By Array on Aug 15, 2018 12:30 am
The Best Xbox One Backwards Compatible Games
One of the best things Microsoft has done with Xbox One is make good on its commitment to backwards compatibility. New backwards compatible games are being added all the time. As with the most recent additions--Overlord and Overlord II--these are shared by Major Nelson on Twitter at 9 AM PT on Twitter, although there's no particular schedule for how many are released (if any) on a given day. It's always a mystery as to when we'll get more; we only know what time it'll be and that it'll come on a weekday, but the next batch of games usually isn't far off. Even without a proper schedule for new releases, the past few years have seen the list of backwards compatible games grow quite long--and, as a result, it can be extremely difficult to find those that are worthwhile. Not only are there 400+ Xbox 360 games that can be played on Xbox One, but more than 30+ original Xbox titles are also supported. Beyond the consistent rollout of games, Microsoft has publicly made it clear that backwards compatibility is a real priority for the company. "I see games as an art form," Xbox boss Phil Spencer said last year. "Console games can get lost when hardware generations go away. It can become more challenging to play the games of our past ... There's something to be learned from experiencing what I played as a kid. There's good business there for the content owners, but as players, it's nice to be able to understand how our art form has progressed." Spencer subsequently made it clear that backwards compatibility is--despite reports suggesting it's ignored--a feature that people do use. He wrote off data that said otherwise and pointed to an example of strong sales for an old Call of Duty game when it was added to the service: "I think the best signal we had so far is when Black Ops II landed and that month it hit NPD's Top 10 that month for game sales. An Xbox 360 game that's years old, that shows that people care." The feature has only gotten better with the release of the Xbox One X, as it offers much sharper visuals in these old games; some even have specific enhancements on top of a resolution increase. But whether you play on an X, an Xbox One S, or even the standard Xbox One, you're treated to a feature that is currently unmatched by both PS4 and Nintendo Switch. While not providing access to everything available on Xbox 360 and the original Xbox, the supported backwards compatible games from the two include classics ranging from expansive RPGs and thrilling adventures to XBLA gems and old arcade games refined for the big screen. Among these are all-time greats like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, the Mass Effect Trilogy, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion to name a few. But if you want a challenge that's faster to jump into, the likes of Ikaruga or Super Meat Boy will do the trick. To help you parse through the giant list of supported games, we've compiled a list of our personal favorites to highlight which backwards compatible titles are worth your time. If you want to pick something out yourself, you can peruse the entire list of Xbox One backwards compatible games. Which Xbox One backwards compatible games do you love the most? Are there any games would you like to be added in the future? Let us know in the comments below.
Alan Wake
Unfortunately, Alan Wake has been removed from all digital platforms, which includes the Xbox Store. However, if you can snag yourself a physical copy of it (or already own it digitally), then Alan Wake will take you on an adventure that you won't soon forget. Set in the Pacific Northwest town of Bright Falls (and taking significant inspiration from the television series Twin Peaks), Alan Wake features the titular character taking a vacation with his wife, who hopes the break will help her husband with his writing block. Things quickly take a turn for the worse, as Alan's wife disappears, and he's forced to confront the darkness that shrouds Bright Falls and ultimately question his own sanity. It's a compelling narrative that'll have you aching for a proper sequel. Thankfully, the two DLC story expansions are now free, so you'll at least have something to tide you over. | Mat Paget
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Desmond Miles' trip through time ended with Assassin's Creed III, and Ubisoft's follow-up title put players into the role of a nameless Abstergo employee. It was a clean slate for the franchise, offering a great point for new players to jump in without having to start from Altair's story. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag steps back from the grand ideologies of the Assassins and Templars, as well as the convoluted Those Who Came Before storyline, to deliver a relatable tale of one man's quest for redemption. Edward Kenway isn't all that different from a young Ezio; he has a good heart but he's brash and selfish. Over the course of Black Flag, Edward grows from a greedy pirate into a humbled hero. The inclusion of both traditional assassination missions and new naval combat along with the lush islands and open seas of the Caribbean made for one of the best games in the franchise. | Jordan Ramee
Bully: Scholarship Edition
Rockstar constantly refines its open-world action games, which we've seen through the Grand Theft Auto series and Red Dead Redemption. But the one that always stands out to me is Bully, because it traded gratuitous violence and adult stories for the rough-and-tumble fisticuffs and hijinx of a rambunctious high school. I vividly remember the theme song that plays while walking Bullworth Academy, rushing to make it to class on time, and scrapping with the bullies in missions to become the most respected student on campus. Bully expands beyond that with loads of fun mini-games, silly characters based on high school stereotypes, and an expansive open world. While it may be a bit wonky in terms of controls and technical performance compared to modern games, everything it does right comes together for a game worth playing today. | Michael Higham
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Countless so-called Metroidvania games have drawn inspiration from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, but more than two decades later, few can approach its greatness. It evolved the well-established Castlevania series in numerous ways, offering a non-linear castle to explore and RPG-style progression while maintaining the satisfying side-scrolling action of earlier titles. I came to it years after its original release and still thoroughly enjoyed it, and it's something that I still routinely find myself booting up. Exploring Castle Dracula is one of the great pleasures in gaming, and it's a testament to its design that fans of the game still have its layout memorized so many years later. I'll spare you a reference to the twist in case you've managed to avoid it all these years, but whether you're a fan of more recent Metroidvania-style games who missed out on this progenitor of the genre or someone who's never dabbled in these types of games, you owe it to yourself to see why Symphony of the Night is regarded as an all-time classic. | Chris Pereira
Crackdown
Despite initially being written off by many as "that game with the Halo 3 beta," I was immediately taken with the concept of Crackdown--an open-world game where you play as a superhero special agent who can pick up and throw cars or leap over buildings. A decade later, the fairly basic set of goals you're given leave something to be desired, but the core gameplay remains extremely fun. Hunting down agility orbs and dealing with villainous gangs is still tremendously satisfying, particularly with a friend online. Its cel-shaded art style still looks good, and with backwards compatibility introducing some impressive Xbox One X enhancements to the visuals, Crackdown is a game that's well worth picking up. | Chris Pereira
Dead Space
Let's face facts: there's practically no chance that EA will bring back Dead Space, at least not as we know it. While it's sad to think that one of the most intriguing sci-fi horror series out there has been pushed to the sidelines, the fact that Dead Space is backwards compatible on Xbox One is at least worth celebrating. I know, it's also on PC, but if you're in a console-only household, Xbox One is the only current-gen console you can look to. And why should you play Dead Space? In short: it's a spooky-as-hell third-person action game with fantastic art direction, and features one of the coolest "guns" in gaming. The enemies you face are drastically distorted humans with malformed and elongated limbs that make great targets for your Plasma Cutter--a maintenance tool that fires energy beams, making it an equally effective sidearm. Dead Space manages to juggle cool tech and a scary setting unlike any other game out there, and if you haven't tried it in the past, you really should if you have an Xbox One at home. | Peter Brown
Fallout 3
Fallout 3 kicked off the series' modern era and helped cement Bethesda Game Studios' reputation as a leader in the field of open-world RPGs. The open-ended structure allows you to freely roam a post-apocalyptic wasteland (so long as you can survive) and seek out stories in the most unlikely and dangerous places. The dialogue choices are numerous, allowing you to shape the story and your character with a great amount of freedom, staying true to the series' RPG roots. Likewise, despite the shift to a first-person perspective, Bethesda implemented the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, better known as VATS, to allow for strategic menu-based combat. It was an unusual mechanic but one that quickly gained favor for how it effectively bridged the gap between Fallout old and new. Fallout 3 was hugely ambitious at the time of its release, and persists as one of the all-time great open-world RPGs 10 years later. | Peter Brown
Fallout: New Vegas
Obsidian has the magic touch when it comes to RPGs, and Fallout: New Vegas is a prime example. The vast brown deserts of Nevada might not sound very appealing, but New Vegas shines through incredibly clever writing and masterful quest design. Vaguely aligned factions and active societies fill the world with distinct charisma. I'll never forget the high-class casino that acts as a front to a secret bourgeois cannibalistic society and the reveal of Mr. House's true identity while overlooking the entirety of New Vegas. Quests like these are plentiful, and they're surrounded by such intricate lead-up and dialogue sequences that plant genuine curiosity in your head to see them to the end. Fallout can easily drop in swing tunes and old-time jazz for a great soundtrack, and it's all the more fitting with the Vegas theme. But since this is a post-apocalyptic wild west, classic country-western songs diversify the tracklist and are burnt into my memories of trekking the dangerous deserts with a big iron on my hip. | Michael Higham
Far Cry: Blood Dragon
While I've personally grown tired of the franchise formula that was established with Far Cry 3, the one post-Far Cry 2 game in the series that I'm still quite taken with is Blood Dragon. The spin-off infuses Far Cry 3's gameplay with a dystopian '80s flavor. Despite being set in 2007, the game boasts a unique look, as it's essentially made to imitate the way '80s movies tended to imagine the future; there's fog everywhere, with neon colors and lasers paired with a matching synth soundtrack. You play as a stereotypical action hero named Rex "Power" Colt, who's voiced by Terminator and Aliens star Michael Biehn. It's all very over-the-top, satirical in nature, and it pairs quite nicely with Far Cry's gameplay. Blood Dragon's distinct enough to make it worth a try even if you find the Far Cry games somewhat rote. | Chris Pereira
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
