By GameSpot Staff on Mar 03, 2018 09:30 pm
The legends of The Legend.
It's been one year since Nintendo unleashed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but it hardly feels like it. Most games would have run their course after a few weeks--maybe months--but the latest Zelda game is the gift that keeps on giving. People continue to uncover new ways to manipulate its physics systems, sometimes for sheer fun and sometimes to gain a unique advantage over a specific moment in the game. And besides, many of us are still chasing every equipment upgrade or hidden Korok seed, even though we don't need them; it's the sheer delight of going on a Hyrule adventure that makes us want to chase every goal, no matter how small. While players have gone to great lengths to uncover new and exciting things in the finished product, developers at Nintendo have, over the course of many interviews, unveiled lots of interesting anecdotes from the game's development. We're convinced that Breath of the Wild is one of the best and most interesting games ever made, so to gain so much insight into its creation has been a treat. Join us on a journey through some of the most interesting revelations from the past year, and share your own tales of adventure in the comments below. Breath of the Wild is out now for both Nintendo Switch and Wii U. If you're interested in Zelda guides, check out our recipe and cooking manual, our beginner's guide, or just our general list of everything you might want help figuring out. And of course you shouldn't miss our official review of Breath of the Wild. You can also check out our full Breath of the Wild review, our guide roundup, or our feature detailing everything you need to know about the game. Breath of the Wild is a year old, which also means Nintendo Switch is a year old. For an analysis of Nintendo Switch's first year, be sure to read our feature discussing the console's various successes and failures. In addition, you can also check out our features detailing all the Wii U games we ported to Switch, 13 things we still want to see from the console, the best games on the console as of 2018, and the best Switch games under $20.
Climbing would have been easier if it wasn't for Shigeru Miyamoto.
Climbing is a key component of Breath of the Wild, and it's easy to run out of steam when clambering up a tall cliff face. At one point during development, the team implemented a mechanic that would have made the process easier, but Nintendo legend (and Zelda creator) Shigeru Miyamoto wasn't having it. "Until about halfway through the development," Fujibiyashi recollected, "we had a spec where you could take your weapon and stab it into a wall. When your stamina gauge was dwindling you could stab the weapon and kind of hang out and rest there." So what happened? According to the director, "Mr. Miyamoto heard of the concept [and] said, 'You can't stand on the tip of a sword. This is strange.' And then we explained, 'No no no, you stab it in.' Then he's like, 'No, it's not going to work.' Another [reason] was that it's very hard to actually stab a sword into a big piece of rock. We considered that you can stab them into cracks or crevices in the wall, but then you can't freely use that feature anywhere you want, so I decided not to implement it." Source: GameSpot
Nintendo's custom QA tools helped shape the game.
Speaking to The Verge around launch, Breath of the Wild director Hidemaro Fujibayashi and technical director Takuhiro Dohta detailed two key components used during development. The first was a tool that clued the team into common player behavior, which provided valuable data to design around: "There's a development tool that we use that takes all of the data from this monitor test, and it centralizes it in one location so that you can see that data in real time. It shows how many hearts people have, or where people have died, or what path they're taking. And it's kind of on this one singular timeline so that you can see in real time where people are struggling, where people are really dying a lot, what path they're taking. So we took all of that into consideration as we tried to balance the game out." Dohta went on to reveal that they had managed to automate Link in Hyrule, and used this passive playthrough to organically identify bugs or elements that needed tweaking: "We came up with a number of scripts that would basically allow the game to be played automatically, and allow Link to run through various parts of the game automatically. And as that was happening, on the QA side of things, if a bug did appear I'd suddenly get a flood of emails about it. That was one tool that we found to be really handy." Source: The Verge
On multiple occasions, the dev team was ordered to stop work to play through the entire game.
In a long and fascinating interview published by Den Fami-nico, producer Eiji Aonuma revealed during the course of development, the entire team would stop work to play the latest build of Breath of the Wild from start to finish. "So, our first priority with this production was to make sure that all the members of the development department would play the game," Aonuma recalled. "In the period of four years, I think everybody convened and played the game at least 10 times." "In the early stage of development, it took about a day to play it, but at the end, it took about a week to see the whole image. When that happens, you want to just eliminate the process, but you can't. The rule was that everybody plays it and we stuck to it till the end." Source: Den Fami-nico
Aonuma had the most fun of his career working on Breath of the Wild, and he has his team to thank for it.
Aonuma has had a long and fruitful career, but he views his time spent on Breath of the Wild as the most enjoyable project he's ever been a part of. Speaking to Game Informer, Aonuma said Breath of the Wild was "really fun to develop--maybe the most fun I've ever had making a game. It was because of the staff. They took so much initiative, and were always looking at everything in the game with this eye to improve. They took so much initiative. I could see it every day. As a producer, it gave me a lot of courage, and made me realize 'Okay, this could actually work.'" The people who made this game didn't have troubled faces. They were smiling the whole time they worked on it. At the start of development, with all of the new things we were doing, I definitely was worried--I had a worried face. As a I saw the staff put it together, that concern started to go away. We were doing challenging new things, but we always did them with a smile. I don't think I've experienced that before. The development experience was so great, and the game that came out of it was great. That's something I'm really proud of." Source: Game Informer
The team considered giving you the ability to manipulate Hyrule's weather.
When the weather shifts in Breath of the Wild, the effects can be detrimental. But at the same time, it's this difficult relationship with nature that makes the adventure so engrossing. But during the same interview with Game Informer, director Fujibayashi also mentioned that they had almost incorporated a feature that would have given you the ability to bend nature to your will: "Initially we did consider giving players control of the weather, but realized not being able to control it is much more fun. Controlling it wasn't really fitting in this game. In Ocarina of Time, you were in places that were just sunny or raining. That was the way the players were able to control that. Adding in the weather control would have increased the number of variables in the world. It was more interesting to have Link against nature, not controlling it. That ended up being more natural and fun." Source: Game Informer
The lack of HD Rumble support? Blame the Wii U.
Aonuma understands the potential of the Switch's HD Rumble feature and had hoped to use it in Breath of the Wild, according to an interview with Gamereactor. But given that the Wii U version was also in the works, the feature had to be largely ignored. "To give a concrete example," Aonuma said, "there are what are called 'HD vibrations' which are specific to the Switch and which allow you to almost experience what the character feels when it touches something. For example, when you take an object in hand you can feel it thanks to the vibrations. It is a rather interesting approach, it adds more realism too, [and] simply it would have been necessary to develop scenes around that. The real problem that made it impossible to use this technology is not so much a matter of time problem but rather that we were going to have too many differences with the Wii U version and they both had to be identical games. But now that we can free ourselves from this connection, this constraint, since the Switch is developing well, we will be able to use this in the next Zelda." Source: Gamereactor
Hyrule's dragons were designed with Japanese folklore in mind.
Nintendo Power magazine may be discontinued (RIP), but Nintendo recently revived it in spirit in the Nintendo Power Podcast. Late last year, for the first episode, Aonuma and Fujibayashi guest-starred to share new insight into Breath of the Wild. There, they explained the reason for the dragons in the game, and why you can't engage them in a fight. "As for dragons," Fujibayashi said, "just as I spoke earlier, we wanted to incorporate something that could be seen afar, kind of like the Divine Beasts. So we thought we definitely accomplished that with the Divine Beasts, but we also thought we could incorporate a little more and that would be great. We wanted to incorporate something that was a little bit romantic. And maybe it's because I'm Japanese, or the team was Japanese, but instead of having that battle theme or something that will have an adrenaline rush, we thought something mystical, maybe something serene and kind of a different experience would make the adventure for the player be more exciting. And that's why we decided not to make it necessarily like a battle. And addressing the idea of how Japanese people portray dragons, we wanted to incorporate that feel of godliness or maybe something more serene." Aonuma added: "In lots of Japanese folklore, there's often stories where dragons are basically incarnations of gods. So, I think that might be part of the reason why we incorporated that in this game." Source: Nintendo Power Podcast
You can't pet dogs because, well, then you'd have to pet everything else.
It's only natural that when you see a dog, you want to pet it. In a game as open-ended and flexible as Breath of the Wild, you'd expect to be able to pet the playful pups found throughout the world, but no dice. IGN got Fujibayashi to explain the decision, which all boils down to a very key design philosophy. "In the game it seems like you can do anything, but what it really is are all these interlocking systems where you actually have a pretty limited number of actions that can do a ton of different things. So if it came down to something like petting a dog, we would actually have to put in a custom action just for petting a dog that couldn't really be used for anything else." Source: IGN
Aonuma's experience with Skyrim shaped his expectations for Breath of the Wild.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a beloved open world game, and it's also partially responsible for Nintendo's vision for Breath of the Wild. That's not to say that the developers cherry-picked ideas from it, but it helped them come to terms with the difficult task they were signing up for. "In the past I've also actually said that I have played Skyrim, so it's not necessarily that I don't play games," Aonuma stated. "But we don't look at it from, 'Oh, what kind of things can we take from this game?' It's more of like, 'How can we prepare for this? What should we expect from games like this?'" "And so we also think about how many people we might need, or how we can make it improved, or with the number of people," he continued. "We would collect data and see what worked, [and] what didn't." Source: GameSpot
By Matt Espineli on Mar 03, 2018 09:30 pm
The Best Switch Games So Far
The release of the Nintendo Switch a year ago marked the beginning of an amazing year for Nintendo. With The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as its major launch title, the Switch quickly rose to the top of console sales charts and dramatically increased Nintendo's revenue. And in the year since its launch, there has been no shortage of fantastic games coming to the hybrid console, from huge first-party games like Mario and Splatoon to indie darlings like Owlboy and Celeste. The library only seems to be expanding and improving with every consecutive release. In this gallery, we're taking a look back at Switch games that received a score of 8 or higher on GameSpot since the console's release. That includes reviews for new games and updates to reviews of older games that were ported to Switch. Check out our choices for the best games released on the Switch. And with the console's library continuing to expand, make sure to check back often as we update this feature over the coming weeks and months. For an analysis of Nintendo Switch's first year, be sure to read our feature discussing the console's various successes and failures. In addition, you can also check out our features detailing all the Wii U games we ported to Switch, 13 things we still want to see from the console, and the best Switch games under $20.
