By Kallie Plagge on Jul 24, 2018 12:05 am
Top Tier
PC gaming has been around for decades, but as technology grows, so too do the possibilities! Many, many games come out on PC--especially Steam--at a pretty fast pace, so it can be hard to know what to play. There's also a wide variety of genres to keep track of, plus all those games you buy during the Steam sale. To help you out, we went back a few years and rounded up the best PC-exclusive games. For this feature, 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. Many of the games that released during this period are some the best release on the platform. You can spend tons of hours in classic CRPG-style games or immerse yourself in more narrative-driven indie adventure games. Suffice to say it, there's plenty of high-quality options available to you. What PC games from 2013 onward do you love the most? Let us know in the comments below. And 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, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer
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] -- Brett Todd Note: Divinity: Original Sin II is coming to PS4 and Xbox One in August.
Total War: Warhammer II -- 9/10
"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] -- Mark Walton
By Kallie Plagge on Jul 24, 2018 12:05 am
Best of the Best
Xbox One launched over four years ago, which means over four years of games! As such, it can be hard to decide what to play. From exclusives to the top multi-platform games to indies, there's a lot to choose from--and even though people joke that the Xbox One has no games, that's just not true! We've picked out the best Xbox One games so far. This includes many of the games that 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. It also includes Assassin's Creed: Origins, which was one of GameSpot's top Xbox One games of 2017 due to its performance on the Xbox One X. While there are plenty of new games, we haven't included the hundreds of backwards compatible games on Xbox One, which includes many original Xbox and Xbox 360 favorites. Xbox also has a subscription service called which lets you download and play a selection of over 100 games that varies slightly from month to month. 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.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice -- 8/10
"Hellblade's most notable achievement is the handling of an incredibly sensitive subject matter within an engaging and well-crafted action/adventure game. At its heart, the story is about Senua's struggle to come to terms with her illness. In the process, she learns to find the strength within herself to endure, and to make peace with her past. And in a profound and physical way, we go through those same struggles with her, and come away with a better understanding of a piece of something that many people in the world struggle with." [read the full review] -- Alessandro Fillari, Editor
Far Cry 5 -- 9/10
"Despite some brief irritations and missed opportunities with its narrative, spending time in the world of Hope County remains absolutely delightful. Far Cry 5 boasts a wonderfully harmonious flow to its adventure, with its smart changes to exploration, discovery, and progression distinctly bolstering the enjoyment of creatively engaging and experimenting with its spectacular open world." [read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, AU Editor / Senior Video Producer
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
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 Kallie Plagge on Jul 24, 2018 12:04 am
Looking To The Dark Future
After a long wait, we learned a lot more about Cyberpunk 2077 at E3 2018. Developer CD Projekt Red showed off a trailer during Microsoft's press conference as well as a behind-closed-doors demo that has not been released publicly. We now have a better idea of what 2077's setting, Night City, is like and how combat will work, plus a little bit about cybernetic enhancements and romantic relationships. But there's still a lot we don't know, and that means our imaginations have been running wild. We've put together a wishlist of things we'd love to see in Cyberpunk 2077, from character classes to cool clothes. This includes elements from Cyberpunk 2020, the pen-and-paper RPG 2077 is based on--creator Mike Pondsmith is working closely with CDPR on 2077--as well as our more general RPG hopes and dreams. If you aren't familiar with Cyberpunk 2077, it's a first-person game with some shooting mechanics, but it's not a shooter--it's an RPG through and through with a focus on dynamic decision-making and robust questlines. You create your own character, a mercenary named V. You can select their gender and ethnic background as well as their backstory, including what brought them to Night City or if they're a local. According to associate design director Kyle Rowley, "The things you define in your life path, in your backstory, can modify or unlock things as you're playing through the game." For more on Cyberpunk 2077, be sure to check out our roundup of everything we know so far. You can also read up on the districts of Night City and why 2077 is an even more ambitious game than you might realize. This is just a start, so be sure to let us know in the comments what else you want to see!
A Variety Of Ways To Tackle Each Mission
CD Projekt Red has said that there will be multiple ways to approach each mission, but we have to emphasize how much we want that flexibility. We want to be able to talk ourselves out of a situation, provided we have the skill, or find a way to handle things non-violently. And those decisions need to carry weight. From what we know so far, it sounds like that's the case.
Adapt Cyberpunk 2020's Character Classes
Pen-and-paper RPG Cyberpunk 2020 has nine basic character classes. According to CD Projekt Red, you won't be selecting a class during character creation, since that doesn't allow for flexibility as you play. We're hoping that whatever customization options there are (like a skill tree) will really capture the spirit of Cyberpunk 2020's classes, like the rebellious Rockerboys and the Mad Max-esque Nomads, and give you the freedom to craft the exact class you want to play.
