The Marvel universe is vaster than just a team of Avengers. We've taken the liberty of ranking every single Marvel movie in the universe (including those outside the MCU) according to Metacritic's unique score system.
Let's start with one we'd rather forget. Shackled by horrible reviews, bad dialogue and lackluster action scenes, 2015's Fantastic Four reboot is the lowest-rated Marvel movie ever.
The 2008 reboot of The Punisher is filled with a bunch of gratuitous violence, but little else. Punisher: War Zone is still the worst-performing Marvel film at the box office, with a worldwide gross of $10.1 million.
In this 2012 entry, Nicolas Cage reprised his role as Johnny Blaze, the devil's bounty hunter. The sequel to 2007's Ghost Rider was largely panned by critics, but it was a box-office success nevertheless. In 2013, Cage said that he is finished playing the role of Ghost Rider, and a second sequel was subsequently canceled.
Back in 2004, the unstoppable vigilante known as The Punisher emerged following the brutal murder of his family. After Thomas Jane, the original Punisher, left for creative reasons, the planned sequel was scrapped for the previously mentioned 2008 reboot, Punisher: War Zone.
In this Daredevil spin-off, Jennifer Garner reprised her role as the assassin Elektra. The film was so unpopular that a companion video game was never released because developers feared it would fail. Ouch.
Garner's Elektra was panned, with a mark of 34 on Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
43. Ghost Rider
Aside from the stellar special effects and usual greatness of Nicolas Cage, this movie a mess, littered with bad jokes and hammy dialogue. That didn't stop Ghost Rider from being a success as the box office, however.
Cage's Ghost Rider drew a 35 in Metacritic's rankings.
(Photo: Sony Pictures Entertainment)
42. Blade: Trinity
The third entry in the Blade saga is also the most unwatchable. Even with a decent cast that includes Wesley Snipes, Jessica Biel and Ryan Reynolds, Blade: Trinity lacks a much-needed narrative direction.
The worst entry in the trilogy earned a 38 on Metacritic.
(Photo: New Line Cinema)
40. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (tie)
For years, fans of the adamantium-clawed Wolverine were clamoring for a stand-alone film. They finally got one, but this 2009 prequel did not live up to the immense hype. Although Hugh Jackman turned in another top-notch performance as James "Logan" Howlett, the actor expressed how unhappy he was with the film's final product.
Wolverine's first solo film was awarded a 40, per Metacritic's score.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
40. Fantastic Four (tie)
The first feature about Marvel's famed superhero team, released in 2005, to actually get a theatrical release had rousing action scenes, but little else.
The 31st-ranked Marvel film scored a 40, per Metacritic's rankings.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
39. Daredevil
This 2003 feature stars Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who fights for justice as the masked vigilante Daredevil. Despite Daredevil's success at the box office, the superhero film was filled with generic dialogue and a lack of character development. But we did get one stellar performance from the late Michael Clarke Duncan.
According to Metacritic, Affleck's first superhero film scored a 42.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
37. Blade (tie)
In 1998, Blade became the first Marvel comic-book hero adapted to the big screen. The success of this film also helped popularize both superhero and vampire films, which are two of the most successful movie genres today.
Wesley Snipes' first turn as the quasi-vampire earned a 45 on Metacritic.
(Photo: New Line Cinema)
37. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (tie)
Rise of theSilver Surfer is one of the rare sequels that's actually (slightly) better than the original, according to critics. This film still suffers from a failure to maximize the potential of its talented cast, including Laurence Fishburne as the voice of the Silver Surfer. While the film had some box-office success, a follow-up was canceled in lieu of a franchise reboot.
According to Metacritic's scores, this flick scored a 45.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
35. Blade II (tie)
Here's another sequel that critics believe is better than the original. And moviegoers agree, as Blade II is both the best-reviewed and the highest-grossing film in the saga. What's more, this flick helped introduce Americans to the talents of director Guillermo del Toro, who would go on to helm Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy.
While this 2014 film might have been a bit overstuffed with plot lines, set pieces and villains, Amazing Spider-Man 2 was still a commercial success. The movie was originally envisioned as a springboard for a shared universe, but it performed below expectations and all subsequent installments were canceled. Spider-Man will instead join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The final Amazing Spider-Man movie earned a 53 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
32. Hulk (tie)
Ang Lee's 2003 art-house rendition of the Hulk is one of the most ambitious Marvel films, with its poignant themes and beautiful cinematography. But it wasn't a good match for the source material. Ultimately, this film just needed more HULK SMASHES!
Poor Thor. The second installment in the god of thunder's saga sits toward the bottom of the Marvel Universe in terms of critical reception. Despite the fact that most of the characters in The Dark World merely seem to be going through the motions of saving the cosmos, when it comes to entertainment value, it could be much, much worse.
Metascore: 54
(Photo: Disney)
30. Iron Man 2 (tie)
Following the breakout critical and commercial hit Iron Man, this sequel left much to be desired. Mickey Rourke's Whiplash couldn't quite reach the level of Jeff Bridges' Obadiah Stane.
The second Iron Man installment received a mark of 57 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Paramount Pictures)
30. Thor (tie)
This film is quite the rousing action-fest, notable for its imaginative take on the breathtaking world of Asgard. However, Thor is slightly flawed, with a plot bogged down in backstory. But it's worth a watch for fans of the Norse, hammer-wielding god.
The final chapter in the original X-Men trilogy is also the worst-reviewed in the saga. The action scenes in The Last Stand were impressive, but the flick was too absurd even for a superhero film.
The third X-Men film received a 58 rating, per Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
28. Spider-Man 3
Yes, Spider-Man 3 featured everyone's "favorite" character: Emo Peter Parker. But this film was still somewhat entertaining. Tobey Maguire's final appearance as Spidey was the most successful in the franchise's history, with more than $890 million grossed worldwide.
According to Metacritic, the third Spider-Man film earned a score of 59.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
27. The Wolverine
Wolverine's second stand-alone film moved at a glacial pace, but it was still a critical and commercial success. The sixth film in the X-Men saga, and the first without the name "X-Men" in the title, ultimately couldn't live up to its immense potential.
The Wolverine notched a 60, per its Metacritic score.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
26. The Incredible Hulk
This reboot came out just five years after Ang Lee's rendition of the Hulk. The new entry did a considerably better job at depicting the spirit of the green Goliath, and, at the time, its visual effects were unrivaled.
The 18th-ranked Marvel movie received a 61, according to Metacritic.
(Photo: Universal Pictures)
25. Iron Man 3
Following the disappointing Iron Man 2, Marvel bounced back with the third film in Tony Stark's saga. While this movie never quite reached the heights of the original, it definitely injected some much-needed heart that was missing from the previous entry. Robert Downey Jr. has floated the idea that he might reprise his role for a fourth Iron Man film.
The third Iron Man movie scored a 62, per Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
23. Ant-Man (tie)
Yes, he's Marvel's smallest superhero, but Ant-Man more than makes up for it with his big heart and super strength. Ant-Man, and the affable Paul Rudd, were easy to root for in this fun popcorn flick.