Bayonetta 2 -- 10/10
"But it's a challenge you'll want to experience again as soon as you put down the controller. Bayonetta 2's combat is so expertly constructed, and its presentation so joyously insane, that you'd have to try so very hard to get bored of it all. In a year filled with the promise of ever more elaborate experiences on all the shiny new hardware, that Bayonetta 2--a homage to classic game design and escapism--should be the most fun I've had playing a game all year is unexpected. But maybe it shouldn't have been. After all, its predecessor still stands as one of the finest games of its genre. To have surpassed that with Bayonetta 2, and to have created a game that will be remembered as an absolute classic, is nothing short of astonishing." [Read the review] -- Mark Walton
Celeste -- 9/10
"It's a testament to convincing writing and ingenious design that after playing Celeste I felt like I'd been on the same journey as Madeline. Her struggle is one made easy to empathize with, her low points painful to watch, and her high notes exhilarating to experience. Her tale is delicately told and beautifully illustrated, confidently coalescing with the satisfying, empowering game it lies within. Not bad for a game about climbing a mountain." [Read the full review] -- Oscar Dayus, Staff Writer
Dragon Quest Builders -- 8/10
"The excellence of Dragon Quest Builders illustrates the versatility of this 30-year-old franchise as much as it speaks to the engrossing appeal of Minecraft-inspired creation. The story-advancing draw of quests goes hand-in-hand with the depth of a crafting system that cleverly uses monster drops as some of the game's building tools. Whether you want to focus on completing assignments or build with no specific purpose, the game is feature-rich enough to suck up untold hours, even if this happens to be your first Dragon Quest experience." [Read the review] -- Miguel Concepcion, Editor
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim -- 8/10
"The original version of Skyrim is still an immense, engrossing RPG, and the quality, number, and variety of its quests makes it as easy to become lost in its world as ever. With the addition of Zelda-themed gear that's actually useful--and the fact that you can play anywhere--the Switch version of Skyrim is a great excuse to revisit a much-loved RPG." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Golf Story -- 8/10
"It can take a little while for the narrative to ramp up in Golf Story and for you to feel like you've really cultivated the skills of a champion, but based on the sheer scope of what the game delivers, there's likely something for everyone to enjoy whether their shtick is mini-golfing or terrorising delinquents with frisbees. It has successfully captured the trappings of yesteryear's RPGs, and the witticisms and idiosyncrasies of the characters you encounter are a great palate cleanser between rounds. Switch has had a swathe of indies hit its eShop recently, but if you're looking for something that'll give you satisfaction in terms of an interesting story and a rewarding mechanic, then Golf Story is certainly par for the course." [Read the full review] -- Ginny Woo
Gorogoa -- 8/10
"Few games take the concept of altering reality to as artistic a level as Gorogoa. This labor of love made chiefly by one developer is a gorgeous and intriguing puzzle game that works because of its stunning art and intelligent puzzle design. Far from a traditional game, Gorogoa is a slow and methodical trip into the surreal." [Read the full review] -- Jason D'Aprile
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild -- 10/10
"No matter how gorgeous its environments are, how clever its enemies are, and how tricky its puzzles get, the fact that Breath of the Wild continues to surprise you with newfound rules and possibilities after dozens of hours is by far its most valuable quality. It's a game that allows you to feel gradually more and more empowered yet simultaneously manages to retain a sense of challenge and mystery--which, together, creates a steady, consistent feeling of gratification throughout the entire experience. Breath of the Wild is a defining moment for The Legend of Zelda series, and the most impressive game Nintendo has ever created." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle -- 9/10
"Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle exudes off-beat optimism that never dissolves. It's a consistent delight, no matter how challenging the road becomes, because Kingdom Battle's unique turn-based tactics system is in every way a pleasure to engage with. Coupled with the annoyingly infectious allure of Rabbids, and the always delightful, colorful world of the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is an implausibly engrossing formula that is positively challenging and endlessly charming." [Read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, Editor
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe -- 9/10
"For Mario Kart fans, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe might look like more of the same with small Double Dash-inspired tweaks. But thanks to a series of updates both big and almost unseen, it's the version of Mario Kart to get. If you don't own a Wii U or skipped out on Mario Kart 8 the first time around--or even if you've played it before--Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is worth your time. It plays beautifully on Switch in both handheld and docked mode, and its core racing is as exciting as ever. And, most notably, it completely revamps the original's lackluster Battle Mode, rounding out an already great racing game." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Mr. Shifty -- 8/10
"Mr. Shifty isn't a huge game in terms of length, but the three- to four-hour campaign is ample. It's like a shot of adrenalin, offering an exciting, intense experience, and it's easy to forgive the game's performance flaws when it so consistently makes you feel like a badass." [Read the full review] -- James O'Connor
NBA 2K18 -- 8/10
"NBA 2K18 is a hardcore sports simulation. If you want to get good, you have to put in the work. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to improve your skills no matter how you want to play. And the fact that there's so much to do is a bonus, because on the court, NBA 2K18 is also an amazingly well-crafted experience." [Read the full review] -- Seth Macy
Night in the Woods -- 9/10
"From beginning to end to epilogue, Night in the Woods is ultimately open to individual interpretation. How you relate to it depends on your own experiences and choices, including Mae's dialogue and who you decide to spend time with. Though its charming and angsty story works well on its own merits, it's special because of how it prioritizes conveying emotion over telling a straight narrative." [Read the review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Owlboy -- 9/10
"Owlboy is consistently charming and surprising, and when its final act doubles down on every front, it's bittersweet to see it end. As you relish the outcome of the final battle and watch the closing cutscene, you can't help but reflect on the beginning of your adventure and how far the world and its inhabitants have come. You'll never be able to play Owlboy for the first time again, but the memories of its magic moments stick with you. This is more than a treat for fans of old-school games; Owlboy is a heartfelt experience that will touch anyone with an affinity for great art and storytelling." [Read the review] -- Peter Brown, Senior Reviews Editor
Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 Plus -- 8/10
"Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 creates an exciting dynamic where ghosts are still dangerous, but the overall game is more forgiving than the original--and it's more entertaining as a result. Arcade ports tend to be games we play in short bursts--mostly for the nostalgia factor. Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 certainly relies on that nostalgia to a point, but it handles the classic game in a way that plays with expectations to surprise you. It's the same game enhanced in the right directions to be make an old concept fun, innovative, and challenging all over again." [Read the review] -- Jason D'Aprile
Puyo Puyo Tetris -- 8/10
"Overflowing with colorful personality, Puyo Puyo Tetris revels in its weirdness. It provides solid versions of both puzzle games and merges the two in bizarre, frantic ways that adds a fresh dash of style to these long-running series. With an array of game variations spanning single-player, along with on- and offline multiplayer, it's an incredibly meaty package that should satisfy gamers for a long time to come." [Read the full review] -- Jason D'Aprile
Rive -- 8/10
"Rive is demanding, but it pushes the kind of near-thoughtless play that shoot-em-ups strive to achieve. When faced with an onslaught of enemies and environmental hazards, you'll have to think fast or die. Rive also doesn't run all that long, but what's here is excellent, top-notch action, and the game delivers some of the most memorable moments in a shoot-em-up in years." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Rocket League -- 9/10
"For people new to the game, they have a lot to look forward to regardless, as it's one of the most fascinating sports games in memory. Nevermind if you don't like soccer or couldn't care less about the growing esports community. Rocket League is a unique game that redefines the concept of what a sports game can be, and Psyonix continues to support it with new content on a regular basis. It's been around for a while, but now that it's on Switch, there's no better time to give it a shot." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment -- 8/10
"Specter of Torment is a finely-crafted 2D platformer that is satisfying in all respects. Simply controlling Specter Knight--flying through the air and slicing through enemies--is a joy in itself, and being able to push your ability to control these skills in overcoming the game's cleverly-designed and challenging levels is always an exhilarating feeling. Specter of Torment is a focussed, polished, and satisfyingly challenging game that's well worth experiencing whether or not you've had the pleasure of playing Shovel Knight." [Read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, Editor
Sonic Mania -- 9/10
"Sonic Mania methodically uses its sentimental appeal to great effect, but in the process, it heals the wounds inflicted by its most disappointing predecessors and surpasses the series' best with its smart and interpretive design. An excellent 2D platformer, Sonic Mania goes beyond expectations, managing to be not only a proper evolution of the series' iconic formula, but the best Sonic game ever made." [Read the full review] -- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
Splatoon 2 -- 8/10
"At first glance, Splatoon 2 seems very similar to the first game. But all the small changes, and even the bigger ones in single player and League Battles, make for a fresh take on the already unique shooter. If you played a lot of the original, the sequel has enough to keep you coming back, and if you're new to the game, it's a fantastic place to jump in." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Stardew Valley -- 9/10
"The sheer number of things to accomplish in Stardew Valley can keep you interested beyond the original three in-game years you need to reach the end of your story--you may just want to start over rather than continue on. You'll work quite hard to gather enough money for your first horse, so that you can quickly move to the mines to get a mineral to complete a bundle at the community center. It's all centered around whatever it is you want to accomplish that day. And that's truly what makes Stardew Valley such a lovely experience, it encourages you to go out and be the best you can be, in whichever task that brings you the most joy. Stardew Valley motivates naturally, with blissful optimism." [Read the full review] -- Mary Kish
SteamWorld Dig 2 -- 9/10
"Every advancement Dig 2 makes to its story and mechanics strengthens your initiative to progress. There's an overwhelming sense of momentum that runs through the adventure; as if developer Image & Form sifted the original in a pan, removing its redundancies while expanding upon what made it so fun to persistently play. In your quest to acquire every upgrade and explore every nook and cranny, there's no shortage of hidden collectables to discover. And with post-game content that unlocks after you unearth every secret, the desire to keep digging intensifies. Dig 2 manages to not only be an exceptional successor, but a great adventure in its own right. Where the first game was a diamond in the rough, Dig 2 is a polished jewel." [Read the full review] -- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
Super Mario Odyssey -- 10/10
"Odyssey is sustained beyond its major milestones not only through colorful worlds and hidden challenges, but through the sheer joy of controlling Mario, who's never felt more responsive or dynamic in action. Even with everything new that's been introduced, Nintendo's forward-thinking platformer retains the series' classic handcrafted appeal, which is even more impressive when you realize how densely packed each kingdom is. Mario's latest outing is big, bold, and bursting with new ideas, and like Breath of the Wild, is another instance of Nintendo going above and beyond to redefine our expectations. It's a shining example of refined creativity, and another crown jewel for Switch that is without equal." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
By Chris Pereira on Mar 03, 2018 09:30 pm
Quality Games On A Budget
Nintendo Switch has just turned a year old, and already the system has no shortage of quality games to play. Even before a flurry of big-name third-party ports release for the system--Bayonetta 2, Skyrim, L.A. Noire, and Doom--there were already a ton of worthwhile options on Switch. There are Nintendo's flagship titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Splatoon 2, and a variety of other Switch games you may have missed. Beyond that, though, there's a burgeoning selection of games that cost no more than $20. These budget-priced games are not a concept exclusive to Switch, nor is this system the only place to find many of them. But given the system's only a year in, it's incredible how the platform is bursting at the seams with games to play. Particularly, if you're just getting a system now, it can be hard to find things to play, in part because the Eshop needs some work. In the gallery above, we're highlighting Switch games that are available for no more than $20 on the Eshop. This is far from a comprehensive list, but if you're looking for a cheap Switch game to pick up, you can't go wrong with any of these options. Many are not Switch exclusives, but it's often the best platform to play them on, thanks to newly added features or the sheer convenience of having a version you can play both on a TV and on the go. These games are presented in no particular order; they're simply titles that are worth a look. For an analysis of Nintendo Switch's first year, be sure to read our feature discussing the console's various successes and failures. In addition, you can also check out our features detailing all the Wii U games we ported to Switch, 13 things we still want to see from the console, and the best games on the console as of 2018.
Celeste ($20 / £18)
Celeste is a magical game that will challenge you in a multitude of ways. Its platforming is really, really hard, and you'll likely get frustrated at your fumbling fingers for failing a jump or at your slow brain for not figuring out how to get to the next safe zone. But when you get to that checkpoint, it's satisfying to know your fingers and brain aren't, in fact, useless. More than its platforming, though, Celeste's story is challenging. The main protagonist, Madeline, is faced with a horrible journey--both climbing a mountain and battling her own mind--and at times it's not easy to watch her suffer. The game's writing is such that it's easy to project that suffering onto yourself, and that can make it tough to face playing the next level. But you should absolutely do so, because it's a story with an ending worth the struggle and a cast of characters so endearing you'll be rooting for them to succeed. Just expect to fail a few leaps of faith along the way.
The Sexy Brutale ($20 / £18)
The Sexy Brutale is a quirky little puzzle game co-developed by Tequila Works, the studio behind beautiful adventure game Rime. Its essentially Groundhog Day: The Game--you play through the same day over and over, but with each runthrough you learn more about the creepy mansion you find yourself in. After seeing one character shoot another, you might go and find the gun and prevent the bloody murder by replacing real bullets with blanks. A number of these murders are interconnected--solving one puzzle might prevent one murder, but that could change another branch of time elsewhere in the house. There's no way of preventing every murder in one go, but discovering and tinkering with the different timelines is where the fun lies. And with it being playable on Switch, you can live the same day countless times anywhere you want. Suffice to say, we've played it over and over again--groundhog day indeed.
Crypt of the NecroDancer ($20 / £18)
Roguelikes (or at least roguelike elements) have been one of the most popular trends in gaming over the past handful of years, but few have taken as interesting of an approach to the genre as Crypt of the NecroDancer. Originally released on PC and other platforms before making its way to Switch in 2018, NecroDancer tasks players with navigating a dungeon to the beat of the music. Rather than simply move in the direction you wish or attack the enemy that's in your path, you and your enemies' actions are tied directly to the (always excellent) soundtrack. It's essential that you always be doing something--not taking an action at the next beat resets your combo, meaning you'll earn less gold or deal less damage, depending on the items you've acquired. Particularly as the music becomes more fast-paced, this lends a real sense of tension and excitement to every moment: you need to constantly be considering your next action while accounting for how nearby enemies will react to your movements. It's an experience with few points of comparison, but it's nonetheless one that you'll certainly want to try.
Battle Chef Brigade ($20 / £18)
Battle Chef Brigade puts you in control of an aspiring young chef named Mina as she fights to become the best cook in the land. But this isn't your typical cooking game; rather than choose from pre-set ingredients in front of you to make a simple dish, you actually have to hunt and gather them yourself, making use of Devil May Cry-like battle system to eliminate them in the wild. You then have to take what you gather back to your kitchen, throw it in a pot, and cook it in a match three mini-game. F rame this within an Iron Chef-like cook off where the clock is ticking against you and you'll have an idea of what you're getting into. The juxtaposition between the two core mechanics of hunting and cooking make for a tense, fast-paced experience that's both memorable and fulfilling.
Enter the Gungeon ($15 / £11)
Being a roguelike-style shooter, Enter the Gungeon naturally draws comparisons to games like The Binding of Isaac and Nuclear Throne. And while that does offer a decent starting point for understanding what to expect, Enter the Gungeon manages to rise above being a pale imitator. It feels fantastic, with a dodge-roll ability that allows you to satisfyingly evade damage with a well-timed use. There are ridiculous weapons, such as those that fire bees or a gun that shoots guns which themselves fire bullets. The well-crafted procedurally generated environments help to keep each run feeling fresh, as do the wide variety of items and secrets to uncover along the way. And co-op support makes for an especially fun, chaotic experience (although it's unfortunate that the second player isn't able to play as the different characters that the main player has access to). The entire game is also overflowing with personality and color, making for an experience that is as fun to look at as is to play.
Furi ($20 / £18)
Fans of Japanese action games will instantly love Furi, as it utilizes a twitch-based combat similar to fan-favorite games in the genre, like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. Its premise is simple: you play as a nameless silver-haired swordsman who must fight his way out of imprisonment, facing off against a gauntlet of deadly bosses. Aside from its striking presentation, Furi's most memorable quality is its fast and frenetic combat, which is punchy, nuanced, and elegantly simple. It combines mechanics from both hack-and-slash games and shoot 'em ups, challenging you to handle switching between gameplay styles at a moment's notice in the midst of a fight. If you're a sucker for challenging action games, Furi should be at the top of your list for $20 Switch games to buy.
SteamWorld Dig 2 ($20 / £15)
SteamWorld Dig 2 expands on its predecessor in a number of welcome ways. It looks much nicer, with a better soundtrack and more interesting story, but it also expands on progression. A new mod system allows you to tailor your character to your particular style, and the varied environments provide an incentive to keep digging and new challenges to contend with. Digging your way through blocks remains an enjoyable gameplay mechanic, and particularly with optional waypoints disabled, exploring the depths of this world is a real treat. Read our SteamWorld Dig 2 review
Picross S ($8 / £7.19)
Switch's entry in the Picross series, Picross S, doesn't do anything radically new, and it doesn't have to. It offers the straightforward, streamlined pleasure of its sudoku/nonogram-style gameplay on the go. It's the kind of game that's perfect to have loaded up on Switch--you can easily jump in for a quick puzzle (or eight) while you're on the go or in between sessions of other games. There's plenty to do with 300 puzzles, and simultaneous two-player multiplayer support gives you a way to ease newcomers into the series.