A Romance System With Depth And Variety
We know that there's romance and sex in Cyberpunk 2077, and while that's not new for an RPG, we're hoping that it's more nuanced. Rather than just picking the "right" dialogue options to seduce someone, we want something more emergent, complete with the possibility of being rejected. Not everyone needs to be into you, and the ones who are should feel that way for a reason beyond you saying all the right things.
Tons Of Cosmetic Options
As the Cyberpunk 2020 manual says, "It doesn't matter how well you do something, as long as you look good doing it." Style is a huge deal in the world of Cyberpunk, and we want to see a near-overwhelming number of options when it comes to looking cool as hell. Yes, it's a first-person game, but it's really the principle of the thing. You don't have to always be looking at your character to appreciate a sweet leather jacket.
Customize Your Apartment (Or Even Get A New Place)
In the behind-closed-doors demo at E3 2018, we got a look at the protagonist's apartment. We want to be able to decorate it however we see fit (and set it up with some cool tech) or even buy a new property, like in GTA Online. Maybe you want to live large, or maybe you just want to live above a ramen shop and lay low.
A Game-Within-A-Game (Netrunner, Perhaps?)
The Witcher 3 had Gwent. The Cyberpunk universe has Netrunner, a now out-of-print collectible card game designed by the creator of Magic: The Gathering. Cyberpunk 2077 could give Netrunner a second life in-game, and just like Gwent in The Witcher 3, it could be more than just a brief distraction in between quests. We'd also be open to something besides a CCG--the "streetslang" in Cyberpunk lore is a mix of major languages, so an amalgamation of classic games from different countries isn't a big stretch.
And A Variety Of Side Activities
Cyberpunk 2077 will have romance (and casual flings), so it's not unreasonable to hope for a substantial nightlife. We want dive bars, clubs, and perhaps some shadier or more dangerous places to really fit the "dark future" setting. Maybe you can go to an NPC Rockerboy's concert. Maybe you can smoke a cigarette to increase your Cool stat...and probably drain your health. The possibilities are endless.
Take Us To The Moon
In the E3 2018 trailer, we saw a scene with passengers aboard a shuttle of some sort, apparently above Earth's atmosphere. There are two lunar colonies in Cyberpunk 2020, and considering there are two open world areas in The Witcher 3, it would make sense (and be really, really cool) if you could go to the moon in addition to Night City in Cyberpunk 2077.
Subvert Cyberpunk Genre Tropes
Although Cyberpunk 2077 is based on a tabletop RPG that is, in turn, based on the pillars of the cyberpunk genre--like Blade Runner--we hope that it will subvert some of the genre's more tired tropes. Many cyberpunk stories have examined the humanity of AI, for example, while glossing over topics like consent and sex work. CD Projekt Red has certainly proven its ability to tell a variety of meaningful stories across RPG quest lines, and it has the opportunity to move the genre forward with 2077.
By Mat Elfring on Jul 23, 2018 10:54 pm
It doesn't matter if you're 4 or 44, it's undeniable that Sideshow Collectibles' Hot Toys line is amazing. While you may not want your four-year-old playing with these figures, they will look exceptionally cool set up around your house, but that's going to come at a price. At San Diego Comic-Con, Sideshow offered a look at some new and upcoming Hot Toys based on the movies Black Panther, Infinity War, and more. These figures contain an insane amount of detail, and they're all created to look exactly like the actors who portrayed these characters. Because of this, these toys come at a price. The Thanos figure--pictured above--is now available for pre-order and will cost $376. However, this is one of the more expensive Infinity War figures, as most cost just a little more than $200. Yes, it's expensive, but these are display pieces. There was a lot to see at Sideshow, but some of the highlights were Black Panther's T'Challa sitting in his throne, Shuri, Infinity War's Winter Soldier, and Doctor Strange. Check all the Marvel movie figures we saw, and get ready to tap into your savings account when many of these figures are released in early 2019. For more information of these Marvel Hot Toys, check out Sideshow, which will have the pricing, pre-order forms, and availability for the majority of the figures seen in this gallery. Additionally, check out the best Star Wars toys from the booth. San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Coverage
By Dan Auty on Jul 23, 2018 09:40 pm
We're now more than halfway through 2018, and in terms of cinema, so far it's been a mix of huge hits, critical smashes, and inevitably, a few disappointments. Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Deadpool 2 and Incredibles 2 have smashed records, and there's another Marvel movie--Ant-Man and the Wasp--due this week. While Solo: A Star Wars Story has proved to be a commercial disappointment, there's still a couple more big movies due this summer, including this week's sixth Mission: Impossible movie, Fallout. Beyond these big tentpole franchises, other crowd-pleasing favourites are set to return. There DC's Aquaman and the Transformers spin-off Bumblebee, plus Skyscraper, from cinema's busiest star, Dwayne Johnson. And who isn't excited to see Jason Statham fight a giant shark in The Meg? The first of Sony's Spider-Man spin-offs arrives in the shape of Venom, we'll find out if there's life in the Predator franchise, and the classic Halloween series returns just in time for, well, Halloween. So here's what you can look forward to over the rest of the year...
