it. With characters pulling off high-powered, screen-filling moves, and performing split-second dodges to get the upper hand against their enemy--no frame of animation feels wasted in Dragon Ball FighterZ. There's a greater level of detail here that the past games weren't even close to replicating from the TV show.

Anyone who's watched Dragon Ball Z knows that it's got a style all its own, and FighterZ lovingly recreates many of the series' most iconic moments in its core mechanics. With more characters yet to be revealed, along with a surprisingly robust Story Mode, there's definitely more to this fighter that remains to be seen. But what's been shown thus far looks to be everything a DBZ fan could hope for in a game.

Dynasty Warriors 9

Musou games--those large-scale beat-em-ups most commonly associated with Koei Tecmo's Dynasty Warriors series--are finally earning respect. After years of being dismissed as shallow button-mashers whose appeal was limited to a core group of die-hard fans, the recent success of popular musou crossovers such as Hyrule Warriors and Fire Emblem Warriors has given this sub-genre new life.

Who would have thought that next year's Dynasty Warriors 9--which comes almost 18 years after the release of the first true musou game in Dynasty Warriors 2 way back in the PlayStation 2 era--would be a cause for anticipation? It helps that Dynasty Warriors 9 seems to be taking a huge leap forward for the series in introducing a true, huge open-world for players to traverse. The core gameplay will likely be the same--one general against thousands of easily-dispatched soldiers--but that old formula has never seemed so sweet as it does now.

Far Cry 5

When reflecting on the Far Cry series' past locales, Far Cry 5's rural America seems like a refreshing and evocative choice for Ubisoft's first-person shooter series. Between the sprawling farmlands and dense forests of the fictional region known as Hope County, Montana, the place is primed to make the most of Far Cry's open world and emergent gameplay. Far Cry 5 also promises to continue the series' tradition of featuring memorable antagonists. As the leader of a doomsday cult known as Eden's Gate, Joseph Seed looks to be as calculating as 4's Pagan Min and as fanatical as 3's Vaas.

What makes Far Cry 5 all the more promising is how it adapts fan-favorite features like Far Cry 4's cooperative play and Far Cry Primal's animal companionship. Along with a wealth of vehicles and weapons plus untamed animals you can turn against enemies, there shouldn't be a shortage of creative ways to take down Eden's Gate.

Indivisible

Side-scrolling action RPG Indivisible comes from the same team that brought us 2012's insane fighter Skullgirls. Indivisible follows the story of the rebellious Ajna. She and her father live just outside a quiet little town, but things take a turn for the worse and a mysterious power awakens within her: the ability of "incarnations" to recruit different people to help her along her journey.

Indivisible is largely inspired by a number of different cultures and mythologies, which hopefully opens the doors to positive and meaningful representation. This also means that the game could run the risk of mishandling the sources from which it draws its inspiration, but it's worth having a little faith and hope for a game that's trying to pull from perspectives we don't see often. Everyone likes to have something they can see themselves in, and Indivisible may be one of those games where its representation could make it or break it.

Jurassic World Evolution

Frontier Developments' Planet Coaster is, without a doubt, one of the best theme park management games in recent years. It's the gold standard of the genre, with accessible but powerful building tools, great art direction, and a strong emphasis on community development. At Gamescom 2017, it was revealed that Frontier was working on another construction and management sim, and it had the Jurassic World license attached to it.

The Jurassic franchise hasn't had a great run when it comes to video game adaptations (Lego Jurassic World was probably the best attempt in the past decade), but Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis, released in 2003, arguably had the most critical success, and it too, was a construction and management sim. That's why we're excited that Jurassic World Evolution is going to provide us with a modern-day interpretation of this combination.

You can expect to build your own custom dinosaur theme park filled with fun attractions a la Planet Coaster, but you'll also be dealing with the research and dinosaur breeding aspect as well. Biological experiments right next to innocent, happy families on vacation? What could possibly go wrong? Hopefully the answer to that question is "not a lot," at least when we're talking about the quality of the game, because our expectations for this one are high with Frontier at the helm.

