By Chris Pereira on Feb 16, 2018 04:23 pm
Destiny 2's Crimson Days event is now live, bringing a new activity--a special 2v2 Crucible playlist--to occupy your time. But no matter what you do, you'll be working toward unlocking the real highlight of the new update: new gear. Destiny 2 players on PC, PS4, and Xbox One now have a variety of items to acquire, but only for a limited time. You can take a look at everything that's currently available in the images. The Valentine's Day-themed event includes new Ghosts, Sparrows, armor and weapon shaders, emotes, weapon ornaments (for weapons like scout rifles and auto rifles, but hand cannons and others get no love), and more to acquire--but no new armor. These are primarily included in new Crimson Engrams, which are obtained by playing the aforementioned Crucible mode. Alternatively, if you've reached the level cap (level 20 if you don't own Curse of Osiris, 25 if you do), each level up will reward you a Crimson Engram in addition to the standard Illuminated Engram. No matter how you obtain it, the Crimson Engram is guaranteed to decrypt into an item you don't already own until you've unlocked everything. While the bulk of the new items are obtained through the Engram, there are five others that are obtained through different means. You'll need to fulfill a specific objective in order to unlock the corresponding reward (or to have a chance at earning it, in one case). Here's how to unlock them: - Tirastrella Ghost Shell + Fire of the Crimson Days Emblem: Complete the "Welcome to Crimson Days" milestone (finish five Crimson Days matches, talk to Shaxx)
- Undeterred Exotic Sparrow: Complete Crimson Days Crucible playlist matches for a "chance" to unlock this
- Dieselpunk Exotic Ornament for Wardcliff Coil: Complete the Leviathan Raid or Eater of Worlds Raid Lair to find this in the final chest
- Flaunting Dance Emote: Complete the Nightfall Strike during the event
Crimson Days is now live on all platforms, and it runs until the weekly reset on February 20. Even if you don't plan on playing much, you can get a free Crimson Engram just by logging in and speaking with Tess at The Tower.
Tirastrella Ghost Shell
Undeterred Exotic Sparrow
Dieselpunk Exotic Ornament for Wardcliff Coil
Flaunting Dance Emote
By Chris Pereira on Feb 16, 2018 04:16 pm
A new update has arrived for Overwatch. Blizzard has kicked off this year's edition of the Lunar New Year event, which this time around is dubbed Year of the Dog. It revamps the game's Capture the Flag mode and introduces other new features. But as is to be expected from any new update, there are a variety of new Overwatch skins and cosmetics now available in a limited-time loot box. In terms of skins, there are six Legendary ones in total: those for Hanzo, Genji, Mercy, Pharah, McCree, and Widowmaker. Additionally, there are more than 50 new items in all to get your hands on; there are new sprays, victory poses, and other cosmetics now available. The event also sees the return of the skins from last year's Lunar New Year. You can check out all of the new skins, as well as many of the new cosmetics, in the gallery above. We've also got galleries of all the recently added Blizzard World update skins, as well as the huge number of Overwatch League skins introduced earlier this year. With new skins now available, this update marks the addition of a welcome feature for those with a growing collection to show off. From the Assemble Your Team screen before a match, you can now easily change your skin. This is only accessible during the pre-match phase, no doubt to avoid having players spending time contemplating their choice when they could be helping the team, but it should still make it easier to rotate through your collection. Also new in this patch is the aforementioned CTF revamp. This sees the introduction of a new Sudden Death mode--meaning no more ties--where flags are located closer to one another. Also, throughout the match, flags are now picked up instantly, though it will be dropped when using certain abilities, like Winston's leap. Blizzard says this should all result in a more "action-packed" experience overall.
By Chris Pereira on Feb 16, 2018 04:05 pm
Thanks to a variety of factors, Monster Hunter World is likely to be many people's first experience with the franchise. New gear is desirable in any RPG, but it's especially important in Monster Hunter, where your progression is tied not to experience points, but the new armor and weapons you're able to acquire and craft. The armor you collect comes in a variety of different styles, shapes, types, and sizes. Every armor set you acquire comes in two types: alpha and beta. Alpha sets come with preset skills that enhance its wearer with a series of statistical benefits, while Beta sets allow its wearer to customize what skills each piece has. In addition, each set has an entirely different look depending on the gender you choose. To give you an idea of what kind of armor sets you'll be able to use once you've progressed far enough in the game, we've compiled the gallery above. You'll find images of high-end armor for male characters in this gallery. If you're curious about female character gear, check out our high-end female player gear gallery. You can also check out our high-end Palico armor gallery. Monster Hunter World releases on January 26 for Xbox One and PS4, with a PC release to come later in the year. That's notable, as recent entries were limited to 3DS. The additional horsepower has allowed for a game with much larger, more beautiful environments to play in. It also does a better job of introducing newcomers to the flow of playing a Monster Hunter game. You can read more about what to expect in our Monster Hunter World review. Those playing on PS4 will be able to get their hands on some exclusive gear based on Horizon: Zero Dawn. We also know that new Mega Man-themed items are on the way, and if past games are any indications, that won't be the last crossover content that Capcom releases.
By Reid McCarter on Feb 16, 2018 05:39 am
Less than faithful.
Adapting Richard K. Morgan's Altered Carbon as a TV show was a tough ask. The series consists of three books that intricately detail a sci-fi future where technology has made immortality an everyday fact of life, and fitting the story of Takeshi Kovacs into a single 10-episode Netflix series represents several unique challenges. In order to make the story work in a different medium, the show had to make a number of changes. While some are far more drastic than others, all of them end up setting the show apart from the books it's based on. New characters were added or removed while others were reimagined to the point that they may as well be the show's inventions entirely. Other plot elements were added or dropped, altering the story very mildly in some cases and enormously in others. Here's 18 of the ways Altered Carbon, the show, is different from Altered Carbon, the book.