Mission Impossible 6: Fallout
The Mission: Impossible series might be more than 20-years old, but on-set injuries aside, star Tom Cruise shows no signs of slowing down. Fallout sees Rogue Nation's Chris McQuarrie return to the directors chair, with Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, and Alec Baldwin all reprising their roles from previous movies. Superman star Henry Cavill joins the cast, as does his controversial moustache. Expect plenty of insane action. Release date: July 27
Teen Titans Go! To The Movies
The irreverent animated DC comedy Teen Titans Go! continues to be a hugely entertaining and popular show, and 2018 sees the release of both a fifth season and a new movie. In keeping the self-referential tone of the show, Teen Titans Go! to the Movies see the Teen Titans discover that all the other superheroes in the DC universe have had their own movies, so they set about trying to find both a director to make their film and a suitably threatening supervillain to fight. Lego Batman star Will Arnett will voice the evil Slade, while The Good Place's Kristen Bell is the filmmaker who wants to bring their story to the big screen. Release date: July 27
The Meg
Based on the best-selling 1997 novel, this big-budget shark thriller has been in development for several years and finally arrives this summer. Expendables star Jason Statham plays an expert diver who faces off against a 70-foot monster shark which is causing mayhem off the coast of China. The recent shark movie The Shallows was a great small-scale thriller with a limited location, but with a budget in excess of $150 million, expect The Meg to deliver something way more spectacular. Release date: August 10
BlacKkKlansman
Director Spike Lee has never shied away from controversial material--classic movies such as Do The Right Thing, Jungle Fever, and Malcolm X addressed issues of race and relationships within American society, while his recent Chi-Raq was a musical that addressed inner-city gun violence. BlacKkKlansman is his highest profile movie in years, and is produced by Get Out's Jordan Peele. It's the amazing but true story of a black FBI agent who managed to infiltrate the KKK in the 1970s, and rave reviews from the Cannes Film Festival suggest a mix of smart comedy and powerful social drama. It stars John David Washington, son of regular Lee collaborator Denzel, plus Adam Driver, fresh from his role as Kylo Reno in the recent Star Wars movies. It's also got one of the best posters of the year so far--we can't wait. Release date: August 10
The Happytime Murders
If nothing else, you can be guaranteed that you won't see another movie like The Happytime Murders in 2018. It's a comedy cop thriller, in which two mismatched detectives are thrown together to solve a series of grisly murders--so far, so generic. he difference here, however, is that many of the cast are foul-mouthed, drug-taking, sex-crazed puppets. Melissa McCarthy is among the human actors, who teams up with a horny blue cop, and the first trailer that was released this week is a hysterical, jaw-dropping, seriously NSFW delight. And if that wasn't enough, the movie is directed by Brian Henson, son of Muppet and Sesame Street creator Jim Henson. What would Fozzie think? Release date: August 17
Alpha
The historical adventure movie Alpha might not have the name recognition or star power of this summer's other big movies, but it should deliver something epic. Set during the last Ice Age, it follows a young man (X-Men's Kodi Smit-McPhee) who is left for dead on a hunt and who must learn to survive in the wilderness with the help of a wolf. The uplifting new trailer is very different in tone to the darker one released last year, so it's not exactly clear if this is a brutal Revenant-style tale or something more family friendly. We'll find out in August. Release date: August 17
Mile 22
Peter Berg is one of action cinema's most successful directors, with movies such as Lone Survivor, Deepwater Horizon, and Patriots Day under his belt. Mile 22 is his latest movie, and it reunites him with regular star Mark Wahlberg. Wahlberg plays an elite intelligence officer who is given the task of smuggling a mysterious Chinese police officer with vital information out of the US. The cast also includes John Malkovich, Ronda Rousey, and The Walking Dead's Lauren Cohan. It won't be subtle, but Berg can be relied on to deliver the high-octane goods. Release date: August 17
Slender Man
Slender Man is the fictional horror character that first appeared as a viral internet myth in 2009 and has gone onto become a notable part of modern pop culture. It's somewhat surprising that it's taken nearly a decade for an official Slender Man movie to be made, but 2018 finally sees Hollywood's take on this urban legend. The movie's first trailer makes it looks like a pretty traditional teen horror movie, with disappearing kids, freaky long-haired children, spooky woods, and lots of weird, quickly cut imagery. But there are plenty of horror fans who have been waiting a long time to see the character on screen, and director Sylvian White is not a newcomer to the genre, having previously directed such horror TV shows such as The Originals and Sleepy Hollow. Release date: August 24