Stardew Valley ($15 / £11)
Like many other games on this list, Stardew Valley feels particularly well-suited to the portable nature of Switch. The system makes it easy to boot up the game for a quick day on the farm no matter where you are, and the controls work surprisingly well--though they could still use some refinement (possibly through the addition of touch controls, which are absent). The game remains a charming take on the Harvest Moon formula and provides a nice, peaceful complement to many of the more action-oriented games on Switch--particularly in lieu of a new Animal Crossing. Read our Stardew Valley review
Golf Story ($15 / £13.49)
Even if you're not a fan of the real-world sport, there's an undeniable appeal to golf games. Golf Story goes beyond simply letting you hit the links, though, taking the form of a traditional RPG that just happens to revolve around golfing. It features a charming story and a delightful, reactive world to explore, along with some trademark Australian humor. Read our Golf Story review
Sonic Mania ($20 / £16)
Sonic Mania marks the latest attempt to recapture the 2D glory days of the Sonic franchise, and it more than succeeds. Fantastic level design and a real sense of speed help to scratch that nostalgic itch, but it also stands as a solid game among its contemporaries. Our review goes so far as to even say it might very well be the best Sonic game ever. In light of Sonic Forces' deficiencies, at least Sonic fans have good Sonic game to play on the system. Read our Sonic Mania review
Overcooked ($20 / £18)
Multiplayer games that can be played with a single Joy-Con are a real treat--wherever you go with the system, you're able to easily play together with another person. And that's good news for Overcooked, a game that becomes exponentially better when played with at least one other person. What starts out as a relatively tame game where you help each other chop some vegetables and get them served on a plate becomes a frantic rush to put out fires, get ingredients distributed between two moving vehicles, and other ridiculous scenarios. Read our Overcooked review
Thimbleweed Park ($20 / £15)
Point-and-click adventure games have experienced something of a renaissance in recent years, and Thimbleweed Park--from adventure game legends Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick--is a prime example. The X-Files-inspired journey puts you in the role of two FBI agents that bear more than a passing resemblance to the classic TV show as you relive the glory days of adventure games. Playing on any console means dealing with a gamepad-based control scheme (as opposed to the more natural mouse controls on PC), but Switch makes up for this with touchscreen support when played in handheld mode. Read our Thimbleweed Park review
Retro City Rampage DX ($15 / £13)
A throwback GTA Online mode aside, Grand Theft Auto has long since moved on from the classic top-down perspective of its earliest games. Retro City Rampage carries on that legacy, offering an open-world crime game in 8-bit style. What could have easily been a mere GTA clone, however, is distinguished with copious pop culture references and a distinctly arcade-style feel to its gameplay. This DX edition offers additional content not seen in the original version of the game. Read our Retro City Rampage review
Fast RMX ($20 / £17)
The likelihood of a new F-Zero game doesn't seem terribly high, but Fast RMX is the next best thing. It offers a similar style of high-speed, futuristic racing, with support for local and online multiplayer (including single Joy-Con play) and wide variety of levels. It's also a good-looking game, running at 1080p and 60 FPS. Read our Fast RMX review
World of Goo ($10 / £9)
It's been around for years, and the Switch version doesn't bring any new content to the table, but now is as good a time as any to play World of Goo if you haven't already. Its construction-based puzzles that task you with creating structures and other objects to fulfill a variety of objectives are still as well designed as ever, making this a worthwhile addition to your Switch library. The one noteworthy distinction with this edition is the addition of local co-op multiplayer (absent from most other platforms); it's also one of the few games to put the Joy-Con's IR pointer to use. Read our World of Goo review
Little Inferno ($10 / £9)
Another of Tomorrow Corporation's game, Little Inferno also doesn't bring anything new to the table for Switch if you're playing by yourself. But if you have a friend, it introduces a new local co-op multiplayer mode not seen on other platforms. For the uninitiated, Little Inferno involves throwing stuff into a furnace and watching it burn for cash (which is then used to buy more stuff to burn). Despite that simple premise, there is a deeper puzzle system at work here where you have to burn different combinations of objects together to fulfill certain requirement. It's relatively short but features a surprisingly intriguing story and has a cat plushie that poops when burned, so it really checks all the boxes. Read our Little Inferno review
Gonner ($10 / £9)
Switch's portable nature lends itself well to quick, pick-up-and-play roguelike games. Gonner is an ideal example, blending procedural generation with action-platforming as you blast your way through countless enemies. With a distinct visual style and seemingly endless replayability, it's another great match with the platform.
Graceful Explosion Machine ($13 / £10)
Shoot-em-ups are not well-represented on Switch, but Graceful Explosion Machine nicely fills that void. Rather than presenting you with an endless stream of foes, it presents confined, handcrafted levels and a variety of distinct weapons with which to dispatch your enemies. Dealing with weapon cooldowns and figuring out the ideal order in which to deal with enemies becomes a game unto itself, and this all takes place within the confines of a cute, colorful world.
Severed ($15 / £12)
Severed is one of the few games on Switch that can only be played in handheld mode, due to its mandatory touchscreen controls. It's a dungeon crawler with a twist, as you're tasked with slicing your way through enemies you encounter by swiping on the screen. But beyond the enjoyable gameplay and slick visual style, Severed's story is the real highlight, as you experience the tale of a one-armed warrior named Sasha. Read our Severed review
Shovel Knight ($10-$25 / £9-£22.49)
This is admittedly a bit of a cheat, as you're best off buying Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, which includes all three of the campaigns released so far (and more content to come) for $25. But just $10 will get you a single campaign which is more than worth the price of entry. Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment puts you in the shoes of one of the main game's antagonists, Specter Knight, as he takes his own unique journey through the same levels featured in the original game. As with Plague Knight's campaign, the unique mechanics at play here (like the dash attack) make for a much different experience. You would be best-served by starting with the base Shovel Knight campaign, but whichever version you play, you'll be treated to a modern take on retro platformers that bests many of the classics it draws inspiration from. Read our Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment review
Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together ($20 / £18)
Snipperclips was overshadowed at launch by the hype around The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but it remains one of--if not the--best multiplayer games on Switch. Although it can be played solo, cooperative play is where Snipperclips truly shines. You work together to solve relatively simple challenges--get this ball into the basket; pop some balloons--by overlapping your characters and cutting chunks out of one another. This allows you to shape your partner into a tool that can be used for the task at hand. There's little else like it, on Switch or elsewhere. One thing to note is the new Snipperclips Plus version, which offers additional content; owners of the base game will be able to purchase its additions as DLC. Read our Snipperclips review
Thumper ($20/£16)
Although it's a game arguably best-suited for VR, Thumper is an incredible experience however you play it. It provides a unique blend of rhythm-based gameplay and action--what the developer calls "rhythm violence"--that provides a far more intense version of the basic mechanics you see in other rhythm games. With an incredible soundtrack and levels well-suited to chasing high scores, Thumper is a game with the potential to stick around on your Switch's home screen for a long time. Read our Thumper review
Axiom Verge ($20 / £15)
Axiom Verge is another take on the Metroidvania style, but it distinguishes itself through its wide variety of weapons and tools--most notably, the Address Disruptor, which affects the environment and each enemy type in different ways. It's also a game with an impressive sense of scale and no shortage of secrets to uncover, encouraging multiple playthroughs. Add in an excellent soundtrack and tantalizing story, and there's a lot to like here. Read our Axiom Verge review
By Chris Pereira on Mar 03, 2018 09:30 pm
What We Still Want To See
Not for the first time in its history, there were those who believed Nintendo was doomed in light of the Wii U's struggles, and that its only option was to become a third-party developer, a la Sega. The Nintendo Switch has silenced many of those critiques: Its sales have exceeded those of PS4 through a comparable period following its launch, surpassed projections, and helped to boost Nintendo's market value to levels only exceeded during the heyday of the Wii. And all of that is not without reason: the Nintendo Switch is great! Provided you have some use for removing it from the dock--whether it be to take it to work, school, bed, or, let's be honest, the bathroom--it provides an experience unlike quite anything else. It's also quietly built up an excellent library of games in just a year, even setting aside big hitters like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. But there's also room for improvement. Areas in which Nintendo has historically struggled are present and need to be addressed, and there are other spots that this already solid system could be made even better. Let's run through what we want to see. For an analysis of Nintendo Switch's first year, be sure to read our feature discussing the console's various successes and failures. In addition, you can also check out our features detailing all the Wii U games we ported to Switch, the best games on the console as of 2018, and the best Switch games under $20.
Folders and Game Management
Over time Switch owners will inevitably continue buying more games on Nintendo's Eshop. Those who have already accumulated a large collection of digital games know Switch is not well-equipped to handle this. The system's main navigation bar doesn't scroll infinitely, and eventually you do hit the point where you get an "All Software" button that displays everything installed. But there's no level of control over how things are displayed--you can't sort the games in any specific way (everything is shown based on what was opened most recently). Worse, you can't pin specific games to the main navigation bar or create folders, which would help to alleviate all of this. Nintendo might have been able to argue folders weren't necessary at launch, but as the number of worthwhile games continues to grow, it's time for them to be introduced.
Customizable Wallpaper
Switch features two different color schemes for its main menu, and while I appreciate not having to suffer the eye-searing white while playing late at night, it's not enough. Vita has allowed you to use custom images as backgrounds since it launched more than six years ago, so why shouldn't I be able to Twin Peaks-ify my Switch in 2018? Pre-designed themes, like those available on 3DS, would also be a welcome addition to the system. Considering they would likely cost money, though, having both those and custom wallpapers would be best.
HD Rumble Settings
HD Rumble is great--when it's used right. There's nothing quite like 1-2-Switch's ball-rolling mini-game, and TumbleSeed makes good use of the advanced vibration technology. But we've also seen multiple games go overboard, pushing the rumble effect well beyond the point of comfort. Having a system-level setting that can override rumble strength would help to mitigate this unpleasantness.
Web Browser and Media Apps
At launch, Nintendo may have wanted to emphasize that the Switch was a game machine first and foremost, and thus left out non-game functionality to accomplish that. Fine. The point has been made, and I don't think that the ability to watch Netflix and YouTube videos or visit a website is going to chill demand for the console. It didn't hurt the Wii, and frankly, it's silly to consider that a console that had outdated hardware a decade ago could do anything that the Switch can't today. Currently, there a two video apps for Switch: Hulu and Japan-exclusive NicoNico. We're hoping the number of video and media apps continue to increase as the year goes on. Adding these features would also give Nintendo a way to leverage the right Joy-Con's little-used IR pointer--which we suspect many people don't even know exists. Pointing a Joy-Con at your TV would be even better than navigating with a controller, as you do on Xbox One or PS4.
Better Eshop
Even a year into the Switch's release, the Eshop remains a bit of a mess. The system itself struggles to house a fraction of the games available, but the Eshop has to hold them all, and it does so poorly. You can search manually, look at recent releases or best sellers, or check out a full list. That's it. Building a store is no easy task--just see the more extreme, but similar problems Valve faces with Steam--but there is basic, core functionality that is missing here. Oh, and one more thing: BRING BACK THE WII ESHOP MUSIC. Scientific studies we have definitely conducted show a guaranteed 1,000% increase in sales if people are visiting the store just to listen to the music.
More Wii U Ports
Any system could use more games, and while I hope to see worthwhile original ones continue to roll out at a regular cadence, that doesn't mean the Wii U ports need to stop. Already we've seen Bayonetta 1 + 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and soon we'll have Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze, but why stop there? There are plenty of quality games on Wii U that never got the attention they deserved due to low adoption of the system, so let's keep them coming. From The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker to Super Smash Bros. and Super Mario Maker, there are a wide variety of genres that could be bolstered on Switch with improved versions of Wii U games. The hard work is already done, with these games already being great--now let's hope Nintendo makes good on what it's already teased by sprinkling in more deluxe ports over the next few years.
Let Me Preserve My Saves
Switch feels like a modern console in many ways; having one system that can play a game like Breath of the Wild on your giant TV or in the backseat of a car is positively magical. And yet numerous aspects of the system lack the type of functionality you'd expect from a system released even several years ago, let alone in 2018. The inability to back up save files has us perpetually in fear. For a system whose marquee game can consume hundreds of hours of your time and would cause tears to be shed if your save were lost, the absence of save backups is absurd. Nintendo has made it possible to transfer your data from one Switch to another Switch--albeit in the way system data transfers have worked with Wii U and 3DS where it's permanent. Our hope is that Nintendo is developing a seamless cloud-based save backup system (unlikely, we know).
Better Online Support
Similarly, Switch's online support is poor. The fact that friend codes still exist is frankly staggering. There's no way to message friends or create a profile for yourself (or, in lieu of that, a nickname for people on your friends list to help keep track of who is who). And while it's easy enough to boot up a simple online match of Splatoon 2, the official voice chat solution is nothing short of laughable. Nintendo's premium online service still isn't available while it continues to ensure it's up to snuff, but there are numerous ways in which the overall experience--paid or not--needs to improve.
Bring Back the Activity Log
An one odd pleasure of ours is taking a look at how much time we've spent playing games. Nintendo embraced this desire with the 3DS and Wii U's Activity Log, which broke down exactly when and how much specific games were played. Switch only presents a rudimentary version of this. Currently, even that information is starting to get scrubbed. It's possible to see some information in the mobile parental controls app or view your online profile to get a fairly non-specific hour count (assuming you aren't in the dreaded "Played for a little while" range). But if the system is bothering to count, just give us that cold, raw data.
HDMI Output in Handheld Mode
The only official way to play your Switch on a TV is to drop it into the dock, but what I'd love is the ability to cut out that middle man and output video to a TV from handheld mode. The most obvious benefit would be not needing to buy an additional, pricey dock for a second room you want to play in (which may be one reason Nintendo doesn't offer this option). But it would also make it significantly easier to take a Switch to someone else's house for some multiplayer action. We've brought our Switch to family gatherings, and we were forced to endure multiplayer on the Switch's screen, which is just not big enough for some games, like Fast RMX. Perhaps we should have had the foresight to pack our dock, but that runs contrary to the idea of being able to pick up the system and walk out the door.
Different Kinds of Joy-Cons
Image credit: ryansalamanda on Twitter It's a concept that fans immediately imagined after the Switch's design was revealed: alternative Joy-Cons. We've seen some different colors announced--and there are still a lot of possibilities there; We'd love a Super Famicom one--but functionally different Joy-Cons is where the real potential lies. Hardcore Super Smash Bros. fans would undoubtedly like to see a GameCube controller essentially cut in half and Joy-Con-ified, while others have proposed those that lend themselves to shooting games or even specific titles, like Yo-Kai Watch. Nintendo could run the risk of flooding stores and demanding too much shelf space, but it's exciting to think about what's possible.
Virtual Console (With Cross-Buy Support)
Here's the biggest one of all. Switch is already home to numerous Neo Geo games and classic Nintendo Arcade games, but there is a vast library of classic console games that we're dying to be able to play on the system. The success of the NES Classic (and strong demand for the SNES Classic) may have incentivized Nintendo to wait or drop Virtual Console plans altogether, but we remain hopeful that it's on the way in full. More than just the ability to boot up classic games, we hope Nintendo doesn't ignore the money fans have invested in Virtual Console on its older platforms. Cross-Buy support that brings your existing collection of VC games to Switch would be a dream come true and make the Switch even more appealing than it already is. Let's just hope that, by the time Nintendo decides to dump these hundreds of games on the Eshop, it also overhauls the store's layout. And don't forget about that music.