18. The Book's Envoys Weren't Rebels Or Terrorists
Probably the most noticeable change from book to show is the Envoys, an elite paramilitary group Kovacs belongs to in both versions of Altered Carbon. In the book, Envoys are a highly-trained, almost supernaturally gifted squad belonging to the fiction's incredibly powerful government forces. In the show, they're just as impressive as warriors, but are reversed into anti-authoritarian rebels.
17. Reileen Kawahara Wasn't Kovacs' Sister In The Books
The character of Reileen isn't related to Kovacs in the book, which makes the decision to reuse her name a bit confusing. The show mixes Rei with its protagonist's origin story in a way that more directly ties the Bancroft mystery in with Kovacs' personal life. This, like the Envoy reinterpretation, has pretty dramatic consequences for the plot.
16. Quell and Kovacs Didn't Know Each Other
In the book, Quell is referenced through her writings, which inspired an anti-capitalist movement followed by many people across the galaxy. In the show she becomes a prominent on-screen character who Kovacs knew personally. It's a little like rewriting history so that Marx and Engles were Lenin's personal friends.
15. The AI Hotel Wasn't Based on Edgar Allen Poe
One of the show's most memorable characters is the artificially intelligent hotel that manifests itself as a digital version of Edgar Allen Poe. In the book, the hotel is based on Jimi Hendrix, though he doesn't interact with Kovacs by walking around as a hologram like Poe. While it's sad to lose Hendrix, the show's version of Poe is entertaining enough to take some of the sting out of the alteration.
14. The Show's Flashback Added New Details
In the book's prologue, Kovacs and Sarah's deaths are more the consequence of a criminal mishap than a personal vendetta. In the show, Kovacs' former Protectorate commander executes Sarah to intentionally take revenge on his former protégé.
13. The AIs Didn't Hang Around Talking To Each Other in The Books
The TV show features a few scenes in which Poe appears in a dingy backroom bar to chat with other AIs. In the book, we never get to see the hotel interact with anyone but the story's human characters, which robs readers of some of the show's (much appreciated) further exploration of what the AI gets up to in its off time.
12. Vernon Elliot Is A Much Less Important Character
While Vernon Elliot (first name changed for TV) is an important character in terms of advancing the book's plot, he isn't nearly as prominent in the story on a scene by scene basis. The show makes Elliot a constant presence, talking with the AI hotel, grappling with his lost family, and even accompanying Kovacs on a fact-finding mission by going undercover as a waiter at one of the Bancroft's swanky parties.
11. The Bancroft Children Are Given A Lot More To Do
The TV version of Altered Carbon features memorable scenes starring Isaac Bancroft, a snotty enfant terrible, and Naomi Bancroft, a similarly entitled child of Laurens and Miriam whose first appearance sees her borrowing one of her mom's sleeves to get to know one of the family's bodyguards a little better. In the book, Bancroft's children are mentioned, but never actually take part in the story itself.
10. The Book's Ortega Doesn't Get To Star In A Police Procedural Subplot
Ortega is an important character in the book, but she doesn't show up more than a few times until its latter half. The show ensures viewers have a better idea of who she is by interweaving her own detective work with Kovacs,' adding scenes where she attempts to unravel the story's central mystery without the protagonist's involvement.
9. Ortega's Family Didn't Exist
Ortega gets a larger supporting cast in the show, from a clingy mother and "neo-Catholic" brother to a host of nieces and nephews and, most memorably, a grandmother who is temporarily re-sleeved into a hulking criminal for a Day of the Dead celebration. In the book, we don't get to meet any of these characters.
8. Bancroft's Plague-Focused Charity Is New
A scene that reinforces the immensity of Laurens Bancroft's wealth, his visit to a plague center where he knowingly contracts a skin-blistering disease as an act of charity is one of the show's many inventions. It's a good choice, giving viewers a better understanding of a character who would otherwise be underserved by the main plot.
7. The Isaac Subplot Is Completely New
Isaac Bancroft sleeving himself as his father and meddling in the family's business while impersonating him is completely new. It's an interesting decision, complicating the mystery at the heart of the story, but ultimately feels like an unnecessary addition, adding new elements to the plot that seem to exist only to stretch it out a bit further.
6. The "Ghostwalker" Is A Brand New Character
The murderous, theologically obsessed "Ghostwalker" doesn't appear in the book, but he's a fantastic addition to the show. Not only is his frightening skill at extracting flesh with a weapon that looks like an evil head massager one of the most wondrously gruesome parts of the series, but his constant desire to discuss religion helps reinforce one of the story's core themes.
5. Kovacs Has Become "The Last Envoy"
Likely hoping to add some extra, mythological standing to Kovacs' combat and intellectual prowess, the show stresses that he's "the last Envoy," which isn't mentioned in the first book. It's ultimately an inconsequential change, but one that feels a little cheesy--as if the stakes of Star Wars' vanishing Jedi Order have been thrown into a story that doesn't need the addition.
4. The Stacks Are Bigger
The book's stacks are described as tiny while the show makes them larger. It's a small change that works well for a visual format--we need to be able to easily see the stacks when they're being handled--but the bigger size makes the supposedly sophisticated technology seem a little less so.
3. The AI Hotel Is Now A Virtual Reality Counselor
In the show, Poe spends much of his time helping Elliot's daughter overcome trauma by coaching her through virtual reality exercises. In the book, the AI hotel doesn't do any of this, interacting almost entirely with human characters and showing no care for anyone who isn't one of its treasured guests.
2. The Wei Clinic Torture Is Horrifying On Another Level
In both book and TV series, Kovacs undergoes hellish torture at the Wei Clinic, dying and being reborn over and over again under his interrogator's hand. While the show version is suitably grim, the book goes a step further into outright bad taste, seeing Kovacs virtually reconstructed as a young woman whose torture takes on an anatomically specific bent under the direction of programs meant to resemble religious terrorists.