The Little Stranger
Director Lenny Abrahamson is best known for acclaimed movies such as the absurd musical comedy Frank and the Oscar-winning drama Room, but The Little Stranger sees him step into spookier territory. Based on the 2009 novel by Sarah Waters, this is a ghost story set in the 1940s, about a country doctor who comes to work in an old hospital, where, inevitably, spooky things are afoot. Domhnall Gleeson--best known as Hux in the recent Star Wars movies--stars, and the cast also includes Will Poulter (Detroit) and Ruth Wilson (Luther). Release date: August 31
The Nun
James Wan's The Conjuring was one of most successful horror movies of recent years, inspiring not only a prequel, but two spin-offs focusing on spooky doll Annabelle. The latest movie in this horror series is The Nun. It's set before the other four movies in the series so far, and focuses on the investigation into the earlier life (and death) of Valak, the terrifying demon nun from The Conjuring 2. Wan co-wrote the screenplay, and it's directed by Corin Hardy, who previously helmed the acclaimed low-budget shocker The Hallow and is about to start shooting the remake of The Crow. Expect plenty of scares. Release date: September 7
Peppermint
Jennifer Garner is best known for her kick-ass lead role in JJ Abram's CIA thriller show Alias, which ran for five seasons between 2001 and 2006. In recent years, she's taken on more comedic and dramatic roles, but Peppermint sees her make a welcome return to the world of action. It's directed by Taken's Pierre Morel, and it definitely taps into that vein of gritty revenge-filled violence that the likes of Liam Neeson, Denzel Washington, and Keanu Reeves have found big success with over the last decade. Garner plays a woman who wakes from a coma to find her family dead and vengeance very much on her mind, and the first trailer suggests it's going to be satisfyingly brutal ride. Release date: September 7
The Predator
Although the original Predator is an '80s action classic, the movies that have followed have ranged from interesting but flawed (Predator 2) to completely terrible (Alien vs Predator). The Predator is writer/director Shane Black's attempt to get the franchise back on track. Black's impressive resume ranges from writing Lethal Weapon to directing Iron Man 3, and as a young actor he even had a role in original Predator. Black himself has said that he only agreed to make the film if he could do it on a big, blockbuster scale, while still delivering the sci-fi horror goods. The first trailer arrived in May, and it looks like it will give the fans exactly what they have been hoping for. Release date: September 14
The House with a Clock In Its Walls
After a brief diversion into action territory with this year's Death Wish remake, Eli Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever) returns to the genre he is best known for with this gothic fantasy. It's an adaptation of the much-loved 1973 novel of the same name about a young orphan boy who helps his uncle and a friendly witch find a magical clock with apocalyptic powers. This is a more family-friendly slice of gothic chills than Roth's usual brand of gruesome horror, and the impressive cast includes Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, and Kyle MacLachlan. Release date: September 21
Venom
Although the deal between Disney and Sony has ensured that Spider-Man is currently part of the former's Marvel Cinematic Universe, the movie right to the character ultimately remain with Sony. As a result, the studio is launching its own interconnected universe of characters from the canon of Spidey comic-books. Venom is first up; it stars Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, a photographer who ends up with superpowers after he is taken over by the alien parasite of title. It's directed by Zombieland's Ruben Fleischer, and the impressive supporting cast includes Michelle Williams, Woody Harrelson, and Riz Ahmed. Release date: October 4
First Man
Given Neil Armstrong is the most famous astronaut ever, it's surprising that he's never had his own biopic until now. First Man is set between 1961 and 1969 and tells the story of Armstrong's preparations for his history-changing journey to the moon. It stars Ryan Gosling as the man himself and is helmed by Gosling's La La Land director Damien Chazelle. The impressive cast also includes Claire Foy, Kyle Chandler, Jon Bernthal, and Pablo Schreiber. Release date: October 12
Johnny English Strikes Again
While it's unlikely that a third Johnny English film was high on anyone's most-anticipated movies list for 2018, the previous two spy spoofs were major box office hits, earning more than $320 million worldwide. Johnny English Strikes Again sees Mr. Bean actor Rowan Atkinson return as the inept superspy, who this time must thwart a master hacker. As the first trailer reveals, English travels to France with his loyal sidekick Bough to track his enemy down--and also launch missiles at French cyclists. Oscar winning actress Emma Thompson co-stars, alongside Olga Kurylenko, who appears to be parodying her role in the 2008 James Bond movie Quantum of Solace. Release date: Fall 208.
