By Anonymous on Apr 14, 2018 11:30 pm With Yakuza 6: The Song of Life for PS4 upon us, Michael, Ben, and Jean-Luc talk about what makes Yakuza so great and why you need to play this underrated series.
Nostalgia is rife in 2018. People go crazy about Nintendo's Virtual Console games and about "new" games being added to Xbox One's compatibility program. Recently, Sony has been focusing in on taking its most iconic PS1 properties and finding ways to remake or remaster them.
Whether it's the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, or MediEvil, or the recently announced Spyro Reignited Trilogy, old games are being given proverbial new licks of paint at every turn. And this got us thinking: which old PS1 games would we want ported to current-gen with all the online bells and anti-aliasing whistles that new technology brings?
Many of our choices include some of the most iconic franchises from the era, while the others are more obscure or long-forgotten. When we compiled this list, it surprised us remembering just how many fantastic games came out on PlayStation's inaugural console; it was tough to narrow it all down.
Read on for our personal choices of favorite games from our respective childhoods that we want. What we highlight here is but a handful of the many fantastic games available on the console, so be sure to leave your suggestions and wishes of games you don't see here in the comments below!
Crash Team Racing & Crash Bash | Oscar Dayus, Staff Writer
Crash Bandicoot's N. Sane Trilogy gave the original three games in the series a much-deserved makeover and modernized them for the current generation. In doing so, developer Vicarious Visions proved it could be trusted with one of gaming's most beloved mascots. It would make perfect sense, then, to let the company have free reign with the remaining Crash Bandicoot PlayStation games, Crash Team Racing and Crash Bash.
Crash Team Racing was what made me fall in love with kart racers. The PlayStation was my first console, and so CTR was my first exposure to the genre--Mario Kart would have to wait. But what a first racer to pick. It had my favorite characters from the first three Crash Bandicoot games--complete with an engaging story and fun hub worlds--and combined them with satisfying racing and a selection of inventive power-ups.
Crash Bash, meanwhile, was a party game that featured a number of different mini-game types: Crate Crush, Polar Push, Tank Wars, Ballisrix, Pogo Pandemonium, Crash Dash, and Medieval Mayhem. You could play each level of these types in isolation, but the game's Adventure mode set them up in the Crash canon as a four-way battle between Aku Aku and Uka Uka to decide whether good or evil would prevail. One of Crash Bash's best features, however, were the tweaked versions of each level you'd have to complete in order to earn Crystals, in addition to the more standard Trophies and Gems.
Together, Crash Team Racing and Crash Bash were my first exposures to multiplayer gaming, and in addition to making them look nicer, current-gen remasters have extra potential. I'd love to be able to play the games with friends online, because where did anyone ever get a multitap?
Twisted Metal | Chris Reed, Commerce Editor
You know what's missing from the AAA gaming landscape of 2018? Vehicular combat. Some games let you fight in cars, but it's almost never the core gameplay mechanic anymore. Certainly no game focuses on hunting down opponents and blowing them to smithereens like Twisted Metal did back in 1995.
This was a grungy game filled with demented characters who drove vehicles with guns and rocket launchers bolted onto them. You cruised around, collecting power-ups and pumping lead and heavy firepower into your opponents until they exploded. That's about all there was to it.
The single-player mode was enjoyable, but the real fun began when you could convince a friend or sibling to hop in for some head-to-head mayhem. Then it got personal. The whole thing was cheap-looking and trashy and drenched in delightful nihilism. What other game would make its mascot an insane clown who drives an ice cream truck? There's nothing else like Twisted Metal.
Bushido Blade And / Or Bushido Blade 2 | Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer
Bushido Blade, the 3D, one-on-one sword-fighting game for PlayStation, was a uniquely unforgiving game that hasn't really been replicated since--its nearest neighbour today would probably be Nidhogg. It had no health bars, and landing a clean hit on your opponent meant a crippled limb, if not instant bloody death.
Tension was the name of the game; every standoff was a strenuous task of reading your opponent, playing mind games and exercising quick reflexes. It was also a game concerned with maintaining honorable disposition and respecting your opponent. Bowing formally before a match, fighting fair, and never stabbing your opponent in the back was encouraged, and enhanced the game's zen-like appeal.
But, you could also do the exact opposite: throw dirt in someone's face, kick them when they're down, and run frantically through the game's large, open arenas to search for an environment that could put your opponent and their choice of weapon at a disadvantage--a bamboo thicket could restrict naginata slashing maneuvers, while a deep river could mask the movements of your katana, for example.
Bushido Blade and its sequel in 1998 were fantastic, accessible fighting games that you could play with a friend. It was one of my earliest memories of yelling at the TV and a buddy who had managed to win the game despite his character's inability to walk. In an era where players celebrate pure, unforgiving game experiences, Bushido Blade is the kind of game that deserves a revitalized and more readily accessible version, if not a sequel.
Silent Hill | Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer
Silent Hill was my very first PlayStation game (I was a late adopter), and its take on survival horror had such an impressive impact on me that other horror titles like Resident Evil just couldn't cut it for me for the longest time. It was the first encounter with the fog that made it so memorable--the fact that you couldn't see more than a few feet in front of you as you explored the mysteriously abandoned town (a technical limitation that was twisted into a series narrative device). It instilled such strong sense of anxiety and dread that made moving from one place to another a mentally taxing hurdle, even if there was likely no danger at all.
Silent Hill 2 is more commonly perceived as the best in the series. But the original's more straightforward, Steven King- and David Lynch-inspired tones, the "search for your missing daughter" plot, and the demonic turns it takes (which were then unexpected) personally had a more lasting impression on me. Silent Hill did get a reimagining in 2009 in the form of Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, and I really enjoyed it the liberties it took with the narrative, mechanics, and the inventive use of the Wii remote. But it sure would be fantastic if the original Silent Hill got a Spyro-style remake or remaster so I can remember one of the formative games in in my life in a not-so-dated light.