1. The Mystery Unravels Pretty Differently
Though the broad strokes of Altered Carbon's central mystery remain the same--particularly the initial set-up and elements from the ending--the show's version takes a more personal approach to its plot that gives the story a much different tone. All of its changes, especially the approach it takes to the Envoys, Reileen, and Quell, end up snowballing into something that comes to a close with a very different mood than the source material.
By Chris E. Hayner on Feb 16, 2018 04:54 am
31. Justice League
There's been no shortage of great comic book movies released over the last 10 years. Here are the 31 best, ranked by their Metacritic scores. First: Though this DC superhero team-up movie has its share of problems -- most notably, an uninspired villain and his infinitely disposable horde of fear-eating bug men -- the jokes are fun and the heroes are worth rooting for. You can read the full GameSpot review of Justice League here. This film received an 45 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Warner Bros.)
30. Thor: The Dark World
While Thor has fit seamlessly into The Avengers, the character's solo movies haven't always lived up to their hype. The Dark World had the promise of an adventure on Asgard, but it didn't connect. The film received a 54 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
29. Man of Steel
While you may be hard-pressed to find someone that's a fan of Zack Snyder's DC Extended Universe films--or his dark, gritty take on Superman--at least Henry Cavill looks the part of the titular Man of Steel. Unfortunately, the movie does him no justice. The film received a 55 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Warner Bros.)
28. Watchmen
Zack Snyder's vision of the cult classic comic book isn't necessarily bad. Unfortunately, it's incredibly long and too complex for those that aren't already fans to understand. While it's a faithful adaptation of Alan Moore's original story, perhaps it could have been streamlined a bit more for film. The film received a 56 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Warner Bros.)
27. Iron Man 2 (tie)
Iron Man 2's biggest problem is that it follows Iron Man, the incredibly well-received movie that kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Mickey Rourke, fresh of an Oscar nomination, stars opposite Robert Downey Jr. as the movie's villain Whiplash. Sadly, it all pales in comparison to the first outing. This film received a 57 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
26. Thor (tie)
While better than its sequel, Thor had way too much backstory, both on Asgard and on Earth, to truly make a major impact. It also leaned heavier on comedy than any of the other Phase One films in the MCU, which leaves it as the odd movie out. This film received a 57 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
25. Spider-Man 3
Packed with villains, a dancing Peter Parker and the introduction of Spidey's iconic black costume to little fanfare, Spider-Man 3 is such a strange film. While it was still a box office success--and entertaining in some parts--Sony opted to reboot the franchise rather than develop Spider-Man 4. The film received a 59 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Sony Pictures)
24. The Wolverine
It would be hard for a sequel not to improve upon X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Adapting the Silver Samurai story from the comics, The Wolverine moved slowly but told a solid and interesting story in the X-Men universe. This film received a 60 on Metacritic. (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)
23. The Incredible Hulk
This is the strangest film in the MCU's Phase One. Five years after Ang Lee's Hulk, Marvel rebooted the character and recast Edward Norton in the role. The movie delivered better than anyone who watched Hulk could have imagined. Still, Norton was recast in future MCU movies by Mark Ruffalo. This film received a 61 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Universal Pictures)
22. Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3 just didn't fit what fans expected of a comic book movie. Director Shane Black brought emotion back to Tony Stark and gave Downey's character a redemption story as he rebuilt himself, literally and figuratively. This film received a 62 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
21. Ant-Man
Marvel took a turn with Ant-Man, presenting what was essentially a heist story that just so happened to involve superpowers. It was a nice change of pace for Marvel that opened a new avenue in the MCU. This film received a 64 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
19. Deadpool (tie)
The Merc with a Mouth finally got his time in the sun with the dirtiest, most vulgar comic book movie one could possibly imagine. Deadpool wouldn't fly in the MCU, but he fits surprisingly well in the X-Men universe and proved to everyone that R-rated superhero movies can be successful. This film received a 65 on Metacritic. (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)
19. X-Men: First Class (tie)
Many fans thought the X-Men franchise was dead after X-Men: The Last Stand. Instead, it went back in time to show the origins of several characters in the universe. This film received a 65 on Metacritic. (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)
16. Avengers: Age of Ultron (tie)
While the sequel to Marvel's Avengers wasn't quite as good as the first, it did illustrate how close the team of superheroes had become since their first adventure together. Unfortunately, crazed robot Ultron didn't prove to be a worthy adversary. This film received a 66 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
16. The Amazing Spider-Man (tie)
The Amazing Spider-Man felt like more of a genuine adaptation than the trilogy that came before it thanks to Andrew Garfield playing up Peter Parker's more humorous side. That can't necessarily be said about its sequel, though. This film received a 66 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Sony Pictures)
16. Captain America: The First Avenger (tie)
It's one of the most iconic stories in Marvel Comics history, and director Joe Johnston did it justice. Set during World War II, The First Avenger finds the right balance between action and heart while setting the stage for just how grand the MCU would become. This film received a 66 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
15. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2
If there's such a thing as too much Baby Groot, it has yet to be seen. The second Guardians manages to expand the crazy world set up by the first movie, while also taking the time to focus on developing each and every one of the main characters. It's the rare sequel that lives up to the first movie in practically every way. This film received a 67 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
14. The Avengers
Marvel's first superhero team up couldn't have gone much better. With a worthy villain in Loki, Avengers gave the team a reason to come together and made use of the cast's natural chemistry to create a truly special moment. This film received a 69 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
13. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Winter Soldier stands in the MCU as one of the best single superhero movies of all time. With a deeply personal story between Steve and Bucky, dazzling action moments and the destruction of S.H.I.E.L.D., Winter Soldier works on every level. This film received a 70 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
12. Doctor Strange
As with Ant-Man, Doctor Strange broke the mold of what people expect from comic book movies. Instead of superpowers and storylines bogged down in continuity, it dealt with the mystic and set its hero on his own adventure. This film received a 72 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
10. Thor: Ragnarok (tie)
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)
10. Spider-Man: Homecoming (tie)
It turns out the third try was the charm: Sony's newest Spider-Man reboot, which brings the webslinger into the MCU, is the Spidey film fans have been waiting for. With a believable cast, a street-level superhero story, heart and humor, Spider-Man finally feels at home. This film received an 73 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Sony Pictures)
9. X-Men: Days of Future Past
With time travel as a tool, Days of Future Past bridged the original and new X-Men casts, making for a truly memorable experience in an effort to save the world. It also gave director Bryan Singer the chance to fix some of the things that left fans annoyed by The Last Stand--such as the death of Cyclops. This film received a 74 on Metacritic. (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)
8. Captain America: Civil War
Adapting one of the better modern comic book arcs, the film pits Iron Man against Captain America in a battle that tore the Avengers apart. It also introduced the newest Spider-Man, who was a welcome addition. This film received a 75 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
7. Guardians of the Galaxy (tie)
The film that showed Marvel they could go outside of the box, Guardians took a little-known comic book team and made them mainstream heroes as they fought colorful alien monsters in space, all to a perfect soundtrack. As with Ant-Man and Doctor Strange, this movie benefits from not having to do any heavy-lifting of MCU continuity. The threads are there, though. This film received a 76 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
6. Wonder Woman (tie)
Wonder Woman delivers the hope that the DC Extended Universe has been missing. While movies like Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad were dark and gritty, Wonder Woman was bright, empowering and actually pretty funny at times. Will it turn the tide for DC, though? This film received a 76 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Warner Bros.)