If I had to pick a favorite Grand Theft Auto game in the series, I will always point to San Andreas. As a sort of ode to '90s hip-hop culture and satire of Southern California street gangs, San Andreas was an odd reflection of home. Sure, it's a GTA game, violent and absurd overall, but the way characters talked, the music that played, and just the way the city streets looked were all too familiar. In addition, Rockstar layered some light RPG elements that made the streets of Los Santos feel more lived-in. Sometimes I wouldn't even do missions, and instead hit the gym or shop for clothes. Of course, San Andreas includes an expansive open world beyond Los Santos with Las Venturas, the Vegas stand-in, and San Fierro to imitate San Francisco. Some of the mission designs are dated and the shooting mechanics aren't refined like modern entries, but San Andreas is still a ton of fun and has a unique personality that few games can match. Carl Johnson (CJ) still stands as one of the best GTA characters, ever. | Michael Higham
Halo: Reach
After Halo 3: ODST took a detour from John-117's story to focus on the mission of one squad of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, Halo: Reach took that same format of working within a squad and reapplied it to a group of Spartans. Taking place prior to the events of Halo: Combat Evolved, the story of how the planet Reach fell is a rollercoaster of empowering firefights and emotional sacrifices. It was Bungie's last Halo title before handing the reins over to 343 Industries, and it shows. Halo: Reach takes the best online multiplayer and single-player campaign elements that Bungie spent perfecting over Master Chief's original trilogy and combines it into one incredible game. I'll still boot up Halo: Reach from time to time, and the servers for SWAT are still loaded with thousands of players waiting to vote to play on Sword Base. | Jordan Ramee
Hitman: Blood Money
Before the 2016 franchise revival, Hitman: Blood Money was the peak of Agent 47 hijinx. At its core, Blood Money succeeds because of expertly designed missions; everything from creating a specific atmosphere for each level to weaving all the variables that can play out were on point. So many clever assassinations stand out to me, like loading a prop gun with real ammo that's supposed to be fired during an opera play or strangling a target with the handy fiberwire during mardi gras wearing a big yellow bird costume. This is where Hitman got its dark sense of humor, and it breathes life into an otherwise stoic assassin. Because it nails down the Hitman formula that's been refined with the recent entry, Blood Money has aged well and very much feels like a modern game. It's a little less forgiving and doesn't have the slew of interesting challenges from 2016's game, but Blood Money has some of the series' most memorable missions--and they remain just as fun today. | Michael Higham
Ikaruga
Japanese developer Treasure has another game on this list that's also a vertical-scrolling arcade shooter, but Ikaruga's reputation is unlike any of its peers'. Where so many games of this type bank on nuanced mechanics and subtle differences to standout in the eyes of enthusiasts, Ikaruga's big mechanic is so well known that it's gone on to inspire other developers who make games in entirely different genres. I'm talking about the black-and-white color switching mechanic, which both gives you the ability to absorb incoming enemy shots of the same color and alter your affinity to impart greater damage to enemies of the opposite color. Getting to the end of a stage in a game with one-hit deaths is challenging enough, but if you are after the top spot on a leaderboard you also have to know how to maximize your score by chaining together attacks as the appropriate color. It's tough, but Ikaruga is also a beautiful game that showcases an amount of maturity that feels unique compared to the rest of Treasure's output. While it's not everyone's cup of tea, Ikaruga is still an easy game to appreciate. | Peter Brown
Jet Set Radio
Jet Set Radio is a series that Sega may never bring back, but at least the HD port of the original Dreamcast hit is playable on Xbox One. It combines rollerblading and graffiti in a goofy cel-shaded metropolis, and apart from its sequel (which sadly isn't backwards compatible), there's no game like it. Jet Set Radio's expressive characters are only matched by the eclectic soundtrack that ranges from hip hop to Japanese rock, and it's so beloved that the lead composer, Hideki Naganuma, is regularly berated on Twitter to bring the series back, despite simply being in charge of music. Its reputation hasn't faded in 18 years, and if you don't know why, you owe it to play it and find out for yourself. | Peter Brown
Mass Effect Trilogy
BioWare's famed trilogy is defined by choice, and you'll make hundreds across all three games. Some of these decisions will be incredibly difficult, even heart-wrenching; I've spent many an evening thinking through the possible moral ramifications of my decisions. The trilogy really begins to show your impact when choices you made in the first game snowball into increasingly dire situations across the next two entries. I've only played the original Mass Effect once, but poured close to a thousand hours into the second and several hundred in the third. Each title is a masterpiece in its own right, and the latter two are mechanically sound third-person RPG-shooter hybrids that still hold up years after release. Mass Effect 2 is my favorite video game of all time, mostly because it's the best interstellar dating sim on the market. Over the course of three games, you'll fall in love with these characters and the rich sci-fi universe of Mass Effect. | Jordan Ramee
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Most people love Metal Gear for the series' stealth-centric games, but that doesn't mean the action-packed Rising should be ignored; far from it! Not only does it manage to fit right into the timeline and (in a roundabout way) the series' overall attitude, it is an excellent action game that, like Bayonetta and Vanquish, perfectly showcases why Platinum Games is so beloved. The standout feature of the blade-based combat system is Raiden's ability to literally slice through enemies--a process you can control, lopping off limbs or bisecting torsos with laser accuracy. It's an impressive feat of programming, and a unique mechanic that (as far as I know) has never been truly replicated. Worry not if you've always been turned off by Metal Gear's confusing storyline. Rising is all about over-the-top katana mayhem, and when it does make an effort to tell a story, it delivers goofy melodrama that anyone can appreciate. | Peter Brown
Mirror's Edge
When Mirror's Edge released, the gaming world had never seen anything like it. First-person platforming was practically a no-no, but EA DICE proved it's possible under the right set of circumstances. The trick, at least the one that made Mirror's Edge such a revelation, was to simplify pathfinding by using clever visual cues and implement contextual animations to create a sense of flow. In one stage you will leap across rooftops, wall run, smash through windows, and slide under enemy fire before taking the aggressor out. It's basically Parkour: The Game. While its sequel, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, tried to go for a more open-world design, the original game is focused enough to be tackled in small sessions, which also encourages you to attempt run after run through a single level, chasing your best times and most stylish performances. It's an endlessly cool game that may never get old. | Peter Brown
Ninja Gaiden Black
The original Ninja Gaiden reboot was something to behold back in 2004. As one of the fastest and most challenging action games of its era, Ryu Hayabusa's revenge mission where he fights ninjas, demons--and pretty much everything in between--was a knockout when it came to delivering thrills and moments of white-knuckle challenge. I'll even admit that I earned the lowly title of Ninja Dog on occasions, which was Ninja Gaiden's not-so-subtle way of saying 'git gud' back in the day. The game consistently delivered fast-paced action, and in the months after its release, it managed to get even better. As one of the early games on the original Xbox to use downloadable content, new weapons, monsters, and challenges were eventually added in, making the game even more of a stellar title. This culminated in the release of Ninja Gaiden Black, essentially the definitive edition of the core game. While Ninja Gaiden (2004) was remade again in the form of Sigma on PS3, I still think of Black as the best way to play Ryu Hayabusa's gory and over-the-top descent through the demonic underworld. Even after the releases of Bayonetta, Metal Gear Rising, and several installments Devil May Cry, Ninja Gaiden Black hasn't lost its touch, and it still stands still one of the greatest action games ever made. | Alessandro Fillari
Panzer Dragoon Orta
I've always had a deep respect for Sega's strange shooter series Panzer Dragoon, and the last entry, Panzer Dragoon Orta, remains a stellar tribute to its bizarre world. The series' otherworldly presentation--along with its own fictional language--gave it a sense of depth and wonder that felt all its own. While much of the series had its home on the short-lived Sega Saturn, 2003's Panzer Dragoon Orta was released on the original Xbox, showing a noticeable visual and technical upgrade over its predecessors. Diving back into the game after all these years made me appreciate how much thought and craft went into the game, which has held up spectacularly. Along with a wealth of hidden lore and concept art to find, it also comes with an unlockable version of the original game--which stands as one of the greatest game rewards of all time. If you're at all curious about the Panzer Dragoon series, Orta is the most accessible point of entry, and it still brims with that sense of otherworldly wonder that the series is all about. | Alessandro Fillari
Peggle
Peggle has received a sequel you can and should play on Xbox One, but more Peggle action is still a good thing. Fortunately, the original game is playable through backwards compatibility, and it holds up nicely. The basic Peggle formula--a sort of take on pachinko and pinball, but with tremendous sound design--is still as delightful as ever. You launch balls into a board filled with pegs and various obstacles in the hopes of hitting them and removing them from play. Finishing a round hilariously causes "Ode to Joy" to play as your ball sails across the screen one last time in slow motion, but the euphoric build-up of sound effects when you pull off an exceptional shot is one of the most satisfying experiences I've ever had in a game. | Chris Pereira
Radiant Silvergun
Remember Sega Saturn? While not a powerhouse in the US or Europe, it found great success in Japan where arcade ports were plentiful. One of the most well-known Japanese-exclusive Saturn games is Radiant Silvergun, and thanks to Microsoft's effort years ago to pump up the Xbox Marketplace with Japanese games, westerners finally got an official release on Xbox 360 and can still enjoy the game on Xbox One today. The most notable feature of this vertical-scrolling shooter is the large number of weapons you can pick from, which differ more in behavior than you might expect. Like many games by developer Treasure, Radiant Silvergun is a technical showcase (for its time) that also manages to be a great game with timeless appeal. | Peter Brown
Rainbow Six Vegas 1 and 2
In between its old-school tactical shooter phase and the current competitive multiplayer focus, Rainbow Six took a trip to Vegas and balanced its military sim roots with some more approachable shooter gameplay. Both Rainbow Six Vegas 1 and 2 captured the gaudy spectacle of the city's nightlife with bright lights and rows of slot machines, which often served as cover from enemy fire. I've had so many memorable multiplayer matches; taking cover and having the camera switch to third-person, rappelling down skyscrapers to crash through windows, or turning upside down on a rappel line to pop shots are a few of the amazing moments in competition. Servers are still online, so if you can get a group of dedicated players to play a few matches or terrorist hunt missions, you're guaranteed a great time. | Michael Higham