We got HD remasters of Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill 3 in 2012, but they were technically terrible overhauls, and the re-recorded voice acting copped a lot of flak from fans. Even though both games remained classics and shone through regardless, it's time for Konami to make it up to us.
Driver | Chris Pereira, News Editor
The moment I heard what Driver is--a game where you play as an undercover wheelman where you can drive anywhere in the game's world--I was instantly won over. At the time of its release in 1999, we had games like Grand Theft Auto, where you could freely explore a world, but at the time the series still had the classic top-down perspective. Driver offered the twist on Need for Speed I always wanted, letting me drive down the side streets and feel like I was actually exploring a world (comprised of loosely modeled recreations of real-world cities) freely.
That concept obviously isn't as novel today as it once was, but there remains a simplicity and single-mindedness of Driver that I think would be appealing. It doesn't task you with getting out of your car, shooting, or any of the other elements of, say, GTA V. Instead, your goal is entirely about navigating the world, evading police, and pulling off sweet 180s.
A remaster would afford us the opportunity to return to those simple pleasures of Driver without having to deal with the game's technical problems and shortcomings. It suffered from severe pop-in, and it wasn't until Driver 2 that cities introduced curved roads. An updated version could present a better-looking version of the game and revamp road layouts where they make sense. Do that with a budget-priced release, and I think a Driver remaster could be a real hit.
Syphon Filter | Chris Pereira, News Editor
It was no Metal Gear Solid, but Syphon Filter offered its own blend of stealth and third-person action that was extremely enjoyable. I loved how many different places around the world the game takes you, and it boasted a wide array of weapons and gadgets to use. Anyone who played the original likely has fond memories of rolling their way through glass and making use of its ranged taser, which let you literally set enemies on fire if deployed for long enough. As I found, being 12 years old at the time, few games offered a mechanic more hilarious.
I won't sit here and tell you that replaying Syphon Filter in the modern day would be a life-changing experience, though I do think an improved version of its stealth-action would fill the hole left by Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell. Regardless, the opportunity to employ that taser again would make a remaster worth every penny.
Vagrant Story | Peter Brown, Lord Of The Flies
Most people would consider Metal Gear Solid to be the most "cinematic" PlayStation game. It definitely fits the mold, with striking camera angles that enhance the spirit of pivotal scenes. Though as much as I respect Metal Gear Solid, the game that I feel most deserves special mention for its use of composition and lighting has to be Vagrant Story. It's an unusual Squaresoft RPG from Yasumi Matsuno, the principle creative behind Ogre Battle, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Final Fantasy XII, to name a few. It was both visually striking and ahead of its time--excellent reasons for it to be redressed with modern techniques.
Though Vagrant Story's visuals can be evocative, they are hindered by low-resolution PlayStation textures, and the worst examples can be very off-putting. They weren't so bad when viewed on scanline-based CRT TVs, but a modern progressive display can't mask those old digital skidmarks. New HD textures, a higher native resolution, and some light antialiasing would go a long way to make Vagrant Story palatable in 2018, and give it a second lease on life for those who missed out on it years ago.
Ape Escape | Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
One of the most distinct exclusives to ever release on PS1 was Ape Escape. Its premise was bizarre: you played as Spike, a boy tasked with capturing an ape named Specter who gains enhanced intelligence through the use of an experimental helmet, allowing him to produce an ape army that he sends through time in an attempt to rewrite history. Not only was Ape Escape's monkey-capturing premise unusual, the game also sported a control scheme quite unlike anything at the time. Utilizing the analog sticks of the recently released Dualshock controller, you could use weapons and gadgets by moving the right stick in the direction you wanted to swing.
On paper, Ape Escape sounds bananas (no pun intended), but it somehow managed to be one of the most captivating and memorable adventures on PS1. There's a lot to love about Ape Escape, which is why it's a perfect candidate for the HD remaster treatment. Sure, you can say it was technically remastered on PSP, but I don't think that counts since it completely removed the original's distinct analog control scheme.
Revamped visuals could breathe new life into its varied stage roster; imagine exploring HD versions of the snow-covered landscapes of the Ice Age or the Great Wall of China during the Middle Ages. Heck, what about the innards of Dexter the sick dinosaur? It would be stunning.
If Sony continues down this road of remastering more classic PS1 games, then it should look no further. Ape Escape is well past due for some love and recognition.
Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver | Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver is a long-forgotten gem from the PS1-era. An early example of a 3D metroidvania done right, the game won my young heart with its haunting gothic style, clever combat mechanics, and distinct premise. I'll always remember the impact the game's intro cinematic and opening areas had on me. Its grim narrative and intriguing characters are some of the most memorable I've experienced in gaming.
The game puts you in control of Raziel, a vampire lieutenant turned soul-sucking wraith after being betrayed by the tyrannical vampire lord Kain. Brought back to life by a mysterious benefactor known as The Elder God, Raziel must embark on a journey to exact vengeance against his former king.
Soul Reaver is well-deserving of an HD remaster. If anything, it's long overdue. The world of Nosgoth, a desolate and broken kingdom populated by all manner of mutated vampires, remains haunting and atmospheric. The vampire weakness-focused combat is still a creative and entertaining system to dispatch foes. In addition, the game is rich with fascinating locations to explore and secrets to unearth. There's so much to enjoy about the original Soul Reaver; it would be amazing to experience it all over again with revamped textures, lighting effects, and updated mechanics.
There's still nothing else quite like Soul Reaver. While it has been 15 years since we've seen a new Legacy of Kain game, an HD remaster of its most iconic entry would be a brilliant way to revitalize interest. After all, its 20th anniversary is fast approaching, so what better time than now?
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment | Michael Higham, Associate Editor
Thanks to 2017's Persona 5, the Persona games have become more popular than ever. With that, there's a distinct opportunity to revisit the earlier years of the amazing series. A few elements that make the modern Personas weren't present in the PS1 era games, like social links and leisurely activities outside of fighting, but character development and a dark supernatural story in a high school setting were still at the heart of Persona 2.