This 2000 film gave the world its first live-action X-Men flick, and it did not disappoint. Director Bryan Singer's first choice to play Wolverine was Russell Crowe. The actor turned Singer down, but Crowe then suggested his friend, Hugh Jackman, for the role. And the rest is history.
The inaugural X-Men movie received a 64, per Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
21. Deadpool (itie)
The fourth-wall-breaking antihero has been a sensation ever since his film, Deadpool, was released. The foul-mouthed film has set a number of box-office records en route to becoming the highest-grossing R-rated comic book film of all time. And a sequel is already on the way.
The Ryan Reynolds-starring movie notched a 65, according to Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
21. X-Men: First Class (tie)
First Class represented a fresh revival for a franchise that desperately needed some new blood. The 2011 prequel brought together a perfect combination of stylish directing, a strong script, and powerful performances to create one of the best origin stories in any comic book feature.
First Class kicked off a fresh franchise with a score of 65, per Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
18. The Amazing Spider-Man (tie)
The reboot of the popular Spider-Man franchise was met with generally favorable reviews from top critics. However, many reviewers believed that The Amazing Spider-Man reused the same plot points from 2002's Spider-Man. Nevertheless, Andrew Garfield's witty one-liners made this one of Marvel's more entertaining films.
Garfield's first turn as the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man scored a 66 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
18. Avengers: Age of Ultron (tie)
While the second Avengers adventure couldn't quite top their first film, its genuine sense of fun and camaraderie helped make Age of Ultron one of the better Marvel movies.
According to Metacritic, the second ensemble Avengers movie scored a 66.
(Photo: Disney)
18. Captain America: The First Avenger (tie)
This movie absolutely scratches the itch for those looking for a classic World War II comic-book tale. With a pulpy style similar to Indiana Jones, The First Avenger finds that healthy balance between action thrills and nostalgia.
Bigger and brighter than the original, Guardians of the Galaxy 2 packs a ton of action and witty one-liners in the worthy sequel. Don't miss out on the five (!) post-credit scenes.
The meta jokes in this sequel are hilarious -- as is the movie's star, Ryan Reynolds. And GameSpot's own Michael Rogueau praised its action as a "stylish blast to watch" in his review. That said, Rogueau notes that Deadpool 2 relies too much on clichéd tropes, especially in its opening moments.
Here's one sequel that is definitely bigger and better than its predecessor. The follow-up to X-Men features a tight script, solid acting, and the best cliffhanger in any comic-book movie.
Says GameSpot's Michael Rougeau in his review: "Marvel has accomplished something truly incredible here, although at this point it's no more than the absurdly high quality bar Marvel fans have come to expect. It's been a long road getting here, but it was worth it."
Director Joss Whedon brings together an all-star cast of fan favorite Marvel characters in this raucous adventure. Not surprisingly, The Avengers is one of the most entertaining Marvel movies to date, with its witty script and playful acting.
Marvel's first Avengers soared to a 69 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
12. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The second entry in the Captain America saga barely edges out The Avengers in a surprising upset. The Winter Soldier also has huge ramifications on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the dismantling of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The Winter Soldier scored highly, with a 70 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
11. Doctor Strange
Marvel took a big risk in green-lighting this psychedelic movie about one of its lesser-known heroes, a doctor-turned-sorcerer. But the risk definitely paid off: The feature took in $85 million in its opening weekend.
Critics loved the film, too, giving it a strong score of 72 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
9. Spider-Man (tie)
This 2002 film signaled the beginning of the avalanche of superhero films, which are ubiquitous today. At the time of its release, Spider-Man had the highest-grossing opening weekend ever; it was the only film to eclipse $100 million in its first weekend. And that upside-down kiss between Spidey and Mary Jane Watson is one of the most iconic smooches in recent memory.
The sixth-highest ranked Marvel film scored a 73, per Metacritic.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
9. Spider-Man: Homecoming (tie)
After returning to Queens following the events of Civil War, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) struggles to maintain his school life and deal with the Vulture (Michael Keaton).
The Marvel film also features cameos by Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Jon Favreau, who reprises his role from the Iron Man series.
It's the best-reviewed X-Men film in the series and one of the rare movies to actually make time travel work. Days of Future Past also has the distinct honor of being the only X-Men film in the series to be nominated for an Academy Award (Best Visual Effects). On top of that, the sequel to First Class serves as a resolution to the original trilogy's messy storyline.
The time-traveling feature notched a 74 on Metacritic.
(Photo: 20th Century Fox)
6. Captain America: Civil War
An adorable new Spider-Man and a wickedly suited-up Black Panther freshen the MCU lineup, but the fight scenes alone are worth the price of admission.
Captain America: Civil War soared to a score of 75 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
This fun film delivers a breath of fresh air to the overly serious universe of comic-book franchises. Guardians of the Galaxy features a bevy of lovable losers, along with an upbeat soundtrack that will get your nostalgia juices flowing. This rousing film is simply a Marvel classic.
Guardians earned a score of 76, according to Metacritic.
(Photo: Disney)
4. Logan
In his final appearance as the Wolverine, a grizzled Hugh Jackman delivers one of his finest performance as the adamantium-clad mutant.
RogerEbert.com said of the film, "Logan is the rare blockbuster that could be a game-changer. It will certainly change the way we look at other superhero movies."
Logan clawed its way to a 77 on Metacritic.
Photo: 20th Century Fox
3. Iron Man
Surprise, surprise: The film that kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes up slightly short of the top spot on this list. The first Iron Man simultaneously resuscitated Robert Downey Jr.'s career while helping to make comic book movies super cool once again.
The inaugural Iron Man blasted its way to a 79 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Paramount Pictures)
2. Spider-Man 2
All the big players from the original film reprise their roles in Spider-Man 2, but what elevates this feature is Alfred Molina's brilliantly complex portrayal of Doctor Octopus.
This Marvel film scored big with an 83 on Metacritic.
(Photo: Columbia Pictures)
1. Black Panther
More than just a stunningly beautiful superhero movie filled with incredible action scenes, a killer score, complicated characters and a compelling setting, Black Panther is a full-fledged cultural event that asks -- and answers -- some tough but important questions.
It's not just the best Marvel movie in years -- it's the best Marvel movie of all time.
While PC gaming has been around for quite a while, it continues to improve as technology gets more advanced and as more and more great games come out. But because so many games do come out on PC (especially Steam) all the time, it can be hard to know what to play. To help you out, we went back a few years and rounded up the best PC-exclusive games.
For this list, we included some (but not all) of the PC games that received a score of 8 or higher on GameSpot, with priority going to games that were nominated for awards at the end of their release years. To narrow the scope further, we only picked games that released in 2013 or later--sorry, CS:GO.
For more PC recommendations, be sure to check out our new show, Steam Punks, where we pick out a few hidden gems on Steam for you to try each week. You can also see our list of the biggest PC games to play in 2018 for more of what's to come.