Nintendo Character-Themed Labo
While Nintendo's eccentric Labo has yet to come out, its upcoming release has us eagerly hoping that it'll reveal more based specifically around its most popular properties. Imagine if we had Labo-like accessories resembling Link's sword and shield, or even a cardboard version of Samus Aran's blaster that we could slip snugly onto our arms. Labo is already such a quirky idea that caters towards our childhood memories of playing with cardboard boxes; Nintendo character-themed Labo could be the step that pushes it further.
By Peter Brown on Mar 03, 2018 09:30 pm
Come To Switch!
Nearly a year after the Switch's release, we've received a handful of ports for some of Nintendo's best Wii U games, like Mario Kart 8, Pokken Tournament, and Lego City Undercover. And with the recent release of Bayonetta 1 + 2, Hyrule Warriors, and the confirmation of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, the ports keep coming. But all of this has got us thinking about what other Wii U games we want to see make a comeback--especially those of us who never owned a Wii U. After all, it would be a shame for past big-name exclusives like Xenoblade Chronicles X and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker to remain landlocked on a system Nintendo is quickly phasing out. Not to mention that Switch also makes for a wonderful multiplayer console, even on the go. The thought of playing Super Mario 3D World or Super Smash Bros. at the drop of a hat is a reality we would love to be a part of; one we hope Nintendo is planning to make possible. Considering Nintendo only has control over its own properties, we narrowed down the list of Wii U games we want to see on Switch to first-party published games only. But you never know: Nintendo has a lot of sway at the moment with the success of Switch, and a publisher or studio need only look at Switch sales numbers . If you had the chance to pitch any Wii U game to Nintendo for a Switch revival, what would you choose? Take a look at our picks, and let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. For an analysis of Nintendo Switch's first year, be sure to read our feature discussing the console's various successes and failures. In addition, you can also check out our features detailing 13 things we still want to see from the console, the best games on the console as of 2018, and the best Switch games under $20.
The Wonderful 101
"With The Wonderful 101, game director Hideki Kamiya has made a game featuring a stumpy posse of cartoon heroes, with the stylish combo strings of Bayonetta, and the bouncy, vibrant style of Viewtiful Joe. This is an ambitious, funny, and inventive game that's keen to impress but slightly scrappy in its presentation, packed with ideas but is slightly confused about how to express all its abundant creativity. This might not be the Wii U's killer app, but it's a much-needed shot in the arm." - Martin Gaston, 8/10 Read: GameSpot's review of The Wonderful 101 for Wii U
Star Fox Zero
"By the end of my first playthrough, I was eager to go back and retry old levels, in part because I wanted to put my newfound skills to the test, but also because Zero's campaign features branching paths that lead to new locations. Identifying how to open these alternate paths requires keen awareness of your surroundings during certain levels, which becomes easier to manage after you come to grips with Zero's controls. My second run was more enjoyable than the first, and solidified my appreciation for the game. While I don't like the new control scheme, it's a small price to pay to hop into the seat of an Arwing. Though I feel like I've seen most of this adventure before, Zero is a good-looking homage with some new locations to find and challenges to overcome. It doesn't supplant Star Fox 64, but it does its legacy justice." - Peter Brown, 7/10 Read: GameSpot's review of Star Fox Zero for Wii U
Super Mario Maker
"The first time I discovered that not only could I make a giant, flame-spewing piranha plant, but I could also make it fly, I cackled with horrible glee at the possibilities. And for the first time in a creation-focused experience, I look forward to returning again and again for more than just the amazing levels I know other people will create. I want to keep making my own levels better. The game won't necessarily turn you into the next Shigeru Miyamoto, but you can almost feel a little bit of that magic rubbing off every time you upload a new creation." - Justin Haywald, 9/10 Read: GameSpot's review of Super Mario Maker for Wii U
Super Mario 3D World
"Sure, co-op play is hardly a game changer, but when so much of 3D World is so successfully built upon a bevy of brilliant ideas, this can be forgiven. Everything that you can see and do within its enchanting levels is so bright, colourful, and full of wonder that it's impossible not to be taken in by its charms. Mario has always had that uncanny ability to cross the boundaries of age and gender, to bring a smile to the face of every player who crosses his path. Super Mario 3D World is no different. This is a dazzlingly inventive game that brings the fun in spades, and will leave you grinning like a loon from start to finish." - Mark Walton, 9/10 Read: GameSpot's review of Super Mario 3D World for Wii U
Super Smash Bros.
"Between the Masterpiece Collections, which are short demos of the classic games that inspired Smash Bros., the many fighters and stages, the deep character customization for fine-tuning your fighters to suit your play style, and the extensive screenshot editing tools, there's just so much to do. With the Wii U release, Smash Bros. has fully realized its goals. There's something here for nearly everyone--from young to old, from novice to expert--presented almost without compromise. Super Smash Bros. Wii U invites everyone to join in its undiluted, joyous celebration of the broad community that Nintendo has built over the past forty years." - Daniel Starkey, 9/10 Read: GameSpot's review of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Pikmin 3
"Pikmin 3 doesn't offer much growth from previous games in the series, and actually takes a step backward in some areas. But there's no shame in falling just short of the classic offerings that came before it. Scouring the environment for all of the hidden goodies is eminently enjoyable because of the clever problem solving you have to employ, and the competitive mode should test the strength of any friendship. There's nothing quite like Pikmin out there, and its delightful combination of survival strategy and unflinching cuteness should entertain you throughout this lengthy adventure." - Tom Mc Shea, 8/10 Read: GameSpot's review of Pikmin 3 for Wii U
Xenoblade Chronicles X
"Mira and its inhabitants are awe-inspiring, and experiencing everything X has to offer is a monumental and rewarding task. It makes the journey consistently interesting by giving you intricate control over your characters' abilities and gear, and by offering a wealth of new toys to play with as time goes on. You will roll your eyes at characters, and bemoan the unnecessary story padding, but these frustrations are quickly forgotten when you head into the wilderness in search of unexplored territory and unforeseen challenges. X is a grand adventure that satiates your appetite for exploration and combat in ways that few games ever do, but because getting started is half the battle, it's an experience reserved for dedicated players who have the patience and energy to unearth its greatest treasures." - Peter Brown, 8/10 Read: GameSpot's review of Xenoblade Chronicles X for Wii U
The Legend of Zelda HD Collection (Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD)
Wind Waker: "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is a loving restoration of a bold and beautiful adventure, with Nintendo shifting some elements of the original game's aesthetic, and streamlining the pace where it had occasionally sagged. The Wind Waker is a game about a young hero saving the world from the past actions of old men, but its HD update reaffirms that Nintendo's most colorful Zelda game remains timeless." - Martin Gaston, 8/10 Read: GameSpot's review of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD for Wii U Twilight Princess: "Twilight Princess HD is unmistakably a product of its time; one that was cursed from birth with a warped identity. Crafted during anxious times for Nintendo, developed for two consoles simultaneously, this was the GameCube's last hurrah, a Wii launch title, and a defining test for motion controls (which have been stripped out). Perhaps now, ten years later, it can finally be remembered how it ought to be; the dark and violent showpiece of a treasured series." - Rob Crossley, 9/10 Read: GameSpot's review of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD for Wii U
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #Fe is gorgeous, fun, and a smart collaboration all around. Backtracking through dungeons and running up against tedious bosses can bring the momentum down, but overall the game is something worth exploring. After a few dozen hours the semi-ludicrous story and systems set in front of you feel so comfortable together that this mashup of developer Atlus' most popular franchise and Intelligent Systems' beloved strategy RPG seems like it was destined to be." - Alexa Ray Corriea, 8/10 Read: GameSpot review of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE for Wii U
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
"From goombas in swim rings that flap their little feet underwater, to the tiny birds that land on Toad's head when he's idly wasting time, Treasure Tracker has a lighthearted and lovable presentation. It has the right mix of atmosphere and challenging puzzles to keep you engaged, and it's a great experiment within the larger Mario universe. It may have started out as a minigame, but with its original take on the Toad character and a large number of enjoyably tricky puzzles, it's great to see it in the spotlight it so truly deserves." - Peter Brown, 8/10 Read: GameSpot's review of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker for Wii U
By GameSpot Staff on Mar 03, 2018 09:30 pm
What We Still Love About Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
It has been a year since The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild released, and we still love it here at the GameSpot office. After all, it won our coveted Game of the Year Award for 2017, so it's no surprise that we still spend time exploring Hyrule even now. There's just so much to enjoy across the hundreds of hours you spend exploring its world, from solving its myriad shrines and climbing mountaintops to purchasing a house and riding a motorcycle. To commemorate Breath of the Wild's one year anniversary, we've compiled 60 things that we still love about the game. Click ahead to see them all, and be sure to tell us what you love about the game in the comments below. Breath of the Wild is out now for both Nintendo Switch and Wii U. If you're interested in Zelda guides, check out our recipe and cooking manual, our beginner's guide, or just our general list of everything you might want help figuring out. And of course you shouldn't miss our official review of Breath of the Wild. You can also check out our full Breath of the Wild review, our guide roundup, or our feature detailing everything you need to know about the game. Breath of the Wild is a year old, which also means Nintendo Switch is a year old. For an analysis of Nintendo Switch's first year, be sure to read our feature discussing the console's various successes and failures. In addition, you can also check out our features detailing all the Wii U games we ported to Switch, 13 things we still want to see from the console, the best games on the console as of 2018, and the best Switch games under $20.
You Can Parry Guardian Laser Shots
Guardians seem like a tremendous threat early on, mostly because of their incredibly destructive laser blasts. But if you have decent reflexes, you can actually parry a Guardian's laser blast with your shield, sending it straight back at the machine. Any shield. Even a pot lid. It's honestly one of the most fulfilling things you can do. After all, who doesn't want to see these jerks get a taste of their own medicine? -- Matt Espineli
Fan-Service DLC
Breath of the Wild may stand on its own as a fantastic Zelda game, but it was a pleasant surprise to see the game fondly acknowledge the series' past with some astounding fan-service DLC following its release. With the Expansion Pass, you gained access to an assortment of armor and headgear inspired by characters from the franchise's tenured history, such as Ravio from The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, and the Phantom Armor from The Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass. The presence of the equipment was enough to make us shrief in excitement upon discovering them in-game, and the fact that each offered some form of tactical benefit only amplified our appreciation for their inclusion. -- Matt Espineli
Link's Paraglider Has Built-In Bullet Time
The paraglider is a tremendously useful traversal tool, especially since Breath of the Wild's world is so vast. But perhaps its greatest feature applies to combat: when you're gliding over enemies, equipping your bow automatically slows time, allowing you to execute some seriously cinematic shots without fussing over complicated controls. Max Payne ain't got nothin' on Link. -- Scott Butterworth
You Can Ride A Bear
As you explore Hyrule, you'll discover that it's possible to ride a deer like you would a horse, so long as you approach it carefully and with stealth bonuses activated. A lesser known fact is that this also applies to bears. Unfortunately, they're neither fast nor very cooperative, but they're fantastic at ramming unsuspecting foes. -- Matt Espineli
You Can Take Selfies
Like in The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD, you can take selfies in Breath of the Wild, but this time you use your Sheikah Slate's camera. Simply open up the camera app on your Slate, get in self-portrait mode, and move the left stick in different directions to change Link's pose. Who knew Hyrule's hero could be such an adorable dork? -- Matt Espineli
You Can Build A New Town
There are a ton of side quests in Breath of the Wild, but one of the best is building Tarry Town. Throughout your adventure, you come across characters from all walks of life looking for a change in pace or scenery, and you can recommend Tarrey Town to them. As you find more citizens, the town grows and shops begin to open up. The questline to unlock it is endearing on its own, but it also nets you some cool rewards. -- Jake Dekker
Hero's Path
The Hero's Path feature tracks your last 200 hours, tracing your footsteps on the map--and possibly revealing areas you haven't visited. After spending hundreds of hours in Hyrule, being able to see the exact path I took throughout my entire journey--including all the times I died--was neat. It may have not been the biggest addition to the game, but it continues to be one I continually reference even now, simply to reminisce upon my time spent in Breath of the Wild. -- Matt Espineli
Weaponized Cuoco Swarm
Like in past Zelda games, if you use excessive force against a Cucco, it'll call upon a swarm of its friends to attack you. Fortunately, you can make this humorous attack work for you. Simply grab a Cucco and bring it with you into battle, and whichever unfortunate enemy happens to hit it will be swarmed and pecked to death. Glorious. -- Matt Espineli
Amiibo Net You Classic Rewards | Matt
If you scan Amiibo figures of classic Zelda characters, you get special armor and weapons from past games, like Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. You can even obtain new mounts, like the iconic Epona, which you receive when you scan the Super Smash Bros. series Link Amiibo. Check out our Amiibo guide here to find out everything you can unlock. -- Matt Espineli
You Can Buy A House | Peter
I wasn't sure what to expect when a villager offered to build a house for me in Hateno Village, but I wasted no time putting the plan into action. Before I knew it, I was the proud owner of a small but impressive home; flowers blossomed outside, and the walls were lined with some of my prized possessions. It wasn't much, but it was mine. -- Peter Brown
Difficult DLC Shrines
The base adventure in Breath of the Wild already comes with plenty of shrines to complete. But with The Champions' Ballad DLC, you gained access to a handful of new shrines to explore. While this was a nice gesture overall, it helped that the Champion shrines were a lot more difficult than the one standard ones you found in the game. With the level of skill you develop by your journey's end, it was pleasant to be challenged by puzzles and obstacles that were designed to challenge the game's most hardcore players. Plus, the memory cutscenes that bookended these Champion shrines were icing on the cake. -- Matt Espineli
No Clothes, No Problem!