The complete arc of Persona 2 was split between two games (Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment) that act as separate chapters. Eternal Punishment puts you in the shoes of Maya Amano, a major character and party member from Innocent Sin. She's a magazine writer who's investigating the evil New World Order that aims to cleanse the world of sin. You band together with fellow persona users to prevent them from achieving their sinister goal; the tone and setup are closer to mainline Shin Megami Tensei than modern Persona.
Innocent Sin already has a remaster of sorts, which was made for the PSP back in 2011. Eternal Punishment received the same treatment of refined mechanics and a visual upgrade for Japan, but it was never localized for any other region. Currently, the original PS1 version of Eternal Punishment is playable in the west on PS3, PSP, and Vita, but an 18-year-old game left untouched might be hard to go back to. As someone who has absolutely fallen in love with this franchise and made it a mission to go back and play every single one of these games, I would drop everything I'm currently playing to revisit a few of the early stories in a more palatable form.
Parasite Eve | Michael Higham, Associate Editor
Parasite Eve acts as a sequel to the novel of the same name by author Hideaki Sena, but this first entry for the game series felt truly unique in its time. Squaresoft (now Square Enix) hadn't gone down the M-rated route before, but it didn't waste time showing you what this game was about; the opening scene depicts an opera crowd bursting into flames, which was absolutely horrifying considering I was a kid at the time. Everyone burns to death except Aya Brea (you, a green NYPD cop) and the performer, who transforms into a supernatural monster, kicking off this paranormal thriller. This is also where you jump into the unique blend of action and turn-based RPG.
Aya resorts to traditional firearms to take down terrifying creatures, and you control her from an isometric angle as you inspect environments. Combat is turn-based with magical Parasite Energy capabilities thrown into the mix, and world exploration taps into a traditional RPG structure. Think of it as Resident Evil meets Final Fantasy. As an early fan of both franchises, it was an incredible feeling to see those two styles collide.
Parasite Eve's dark, dingy version of New York City always gave me chills, but the game's phenomenal presentation and hybrid RPG gameplay pushed me to overcome the intimidation. I loved Parasite Eve so much that I actually battled through the 77 floors of the Chrysler Building in the new game plus mode and fought the secret boss, so I'd definitely love to do it all over again on current-gen.
Xenogears | Michael Higham, Associate Editor
Within the incredibly strong roster of JRPGs within the PS1's lineup, Xenogears stands near the top of the bunch. Originally planned as a sequel to Chrono Trigger, director Tetsuya Takahashi took his project in a different direction with a mecha-science fiction story that made for a more active and intricate battle system. Xenogears featured Active Time Battle, which was an up-tempo turn-based combat system, but also integrated button combos for the different abilities of its characters. Throw in Gears (giant robots) into the mix and you had one of the more dynamic RPGs of its time.
In addition to its unique take on the RPG genre, Xenogears hit some heavy notes in its story by using religious and philosophical themes. Ultimately, as the amnesiac Fei Fong Wong, you collaborate with other party members and set out to destroy the all-powerful gear called Deus, revived by evildoers in an attempt to wipe the existence of humanity. Because of its religious references and takes on human existence, there was trouble localizing for the west without seeming blasphemous. Thankfully, a localized version did happen eventually, but overall the game felt incomplete. The game's second disc opted for more narrative exposition and rushed through an otherwise great story.
That's why Xenogears deserves a remaster; there's so much more that the game could have been, yet it's still one of the best RPGs of the era. Other than being able to play it on a modern platform with upgraded visuals, it could theoretically be an opportunity to rework the second half of the game. Who knows if revisiting and adding content for a remaster of a 20 year old game is even viable, but here's to wishful thinking!
Metal Gear Solid | Tamoor Hussain, UK Editor
The future of Metal Gear Solid is uncertain. With creator Hideo Kojima and publisher Konami going their separate ways, developing a new entry in the series without the involvement of the superstar auteur would be like throwing everyone involved into a lion's den--especially after the reaction to Metal Gear Survive. Konami needs to build some goodwill with fans, and perhaps the way to do that is to remaster Metal Gear Solid.
For fans, this will still be a difficult pill to swallow, but at the very least it gives Konami an established framework and blueprint to follow. The dream is that Metal Gear Solid is given the same treatment as the recent Shadow of the Colossus remake. This means sticking very closely to the original and making some small, smart tweaks to improve the gameplay experience. Despite the negative sentiment around Konami, specifically towards its treatment of Metal Gear, fans will find it difficult to pass up an opportunity to relive iconic moments from the franchise with all the trimmings of a modern game.
Of course, some may argue that Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes has already covered this ground but, for me--as a lifelong Metal Gear obsessive--that game took a few too many liberties with some of the cinematic moments, which in turn changed the tone of the game quite drastically. Give me classic Metal Gear Solid in the Fox Engine and we'll be happy. Do it right and maybe we'll soften to the idea of a non-Kojima Metal Gear.
By Anonymous on Apr 14, 2018 09:02 pm The release date of the new God of War for PS4 is almost here, so Jean-Luc looks back at every game in the 13-year-long franchise.
Sega's beloved Dreamcast classic Shenmue is coming to modern platforms. During the Sega Fes event in Japan, the publisher announced it is bringing both the first Shenmue and its sequel, Shenmue II, together in one package to PS4, Xbox One, and PC later this year. And while they will boast some improvements, these are not full on HD remakes or remasters.
The Shenmue I & II collection is billed as the "best Shenmue experience to date." The compilation comes with a host of modern features, including "fully scalable screen resolution, choice of modern or classic control schemes, PC graphics options, an updated user interface, and the option to enjoy either the original Japanese or English voiceovers."
Sega hasn't announced pricing details or an exact release date for Shenmue I & II, but the collection will be available at retail and digitally from the PlayStation and Xbox Stores, as well as Steam. You can take a look at some screenshots from the title in the gallery below.
The first Shenmue originally launched in 1999 and, at the time of its release, had the distinction of being the most expensive video game ever created. Its sequel followed in 2001, although it was only released on Dreamcast in Europe and Japan; the game was later ported to the original Xbox in 2002.