5. Logan
Hugh Jackman's final adventure as Wolverine is also the best in the entire X-Men franchise. Taking a cue from Deadpool, Logan leaned heavily into R-rated territory, embracing the violence and gore that are a trademark of the Wolverine comics. That, mixed with newcomer Dafne Keen as a little girl with similar powers to Logan, created one of the most artistic comic book movies to date. This film received a 77 on Metacritic. (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)
4. The Dark Knight Rises
The final film in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy serves as a true ending to that version of the characters, something a lot of superhero franchises never get the chance to do. While there are some questionable choices made in the film--like Joseph Gordon Levitt's character's real name--Batman versus Bane proved to be an epic showdown. If only Bruce Wayne was in the cowl more often during the movie. This film received a 78 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Warner Bros.)
3. Iron Man
Iron Man, the movie that launched the MCU, is great from top to bottom. Downey is inspired casting as Tony Stark and his journey from egotistical playboy to superhero is riveting. This film received a 79 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
2. The Dark Knight
It's been called the Godfather II of comic book movies, and for good reason. The Dark Knight furthered the Batman mythology while introducing a truly legendary take on the Joker, with Heath Ledger embodying the painted madman in a way nobody else has before. This movie set the bar for what a superhero movie could be--a standard that will always be incredibly difficult to surpass. This film received an 82 on Metacritic. (Image credit: Warner Bros.)
1. Black Panther
The latest MCU movie is the best the franchise has to offer. Black Panther is so deeply invested in the world its set in -- the fictional African nation of Wakanda -- that it rises above to become a celebration of culture and representation, all while setting up Avengers: Infinity War. This movie scored an 87 on Metacritic. You can read the GameSpot review of Black Panther here. (Image: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
By Lance Cartelli on Feb 16, 2018 01:53 am
46. Fantastic Four (2015 reboot)
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)
45. 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)
44. 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)
43. 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)
42. 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)
41. 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)
40. 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)
38. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (tie)
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)
38. Fantastic Four (tie)
The first feature about Marvel's famed superhero team, released in 2005, 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)
37. 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)
35. Blade (tie)
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)
35. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (tie)
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)
33. Blade II (tie)
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)
33. X-Men: Apocalypse (tie)
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
32. 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)
30. Hulk (tie)
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)
30. Thor: Dark World (tie)
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)
28. Iron Man 2 (tie)
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)
28. Thor (tie)
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)
27. 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)
26. 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. According to Metacritic, the third Spider-Man film earned a score of 59. (Photo: Columbia Pictures)
25. 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)
24. 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)
23. 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)
21. Ant-Man (tie)
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)
21. X-Men (tie)
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)
19. Deadpool (itie)
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)
19. X-Men: First Class (tie)
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)
16. The Amazing Spider-Man (tie)
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)
16. Avengers: Age of Ultron (tie)
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)
16. Captain America: The First Avenger (tie)
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)
15. 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. The film earned a 67 on Metacritic. (Photo: Disney)
14. 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)
13. 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)
12. 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)
11. 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)
9. Spider-Man (tie)
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)
9. Spider-Man: Homecoming (tie)
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)
7. Thor: Ragnarok (tie)
In the Thor franchise's third (and best) 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 74 on Metacritic. (Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
7. X-Men: Days of Future Past (tie)
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)
6. 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)
5. 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)
4. Logan
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
3. 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)
2. Spider-Man 2
All the big players from the original film reprise their roles in Spider-Man 2, but what elevates this feature is Alfred Molina's brilliantly complex portrayal of Doctor Octopus. This Marvel film scored big with an 83 on Metacritic. (Photo: Columbia Pictures)
1. Black Panther
More than just a stunningly beautiful superhero movie filled with incredible action scenes, a killer score, complicated characters and a compelling setting, Black Panther is a full-fledged cultural event that asks -- and answers -- some tough but important questions. It's not just the best Marvel movie in years -- it's the best Marvel movie of all time. The film scored an 87 on Metacritic. (Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
By Meg Downey on Feb 16, 2018 01:39 am
Avengers Assemble.
As its May release date marches ever closer, the list of confirmed characters in Avengers: Infinity War just keeps getting longer. It may seem like a superheroic Where's Waldo, but the reality is we've spent years getting hints, teasers, and clues about which characters will appear in Infinity War. These are all the heroes, villains, and otherwise that we know are in Avengers: Infinity War--so far. Avengers: Infinity War is out May 4 this year.