Battletech -- 8/10
"Battletech is a game that selfishly takes its time to be meticulous in every respect, and pushing through the density and idiosyncrasies of its many, slow-moving parts can be tough. But if you have the will to decipher it, albeit, at a deliberate and punishingly plodding pace, you can find yourself completely engrossed in its kinetic clashes. Battletech's intricate components ultimately foster a fascinating wealth of nuanced systems that build a uniquely strenuous, detailed, and thoroughly rewarding tactical strategy game." [read the full review]
-- Edmond Tran
Total War: Thrones of Britannia -- 8/10
"Thrones of Britannia is an exciting experience despite the cuts to integral components of the Total War series, such as city planning hinging on military needs, specific building customization, and expanded intrigue options. But this has given Creative Assembly room to focus on enhancing parts of the strategy experience that aren't quite as impenetrable to newcomers, and to allow the series to return to some of the beloved parts of previous historical games to balance out its newer, slimmer form. While there are minor issues with AI, and pacing suffers when you've comfortably gotten the upper hand, this is still a worthy and engaging contribution to the Total War stable that has successfully taken its cues from history's winners and losers alike." [read the full review]
-- Ginny Woo
Far: Lone Sails -- 8/10
"Lone Sails is a transfixing, lovely experience, one that takes recurring indie game tropes and does something unique and fun with them. It's short enough that you could play through it in a single two or three-hour session, but it will likely stick with you for a long time. I can see myself going back in a few months just to revisit the ship, like checking in on an old friend." [read the full review]
-- James O'Connor
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire -- 8/10
"Deadfire is dense, and it isn't a small game, easily dwarfing its predecessor in terms of scale. There's a lot to do, and it's easier than ever to get lost in the little stories you find, without following the arcs that the game has specially set out for you. Still, it's worth taking your time. The richness of Deadfire takes a while to appreciate, and like the brined sailors that call it home, you'll be left with an indelible attachment to these islands when you do finally step away." [read the full review]
-- Daniel Starkey
Frostpunk -- 9/10
"Frostpunk is among the best overall takes on the survival city builder to date. Its theming and consistency create a powerful narrative through line that binds your actions around the struggle to hold onto humanity in uncertain times. Hope is a qualified good, but you may not always be strong enough (or clever enough) to shelter that flame from the cold." [read the full review]
-- Daniel Starkey
Into the Breach -- 9/10
"There is so much strategic joy in seeing the potential destruction a swarm of giant monsters is about to unleash on a city, then quickly staging and executing elaborate counter maneuvers to ruin the party. Into The Breach's focus on foresight makes its turn-based encounters an action-packed, risk-free puzzle, and the remarkable diversity of playstyles afforded by unique units keeps each new run interesting. It's a pleasure to see what kind of life-threatening predicaments await for you to creatively resolve in every new turn, every new battle, and every new campaign. Into The Breach is a pristine and pragmatic tactical gem with dynamic conflicts that will inspire you to jump back in again, and again, and again." [read the full review]
-- Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer
Divinity: Original Sin II -- 10/10
"From lonely farmhouses through pitched battles with gods in far-flung dimensions, Divinity: Original Sin II is one of the most captivating role-playing games ever made. Its immaculately conceived and emotion-wrought fantasy world, topped by brilliant tactical combat, make it one of the finest games of the year thus far, and it has to be regarded as an instant classic in the pantheon of RPG greats." [read the full review]
"With Warhammer II, Total War doesn't reinvent anything so much as it iterates on the ideas that made the first so special. At its heart there's still the marriage of Total War's big-scale strategy and Warhammer's precise tactical play. But, through a thousand tiny tweaks, they've refined the experience into one of the most intriguing and exciting strategy games ever." [read the full review]
-- Daniel Starkey
The Red Strings Club -- 9/10
"From the game's opening piano chords, The Red String Club's futuristic exploration of themes regarding human emotion, strong writing, and exciting situations create an experience that is deeply gratifying. The cast of relatable, three-dimensional characters elevate the stakes of every bullet fired, secret divulged and cocktail poured. They are flawed and dangerous, but also convey admirable human characteristics that feel inspirational. The Red Strings Club is a tense adventure about a cast of characters that endanger themselves for goals that aren't necessarily guaranteed, a rewarding journey into the human soul, and a game that pushes the limits of what a point-and-click adventure can do." [read the full review]
-- David Rayfield
Civilization VI -- 9/10
"Civ 6 has a few rough edges, but they're pushed far into the periphery by spectacular strategic depth and intricate interlocking nuances. Any frustrations I experienced were immediately eclipsed by my desire to continue playing. Just one more turn, every turn, forever." [read the full review]
-- Scott Butterworth
Note: Civilization VI's latest expansion, Rise and Fall, received an 8/10 on GameSpot and adds "several key features that both complement and change up the base game." You can read our full review for more.
Endless Space 2 -- 8/10
"4X space sims have long been known as the territory of the serious strategy gamer, but Amplitude has broken away from the pack here. Outstanding depth and tactical challenge have been preserved, although not at the expense of the strong storytelling needed to emphasize the sense of awe and wonder in galactic exploration that's always been a huge part of the genre's appeal. Amplitude has done a masterful job combining these two elements into a single game, where the quests and strategy and politics and economy are all tied into a whole much greater than the sum of its parts." [read the full review]
-- Brett Todd
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III -- 8/10
"An odd chimera of its forebears, there's a lot in this fast-paced RTS that's a little bit off. Parts of the interface don't work sometimes, inter-match army management is half-baked, and the micromanagement needed to use the game's signature hero units effectively doesn't jibe with the extensive base-building you'll need to support them. But those problems fall away when you're in the heat of battle. Dawn of War III builds and maintains an organic tension that yields huge pay-offs, and there's nothing else quite like it." [read the full review]
-- Daniel Starkey
Hacknet - Labyrinths -- 8/10
"The feeling of playing Hacknet in a dark room with headphones on and being absorbed by its engrossing puzzles and soundtrack--full of heavy beats and filthy synth sounds--feels as close as you can get to the Hollywood hacker experience. The puzzles are uniquely challenging without feeling inaccessible, and the Labyrinths expansion takes the formula further by integrating deeper investigations and adding more puzzle variety. Despite the stumbling climax and steady learning curve, Hacknet - Labyrinths is one hell of a ride that leads you down the rabbit hole and back again." [read the full review]
-- James Swinbanks
Orwell -- 8/10
"Orwell is a hard experience to pull back from, even as the dirtiness of your job sinks in. It uses simple mechanics to tell a complex and engaging story, one that feels particularly relevant right now. This is a game where your choices matter and resonate, and which will leave you with plenty to think about once it's over." [read the full review]
-- James O'Connor
World of Warcraft: Legion -- 9/10
"With Legion, it's hard to remember when WoW's narrative and questing were ever this strong before. Time will tell if Blizzard will serve up a healthy dose of new content to keep the expansion and game alive (a la Mists or Lich King) or if it will suffer the fate of Warlords of Draenor, but right now (about a month after the expansion's release) Blizzard has proven it can still craft an MMO experience as well as--if not better--than anyone else." [read the full review]
-- Don Saas