Both titles star Ryo Hazuki, a young martial artist on a quest to find his father's killer and uncover the secret behind a mysterious item known as the Dragon Mirror. The titles were renowned for their impressive open world, deep battle system, and variety of minigames. You can read more about each in our original Shenmue review and Shenmue II review.
Sega had previously said it was "investigating" a potential re-release of the Shenmue games, although at the time the publisher said it wasn't simply a matter of porting the titles to modern consoles. "With games as immersive as [Shenmue and Shenmue II], there are further complications [involving] licensed products that were included in the original games," Sega Europe community manager Dan Sheridan said.
A new installment in the series, Shenmue III, is currently in development for PS4 and PC, following a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. That game is being published worldwide by Deep Silver and is planned to launch sometime this year. You can see some recent screenshots of Shenmue III.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's latest movie, Rampage, has arrived in theaters. It's a loose adaptation of the classic game of the same name, and while that may sound like a recipe for another bad movie, it's actually quite entertaining, as our Rampage review states. The Rock seems pleased to have possibly cracked the video game movie curse, though he's upset the people behind Doom's Twitter account in the process of sharing that excitement.
Score aggregator Rotten Tomatoes tweeted to point out that Rampage's average review score at the time (53%) would put it ahead of every video game movie in history. The Rock took note of this, tweeting, "Wow! Very cool Rampage news! Not pointing to the scoreboard yet, but it seems we may have finally broken the dreaded video game curse. And remember, I starred in the stinker Doom so I have lived thy curse."
Cut to Doom's Twitter account, which either didn't take kindly to The Rock taking a shot like that or just reminding people that the Doom movie exists.
While the Doom movie wasn't very good, things for the franchise have looked better since then. The latest game, 2016's simply titled Doom, was a stellar first-person shooter, offering a surprisingly engaging single-player campaign. A PS4 Pro and Xbox One X update was released recently that makes those versions look especially nice. And late last year, we got a Nintendo Switch port that actually played quite well (albeit without some of the visual flair of other platforms).
As for Rampage, it's out now in theaters. Our review says it's "dumb as hell, but it's also pretty dang entertaining." It's also got The Rock doing The Rock things, which on its own might make it worth the price of admission for many people.
As Sony likes to do every month or so, it has just unveiled a new Flash Sale on the PlayStation Store. Between now and April 16, you can get a good number of games at heavily discounted rates. It's Friday the 13th weekend, so it's no surprise the theme is horror. Read on to see what standout games are on sale this weekend. Just make sure to lock in your purchases before the sale ends on April 16.
The game that resembles a horror movie most closely is Until Dawn, a cinematic adventure game about a group of teens staying at a cabin in the woods. It's on sale for $6 (down from $20). If you haven't played The Last of Us Remastered, you'll almost certainly enjoy its cinematic bonafides as you fight nightmare creatures in a post-apocalyptic world. It's on sale for $8 (regularly $20), and its Left Behind expansion is down to $4 (from $10).
The Evil Within 2 ($30 instead of $60) and Outlast 2 ($12, down from $30) both bring the spooks by dropping you in regions haunted by supernatural horrors. The BioShock Collection ($20, down from $60) and Soma ($8, regularly $30) are frightening games about big ideas, and both feature claustrophobic underwater settings. Alien: Isolation has a sealed-in setting of its own in the form of a space station. It's on sale for $9, instead of its usual $30. Another space horror game, Prey, is on sale for half off at $20.
A number of dark indie games are also on sale. Inside is $8 (was $20), while Limbo is $2 (down from $10). The spooky narrative-heavy Oxenfree is $5 (down from $20), while the ultra-challening Darkest Dungeon is $10 (down from $25). The rhythm-roguelike Crypt of the Necrodancer is $3 (was $15).
If mind-bending games that are only occasionally horrific are more your speed--and you don't mind reading a lot of text--check out the collection Zero Escape: The Nonary Games ($20, down from $50) and its sequel Zero Time Dilemma ($16, down from $40).
If you have a PSVR headset lying around, you may want to check out The Inpatient or the zombie shooter Arizona Sunshine, both $16 (down from $40), or The Invisible Hours for $12 (down from $30).
Perhaps you're in the mood to revisit some PS One classics (or see what all the older gamers are talking about). Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is on sale for $3, while the original Silent Hill and a few early Resident Evil games are down to around $2 each. Unfortunately those aren't playable on PS4, but you can play them on PS3, PS Vita, or PSP.
Visit the Flash Sale page on the PlayStation Store for the full list. All in all, this is a pretty killer sale for anyone looking to add some horror to their Friday the 13th weekend.
No matter what kind of games you like to play, or what platforms you play them on, this week we found some killer deals for you to peruse. We've been posting about them continually, but now it's time to round up all the week's best deals in one convenient place.
Free Play Weekend
The best deals are the ones that don't cost you anything. A handful of games are free to play this weekend on PS4, Xbox One, and/or PC, including Ghost Recon Wildlands and Injustice 2. If you enjoy the trials choose to buy the full games, you can get them for discounted rates this weekend. Click below for details.
You might have heard about a little game launching Friday called God of War. In our God of War review, we said, "God of War is no longer an old-fashioned action series. With this reboot, it confidently walks a new path that will hopefully lead to more exciting adventures to come." Here's a God of War pre-order guide to help you get the best price on the version you want.
If you're in the market for an Xbox One X, we spotted a good deal that comes with the console, an extra controller, and Assassin's Creed Origins, for less than the suggested retail price of the console alone. Check it out here.
That does it for this week's deals. Be sure to check back often for more savings throughout the week.
Some links to supporting retailers are automatically made into affiliate links, and GameSpot may receive a small share of those sales.
By Anonymous on Apr 14, 2018 08:39 pm Head of Xbox Phil Spencer congratulates Sony on the God of War reception, while a bunch of Xbox One, PS4, and PC games go free for the weekend.
