By GameSpot Staff on Apr 04, 2018 09:22 pm
Web-Slinging Wishes
PS4-exclusive Spider-Man is set to release on September 7. First announced at E3 2016, Ratchet & Clank Developer Insomniac's game adaptation of the famous web slinger has been a longtime coming. And with the upcoming release of God of War, all eyes are starting to turn towards Spider-Man. In the last two decades, Spider-Man has seen more good game adaptations than bad ones. Memorable high points include Spider-Man 2: The Game and Web of Shadows, but it's clear Insomniac has a high standard of quality to live up to. After all, the studio has been responsible for many of Sony's most iconic franchises, so fans have eagerly hoping the studio can deliver. But what does Insomniac need to do to make a new Spider-Man game stand out? We have a few more than a few ideas, seen in this gallery of nine things we want from the game. Up until now, news on Spider-Man on PS4 has been scarce. The game's release date was finally announced and new gameplay has been released showcasing city exploration and webslinging. For a look at how Spider-Man is shaping up, watch the game's latest story trailer. And if you'd like more insight on how Marvel Games is overseeing development of Spider-Man and its licensed games as a whole, read our interview with Marvel Games vice president and executive producer Mike Jones. If you're eager to see what the other exclusives on PS4 are, then check out our in-depth gallery covering all the biggest PS4 exclusives coming in 2018. You can also look at our galleries detailing all the Xbox One exclusives, PC exclusives, and Switch exclusives.
Greater Emphasis On Gadgets And Abilities Over Fisticuffs
Much like the Batman Arkham series, combat in Spider-Man games has leaned toward beat-em-up style brawling. Yes, Spider-Man does tend to finish his fights with some sort of webbing-based flourish but it would be a positive change if his other talents and gear took the spotlight. Better combat integration of his even his most well-known powers like wall crawling and superhuman reflexes would add depth.
It Feels Like An Insomniac Game
We'd love to see Insomniac's talents for imaginative weapons and gadgets make their way into the game, even if it sounds weird for Spider-Man at first blush. From webware to spider-bots, there's five decades worth of gadgetry to dive into, ripe for reinterpretations by the talents responsible for Ratchet & Clank. And we hope Ted Price and his crew have the creative license to invent new gadgets for Peter Parker.
A New Kind Of Spider-Man Open World
Insomniac is also experienced in open-world designs, a high point being Sunset Overdrive. There are a number of Spider-Man games with expansive open worlds but none interpreted with the same surrealist and involving flavor as Sunset City. As a standalone game with no attachments to any of prior Spider-Man stories (including last year's Homecoming film), Insomniac's can make this one of the most original video game interpretations of New York City in a long time.
No Random Muggings
Just because it seems mandated that open-world Spider-Man games have to be set in New York City doesn't mean that it has to always have random muggings. It was an especially involving component in The Amazing Spider-Man 2's morality system, where your status as a hero or menace was determined by how many crimes you stopped. This feature ultimately felt like a chore, where disinterested players were unfairly classified as a menace. Being guilted into saving someone from a mugging doesn't always make for great gameplay, especially when you were in the middle a more compelling story mission.
No Origin Story
It seems like anyone with a remote interest in Spider-Man already knows his origin, with some thanks to the Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield films. Not only is the classic origin tale involving Uncle Ben unnecessary but so is any kind of origin-focused exposition. It'd be great to jump into the game with a version of Peter Parker who has already has a grasp of both his great power and responsibilities.
Focus On Peter Parker (And Miles Morales)
Speaking of Peter Parker, not enough games have paid attention to Spider-Man's real identity and his young adult challenges, particularly with his love life. It wouldn't be a stretch to hope for story-driven interludes that take inspiration from Life Is Strange or the many episodic Telltale games. And the fact that another Spider-Man, Miles Morales appeared at the stinger of the E3 2017 video for the game only makes the prospect of a Parker-Morales meet-up all the more intriguing.
Classic Spider-Man Attitude
One of the qualities of the better Spider-Man games in the past was their well-crafted dialogue, often bringing out Spider-Man's moxie, much to the frustration of his foes. This next game is all the more promising thanks to its experienced writing staff, which includes veteran comic book writers Christos Gage and Dan Slott. From what we've seen and heard, this latest handling will portray the web-slinger as the familiar smart aleck fans expect.
Mixing Up The Villain Roster
Yes, Doctor Octopus and the Green Goblin are popular for a reason, but for a series that's been around since the early 1960s, there's a wealth of sinister source material to mine. Having Mister Negative is a good start but how about Boomerang or even Crime Master? Insomniac can give the recurring villains like Black Cat, Rhino, Shocker, and Scorpion a break.
Side-Missions That Matter
Just because side missions are optional doesn't mean they're not worth the player's time. Some of the best side missions in the Arkham games have through-lines that last the entire length of the game. Speaking of mission choice, there'd be great replay potential if the narrative locked you out of one mission if you accept another, and with endgame repercussions. For example, what would happen if you flaked out on a date with MJ because you decided to stop a bank heist?
By Matt Espineli on Apr 04, 2018 05:16 am
The Best Switch Games So Far
The release of the Nintendo Switch a little over 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 Kirby 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. See Also: 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
Kirby Star Allies -- 8/10
"Star Allies is yet another Kirby game, but it's up there with some of the best. It's an artistic showcase, and a great opportunity for co-op platforming. The one real complaint you can levy at it is that it gates off its more challenging aspects, but the fact that they are present to begin with will please anyone who's grown weary of the series' painless platforming." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
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 Kallie Plagge on Apr 04, 2018 05:12 am
Best of the Best
Xbox One launched over four years ago, and a ton of games have come out in that time. As such, it can be hard to sort through all those games and decide what to play. Luckily, we at GameSpot have played tons of Xbox One games over the years. In this gallery, we've collected the best Xbox One games so far. This includes many of the games that have received an 8 or higher on GameSpot, and we've prioritized games that were nominated for our Best Xbox One Game list in the years those games released. For more Xbox One games, see our roundups of the best cheap games on Xbox One, and make sure to check out our gallery of the Xbox One exclusive games confirmed for 2018 as well as the biggest Xbox One games of 2018 for everything coming to the console.