Quadrilateral Cowboy -- 9/10
"Quadrilateral Cowboy succeeds in astonishing ways: It makes you feel like an incredibly accomplished computer hacker and agent of espionage. It creates an eccentric, thorough world that feels good to exist in and creates characters you can empathise with, despite the lack of a clear plot thread. Quadrilateral Cowboy presents you with a spectrum of moments, and each moment makes you feel great." [read the full review]
-- Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer
Total War: Warhammer -- 9/10
"When you're in the middle of a siege and you're coordinating an assault with a friend, Total War: Warhammer approaches perfection. You'll be tested on all fronts and asked to manage complex battles with broad, nuanced outcomes. Every system and piece feeds into others, and your choices make all the difference. It's a triumph of real-time strategy design, and the best the Total War series has ever been." [read the full review]
-- Daniel Starkey
Offworld Trading Company -- 9/10
"It's a bit chilling to think that in Offworld you're playing out the same obsessive pursuit of capitalism that led to the fall of its finctional Earth--an event hinted at in tutorial dialogue--yet it's so recklessly entertaining and biting with its satire that I couldn't help but get lost. When combined with truly deep and intricate strategic options, Offworld is a revelation. It's almost unparalleled in the genre. Each and every game is thrilling. Every moment is a challenge. And the brutality of the free market ensures that you can never rest on your laurels, less you be quashed by the invisible hand." [read the full review]
-- Daniel Starkey
Devil Daggers -- 8/10
"Most of the time, Devil Daggers finds elegance in its simplicity. By stripping the pomp of many modern shooters, it reveals the complexity beneath, molding the fundamentals into something exhilarating, something always worth one more try." [read the full review]
-- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak -- 9/10
"Homeworld was always about loneliness. It was always about clarity and focus. Kharak isn't new in that regard, but it is special. It shows us that when you get things right--and excel--that formula isn't easy to exhaust. Kharak does its part to add to that, though. Its use of voice acting and efficient visuals is a brilliant addition that's far from superficial. It helps narrow the scope of what you need to manage, so that it can load you up with as much as your brain can handle. It's a fast, daunting experience that's tough to shake, making Kharak as intoxicating as Homeworld has ever been." [read the full review]
-- Daniel Starkey
That Dragon, Cancer -- 9/10
"It's virtually impossible to not bring one's own biases into That Dragon, Cancer, because death and disease are universal. Just as it's impossible to quantify whether the exploration of those two heavy topics is worth the time and considerable emotional energy, it's impossible to truly quantify the immeasurable value of being able to not just forever present the best version of a person to the world, but being able to earn his presence in every way his parents did." [read the full review]
-- Justin Clark
The Beginner's Guide -- 8/10
"The Beginner's Guide is an absorbing journey into the thoughts and processes involved during the creation of a video game. It succeeds in helping you understand and sympathize with game developers as artists and people. It equips you with important tools to perceive and think about both video games and other mediums in intelligent ways. It's a game that lives up to its namesake--it's the beginner's guide to the meaning of video games." [read the full review]
-- Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer
Her Story -- 8/10
"We have an intimate level of knowledge about this woman in the wake of her own personal tragedy, and the strength of Her Story as a narrative experience is that even as the right clips put the truth in sharp relief, your ability to uncover it is both satisfying and horrifying. This feat of intelligence and insight sticks with you long after the credits roll." [read the full review]
-- Justin Clark
Interloper -- 8/10
"Interloper distills the core elements of every good RTS and adds a little extra to put it over the top. No matter if you love or loathe traditional real-time strategy, the deep tactics and puzzle solving crammed into a nicely condensed package here come highly recommended." [read the full review]
-- Brett Todd
The Stanley Parable -- 9/10
"The Stanley Parable is both a richly stimulating commentary on the nature of choice in games (and in other systems, too, like our workplaces and our families) and a game that offers some of the most enjoyable, surprising, and rewarding choices I've ever been confronted with in a game. Going the wrong way has never felt so right." [read the full review]
-- Carolyn Petit
Arma 3 -- 8/10
"ARMA III is a game with few modern counterparts. The influence of Operation Flashpoint isn't felt in many current games, even the modern OF, leaving the ARMA series to lead a charge accompanied by Red Orchestra, Iron Front, and too few others. With that uniqueness comes a dedicated community willing to overlook the flaws because they crave a kind of tension and large-scale teamwork unavailable anywhere else. You should consider joining that crowd. ARMA III is a beast. It occasionally flails and moans, but once you learn how to balance yourself upon it, it gives you a marvelous, turbulent, and memorable ride." [read the full review]
-- Kevin VanOrd
Dota 2 -- 9/10
"The original Dota was an unexpectedly powerful blend of clashing genres and disparate elements that ended up taking over the world, and Valve's successor retains the original rules and characters while adding in a cheery free-to-play model and slick production values. The experience of playing Dota changes day by day--some evenings will be exhilarating, while others will kick your morale to the curb--but there are few games as worthy of your time investment as this. Those who choose to commit to Dota 2 will find many happy hours within this immaculate update." [read the full review]
-- Martin Gaston
Antichamber -- 8.5/10
"There are moments in Antichamber that remain with you long after you've uncovered your last clue and solved your last puzzle. What has been created within its barren walls is supremely intelligent and wildly inventive, and Antichamber doesn't give up its ideals for the sake of accessibility. The few spells of frustration are fleeting and never compromise Antichamber's powerful achievements in design and style. 'Every journey is a series of choices,' you're told at the beginning of your adventure. You should choose to begin yours in Antichamber: it really is quite unlike anything else." [read the full review]
Newegg has launched a 25%-off sale on lots of the biggest games on the market right now. Whether you play games on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch, you'll want to look at these deals. The only hitch is that you have to enter promo code EMCPUEU83 at checkout to receive the discount. Take a look at our picks for the best games in the sale below, or check out the full list here.
Anyone with a PS4 can save money on an array of exclusives this week. Baseball fans can grab MLB The Show 18 for $45. People who enjoy a good challenge can try their hand at Nioh for $30. And racing fans who want a realistic driving experience can get Gran Turismo Sport for $30 as well.
Xbox One owners can grab the open-sea pirate game Sea of Thieves for $45, and the battle royale shooter PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds is on sale for $19. Lots of other games are available for 25% off, too. Just don't forget to enter the promo code at checkout.
A new weekly sale is live on the Xbox Store and it has some killer deals on some fantastic games. Whether you like playing on Xbox One, Xbox 360, or backwards-compatible 360 games on your Xbox One, you'll find plenty of deals that can save you lots of money. Most of the discounts are available to anyone, but a handful require an Xbox Live Gold subscription (marked below). You can find the full list of deals here, but let's dig into the highlights.
Fans of the Caped Crusader can practically get the Arkham trilogy for a song this week, with Batman: Return to Arkham and Batman: Arkham Knight available for $10 each (£14 - £20). You can build your own Arkham, or the metropolis of your choosing, in Cities: Skylines for $20 (£16).
The tough-as-nails platformer Cuphead gets a modest discount this week down to $17 (£14). The equally tough action games Devil May Cry 4 ($13 / £10) and Devil May Cry HD Collection ($21 / £25) are also on sale.