The next crossover event in Monster Hunter World is now available. With the Spring Blossom Fest event ongoing, a new quest is now available on PS4 and Xbox One that allows you to get your hands on the crafting materials necessary to dress your Palico up like Mega Man.
The event quest itself is called A Rush of Blood, and it's an Arena where you have to hunt two Odagarons. One of these is an adorable, miniaturized version of the monster. That wrinkle aside, it's an otherwise standard 7-star mission, with limits of 50 minutes and three faints. Completing it will reward you with Mega Man Tickets, which are one of the resources necessary to craft the new gear. You'll have to repeat the fight several times to get enough tickets for everything.
With those in hand, head to the Smithy and open the Forge Palico Equipment section. Go to Full Armor Sets, and you can craft the Mega Man gear, which consists of two High Rank pieces: the Mega Man Helmet and Mega Man Suit. This costs three Mega Man Tickets.
For the Palico weapon, you'll go to the Standard Equipment area of the Forge Palico Equipment section. Toward the bottom of the High Rank weapons, you'll find find the Mega Man set's weapon, called the Mega Buster. This costs an additional two Mega Man Tickets, meaning you'll need five total to craft everything.
One unique aspect of this gear was teased during its original announcement. Depending on what weapon your character has equipped, you'll hear different classic Mega Man music when your Palico has this gear on. However, this is only true in the event quest; you unfortunately won't be hearing it during your regular adventures.
You have only a limited time to collect the necessary materials for this gear, as the event quest will only be available until April 27. The Spring Blossom Fest, meanwhile, ends on April 19 and provides an opportunity to get a new greatsword and armor.
By Anonymous on Apr 14, 2018 08:34 pm Far Cry 5 has an incredible story-driven campaign, but what do you do after you've beaten it on PS4, Xbox One, and PC?
By Anonymous on Apr 14, 2018 08:30 pm Adam Warlock is a major character in Marvel comics but will most likely not show up in Avengers: Infinity War or its sequel. Greg dives into MCU history of Adam Warlock in the MCU, why he's so important to the Infinity War saga, and what the future could hold for the ever-evolving perfect being.
As a place where fans and developers can come together to play the hottest and most exciting games, PAX has traditionally been a fun event for those who want to see what sort of games the year has to offer. It's also a great opportunity for newcomers and die-hard fans alike to check out what's new and hang out with other like-minded folks who want to celebrate their favorite hobby. During PAX East 2018 in Boston, U.S., GameSpot got to check out some of the most interesting games on display--most of which are coming out much sooner than you think.
We've pulled together some of the most noteworthy games we saw during our time exploring the show floor of PAX East. Featuring titles from Annapurna Interactive, Surprise Attack Games, Nintendo, and some other noteworthy titles from the Indie Mega Booth, these upcoming releases left a big impression on us during the hustle and bustle of the East Coast's biggest gaming convention. Here are 19 games coming to PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch that are expected to release this year or in early 2019.
Ashen exudes feelings of isolation and mystery during its quiet journey into the unknown. Taking cues from titles like Dark Souls and classic adventure games like The Legend of Zelda, you take on the role of an unnamed explorer journeying through a strange land, looking for a place to call home. With that goal in mind, you'll travel to monster-filled dungeons, finding new items and gear along the way that will help you survive. Eventually, you'll encounter someone just like you who's searching for a home as well.
With a lot of focus on the co-op experience--but still playable solo--Ashen tasks you with using all the resources you have at your disposal to survive the elements. The only way to communicate with other players is through some rather vague and generalized gestures, like pointing or waving. With your lantern, you'll be able to explore the furthest reaches of the dungeons and caves, while also casting light on shadowy creatures to expose an opening in their defenses. As your explore the environment further, you'll discover certain details of the land that evoke a familiar feeling--something that hints at a connection to the land that's much deeper than you may realize.
Published by Annapurna Interactive with a planned release in 2018, Ashen evokes feelings of being a stranger in a somewhat familiar place while offering some satisfying Souls-esque combat along the way. | Alessandro Fillari
The Banner Saga 3 | PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
The Banner Saga 3 is the epic conclusion to the tough tactics series from Stoic Studios. If you've grown comfortable in making decisions for your caravan and during major battles, the latest entry in the turn-based strategy series plans to increase the scale and scope of your party's dire circumstances--forcing you to commit to some harsh decisions.
The battles have been revamped in several ways. First, you can encounter enemies who have a special endurance, requiring you to drain their willpower on top of breaking their armor and chopping away at their HP. Slaying an enemy also gives you the chance to unleash a powerful new chain lightning attack on anyone's turn, in addition to their normal actions. Together, these two mechanics give you new strategic options while also making battles trickier.
Banner Saga 3 also introduces wave-based fights, where your party will have topple every foe before the turn limit ends--which rewards your team with a special piece of gear before facing the wave boss. You can even bring in reinforcements for any fallen troops once a wave has been slain. This new features opens up new strategies for your team to consider, while also kicking up the difficulty significantly--should you choose to go for the bonuses.
Releasing on July 24 for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and the Switch--which will also see ports of the first two games--The Banner Saga 3's focus on larger battles, combined with its exploration and party migration system, presents another epic tale full of tough decisions and challenging engagements. | Tony Wilson
Black Future 88 | PC
18 minutes is all the time you have to survive in Black Future 88. Set in a brutal, dystopian version of 1988, your lead character will traverse an ever-changing tower that shifts in accordance to how well you clear through the various trials and obstacles in your goal to reach the top of the tower. Making it to the top will put an end to the chaotic cyberpunk nightmare, and may just save your life as well.
Channeling classic 2D action-platformer gameplay with the mechanics of a roguelike, you'll have to fight your way through several randomly generated levels to upgrade your gear and add more perks to your skill set to survive the robotic horde trying to stop your ascent. Just when you think you're hitting your stride, the game throws a number of curveballs your way. In addition to some cursed weapons--firearms and melee items that have interesting bonus effects but some drastic downsides--you'll also have to contend with a robotic bounty hunter that keeps tabs on your progress in the tower. As you make your way up, the cyborg stalker will jump into the fray and hunt you down to put a sudden stop to your progress.