I can't tell you the number of times I've tried to strip down and freak out NPCs in video games over the years, but I can say that the only game to properly handle a half-naked hero is Breath of the Wild. Why yes, citizens of Hyrule, I am trying to take down a powerful demon king in nothing but my underwear. Thanks for noticing! (It's about time.) -- Peter Brown
Link Hums As He Cooks
Cooking encompasses multiple steps, a lot of it precise or repetitive work. But, when the ingredients are cut and everything is in the pan or pot, cooking proper, it's only natural to fall into a trance as you watch your hard work transform into a wonderful dish. As evidenced by his humming in Breath of the Wild, Link gets it. Who knew a hardened hero could be so moved by the joy of cooking? -- Peter Brown
Lightning Is Attracted To Metal
The fact that wearing metal during a lightning storm in Breath of the Wild puts you at risk of being electrocuted is a nice, if scary, touch. I mean, it sucks to die for fashion, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. More importantly, you can use lightning to rain death upon Link's unfashionable enemies. Toss a metal sword into a group of Bokoblins during a storm, sit back, and watch the light show commence! -- Peter Brown
Horses Eat Food Out Of Your Hands
Epona? You don't need no stinkin' Epona when Hyrule is so overrun with free-range horses in Breath of the Wild. While not every bronco warms up to you immediately, that's where handfuls of fruits and veggies come in handy. When ol' Buck Rogers is giving you a hard time, hand-feed him a few apples and carrots, and he'll be tame in no time. -- Peter Brown
Shield Surfing: The Great Hyrulian Pastime
While playing Breath of the Wild, you will spend more time hiking than anything else. All of this exploration would start to wear thin if not for the game's surprisingly viable traversal mechanic: shield surfing. Yes, you have to climb and trudge up inclines on foot. But when you cross a peak, you're bound to go downhill, and there's no better way to the bottom than on the back of your shield. -- Peter Brown
There's A Glow-In-The-Dark Skeleton Outfit
There's no shortage of rad armor in Breath of the Wild, but there may be none radder than the Radiant gear set. First, you have to belong to a secret club to purchase it--it's deemed illegal in its town of origin. More importantly: the complete set makes you look like a luchador, with glow-in-the-dark bone decals and a gold-plated championship belt with a skull for a buckle, no less. -- Peter Brown
You Can Pretty Much Climb Everything
There's nothing more liberating than looking at a landform in the distance and declaring: "I'm gonna climb that." In Breath of the Wild, you're free to ascend nearly anything you want. Old ruins? No problem! Giant mountains? You bet! As long as you have the proper stamina to clamber to the top, the world is your oyster. -- Matt Espineli
The Yiga Clan Absolutely LOVE Bananas
Members of the Yiga Clan may be agile and dangerous, but as with any bad guy in a video game, they have a weakness: bananas. They drop bananas when you defeat them. Their hideout is filled with them. They'll leave whatever post they're currently defending in order to pick up a bunch. Their obsession with the fruit is equal parts adorable and unsettling, as it makes me wonder how they build muscle with the lack of protein in their diet. -- Joey Yee
Those Subtle, Fleeting Piano Flourishes...Less Is More!
It's difficult to not get lost in the sounds of Hyrule. The soft winds that pass through the foliage bring peace to the veiled darkness that looms over the land. But it's the subtle, fleeting piano flourishes that bring it all together. The game's music is far more subdued than its predecessors, evoking faint melodies that change and adapt to your actions and discoveries. But it teases you, ending before you have the chance to imprint them into your memory; it's as if the wind carries them away. -- Matt Espineli
Everyone Has A Crush On Link
One of the most delightful (and seemingly arbitrary) details in Breath of the Wild is that Link is a hunk. People from all reaches of Hyrule--and of all ages and genders--flirt with him shamelessly, from the extremely shy Paya to the very forward Great Fairies. One of them even asks him to move in with her. It's wild. The best part is, Link mostly just blushes in response. The boy doesn't know his own charms. -- Kallie Plagge
You Can Ride A Skeleton Horse
You can ride a lot of non-horse things in Breath of the Wild, but there's only one undead thing you can ride: the Stalhorse. There's just something really special about killing a Stalkoblin and riding its demon steed into the dark, cold night only to have it expire come sunrise. The only flaw here is that you can't register the beast at a stable. -- Kallie Plagge
You Can Use Skeleton Arms As Weapons
Link, having conquered his foes in both life and death, equips the severed limbs of his enemies to rain further death upon their friends. Who knew Zelda could get so morbid? -- Scott Butterworth
Link Flexes When Shirtless
If you go idle while Link isn't wearing a shirt, he'll eventually start flexing. It's very dorky and charming and perfectly in line with how much of a big nerd Link is across all his incarnations. It's a very small, easy-to-miss bit of personality, but one that helps flesh out the silent hero. -- Kallie Plagge
The Frightened Baby Korok On A Trial By Itself
To get to one of the shrines in Korok Forest, you have to secretly follow a young Korok named Oaki through a spooky forest as it completes its own trial. Whether or not you care for this kind of stealth quest, the Korok is undeniably the cutest. It talks to itself the entire time to keep from getting too scared, saying things like, "Everything is A-OK!" and insisting it isn't scared. It's nothing less than heartwarming. -- Kallie Plagge
Zelda References Are Everywhere...But They're Subtle
Breath of the Wild is filled with nods to previous Zelda games, and the great thing about them is that they're not in your face. Mountain ranges and rivers are named after old characters, and the familiar refrains of Zelda's Lullaby and Epona's Song are weaved into the music, but it doesn't feel like Breath of the Wild is pandering to Zelda fans--rather, the love letter to what came before is only a footnote at the end of a game that stands very much on its own. -- Kallie Plagge
There's Always A Reward For Aimless Exploration
There are a lot of places in Hyrule that you'll never need to go to--caves and beaches and mountains and fields off the beaten path with no obvious draw. But even if you aren't actively looking for anything, stumbling upon a Korok or a secret hidden deep underground when you're just wandering with no destination in mind makes every trek feel worthwhile and every inch of Hyrule worth seeing. -- Kallie Plagge
Sometimes You Solve Korok Puzzles On Accident
"Hey, why are there weird cubes jutting out from that cliff face? Huh, there's another cube over here. I wondering what would happen if I place that cube...oh hey, a Korok!" Moments like these crop up frequently in Breath of the Wild. Just as the game rewards aimless exploration, so too does it reward inquisitiveness and experimentation. It's a wonderful example of understated, fullfilling game design. -- Scott Butterworth
Eventide Island Is The Best Shrine
One of the best shrine quests in the game is Eventide Island, where you have to survive without all the equipment and items you had upon your arrival. Having to scavenge and rely on what you've learned rather than what you have is a refreshing challenge, and it serves as a reminder of how far you've traveled just to make it to the island in the first place. -- Kallie Plagge
You Can Hang Out With Dogs
Breath of the Wild is absolutely littered with canines, and while there's no button prompt to actually pet all these good boys, you can win their affection by kneeling next to them or dropping snacks close by. It's adorable. -- Scott Butterworth
Dogs Lead You To Treasure!
If you find a dog in any of the towns or stables, don't just crouch down and nuzzle it. Feed the pup three pieces of meat or fruit and it'll lead you to a treasure chest hidden in the surrounding area. Always shower a doggo with unconditional love and kindness; it'll get you far. -- Matt Espineli
That Line About Donkeypower
There is a lot of silly chatter in Breath of the Wild. In the early stages of the game, you come across a fellow who reminds you that it's not all about horsepower. "Don't forget about donkeypower," he says. What's this? It's "the power to stay chill and be good buds." Very nice. -- Eddie Makuch
Bokoblins Talk To Each Other
There's an abundance of quirky dialogue and side quests, but it's those goofy Bokoblins that provide the most enjoyment. Whether you're observing the way they occasionally break out into tribal dance or how they communicate amongst each other, it's always delightful to watch them from afar. The best is when two Bokoblins appear to be discussing a concept; seeing a Bokoblin's expression shift from skeptical to understanding is hilarious. -- Matt Espineli
Getting a 5-Shot Savage Bow from a Lynel
After every knock-down, drag-out encounter with a high-tier Lynel, you claim their prized weapons. This can include the one-off powerful sword or shield, but none of these prizes compare to the five-shot Savage Bow. With the right arrows, this bow can make short work of your foes at an embarrassingly fast rate. -- Richie Bracamonte
Link's Passive Aggressive Responses | Richie
Link is not the type to mince words, so when he's prompted to speak to anyone, his options are pretty polarizing. One answer is a simple "yes man" response, but the other is often curt or downright mean. That can generate some comically negative responses, some of which don't let you progress your quest! -- Richie Bracamonte
You Can Blend In With Enemies Using Monster Masks
There's something so alluring about the concept of blending in with a pack of monsters. Fortunately, Kilton's monster masks offer you that pleasure. From the way that Link's stance changes to mirror the monster he's disguising himself as to the way the monsters react to you and accept you as their own, blending in is one of the most satisfying and comedic activities you can do. Just purchase one and let the antics ensue. -- Matt Espineli
Prince Sidon Is An Absolute Dork
With all the talk you hear about the Zora prince on the way to Zora's Domain, it's hard to avoid assuming he's arrogant and stuck-up. But Prince Sidon is anything but a regal jerk; he's actually the most endearing, high-spirited dork you'll find in Hyrule. Just look at that bicep pose and twinkling smile. It's no wonder the internet has fallen in love with him. -- Matt Espineli
Koroks In Korok Forest Are SO Excited To See You
If you had to patiently wait 100 years for someone to return, how would you feel when they finally came back? You'd likely be passive-aggressive from all the waiting. But the Koroks of the Korok Forest are far more forgiving. These little buddies greet Link with such care and enthusiasm. Heck, they even went out of their way to build a bed for him to sleep in and open up a shop for him to purchase goods. -- Matt Espineli
The Sounds Koroks Make When You Drop A Rock On Their Heads
Breath of the Wild's enduring charm is in its little details, and while you'd expect Koroks to react when they come in harm's way, the unexpected element comes from how they respond. Instead of a standard sound, the Korok's have unique, quirky reactions. It feels mean, but it's worth roughing them up a little bit. -- Justin Haywald
Giving Me A Use For All My Regular Amiibo
The Zelda-specific Amiibo figures present one of the most useful applications to date of Nintendo's toys-to-life creations, but even thematically unrelated Amiibo are useful in Breath of the Wild. If you just need a quick hit of cooking ingredients, literally every Amiibo (from Animal Crossing cards to the Super Smash Bros. Amiibo lineup) drops a random assortment of helpful items. And even if you don't need the materials for cooking, you can sell your extras for a tidy profit. -- Justin Haywald
Elemental Weapons Let You Survive Extreme Temps
Breath of the Wild puts a large emphasis on managing both your outfits and your ability buffs in order to survive the game's harsh environments. But the little element of surprise that's added to this system is that even your weapons and items can affect your body temperature. If you're holding a torch or a magical fiery wand, it can keep you from getting cold just as effectively as a warm coat. And conversely, ice weapons provide cool relief from the desert heat. -- Justin Haywald
If It's Made Of Wood, It'll Burn
Early on, Breath of the Wild teaches you how grass can catch fire and that the wind can blow wildfires around. But one of the small details that's easier to miss is that ropes can burn as well. Practically speaking, this means that when enemies like the Hinox tie armor around their legs, you can use a fire weapon or torch to set its armor on fire, giving you an opening for attack and damaging the gigantic foe in the process. -- Justin Haywald
Recipes Are Hidden All Over The World
Cooking is very important in Breath of the Wild, and experimentation plays an important part in finding what recipes work best for you. But it's the way the game encourages experimentation that's truly clever--some characters will talk to you about helpful item combinations, but you can also find unique dishes hanging on walls somewhere in almost every town. -- Justin Haywald
The Game Over Text Changes Depending On How You Die
Though it's a bit morbid, you might've noticed that the color of the text on the Game Over screen sometimes changes--this is all dependent on how you die. A regular death in battle is red, freezing attacks (or getting stuck in a cold environment) result in blue text, succumbing to electric attacks gives you a yellow screen, and dying in a blaze of fire gives you an orange "Game Over." -- Justin Haywald
An Aurora Shines In The Northern Sky
Breath of the Wild is littered with minor details that are easy to miss, but if you venture to the game's colder northern climes on a clear night, you've likely noticed the brilliant, beautiful aurora glowing in the sky. -- Justin Haywald
People Go Inside When It's Raining
Video game characters can sometimes be a rather unresponsive bunch, which is why the way Breath of the Wild's NPCs are programmed to react to the world around them is so captivating. Instead of going about their normal, daily routines when it starts to rain, characters in the game will run for shelter and actively try to avoid getting wet! -- Justin Haywald
You Can Combine Flint And Wood To Make A Fire
Breath of the Wild's inventory system makes it seem like you can only combine items when cooking, but some of your supplies have uses when you toss them on the ground as well. If you throw some wood next to a piece of flint and then strike them with a metal weapon, the sparks will automatically turn the kindling into a warm fire. -- Justin Haywald
Kass Is Just Wonderful
Breath of the Wild's haunting, understated melodies are one of the game's highlights, which makes the contrast with the boisterous, accordion-playing Kass all the more sonorous. He's a character you hear long before you see him, and the variation he plays on the game's main theme serves to highlight just how multifaceted the soundtrack can be. -- Justin Haywald
Pikango Is The Worst Painter
Pikango is a helpful character for finding memories in the game. And you might imagine, given that he travels the world with an easel and set of paints, that he's a skilled artisan. But take a closer look at his canvas for...an interesting take on the world of Breath of the Wild. -- Justin Haywald
No Zelda Experience Necessary
Even if this is your first Zelda game, you don't need an ounce of knowledge of the series' gameplay or lore. Sure, many of the visual elements and game mechanics will be familiar to fans, but newcomers won't feel like they're missing out on any huge inside jokes or substantial references. It's a fitting gateway entry to the franchise. -- Miguel Concepcion
The Sense Of Detachment To Weapons
Weapon durability is a huge part of Breath of the Wild's combat. You're constantly picking up new melee weapons as others in your possession wear down with use. It's a bittersweet cycle of loss and gain, where you say goodbye to sticks and clubs that served you well and say hello to fresh swords primed for monster-slaying. -- Miguel Concepcion
Know The World Without Boring And Time-Consuming Tutorials
Within the first hour, you will already have learned how to use bombs and manipulate objects while clearing two shrines in the process. These sections strike a balance in being informative and concise. This also preserves the game's sense of discovery as players discover how to use these abilities beyond their basic functions. -- Miguel Concepcion
Hyrule Is Expansive But Never Overwhelming
As you first gaze at the vastness of Hyrule, objects in the horizon tease you with myriad destinations that are just waiting to be explored. It's a challenge trying to decide where to go first, and it's a nice problem to have. Thanks to the map and pins, it's easy to manage your various goals and destinations without wishing you could be in multiple places at once. -- Miguel Concepcion
Even Enemies Have To Equip Weapons
Breath of the Wild excels in the little things, like the first time you sneak up on a Bokoblin campfire and you realize those creatures aren't quite battle-ready. Even in an encounter involving life and death, it's endearing to watch Bokoblins run for their sticks. For such a brief sequence, it does a lot to immerse you. -- Miguel Concepcion
You Can Save (Almost) Anywhere
Breath of the Wild encourages experimentation, but things don't always go as you hope. That's part of what makes the ability to save virtually anywhere so welcome--you aren't penalized for trying things out. If you reach the top of a mountain and want to see how long it would take to return to lower ground, you can save, try it, and then reload. Being able to save anywhere is also immensely useful when playing on Switch, letting you easily jump into other games and back without sacrificing any progress. -- Chris Pereira
You Can Play Dress-Up With Your Horse
Sure, Link himself can don different outfits, but nothing makes an impression like rolling into town on a decked-out horse. Certain stables allow you to customize the look of your ride, adorning them with different saddles and mane styles. The latter provides options like mohawks, French braids, and flowers. Naming a horse is nice and all, but your horse isn't truly yours until you've made him your own fancy flower boy. -- Chris Pereira
Climbing Sheikah Towers Is Always A Rush
Climbing towers isn't a mechanic unique to Breath of the Wild, but whereas other games can make it feel like a chore, there's a real exhilaration when ascending a Sheikah Tower. That's best exemplified with the first one, when you get your best sense yet of how vast the world is. But every subsequent climb also brings with it a similar sense of wonder--and the inevitable mental checklist of cool-looking places in the distance to check out later. -- Chris Pereira
Farosh, The Intimidator
I distinctly remember the first time I saw Farosh in the distance. I immediately pulled out my camera and zoomed in for a better look, thinking I was lucky to be so far away and vowing to avoid it at all costs. Much later, I was swimming in a seemingly safe area, only to suffer electric damage. I turned around to discover I was mere feet away from this utterly massive creature emerging from the water. And oh how I ran for my life, both terrified and laughing about the typical Breath of the Wild detour-of-a-detour-of-a-detour that led me to this encounter. I haven't been back since, but one day I will return, Farosh. One day. -- Chris Pereira
Non-Traditional Fishing Methods
Before I discovered that you don't need a fishing pole to catch fish, I decided to take an alternate approach: I used Cryonis to create ice blocks underneath nearby fish, raising them out of the water and allowing me to easily pluck them up while they helplessly flopped on top. It turned out to be an unnecessary step in the process, but it stands as yet another example of how Breath of the Wild allows you to use its myriad tools to tackle any given problem. -- Chris Pereira
The Master Cycle Zero
The reward for completing The Champions' Ballad DLC is quite possibly one of the coolest unlocks in gaming history. After spending hours upon hours travelling across Hyrule either on foot or horseback, being able to zip across the landscape on what is essentially a dirtbike is one of the most fulfilling experiences in Breath of the Wild. It completely changes the way you view the game's world, offering you navigational possibilities you never thought possible. And with a name as cool as "Master Cycle Zero," it just doesn't get any better than this. -- Matt Espineli
By Mat Elfring on Mar 03, 2018 08:30 pm
With the rise of popularity of the internet, the '90s had a love affair with hacking, the act of breaking into computer systems or modifying existing programs using code. No, hacking is not staying logged in to Facebook and your friend writes "I love Kenny G's music" as their status update. That's just negligence. Movies, television shows, and even the news got hacking wrong time and time again. Hacking is cool, but the process is exceptionally boring to watch. It's always a person, sitting in front of a computer, for hours, writing lines upon lines of code. There is nothing interesting about real-life hacking. So what do you do in a situation where you want to put something that's boring on the big screen? You make it sexy and flashy and end up getting everything wrong about hacking in the first place. So here are the most ridiculous times Hollywood got hacking wrong during the '90s.