In terms of bang for your buck, you won't find a better deal than Dragon Age: Inquisition - GotY Edition on sale for $10 / £6. That includes the game and all of its expansions, which amounts to many dozens of hours of fantasy action-role-playing. Mass Effect: Andromeda is the same price and offers a similarly expansive amount of content for those who prefer sci-fi settings.
And if you're into fighting games, you can't go wrong with Injustice 2 ($24 / £18) or Mortal Kombat X ($8 / £10). To get more fighters from the start, consider buying Injustice 2 - Legendary Edition ($48 / £40) or Mortal Kombat XL ($10 / £20). You can find even more highlights from the Xbox One sale below.
Publisher EA's PC subscription service, Origin Access, is adding more free games to its "Vault" of freebies. Five more games are coming to the library on May 17, and interestingly, they are not all published by EA itself. That's not entirely surprising, however, as Origin Access has already added many non-EA games.
Origin Access has more than 80 games already in its library of freebies; you can see a full rundown of the titles here. In addition to free games, subscribers save 10 percent on Origin purchases and can play some of EA's upcoming games multiple days ahead of launch.
A similar service, EA Access, is offered on Xbox One with its own library of free games. No version of the program is available on PlayStation 4, though the door isn't completely shut.
Ariana Grande's "No Tears Left To Cry" is one of the hottest songs on Earth right now, and Nintendo smartly is getting in on that to promote Nintendo Labo. Yes, really.
Jimmy Fallon and his house band The Roots performed the song in its entirety with Grande using cardboard instruments from Nintendo Labo. This is a version of Fallon's silly "Classroom Instruments" segment where he and his band perform popular songs like Metallica's "Enter Sandman" and Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" with kazoos and melodicas. This "No Tears Left To Cry" segment is probably the best produced video of the bunch.
In case you're wondering, here's the full rundown of who played what for Fallon's incredible version of "No Tears Left To Cry."
Ariana Grande - Vocals
Jimmy Fallon - Guitar, Piano Studio
Questlove - Robot Kit
Black Thought - Electric Guitar Fishing Rod
Kamal Gray - Toy-Con Piano x2 (Organ)
James Poyser - Toy-Con Piano x2
Captain Kirk - Acoustic Guitar
Mark Kelley - Bass Guitar
Stro - Toy-Con Garage Drum Machine
GameSpot's Nintendo Labo review scored the game a 7/10. Reviewer Kallie Plagge said, "It's a remarkable educational tool and an opportunity to see your creations come to life, and that's something very special, even if the games themselves don't stand out."
Update 2: Fortnite's new update, 4.2, is now due out on Wednesday. Server downtime will begin at 1 AM PT / 4 AM ET / 9 AM BST / 6 PM AET, although no estimate for its duration was shared. The new patch will be available once the servers are back online.
Update: The new Fortnite patch has been delayed due to Epic's discovery of an unspecified issues. Related to this, some quests might not work as expected, Epic said. That includes one of the Week 3 challenges.
We've discovered an issue that's going to delay the release of v4.2. Due to this delay some quests may not function until the build releases. We'll update you once we have a more accurate time frame.
Fortnite continues to get new updates. Developer Epic Games announced today on Twitter that the battle royale game's next update is coming on May 15.
Version 4.2 will arrive tomorrow starting at 1 AM PT / 4 AM ET, and there will be some downtime associated with it. However, Epic did not specify how long the downtime will last. The patch is expected for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, and we'll circle back with the patch notes when they are made available.
What came first, the chicken or this emote? 🐥 Get the Chicken Emote while you can! pic.twitter.com/TUp4y7Izss
In other Fortnite news, Epic has added yet another dance emote. This one is called the Chicken Emote, and it really looks like Gob's wonderful dance from Arrested Development. You can see the dance in action in the video above.
As with other Fortnite emotes and skins, the Chicken Emote will only be available for a limited time.
Slowly but surely, phase four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is becoming clear. While much of what will come after Avengers 4 remains unknown, two movies have been announced--a sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. However, it seems Marvel is also planning for the future of the Captain Marvel franchise.
Speaking to the BBC, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige says plans are in motion to use Captain Marvel as a way to introduce yet another Marvel superhero. The character in question is none other than Ms. Marvel, the MCU's first Muslim superhero. According to Feige, the arrival of Ms. Marvel "is definitely sort of in the works."
He continues, "We have plans for that once we've introduced Captain Marvel to the world." With the Captain Marvel movie headed to theaters on March 8, 2019--and the superhero played by Brie Larson set to help close out Phase 3 in Avengers 4 on May 3, 2019--that clears the way for Ms. Marvel to possibly be introduced in a Captain Marvel sequel.
In the comics, Ms. Marvel is actually Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American sixteen-year-old who idolizes Carol Danvers. After discovering she has Inhuman genes--much like her hero Captain Marvel, she takes up the Ms. Marvel identity Danvers once went by. She was first introduced in the comics in 2013.
We've reached the middle of the month, which means the second half of May's free Games with Gold are now available to download. From now until the end of the month, Xbox Live Gold members can grab two more titles for Xbox One and Xbox 360 at no charge, and they're both certainly worth a download if you don't have them yet.
On Xbox One, subscribers can get the critically acclaimed Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Originally released in 2015, The Phantom Pain is the latest mainline installment in the Metal Gear Solid series, and the final entry overseen by Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima. GameSpot's Peter Brown called it "undoubtedly the best Metal Gear game there is" and awarded it a rare 10/10 in our Metal Gear Solid V review.
This month's second free Xbox 360 game is Vanquish, the cult favorite shooter from Bayonetta developer Platinum Games. In our original Vanquish review, GameSpot awarded the title a 9/10 and called it "one of the most gleeful and memorable experiences" of its time. Like other titles offered through Games with Gold, Vanquish is also playable on Xbox One thanks to backwards compatibility.
Vanquish will remain free to download through the end of the month, while Metal Gear Solid V will be available until June 15. Gold members can also still grab the recently released Super Mega Baseball 2, which is free to download throughout the entire month. You can find the full list of May's free Games with Gold below.
May 2018 Games With Gold
Xbox One
Super Mega Baseball 2 (May 1-31)
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain (May 16-June 15)
By Anonymous on May 15, 2018 11:19 pm A new Rage 2 trailer gives us a glimpse of the post-apocalypse on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, while the Operator Alibi has been revealed for Rainbow Six Siege.
Not all games receive positive fanfare upon their announcement or in the lead up to release. Heavy skepticism can follow a game for one reason or another. Sometimes it occurs due to a game being a drastic shift from past entries of a long-established franchise. Other times it's a prolonged development cycle that colors our expectations, typically resulting in cynicism or apathy.
While there are games that ultimately fall in line with our worst expectations, there are plenty that manage to defy the odds. Everyone loves a good underdog success story, so we've compiled 15 of the most amazing games that defied widely held skepticisms and turned out to be great after all.
What are some of your favorite games that defied expectations? Let us know in the comments below. Otherwise, be sure to keep up on our upcoming E3 2018 coverage. With all the successes you read about here, be sure to keep an open mind to whatever this year's big show might have in store. You can get up to speed on the big press conferences through our E3 2018 schedule.