Monster Hunter: World -- 8/10
"Ever since the title was first announced last year, it was clear that Capcom was gunning for something grander than Monster Hunter Generations. It has succeeded, and this is likely the biggest and best that the franchise has ever been. It's not just the comparative depth of the narrative; it also boasts almost seamless integration between combat systems that were previously incomprehensible for amateurs. The Monster Hunter formula has definitely honed its claws, and all the above factors play their part in making Monster Hunter World a meaningful evolution for the series at large." [read the full review] -- Ginny Woo
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
Fortnite -- no score
The exploding popularity of the battle royale game mode (where 100 players fight in a single-elimination deathmatch) reached new heights with Fortnite. It's the game nearly everyone is talking about and over 45 million have played. Fortnite strikes a great balance between being accessible and fostering a high skill ceiling. The core gameplay is simple enough; scavenge for weapons and items while gathering resources to build. The game feels fast and loose and a lot less like its military sim counterparts, but still offers the intense, high-stakes combat the genre is known for. It's free-to-play and has an inviting aesthetic akin to a Sunday morning cartoon. However, players soon realize the depth of Fortnite's construction mechanics and how the few structures you can build have to be pieced together in clever ways to stand a chance of winning. -- Michael Higham, Associate Editor
What Remains of Edith Finch -- 9/10
"Developer Giant Sparrow managed to strike the delicate balance between joy and sorrow in 2012's The Unfinished Swan, but What Remains of Edith Finch transcends even the latent sadness of that game, finding the beauty--even sometimes the fun--in what's always fundamentally a tragedy. It's not often that a game's plot slips past the bitterness of grief to finally get to the acceptance, but that's the triumph in What Remains of Edith Finch. Ultimately, if the game has any resemblance of a moral, it's that the bravest, most beautiful thing every one of us does is choose to keep going, despite knowing what's coming." [read the full review] -- Justin Clark
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus -- 9/10
"The New Colossus never lets you forget who and why you're fighting. Nazi brutality is on full display, from the blown-out, irradiated remains of Manhattan to each of the resistance members, who all carry mental scars if not physical ones. You're never given a chance between cutscenes, missions, and even downtime on the U-boat to lose sight of the Reich's cruelty. Wolfenstein's tense gameplay elevates this further by giving you the power to truly resist--and come out of each battle ready for another fight." [read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate 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
Cuphead -- 8/10
"Everything you've heard about Cuphead is true. It is a difficult side-scrolling shooter with relentless boss battles that demand rapid-fire actions and reactions. Think for too long, and you won't stand a chance against the game's toughest enemies. Battles may only last three minutes at most, but they feel far longer when you know that you can only absorb three hits before you have to start from scratch. When you are navigating your way around bullets, smaller enemies, and pitfalls, while simultaneously trying to damage your primary target, toppling Cuphead's imposing bosses is both a monumental and rewarding task." [read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Assassin's Creed Origins -- 7/10
"Assassin's Creed has undergone many changes in its long and storied history, and Origins feels like the first step in the start of a new journey. It has its fair share of problems, but the vision for its future is one worth pursuing." [read the full review] -- Alessandro Fillari, Editor
Stardew Valley -- 9/10
"On the surface, Stardew Valley is a game about farming, but there are more adventures awaiting curious players beyond cultivating a rich and bountiful garden. From mining and fishing to making friends and falling in love, Stardew Valley's Pelican Town is stuffed with rewarding opportunities. As modern day woes give way to pressing matters on the farm and within your newfound community, Stardew Valley's meditative activities often lead to personal reflection in the real world. It's a game that tugs at your curiosity as often as it does your heart." [read the full review] -- Mary Kish
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard -- 8/10
"By the end of the campaign, I was ready for the game to be over, but that's okay. RE7 ends just as it starts to outstay its welcome, and after the fact, I felt like I'd survived a truly harrowing journey. The boss fights may be slightly inconsistent and certain sections might drag after a while, but RE7 is still a remarkable success. It has a clear vision and executes it with impressive patience and precision. By returning to horror, Resident Evil has once again become something special." [read the full review] -- Scott Butterworth
Night in the Woods -- 9/10
"Both intensely personal and widely relatable, Night in the Woods doesn't just tell a story--it gracefully captures complex, often unpleasant feelings and experiences. From the quiet melancholy of doing nothing on a rainy day to the emotional vacuum of severe depression, I felt deeply, sometimes too deeply, while wandering through the cartoon-animal version of a small Midwestern town. Its witty writing and character development keep its crushing existential themes grounded, making Night in the Woods one of the most evocative games I've played in a long time." [read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Overwatch -- 9/10
"Overwatch is an exercise in refined chaos. There are multitudes of layers hiding beneath the hectic surface, and they emerge, one after another, the more you play. This is a shooter that knows how to surprise, one that unfolds at a frantic pace, one that takes a handful of great ideas, and combines them into something spectacular." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
Battlefield 1 -- 9/10
"EA DICE splendidly interprets the early 20th century as a world in technological transition while humanizing the war's participants through well crafted, albeit fictional, narrative vignettes. Combined with an enthralling multiplayer component, the overall result is the studio's best work since Battlefield: Bad Company 2." [read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Titanfall 2 -- 9/10
"Titanfall 2 demonstrates a vitality that its predecessor couldn't. Whereas the first Titanfall kept up its breakneck pace throughout the entirety of every match, Titanfall 2 understands that sometimes, dialing things back for a few moments can make the long run much more enjoyable. In many ways, Titanfall 2 feels like the game Respawn should have made in 2013. It's a fantastic sequel. It's a fluid shooter. It's a spectacular game." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
Dishonored 2 -- 8/10
"Any time I'm given a choice between stealth and action, I go stealth. I love the hold-your-breath tension of hoping a guard didn't spot you and the hard-earned triumph of executing a perfectly timed plan. Dishonored 2 delivers that sneaky satisfaction, arming you with stealth essentials like hiding bodies, peering through keyholes, and silent takedowns. But it's also an incredible engine for gleeful chaos, one so engrossing and amusing that I kind of accidentally beat the entire campaign raining hilarious, elaborate death on my enemies." [read the full review] -- Scott Butterworth