Hack The Gibson! (Hackers)
Hackers is a terrible movie I can't stop watching because it contains a lot of computer and hacking history but presented in the most fictitious way possible. One of the most memorable scenes is when Crash Override, Acid Burn, and company hack the Gibson. What's frustrating about this scene, for anyone with a basic understanding of computers or the history of coding, is that viruses in this scene are based on real ones, just bastardized. The Cookie Monster virus is based on a program created in the late 60s, which was popular at Brown University; in addition, at that time, it had no relation to Cookie Monster from Sesame Street. The Rabbit virus's real-life counterpart was allegedly first spotted in 1969 at the University of Washington Computer Center. The program replicates itself, taking up space, which clogs up and slows down computers. The history behind Rabbit isn't entirely known. There's an account by Bill Kennedy in 1988 that says he saw someone create it in 1974. The origins of the Rabbit virus come off as urban legend.
Michael's Phone Program Is More Advanced Than What We Have Now (Brainscan)
In the 1994 horror film Brainscan. Edward Furlong plays Michael, a troubled teen who starts playing a new VR game where he kills people. However, the focus of the movie isn't what's in question--nor is it the fact Michael's father is completely absent during the entirety of the film. Michael programmed and created numerous programs, which work together, in order to have a 1994 computer accomplish something 2018 phones still have a problem with: voice recognition. Michael's assistant, Igor, is a computer program that can make phone calls, block incoming calls, and never fails to recognize the commands from his "master." While we have programs and tech like that now--Echo, Google Home, Siri--none of them work as well as Igor. Why is Michael sulking in his bedroom? He's programmed one of the greatest tech-utilities for its time.
Hacking Is Like Storming A Castle In First Person (Masterminds)
You probably missed out on the angsty, adult Home Alone action/comedy Masterminds, so I'll let you in on a secret. Yes, the finale of the movie features a chase on ATVs. Early on in the film, Ozzie (Vincent Kartheiser) does some hacking, which involves a form of onion routing, followed by hacking presented as a 3D computerscape--something you'll be seeing a lot of in the '90s. Ozzie makes his way into a castle and dodges demons and traps, and frankly, it's absurd. Actual hacking is more exciting that what Masterminds thinks it is. Also, actual hacking isn't accompanied by Stabbing Westward songs.
Nothing About This Scene Makes Sense (Independence Day)
Imagine you meet someone new, and you speak English, a Latin-based language. However, they only speak Urdu, which is not Latin-based, and you do not know at all. A conversation between you two--in your own languages--would be fruitless and go nowhere. During the tail end of Independence Day, Jeff Goldblum and Will Smith's characters fly to the alien mothership and transmit a virus to the alien's ship, which infected the invader's computers. Taking the example from earlier, humans, within the span of a few days, created a program that can speak "English" as well as "Urdu," with having limited to no understanding of the language. Also, they transmitted it with a Mac. You have to believe in giant leaps of logic to think this can work under any circumstances.
Hacking Is A Resident Evil Puzzle (Johnny Mnemonic)
Hacking gets really weird in Johnny Mnemonic, a movie about a man who carries data inside his head. During one scene, the titular character puts on a VR headset in order to touch segments on a 3D pyramid to gain access to Hotel Beijing's computer. Once again, hacking is presented as a 3D computerscape, rather than someone coding in a room. The complex problem of coming up with the correct code is presented as a puzzle, and in a sense, a hacker is trying to solve a puzzle, but this metaphorical, over-simplification of what goes into gaining access to another computer system is extremely frustrating.
It's A Literal Game Of Chess (The Double O Kid)
Many times, cinema has depicted the battle between two hackers, like the "Hack the Gibson" sequence in Hackers. The competition between hackers can be seen like a metaphorical game of chess, trying to outsmart each other. Corey Haim's 1992 direct-to-video classic The Double O Kid takes that idea literally. Hacking is presented as a game of chess on a computer between Haim's character and the film's villain, played by Wallace Shawn. There is nothing about this sequence that happens in real life, especially a back-and-forth between hackers, unless they're in a IRC chatroom making fun of each other.
More Digital Maps To Explain Onion Routing (Goldeneye)
If you're watching a movie about hacking, at some point, a hacker will over-explain onion routing while we see a map of the world, with a line bouncing between cities. If you've ever used a Tor browser, then you've done this--sans map. Onion routing, which also uses layered encryption that gets peeled away with every relay, doesn't have any fancy digital maps while it's working. We see this in Goldeneye and a plethora of other movies that feature hacking, as the audience just can't be told, "I'm relaying through a whole bunch of different cities so it's harder to trace me."
Newman Gets Schooled By A Kid Who Knows Unix? (Jurassic Park)
Jurassic Park is a classic film that isn't without its flaws. One of those being the hacking within the film. As your probably remember, Nedry (Wayne Knight) created a virus that shut down a lot of the systems across the dinosaur-inhabited park. It's so effective that even the park's chief engineer can't undo the damage. However, a young girl just happens to know the kind of obscure operating system the computer runs on. Knowing how an operating system works is one thing, but would this system give complete control to everything inside the park? Also, would someone who has never used one of the computers attached to that network know how to navigate through it so easily? The answer is no to both. And yes, this technically isn't hacking, but Jurassic Park presents it that way, so we're calling it like we see it. If you want to relive when John Arnold found out the system was hacked by Nedry, check out the Jurassic Systems website.
Honorable Mention: This Is Madness (Swordfish)
Ok, so Swordfish isn't from the '90s, but it's impossible not to at least discuss what happened early on in the 2001 movie. In this scene, Gabriel (John Travolta) is testing Stanley's (Hugh Jackman) hacking abilities by breaking into the Department of Defense's server. While Stanley is doing this, he has a gun to his head, receives fellatio from a woman, and must do it in 60 seconds. If you've never seen this movie, please take a moment to watch the insane scene for yourself here. Nothing happening in that moment of Swordfish is reality. It's all complete bonkers and pushes the silly Hackers-movie stereotype of hacking.
By Dan Auty on Mar 03, 2018 05:21 pm
Guillermo Del Toro is one of fantasy cinema's great modern directors. From acclaimed Spanish language movies such as The Devil's Backbone and Pan's Labyrinth to high profile Hollywood blockbusters like Pacific Rim and Hellboy films, Del Toro's gift for imaginative, exciting, scary, and often deeply moving cinema is unrivalled. He's also delivered some of the most memorable monsters of recent times too. By tapping into the great tradition of movie creatures that goes back to the likes of Frankenstein and Creature From the Black Lagoon, Del Toro has ensured that his creations are a vital part of his storytelling and frequently unlike anything we've seen on screen before. His latest movie, The Shape of Water, is another masterpiece. Part period drama, part sci-fi thriller, part offbeat love story, it features another fantastic monster creation, played by the director's regular creature collaborator, Doug Jones. So with the film nominated for 13 awards at the upcoming Oscars, let's take a look at some of the other amazing monster creations in Del Toro's filmography.
12. Cathedral-Head (Hellboy II: The Golden Army, 2008)
Hellboy II is packed with weird and wonderful monstrous creations; so many that some of the best are on screen only fleetingly. Cathedral-Head is one of Del Toro's most hilariously odd creatures. He runs a map shop in the Troll Market, and yes, has a cathedral for a head. Del Toro originally planned an even more lavish design for this creation: "Originally the idea was to have little humans running around the ramparts," he said. "But the budget wouldn't allow it."
11. Karl Ruprecht Kroenen (Hellboy, 2004)
Although Kroenen appeared in Mike Mingola's Hellboy comics, he was dramatically reworked by Del Toro into the one of the first movie's main bad guys. On the page he's just a scientist in a gasmask, but on screen he became--to use Del Toro's words--a "mechanical clockwork Nazi zombie." We approve.
10. The Last Elemental (Hellboy II: The Golden Army, 2008)
One of Del Toro's greatest skills is his ability to make his monsters more than just weird and scary. He frequently treats them as he does his human characters, giving them personalities and even making them sympathetic and relatable. Hellboy II's Last Elemental is a great example. Despite its destructive nature, this gigantic tree god is the last of its kind, and Hellboy's decision to kill it is a haunting, tragic moment.
9. Ghosts (Crimson Peak, 2015)
Crimson Peak is Del Toro's least-loved movie. It was a box office failure, and was met by mixed reviews from critics who found the mix of gore, scares, humor, and gothic romance a little uneven. But there is much to like, including the gruesome ghosts which haunt the movie's Gothic mansion. These bloody phantoms are both visceral and otherworldly, their high-contrast red design a world away from more familiar cinematic spectres.
8. Behemoth (Hellboy, 2004)
This terrifying tentacled beast is perhaps as close as we'll get to seeing what Del Toro would have done if he'd had the chance to direct his passion project, At the Mountains of Madness. Sadly that H.P. Lovecraft adaptation never happened, but we do have the Behemoth. One of the 369 children of the demonic entities known as the Ogdru Jahad, it was inspired by the interdimensional horrors of Lovecraft's stories, and made its appearance in Hellboy by bursting out of the body of Hellboy's nemesis Rasputin.
7. Trespasser (Pacific Rim, 2013)
Pacific Rim is packed with cool kaiju, but none have quite the initial onscreen impact as the Trespasser. It's the first creature we see, and this towering beast--also known as Axehead--gives us the perfect introduction to the destructive power of the kaiju. Trespasser lays waste to San Francisco, and because he pre-dates the Jaegers, lives to fight another day.
6. Faun (Pan's Labyrinth, 2006)
This goat-like creature was played by Doug Jones and formed a major part of Pan's Labyrinth's poster campaign. He towers above Ofelia as he leads her into the labyrinth and. despite Del Toro's insistence that the Faun is "neither good or evil," there is a strong suggestion that he harbours unhealthy desires for the young girl.
5. Reapers (Blade 2, 2002)
With Del Toro in charge of the second Blade movie, he made sure that his vampires were way more memorable than those in its predecessor. The Reapers are genetically enhanced bloodsuckers with three-part jaws that split their heads wide open, to allow a proboscis-like tongue to hoover up their victim's blood. Tasty.
4. Judas Breed (Mimic, 1997)
Del Toro may not have had a happy experience directing his English-language debut Mimic, but the movie did deliver one of his scariest monsters. The Judas Breed are huge, human-hunting mutant termite/mantis hybrids that can imitate people by folding their wings and arms, shortly before they rip your head off.
3. The Angel of Death (Hellboy II: The Golden Army, 2008)
Played by Doug Jones once more, this demonic, grinning figure holds Hellboy's fate in her hands in a key scene towards the end of Hellboy II. Like Pan's Labyrinth's Pale Man, the Angel's eyes are located elsewhere on her body--in this case on her wings--with the top-half of her head replaced by a weird cracked organic disc. Or something.