Mowgli
This adaptation of the classic novel The Jungle Book was originally due to hit theaters way back in late 2016, but following the huge success of Disney's own Jungle Book movie earlier that year, the rival version was delayed. Directed by Planet of the Apes and Black Panther star Andy Serkis, the all-star cast includes Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Serkis himself, and it is supposedly a much darker take on the story than the Disney version. With Disney's own sequel also in development, we'll see how many Jungle Books the public actually wants when Mowgli arrives in October, but with any luck it will offer something a little different. Release date: October 18
Halloween
The Halloween series might be one of longest-running and most profitable horror franchises in movie history, but most fans would agree that every entry hasn't necessarily been a good one. The last time Michael Myers stalked the screen was in Rob Zombie's hugely divisive remakes a decade ago, but now, on the 40th anniversary of John Carpenter's original movie, the killer also known as The Shape is back. Plot details for this latest Halloween are under wraps, but it's got an impressive pedigree. It's directed by acclaimed indie auteur David Gordon Green and produced by Blumhouse Films, which has scored major successes in recent years with the likes of Get Out, Paranormal Activity, and the Purge movies. Original star Jamie Lee Curtis returns, and if that wasn't enough, Carpenter himself is creatively involved and providing another iconic soundtrack. Could this be the Halloween reboot that finally gets it right? Release date: October 19
Bohemian Rhapsody
This biopic of Queen legend Freddie Mercury has been in development for many years, with various directors and stars attached to the project. Even when the cameras started rolling the problems didn't stop--director Bryan Singer was fired by the studio during production, to be replaced by British filmmaker Dexter Fletcher. But the movie is now finished and set for release in November. Mr. Robot star Remi Malek takes on the role of the iconic frontman, and it charts the rise of the band through the '70s to their world-conquering success in the '80s. It's produced by the band, and the trailer suggests that it might be more a celebration of the music than a look at the darker side of Mercury's life. But it looks like an absolute must-see for Queen fans. Release date: November 2
Suspiria
David Gordon Green's upcoming Halloween reboot/sequel isn't the only late-70s horror classic getting a remake from an acclaimed director in 2018. Dario Argento's supernatural masterpiece Suspiria has been updated by Luca Guadagnino, the Italian filmmaker behind last year's Oscar-nominated Call Me By Your Name. This is a tale of a ballet school run by ancient, evil witches, and it stars Dakota Johnson and Chloë Grace Moretz as students who uncover the school's dark secrets. Argento's original movie is noted for its incredible visual style and thunderous soundtrack; Radiohead's Thom Yorke is providing the score for the remake, and hopefully Guadagnino will deliver something just as stylish. Release date: November 2
Overlord
There were rumours earlier this year that this JJ Abrams-produced World War II horror film would form the next part of the Cloverfield universe. After all, 10 Cloverfield Lane and this year's The Cloverfield Paradox started life as unconnected movies with different titles before being rewritten to form part of Abrams' loose sci-fi series, so it wouldn't be surprising if he had the same thing in mind for Overlord. Abrams has subsequently denied this is the case, and the first trailer revealed last week certainly seems to point to this being a standalone movie. Either way, it looks like a suitably scary movie in which a squad of US soldiers are forced to parachute into occupied France, where they encounter a group of Nazis performing some terrifying experiments. Release date: November 9
The Grinch
The classic Dr. Seuss story How the Grinch Saved Christmas was adapted into a hit Jim Carrey movie 18 years ago, and a new animated version hits the screen in November. Doctor Strange and Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch will provide the voice of the Holiday-hating title character, and the first trailer arrived last week. The movie was actually meant to be released last year, but the trailer is colourful and fun and the movie will hopefully be worth the wait. Release date: November 9
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
The Harry Potter series might have finished in 2011, but the wider movie universe goes from strength to strength. The success of 2016's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them led to the announcement of a further four movies, the first of which arrives in November. Eddie Redmayne returns as Newt Scamander, with Jude Law as the young Dumbledore, who enlists the help of Newt to help defeat the dark wizard Grindelwald (Johnny Depp). David Yates directs once more, from a screenplay by Potter creator JK Rowling. Release date: November 16
Widows
Ocean's Eight isn't the only high-profile heist movie coming our way in 2018. Widows is the latest film from Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave) and is written by Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn. The movies focuses on four women whose husbands are killed in a failed heist, who then decide to finish the job themselves. It's based on a British TV show of the same name from the 1980s, and the star-studded cast includes Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Colin Farrell, Liam Neeson, and Get Out's Daniel Kaluuya. Films like 12 Years and Shame proved that McQueen can deliver prestigious, acclaimed dramas, so hopes are high that he is equally adept at making edgy crime thrillers. Release date: November 18
Creed 2
While most thought that the legendary movie boxer Rocky Balboa had finally hung up his gloves, the 2015 spin-off Creed not only gave the character one of his finest movies, it paved the way for director Ryan Coogler to get the job of directing Marvel's wildly successful Black Panther. Coogler won't be back for the sequel, but star Michael B. Jordan is, once again playing the son of the original movies' Apollo Creed. Rocky creator and star Sylvester Stallone is back too, as both co-star and co-writer. Steven Caple Jr. directs this time, and it's rumoured that Creed 2 will bring back another iconic character from the original series--Rocky IV's Russian powerhouse Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren).