Forza Horizon 3 -- 9/10
"With Forza Horizon 3, Turn 10 and Playground Games affirm the series' status as the driving game for everyone. The new emphasis on off-road options isn't at the expense of traditional races, thanks to the sheer volume of activities. All the while, Playground Games' calculated kitchen-sink design philosophy and rich reward system persistently tempt you to explore beyond your comfort zone, whether it's gifting your first Ariel Nomad buggy or reminding you that stunt races can impress thousands of fans. Enhancing your own brand might feel like a strange motivation to hit the road, but pulling off sick e-drifts on a mile-long series of curves makes the PR work worthwhile." [read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Inside -- 8/10
"This is a beautiful, haunting, and memorable game, a worthy follow-up to Limbo. Its puzzles, although rarely difficult, are engaging complements to the story. The real achievement of this game, though, is the way that it crafts its narrative: detailed environments convey the bizarre world that you travel through; introspective moments are filled with minimalist sound design and just the barest touches of music; and the things you must do to complete your journey force you to confront the realities of humanity, freedom, and existence." [read the full review] -- Alex Newhouse
Dark Souls III -- 8/10
"Dark Souls III is a game of valleys and peaks, down through dungeons and up over castle walls. It's a plummet into places we shouldn't be--an escape from places we don't belong. But of course, we fight our way through the darkness, and find our way out. There are a few stumbles along the way, but in the end, Dark Souls III is well worth the riveting climb." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt -- 10/10
"Where the Witcher 2 sputtered to a halt, The Witcher 3 is always in a crescendo, crafting battle scenarios that constantly one-up the last, until you reach the explosive finale and recover in the glow of the game's quiet denouement. But while the grand clashes are captivating, it is the moments between conflicts, when you drink with the local clans and bask in a trobairitz's song, that are truly inspiring." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Halo 5: Guardians -- 8/10
"Halo 5: Guardians is fueled by new ideas and propelled by some of the boldest changes to this storied franchise yet. Some of these changes fail, but others succeed, and although Halo 5 falters at times, it whisks us through black holes and across war torn tropical islands at a rapid pace. We can only surrender to its velocity." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
Rise of the Tomb Raider -- 9/10
"Rise of the Tomb Raider's first shot pans over the vast, foreboding landscape we'll soon come to know. In many ways, it functions as a promise on the part of Crystal Dynamics: there are big things ahead of us. And at the end of Lara's journey, after we've seen her through this adventure, and experienced everything the world has to offer, it's clear that promise was kept." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
Ori and the Blind Forest -- 9/10
"It consistently surprises you with new tricks: gravitational divergences, new ways to move through its spaces, and carefully designed levels that require you to think quickly and respond. It is not as snappy as, say, a typical Mario platformer, seeking instead a broader gameplay arc stretching across a single, interconnected world. It's a superb and thematically consistent approach that allows Ori and the Blind Forest to build joy on a bed of heartache, adding a new layer of mechanical complexity with each ray of hope." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain -- 10/10
"There has never been a game in the series with such depth to its gameplay, or so much volume in content. The best elements from the past games are here, and the new open-world gameplay adds more to love on top. When it comes to storytelling, there has never been a Metal Gear game that's so consistent in tone, daring in subject matter, and so captivating in presentation. The Phantom Pain may be a contender for one of the best action games ever made, but is undoubtedly the best Metal Gear game there is." [read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Fallout 4 -- 9/10
"Fallout 4 is an engrossing game that lures you in with mystery and the promise of adventure. Its wretched wasteland can be captivating, and you never know what odd person or settlement lies around the next bend. Fallout 4 uses its dark world as a canvas for exciting combat and gripping stories, and when you dig deeper into its post-nuclear-apocalypse version of Boston--defending yourself from violent scavengers and using your wits to climb social ladders--you become attached to the new you, and ultimately invested in the fate of your new world." [read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor -- 8/10
"This is a great game in its own right, narratively disjointed but mechanically sound, made up of excellent parts pieced together in excellent ways. I already knew what future lay in store for Middle-earth as I played Shadow of Mordor; I'm hoping that my own future might one day bring another Lord of the Rings adventure as stirring as this one." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Dragon Age: Inquisition -- 9/10
"Inquisition's characters and world recall the grand gestures of the original Dragon Age, even though the game as a whole is so structurally different to its predecessors. It offers the thrill of discovery and the passion of camaraderie. It features a glee club called The Sing-Quisition, and a dwarf with writer's block. It establishes connections with its world in big ways and small, with the sight of a titanous temple and the smirk of an Orlesian commander in love. Dragon Age: Inquisition is a wonderful game and a lengthy pilgrimage to a magical world with vital thematic ties to one we already know." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition -- 8/10
"Lara herself is so well crafted that I grew attached to her exploits and was sad to say goodbye when the credits rolled. And the exquisite visual design is so breathtaking that I continually found myself staring at the scenery instead of pushing onward. Tomb Raider is a great reinvention of this enduring franchise that made me eager to see where Lara goes in her future." [read the full review] -- Tom McShea
Forza Motorsport 5 -- 9/10
"All of this combined makes Forza Motorsport 5 an outstanding improvement to an already excellent racing franchise. It's far more than just a great racing sim, or a gorgeous showcase for the types of feats the Xbox One hardware is capable of. This is a game built on the romantic thrill of motorsport in all its forms, and that love for its subject matter is all but impossible to resist." [read the full review] -- Shaun McInnis
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag -- 9/10
"There's an incredible scope to what you can do in Black Flag, with a level of harmony between its component parts that encourages you to try it all, and a story that keeps you invested throughout the whole thing. If there was ever any question that Assassin's Creed needed something ambitious to get the series back on track, Black Flag is that game and then some." [read the full review] -- Shaun McInnis
By Sam Leichtamer on Apr 04, 2018 04:30 am
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.