Left Alive

Square Enix caught many people off-guard with the surprise announcement of Left Alive at Tokyo Game Show 2017, and while details remain scarce, an eye-catching trailer and a list of notable developers was all it took to grab our attention.

Both the teaser trailer and gameplay trailer released at the show set the stage for a sci-fi epic with war as a central theme. With Metal Gear artist Yoji Shinkawa on board, it's no surprise that Left Alive bears some resemblance to Hideo Kojima's iconic stealth series. But don't confuse it for a spiritual successor, as the brief glimpse of gameplay we've seen so far is solely focused on gunplay. Furthermore, producer Shinji Hashimoto, a longtime Square Enix employee with a long list of beloved games under his belt, has explicitly said that another series known for examining the realities of war serves as the basis for Left Alive's setting.

According to Hashimoto, Left Alive is connected to Square Enix's Front Mission series. The typical grid-based mechanics are out, obviously, but the series' iconic Wanzer mechs are back. Chances are you will eventually get to pilot one (we hope), but in an interesting twist, we know for sure that at some point in the game you will have to face towering mechs as a soldier on the ground. The odds aren't in your favor, but this is part of the appeal thus far: what will it take to come out on top? We can't wait to find out.

Metal Gear Survive

Since Metal Gear series creator Hideo Kojima left Konami, the status of the franchise was thrown into question. Konami reassured that it would create a new entry in the series; however, given the drama that resulted from Kojima's departure, fans began to question if they wanted a new sequel. During Gamescom 2016, the publisher announced Metal Gear Survive, a cooperative multiplayer survival-focused open-world adventure.

Rather than being a new canonical entry in the series, Metal Gear Survive is instead an alternate universe spin-off. Following the evacuation of Big Boss and Kazuhira Miller from the besieged Mother Base at the end of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, the soldiers of Big Boss' Militaries Sans Frontiers are transported to a world full of hostile zombie-like entities. With little resources left to survive, those who remain must work together to quell the otherworldly threat and find a way back home.

From early footage, fans have greatly doubted the quality of the upcoming adventure. But for what it's worth, what we've seen thus far does seem compelling; after all, the game is essentially a cooperative multiplayer take on the mechanics from the critically acclaimed Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Supporting up to four players, you're free to explore the game's open world and work together to complete missions. Much of what the game expands upon sounds promising, but it remains to be seen whether or not Konami can truly create a substantial Metal Gear experience on their own. In the face of these reservations, Metal Gear Survive still has the makings of being a fun and engaging game, even if it's far from what fans have wanted.

Metro Exodus

There are few games that create a post-apocalyptic atmosphere as detailed as the Metro franchise. Based on a series of books, Metro 2033 and Last Light take place after the atomic bomb has destroyed the world. The survivors find refuge under the streets in a vast and sprawling metro system where irradiated monsters and bandits roam.

Survival has always been at the forefront of the series, and based on what we've seen, Metro Exodus is no different. You must conserve ammo, not only because one bullet can be the difference between life and death, but because they are the common currency underground. And when you decide to venture above ground, you must pay attention to your oxygen levels.

The Metro games are brutal, haunting experiences that feel almost too real. Metro: Exodus looks to follow and expand on the ideas of its predecessors. If you have any interest in horror or first-person shooter games, this is one you won't want to miss.

Monster Hunter World

The last few Monster Hunter games on 3DS have been terrific, and they've introduced a whole new group of players to one Japan's biggest franchises. But Monster Hunter World is poised to take the series even further. On PC, the game will obviously look better than any previous version of the game, but it's the refinements in gameplay and online multiplayer that have a chance of finally pushing it into the mainstream.

For the first time, you'll be able to jump into other players' hunts mid-game, meaning you can help out friends (or receive help when you need it most), without going through a lot of complicated preparation. There's a more convenient training hall that lets you easily experiment with weapons and that lays out various combos and strategies. And best of all, the game will have worldwide (although not cross-platform) multiplayer. Given how helpful and supportive the Monster Hunter community is as a whole, jumping into a game and finding fellow adventurers to take down monsters with should be easy.