DMC: Devil May Cry
When Ninja Theory's Devil May Cry reboot DmC: Devil May Cry was first revealed in 2010, people were understandably skeptical. It drastically redesigned the look of the frontman Dante, ditching the brash demon hunter's silver hair and red-leather in favor of a modern look and angsty demeanor.
The change in art direction was instantly polarizing, resulting in a devout group of hardcore fans boycotting the game before it even released. Others worried the combat system wouldn't hold up to the high standard of quality set by past entries; Ninja Theory perceived lack of experience being the main culprit. While an early demo helped reassure some fans, expectations nevertheless remained low for others.
However, when DmC eventually released in January 2013, the game was welcomed with positive critical reception and solid sales. At the time GameSpot gave the game an 8/10, and said: "DmC pulls off that unlikely reboot trick of feeling fresh and inviting while still holding onto what made the original series so appealing and so special."
Despite its quality, some fans still rallied against DmC, going as far as petitioning to President Obama to remove the game from store shelves. However, the game continued to receive praise well after its initial release, and it's often cited now as one of the best entries in the franchise. DmC even received further acclaim with its subsequent remaster edition on PS4 and Xbox One. It just goes to show that looks can be deceiving.
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
When Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle was first leaked, nobody thought it was going to be an exceptional game--much less a good game. When Nintendo fans saw an arm cannon-touting Mario accompanied by Ubisoft's polarizing Rabbids, they lamented the possibility. It seemed like another disastrous mini-game collection waiting to happen; people wished it wasn't true.
Flash forward to E3 2017 and everything changed. When Shigeru Miyamoto took to the stage during Ubisoft's E3 press conference brandishing an arm cannon, it seemed like everyone's worst fears were about to come true. And then the game was shown: Rather than the mini-game collection that most people expected it be, Mario + Rabbids was in fact a turn-based tactical strategy experience. It was a shocking surprise that nobody saw coming.
Initial first impressions towards Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Rush were strong, and a positive reception followed into its release. GameSpot called it an "implausibly engrossing formula that is positively challenging and endlessly charming." Mario + Rabbids is an undeniably compelling game, and one of the most shocking and surprising entries in this list.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
When Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance debuted at the Spike Video Game Awards in 2011, it was a bit of a shock. Formerly titled Metal Gear Solid: Rising, the spin-off looked far more over-the-top than the initial version shown at E3 2009, which featured a tone and style reminiscent to mainline Metal Gear games. This was because the game was now being developed by Platinum Games, a studio most known for its work on fast-paced character action games.
It turned out that the team at Kojima Productions weren't able to design a game completely based around the initially proposed "cutting" mechanic, so Platinum Games stepped in to pick up the pieces. While the studio was well-regarded for its games, there was skepticism from hardcore MGS fans over whether or not the studio could meet the series' standard of quality in both gameplay and narrative. Some fans felt its style sharply contrasted existing games in the series.
Despite these reservations, Rising managed to live up to the series's legacy in all the right ways. Its stylish violence and hard rock soundtrack somehow seemed right at home in the occasionally ludicrous Metal Gear universe, proving that there was more to the franchise than Snakes and espionage. While Rising still has its detractors, it remains a substantial game well worth playing.
Until Dawn
It's all to easy for horror movies to unintentionally step into the realm of cheesy. Whether it's poor acting, rough special effects, or sloppy editing, there's so much that could potentially sap a scene. The same can be said of horror games, so the odds were stacked against Until Dawn from the start.
Making matters worse, the game was originally announced as a first-person PS3 game with Move controls. No one really cared when it blew past its release date, and when it was re-announced as a third-person PS4 game, most people shrugged. Such a turbulent development cycle almost always spells bad news for a finished game.
And then Until Dawn launched--and it was fantastic. The setting was creepy, the characters were interesting, and the narrative twists kept on coming. It was like watching a really good horror movie, but with the outcome under your control. Not bad for a game that seemed doomed from the beginning.
Doom (2016)
The Doom franchise had been largely dormant for the better part of a decade when id Software and Bethesda revealed what their plans were for the newest entry, simply titled Doom. With Doom 4 having been in development hell for years, our first good look at the new game showed what appeared to be a gorgeous technical demonstration--but one that suggested the game might be nothing but a gratuitous gorefest.
While it's certainly no less violent than we were led to believe, Doom offers a shockingly enjoyable campaign. Multiplayer feels like an afterthought, but that is really of no concern because the single-player side proved to be one of the best first-person shooter experiences in years. Doom embraces some classic elements of shooters while integrating more modern concepts, like a progression system that allows you to upgrade weapons and your Praetor suit.
Better yet, Doom offered what felt like a modernized version of classic FPS gameplay. Hiding behind cover for your shield to regenerate or relying on AI companions isn't what Doom is about; it instead focuses heavily on its shooting and movement. In a refreshing take, it forces you to stay on the move at all times in combat, making use of the environment and risking close-range melee kills (which restore health and ammo) to stay alive. The game is at its best when played at a high difficulty, where the combination of deadly enemies and the fantastic, intense soundtrack create a sense of urgency that can make Doom feel almost like a hybrid of arcade-style shooters and horror games. Despite the early concerns, Doom turned out to be a special game after all.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Coming off of a console generation that was littered with cheap, cash-in superhero games, many of us weren't expecting much from Rocksteady's Batman game. Sure it looked pretty and hearing Kevin Conroy reprise his role as Bruce Wayne was a huge plus, but aside from the fantastic Sunsoft-made games, the caped crusader didn't have the best track record when it came to video games. Boy, we couldn't have been more wrong.
Borrowing design philosophies from Metroid, Arkham Asylum gave us a dark, detailed setting to explore, with certain pathways closed off until you acquired the proper gear to access them. The developers clearly understood Batman's long and rich history, and it could be seen around every corner, as well as in the gadgets and abilities you gained along the way.
However, the best part of Arkham Asylum was that you truly felt like Batman. You would stalk criminals from the shadows, leap off tall buildings, disarm enemies with your batarang, and you were even able flex your muscles as a detective. Arkham Asylum wasn't just one of the best games from the last generation, but one of the best games ever made.
Watch Dogs 2
Watch Dogs was a bit of a disappointment for those expecting it to be a revolutionary next-gen game. Its hacking premise captivated us, but in execution, it was fairly limited. The visually striking appearance of protagonist Aiden Pearce fascinated us. Beneath the vigilante's gruff exterior were interesting motivations, but he ultimately failed to be memorable. That's not to say that Watch Dogs was an awful game for these reasons; rather, it simply failed to live up to the promise of its initial reveal, managing to only be a decent open-world game and not the masterpiece that many had envisioned it in the lead up to its release.
Flash forward to its sequel. Announced shortly before E3 2016, Watch Dogs 2 spurred trepidation in those burned by its predecessor. But not all people were so incredulous; after all, the original did have its share of fans. However, it was difficult to ignore the air of skepticism surrounding Watch Dogs 2 pre-release. Certain aspects of it seemed promising: hacking would be expanded, its protagonist's narrative background covered themes not seen in most action games, and its setting of San Francisco and Silicon valley was a perfect fit for the series.