Steven Spielberg's Ready Player One is not exactly what you'd call a faithful adaptation. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does have fans curious: What's different, and what's the same, compared with the original book? The answer is that a lot is different in the movie. But keep in mind that Ernest Cline, the book's author, helped out on the movie by co-writing with screenwriter Zak Penn. So you might even consider the movie as faithful as possible in that regard. Ready Player One's book changes range from simple story tweaks to entire arcs and subplots being removed, even if fundamentally this is the same story. Click through to find out about the biggest ones. When you're done here, don't forget to read our Ready Player One review, check out all the Ready Player One Easter eggs and references we could remember, find out why it's a great movie, check out our analysis of the ending, and read our interviews with the cast and the creators.
Wade's origin (book)
Wade (Parvizal) is from a post apocalyptic ghetto in Oklahoma City and only leaves for Columbus once his stack has been decimated. He actually assumes an alternate identity, Bryce Lynch, and stays hiding in Columbus for months before IOI find him.
Wade's origin (movie)
He's from Columbus where, IOI headquarters is.
I-r0k (book)
I-r0k is a peer of Parvizal and Aech's who they often call a "poser." After Wade and Aech find the first key he tries to bribe them for the answer and tries to reveal their identities to IOI in a forum post that tips off Sorrento.
I-r0k (movie)
I-r0k is a random mercenary hired by Sorrento.
Wade's school (book)
Wade goes to school in the OASIS, as do many students, because the outside world, especially in the stacks, is too unsafe.
Wade's school (movie)
He's never shown going to school and this fact of life is removed. Actually, the first 8 chapters are basically skipped.
IOI (book)
Innovative Online Industries (IOI) is the world's largest Internet service provider.
IOI (movie)
Innovative Online Industries is a virtual reality equipment manufacturing corporation (among other things).
Wade's transformation (book)
During Wade's hideout spell he adopts a new lifestyle of eating better and exercising which leads him to a total physical transformation where he even completely shaves his head and body.
Wade's transformation (movie)
Wade's appearance never changes.
Rift with Aech (book)
Aech stops talking to Parvizal because she feels ditched since Parvizal's infatuation with Art3mis began.
Rift with Aech (movie)
Aech never cuts out Parzival, and that insufferable lonely patch in the book never happens.
Daito's death (book)
Daito is killed (fairly early on in the plot) by the Sixers trying to get the Jade Key. I'm still trying to forget the moment Shoto tells Parvizal that Daito "did not commit Seppuku."
Daito's death (movie)
Daito lives.
IOI's prisoner (book)
Wade is discovered by IOI in his hideout and taken into debtors prison as they still believe he is Bryce Lynch. It's all a deliberate scheme to protect himself and the High Five.
IOI's prisoner (movie)
Artemis surrenders to IOI when they discover the location of the "rebellion" headquarters and she is placed in a "loyalty center" to work off her (and possibly her father's) debt.
The High Five's identities (book)
Wade discovers the identities of everyone in the High Five by basically cyberstalking them at IOI with passwords he found on the internet. No joke.
The High Five's identities (movie)
Art3mis sends a dude from "the rebellion" to save Wade after his Stack is blown up. Aech, Daito and Shoto save Wade after IOI discovers the rebellion hideout. Then they all go save Art3mis.
The Copper Key (book)
The challenge is based off Tomb of Horrors from Dungeons and Dragons. After evading all types of D&D monsters and traps, the player has to defeat an undead lich king in an arcade game of Joust. Snore.
The Copper Key (movie)
An unbeatable racing game. The answer is found in Halliday's museum in a random memory where the designer hints that he'd like to "put the pedal to the metal" and go backward. Parzival does this at the start of the race, which reveals a trap door that leads to the finish line.
The Jade Key (book)
Aech tells Parvizal the challenge for the Jade Key is Zork. Parvizal travels to planet Frobozz where there are 512 recreations of the text-adventure game Zork and plays it and beats it. Again snooze. He finds a whistle inside a box of Cap'n Crunch and blows it and voila! (which is French for "and then I found out," lol). A key.
The Jade Key (movie)
In the movie the High Five travel to a recreation of Stanley Kubrick's seminal film The Shining, where they have to dance with some zombies to get the Jade Key.
The Crystal Key (book)
From the clue he is given, Parvizal determines the key must be hidden in the Rush album 2112 in the song "The Temples of Syrinx." In a long string of unnecessarily complicated events, Parvizal finds a 1974 Gibson Les Paul guitar wedged in a rock, sword-in-the-stone style, and walks it to a waterfall for reasons mentioned in the song to place it on an altar. He is then granted the key.
The Crystal Key (movie)
The third challenge in the movie involves an Atari 2600 game system and its entire library of games. Parzival is the only player who realizes that Halliday would have hid his Easter Egg inside the original Easter Egg, in Warren Robinett's game Adventure.