Release date: November 21
Robin Hood
Ridley Scott's 2010 version of the the Robin Hood myth wasn't a critical or commercial success, but that hasn't stopped yet another version of the story heading to screens in 2018. This time we have a younger Robin, with Kingsman star Taron Egerton in the lead role. The cast also includes Jamie Foxx as Little John and Rogue One's Ben Mendelsohn as the Sheriff of Nottingham, and it's directed by TV director Otto Bathurst (Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror). The first trailer is suitably action-packed, but we'll find out in November if this Hood is any good. Release date: November 21
Ralph Breaks the Internet
The 2012 animated comedy Wreck-It Ralph was a critical and commercial hit, and the sequel arrives in November. It focuses on the arcade game villain-turned-hero of the title, who this time enters the internet after the arcade his game lives in goes online. John C. Reilly is the voice of Ralph, with Sarah Silverman, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk, Taraji P. Henson, and James Corden also part of the voice cast. Release date: November 21
Mortal Engines
While Peter Jackson's first post-Hobbit directorial effort is yet to be revealed, he is heavily involved with this upcoming sci-fi adventure. Jackson produces and co-writes alongside his regular collaborator Fran Walsh, while Christian Rivers--who has worked with Jackson since his early horror days--makes his directorial debut. Mortal Engines is an adaptation of the first of four YA novels written by Philip Reeve and is set in a post apocalyptic steampunk world where motorised cities-on-wheels are at war with one another. As you'd expect from Jackson, it all looks truly spectacular, and if the storytelling matches the level of visual invention, it should make a lavish treat this Christmas. Release date: December 14
Aquaman
The DC universe has had a bumpy ride so far, with only Wonder Woman connecting with both audiences and critics. But there's every reason to be hopeful that Aquaman could do the same. Director James Wan is a skilled genre operator, whether delivering crowd-pleasing horror (Saw, The Conjuring) or blockbuster action (Furious 7), and there's a killer cast that includes Patrick Wilson, Willem Defoe, Nicole Kidman, and '80s action icon Dolph Lungren, plus Jason Momoa as Aquaman and Amber Heard as Mera. Wan recently debunked the rumour that the film would be overstuffed with multiple villains, and promises an "emotional and powerful" origin movie. Release date: December 21
Bumblebee
The future of the Transformers franchise might be uncertain, but we're definitely getting at least one more movie. The spin-off Bumblebee arrives in December and will focus on the earlier adventures of the much-loved yellow VW Autobot. It's set in California in the 1980s and stars Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) as a young woman who finds Bumblebee in a trash heap. WWE star John Cena also features in the cast, and the recent trailer suggests that this is going to be a more family-orientated movie than the main Transformers series. It's directed by Travis Knight, who previously helmed the Oscar-nominated animated movie Kubo And The Two Strings. Release date: December 21
By Mat Elfring on Jul 23, 2018 09:15 pm
San Diego Comic-Con has come and gone for 2018. The show ran from July 18-22, and there was a lot to see and do at and around the convention center. Aside from the cosplay, show floor, and panels, one thing many fans look forward to are the cool exclusives that show up at SDCC, including those focused on the likes of Marvel. One of the biggest companies that people will flocked to during the show was Funko (Booth 5341), so fans could get their hands on those sweet, tiny, vinyl figures called Pops. This year's show was wild, as Funko has a whopping 58 exclusive Pop figures for Comic-Con 2018. That's right--58 new figures that you can only get at this show. That's also not including Funko's non-Pop brands too, which would increase that number even further. From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to DC to Rick and Morty to WWE to Doctor Who, there was something for everyone at Funko's booth. However, in order to get some of the sweet Pop figures you're about to see, there were some guidelines to follow, which included going through Comic-Con's Exclusives Portal in order to book a time to buy something at the booth. That's how popular Funko is. But if you're desperate to get your hands on them, it'll be worth the trouble, as many of these will no doubt end up selling for higher prices on places like Ebay after the show. Unfortunately, no prices were listed for all these Funko figures. After you've booked your time for the Funko booth, here's what you can buy. All of the Pop figures are separated into different categories, and which you can jump ahead to by clicking a link below. San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Coverage