The roguelike sub-genre is in, and Black Future 88 brings a particular style and tone that makes it stand out in interesting ways. With a vibrant neon aesthetic, along with bumping synth-rock tunes that keep your pulse pounding, this cyberpunk roguelike--releasing later this year on PC--should earn some notice for its dark and brutal style. | Alessandro Fillari
The Church in the Darkness | PC, PS4, Xbox One
Developed by Paranoid Productions, The Church in the Darkness is a top-down "action-infiltration" game in the vein of the very first Metal Gear title, tasking you with sneaking into a town run by a large cult to discover your nephew's whereabouts.
The story revolves around a radical socialist Christian cult known as the Collective Justice Mission, led by the charismatic Isaac and Rebecca Walker. Believing the US to be corrupt, the cult and its adherents establish their own settlement in South America. Naturally, the inhabitants aren't very welcoming to outsiders, so you have to use stealth to infiltrate the town and find your nephew.
What's particularly interesting about The Church in the Darkness are its roguelike elements. Enemy placements and character allegiances differ in each playthrough, and the story can unfold along radically different paths depending on how you approach the game. These elements make The Church in the Darkness one of the most intriguing titles coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC this year. | Kevin Knezevic
Dark Devotion | PC
On the surface, Dark Devotion looks to be another 2D Souls-like game that pushes you to your limits as you journey through an isolated and dark world. While the game is undeniably influenced by From Software's stoic action-RPG series, the developers at Hibernian Workshop have surprisingly come up with a far bleaker approach to their game.
Dark Devotion puts your faith--both figuratively and in practice as a tangible currency--to the test. As you battle monsters and other deadly creatures in the depths--all while collecting valuable loot along the way--you'll acquire faith, which can be spent at randomly placed statues. While some statues will reward you for your faith, offering health, items, and upgrades to your character, some deceptively suck up your precious resource, rewarding you with nothing for your misplaced devotion.
Set for release later this year on PC, with other platforms to be announced later, Dark Devotion channels a sense of dread and unease that'll put you on edge as you dive deeper into the abyss. | Alessandro Fillari
Decay of Logos | PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Decay of Logos is a third-person adventure game from developer Amplify Creations. Set in a high-fantasy world inspired by European folklore and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the game channels classic adventure games while boasting an appealing art style, an expansive world to explore, and a methodical combat system.
The game follows the story of Ada, a young woman who embarks on a quest for revenge after her home village is raided and destroyed. Shortly after she sets out, however, she collapses, and she's awakened by a mystical elk, which becomes her travel companion as she continues her journey for vengeance.
The game world is vast and leaves you to your own devices, but it's the elk companion that is Decay of Logos' most intriguing and distinctive element. On top of being a mount, the elk plays a vital role in the story, and you will need to slowly earn its trust and work together with it to solve puzzles and navigate the world. Decay of Logos is slated to launch for PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and PC this fall. | Kevin Knezevic
Donut County | PC, PS4, iOS
Donut County, coming to PS4, PC, and iOS later this year, is not unlike Katamari. You consume something to grow in size, but instead of rolling a giant ball around, you're maneuvering a hole in the ground. It's fun to swing the hole around, swallowing all sorts of objects with reckless abandon, but this also gives way to puzzle aspect to the game. Say you need to send a hot air balloon into the sky; you can drop an adobe oven into your hole, then use the heat to make the balloon rise.
This is just one example of the creative fun found in Donut County. Even the brief, opening moments can put on a smile on your face while you trip a goat on a moped or swallow up a backyard full of toys. And the cutesy art style and talking animals that lend the story add even more charm. | Tony Wilson
Due Process | PC
The long in-development Due Process is finally ready to make its debut later this year. Published by Annapurna Interactive, the 5v5 tactical shooter set in procedurally generated levels will force you into a game of planning and precision as you attempt to take down your enemies. Each team must plan its offensive and defensive games respectively before making the first fateful step into matching wits and reflexes with their opponents. Due Process' pace is fast, hectic, and somewhat nerve-wracking. One fatal move can spell doom for your group, and it'll take clear communication to win the day.
The visual style of Due Process takes cues from PS1-style low-polygonal graphics, with textures and detail having a heavily stylized look. This shooter's visuals match that of a hard-boiled manga set in a dystopian society that's reached a tipping point. In addition to featuring some strong strategy elements--with pre-match set-up allowing you to coordinate and draw directions on the map--the core gameplay focuses the subtle decisions you make when the action starts to hit and the stress starts to amp up.
With its release set for late 2018, Due Process' focus on micro-engagements across its randomly generated maps aims to make every game feel fresh and keep you guessing as the pre-match timer hits zero. | Alessandro Fillari
Ion Maiden | PC
The mid-'90s FPS craze saw a number of games looking to cash in on the hype surrounding id Software's Doom. 3D Realms stood out with Duke Nukem 3D, which offered fast and gory action with a ton of cheesy one-liners thrown around along the way. While the studio no longer owns the Duke Nukem brand, that isn't stopping it from making a retro throwback to classic '90s FPS action with the upcoming Ion Maiden.
As the prequel to the somewhat forgettable shooter Bombshell, developed by Voidpoint, the lead character Sherry "Bombshell" Harrison has to put a stop to a swarm of murderous cyborgs controlled by a mad scientist. While Ion Maiden sets up its story admirably, it rightfully focuses its attention on the intense and fast-paced action you'd come to expect from classic FPS games. With a large arsenal of weapons, including a chain-gun, target-seeking grenades, and a ridiculously oversized revolver, Ion Maiden revels in reliving the heyday of over-the-top schlocky action.
Coming to PC later this year, 3D Realms' Ion Maiden sticks close to the developer's roots, and it shows that there might be something worthwhile in this ridiculously violent trip down memory lane. | Alessandro Fillari
Just Shapes & Beats | Switch
Just Shapes & Beats has a very compelling premise. Developed by a three-person team at Berzerk Studio, the title is billed as a "musical bullet hell game," and it's every bit as stylish and tricky as that descriptor would lead you to believe.