Red Dead Redemption
Of all the games that are backwards compatible on Xbox One, Red Dead Redemption tops the list as the most exciting. When it was added to the program earlier this year, not only did people finally have a way to replay one of the best games of the last generation on a current-gen console, they also got the option to play it in 4K on Xbox One X. This open-world western proved that Rockstar Games is capable of more than just Grand Theft Auto, and with the sequel on the way, now is the perfect time to see why Red Dead Redemption is such a big deal. | Peter Brown
Saint's Row: The Third
Saints Row was always a little silly, but The Third is clearly the point where Volition realized the franchise could no longer compete with Grand Theft Auto and chose instead to double down on the ridiculous. Saints Row: The Third is non-stop parody of open-world action games and pop culture references, and I love every second of it. There's something positively magical about playing as a loud-mouthed crime boss who's weaving between traffic on her motorcycle to save her friends from a ticking time bomb as government soldiers try to stop her while Bonnie Tyler's "I Need a Hero" plays over the radio. All of which occurs in what might be the most normal level in the game. Saints Row: The Third also does a good job recapping the events of the previous two games and introduces franchise favorite Kinzie Kensington, so it's a nice jumping on point if you're looking to play Saints Row IV or Agents of Mayhem. | Jordan Ramee
Shadows of the Damned
Shadows of the Damned was a match made in heaven for me. The quirky Suda 51 brought his comedic writing chops and teamed up with Resident Evil 4 director Shinji Mikami and Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka to make a shooter that, at the time, felt more like a Resident Evil 4 sequel than any game before it, including Resident Evil 5. The buddy-demon hunter adventure saw Garcia Hotspur and Johnson, the trusty skull sidekick that also turns into a number of different guns, venture into Hell to rescue Hotspur's love. There is quite the variety of enemies, levels, and crude jokes. While a sequel is what I truly want, I'll gladly play through it again for the umpteenth time to revisit it all. | Mat Paget
Skate 3
The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series may go down as having the "best" skateboarding games of all time, but none of them capture the sport quite like the Skate series does. And while the first two Skate games had a more structured campaign the open-world skateboarding sandbox of Skate 3 is still as fun to flip, grind, and bail in as it was the day it came out. Tackling a specific spot over and over again in Skate 3 mirrors what real-life skateboarding is like, though I can actually pull off a darkslide or a benihana in Skate 3. And with its surprisingly breathtaking 4K enhancements on the Xbox One X, I can't recommend it enough. | Mat Paget
Spec Ops: The Line
Six years after release, I'm still reeling from the emotional fallout of Spec Ops: The Line. This unsettling game tackles the mental and emotional cost of war, and its moral quandaries stick with you long after you've put the game down and had a good cry. Despite having third-person shooter mechanics that are okay at best, Spec Ops: The Line kept me playing. Long after it forced me to kill innocent civilians, I was frantically shooting enemy combatants in a desperate attempt to justify my own in-game atrocities. But war doesn't work that way. I don't think I'll ever forget what white phosphorus does to a person, and if you play this game, you won't either. | Jordan Ramee
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a gaming classic, and it was one of the best-written stories in the Star Wars canon prior to Disney neutering its relevance. The game utilizes similar combat, squadmate recruitment, and morality mechanics that BioWare would eventually use for both Mass Effect and Dragon Age: Origins. The game lets you fulfill your fantasy of living as a Jedi or a Sith, as you explore a galaxy far, far away, four millennia before the events of A Phantom Menace. I loved exploring ancient Tatooine and Kashyyyk on the Jedi path, but not nearly as much as seeing brand-new planets, like the ancient Sith homeworld Korriban, or flirting with Bastila. | Jordan Ramee
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords is one of the best Star Wars video games of all time. Although its gameplay is largely untouched from its predecessor, KOTOR II implements elements of grey to the previously black or white morality system. New lightsaber styles also add a level of strategy, and there's twice as many people you can try to smooch. My favorite Star Wars droid, HK-47, also returns from the original KOTOR, and he continues to deliver unparalleled levels of sarcastic murder puns and sass. Despite its removal from the Star Wars canon, if you love Bioware's RPGs and the adventures of a galaxy far, far away, you need to play this game. Its incredible narrative will hook you in 15 minutes. | Jordan Ramee
Star Wars: Republic Commando
Prior to The Clone Wars animated series, the only hint that the clone army was more than a faceless batch of characters was Star Wars: Republic Commando. This video game moved past the uniform helmets to reveal each clone had their own personality, likes and dislikes, and skill set. I fell in love with the troopers through Republic Commando, and the clones have remained my favorite Star Wars characters ever since. Taking the lead of Delta Squad as the dependable Boss and directing the demolitions expert Scorch, computer-savvy Fixer, and weapons specialist Sev offered a more tactical experience than 2004's Star Wars: Battlefront. New enemy types and weapons keep the game fresh across its three different locations, and the story is one of the best in the Star Wars Legends universe. | Jordan Ramee
Super Meat Boy
Super Meat Boy has become something of a reference point for games that have come after it--and with good reason, as it's an exceptionally well designed game. It's a tough platformer where death can come at any instant--and you will die many, many times. And as heartbreaking as those deaths can sometimes be, it's invariably your own fault; SMB offers extremely tight controls and a deeply satisfying wall-jumping mechanic (made all the better by the way Meat Boy leaves behind a trail of meat wherever he moves). With hundreds of levels and numerous secrets to uncover, there's a lot to enjoy here. But most importantly, playing this original Xbox 360 version means you get to enjoy the brilliant original soundtrack by Danny Baranowsky that's missing from SMB's most recent re-releases. | Chris Pereira
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition
Capcom managed to do a lot of awesome things for Street Fighter V, but Street Fighter IV is still relevant for a lot of fighting game fans due to its massive roster and years' worth of competitive refinement. Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition marks the penultimate upgrade for the game, but you can also download the Ultra Street Fighter IV DLC to convert it into the ultimate version of the game on Xbox One. Whether you are a serious competitor or a casual fighting game fan who just likes to mash out a few combos with friends on the weekends, SFIV has loads of great characters to experiment with, and tons of personality to keep you entertained along the way. | Peter Brown
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind takes me back--to six-years-old Aiden. Even though I was far too young to be playing such an intense RPG, and 90 percent of the story went right over my head, I couldn't help but get utterly consumed in how fantastical and insurmountable Vvardenfell seemed. Maybe it was my child-like wonder, or maybe it was just Bethesda's magic. At the time, I hadn't really played anything like it, and boy were the giant mushroom houses and terrifying Cliff Racers just as cool as kicking tail during Lara's Tomb Raider adventures. Morrowind was the first RPG that really made me fall in love with the more serious and immersive side of gaming, and even though its graphics haven't aged particularly well, it still holds that obnoxiously special place in my heart that I can't let go of, a place where I forge my own story, and escape into some far-off land. And, you know, knock the daylights out of some cultists. That too. | Aiden Strawhun
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
"Stop right there, Criminal Scum! You've violated the law!" Once you get past the potato faces, Oblivion's hyper-saturated graphics really are something special. Oblivion also took a lot of the annoying mechanics in Morrowind and made them just a little bit better. Any race could wear any armor, birthsigns could be changed, vampirism was part of the main game, the list goes on. One minute you have the incredibly lush, almost ethereal expanses of Cyrodiil, the next, there's an actual demon invasion. It's a wonderful contrast that I don't think the other Elder Scrolls games quite capture, as they're dark and morose, and somewhat brooding--but Oblivion is brimming with energy and color. | Aiden Strawhun
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
The beautiful thing about The Witcher series is that if you're looking to hop into the latest entry, you don't need to play the previous titles. However, they do add a considerable amount of context to the expansive cast of characters, and particularly to every one of Geralt's relationships. The Witcher 2 is a mostly on-rails, linear RPG. That doesn't stop it from being an incredible, dramatic, and enticing adventure, however. The world is detailed and lush, as you'd expect from the series, and the choices you make throughout the story determine some pretty major outcomes. Just make sure to spend some time between story missions to smell the roses--er, the monsters, rather. | Aiden Strawhun
Viva Pinata
Rare's output under Microsoft has been uneven, but one bright spot shines above the rest. Viva Pinata is a sweet refuge from the norm--a sim that defies easy categorization. It bears a lot in common with farming sims like Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley. Instead of standard livestock, though, you're raising up beautifully designed candy-animals with punny names like "fudgehog" and "chewnicorn." The look is distinctly family-friendly, but under the surface the gameplay is surprisingly deep. I lost many nights to converting "sour" pinatas, facilitating my animals' feeding and mating habits, and even managing the food chain. (Some pinatas eat others, you see.) I'm partial to the first, but the semi-sequel Trouble in Paradise is mostly a revision for the better. Either way you can't go wrong, and they're both available on Xbox One. | Steve Watts
By Matt Espineli on Aug 15, 2018 12:04 am
The Best Around
It feels just like yesterday, but PS4 launched over four years ago, and a ton of games have come out in that time. As such, it can be tough to sort through all of them and decide what to play. Luckily, we at GameSpot have played tons of PS4 over the years and have more than a few recommendations to start you off with--whether you're a new PS4 owner or have had the console and are just looking for something you might've missed. In this feature, we've collected the best PS4 games so far. This includes many of the games that have received an 8 or higher on GameSpot, and we've prioritized games that were nominated for our end-of-year Best PS4 Game lists. Check out our choices for the best games released on the PS4. And with the console's library continuing to expand, make sure to check back often as we update this feature over the coming weeks and months. For more PS4 games on a budget, see our roundups of the best cheap games on PS4, and make sure to check out our gallery of the best PS4 exclusive games confirmed for 2018 as well as the biggest PS4 games of 2018 for everything coming to the console. There are heaps of amazing PS4 games out there. Which PS4 games do you love the most? Doesn't matter if it's popular or incredibly underrated. Let us know in the comments below.