The Gates (book)
In the book they need to find the gates for the keys as well. These involve additional challenges. In one, Parvizal beats Dungeons of Daggorath on a TRS-80 computer in a replica of Halliday's childhood bedroom in a virtual past Middletown, Ohio.
The Gates (movie)
There are no gate challenges in the movie.
Extra life (book)
Inside Happytime Pizza (Halliday's childhood hangout,) there are a number of arcade machines. The Pac Man machine has an almost perfect high score. Wade plays a perfect score and the machine gives him a quarter which he keeps as he thinks it might be important.
Extra life (movie)
Parvizal places a bet against the Halliday museum curator that there is only one available source of the name of Halliday's long lost love. He is proven correct and the curator hands him a quarter which he doesn't think much of but keeps.
By Meg Downey on Apr 04, 2018 01:13 am
Who's going to survive Avengers: Infinity War?
With the arrival of Thanos looming just over the horizon, one question seems to be nagging at the forefront of just about everyone's brain: Out of the MCU's seemingly endless roster of heroes, who's going to die in Avengers: Infinity War? The threat is pretty legitimate. Thanos represents the biggest, baddest villain any of the Marvel Cinematic Universe superheroes have yet to face, and the marketing campaign hasn't been pulling any punches when it comes to emphasizing just how dire things are looking. With the Infinity Stones at his disposal, Thanos can wipe out "half the galaxy" with a snap of his fingers, meaning that the odds are pretty firmly stacked against the Avengers and their allies. That, coupled with the behind-the-scenes negotiations regarding contract expiration and renewal that we know are going on, mean Infinity War is prime time for some changing of the metaphorical guard. It's time to take a closer look at the totally mathematical, theoretically sound, extremely clinical, and not at all anxiety fueled probabilities behind some of the MCU's biggest heroes making it out of Avengers: Infinity War alive.
31. Black Panther
Likelihood of death: 0.1% While anything could technically happen, it's a pretty safe bet that T'Challa isn't going anywhere. Not only did he just star in his own record-shattering solo movie this year, but Wakanda's arc in the MCU is only just beginning. Rest easy, the King is sitting pretty right now.
30. Shuri
Likelihood of death: 0.1% Just like her brother, Shuri is sitting pretty comfortably in this one. Not only has she already proven to be a huge fan favorite, but it's abundantly clear that her story has plenty of fuel left in the engine. She's not going anywhere.
29. Valkyrie
Likelihood of death: 1% Seeing as it's actually pretty doubtful Valkyrie will be on screen for more than just a brief cameo this time around, killing her off right now wouldn't make a ton of sense--at least not when she's only just getting started.
28. Okoye
Likelihood of death: 1% Though her role as a general puts her closer to the front lines, and therefore, more at risk, Okoye--like the rest of the Black Panther crew--is very likely sitting pretty for this one. The Dora Milaje are one of Wakanda's big breakouts for fans so it absolutely wouldn't make much sense to cut them off at the knees by killing their leader.
27. Spider-Man
Likelihood of death: 2% Peter Parker already has a solo movie sequel confirmed with a release date of July 5th, 2019, meaning unless there's some sort of cosmic time-warping involved, everyone's favorite web slinger is skating through this one just fine.
26. Ned Leeds
Likelihood of death: 2% Peter's best pal Ned is, for all intents and purposes, just as safe as Peter himself. He may not be as critical to the continuation of the Spider-Man line, but killing Ned would be pretty pointless and strangely cruel. He's going to be alright.
25. Mantis
Likelihood of death: 2% As the latest official addition to the Guardian's lineup, killing Mantis wouldn't accomplish much beyond leaving a gap that will need to be filled for their next solo film. Anything can happen, of course, but probably not this.
24. Groot
Likelihood of death: 2% C'mon, even if Groot does "die," we've already seen that he can just come back. If anything winds up happening to him, it'll probably be to revert back to the very merchandise friendly Baby Groot rather than anything permanent.
23. Rocket
Likelihood of death: 3% Similar to Groot, Rocket's status a fan favorite mascot-style character in the Guardian's lineup is very likely going to keep him safe for this one. It's kind of hard to replace a talking raccoon.
22. Ant-Man
Likelihood of death: 3% There's been some debate about where, exactly, in the MCU's timeline Ant-Man and The Wasp actually takes place, but even if it's something designed to slot into the time between Civil War and Infinity War, it's still pretty unlikely that Scott Lang is going to kick the bucket here. It just wouldn't make a whole lot of sense from a marketing standpoint.
21. The Hulk
Likelihood of death: 3% Mark Ruffalo has been extremely open about the Hulk's version of a "solo movie" being a three part arc across three movies. The first part of that story happened in Thor: Ragnarok, so it goes to follow that the second will come in Infinity War, and the finale will likely be in Infinity War's unnamed sequel. Consider him pretty safe, at least until next year.
20. Black Widow
Likelihood of death: 5% Natasha Romanoff's standalone Black Widow movie has all but been confirmed. Of course, we don't have a release date or any real information yet, so that could potentially change in the future--and it might be an origin story or something set in the past, to be sure--but it's definitely a lot less likely that she's going to bite the dust any time soon with those rumors swirling around.
19. War Machine
Likelihood of death: 6% Rhodey just came out of a near-miss moment in Civil War, so might feel a little redundant to have him put at risk again so soon. Also, War Machine's status as one of the major, active Iron Man replacements keeps him pretty safe.
18. Pepper
Likelihood of death: 6% Pepper's been a tertiary character in the MCU for as long as Tony's been a star and, though Tony's future may not be all that certain right now, Pepper's death wouldn't gain all that much for the shared universe. It's pretty safe to say the thing more likely to bench Pepper Potts than death is Gwyneth Paltrow renegotiating her contract.