1. Tony Stark
Starting things out with the obvious. Robert Downey Jr has taken center stage in a lot of the hype, and for good reason. It was his starring role as Iron Man that kick started the MCU ten years ago, making this movie a major anniversary for him--and potentially, the end of an era.
2. Steve Rogers
Coming in as a close second to Tony himself, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) has been a key player in the Infinity War build up and excitement--and not just because he's a fan favorite superhero. Cap's new look, which includes a rugged beard and battered uniform, became an instant hit the moment the first round of teaser footage was dropped at D23 in 2017.
3. Natasha Romanova
Steve wasn't the only one to get a makeover leading up to the movie. Natasha (Scarlett Johansson) has been shown in Infinity War's trailers, posters, and promotional comics sporting an all new platinum blonde hair cut--a dramatic departure from the Black Widow's trademark red.
4. Sam Wilson
One of Cap's right-hand men, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) has also been spotted in the trailers and posters, apparently operating out of Wakanda alongside the rest of his fellow post-Civil War superheroic fugitives.
5. Bucky Barnes
The Winter Soldier himself, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) has been given some screen time both on the poster and in the trailer where he's seen locked and loaded alongside the armies of Wakanda, prepared to go into battle. This shouldn't come as a surprise, considering we last left Bucky re-entering cryo-freeze in T'Challa's palace in the aftermath of Civil War--thankfully someone apparently took it upon themselves to thaw him out.
6. Bruce Banner
In addition to showing up in the promotional material across the board, Mark Ruffalo has talked at length about how he and Marvel Studios have come up with a Hulk trilogy-style story arc to span across Thor: Ragnarok, Infinity War, and its yet unnamed sequel--so rest assured, Bruce Banner is going to be around in the MCU for a while longer.
7. Thor
Fresh off his own solo film, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is about to collide head-long into the MCU's other cosmic property, the Guardians of the Galaxy. We've seen hints at just where Thor's story is going to be taking him in Infinity War in Thor: Ragnarok's post-credits sequences as well as in the trailer where he gets to greet his new-found compatriots with a perplexed "who the hell are you guys?"
8. Loki
In addition to being on Thor's escape ship at the end of Ragnarok, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has also been spotted in the trailers and poster. From the looks of it, he's got his eyes set on the Tesseract, or, as it'll probably soon be known, the Space Stone. Considering Loki spent his time in the first Avengers movie as the wielder of the Mind Stone in the form of his Chitauri scepter, this probably isn't all that surprising.
9. Valkyrie
Thor: Ragnarok newcomer Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) is still technically listed as "rumored" on the movie's IMDB page, however, eagle eyed fans spotted Thompson in Edinburgh, Scotland during filming alongside co-stars Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo making, Valkyrie's return seem all but assured.
10. Clint Barton
The actual publicity surrounding Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) in the movie has been a little bit vague--he didn't even get a cute twitter hashtag emoji for the Super Bowl teaser that aired last week. However, set photos have confirmed that he will be in the movie--but maybe not in the way you're expecting. Instead, Renner was spotted wearing a new costume that bears a striking resemblance to another one of Clint Barton's alter-egos, a ninja-themed superhero identity called Ronin which Clint adopted in the comics in the early 2000s.
11. Laura Barton
Introduced back in Age of Ultron, Laura Barton (Linda Cardellini) was Clint's surprise wife, who he lived with when not out on Avengers duty on a quiet, hidden farm somewhere in New York. Unsurprisingly, she has yet to make any other appearances in MCU films since, not even Civil War, where she was hand waved out of the picture by Clint explaining Cap "did him a favor" by calling him in to help. However, Cardellini was featured in a promotional Vanity Fair photoshoot and later listed on IMDB for the film, meaning we're on our way to a Barton family reunion.
12. Scott Lang
Like Hawkeye, Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) was also left out of the twitter hashtag emoji festivities during the Superbowl--and not included in the official poster--but that doesn't mean we won't be seeing a return of Scott Lang before his second feature outing, Ant-Man & The Wasp, which is slated for release later this year. Rudd's been spotted and photographed on set, as well as featured in the Vanity Fair promotional photoshoot. (Ant-Man's counterpart, The Wasp aka Hope Pym (Evangeline Lilly), confirmed during a Q&A on her Instagram that she will only be featured, however briefly, in the untitled 4th Avengers film, currently nearing the end of filming.)
13. James Rhodes?
War Machine (Don Cheadle) can be seen rocketing into battle alongside the armies of Wakanda, hovering just beside the Hulk as Cap and Black Panther lead the charge--So, apparently, whatever invention Tony was working on to help his buddy Rhodey make a recovery after his Captain America: Civil War injuries was a success. Or it's someone else in that armor.
14. Stephen Strange
Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) has been upping his cameo game in recent MCU installments as he gears up to take on one of the leading parts in Infinity War. He's heavily featured in the trailers and other promotional material--which definitely makes sense, as his Eye of Agamotto is currently housing the Time Stone.
15. Wong
Dr. Strange's right hand man, Wong (Benedict Wong) has been seen standing--you guessed it--right alongside Strange himself in the main trailer.
16. T'Challa
Fresh off his own solo big screen debut, Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) is primed and ready to be one of Infinity War's main anchors. Not only is he a major part of the trailer, but the entire nation of Wakanda seems to be one of the story's most prominent settings--fitting for a king to take point when it's his kingdom being threatened.
17. Shuri
Another Black Panther alum, Shuri (Letita Wright) is set to make an appearance representing Wakanda in Infinity War. Based on the prequel comic, Shuri is directly responsible for the anti-brainwashing efforts used on Bucky Barnes (and most likely or his new cybernetic arm) so this one was a bit of a given even before Wright's casting was confirmed on IMDB.
18. Okoye
The leader of the Dora Milaje, Wakanda's all-female elite special forces-slash-secret service unit, Okoye (Danai Gurira) can be seen charging into battle alongside T'Challa himself in the full length trailer.
19. M'Baku
M'Baku (Winston Duke) was confirmed on IMDB to be appearing in the movie.