Make no mistake, Monster Hunter World still seems like it's going to be a complicated, complex game. But as titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne have shown, there are plenty of players who are looking for a challenging experience as long as it's equally rewarding. And with this iteration of Monster Hunter, newcomers will have a better chance than ever before to understand what makes fans so passionate for hunting.

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom

After the generally positive reception of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, it was not surprising that its sequel, Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom was announced to come to PC. Between the original game's heartfelt story, involving combat, and Studio Ghibli-crafted cinematics, there was a lot to love that could be shared with non-console players.

Revenant Kingdom looks to recapture the first game's charm and engrossing gameplay, despite the array of changes in this sequel. The shift to a more active battle system looks to address the arguably complicated and cumbersome combat from the first game. Add to that a Pikmin-inspired minion system that buffs your hero for added advantages. Furthermore, Studio Ghibli is uninvolved this time around, although former Ghibli character designer Yoshiyuki Momose returns. More significantly, Joe Hisaishi returns as music composer. Given how he's provided the music to all of Hayao Miyazaki's films (save for The Castle of Cagliostro), it's hard to doubt that Revenant Kingdom will feel like an unofficial Ghibli production.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

2017 was very good to fans of old-school, Baldur's Gate-style RPGs. Divinity: Original Sin II earned a rare 10/10 on GameSpot, and Pillars of Eternity II was announced and fully funded in the less than a day. Going into 2018, Obsidian is set to deliver on its promises of "truly living cities [and] more freedom to explore the open world."

In addition to building out the world and story of Pillars of Eternity II, the sequel will also introduce an expansive multiclassing system, which will allow players to build unique characters that tie both into personal playstyles and stories. But it's the expansive worldbuilding and D&D-inspired gameplay hooks that seem the most exciting.

In GameSpot's Pillars of Eternity review from 2015, we described the first Pillars as an "original fantasy universe, as well as with combat details that reduce frustration and keep the tempo moving." As long as Obsidian can build on those core elements that worked and refine the less-polished aspects of their previous isometric outing, Pillars of Eternity II seems like it'll be another RPG hit.

Pit People

Developer The Behemoth tends to take a long time between releasing games, but that reputation to not put a game out until it's ready means their releases are the most consistently fun (and funny) in the business. Pit People is a bit of an odd case where we've actually been able to try out a large portion of the game through early access over the last year. But the final, full release isn't coming until sometime early in 2018.

Pit People is a different type of game than The Behemoth has made before; this time, it's going for turn-based strategy on a grid, but the game retains the distinctive style and raucous humor of previous Behemoth titles. In Pit People's world, a massive "space bear" has collided with the planet, wreaking chaos and destruction that affects not only the story but sometimes the field of battle itself.

It's hard to believe this is only the fourth game from the studio, but if previous success is anything to go on, Pit People is already set up to be a game to watch out for in 2018.

Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves has been in Microsoft's deck for quite some time, since it was announced at E3 2015, but it's set to see the light of day in 2018 with an official release. This pirate-themed first-person action-adventure focuses on multiplayer across islands and the open seas. The game is shown to have range; there's a lot going on from ship battles and navigating the seas to digging up treasures and hoarding loot.

It sports a beautiful, easy-going aesthetic with a cartoonish vibe and lax physics. But that doesn't negate the intensity of large-scale battles at sea with cannonballs flying overhead or the sense of panic when trying to nail down a shot from a one-round flintlock pistol. The game isn't limited to PvP, as NPC enemies layer PvE scenarios into a shared world. Sea of Thieves is also one of the few cross-play games between the PC and Xbox One platforms, which should help sustain player count. If early gameplay is any indication, players will be building up their own characters for the long haul; this will hopefully instill more personality into a game already oozing with charm.

Shenmue III

Shenmue is a divisive franchise, but one thing that is undeniable is that the story is incomplete. The second game ends on a massive cliffhanger, and rabid fans want the series to return so much that they raised well over $6 million on Kickstarter for Shenmue III.