Doug - Skeeter Valentine
Rick and Morty: Western Rick
Rick and Morty: Western Morty
Bob's Burgers - Tina on Unicorn
Masters of the Universe - Stinkor (Scented)
Masters of the Universe - Ram Man
Teen Titans Go! - Killer Moth
Looney Tunes – Playboy Penguin
Looney Tunes РPep̩ Le Pew
Hanna-Barbera: Captain Caveman
Kingdom Hearts – Unhooded Organization 13 Mickey
Destiny – Sweeper Bot
Overwatch – Grillmaster Solider: 76
Stranger Things - Dustin at Snow Ball Dance
Stranger Things - Billy & Karen Wheeler 2-pack
Doctor Who - Thirteenth Doctor
Riverdale – Josie
Game of Thrones – Olenna Tyrell
Parks & Recreation - Ron Swanson with Cornrows
WWE: Asuka
Green Hornet (1960) - Green Hornet & Kato 2-pack
Hanna-Barbera: Banana Splits
Hanna-Barbera: Banana Splits – Fleegle
Hanna-Barbera: Banana Splits – Bingo
Hanna-Barbera: Banana Splits – Drooper
Star Wars: Clone Wars – Cad Bane
Star Wars: Solo: A Star Wars Story - Imperial Stormtrooper
Mad Max Fury Road - The Nux Car
Justice League - Running Flash
Justice League - The Flash Chrome 3-pack (Gold/Red/Silver)
Marvel Studios 10 - Iron Man Mark I
Thor Ragnarok - Thor with Odin Force
Thor Ragnarok - Hero Valkyrie
Guardians of the Galaxy 2 – Kraglin
Hercules - Pain and Panic 2-pack
Incredibles 2 – Edna Jack-Jack
Moana – Neon Tamatoa
8-Bit: Wreck-It Ralph – Ralph
8-Bit: Wreck-It Ralph – Fix-It Felix
Harry Potter: Moaning Myrtle (translucent)
Harry Potter: Nearly Headless Nick (Glow-in-the-Dark)
Heavy Metal – Bloody Taarna
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World - Scott Pilgrim & Ramona Flowers 2-pack
Sailor Moon - Black Lady
Dragon Ball Z - Dead Yamcha
Dragon Ball Z - Super Saiyan Broly
Dragon Ball Z – Gold Vegeta
Dragon Ball Z – Metallic Whis
Deadpool - Cheerleader Deadpool in Pink Glitter
Marvel: Classic Ant-Man
Red Hood
Saga - Flocked Ghüs with Pajamas
Hellboy in Suit
Taika Waititi
James Wan
Cap'n Crunch – Crunchberry Beast
Spastik Plastik – Gill
Spastik Plastik – Sam
By Array on Jul 23, 2018 09:03 pm
It's often hard to believe how big Marvel has become in recent years. This comes thanks in part to Marvel Studios films, which has made its world of comic book superheroes a pop-culture phenomenon by fostering a massive audience. With so many Marvel fans out there, you can be sure that many of them gathered at San Diego Comic-Con 2018 dressed as their favorite characters. Within the first couple days of SDCC 2018, we saw a ton of amazing Marvel cosplay. Attendees from all walks of life come to the public event dressed as some of the company's most iconic characters. There was a wide variety of cosplay this year with people coming dressed as versions of characters from both the films and comics. You'll find cosplay of Marvel's most popular heroes, like Wolverine and Deadpool, as well as the more obscure characters, like Kaecillius. There's a lot to see, so be sure to check out all of the photos ahead and tells us which you like the best. You can also check out all the best cosplay from day one, day two, and day three of SDCC 2018. While Marvel was expected to not have a big presence at SDCC 2018, the show has technically yielded some news. One of the biggest Marvel stories is Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn being fired by Disney after a series of controversial tweets from his past were resurfaced. In a statement concerning the termination, Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn said, "The offensive attitudes and statements discovered on James' Twitter feed are indefensible and inconsistent with our studio's values, and we have severed our business relationship with him." Gunn was expected to appear at a Sony panel this year, but he ultimate was not present. In other Marvel-related news, Stan Lee recently made an unexpected cameo in a non-Marvel property; it should come as a surprise for long-time fans. And on the SDCC 2018 show floor, we spotted a massive statue of Thanos made entirely of Lego blocks. SDCC 2018 has yielded a plethora of exciting announcements around the latest seasons of big TV shows, like The Walking Dead, Star Trek Discovery, and Better Call Saul, as well as debut trailers for new shows, like DC's Titans and the TV adaptation of George RR Martin's sci-fi story, Nightflyers. For more on our SDCC 2018 coverage, check the links below. San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Coverage