17. Star Lord
Likelihood of death: 6% Until more of Marvel's space-based heroes make their live action debuts, it's pretty unlikely that Peter Quill is going to go anywhere. After all, those Adam Warlock teases from Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2 are going to need someone to follow up on them at some point.
16. Thor
Likelihood of death: 15% It's pretty hard to kill a god, but as we've seen more than once it's definitely possible--and, by the look of things in the most recent trailer, Thor is about to undergo some truly rough treatment. However, the Thor franchise is largely without an heir as of right now and, considering its position as one of the MCU's most light hearted lines, a major heroic death would probably be pretty counterproductive. Thor may end up benched, but he probably won't die.
15. Bucky Barnes
Likelihood of death: 25% Not only is Bucky very recently rehabilitated from his stint as the brain washed Winter Soldier, he's also spent the duration of his time on screen in all three Captain America movies getting relentlessly teased as a potential successor to the mantle after Steve Rogers. Sure, there's always a chance that those shield-holding moments were just Easter eggs for the sake of Easter eggs, but let's not count Bucky out just yet.
14. Falcon
Likelihood of death: 25% Similar to Bucky, Sam Wilson's MCU story has been heavily intertwined with the Cap movies in a way that made room for a potential solo spin off. If Bucky isn't the one to pick up the Cap mantle, Sam's the next most likely candidate. Of course, he's also a non-powered, non-serum'd, non-armored human being running into battle with Thanos here in Infinity War, so he might not be all that safe.
13. Scarlet Witch
Likelihood of death: 35% Wanda Maximoff has an interesting relationship with the Infinity Stones, considering her superpowers were the result of experiments on the Mind Stone. That said, we really don't know all that much about how those experiments actually affected her or what will happen when Thanos takes the Stone back. Killing Wanda wouldn't be much of a narrative power move, but it's certainly a possibility.
12. Gamora
Likelihood of death: 45% Though they're just supporting characters in their own Guardians of the Galaxy corner of the MCU, the "daughters" of Thanos are headed toward a major spotlight as dear ol' dad makes himself known. Gamora even narrated the majority of the second trailer, which confirmed we'd get a closer look at her origin story which featured Thanos himself abducting her as a child. It's not super likely, considering the popularity and franchise power of the Guardians as a unit, but if a member of that team is going to get benched this time around, Gamora is probably the most likely--it would certainly be an emotional gut punch.
11. Drax
Likelihood of death: 55% If a Guardian of the Galaxy is marked for death that isn't a Daughter of Thanos, let's face it, it's probably Drax. He may be a great bit of comic relief but his actual narrative arc hasn't gone all that far since his debut and with so many teammates who could clearly pick up the slack as the bruiser of the bunch (Groot's growing up pretty fast, after all), if that herd needs to be culled, Drax is likely the one to go.
10. The Collector
Likelihood of death: 65% It's actually strangely likely that The Collector is going to bite the dust here. Not only is he sitting on one of the Infinity Stones, which puts him right in Thanos's crosshairs, he's also a tertiary enough character played by a big enough actor (Benicio del Toro, lest we forget) that he sits in a "fat trimming" area.
9. Wong
Likelihood of death: 65% The mystical arm of the MCU is a strange animal. With no real franchise plans on the horizon that we know of, Wong's role is teetering on a knife's edge between expanding or collapsing entirely. It'll depend on just how things shake of for Strange.
8. Hawkeye
Likelihood of death: 70% Fans of Clint Barton have been clamoring about his lack of inclusion in the marketing material since the Infinity War campaign dropped. We know he'll be taking on a new identity--Ronin--at some point in this movie, but other than that, it's been pretty tricky to pin down any information about him at all. As one of the few totally non-powered, non-metahuman, non-armor clad Avengers, Clint's more at risk this time around than others.
7. Doctor Strange
Likelihood of death: 70% Things started looking a little dicey for Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) in the latest Infinity War trailer, where we got a brief but up close and personal look at Ebony Maw's torture techniques, prompting no shortage of speculation from fans. In the Infinity comics event, a similar scene takes place which winds up with Ebony Maw parasitically infecting Strange's brain and using him as something of a double agent for Thanos's plans--something which probably won't translate directly to screen, but leaves the good doctor with a pretty ominous shadow hanging over him. On top of that, Strange is one of the few solo superheroes introduced to have no confirmed plans for a sequel, meaning he can be taken off the board without much concern for franchise building.
6. Nebula
Likelihood of death: 75% Nebula, however, has been pretty absent from a lot of promotion and, given the tumultuous relationship she and her adoptive sister have shared on screen as of late, that might be a bad sign. Her redemption arc could be completed by a big moment of sacrifice that would arguably provide the same kick as Gamora's potential doom but at half the narrative (and future merchandising) cost. If one of the daughters of Thanos is going down, it's probably going to be her. Sorry, Nebula.
5. Nick Fury
Likelihood of death: 78% Samuel L. Jackson's been pretty candid about not really knowing or understand where Nick Fury slots into Infinity War, which could be seen as a pretty bad omen for the character's continued presence in the MCU. Increasingly it feels like the movies are moving away from both Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D, which means we may see the end of Fury here pretty soon.
4. Iron Man
Likelihood of death: 80% Tony Stark sits near the very top of the "Most Likely To Die" list in this one, unfortunately. Not only has Robert Downey Jr. been playing the character for a full decade, he's been pretty open about his desire to scale Tony's role in the franchise back "before it gets embarrassing." Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean Iron Man has been earmarked for death, but if Infinity War is looking to make a powerful statement with an extremely beloved character, Tony is obviously and definitely the lowest hanging fruit. Of course, things get complicated when you think about Tony's overall lack of a real on-screen successor. War Machine has only recently started prominently featuring alongside any of the Avengers ensembles with Captain America: Civil War, and Peter Parker, Tony's only real protege (for now) has a mantle of his own to bear--so, maybe, just maybe Tony could make it through this one in one piece--at least long enough to hand the keys to the Iron Man armor over to someone new. Someone like Black Panther's sister Shuri, maybe?