20. Ramonda
The Black Panther hits keep on coming, giving us an even clearer picture of the importance of Wakanda in the next phase of the MCU. The queen mother herself, Ramonda (Angela Bassett), has been listed on IMDB to be reprising her role, not long after she appeared in the promotional Vanity Fair photoshoot.
21. The Chitauri
A throwback to the first Avengers film, the alien race the Chitauri have recently been making their presence known all over again in movies like Spider-Man: Homecoming and the Infinity War prelude comic as heroes struggle to deal with the fallout of their alien tech falling into the wrong hands. But it looks like their weapons may not be the only part of the Chitauri that are going to be popping back up--set photos have confirmed either a time travel scene or some sort of flashback to the battle itself, as made evident by Captain America's classic costume.
22. Thanos
Surprise! After being teased for six years, the Mad Titan himself, Thanos (Josh Brolin), is finally showing up to fulfill his villainous destiny.
23. Black Dwarf
Thanos isn't coming to Earth alone. This year at D23, Marvel revealed maquettes of his Black Order, the posse of generals he travels the galaxy with who are, generally, up to all kinds of no good. The largest of the lot is Black Dwarf, a burly, Hulk-like beast. In the Infinity crossover event over on the comics side of things, Black Dwarf was introduced under special assignment to invade Wakanda on Thanos' order.
24. Ebony Maw
The second Black Order general to be concerned about, Ebony Maw is a lithe, almost featureless alien who carries no noticeable weapons. Instead, Ebony Maw relies on mentally manipulating his victims. During his introduction in Infinity, Ebony Maw specifically targeted Dr. Strange.
25. Corvus Glaive
The Black Order's de facto leader under Thanos, Corvus Glaive is immortal so long as he bears his special glaive staff. During Infinity, Corvus was originally assigned a full assault against the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning, something which the MCU does not have a direct equivalent of, so where he might end up in his live action incarnation is still anybody's guess.
26. Proxima Midnight
The final member of the Black Order reveal at D23, Proxima Midnight is Corvus Glaive's wife. During Infinity, she was sent to hunt down the Infinity Gem housed in Atlantis--making her mission in Infinity War, much like her husband's, a little harder to guess.
27. Peter Quill
We've already seen Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and his team in Infinity War's trailers and poster, but even if we hadn't, the final collision of the Guardians with Marvel's earth-based heroes is one of the most anticipated elements of Infinity War for fans, so, yeah, of course Star-Lord is going to be around.
28. Nebula
Of course, Peter isn't the only Guardians staple poised to show up. Nebula (Karen Gillen) has already been featured prominently on the Infinity War poster and shown mid-battle during the 30 second Super Bowl spot, which, considering she is one of Thanos's daughters, is hardly out of left field.
29. Gamora
Nebula, of course, isn't the only daughter of Thanos we've got in the MCU. Gamora (Zoe Saldana) has been spotted in both the Infinity War trailer and poster.
30. Groot
Fan favorite Groot (Vin Disel) has grown up a lot since Guardians 2 when we last saw him. No longer a baby, teen Groot has been spotted (texting, no less) in the cockpit of a spaceship in the Super Bowl teaser.
31. Rocket Racoon
Where there's Groot, there's Rocket. Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) has predictably been spotted piloting the ship with Groot and Thor in the 30 second teaser and taking up a generous corner of the official poster.
32. Drax
Unsurprisingly, Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) has also been confirmed right along with his fellow Guardians. You can catch him on the poster, and hanging with his team on the Milano as Thor meets them for the first time.
33. Mantis
The last Guardian to be checked off the list, recent addition Mantis (Pom Klementieff) can also be clocked on both the official poster and standing with the crew as Thor makes his entrance.
34. Wanda Maximoff
Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) has already been prominently featured in the first trailer at the center of one of the movie's immerging romances. Unlike several of her Avengers colleagues, Wanda has not been given a dramatic makeover and instead can be seen sharing a tender moment with Vision in what looks like an apartment.
35. Vision
If Cap's beard and Natasha's blonde hair were major change ups, Vision's (Paul Bettany) Infinity War appearance is a complete reinvention. Now disguised to look almost completely human (save for the glowing Infinity Stone in his forehead), Vision and Wanda have apparently stolen themselves away to make a go of a normal life and a relationship--one that, if scenes from the trailer are any indication, might be pretty short lived.
36. Peter Parker
One of the very first confirmed cast members, Spider-Man (Tom Holland) is getting a couple of upgrades for Infinity War. First, spotted in action in the trailer, is a brand new suit, based on the comics' "Iron Spider" design. The second is a change up to just how the infamous Spider Senses work, visually. In the trailer, while Peter is riding the bus in his civilian life, we see the hair on his arms literally spring up, just in time for him to look over his shoulder and spot an invading alien craft over New York. Strangely, Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) confirmed via interview that she will not be in the movie or its sequel, so it looks like Peter is on his own as far as family is concerned for this one.
37. Ned Leeds
Peter's best friend and semi-unwilling confidant Ned (Jacob Batalon) confirmed via interview that he'll be reprising his role for Infinity War--but whether or not we'll get to see Ned be the "man in the chair" for the whole team of Avengers rather than just Peter is still definitely up in the air. The rest of Peter's high school friends, including MJ (Zendaya), Liz (Laura Harrier), and Flash (Tony Revolori), have yet to be officially confirmed--but if Ned's around, it's safe to hope they'll be cropping up, if only for a split second.
38. The Collector
Taneleer Tivan (Benicio del Toro) aka The Collector, who was featured in Guardians of the Galaxy in all his eccentric, over the top glory, has been confirmed via IMDB for Infinity War. He's the current holder of red Reality Stone (introduced in Thor: The Dark World as "Aether") so it's probably safe to assume his appearance is going to come when Thanos knocks on the door of his intergalactic museum.