Dead Cells -- 9/10
"Dead Cells is a fascinating amalgam of several of today's most popular indie genres. It juggles elements of tough-as-nails action games and Metroid-inspired exploration platformers, with the procedurally generated levels and random item allotments found in roguelikes. It's impressive how it all comes together without a hitch, especially given that the persistent character growth found in games like Dark Souls or Metroid squarely conflicts with the randomized resets emblematic of Rogue-inspired games." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit -- 8/10
"Life is Strange gained a huge cult following, and whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, Captain Spirit captures a lot of the original game's appeal. Regardless of how you classify The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit--whether it's a standalone adventure, a demo, or a prologue--it's a beautiful game, and one that leaves you all the more excited about Life is Strange 2." [Read the full review] -- James O'Connor
Onrush -- 9/10
"When it comes to crumpling metal and high speed thrills, not all of Onrush's game modes are on equal footing in terms of consistent excitement. Yet its foundations are so strong, and so unique, that it's easy to lose hours upon hours barreling around these disparate tracks. The question of longevity will, of course, depend on post-release support, with new classes, game modes, and tracks potentially on the horizon. Considering you need 12 players to fill a full room, it would be a shame if Onrush doesn't find the kind of audience that will give it the lifespan it deserves. Part of this will depend on how Codemasters iterates on the game from here on out, but they've shown a proficiency in knowing how arcade racing games click, and Onrush is such a bold, refreshing twist on the genre that there should be little hesitation in putting your faith in them to succeed." -- Richard Wakeling
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life -- 8/10
"Yakuza 6 reins in its scope, but doubles down on what has made the series great. It's a unique and fascinating representation of the modern Japanese experience, worth playing even if you're a newcomer. The narrative is dramatic and sincere, and the game's endearing characters--coming from all walks of life--are interesting studies. The world is dense and rewarding to exist in, the dynamic combat system stays exciting even after you've kicked the crap out of five thousand enemies, and perhaps most importantly, Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life serves as a fulfilling conclusion to the turbulent, decade-long saga of its beloved icon, Kazuma Kiryu." [read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Video Producer
God Of War -- 9/10
"In many ways God of War is what the series has always been. It's a spectacular action game with epic set pieces, big-budget production values, and hard-hitting combat that grows more feverish and impressive as you progress. What may surprise you is how mature its storytelling has become. Like Kratos, God of War recalls the past while acknowledging the need to improve. Everything new it does is for the better, and everything it holds onto benefits as a result. Kratos is no longer a predictable brute. God of War is no longer an old-fashioned action series. With this reboot, it confidently walks a new path that will hopefully lead to more exciting adventures to come." [read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Bloodborne -- 9/10
"The finest treasures are found within the city of Yharnam and the forests, lakes, and purgatories beyond it. Only Bloodborne would be so bold as to bury an entire factional player-versus-player mechanic within an optional region, which is in turn buried within a series of oblique steps you might miss if you aren't exploring every nook and cranny, or ignore the game's enigmatic hints. I finished Bloodborne in less time than I did Dark Souls II, yet I treasure it more in spite of its few missteps. In death there is life, and in blood, there is redemption. More hyperbole, yes, but for a game this theatrical, only hyperbole will do." [read the full review] -- Kevin VanOrd
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
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
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End -- 10/10
"Uncharted 4's gameplay pushes the narrative forward, the narrative feeds off its gameplay, and every detail coalesces to create something bigger. Uncharted 4 bounces between set pieces and personal moments with such grace, with such skill and poise and affection for its characters, that you don't mind when the guns stop firing, and the smoke clears, and Nathan gets a moment to breathe." [read the full review] -- Mike Mahardy, Video Producer
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
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
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
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
NBA 2K17 -- 9/10
"Despite its few drawbacks, NBA 2K17's excitement for basketball is contagious, and it's hard not to get wrapped up in it. Apart from the lacking 2KU mode and stiff recreations of commentators, the rest of the game looks great and plays even better. After finally devoting a significant amount of time to one of these games, I now see why it's such a well-regarded series, and it makes me wish that every sport got the same treatment that basketball does in NBA 2K17." -- Mat Paget
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
Until Dawn -- 8/10
"I didn't expect to have so much fun with Until Dawn, and the depth with which my choices mattered and affected the final outcome encouraged repeat playthroughs. The visuals can be wonky at times, but in the end Until Dawn succeeds in being a thoughtful use of familiar mechanics, a great achievement in player-driven narrative, and a horror game you shouldn't miss." [read the full review] -- Alexa Ray Corriea
The Last Guardian -- 9/10
"It isn't clear whether or not The Last Guardian means to be frustrating at times--if it's a concerted effort to test your patience for a lovable-yet-stubborn creature. 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. Trico is the undeniable star of the show, exhibiting believable physicality and emotional range, but the boy is a valuable lesson in how to be patient and resilient when faced with unforeseen challenges. When the book closes on their story, it's hard not to open it up again and begin anew. The trials you overcome endear you to both characters, but the emotions Trico elicits make you want to give it another chance--to be the patient, effective partner it truly deserves." [read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Rocket League -- 9/10
"The joy of Rocket League rests on the countless plans that are conceived and discarded every other second in any given match. Trying to predict where and how the ball will bounce next is a game within the game. Despite the use of cars, Rocket League emulates the emotional surges typical of The Beautiful Game, such as the rush of an unexpected fast break or a well-timed header into a goal. With Rocket League, the promising concept of combining two wonderful things--cars and soccer--is equally magnificent in execution. You can't say the same thing about, say, combining cake and fruit to make fruitcake, as the comedian Jim Gaffigan observed." [read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
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
MLB The Show 18 -- 9/10
"Sony's flagship baseball franchise has never been better. With its best-in-class controls and visuals, and impeccable attention to detail for the small stuff, MLB The Show 18 is worth catching for any baseball fan." [read the full review]
Horizon: Zero Dawn -- 9/10
"This is the first departure from the Killzone series for developer Guerrilla Games, and though you might think the team took a risk by stepping out of its FPS comfort zone to create a third-person open-world action game, you'd never know it was their first rodeo. For every minor imperfection, there's an element of greatness that recharges your desire to keep fighting and exploring Zero Dawn's beautiful and perilous world. Guerrilla Games has delivered one of the best open-world games of this generation, and redefined its team's reputation in the process." [read the full review] -- Peter Brown, Reviews Editor
Nier: Automata -- 9/10
"Thanks to Platinum Games' knack for riveting and gratifying combat, Automata is Yoko Taro's most exciting game to date. The combat mechanics click after hurdling a low learning curve, and the end result is a skillful dance where balletic dodges complement wushu-inspired aggression. Moreover, this multi-ending trip is generously peppered with surprises and revelations, as well as easter eggs that call back to the first game and the Drakengard series from which Nier spun off. It's a meaty, often exhilarating trek that showcases Platinum Games' and Yoko Taro's unique blend of genius." [read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Persona 5 -- 9/10
"Within Persona 5 is a complex set of interconnected gameplay mechanics, and in almost every aspect Atlus has executed on its vision exceptionally, barring the pacing issues towards the end. At every turn, it presents something to marvel at, whether it's the fluid combat, vibrant world, or the many memorable characters. It's a game I could talk about for hours; I haven't mentioned the ability to connect to the Thieves Guild, which lets you see how other players spent their day or ask them for help answering questions at school. Or the thumping acid-jazz-infused soundtrack that I've not been able to get out of my head. Or even just the joy of seeing how it stylishly transitions between menus. But that encapsulates why Persona 5 is a game that shouldn't be missed. It's stuffed to bursting point with gameplay ideas and presentation flourishes--there's an overwhelming level of artistry in every part of Persona 5, making it a truly standout entry in the series. It's a refined, effortlessly stylish RPG that will be talked about for years to come." [read the full review] -- Lucy James, Video Producer
Unravel Two -- 8/10
"With its charming yarnlings and a newfound style of platforming, Unravel Two remains welcoming even at its most foreboding. Sure, a forest fire breaks out in one of the latter stages, but even then, the race to keep ahead of the blaze is fun and frantic instead of stressful. In almost every moment you're given ample time and space to breathe and take in the stunning photorealistic world from the viewpoint of the tiniest creatures. It's a game with boisterous birds, chases through meadows, and most importantly a cheerful partnership with a companion who's always got your back. With only six chapters that run roughly 30 minutes apiece, Unravel Two doesn't last long, but it's a game where the time you have is meaningful, memorable, and downright pleasant from beginning to end." -- Justin Clark
Madden NFL 18 -- 9/10
"Overall, Madden 18 marks an unusually large shakeup in a series that, due to its annualized releases, rarely features much more than small, iterative changes. The Frostbite engine allows the game to reach new levels of realism in its visuals, and EA has put a lot of effort into constantly evolving the game to keep it in line with real-world events. But it is the Longshot story mode that defines Madden 18. Some of Longshot is unnecessary spectacle, but its lasting value comes from the humanity that it brings to the game. The moments of vulnerability and sincerity between Devin Wade and Colt Cruise during the story are worthy of celebration and give the overall game a weight that Madden hasn't had before. And if that's not enough to entice you, it's also simply a terrific football game." [read the full review] -- Alex Newhouse
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, Senior Producer/Editor
Transistor -- 8/10
"Transistor is always a good-looking game, but in these instances, it demonstrates a rare knack for combining its visuals and music to powerfully convey both narrative information and tone, driving the story forward with Red's own unwavering resolve. So in the end, yes, Transistor is a fun action role-playing game with a neat combat system, but beautiful moments like these make it more than that. They make it a game with a soul." [read the full review] -- Carolyn Petit