3. Captain America
Likelihood of death: 85% All things considered, Steve Rogers has been living on borrowed time in the MCU since his surprising survival through Civil War--a movie based on the comic event that famously killed him in its aftermath. Now visibly hardened, shieldless, and world weary, Captain America's Infinity War look and feel is unlike anything we've ever seen from our Star Spangled Avenger in the past--and no matter how much a fan favorite the beard and the scowl may be, when looked at in context, it all feels pretty ominous. Add to that the fact that Cap has not one but two potential on-screen replacements in Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), both of whom have expressed interested in doing their own solo or duo spin off movies and--this is painful to type--things aren't looking all that great for Steve's future.
2. Loki
Likelihood of death: 85% In a similar boat as Gamora, Loki's on-again-off-again role as a villain has put him on some thin ice moving forward in the MCU. His heartwarming turn at the end of Thor: Ragnarok certainly won him some brownie points, but after the latest Infinity War trailers confirmed that he did indeed steal the cosmic cube from Odin's vault, it's clear that Loki hasn't completely changed his heart or his ways. This means things are getting a little complicated for him these days. Nabbing the cosmic cube (which contains the Space Stone) puts him right in the crosshairs of Thanos and the Black Order, something that opens the doors for him to execute yet another one of his classic backstabbing moves on his brother or sacrifice himself for the greater good. Sure, it might be a shockingly altruistic move for someone like Loki to make at the literal 11th hour, but it would be a pretty satisfying (and emotionally devastating) end to his MCU journey.
1. Vision
Likelihood of death: 90% Another Avenger high up on the potential chopping block is Vision (Paul Bettany), and he has an extremely literal target painted right on his forehead. Given life by the Mind Stone, Vision has been all but invincible through his movie appearances in Age of Ultron and Civil War, but we've already seen in Infinity War's marketing material that Thanos does, indeed, manage to get his hands on the yellow Infinity Stone at some point during the course of the movie. Of course, that begs the question: What exactly happens to a robot powered by a cosmic rock when the cosmic rock is taken from him? Is there a way he could survive? Or will it be like his batteries have been popped out for good? His romantic relationship with the immensely powerful Scarlet Witch might be the thing to save him--but with Wanda's abilities so loosely defined on screen, this one is too close to call.
By Mat Elfring on Apr 04, 2018 12:49 am
Wrestlemania is right around the corner, coming to PPV and the WWE Network on Sunday, April 8. One aspect of the yearly show that is more often than not a constant is the Undertaker. His Wrestlemania debut was back in 1991, and since then, his winning record of 23-2 is an achievement no one else will top. This year, while not officially announced yet, the Undertaker will be taking on John Cena at Wrestlemania 34. This very well could be the last Mania he competes in, but people tend to say that every single year. Even after leaving his gear in the ring at the end of Wrestlemania 33, it seems Taker has one more match in him. We're taking a look at the history of Undertaker at Wrestlemania and ranking every single one of his matches from worst to best. If you're interested in more breakdowns of upcoming Wrestlemania matches, check out all our predictions here and stay tuned to GameSpot for more Wrestlemania, including live coverage of the event on April 8.
25. WrestleMania 9: Giant Gonzalaz
In 1993, the Undertaker took on the Giant Gonzalaz in a battle that was quite boring and uninteresting. The only notable aspect about it was the finish, when Gonzalaz knocked out Undertaker with a rag covered in chloroform. He was disqualified for his actions.
24. Wrestlemania 11: King Kong Bundy
King Kong Bundy fought the Undertaker in 1995. This was the first time it was mentioned Undertaker was undefeated at Wrestlemania, with a 4-0 record. It was a silly match, featuring a comically oversized urn, which Kama, the Supreme Fighting Machine, stole during the fight.
23. Wrestlemania 33: Roman Reigns
2017's battle between Roman Reigns and Undertaker was rough. Reigns didn't have the experience to really carry the match the way someone like Shawn Michaels could, and Taker seemed out of shape and was winded early on. The 22-minute match featured plenty of signature moves and false-finishes, but it felt like nothing more than the young guy beating down an old man, which gave Taker his second Wrestlemania loss.
22. Wrestlemania 7: Jimmy Snuka
Undertaker's first match happened back in 1991, when he took on Jimmy Snuka. What was cool about this match was that Undertaker was still mysterious. However, there was a lot of overselling on Snuka's part, and Taker felt a bit green. There was little to no drama in the match.
21. Wrestlemania 22: Mark Henry (Casket Match)
One of the cooler matches the Undertaker had been involved with throughout his career was the Casket Match, where you got the win by putting your opponent in a casket. In 2006, Undertaker took on Mark Henry in said match, but it was pretty lackluster. It was just another "big guy vs. big guy" match and failed to hit its mark.
20. Wrestlemania 13: Sycho Sid (No DQ for the WWF Championship)
The Undertaker had a few matches for a championship belt, and the first came back in 1997, for the WWF Championship in a "No Disqualification" match against Sycho Sid. The "No DQ" aspect of the match wasn't really utilized and so many spots were used in the Diesel match the year prior. It was not very memorable.
19. Wrestlemania 8: Jake Roberts
One thing that was cool about Undertaker's 1992 match against Jake Roberts was that it sets up Undertaker as an unstoppable force. It built on the mythos of the Undertaker. However, this match does get a bit bogged down by a whole lot of work in the corner and lots of chokeholds.