Considering the first two games are among the most expensive of all time, Shenmue III is going to need every penny. The original released on the Dreamcast and pioneered open-world games. Not only did it and its sequel allow you to explore large cities in Japan and China, but the games were meticulously detailed.

The series is predominately about its story, however. You play as Ryo Hazuki, and in the original game, villain Lan Di beats you up and kills your father in front of you. On a quest for revenge, Ryo learns martial arts and becomes stronger along the way. The 2017 teaser trailer looks like it picks up where the last game left off. In it, you see Ryo training and getting into fights surrounded by stunning vistas produced by Epic's Unreal Engine. The world of Shenmue has never looked better. The faces in the video do leave a lot to be desired, however, but famed director Yu Suzuki assures fans that they're just placeholders for now.

What fans can't wait to find out is if Ryo becomes strong enough in Shenmue III to enact revenge on Lan Di. Hopefully we won't have to wait much longer to find out.

Skull & Bones

Ever since the release of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag in 2014, there existed an audience of fans who yearned for the series to return to or iterate upon the fantastic naval combat from that game. While Assassin's Creed Rogue expanded on those mechanics to some degree, it wasn't the true successor everyone craved.

Enter Skull & Bones, Ubisoft's direct successor to Black Flag. Aside from offering a traditional single-player-focused campaign, the game also offers 5v5 multiplayer modes where you and four others fight other player-controlled ships for loot.

While the reveal of Skull & Bones is an exciting step towards a new series that follows in the tradition of Black Flag, it also represents a divorce of naval combat from the expectations of future Assassin's titles. Seeing Ubisoft deliberately decide to split the two into separate franchises is certainly one the most exciting aspects about Skull & Bones.

State of Decay 2

Perhaps the most exciting feature of State of Decay 2 is one that was sorely absent from the first game: multiplayer. The first entry in Undead Labs' and Microsoft's zombie survival game was a surprise hit, delivering a vast open-world with a robust survival gameplay and the unsettling, ever-present threat of zombies descending on you at a moment's notice. It seems like a setup that would allow players to connect with each other to collaborate, but that wasn't the case.

In State of Decay 2, Undead Labs has taken inspiration from Dark Souls for its multiplayer component, giving people the ability to fire a flare into the sky to summon help. Through drop-in and drop-out cooperation, players can come together to fight the undead horde or scavenge materials and build fortifications. Of course, there's also the survivors hanging around in the wasteland, all of which are crucial to your safety. With a massive number of skills and personality types for the player to develop and nurture, these characters become essential to ensuring that their burgeoning community can not only live another day but also ensure the little family you've built thrives. Like the multiplayer, Undead Labs is doubling down on role-playing aspects of State of Decay 2, making for a sequel is giving fans pretty much everything they asked for, which is exciting.

System Shock: Remastered Edition

Looking Glass Studios' System Shock was one of the earliest immersive sims, laying the foundations for a new type of FPS experience that influenced the likes of BioShock and Dishonored. Putting players in the shoes of a hacker who must contend with an evil AI known as SHODAN, you would acquire new skills and weapons while exploring a derelict space station filled with hideous creatures. While an enhanced port was released in 2015 from Night Dive Studios, the same team later launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund a full remake of the original game.

While the 1994 game featured a number of impressive systems and mechanics at the time, channeling the same design from Ultima Underworld and other first-person RPG games, much of its gameplay feels a bit outdated in today's age. The upcoming remaster will largely be the same game, but with updated narrative and gameplay to fit a more modern design. In addition to some returning members from System Shock 2, veteran RPG writer Chris Avellone will be writing an updated take of the main story, which includes more background info, side characters, and crew logs.

The immersive sim sub-genre has evolved in some clever ways over the years, but System Shock has left an immense impression on gamers to this day. And with the full remake coming in 2018, fans of the genre will be able to dive into a fresh take on the Hacker's confrontation with SHODAN on Citadel Station.