39. Pepper Potts
Tony's assistant and fiance, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), only recently made her return to the MCU during Spider-Man: Homecoming, where Tony popped the question in the movie's final moments. She's been confirmed via Paltrow herself, who dropped some major hints during an interview with Stephen Colbert about the role Pepper's going to play going forward. Those powers she got all the way back in Iron Man 3? They might even be coming back.
40. Happy Hogan
The other key part of Tony Stark's civilian entourage, driver and Spider-Man wrangler Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) will be returning to Infinity War after his featured part in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Favearu teasingly confirmed his role in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel last year.
41. Nick Fury
Despite some initial confusion as to whether Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) would be returning to the MCU at all post-Age of Ultron, he was recently spotted on set filming alongside fellow S.H.I.E.L.D agent Maria Hill. There's still the potential that Fury will only be featured in Infinity War's unnamed follow-up, but given Fury's integral role in the formation of the Avengers in the MCU, it's unlikely his presence will go completely ignored in both movies.
42. Maria Hill
In addition to being spotted filming with Nick Fury, Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) confirmed her own involvement in the project all the way back in 2016 with an interview Jimmy Kimmel.
43. Jack Rollins
In maybe one of the most out-of-left-field Infinity War confirmations, Jack Rollins (Callan Mulvey) has been credited on IMDB to reprise his role--but don't worry if you don't recognize the name at all. Rollins was an agent featured in Captain America: The Winter Soldier--but he hasn't been seen since. What Rollins might be doing now is really anyone's guess. Maybe some sort of Winter Soldier-era flashback or time travel?
By Array on Feb 16, 2018 12:44 am
There have been many amazing consoles that defined gaming generations throughout history. With classic systems such as the Super Nintendo and the PlayStation 2, choosing a favorite console is like forcing a parent to choose a favorite kid. It's a tough choice, but we put ourselves through that trouble here at GameSpot, and here are some of our individual picks for favorite gaming console. While the editors in this gallery were allowed to choose the same system, there was surprisingly not much overlap. Find out what we chose in the following gallery. Table of Contents For a retrospective on all the major consoles, make sure to check out our evolution of console stories. - The Evolution Of Nintendo Consoles - The Evolution Of Xbox Consoles - The Evolution Of PlayStation Consoles
Technology Editor Jimmy Thang's Pick: Nintendo 64
While the Nintendo 64 might be my favorite console, I'll admit from an objective standpoint that it's certainly not the best console ever made. It had some serious flaws. For instance, it was held back by its cartridge format, which offered little storage compared to the burgeoning CD format at the time. It also didn't have the deepest game library or sell particularly well either. Still, with its built-in four controller support (a novel feature at the time) coupled with some larger than life games, it was the perfect console to guide me through my adolescent years. Even though the N64 had a very dry launch, Super Mario 64 became an eye-opening experience for me. Up until then, my only reference for 3D games were sprite-based shooters like Doom and Doom II. Transitioning to Super Mario 64 rocked my world. It convinced me that 3D polygonal-based games were here to stay. That might sound weird to say in retrospect, but you have to understand that up until the mid 90s, the overwhelming majority of games were 2D. I still remember hearing many critics deride 3D gaming as a fad. That notion got further obliterated when Nintendo released 3D action RPG The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which is one of the best games ever made. But what really made the N64 special for me was its amazing assortment of four-player games. I was in junior high at the time the console came out, and made many friends by inviting them over to my place after school to play Goldeneye 007. The console also released my favorite version of Mario Kart; the battle mode totally rules! In addition, the N64 introduced other amazing party franchises like Smash Bros and Mario Party. When I think back to those times after school, I can easily say they are among my fondest gaming memories.
Senior Editor Peter Brown's Pick: Sony PlayStation
I'll be honest: with greats options like Super Nintendo, Sega Saturn, and hell, even Nintendo Switch in mind, picking my favorite console of all time is next to impossible. But if I imagine being stranded on a deserted island and I was only allowed to bring a single console with me, it would have to be the original PlayStation. The sole reason: Final Fantasy Tactics. It's my favorite game of all time, with fantastic art, music, and a tragic story that feels ripped from the pages of Game of Thrones. It's also endlessly replayable thanks to the expansive and often broken job class system. Of course, it's not the only game that's helped sway my decision, as other RPGs like Xenogears, Breath of Fire 3, and Final Fantasy VII (that's right, I love this game and so should you) vie for my attention still to this day. Otherwise the PlayStation is home to dozens of other games that I love despite that many of them fall into that awkward chasm of the '90s, when developers had to shy away from 2D graphics and try to figure out what 3D gaming should be. PlayStation was a massive success and thus became the home for nearly every genre and series under the sun, minus exclusives belonging to Sega and Nintendo. They weren't always elegant, but PlayStation games hold a special place in my heart.
Associate Editor Michael Higham's Pick: Super Nintendo
For everything I know and love about video games, I have the SNES to thank. At first, the console was just a hand-me-down from my brother in the mid '90s during the transition into the 3D era. But for me, it was an opportunity to experiment and find my way through a generation of games that I was almost too young to appreciate. Above all else, I became wildly fascinated with the systems, music, and stories of RPGs that often top 'greatest of all time' lists today. My memories of elementary school are embedded with multiple playthroughs of Super Mario RPG, Chrono Trigger, and Final Fantasy III (VI); three games I still hold to high regard to this day. Granted, I didn't understand every little detail at the time, but thinking back to that age, I have to give credit to these games for developing my own critical thinking, problem solving, and reading comprehension. What's just as important is that my expectations for what games could be and what I sought out in them were formed by these 30+ hour adventures that stretched my imagination. Even when I try to take off the rose-tinted glasses, it's easy to look at those games and list off all the things that make them timeless. Having an SNES Classic truly solidified this sentiment; I legitimately wanted to play the entirety of many games in its library, like Super Metroid, Earthbound, and Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past. The foundation for many of the best SNES games is still strong, and I continue see their influence in my favorite games in the modern era.