Deadpool
Magneto
Gwenpool
Cosplay by @opalescentteacup
Luke Cage
Wasp
Cosplay by @rendingroz
Daredevil
Cosplay by @atom_murray
Thor
Cosplay by @captcash
Valkyrie
Cosplay @miss_laneous
Marvel Group
Grandmaster
Black Queen
Cosplay by @desert_rose_cosplay
Black Panther
Cosplay by @alexisvictorious
Captain Marvel
Cosplay by @cassidy_kahler
Jean Grey & Wolverine
Cosplay by @meshellwaffleo & @jt_otero
X-Force
Quicksilver & Magneto
Doctor Doom
Cosplay by @cabinsintheair
Mystique
Iron Man
Vulture
Cosplay by @bamsbocce
Negasonic Teenage Warhead
Iron Spider
Wolverine
Spider-Man
Weapon X
Juggernaut
Cosplay by Roan
Gamora
Loki
Cosplay by @Peachycake
Doctor Strange
Black Panther Group
Cosplay by @rex_armstrong_props & @usualrangers5
By Array on Jul 23, 2018 08:46 pm
San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Day 2 brought even more news about everything from The Walking Dead and Star Trek: Discovery to Venom and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. And, as with the first day, there remains a ton of great cosplay, as fans of various movies, shows, and games wander the San Diego Convention Center. With Comic-Con representing such a wide array of franchises and types of media, there's a huge amount of diversity in the cosplay to see. On Thursday, we spotted a variety of characters from Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, among others. Those were again represented on Friday, but we also spotted some others, including Skyrim's Dragonborn, Captain Marvel, It's Pennywise, and Black Panther. SDCC's second day brought with it word that The Walking Dead star Andrew Lincoln will officially leave the program after Season 9. We also got new trailers for both that and Season 4 of Fear the Walking Dead, while Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 got a trailer and new details. But it wasn't at SDCC itself that the biggest entertainment news of the day was revealed. James Gunn, director and writer of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, was fired by Disney and will not be involved with the upcoming third film. The move was made in response to old tweets of Gunn's that surfaced online in which he discussed various controversial subjects. Gunn doesn't deny having written them, but did attempt to explain and apologize for them. Nevertheless, Disney and Marvel are done with Gunn. As a result of the news coming out, we didn't see the director make an appearance during the Sony Pictures panel as expected. He was believed to be there to reveal a new movie project, possibly a horror film we heard about last year. We'll continue to report all of the biggest news from Comic-Con, so stay tuned to GameSpot. You can also expect plenty more cosplay from the event as it continues. San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Coverage
Captain Marvel
Cosplay by @cassidy_kahler
Last Dragonborn
Casey Jones
Jean Grey & Wolverine
Cosplay by @meshellwaffleo & @jt_otero
Daphne
Black Panther
Cosplay by @alexisvictorious
Pennywise
Marvel Group
McCree
Cosplay by @game_over_gurl
Iden Versio
Cosplay by @rei.kennex.cosplay
Quicksilver & Magneto
Marvel Group
Turbo Man
Tracer
Cosplay by @d.va.peaches
Black Queen
Cosplay by @desert_rose_cosplay
Fallout
Mugman & Cuphead
Black Panther Group
Cosplay by @rex_armstrong_props & @usualrangers5
Peridot
No-Face
Soldier-76 & Mercy
Vulture
Cosplay by @bamsbocce
Mystique
Marvel Group
Magneto
Doctor Doom
Cosplay by @cabinsintheair
Captain America
Cosplay by @acraftyhobbit
Spider-Man
White Walker
Cosplay by @whitewalkercosplay
DC Group
Catwoman
DC Group
Batman & Joker
Miguel
Robin & Batman
Sasha Banks & Finn Balor
Beetlejuice
Fairy Godmother
Juggernaut
Cosplay by Roan
Rita Repulsa & Green Ranger
McThor
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