The object of Just Shapes & Beats seems simple enough. You take control of a shape and must maneuver around the screen, avoiding all of the deadly hazards that appear to the rhythm of the music. The only ability at your disposal is a boost that provides temporary invulnerability, so you must have sharp eyes and even sharper reflexes to reach the end of a stage. The game also boasts a story mode and features a catchy soundtrack composed by more than 20 chiptune artists.
As you can imagine, levels becomes chaotic in a hurry as the screen is filled with a kaleidoscopic array of shapes and hazards to avoid, and it's especially hectic in multiplayer. Just Shapes & Beats supports up to four players at a time, which is the best way to experience the game, as you have the added benefit of being able to revive a fallen ally. The game doesn't have a set release date yet, but it's slated to arrive first on Switch this summer. | Kevin Knezevic
Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk | PC, PS4, Switch
Nippon Ichi Software is known primarily for the Disgaea franchise, but the studio is trying its hand at a different genre with Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk. Set to arrive around the world later this year on PS4, Switch, and PC, Labyrinth of Refrain is a first-person dungeon crawler reminiscent of the Etrian Odyssey series.
The game is set in the eponymous town of Refrain. Despite its peaceful appearance, beneath the town lurks a winding and dangerous labyrinth that's said to contain treasure. The dusk witch Dronya arrives at Refrain seeking something from the labyrinth, and using a magical tome, she creates puppet soldiers to venture into the maze in her stead.
Like other dungeon crawlers, Labyrinth of Refrain unfolds at a measured pace, with you venturing into the labyrinth tile by tile until your health and resources run low, then retreating to the surface to restock. Your party of puppet soldiers is fully customizable, from their classes and avatar portraits to their personality and voices. Your customization choices can even have a bearing on the gameplay, as a soldier's personality type will affect how they develop. It's a classical take on the genre, but Labyrinth of Refrain looks like an enjoyable dungeon romp, particularly if you enjoy Etrian Odyssey. | Kevin Knezevic
Outer Wilds | PC
Many video games have tackled space exploration, but few have done so in quite the same way as Outer Wilds. A first-person adventure game from publisher Annapurna Interactive, Outer Wilds puts you in the role of an astronaut who sets off to explore the cosmos. The catch: You're stuck in an infinite time loop.
20 minutes after the adventure begins, a supernova will explode, ending the game. You then restart from your original campsite and have another chance to explore the galaxy until the supernova goes off again, repeating the cycle anew. This structure is reminiscent of the three-day time limit in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, as you will be reliving the same cycle over and over, taking a different approach each time and gradually piecing together the mystery of the galaxy.
While the time limit may sound restrictive on paper, in practice it's a compelling hook, as it encourages you to do something different each playthrough. The game also has a wonderfully mysterious world that beckons to be explored, and you can freely pilot your ship to different celestial bodies, ranging from small, desolate moons to larger planets. With such an intriguing premise, Outer Wilds is one PC title to keep an eye on. | Kevin Knezevic
Pode | Switch
One of the most eye-catching titles from Nintendo's March 2018 Nindies Showcase was Pode, an adorable cooperative puzzle-adventure game coming to Switch this year. Boasting a lovely visual style inspired by Norwegian art and culture, Pode follows the story of Glo, a fallen star trying to return home with the aid of a little rock named Bulder.
While Pode is fully playable solo, the game shines brightest when played with a friend. Glo and Bulder must use their inherent abilities to solve puzzles and help each other scale Mount Fjellheim. Glo can make plants blossom and activate ancient shrines, while Bulder can enter small holes and be used as a stepping stone to reach higher platforms.
Our hands-on session with Pode at PAX East was fairly brief, but the game's charming visuals and clever cooperative puzzles make it worth keeping an eye on, especially if you have someone around to play it with. | Kevin Knezevic
RICO | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
In this co-op oriented shooter, RICO puts you in the shoes of key members of an elite crime-fighting unit that's seeking to put an end to an elite criminal organization's drug ring. Set in several randomly generated levels, you and your partner will engage in cheesy, over-the-top buddy-cop action and clear through a set buildings--room by room--to take out the drug manufacturer's business and hit the cartel where it hurts the most. Before each game, you can pick your preferred weapons and perks to match your particular playstyle.
As you breach the room, you'll enter a bullet-time mode, allowing you take out the initial bad guys in the room; it then transitions into a large-scale shootout in real time with the remaining bad guys. Each room filled with bad guys armed to the teeth functions like a micro-encounter, where one bad move or misplaced shot can mean the end of you and your partner. As you work your way through the house, the cartel will eventually call in reinforcements, forcing you and your partner to contend with heavily armored commandos.
With a release planned this year for PC, other platforms soon after, RICO offers a lot thrills in its short maps, making for several pulse-pounding encounters during your raid. | Alessandro Fillari
SCUM | PC
Devolver Digital publishes some of gaming's most evocative and bizarre titles, and the upcoming SCUM is no different. As yet another game looking to throw itself into the battle royale genre, this over-the-top and surprisingly detailed online action-shooter takes some rather interesting approaches in how it puts you in the hot seat. In SCUM, you will take on the role of a prisoner who must participate in a reality TV show focusing on several fights for survival on an abandoned island. With bombs fastened to the back of their heads, the prisoners will have to stick with the program in order to earn their freedom.
Sort of like a cross between The Running Man and The Hunger Games, you'll have to appease the viewers at home by performing well in your fight for survival. But what makes SCUM such a standout amongst other online survival shooters is that it features a system that keeps track of your character's body weight, metabolism, dietary habits, and other details that all tie back into your struggle to survive. With the character creator, you can adjust body physique and attributes, along with focusing on a particular set of skills such as shooting, melee, cooking, etc. While out in the field, you can pull up your personal menu and view the current stats on your character, which includes current heart rate and figures on food that's currently being digested.