And Watch Dogs 2 overcame the odds. Instead of trying to make good on the high expectations that plagued the original's pre-release, the game focused on developing its own sense of style, while expanding upon the mechanics of its predecessor. GameSpot said the game "is a step up from the first game's dreary rendition of Chicago, and even though Watch Dogs 2 can't go toe-to-toe with genre heavyweights, it's hard to walk away from its fun-loving attitude and exuberant cast." The game didn't reach the sales of the original, but it managed to firmly establish Watch Dogs as a promising and worthwhile franchise.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
After the critically acclaimed Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, Zelda fans were eager to see what the next game in the franchise would be. But when Nintendo inevitable showcased the next entry for GameCube, titled The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, fan response was deeply mixed. The vibrant cel-shaded visual style was a far cry from the more realistic style depicted in Ocarina of Time and the tech demo teased at the Space World 2000 event. Many had grown to accustomed to the visual precedent set by Ocarina of Time, so to not be able to see it displayed in a next-generation Zelda game disappointed many of series' most ardent fans.
Unfortunately, this widespread skepticism followed Wind Waker to its release, affecting its sales. Despite receiving glowing critical reception, it sold much less than previous Zelda games. The poor sales can likely be attributed to anxiety among fans that Nintendo was losing its edge by focusing on games for children, as opposed to the more mature-rated games developed by its competitors.
However, Wind Waker has since garnered acclaim among fans, often cited as not only one of the best Zeldas, but one of the best Nintendo games of all time. Time often heals the deepest of wounds, and Wind Waker is no exception.
Hitman
For fans of the Hitman franchise, little faith was left after Hitman: Absolution. A series known for exercising your creativity with a limited toolset in cleverly designed levels resorted to a simpler stealth-action template when Absolution hit in 2012. Hitman: Blood Money, which came out in 2006 had been hailed is the best example of what a Hitman game should be, until we got the full picture of 2016's entry.
It's a bit tricky to talk about 2016's Hitman game due to its episodic rollout. Even after the first episode, some fans remained suspicious, but once we had the chance to play through the second episode, Sapienza, we started to unpack the game's full potential. Each level was a huge playground where permutations of in-mission events unraveled and prompted players to adapt to emergent conditions to assassinate the necessary targets. The additions of challenges, escalation missions, elusive targets, and seasonal events uplifted the already great foundation. Replayability was at the heart of Hitman's lasting appeal and IO Interactive fostered that by continually supporting the game and giving you new reasons to jump back into missions you already finished.
Metroid Prime
When a beloved franchise makes a dramatic shift from its original style, it's natural for it to be met with skepticism and worry. This appeared to be the case leading up to the release of Metroid Prime for the Gamecube back in 2002. We had become so attached to the side-scrolling exploration that the change to a first-person adventure-shooter hybrid seemed to be a decision made to chase trends, rather than to benefit Metroid as we knew it. However, developer Retro Studios, in collaboration with Nintendo, captured the essence Metroid by creating a 3D world full of wondrous secrets, intense boss fights, and foreboding atmosphere.
Metroid Prime retained the core conceit of the franchise by gating sections of the game behind the requirement of certain powers and upgrades. But what Prime really nailed down was the environmental puzzles and uniquely challenging enemies that filled each region. Chozo lore was scattered across Tallon IV, the planet Prime takes place on, which gave a rich sense of world-building without being too in-your-face about it, and the light ambient electronica soundtrack set the tone for wandering a hostile planet alone.
In 2018, the control scheme of Metroid Prime is the probably the only aspect that hasn't aged well. A remaster of the Prime trilogy came out for the Wii and implemented the motion controls from Corruption which are much more fluid, but still aren't ideal today. Regardless, Metroid Prime represents an evolution of one of Nintendo's biggest franchises that stayed true to its retro roots while taking a step forward into the modern era.
Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy XV had a lot going against it well before release: major delays--the game was originally slated to release on PlayStation 3 back in 2006; changing directors--Tetsuya Nomura was swapped out for Hajime Tabata after several years of development; and, most alarmingly, the game started out as an offshoot title to Final Fantasy XIII's world. Originally titled Final Fantasy Versus XIII, the rebranding to a mainline Final Fantasy titled involved significant reworking of the plot, characters, and the game's mythos to take on its new identity.
Yet FFXV's eventual release was an open-world triumph. GameSpot's Peter Brown praised the "impressive open-world that's equally beautiful and haunting." And the PC version of the game specifically made a stunning game look even better.
While FFXV seemed like a game destined for either vaporware status or just flat out cancellation, the game continues to get new content and expansions even in 2018. And with the continual updates and content additions, FFXV is not just a game that surpassed our expectations, it's a better experience today than when it originally launched.
The Last Guardian
Having the well-known creator leave their parent company halfway through a project is generally not a great sign. So it seemed when, after five years of development on The Last Guardian, director Fumito Ueda left Sony and founded his own company. However, Ueda stayed on as a creative consultant for the game, leaving the technical aspects of The Last Guardian's development to Sony.
Some delays are due to a team taking more time with a project and adding necessary refinements, and while those postponements often lead to immediate disappointment, they're generally considered an overall positive. But when a project's delays stretch for years and is punctuated with drama behind-the-scenes, the game that comes out is all too frequently a disappointment (see high-profile flops like Duke Nukem Forever and Daikatana). Add in The Last Guardian's shift from PlayStation 3 development to PlayStation 4, and it seemed unlikely that the game would even be released much less be any good. But Ueda's vision ultimately shone through the fog of negativity, providing players with a gorgeous, mysterious world to explore and a heartfelt narrative between the young, helpless protagonist and a cat-like, winged beast.
The Last Guardian went on to earn a 9/10 score in our review with Peter Brown writing, "Your affection for Trico and sympathy for both characters blossom nonetheless, culminating in an enrapturing series of revelations that cements your attachment to their personalities."
Wolfenstein: The New Order
Before Wolfenstein: The New Order, it seemed like the World-War II-set shooter series had a difficult time trying to justify itself. With its predecessor Wolfenstein (2009) receiving mixed reviews and lackluster sales, enthusiasm for a follow-up was a low. Because of this, developer Machine Games (made up of ex-Starbreeze devs) wanted to switch things up by offering a more story-driven shooter set in an alternate-1960s under the rule of The Third Reich.
In the reveal trailer for The New Order, an older Blazkowicz wielding two shotguns faces off against a squad of nazi-robots--complete with Jimmy Hendrix's cover of "All Along The Watchtower" blaring in the background to set the tone. Now an alternate-history narrative, there was a general worry that Wolfenstein would be moving to a setting that films and other games have ventured out to countless times. Moveover, Machine Games' focus on having a more relatable and nuanced Blazkowicz in the midst of his Nazi-killing rampage seemed almost counter to the series' pulpy action and set-piece moments--like facing-off against a gun-toting mecha-Hitler.