Yakuza 0 -- 8/10
"Unless you have a strong aversion to violence, sex, or middling graphics, you owe it to yourself to give Zero a chance. Its story will surprise you, its inhabitants will make you laugh at every turn, and its ambitious scope will redefine how you think about open-world games. It's a fascinating adventure no matter how you approach it, and it's proof positive that a game can be wildly inconsistent yet remain a great experience." [read the full review]
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
Blazblue: Cross Tag Battle -- 9/10
"Whether playing through the story mode alone or against hardened opponents online, Cross Tag Battle is an absolute joy with a surplus of possibilities within its wide roster and versatile fighting system. Even with all the ridiculousness of the overarching plot, I reveled in the charm of my favorite characters and embraced the many moments of fan service. It's a masterful unification of styles and mechanics from four different universes that compels you to dig deeper and dedicate the time to getting the most out of the beloved members of this cast." [Read the full review] -- Michael Higham, Associate Editor
The Crew 2 -- 8/10
"I'm annoyed by the game's lack of public interaction and meaningless gear system, but I'll fondly recall both the tension of flinging sprint boats back and forth through the narrow, artificial canals of The Venetian in Las Vegas, and the easygoing satisfaction of an hour-long hypercar race from New York to San Francisco, where I listened to a podcast and enjoyed the rolling scenery. Despite its shortcomings, The Crew 2 still displays admirable strengths, which lie in its player-friendly features, freedom of movement, and its willingness to bend the rules in order to make things exciting and varied for an accessible, American-themed thrillride." [Read the full review] -- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor and Video Producer
Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 + 2
"In a way, the entire collection itself is the museum--an entire series, with all its beauty and its blemishes, on display for its audience to judge and assess years later. Parts of this legacy have aged horribly, but they're still undeniably a piece of Mega Man X history. We've been told that the upcoming Mega Man 11 was greenlit thanks in part to fan interest in the original Mega Man Legacy Collection. If Capcom follows with a proper sequel to Mega Man X, this compilation provides valuable lessons on what the series is, what it isn't, and what it can be when given the chance." [Read the full review] -- Steve Watts
No Man's Sky Next -- 8/10
"At its absolute best, No Man's Sky is a measured, gentle experience where you are rarely the agent of change, but a perpetual visitor who's constantly dwarfed by the magnitude of a universe neutral to your presence. It is not your job in these stories to colonize the universe. Your job is to comprehend it. Your job is to recognize the spirituality in it. The primary gimmick of No Man's Sky, since day one, has been awe. The best things about the Next update feed that gimmick. While features like multiplayer and base-building certainly put more proverbial asses in seats, they're also the least memorable additions to an otherwise thoughtful experience." [Read the full review] -- Justin Clark
By Jordan Ramée on Aug 15, 2018 12:03 am
The PlayStation 4 launched in November 2013 and Sony's done a phenomenal job making sure a stream of excellent exclusives continues to launch on the platform. That trend isn't slowing down in 2018, with the phenomenal God of War releasing earlier this spring and Insomniac Games' Spider-Man on its way in just a few months. Click ahead to view GameSpot's highest-rated PS4 exclusives since the console's launch. The titles are in alphabetical order and don't reflect our own personal ranking of each game. The list only includes games we've awarded an 8/10 or higher. We've also limited the gallery based on console exclusivity, so you'll see a few games in this gallery that are also available on PC or PS Vita. This means games that originally released for PS2 or PS3 and launched again on the PS4 without any additional content (like Beyond: Two Souls) are not included. Remasters, remakes, and reboots are all fair game though. Be sure to check out our list of the best cheap PS4 games to find the best deals on some of these exclusives, including top-tier titles like The Last of Us Remastered and Bloodborne. Think you've got an insane amount of GameSpot knowledge? Put it to the test. We've reviewed a lot of PS4 exclusives since the console's debut in 2013, but only one of them has gotten a perfect 10/10 review score. Do you know what it is? Click ahead to find out, and we'll send a virtual high five your way if you happen to know the answer. If you also happen to know which PS3 game released again on PS4 with a perfect 10/10 GameSpot score (but couldn't make this list because it's not a remaster), then we offer you a virtual salute. Also, let us know what your favorite PS4 exclusive is in the comment section down below. Doesn't matter if the game was critically acclaimed or criminally underrated. Be sure to check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch console exclusives and best Xbox One console exclusives as well.
Alienation
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Alientation review, Jason D'Aprile wrote, "Alienation is a refined and intense shooter that looks and sounds great, and offers fantastically chaotic and violent action. While the game sometimes feels a little too eager to kill players and lacks local play, with a full troop online, it's easily one of the best all-out action multiplayer games in recent memory."
Alone With You
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Alone With You review, Jason D'Aprile wrote, "This is a game that warrants repeated playthroughs to see both endings and experience other relationship choices. Alone With You bears some heavy thematic overlap with [games] like SOMA, Everyone's Gone to Rapture, and other story-centric releases that focus on the nature of what makes you human, the importance of relationships and contact, and mortality. It's different enough to feel new despite its retro roots, delivering impactful scenes that shine thanks to a stellar script that brings its few, but emotionally charged, characters to life."
Bloodborne
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Bloodborne review, Kevin VanOrd wrote, "The finest treasures are found within the city of Yharnam and the forests, lakes, and purgatories beyond it. Only Bloodborne would be so bold as to bury an entire factional player-versus-player mechanic within an optional region, which is in turn buried within a series of oblique steps you might miss if you aren't exploring every nook and cranny, or ignore the game's enigmatic hints. I finished Bloodborne in less time than I did Dark Souls II, yet I treasure it more in spite of its few missteps. In death there is life, and in blood, there is redemption. More hyperbole, yes, but for a game this theatrical, only hyperbole will do."
Dariusburst: Chronicle Saviours
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Dariusburst: Chronicle Saviours review, Heidi Kemps wrote, "Even with [its issues], Darius Burst is one of the best traditional shooters to come out in years. The visual design is excellent, the music is avant-garde and memorable, the boss encounters are thrilling, and it's chock-full of challenges to keep you coming back and playing more. If you enjoy these sorts of games at all and are craving a finely-crafted, intense shooting experience that will keep you hooked for a long time, then Darius Burst: Chronicle Saviours is a worthy."
Everybody's Golf
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Everybody's Golf review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "Ultimately, [bothersome NPCs] are the only notable blemishes in an otherwise splendid and activity-loaded sequel, which also happens to be the best golf game on the PlayStation 4. Longtime fans will find comfort in the familiar controls and deep progression system, while newcomers will find the on-boarding experience easy and welcoming. Between the lengthy career mode and online play, you are never short of competition to test your nerves. And no matter how ridiculously superhuman your linksman skills become--there are awards for getting a hole in one on a par-5, after all--Everybody's Golf's strict adherence to the sport's strategic underpinnings is never compromised."
Everybody's Gone To The Rapture
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Everybody's Gone to the Rapture review, Alexa Ray Corriea wrote, "Everybody's Gone to the Rapture uses subtle cues to guide you through its world and then gives you the space to digest what you find. It's a wonderful example of what games can achieve narratively while presenting minimal physical engagement and tasking player imagination with the rest. That sense of futility never leaves you, but whether or not you cling to the story's threads of hope is entirely up to you; no happy ending is forced on you--just an ending. The moral of the story is whatever you think it is, and there's no wrong way to feel as you sift through its bright, empty world. And while I had my moments of frustration in navigation, that didn't stop it from dazzling me. I left Shropshire exhausted, spent, and utterly impressed by The Chinese Room's magnificently crafted journey, both in how it brought me to its conclusion and the conclusion itself."
Fighting EX Layer
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Fighting EX Layer review, Heidi Kemps wrote, "On a pure gameplay level, Fighting EX Layer is an absolute treat. What it lacks in bells and whistles it delivers in pure, fun combat. This is a game made for the sort of people who will spend hours perfecting an impractical, extremely-precise combo in training mode simply for the satisfaction of having done it. If that describes you, then Fighting EX Layer will be worth everything you put into it."
Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "While its enhancements do not translate into a brand new game for existing fans, [Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age] is nonetheless invigorating. For an experience that can last over a hundred hours, the subtle tweaks therein go a long way in showcasing Final Fantasy 12's grand trek in a new light. Its epic, lore-abundant story and its time-tested Gambit System should also appeal to those who missed out on the mainline series' trip to Ivalice the first time around. And thanks in part to the new audio and speed options, The Zodiac Age is an ideal definitive edition: one that improves the game over its original version across the board.
Final Fantasy 14 Online: A Realm Reborn
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Final Fantasy 14 Online: A Realm Reborn review, Pete Davison wrote, "There's no traditional PVP, and at times the grind can grow tedious, but if you press on, you find a vast and charming supporting cast, complex classes with plenty of interesting augmentations along the way, and a reworked MMORPG that combines new and old elements to weave together a satisfying and modern Final Fantasy that does its part to cater to longtime franchise fans and MMO enthusiasts alike. This is an admirable redesign, especially on the PlayStation 4, which very well may be considered the best venue to experience the staggering world and cornucopia of additional content. Even if you're still trekking through Vana'diel, consider making yourself a new home in Eorzea--we'd love to have you."
Galak-Z: The Dimensional
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Galak-Z: The Dimensional review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "But in the end, [Galak-Z: The Dimensional] is about learning as you go, and making the best of what you have. It's a layered, complex system, and even now, 20 hours after I started it, there are upgrades I haven't found, techniques I haven't practiced, and possibilities I haven't considered. Galak-Z pummelled me, knocked me to the ground and kicked me when I was down. But when I finally got the upper hand, and beat the final season with only a sliver of health left, the victory was all the more rewarding.