News Editor Chris Pereira's Pick: Nintendo Switch
Picking a console that's not even a year old reeks of recency bias, and yet for all the fond memories I have of playing online games on Xbox or quirky titles on Dreamcast, I keep coming back to Nintendo Switch as my favorite system. Although cross-buy and cross-save with PS4 and Vita offered a taste, Switch has fully realized a vision that deeply appeals to me. The ability to seamlessly move from my big-screen TV to the bedroom or bathroom, or to easily pick up my progress wherever I am, has been a revelation. Buying a game for Switch feels like a bargain every time, as it's almost like getting two copies for the price of one. Being able to continue late-night sessions of a game (particularly RPGs) while curled up in bed has been an utter delight. The sheer convenience is so appealing that I find myself sincerely disappointed every time a game is announced or released without a Switch version. Even as someone with a nice TV and a deep appreciation for the type of technical marvels possible on Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, I'm constantly wishing that I could easily wander off into another room and continue playing. And despite its relative youth, Switch already boasts an incredible lineup of games. Whether it's original titles, remastered versions of existing games, or simple ports, I've found there's far more to play on Switch alone than I have time for. And even those mere ports often feel like enhanced versions, because the ability to play Skyrim, for instance, in short bursts is a transformative experience. I don't know where the system will go in the years ahead, but based on the increasingly large number of games confirmed as coming to Switch, I suspect I'll be loving mine for a long, long time.
Editor/Senior Video Producer Edmond Tran's Pick: Nintendo DS
How are you liking your Nintendo Switch? Boy, it sure is a great, portable console, and it really seems like Nintendo is at peak, innovative form. NO. The Switch is nothing compared to the insane s*** that was the Nintendo DS. Before the Nintendo DS, we thought of video game consoles as buttons and a screen. Then: BOOM. Nintendo, under the leadership of then-new president Satoru Iwata announces a portable console with TWO SCREENS. Do you realise how absolutely BONKERS of a concept that was 13 years ago? TWO. SCREENS. One of which was a goddamn TOUCH SCREEN. TOUCH. You touch the screen! This was years before the iPhone was even a tangible idea for Apple. And the games catalog—good lord. The Nintendo DS hardware was the harbinger of some of the most unique, fully realised game concepts to date, as well as the the portable home of beloved classics. I'm talking the pinnacle of the Japanese-style rhythm-action genre with the Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan games, Elite Beat Agents, and Rhythm Heaven. I'm talking about mind-blowing visual novel adventures like the Phoenix Wright and Professor Layton series, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, and 999: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors, which kicked off the Zero Escape series. I'm talking about some of the best puzzle games that have ever graced any video game console: Meteos and Picross 3D I'm talking crazy stuff like Trauma Center: Under the Knife, where you performed surgical operations with a stylus, and Hotel Dusk: Room 215, a stylish-as-hell detective adventure where you hold the DS sideways like a book to take notes and solve puzzles I'm talking about amazing JRPGs like The World Ends With You, Final Fantasy III and IV remakes, and the best versions of two of the best JRPGs of all time: Dragon Quest V and Chrono Trigger. Animal Crossing: Wild World. Advance Wars: Dual Strike. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training, sure why not. Holy mackerel I have to stop because I'm already over my word limit. The best thing is that all these games have aged pretty damn well, and everything is backward-compatible with the 3DS. So stock up on some of these classics, and revel in the majesty of Nintendo at its best. Thanks, Iwata.
Managing Editor Justin Haywald's Pick: Nintendo DS Lite
Nintendo makes the best handheld consoles. While they're almost never the most technologically impressive, every generation outperforms its competition by providing the best gaming experiences that aren't just console ports--they're games made to be played on-the-go. And the DS line marked the demarcation when Nintendo shifted to marketing not just to kids (and the young-at-heart), but to all ages. The DS felt revolutionary in its time, but what makes the DS Lite redesign, specifically, my favorite of console was how it made how it combined sleek design with a battery that seemed to last for months. No joke, I remember finding my DS Lite in a box once after a move and after it hadn't been plugged in for months, it still came to life with a nearly full battery. And the modern design looked less like a toy and more like a piece of technology you'd want to show off. The DS Lite maintained backwards compatibility with the GBA line, which provided the system with an established, far-reaching library in the days before digital downloads. And many of my favorite games of all time--like Elite Beat Agents and Picross 3D--were DS-exclusives that have never been released for another console. Digital libraries and portability make the Nintendo Switch a close second-place for me, but it remains to be seen how Nintendo will handle its own massive back catalog of games. So for now, the Nintendo DS stands above as my favorite system of all time.
Associate Editor Matt Espineli's Pick: Sony PlayStation 2
What's there to say about PS2 that hasn't already been said? Sony's successor to its highly successful console gaming debut turned heads when it released in 2000, and for good reason. Over its lifespan, it was home to an expansive library of high-quality games across an abundance of genres. Platformer franchises like Jak and Daxter, Ratchet & Clank, and Sly Cooper were some of the best on the console. If you were a fan of action games, the PS2 was the birthplace of fan-favorites Devil May Cry and God of War, which each revolutionized the genre in unexpected ways. More importantly, open-world games like Grand Theft Auto 3 and action-adventure games like Shadow of the Colossus redefined the scope and scale of what games could pursue. In addition, there were a slew of 50+ hour JRPGs to sink your teeth into. The PS2 was the main console I used when I was starting to get more into gaming. I spent hard-earned allowances on many of the games I mentioned above, but my most cherished memory of the console comes from my time spent playing Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, my favorite PS2 game and the first Metal Gear game I was allowed to purchase with my own money (my middle brother restricted me from owning past Metal Gear games because it was his supposed royal right as an elder sibling). Sony's second console embodies an innocent era in my life where all I did aside from schoolwork was spend time passionately researching and playing games. To this day, I still collect and play PS2 games--despite having to deal with its dated resolution on modern HDTVs. While some of its library hasn't aged particularly well, what it represents to me personally immortalizes it as one of my favorite consoles of all time.
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