2. Otachi (Pacific Rim, 2013)
Otachi is the meanest, deadliest, an coolest of all Pacific Rim's kaiju. She spits gallons of Jaeger-melting neon acid, can fly, has a lethal barbed tail, and just keeps on fighting. And, as we discover when she is finally stopped by Gipsy Danger, she did all this while pregnant!
1. Pale Man (Pan's Labyrinth, 2006)
Perhaps the most iconic and terrifying monster in Del Toro's filmography, the Pale Man is the child-eating humanoid creature that Ofelia must face in Pan's Labyrinth. Played, of course, by Doug Jones, the moment in which this creature places his eyeball-hands on his face remains a classic, unforgettably chilling moment.
By Dan Auty on Mar 03, 2018 05:20 pm
In the year since its release, Jordan Peele's Get Out has achieved a number of things. It was the most profitable movie of 2017, making more than $254 million at the worldwide box office from a budget of just $4.5 million. It was one of the best reviewed horror movies of the year, and has secured four Oscar nominations, more than any other horror film since The Exorcist in 1973. But its well-deserved success also highlighted how few horror movies have been made by black filmmakers over the decades. In fact, Peele himself spoke about this last year, when he reached out to upcoming black directors with an interest in horror to get in touch with him with the hope that that he can get their projects off the ground. Hopefully Get Out's success will see a new generation of black filmmakers get a chance to see their terrifying visions onscreen. That doesn't mean there are no notable horror films from black directors. Here are 11 well worth seeing--some brilliant, some less so, but they all have their place in the history of horror.
11. Blacula (1972)
William Crain was one of the first African American filmmakers to graduate from a major film school--in his case, UCLA--and score mainstream success within the industry. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Crain wasn't initially interested in exploring political and social themes; he just wanted to sell tickets. And he certainly did that with Blacula, a blaxploitation spin on the story of Dracula that was one of 1973's biggest grossing movies. Viewed today, it's a formulaic and dated film, but its impact was considerable, and kickstarted a whole wave of scary movies aimed at black audiences.
10. Ganja and Hess (1973)
Ganja and Hess now stands as one of the finest independent horror movies of the 1970s, but this is a reputation it's only acquired over the past few years, helped by a long-overdue blu-ray release and a recent Spike Lee remake. It's an eerie vampire yarn directed by playwright Bill Gunn and was the only other starring role for Duane Jones, the star of Night of the Living Dead. Ganja and Hess is a weird, atmospheric love story between a rich anthropologist-turned-bloodsucker and the widow of a man he has killed. Gunn was given full creative control by producers who just wanted a black vampire film to cash in on the blaxploitation craze. Instead they got a haunting, oblique, and wildly uncommercial masterpiece and that was as much a study of race, class and religious hypocrisy as it was a vampire movie.
9. Dr Black, Mr Hyde (1976)
While William Crain's Blacula was a straightforward horror comedy, his second blaxploitation horror did attempt to tackle some weightier themes. In this update of Robert Louise Stevenson's classic horror tale, a black scientist is transformed into a rampaging white maniac, killing drug dealers, pimps, and prostitutes in the ghettos of Los Angeles. Subtle, it is not.
8. Black Devil Doll From Hell (1984)
Written in three days and shot on VHS by Chester Novell Turner, who took a correspondence course to learn how to make a movie, Black Devil Doll From Hell is sordid, sleazy, and unbelievably amateurish. But there's nothing else quite like it, and it's picked up something of a cult reputation in the years since its initial release. A religious young woman wants to remain a virgin until her wedding night, but unfortunately the purchase of a haunted doll (designed to look like '80s funkster Rick James) transforms her into a sex-crazed lunatic. In more recent years Turner has expressed an interest in making a sequel, but sadly--or perhaps, thankfully--this is yet to happen.
7. Def By Temptation (1990)
James Bond III was a bit-part actor whose credits included the '70s TV version of Wonder Woman, B.J. and the Bear, and Spike Lee's School Daze. In 1990 he gained his sole directing credit with Def By Temptation, which he also wrote, produced, and starred in. It's the story of a trainee minister whose faith is tested when he becomes the target of an evil seductress in contemporary New York. Def By Temptation is very low budget, but it's marked by a smart, subversive script, stylish visuals, and stand-out performances, including an early role from Samuel L. Jackson. It's just a shame that Bond never made a second movie.
6. Tales From Da Hood (1995)
Rusty Cundieff is best known as a comedy director, and his credits include the hip-hop spoof Fear of a Black Hat and a lengthy stint on Chappelle's Show in the 2000s. But in 1995, he directed this horror anthology, which dealt with some pretty heavy themes. Each of the four stories tackled a different contemporary concern--like police brutality, domestic violence, and gang warfare--and placed it in a supernatural horror context. It's an effective, underrated mix of scares, dark humor, and social commentary that feels every bit as relevant now as it did 20 years ago.
5. Demon Knight (1995)
The most prolific black filmmaker to have worked in horror over the years is Ernest Dickerson. Dickerson became known for his work as a cinematographer on Spike Lee's early movies, but while his debut film Fresh (1992) was similar in subject matter to Lee's movies, his subsequent work in cinema and TV has frequently embraced horror. His 1995 film Demon Knight is a wildly entertaining horror comedy, spun off from HBO's Tales from the Crypt series. A drifter holes up in a weird motel after stealing an ancient key, and is soon besieged by demonic forces eager to get it back. It's a fast-paced, exciting, and funny ride that proved Dickerson's love of the genre.
4. Bones (2001)
While most '90s rappers-turned-actors stuck to urban thrillers and comedies, Bones was the exception. Starring Snoop Dogg and directed by Ernest Dickerson once more, this was as much a blaxploitation homage as it was a contemporary horror flick. Snoop plays Jimmy Bones, a well-liked crook who is killed by cops in 1979. 22 years later, Bones returns to--you guess it--seek his revenge. Snoop isn't exactly the scariest of horror anti-heroes, but it's a fun collision of horror, social satire, and some top-notch hip-hop.
3. Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus (2015)
Spike Lee isn't a director known for horror, but in 2015 he applied his talents to a remake of Ganja and Hess. As a movie, the results were a little disappointing. Storywise it's a very faithful remake, but Gunn's unique dreamlike style is replaced by a flat TV-movie look, and Lee adds nothing thematically interesting to this potent blend of horror and drama. But Lee's high profile meant that the original movie received some mainstream attention, and hopefully curious viewers will have checked out Gunn's original masterpiece.
2. Get Out (2017)
It wasn't surprising that Jordan Peele would make his directing debut with a horror movie, given the comedian's fondness of genre pastiches on Key & Peele. But no one could have predicted the huge impact of Get Out. The overwhelmingly positive critical reaction was matched by an amazing box office haul, and Peele prove himself adept at combining highly relevant social themes with a movie that was funny, tense, and scary.
1. Kuso (2017)
Director Steven Ellison is better known as musician Flying Lotus, but even fans who expected his directing debut to be as ambitious and inventive as his albums might have been taken aback by Kuso. A post-apocalyptic psychedelic horror comedy, the movie bombards the viewer with a non-stop cavalcade of gruesome body horror, slapstick laughs, animation, puppetry, musical sequences, bodily fluids, disturbing VFX, and all manner of sexual perversity. It caused numerous walkouts when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last year, but if you ever wanted to see funk master George Clinton produce a giant cockroach from his anus, this is the movie for you.
By Mat Elfring on Mar 03, 2018 03:28 am
Netflix is dominating the streaming service landscape, providing a plethora of entertainment for its subscribers. However, it releases so much content that it can be a real pain to keep track of it all. Don't worry, we have you covered throughout all of 2018. While we won't be seeing the next season of Stranger Things this year, there are still quite a few series to check out. Starting with January, we're detailing every Netflix original series the company releases this year and including a few of our thoughts about the shows we've seen. Yes, that even includes the bizarre documentary series most people pass over, time and time again, as we watch Altered Carbon for a tenth time. Here are the original series you can currently watch on Netflix, right now. Stay tuned for every Netflix original movie this year in the upcoming days. Click here to jump to February Click here to jump to March
Lovesick: Season 3
Release Date: January 1 Genre: Sitcom Originally a Channel 4 series, Lovesick found a new home on Netflix in 2016. The show follows a group of friends living together in Glasgow, who are ultimately trying to find love and live their lives.
The End Of The F***ing World
Release Date: January 5 Genre: Dark Comedy Also originating on Channel 4, The End of the F***ing World found its way to Netflix in the new year. The show follows a young man who believes himself to be a psychopath. He wants to kill someone and settles on a young woman, who befriends him. Before jumping in to this series, there are a few things you need to know about the show.
Rotten
Release Date: January 5 Genre: Documentary Rotten dives into the American food industry and problems that have risen in the past few years, like the rise in demand for honey, while bees are disappearing in record numbers.
Disjointed: Second Half Of Season 1
Release Date: January 10 Genre: Comedy Kathy Bates stars as the owner of a Los Angeles marijuana dispensary who employs her son and his friends to help run it. The first half of the first season was released in August 2017, with the second half dropping in January. Netflix cancelled the series in February.
My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman
Release Date: January 12 Genre: Interview David Letterman returns in this new Netflix series that releases episodes monthly. The former Late Night host interviews people of note, which includes former President Barack Obama in Episode 1. The first season will consist of six episodes.
Somebody Feed Phil
Release Date: January 12 Genre: Travel/Food Everyone Loves Raymond creator Philip Rosenthal's new Netflix series is essentially a revamped version of his PBS show I'll Have What Phil's Having. Rosenthal travels the world, eats food, and cracks jokes along the way. Putting aside the fact that the intro music is the most annoying thing I've ever heard--and I used to listen to grindcore--Somebody Feed Phil is bland, unfunny, and feels pointless. There is no point-of-view or purpose. It's just a man travelling the world and eating. There's no catch nor anything that makes it enjoyable.
Drug Lords
Release Date: January 19 Genre: Documentary Drug Lords documents the life and crimes of cartels and its kingpins. The series interviews those who fought against the cartels and others who were a part of the cartels themselves, which--at times--creates conflicting stories.
Grace and Frankie: Season 4
Release date: January 19 Genre: Comedy Grace and Frankie find themselves living together after their husbands leave the women, for each other. The series has been nominated for multiple Emmys.
Dirty Money
Release Date: January 26 Genre: Documentary The Netflix series Dirty Money documents corporate corruption with each episode focusing on a single event, like the Volkswagen emissions scandal, which was featured on Episode 1.
One Day At A Time: Season 2
Release Date: January 26 Genre: Sitcom One Day At A Time--a reboot of the 1975 CBS series--follows a a United States Army Nurse Corps who separates from her husband to raise her kids with her mother.
Altered Carbon
Release Date: February 2 Genre: Sci-Fi A former mercenary's mind is placed in a new body, 250 years after his body died, and he's tasked with solving the murder of a wealthy man. GameSpot's Mike Rougeau said in his review, "Altered Carbon isn't hardcore sci-fi because it's set on a spaceship or there are weird-looking aliens running around; it's because the show recognizes that revolutionary new technologies don't exist in a bubble. They alter the fabric of the world, like cars, air travel, the internet, and cell phones have."
Queer Eye
Release Date: February 7 Genre: Reality A revamp of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Queer Eye features five gay men who makeover someone and change their lives by having them dress better, learn to cook, update their homes, and take better care of themselves overall. While GameSpot doesn't have an official review, the Queer Eye revamp has a lot of heart and it's fun. Sure, hairstylist Jonathan Van Ness can be a bit much, but Karamo Brown usually reigns him in.
Greenhouse Academy: Season 2
Release Date: February 14 Genre: Drama A brother and sister enroll in a private school for gifted students after losing their mother. The siblings join different houses within the school and quickly become rivals.
Everything Sucks
Release Date: February 16 Genre: Dramedy During the 1990s, a freshman A.V. club member falls in love with a young girl and their relationship has a few roadblocks, primarily because she's gay. The series is filled with '90s nostalgia, and you can check some of those things and learn their history here. GameSpot's Mike Rougeau said in his review, "Everything Sucks won't be for everyone, and it's far from perfect. But for those who can get past the cringey assault of forced '90s references and discover what the show is actually about, the prospect of a second season--which the final scene sets up in the most obvious way possible--won't seem so bad."
First Team: Juventus
Release Date: February 16 Genre: Sports Documentary The series follows the renowned soccer club Juventus as the team goes for its seventh straight Italian title. First Team follows the club both on and off the field, so viewers get a sense of what it's like to be a player.
The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale
Release Date: February 18 (New episodes on Sundays) Genre: Clip Show Yes, there are way too many shows where someone stands in front of a green screen and watches video clips, but no one (sorry, Bob Saget and John Henson) did it better than Joel McHale on E!'s The Soup. The Joel McHale Show is pretty much The Soup with less coverage of E! shows. There isn't an official GameSpot review, but if you loved The Soup, this will be right up your alley. The comedy is still top-notch.
Seven Seconds
Release Date: February 23 Genre: Crime Drama A teenager is killed in a hit-and-run incident, which is covered up, and tensions flare as there is no resolution to the case and no justice for the teen's family.
Ugly Delicious
Release Date: February 23 Genre: Travel/Food Chef and author David Chang travels around the globe, discussing food and culture with friends, scholars, and entertainers, as well as his own experiences growing up in America as someone of Korean descent. It's amazing to see Netflix release the worst travel/food series I've ever seen (Somebody Feed Phil) followed by Ugly Delicious a month later, which is undoubtedly the best I have yet to see. Ugly Delicious and David Chang aren't trying to be something they're not and putting on airs when it comes to all the topics this show covers, from racial stereotypes to the many different facets of American culture to food sustainability. It's honest, sincere, and at times, funny. It may also be the only travel/food show where the host not only admits he eats fast food on occasion but actually goes on a ride-along with a Domino's driver. This is a must see series.
Flint Town
Release Date: March 2 Genre: Docuseries A film crew follows police officers in Flint, Michigan, covering the day-to-day struggles with being a resident of that city--one with an undrinkable water supply.
Girls Incarcerated
Release Date: March 2 Genre: Docuseries In Indiana, at a juvenile correctional facility, the lives of girls are chronicled as they try to turn their lives around before they become adults.