God Eater 2: Rage Burst
We gave the game an 8/10. In our God Eater 2: Rage Burst review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "Good sequels strike a balance between reproducing familiar systems and introducing new features. Rage Burst shares many similarities with Resurrection, to the degree that you wouldn't be blamed for mistaking the former for an expansion pack of the latter at a glance. But Rage Burst is bolstered by a beefed-up combat system and scores of stylish, powerful loot, making frequent, sometimes repetitive questing, more enjoyable than it was in Resurrection."
God Of War (2018)
We gave the game a 9/10. In our God of War review, Peter Brown wrote, "In many ways God of War is what the series has always been. It's a spectacular action game with epic set pieces, big-budget production values, and hard-hitting combat that grows more feverish and impressive as you progress. What may surprise you is how mature its storytelling has become. Like Kratos, God of War recalls the past while acknowledging the need to improve. Everything new it does is for the better, and everything it holds onto benefits as a result. Kratos is no longer a predictable brute. God of War is no longer an old-fashioned action series. With this reboot, it confidently walks a new path that will hopefully lead to more exciting adventures to come."
God Of War 3 Remastered
We gave the game an 8/10. In our God of War 3 Remastered review, Kevin VanOrd wrote, "Then again, this is not a series known for its sophisticated storytelling. Kratos is the vessel for an instinctive kind of gameplay that is rarely this successful. Your rewards for following God of War III's linear trail are genre-defining combat, excellent pacing, and the innate joy of watching enemies spew forth clusters of glowing red orbs when they fall. It's the ever-compelling quest for shinies, accomplished by slamming your cestus into the ground, then gutting a centaur and watching its viscera spill onto the floor. Your reward is more power, which you use to earn more shinies and to see more entrails. That the game finds so many ways to stay consistently fresh within this traditional structure is a feat worthy of the gods."
Gravity Rush 2
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Gravity Rush 2 review, Peter Brown wrote, "With a wealth of stories big and small to chew on, Gravity Rush 2 fulfills the needs of both a sequel and a prequel. The first Gravity Rush had enough going for it, but Gravity Rush 2 is stuffed with things to love. While its stealth missions are lame and it's disappointing to experience camera issues from time to time, Gravity Rush 2 excels in almost every other respect, making its predecessor seem quaint by comparison. This is easily one of the best video game sequels in recent memory, and an adventure truly worthy of its excellent lead character."
Gran Turismo Sport
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Gran Turismo Sport review, James Swinbanks wrote, "Ultimately, where you fall on GT Sport will mirror how you feel about racing games in general. If you're looking for a highly focused console racing sim, GT Sport is excellent, but don't come looking for a robust 'Gran Turismo' experience. You won't find it. Casual fans will feel the pinch of the scaled-down offering and the intimidating push towards racing online. But for sim-racers with a competitive spirit, it's easy to look past the smaller car and track roster and appreciate the incredibly detailed and responsive driving model, which is better than anything the series has offered before."
Grim Fandango Remastered
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Grim Fandango Remastered review, Kevin VanOrd wrote, "Grim Fandango's greatest triumph, however, is that you needn't overflow with nostalgia to appreciate its greatness. There is only this boisterous world and the unionized bee-demons that inhabit it, which you see through the eyes of one Manny Calavera, an everyday hero that has rightfully earned a place in video game history. Even if you don't know what happens at the end of the line, you're guaranteed to enjoy the trip."
Here They Lie
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Here They Lie review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "Here They Lie pulls you in by appealing to your curiosities of what's around the corner--but you're also motivated to stick to the main path, because a part of you just wants to get the hell out of this urban nightmare. As a dark, well-crafted psychological journey in VR, the game captures the distinct duality of being a curious observer--and, conversely, a participant who simply wants to survive and escape. Its enigmatic visuals, choice-driven narrative, and provocations on morality are the driving forces that warrant multiple playthroughs, and all of those aforementioned elements combine to make Here They Lie one of the standout offerings among the PSVR's launch lineup."
Horizon Zero Dawn
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Horizon Zero Dawn review, Peter Brown wrote, "This is the first departure from the Killzone series for developer Guerrilla Games, and though you might think the team took a risk by stepping out of its FPS comfort zone to create a third-person open-world action game, you'd never know it was their first rodeo. For every minor imperfection, there's an element of greatness that recharges your desire to keep fighting and exploring [Horizon Zero Dawn's] beautiful and perilous world. Guerrilla Games has delivered one of the best open-world games of this generation, and redefined its team's reputation in the process.
Iconoclasts
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Iconoclasts review, Matt Espineli wrote, "When Iconoclasts' end credits begin to roll, it's bittersweet to see the journey come to a close. After solving every puzzle and witnessing the finale of its poignant narrative, you can't help but reflect on the growth of its characters and your impact onto the world. The game will shock and surprise you with how gripping its story is, and it's likely to do so again in subsequent playthroughs of New Game+ with your expanded knowledge of character histories and events. Iconoclasts may be a callback to the style and mechanics of old-school games, but it's also a sincere and compelling adventure that anyone with respect for fantastic storytelling and 2D-action can enjoy."
I Expect You To Die
We gave the game an 8/10. In our I Expect You To Die review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "But the annoyances caused by these hiccups pale in comparison to the thrills I Expect You to Die delivers. Through well designed puzzles, intense escape room scenarios, and a kineticism absent in video games on standard screens, I Expect You to Die knows exactly how to leverage the magic of VR, and proves it almost every step of the way."
Infamous: Second Son
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Infamous: Second Son review, Tom McShea wrote, "[Infamous: Second Son] focuses on pure enjoyment. It communicates that through the excellent combat that forces you to concoct crazy tactics to overthrow the invading forces. It draws you in further through its incredible visuals that not only hint at the PlayStation 4's impressive power, but employ a sensible artistic touch that makes Seattle a place you want to explore. It uses a complementary score to underline dramatic moments, and the sound effects pop with flair. And yet, for all of the elements in which Second Son excels, the narrative fails to carry its share of the weight. Still, don't become mired in the negativity as Delsin so often does. Instead, just laugh at the cheesy dialogue and chortle at how extreme the morality system is. Second Son is a great game that knows exactly what it is, and sucks you in with its unfiltered fun."
The Inpatient
We gave the game an 8/10. In our The Inpatient review, Justin Clark wrote, "The Inpatient doesn't just do right by Until Dawn, but stands right alongside it as one of the strongest horror experiences on PlayStation 4. It's a game far less concerned with pushing you towards what's lurking down every corridor than feeding you the worst ideas of what could be."
Invisible, Inc. Console Edition
We gave the game an 8/10. In out Invisible, Inc. Console Edition review, Kevin VanOrd wrote, "Nonetheless, this emotional distance is merely a minor issue. I don't care much about Invisible, Inc.'s throwaway story and its last-minute grasps at meaningful themes, or about my agents' personal backgrounds. Like the game, my efforts are focused on getting the job done, emotionally disengaged but intellectually centered. I bask in the stylish cutscenes and the sharp voiceover, but my attachment is not to the agency or its people but to the sheer pleasure of a successful heist."
The King Of Fighters XIV
We gave the game an 8/10. In our The King of Fighters XIV review, Matt Espineli wrote, "With plenty of opportunities available online or off, [The King of Fighters XIV] is a well-executed addition to the revered fighting series. Those disappointed in its new visuals may be unwilling to give it a chance, but if you remain steadfast in parsing through the multiple layers of its mechanics, you'll be rewarded with one of the most accessible, satisfying entries in the series to date."
The Last Guardian
We gave the game a 9/10. In our The Last Guardian review, Peter Brown wrote, "It isn't clear whether or not The Last Guardian means to be frustrating at times--if it's a concerted effort to test your patience for a lovable-yet-stubborn creature. 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. Trico is the undeniable star of the show, exhibiting believable physicality and emotional range, but the boy is a valuable lesson in how to be patient and resilient when faced with unforeseen challenges."
The Last Of Us Remastered
We gave the game an 8/10. In our The Last of Us Remastered review, Carolyn Petit wrote, "In addition to the visual enhancements and the inclusion of map packs and story DLC, The Last of Us Remastered has other nice little features, like a photo mode that lets you stop the action at any time, position the camera to your liking, and share the screenshot with others, applying frames and filters if you choose. And there are commentary tracks on in-game cinematics featuring the creative director and principal actors. The Last of Us is a great action game that you should play if you haven't already. And if you have played it before, the improvements here aren't so dramatic as to make the game feel like a new experience, but it is definitely one worth revisiting. In the world of The Last of Us, as in our own world, love might destroy you, but it's also one of the only things worth fighting for."
MLB The Show
For review, we gave: MLB 14: The Show an 8/10 MLB 15: The Show an 8/10. MLB The Show 16 an 8/10. MLB The Show 17 an 8/10. MLB The Show 18 a 9/10.
Moss
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Moss review, Alessandro Barbosa wrote, "It's a testament to just how well Moss understands PlayStation VR and works with the device instead of trying to bend it to a will it was never designed for. Moss wouldn't feel right without it at all, and its many strengths are married to the interactions that only full immersion can manufacture. Unsurprisingly, then, Moss is easily one of PlayStation VR's best titles to date, even if it's a little too eager to get you in and out of its world."
Nex Machina: Death Machine
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Nex Machina: Death Machine review, Jason D'Aprile wrote, "Limited multiplayer options aside, [Nex Machina: Death Machine] is a game that confidently meets expectations. It's difficult, intensely satisfying, and packed with enough secrets and lofty secondary objectives to keep you enraptured for hours. It's a classic game at heart, but with refined challenges and exacting mechanics, it feels right at home in the modern era."