18. Wrestlemania 20: Kane
2004's Wrestlemania 20 marked the return of the dark and evil Undertaker, after years of being an "American Badass." The build-up and hype were phenomenal for the event, but all-in-all, it didn't live up to it.
17. Wrestlemania 15: Big Boss Man (Hell in a Cell)
Out of every single Undertaker match at Wrestlemania, 1999's match against Big Bossman was without a doubt the most bizarre. This Hell in a Cell match had the weirdest finish from the Attitude Era. After Undertaker won, he put a noose around Bossman's neck and had him hang from the cell. Many people thought they witnessed a murder.
16. Wrestlemania 19: Big Show & A-Train (Handicap Match)
Undertaker's 2003 match was the only time he faced two opponents: Big Show and A-Train. Taker was up against impossible odds for the match, which was a nice spin. Right away, it felt like this wasn't a match that he could win. The downside of this match was the sidestory featuring Nathan Jones showing up late as his partner. It felt like too little, too late.
15. Wrestlemania 18: Ric Flair (No DQ)
Ric Flair took on The Undertaker in one brutal and bloody No DQ match back in 2002, which got Taker his 10th Wrestlemania win. There were plenty of great spots here, including Undertaker turning a Figure Four Leglock into a Chokeslam.
14. Wrestlemania 32: Shane McMahon (Hell in a Cell)
While the 2016 Hell in a Cell match between Shane McMahon and the Undertaker was filled with a ton of fantastic high spots, like McMahon attempting an elbow drop onto Taker from the top of the cell, the storytelling--for the fight--wasn't there. The match entertains but felt a little empty overall.
13. Wrestlemania 14: Kane
This match defined what a Wrestlemania match against the Undertaker should be. The story between Kane and Taker really helped build this match, which had some great back and forth moments. It all built to Taker squeaking out a victory.
12. Wrestlemania 27: Triple H (No DQ)
Triple H and Undertaker faced each other at Wrestlemania on three separate occasions. While this was the weakest of the three, it was still a great match. Triple H tried everything within his power to defeat Taker, and he couldn't. The only real downside to this match was that while it was "No DQ," it didn't really scratch the surface of that type of match.
11. Wrestlemania 31: Bray Wyatt
Many wrestling fans felt that the 2015 match against Bray Wyatt would be a passing of the torch, from Undertaker to Wyatt. While the overall match was pretty good, it was more of a showcase for Wyatt. We really got to see how fantastic and haunting Wyatt can be in the ring but nothing new from Taker.
10. Wrestlemania 23: Batista (For the World Heavyweight Championship)
Undertaker took on Batista at the 2007 event, and it was an incredible back and forth battle. There were some great moments during the match, including a slam through the announcer's table. There were a few times here where it felt like Batista had this match, but once again, Taker came out on top.
9. Wrestlemania 12: Diesel
Many of Undertaker's early Wrestlemania matches were busts. However, in 1996, Diesel put up one heck of a fight. We saw some great moments, like both men knocking each other out--at the same time--with big boots. Diesel's cockiness got the best of him, and he underestimated Undertaker's power, which led to Diesel losing.
8. Wrestlemania 30: Brock Lesnar
The only loss in Undertaker's career came in 2014 when he faced Brock Lesnar. This was a slow, brutal match between these two beasts. The match did have a few problems, mainly because Taker got a concussion early on, but what makes this match great is the finish, the crowd reaction, and the aftermath.
7. Wrestlemania 29: CM Punk
The year prior to Undertaker's first loss, he faced CM Punk. The storyline building up to this match was pretty crazy, as Punk used former Undertaker manager Paul Bearer's death--which happened a month prior--to get under Taker's skin. The highlight of the match came from Punk jumping off the top rope onto Taker, who was laying on the announcer's table.
6. Wrestlemania 17: Triple H
2001's match against Triple H is pure Attitude Era. The match had a slow start that builds into a war. There were some really innovative reversals like Triple H trying to give Taker a Tombstone Piledriver and reversing it to one of his own.
5. Wrestlemania 24: Edge (For the World Heavyweight Championship)
In 2008, Undertaker took on Edge, and this match redefined what Wrestlemania matches should be. Everything about it felt so big and over-the-top. There were a lot of moments where it seemed like Edge had the win, but Taker ended up submitting his opponent for the first time in his Wrestlemania career.
4. Wrestlemania 26: Shawn Michaels (Streak vs. Career)
When Undertaker and Shawn Michaels were in the ring together, it was magical. Their second meeting in 2010 felt like a shadow of their match at Wrestlemania 25, but it was beautiful nonetheless. These two performers put on a wonderful show, with highlights like Michaels doing a moonsault onto Taker outside of the ring.
3. Wrestlemania 21: Randy Orton
Randy "The Legend Killer" Orton set his sights on taking down one of the WWE's biggest names at the company's biggest PPV. This match had one of the most entertaining storylines behind it, and the battle was great for all it's back and forth moments.
2. Wrestlemania 28: Triple H with Shawn Michaels as Referee (Hell in a Cell)
While the 2012 match featuring Triple H and Undertaker locked in the Hell in a Cell had a slow start, it slowly built into something amazing. The addition of Shawn Michaels as the guest referee really pushed it over the top, as he stepped in a few times to stop Triple H from beating down Taker with a chair. It was an extremely brutal match to watch for all the right reasons.
1. Wrestlemania 25: Shawn Michaels
Finally, the best Undertaker Wrestlemania match of all time is a no-brainer. In 2009--at Wrestlemania 25--Shawn Michaels and Undertaker had an all-out-war for 30 minutes that is one of the best Wrestlemania matches of all time. There were some great moments here, like when Undertaker dived outside of the ring and almost broke his neck after colliding with a cameraman.
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