While this all may seem a bit overly complex--especially when you learn the hard way that wet clothes will make your character slower--it all ties back into SCUM's meticulous nature. Eat too much junk food, and your character will gain weight and become slower over time. But if you eat right and stay fit when on the island, then you'll be able to remain one step ahead of the others.
Coming to early access sometime in Q2 2018, SCUM's bizarrely specific approach to survival can be jarring at first, but you'll quickly find yourself going with the flow of the game--while also watching what you eat. | Alessandro Fillari
Semblance | PC, Switch
Dubbed "the first real platformer" by its developers, Semblance takes an interesting approach to the classic genre. Playing as a sentient purple blob, you jump and leap over obstacles to collect special orbs and reach the end goal. That all sounds elementary when it comes to the traditional platformer formula, but Semblance employs a clever gimmick when it comes to switching things up.
When you find yourself below a ledge that's too high for the nearby platform to reach, you're able to hop up and push the platform slightly up, contorting and stretching it out into angles that allow you to reach higher places. By manipulating the platforms and certain areas of the world's floors, you can change the way you traverse and explore the environment.
In its own strange way, Semblance does succeed in getting you to rethink how you move through its colorful environment. Unlike other games where the platforms are largely static and will occasionally move on their own, this odd and quirky platformer tasks you with making those objects work how you need them to. Set for release later in 2018, Semblance may not be "the first real platformer," but it's certainly a surprising take on the formula. | Alessandro Fillari
Sky Noon | PC
Sky Noon takes its Western-set multiplayer gameplay to new heights--literally. Taking place across a series of floating islands in the sky, you and your team of outlaws--or lawmen--must take out the other group by any means necessary. But unlike other multiplayer shooters, Sky Noon's guns don't use bullets. Armed with an arsenal of high-powered air-guns that are mostly harmless, you'll have to knock your opponents off the platform, sending them falling to the ground below.
While the premise is a bit goofy, Sky Noon runs with it--making for a uniquely kinetic combat flow. Armed with one weapon and a grappling hook, you shoot and swing your way across the map to try and flank the enemy team. If you get knocked off, or if you just want to maneuver your way around more quickly, your grappling hook can make moving around much easier, resulting in some impressive maneuvers as you get the upper hand. Coming later this year to PC, Sky Noon is a fun and quirky twist on what you'd normally expect from a multiplayer shooter--and that change of pace may be something worthwhile. | Alessandro Fillari
The Stillness of the Wind | PC
Usually, farm and slice-of-life simulators like Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley have an element of calm and cheerfulness to their easy-going routine. But in The Stillness of the Wind, that routine represents a vestige of days gone by, with only the weathered remains of your home offering solace. As the follow-up to Where The Goats Are--another game about running a farm during dire circumstances--you play as an aging Talma, the last member of a once lively village.
With only the local animals, an oft-travelling merchant who visits with supplies, and the comfort of her routine to keep her company, Talma spends her twilight years tending to the crumbling village and its once active farm. During your days, you choose how to spend your time--which mostly includes chores like tending to your animals, planting crops, and other work around the farm. When the merchant comes by, you barter for resources to aid in your stay, and he occasionally gives you letters from your family--who've long left for life in larger communities.
Described as "a quiet game of life and loss" by its developers, The Stillness of the Wind certainly lives up to those aching feelings. While this may seem like an extraordinarily sad game, there is sort of a comforting feeling of settling into your groove in the time you have and having a little place to call your own. With a release later this year, this personal experience gives you something to ponder as they tend to their little farm in the wilderness. | Alessandro Fillari
Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido | Switch
Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido may not have the name recognition of some of Nintendo's other releases this year, but it's shaping up to be one of 2018's biggest surprises. After its initial unveiling at E3 2017, the game was reintroduced during Nintendo's March Direct presentation as a dual 3DS/Switch release. It seems to have evolved significantly since we first saw it, boasting lengthy anime cutscenes, voice acting, and an all-around spruced up presentation.
Sushi Striker takes place in a world where sushi is outlawed, following a bitter conflict known as the Sushi Struggles. Players assume the role of Musashi, the eponymous Sushi Striker on a mission to loosen the Empire's grip on the world's sushi supply. Musashi's encounters with the Empire take the form of competitive puzzle battles, which have you matching up sushi plates of the same color from conveyor belts and throwing the plates to whittle down your opponent's health.
The gameplay in Sushi Striker is fast-paced and easy to grasp, and it offers enough nuance to add an element of strategy to battles. On top of matching plates of sushi, you can befriend magical creatures known as Sushi Sprites, who can be called upon during a battle to unleash a special ability. With more than 100 stages, local and online multiplayer, and one of the catchiest theme songs we've ever heard, Sushi Striker has the potential to be Switch's sleeper hit of the year. | Kevin Knezevic
By Anonymous on Apr 14, 2018 08:25 am The maps are starting to get really good! Jake and Joey dig through more of the PS4, Xbox One, and PC game's Arcade mode to find you some of the best maps!
We're giving away 5,000 Early Access Keys for you to play Round 2 of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds' new map, Codename: Savage, on Steam. (Scroll down to enter below.)
Entry is open worldwide. The Early Access Key allows you to play the map even if you do not own PUBG. This is NOT an instant win. 5,000 winners will be chosen on Sunday, April 15 at 8:00 PM PT, and contacted via email.
You can access Codename: Savage on the Closed Experimental Server at these times:
Starts: Mon, April 16, 6pm PDT / Tues, April 17, 3am CEST / April 17, 10am KST
Ends: Wed, April 18, 6pm PDT / Thur, April 19, 3am CEST / April 19, 10am KST
We teamed up with GOG.com to give away 800 PCgame codesfree from their catalog. The PC game codes will be a mystery code, redeemable on GOG's platform, and are DRM-free. (Scroll down to enter below.)
This is not an instant win. Competition ends Tuesday, April 17 at 11:00 AM PT. Eight-hundred (800) winners will be emailed a code. Open worldwide, void where prohibited. No purchase necessary.
Enter below (the additional entries are OPTIONAL to increase your chances of winning):
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