Nioh
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Nioh review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "Although the spectre of potential failure hangs heavy over any play session, dying in Nioh is never genuinely disheartening. This is thanks in part to the various avenues of character growth and many approaches you can utilize to tackle a difficult section or boss fight. It shouldn't be surprising that the foresight and patience needed to survive a battle in Dark Souls translates well to the fundamentals of samurai combat here. Nioh's most invigorating and intimidating moments occur when you feel you're at equal footing with your opponent. And it's during these encounters that one careless move can result in your demise or the right string of thoughtful actions can make you feel invincible."
Persona 5
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Persona 5 review, Lucy James wrote, "Within Persona 5 is a complex set of interconnected gameplay mechanics, and in almost every aspect Atlus has executed on its vision exceptionally, barring the pacing issues towards the end. At every turn, it presents something to marvel at, whether it's the fluid combat, vibrant world, or the many memorable characters. It's a game I could talk about for hours; I haven't mentioned the ability to connect to the Thieves Guild, which lets you see how other players spent their day or ask them for help answering questions at school. Or the thumping acid-jazz-infused soundtrack that I've not been able to get out of my head. Or even just the joy of seeing how it stylishly transitions between menus. But that encapsulates why Persona 5 is a game that shouldn't be missed. It's stuffed to bursting point with gameplay ideas and presentation flourishes--there's an overwhelming level of artistry in every part of Persona 5, making it a truly standout entry in the series. It's a refined, effortlessly stylish RPG that will be talked about for years to come."
Pyre
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Pyre review, Peter Brown wrote, "And thus it's all too easy to fall in love with Pyre. It's immediately attractive. Its songs dance in your head long after they debut. And before you know it, you find yourself driven to get better at rites and perform at the top of your game. Likewise, you can't help but reflect on your partners in the Downside--those you trained, as well as those you neglected. Supergiant Games has created something special that lives on in your heart. And against great odds, it's invented a sport that could have stood on its own without the story it's attached to--but it's so much better because it is."
Ratchet & Clank (2016)
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Ratchet & Clank review, Cassidee Moser wrote, "Ratchet & Clank is every bit as dynamic and fun as the 2002 original. It's endearing and entertaining, a veritable power fantasy fueled by rockets and carried by specialty gadgets. Re-introducing a classic franchise to a new generation is a difficult task indeed, but Ratchet & Clank is a shining example of how it can be done."
Republique Remastered
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Republique Remastered review, Justin Clark wrote, "Needless to say, despite its mobile game roots, the world of [Republique Remastered] is meant to immerse, to beckon the player's curiosity, and to involve them enough in the city-state's ins and outs enough to get Hope out of danger. In transitioning to consoles, the game remains largely successful at that."
Salt And Sanctuary
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Salt and Sanctuary review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "Salt and Sanctuary is wholly engrossing from every angle, from its happy marriage of combat and exploration to its ominously gripping art direction. Its world is rich in ambiguity, well designed to fill up message boards with discussions on the theoretical histories of its bosses to the origins of the seven Creeds. For as much as it unabashedly borrows from Dark Souls, it's an achievement that Ska Studios managed to give its homage an identity of its own that can be appreciated on its own merits."
Shadow Of The Colossus (2018)
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Shadow of the Colossus review, Edmond Tran wrote, "Shadow of the Colossus is a tremendous journey, and one well worth taking and retaking. The visual overhaul is stunning, thoroughly enhancing every facet of Wander and Agro's excellent adventure. Galloping through the tranquil world is always breathtaking; felling a monumental colossus is always humbling. Shadow of the Colossus is a beautiful reconstruction of an already exceptional title. It continues to be a modern classic and is an extraordinary game that everyone must experience."
Super Rude Bear Resurrection
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Super Rude Bear Resurrection review, Chris Pereira wrote, "For all of these minor gripes, none of them stand in the way of enjoying nearly every second of playtime. On the strength of its pacing and basic mechanics alone, Super Rude Bear Resurrection would make for an extremely engaging platformer. The addition of its corpse mechanic elevates it to something greater, allowing it to simultaneously serve as an extreme challenge for the most diehard platforming fans as well as a game that can be enjoyed by the novice crowd. Super Rude Bear Resurrection demands a lot from you, but the satisfaction of success is immense in the end."
Tearaway
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Tearaway review, John Robertson wrote, "Tearaway's most lasting feature is not within the game itself, but through the inclusion of printable blueprints. Through standard progression and by taking photographs of certain objects, you earn blueprints that allow you to create your own origami editions of your favourite elements from within the game. Be warned, though, that even when you follow the instructions, some of these are incredibly tricky propositions, but if you've got the patience, it's worth the effort to take the theme of connecting worlds to that next step. The fact that it's so tempting to spend time creating these paper models is a testament to how appealing and attractive Tearaway is. It's just a shame that one of the Vita's best experiences feels as long as a piece of paper is thick."
Tooth And Tail
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Tooth and Tail review, Daniel Starkey wrote, "Rotating through the band of 20 fighters will offer plenty of depth on its own, too. There's plenty of room to fake out foes by overbuilding one type and feinting a foe into countering that so you can sweep them with your own reserves. If you don't have quite the squads you need to deal with enemies in the best way, you'll have to adapt -- and strong variety will give you the tools to come up with unique combinations and tactics on the fly. When all of that comes together in a tight, four-player battle royale, it is a thing of beauty."
Transistor
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Transistor review, Carolyn Petit wrote, "Transistor is always a good-looking game, but in [certain] instances, it demonstrates a rare knack for combining its visuals and music to powerfully convey both narrative information and tone, driving the story forward with Red's own unwavering resolve. So in the end, yes, Transistor is a fun action role-playing game with a neat combat system, but beautiful moments like these make it more than that. They make it a game with a soul."
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection
We gave the collection an 8/10. In our Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "At various times throughout the Uncharted games, our protagonist carries the ring of Francis Drake on a leather band around his neck. The ring's inscription reads: "Sic Parvus Magna," or, "greatness from small beginnings." I can't imagine a better way to encapsulate this collection. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune was a fine game in 2007, but its wrinkles are deeper now, its age more apparent. With Uncharted 2 and [Uncharted 3], though, Naughty Dog transcended Drake's own small beginnings. The Nathan Drake Collection is a firsthand account of Naughty Dog's growth as a storyteller, and this collection is the best way to relive that history, and witness its transformation up close."
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
We gave the game a perfect 10/10. In our Uncharted 4: A Thief's End review, Mike Mahardy wrote, "And most of all, as its final moments make clear, this is a story about storytelling--the importance we lend our idols, legends, and myths. How we pass down the ones that inspire us. How an old photo of three friends sitting on a pile of gold can unleash a flood of memories. Uncharted 4 is a challenge to the medium. In its writing, in its design, in its understanding of what makes games unique, Uncharted 4 is something to aspire to. It's a shining example. And we'll be talking about it for years to come."
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Uncharted: The Lost Legacy review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "The Lost Legacy doesn't signify a new era for Uncharted so much as it presents an opportunity to show the series from new perspectives, for which Chloe and the AI-controlled Nadine are perfectly capable. With a new playable treasure hunter comes new settings and character motivations, wrapped in a comfortingly familiar Uncharted package. The thrill of playing through set pieces that call back scenes from the earlier games is all the more enhanced when seen through the gameplay mechanics introduced in A Thief's End. The initial hours of The Lost Legacy give an "Uncharted Greatest Hits" vibe, but it grows into a more nuanced, clever experience, ranking among the best in the series while also making its own mark as a standalone Uncharted that isn't anchored to Nathan Drake's harrowing exploits."
Until Dawn
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Until Dawn review, Alexa Ray Corriea wrote, "I didn't expect to have so much fun with Until Dawn, and the depth with which my choices mattered and affected the final outcome encouraged repeat playthroughs. The visuals can be wonky at times, but in the end Until Dawn succeeds in being a thoughtful use of familiar mechanics, a great achievement in player-driven narrative, and a horror game you shouldn't miss."
Wipeout Omega Collection
We gave the game a 9/10. In our Wipeout Omega Collection review, Miguel Concepcion wrote, "By focusing on this specific era of the series, Wipeout Omega Collection maintains a level of cohesion you wouldn't get if this compilation included, say, Wipeout Pure or Fusion. While each of the three games exude style and stimulation in their own distinct ways, they collectively showcase the best elements of franchise's engrossing racing and silky smooth visuals. And even though it doesn't completely scratch the itch that only a completely new PS4 sequel can offer, this collection is easily the next best thing."
Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life
We gave the game an 8/10. In our Yakuza 6: The Song of Life review, Edmond Tran wrote, "Yakuza 6 reins in its scope, but doubles down on what has made the series great. It's a unique and fascinating representation of the modern Japanese experience, worth playing even if you're a newcomer. The narrative is dramatic and sincere, and the game's endearing characters--coming from all walks of life--are interesting studies. The world is dense and rewarding to exist in, the dynamic combat system stays exciting even after you've kicked the crap out of five thousand enemies, and perhaps most importantly, Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life serves as a fulfilling conclusion to the turbulent, decade-long saga of its beloved icon, Kazuma Kiryu."