By Mat Elfring on Mar 03, 2018 03:05 am
The spring movie season is now where many blockbusters live. Sure, the summer still pumps out huge movies that crowds show up to see, but late spring has quickly become the start of the blockbuster season. The next three months have quite a few big movies hitting theaters from Avengers: Infinity War to Rampage to Pacific Rim: Uprising, which will surely sell out opening weekend. However, between March and May are some lesser-known films as well that seem fantastic, including some entertaining-looking horror films. We've checked out all the upcoming releases for the spring and found 15 that we're excited for this season. You can jump ahead to April here or May here.
Tomb Raider
Alicia Vikander takes on the role of Lara Croft in the new Tomb Raider movie, and the latest trailer is pretty action packed. In the new film, Croft finds herself stranded on the same island where her father disappeared. Hopefully, the movie will get the adaptation of the 2013 Tomb Raider right. If you want to know more about the star of the film, check out the Q&A we did with Vikander. Tomb Raider opens on March 16.
Pacific Rim: Uprising
It's been way too long since we've seen Jaegers fight Kaiju. Sure, it's only been five years since the release of the first Pacific Rim, but we demand more giant robot and monster fights! Luckily, Pacific Rim: Uprising is coming in late-March, and this time around, John Boyega plays Jake Pentecost, the son of Idris Elba's character Stacker. He leads a new generation of Jaeger pilots against a new and more terrifying threat. Pacific Rim: Uprising opens on March 23.
Isle of Dogs
Wes Anderson is bringing his directing style into the world of stop-motion animation. Isle of Dogs takes place in Japan and follows a young boy who is searching for his dog. To help him, he's accompanied by a group of dogs voiced by Edward Norton, Bryan Cranston, Bill Murray, and Jeff Goldblum. The trailer is delightful, and it's apparent that Anderson is paying homage to classic Japanese cinema. Isle of Dogs opens on March 23.
I Kill Giants
Based on the Image Comics' series of the same name by Joe Kelly and JM Ken Niimura, I Kill Giants is the story of a young girl who escapes her troubles by diving into a world of fantasy where she kills giant monsters. The trailer may seem like it's geared more towards a younger audience, but the comic is heartwarming, touching, and a lot of fun. Hopefully, those tones carry over to the movie as well. I Kill Giants opens on March 23.
Ready Player One
Based on the book of the same name, Ready Player One follows Wade Watts, who is on a mission to find an Easter egg in the virtual reality game Oasis after its creator passes away. The movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, has tons of references to movies, television, and video games from the past, making it seem like a fun nostalgic romp. The latest trailer features Mario Kart and Halo references. Ready Player One opens on March 29.
A Quiet Place
The first trailer for the upcoming A Quiet Place debuted during this year's Super Bowl. It's directed by and stars John Krasinski (The Office). He and Emily Blunt play a couple living in complete isolation with their children and have to be as quiet as possible. Every time they make a noise, they are terrorized by a monster who is trying to kill them. This doesn't look like a straight-up horror film, but it does seem pretty intense. We've got a good feeling this will be a sleeper hit for 2018. A Quiet Place opens on April 6.
Blockers
Admittedly, Blockers is a terrible name for a movie, especially with a simulated rooster above the title on the poster, and the trailer doesn't seem great either. However, the premise for the movie is awesome. Take the plot of American Pie--where a group of teens plan on losing their virginity on prom night--and have the movie from the parent's perspective--who do not want their kids engaging in coitus. Trailers are not always the best representation of what a movie will be like, so we're hoping this turns out as great as the premise is. Blockers opens on April 6.
You Were Never Really Here
You Were Never Really Here probably isn't on your radar, but it should be. Joaquin Phoenix plays a traumatized veteran who tracks down missing girls. He takes on a high-profile case and finds himself involved in a conspiracy. The trailer for the film is brutal, emotional, and intense. Don't let the title fool you though. You Were Never Really Here has nothing to do with Phoenix's mockumentary I'm Still Here. You Were Never Really Here opens on April 6.
Truth or Dare
The latest film from Blumhouse is Truth or Dare, which is about a group of friends who play "Truth or Dare," only to find out they can die if they don't tell the truth or accomplish the dare, as there are supernatural forces at play. The idea for the movie is pretty silly, but the trailer is awesome. Blumhouse has a lot more hits than misses in the horror genre, with Split, Get Out, Insidious, and The Purge all under its belt. Truth or Dare opens on April 13.
Rampage
All video game movies don't have to be bad, right? This spring, aside from Tomb Raider, we're also getting the big screen adaptation of Rampage--a game none of us thought would ever be made into the movie. Dwayne Johnson plays Davis, a man who is best friends with a gorilla named George that is growing into a giant monster. Together, they fight other giant monsters in a big city. If you've seen the trailer, you know things get smashed and The Rock has some cool catchphrases. This is the summer blockbuster we've been waiting for. Rampage opens on April 20.
Super Troopers 2
It's been a long time coming for Super Troopers 2, with the first trailer releasing last month. The Vermont State Troopers from the 2001 cult classic are back, but this time, they're working on a highway that's in the middle of a border dispute between the United States and Canada. The trailer is hilarious, and it's nice to see the Broken Lizard gang can still deliver comedy. Super Troopers 2 opens on April 20.
Avengers: Infinity War
Infinity War was moved forward a week, so that means the third Avengers film will close out April. There's not a lot we need to say to sell you on this movie. It's going to be the biggest Marvel movie yet, with almost every character from the MCU movies coming together to fight the evil Thanos. Avengers: Infinity War opens on April 27.
Bad Samaritan
If Avengers: Infinity War is sold out, and you still want to see a movie in the theater, you may want to check out Bad Samaritan, which is one part Don't Breathe, one part Rear Window, and one part Fear. In the movie, a couple of burglars, who pose as car valets, find a captive woman in one of the houses they're robbing. However, they later realize the owner of the home--played by David Tennant--is stalking them. Since his role as Kilgrave in Jessica Jones, we've been dying to see Tennant as a villain again, and the trailer for this movie is fantastic. Bad Samaritan opens on April 27.
Deadpool 2
Josh Brolin looks amazing as Cable in Deadpool 2. It's a superhero film that doesn't take itself too seriously, even when it comes to press releases. Here's the official synopsis from Twentieth Century Fox: After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Mayberry's hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor - finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World's Best Lover. Deadpool 2 opens on May 18.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Finally, closing out May is the movie that's had a few stumbles along the way: Solo. The solo Han Solo movie has had a myriad of problems during production, including the firing of original directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord, but the trailer for the movie gave fans a new hope that the movie could be good. Mainly, we're just excited to see Donald Glover as Lando. Solo: A Star Wars Story opens on May 25.
By Oscar Dayus on Mar 03, 2018 01:55 am
Rainbow Six Siege has evolved repeatedly over its two-and-a-bit-year life, and as it heads into its third year of DLC it's about to change again. Operation Chimera is nearly upon us--as is the new Outbreak co-op mode--bringing two new Operators and more. In addition, lots of the game's Operators are going free for those who purchase the Standard Edition or above, so you'll soon have many more characters to choose from. With that in mind, you might be wondering who to play as. For those still new to Siege or planning to pick it up soon, check out our guide on the best Operators for Rainbow Six Siege beginners. For the best Operators for advanced players, meanwhile, you're already in the right place. Of course, you'll likely have your own opinions and we'd love to hear them in the comments below. For more info on Rainbow Six Siege, including our time with the game-changing Chimera expansion, check out our coverage on GameSpot.
Thermite (Attack)
Thermite's ability--a special breaching charge that can penetrate reinforced walls--make him an excellent attacking Operator. His two explosives make holes big enough to walk through, so you can make your own entry points into objective rooms. And even if you don't intend to enter an objective this way, it's a great way of distracting a defensive team. On top of that, he comes with a capable loadout. His M1014 shotgun is excellent at close-range, and is fast and great from the hip. His 556xi rifle on the other hand carries little recoil and excels at range.
Hibana (Attack)
Your other option for breaking through reinforced walls is Hibana. Her X-Kairos pellets can burn through metal walls and create openings for you to peek through. She has the advantage over Thermite of ranged breaching, and she gets three clusters of pellets to Thermite's two, so you can punch more holes in the enemy defense. Hibana's ability is also less vulnerable to being Bandit tricked (more on that later). However, each cluster doesn't create a big enough window to walk through, so you'll have to use more than one if you want to make another entry point. Despite Hibana and Thermite having similar abilities, many pro league teams roll with both in their squad as they each have such a crucial role in any team, and one being killed could be the difference between a win and a loss if the other isn't there to take up the breaching mantle.
Mute (Defense)
For most situations, one of Mute or Bandit is essential. Each can prevent Thermite or Hibana charges from activating, destroying their devices in the process. In terms of pure ability, Mute is often the best pick as his jammers can cover two reinforced walls (rather than Bandit's one per shock wire) and can jam vertically, too, meaning you can prevent enemies from breaching hatches above you. Finally, standing near a Mute jammer has the added bonus of protecting you from Lion's new drone ability and from Dokkaebi's ringing phones. He has a respectable loadout with the MP5K sub-machine gun, along with a powerful but slow firing M590A1 shotgun. His nitro cell charge can also open up walls and kill attackers behind them, making Mute as versatile an anchor as any.
Bandit (Defense)
Bandit's shock wires can electrify Thermite and Hibana charges, and while you don't get as much coverage as with Mute's electric devices, you can perform the amazing (but annoying!) Bandit trick. This involves placing a shock wire device after hearing Thermite place one of his charges--doing so will destroy the charge while not leaving your device open to being deactivated by one of Thatcher's EMP grenades. Bandit also arguably has a better loadout than Mute: his MP7 SMG is more powerful than Mute's MP5K with a rapid rate of fire--just don't let its recoil get the better of you.
Mira (Defense)
Mira is one Operator who is great in conjunction with Bandit. Since her one-way mirrors allow you to see through a reinforced wall, Bandit can see when a Thermite charge is about to be placed, making Bandit tricking easier. Even without Bandit, she can be a hugely effective Operator: putting two black mirrors next to each other and popping the window of one allows you to see an enemy approaching, strafe to the side, and take them out quickly. Alternatively, you can place a mirror low on an unreinforced wall, spot an approaching enemy, and stand up to frag them through the penetrable board. Mira has the potential to hugely weaken an attacking force, but she can do more harm than good in the hands of an inexperienced player--popping the mirror at the wrong time or allowing an enemy Twitch drone to do so for you can pierce a huge hole in your own defense.
Thatcher (Attack)
Thatcher is just an old man who hates technology, so what better character to have wield EMPs? His grenades can deactivate any enemy electronic device in their vicinity, including Mute jammers and Bandit's shock wires. This means Thatcher is the perfect sidekick to any Thermite or Hibana and makes him a near-essential pick on Secure Area and Hostage. The Bandit trick is a problem, but good communication between Thatcher and Hibana or Thermite can mean you can outsmart the dastardly opponent. He's also one of the few Operators that still carries standard breaching charges, so he can directly help punch holes in an enemy defense.
Twitch (Attack)
The alternative to Thatcher is Twitch. Her shock drones are similarly capable of taking out enemy devices, including Mute jammers, Bandit's shock wires, and defender cameras. A recent nerf means she now only has five shocks per drone so you'll have to pick your targets carefully, but she remains a potent weapon in any attacking force. In addition, her F2 assault rifle is one of the most powerful in the game--if you have steady aim, you're in with a good shot of winning any 1v1 engagement.
Valkyrie (Defense)
What do you do if a Twitch drone takes out all your cameras? Just put more cameras down, of course! Valkyrie's black eyes can give you crucial bonus vantage points over an enemy approach. Placed inside an objective room, above a common chokepoint, or outside a building to catch attackers off-guard at the start of a round, the extra cams provide Siege's most important currency: information. Valkyrie has the potential to turn the tide in the defending team's favor, even after she dies, but she requires intricate map knowledge to be used effectively. You don't want a black eye put up right next to an existing camera or in a place no enemy will go.
Dokkaebi (Attack)
Dokkaebi has somewhat fallen out of favor with many Siege players--her M14 EBR is excellent at a distance but as soon as you get to Siege's close-quarters core, its semi-auto fire rate means it struggles. Nevertheless, her ability to make defenders' phones ring loudly is an interesting one that can provide vital information in an attack, while her camera hack is the perfect counter to Valkyrie. Ringing defender phones can not only let you know exactly where enemies are, but it also distracts them--move in at the exact moment they pause to turn their phone off and you have an easy kill. Getting access to enemy cameras is then just an added bonus. Dokkaebi isn't as important to a push as Thermite or Thatcher or Hibana, but provided you have those bases ticked, she can be an excellent support Operator.
Ash (Attack)
One box that should probably be ticked is Ash. Her ability isn't the most powerful in the game--ranged breaching charges are nice, but don't really allow you to do much that, say, Zofia or Hibana couldn't also do--but her R4-C assault rifle is one of the best in the game. In addition, she's tough to inflict damage upon as her hitbox is tiny and her being one armor/three speed means she can move quickly. Nevermind her mediocre ability: in the hands of an advanced player, Ash can win a round by herself.
Ela (Defence)
Similar to Ash, Ela's ability isn't actually that great. Her concussion mines can make the difference if the attackers are making a last-minute push, but often rounds don't even get to that stage, so it's rare you'll even be able to utilize their dizzying effects. Nevertheless, she remains one of the most popular Operators because--again, similar to Ash--her hitbox is small, her speed is lightning, and her gun is remarkable. The Scorpion Evo has a rapid rate of fire and a large magazine size to compensate. Ela is getting nerfed, but she'll no doubt still be an excellent roamer.
Smoke (Defence)
Smoke is another Operator who excels when time is running out for an attacking squad. On Secure Area or Hostage in particular, his gas canisters can block an attacking route for the other team--they either charge through into the unknown and get hurt in the process, or they must find another way in. Save his smoke grenades for the final few seconds of a round and it can almost guarantee a win. In addition, Smoke is one of the best Operators to counter Finka's powerful new ability. The adrenal surge the new Operation Chimera character comes equipped with speeds up allies' breathing, meaning they'll take more damage from Smoke's deadly fog of war.
Montagne (Attack)
With lots of highly mobile characters popular at present, shield Operators are a little out of favor in Siege's meta. While Montagne isn't always the best pick, situationally he can be near unstoppable. On Bomb in particular, he can simply sit on top of a planted defuser and protect it, whittling away time. When the other team finally manage to find a gap in his armor, they'll likely have run out of time. Just don't ever let your shield down. Seriously, he's useless otherwise.
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