The Crew 2

Blasting down the freeway, roof down, hair blowing in the wind, leaving enemy racers in your wake... Is there anything cooler than fast cars?

Turns out there are: fast boats and fast planes, and The Crew 2 includes all three vehicle types. Not only that, but it allows you to seamlessly switch between each one--meaning it's very easy to spawn as a speedboat on top of a skyscraper, which is pretty hilarious.

All this feeds into The Crew 2's greater sense of freedom. The original game's open-world was liberating enough, but now you're afforded more flexibility in how you approach missions, with more routes available in each race. The world feels more open now.

That makes it all the more upsetting that The Crew 2 was recently delayed. It will now launch in the first half of Ubisoft's 2018-19 fiscal year, which means it will come out between April 2018 and September 2018. The delay can only benefit the game though, so let's hope Ubisoft puts the extra development time to good use.

Vampyr

Vampyr looks to pair Dontnod Entertainment's knack for third-person close-quarters combat from Remember Me with the narrative-affecting dialogue options from Life Is Strange. Complementing these features is a strong emphasis on investigative exploration, making Vampyr a curious detective tale with a twist. Instead of a Parisian cyberpunk setting or a high school in the Pacific Northwest, Vampyr is set in post-Victorian London inhabited by vampires.

There's an intriguing sense of normalcy where survivors of the Spanish flu live among vampires, but there's conflict nonetheless. This is exemplified in the playable protagonist, Jonathan Reid, a doctor who recently turned into a vampire. Dontnod capitalizes on his personal struggle to do no harm while satisfying his bloodlust by offering the option to complete the game without taking a life. It's a tall order when many of Reid's enemies are the more malevolent types of vampires. Moreover, taking the pacifist route will severely limit Reid's skills growth.

It should be noted that, after two games that could have pigeonholed Dontnod as the "time-rewinding" studio, Vampyr appears to be devoid of any past-event-altering mechanic. Yet given Reid's powers of coercion and his talents for ranged and melee weapons, who knows what other supernatural abilities he might have up his sleeve?

World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth

New continents to explore, a higher level cap, and new dungeons to raid are the normal reasons to get hyped for a new World of Warcraft expansion. But what makes Battle for Azeroth especially notable is that it's going back to the conflict at the heart of the series: Horde vs. Alliance.

After years of growing closer and closer together, the tenuous bond between the two in-game factions has been stressed to the breaking point, and that conflict will come to a head in 2018's expansion. This means that there will be no more PvP or PvE servers; instead, you choose whether you want to fight other players when you visit one of the game's primary cities.

While the new races in the game are variations on existing ones, they'll introduce some welcome variety to the game's available characters. But the biggest change will be the level-scaling system that permeates the entire game. So if you ever felt like you leveled up too fast and missed out on the quests in a specific area, you'll finally have a chance, and a reason, to try out more of what Warcraft has to offer.

There's no set release date, but with Legion's updates coming to a close soon, Battle for Azeroth might arrive earlier in 2018 than you'd expect.

All The Best DC Cosplay We've Seen

By Gajan Kulasingham on Jan 06, 2018 03:02 am

DC cosplay had a strong presence this year at events across the world as fans dressed up as their favorite characters from various DC properties. Check out some of the best cosplayers we saw in 2017!

For more amazing cosplay we saw this year, check out the best Marvel Cosplay and Overwatch Cosplay we saw in 2017.

Anime Expo 2017

Brazil Game Show 2017

Fanime 2017

NYCC 2017

PAX Australia 2017

PAX West 2017

SDCC 2017

San Francisco Comic Con 2017

SVCC 2017

Wizard World Chicago 2017

WonderCon 2017

All The Best Marvel Cosplay We've Seen

By Gajan Kulasingham on Jan 06, 2018 03:02 am

Marvel cosplay had a strong presence this year at events across the world as fans dressed up as their favorite characters from various Marvel properties. Check out some of the best cosplayers we saw in 2017!

For more Marvel cosplay, check out the outfits we saw at Comic-Con 2017 and SVCC 2017.