But as it turned out, The New Order had a certain level of self-awareness when it came to managing its action and its story's tone. In keeping with tradition, the reboot was still an immensely satisfying run-and-gun shooter focusing on taking out Nazis in gruesome fashion. But underneath all that was a surprisingly earnest narrative about B.J. Blazkowicz and his reflections of a life in wartime--and what it said about his own mental well-being. Along with a set of memorable side-characters, The New Order features plenty of moments that channel Tarrantino-esque flair and moments of action--most of which were played to the tune of German covers of famous Rock-n-Roll songs. And all this happened while still showing an incredible amount of humanity and thoughtfulness to B.J.
Machine Games' reboot turned out to be a pleasant surprise that showed the potential of what a new setting could offer, and how an old-school shooter can still feel fresh when given the right chance.
Sonic Mania
For years the Sonic series chased the legacy of its early games, often delivering experiences that failed to capture the spirit that made the 16-bit originals classics. Whether it was by getting wrapped up in story or putting too much emphasis on speed instead of level design, the newer games felt lost. However, this all changed with Sonic Mania, a sequel designed to be a throwback to Sonic's first few games, created by people who knew exactly what that ought to look like.
Designed and developed by members of the Sonic fan-hack community, Sonic Mania exudes passion and reverence in its recreation of nostalgic visuals, sounds, and levels. But the game isn't content with senselessly regurgitating the past; rather, it expands upon the familiar with new ideas of its own and delivers plenty of inventive concepts that diversify and build upon the series' fast-paced level design. Sonic Mania is smart and interpretive in its approach, leveraging the strengths of its design and visuals to craft not only the best Sonic game ever made, but an amazing platforming experience overall.
Sonic Mania turned out to be a huge success, managing to sell over one million copies across all platforms. Its success has even paved way for an enhanced version of the game featuring additional characters and modes, which is slated for release this July.
Sleeping Dogs
United Front Games' Sleeping Dogs experienced a prolonged and difficult development, which began in early 2008. The title was pitched as an open-world game incorporating dark tones with elements of comedy, similar to an HBO crime drama. However, publisher Activision felt it could be made part of its True Crime franchise. As a result, the game was revealed as True Crime: Hong Kong in November 2009, but due to issues in development, it was delayed.
The extended development negatively impacted the project. Stiff competition from contemporary open-world franchises, like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, reduced hopes of the game's success based on the investment Activision was already putting into it. This inevitably lead to the game's cancellation in 2011 and massive layoffs at United Front Games.
Despite its cancellation, the project didn't meet its end. Rather, publisher Square Enix stepped in to purchase the rights to the game, allowing the project to finally reach people's hands. Renamed Sleeping Dogs, the game released in 2012 to positive reviews. GameSpot's Carolyn Petit gave the game an 8/10 and praised its melee combat, varied mission design, and alluring atmosphere. While Sleeping Dogs' sales didn't meet Square Enix's expectations, it remains a fantastic open-world action-adventure in its own right that defied the odds and survived what seemed an inevitable cancellation.
By Anonymous on May 15, 2018 11:15 pm Nick and Erick check out the week 3 challenges in Fortnite, while also chatting about the Thanos Infinity Gauntlet mode.
Microsoft continues to expand Xbox One's backwards compatible library little by little. Major Nelson announced on Twitter today that one more Xbox 360 game is now playable on the current-gen console: EA's fast-paced boxing sim, Fight Night Champion.
Originally released in 2011, Champion is the fifth and, to date, most recent installment in the Fight Night series. It features a variety of modes, including a full story campaign that follows Andre Bishop, a professional boxer working his way back to the circuit after serving out a prison sentence.
EA's boxing sim earned an 8.5/10 in GameSpot's original Fight Night Champion review. Critic Justin Calvert said, "Fight Night Champion is a great game that has a lot to offer. The story-driven Champion mode is an entertaining addition to the series, and once you get into the Legacy mode you might find that it's hard to put down your controller even after you've spent dozens of hours using the same fighter."
If you still own a physical copy of Fight Night Champion, you can now insert the disc into your Xbox One's disc drive and begin playing. Conversely, if you own the game digitally, it will appear automatically in the Ready to Download section of the My Games & Apps tab. You can also purchase a digital copy of the title from the Xbox Store for US $20 / £20 / AU $29.95.
Xbox One has amassed an impressive library of backwards compatible games since Microsoft first introduced the feature back in 2015, including a selection of original Xbox games. The most recent batch of those arrived last month and included The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, Jade Empire, and Panzer Dragoon Orta, among other popular titles.
By Anonymous on May 15, 2018 10:02 pm Westworld took a creepy turn this week, so join Lucy and Tamoor as they break down Delos' plan for the super rich, the identity of the mysterious new guest, and dive into all the religious symbolism throughout this week's episode. Beware, spoilers!
Rockstar has rolled out another batch of content for Grand Theft Auto V. Along with a new selection of in-game bonuses and discounts, the developer has introduced a new, battle royale-inspired Adversary mode for GTA Online called Trap Door, which is available to play now on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Trap Door pits teams against each other on a floating platform that is shrinking "rapidly" throughout the match. Each time a player is killed, they are transported to the red zone, where they're given only a few seconds to escape to the main platform before the zone disappears and dumps everyone within into the ocean.
To commemorate the launch of Trap Door, everyone who participates in the new mode in the next few days will receive extra bonuses. From now until May 21, Trap Door is paying out double the usual amount of GTA$ and RP. You can jump into the mode either from the boot screen or by setting a waypoint to the Featured Adversary mode.
In addition to Trap Door, players will earn double GTA$ and RP for Biker Business Sell Missions, while Smuggler's Run missions will pay out double GTA$ this week. Those who also participated in last week's Business Week event will now find their bonus money waiting in their Maze Bank accounts.
On top of the aforementioned bonuses, players can save 30% off of Executive Office Garages in GTA Online this week. An assortment of "fan favorite" vehicles and weapons are also on sale; the full list of discounted items can be found below. You can read more about this week's GTA V discount on Rockstar's official website.
This Week's GTA Online Discounts
Vehicles
Mammoth Hydra -- 40% off (Buy It Now & Trade Price)
Declasse Hotring Sabre -- 25% off
Vapid GB200 -- 25% off
Vulcar Fagaloa -- 25% off
Ubermacht SC1 -- 25% off
Coil Cyclone -- 25% off
Lampadati Viseris -- 25% off
Vapid Caracara -- 25% off
Weapons & Tattoos
All Ammo (including Mk II) -- 25% off
All Assault Rifles -- 25% off
All Sniper Rifles -- 25% off
All Shotguns -- 25% off
Doomsday Heist tattoos -- 25% off
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A new Rage 2 trailer gives us a glimpse of the post-apocalypse on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, while the Operator Alibi has been revealed for Rainbow Six Siege.
Nick and Erick check out the week 3 challenges in Fortnite, while also chatting about the Thanos Infinity Gauntlet mode.
Westworld took a creepy turn this week, so join Lucy and Tamoor as they break down Delos' plan for the super rich, the identity of the mysterious new guest, and dive into all the religious symbolism throughout this week's episode. Beware, spoilers!
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