By Matt Espineli on Aug 15, 2018 12:01 am
Assassin's Creed Through The Ages
It's hard to believe, but Ubisoft has released 20 Assassin's Creed games in the span of a decade, and we're already primed for a new one this year with Assassin's Creed Odyssey. In the years since the franchise's 2007 debut, we've received a wealth of fantastic games that have each managed to refine the series' classic open-world formula, while at times pushing it in exciting new directions. Of course, not every Assassin's Creed game has met fan expectations, but the franchise is still packed with a ton of thrilling adventures that are well-worth experiencing and even revisiting today. It all began with the first Assassin's Creed, a flawed game that showed great promise with its innovative climbing mechanics and sci-fi/historical drama narrative. This potential was eventually realized with Assassin's Creed II, which proved a remarkable improvement thanks to more varied design and a historical setting that stood out from other open-world games of the time. Its follow-up, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, remains a satisfying sequel that refined much of what we loved about AC II while giving us new combat and exploration mechanics to engage with. The next major highlight in the franchise came from Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, a pirate-themed adventure telling the redemption tale of Edward Kenway, an errant thief soon to be made an Assassin. The game's naval combat and exploration brought new life to the series' increasingly stale urban environments. Rounding out the series' most noteworthy entries are Assassin's Creed Syndicate and Assassin's Creed Origins. Syndicate brought hope back to the series after one of its most debilitating lows, but Origins completely revitalized the franchise while transforming it into an action-RPG series. You can experience the highs and lows of Assassin's Creed by checking out our reviews of nearly every single game in the franchise in the slides ahead. It's worth noting that we do not have reviews of lesser-known games in the series: Assassin's Creed: Pirates and Assassin's Creed identity. Though, if you're interested in the deeper cuts of the franchise and want an in-depth look at Assassin's Creed in all of its ups and downs, be sure to watch the video above discussing the franchise's history and its impact on the gaming industry. In the meantime, which Assassin's Creed games do you love the most? Which games disappointed you the most? Feel free to discuss all your thoughts in the comments below.
Assassin's Creed -- 9/10
"Assassin's Creed will stay with you long after you finish it. Here is one of the most unique gameworlds ever created: beautiful, memorable, and alive. Every crack and crevasse is filled with gorgeous, subtle details, from astounding visual flourishes to overheard cries for help. But it's more than just a world--it's a fun and exciting action game with a ton of stuff to do and places to explore, rounded out with silky-smooth controls and a complex story that will slowly grab you the more you play. Make no mistake: Assassin's Creed is one of the best efforts of the year and a must-own game." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles -- 6/10
"You could finish Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles in around four hours, but even the promise of a harder difficulty level won't likely lure you back for a second play-through. It's hardly a bad game; in fact, the final hour mixes the various elements together nicely and hits a smooth stride as a result. Nevertheless, the game offers few surprises, and some sloppy execution problems get in the way far too often to make it outright recommendable." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines -- 5/10
"Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines doesn't get it. On the surface, it offers many of the features you'd want from an Assassin's Creed game on the PSP. It puts you in control of Altair, the first game's nimble protagonist, and sends you on a mission to assassinate your Templar enemies, who are equally eager to plunge their swords into you. If you delve a little deeper, however, you'll find that Bloodlines skimps on what makes the console games so special. The joy of rooftop running has been diminished by flawed platforming and smaller environments, bustling cities have been replaced by barren districts on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, and AI problems render the stealthy approach all but irrelevant. Bloodlines still delivers the brief bloody thrills you get from a well-timed counterattack, but on the whole, it is a neutered and unsatisfying adventure." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed II -- 9/10
"At first, Assassin's Creed II might seem as if it has added more than its foundation was meant to handle, but once all the new features are completely introduced, it develops that magic that so few games can cast. This is the rare sequel that offers fans of the original the basics they would expect, while adding and changing so many other aspects that even those who didn't appreciate the first should take the plunge, without hesitation. A few more contrivances notwithstanding, Assassin's Creed II is a better game than its forebear and is a beautiful and memorable experience on its own terms. But it's more than just a game--it's an escape to a place and a time that feel so welcoming, you'll be making return trips even after your initial adventure is over." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed II: Discovery -- 7/10
"In spite of its flaws, Assassin's Creed II: Discovery does a good job of bringing the Assassin's Creed vibe to a handheld platform. The scope is condensed but the spirit remains, thanks to fluid combat animations, familiar sound effects, and little touches, like cowering citizens, that pay homage to the vibrant cities of the console games. It's got its share of quirks, but Discovery is the first right step toward fitting a world of secret assassins and crazy conspiracies in your pocket." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood -- 8.5/10
"Almost every aspect of the series has seen enhancements in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, from travel (you can whistle for a horse and ride it almost anywhere) to value (you can now replay any completed memory). There is joy in leaping across the Roman rooftops, taking in the grand sights in front of you and realizing that it is all your own playground. Stealing a combatant's spear from him and impaling him on it is a brutal pleasure. And the little touches--the way Claudia meets Ezio's stare with one of her own, or the fluid animations that characterize your agile maneuvers--are constant reminders of what makes these games so enchanting. This may not be Assassin's Creed III, but like Ezio's smirk, Brotherhood is too irresistible to ignore." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed: Revelations -- 8/10
"Even the greatest heroes can't live forever. And so it goes for Ezio Auditore di Firenze, who finally steps aside to make room for new champions in Assassin's Creed: Revelations. This is another quality entry in a quality series, and it unleashes you in a visually stunning re-creation of 16th-century Constantinople. Additions to the movement mechanics make exploring the city a joyous exercise in high-flying parkour, with you as Ezio leaping across rooftops and flinging yourself up exterior walls like a Renaissance superhero. Like many sequels, Revelations giveth, and Revelations taketh away, so you lose certain elements (horses) in favor of a slew of new ones (bomb crafting). Lots and lots of new ones. Assassin's Creed: Revelations is sometimes a lumpy Frankenstein's monster of a game, half-formed appendages stitched into place regardless of whether they belong there or not. Thankfully, when Revelations remembers to be an Assassin's Creed game, it soars into the Turkish skies, reminding fans why they fell in love with this freewheeling series." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed III -- 8.5/10
"Assassin's Creed III is a big game that gives you a lot to do, some of which is fleshed out relatively well, and some of which isn't. It is not, however, content to rest on the series' laurels. It takes chances with its opening, with its story, and with its characters. It expands the series' gameplay in enjoyable and sensible ways. As with many ambitious games, not every arrow fired hits the bull's-eye, yet this big, narratively rich sequel is easy to get invested in. Other games stimulate emotion with manipulative music and teary monologues; Assassin's Creed III rouses your mind and your heart by giving you a glimpse into its characters' souls and letting you judge them on their own merits." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed III: Liberation -- 6.5/10
"Though Assassin's Creed III: Liberation toys around with intriguing concepts and centers its story around a character you desperately want to know more about, none of it comes together especially well. Liberation often excels, but it stumbles just as much. The result is a game that fails to bear the standard of quality that has defined this series for years." [Read the review] -- Shaun McInnis
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag -- 9/10
"Black Flag presents a world full of adventure and opportunity, where treasures scavenged in a remote jungle can be used to turn the tide in a massive naval battle against mighty Spanish warships. It's a game where you can sail the seas for hours at a time, either hunting great white sharks or simply listening to your crew sing one infectious sea shanty after the next. 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 review] -- Shaun McInnis
Assassin's Creed: Freedom Cry -- 6/10
"With the strongest ensemble cast in the franchise, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag wasn't short of assassins and pirates worthy of their own playable tales, DLC or otherwise. Freedom Cry is more than just another Assassin's Creed IV chapter with a reskinned protagonist, but its troubled handling of dark themes makes this a turbulent voyage." [Read the review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Assassin's Creed Unity -- 7/10
"Not all of Unity's more progressive touches are for the best then, but you might spend more time noticing what's old than what's new. The terrific city atmosphere of Paris, the focus on parkour, and the incentives for performing stealthy assassinations, all these things hint at a game that's trying to return to its roots after branching out so wildly in its past two iterations. Yes, Unity is the most ACII-like of the series since, well, ACII, and while it never really hits the dizzying heights of Ezio's jaunt through 15th century Italy, Unity's similarities are comforting enough to take the edge off its less-than-successful changes. But is it the next-gen Assassin's Creed game we've all been waiting for? Not quite. It's very good, maybe even great in places, but the story's smaller focus has come at the expense of its exquisitely rendered backdrop. The grandness and spectacle that so often graces the finest Assassin's Creeds is sadly sorely lacking here." [Read the review] -- Mark Walton
Assassin's Creed Rogue -- 6/10
"Outside of a few additions like an air rifle and grenade launcher (which is used exactly one for mission), there's next to nothing in Rogue that moves the franchise forward. And even if you simply wanted more of Black Flag, that the missions are so sparse makes it difficult to want to drag yourself across the vast expanse of Rogue's oceans. Instead of a rich, fleshed-out game, Rogue is a short, mildly entertaining adventure that's thin on core content, but thick with information. It's intriguing information though, particularly if you're a series fan, just don't expect the best of adventures while you're taking it all in." [Read the review] -- Mark Walton
Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China -- 6/10
"Assassin Shao Jun really wants a box. Apparently, the box holds a precious artifact left from the time of the First Civilization, but it is simply the ultimate in MacGuffins; it's the Maltese Falcon, the briefcase from Pulp Fiction, and the Ark of the Covenant. What it does is irrelevant and never elaborated upon, at least not in this story, for its purpose is to kick an adventure into action--in this case, a beautiful and ultimately boring trek that cribs from Mark of the Ninja but can't capture the earlier game's cleverness or excitement. It's tempting to praise Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China for squeezing the series' signature elements into two-and-a-half dimensions, and for making stealth gameplay more vital than it has been in an Assassin's Creed game for years. But Chronicles rests on being pretty, adding new mechanics over time but flattening the pace and allowing exploits and glitches to suck out the rising tension." [Read the review] -- Kevin VanOrd
Assassin's Creed Syndicate -- 9/10
"[Assassin's Creed Syndicate] is a triumphant return to form for the franchise, and presents a beautifully structured tale with heart and soul to spare. Ziplining through London is thrilling, and the game allows you to organically discover missions and leaves you open-ended solutions lets you to create a meaningful, personal experience within its world. Coupled with strong, loveable leads and a seemingly endless procession of ways to leave your (fictional) mark on London's history, Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a shining example of gameplay and storytelling." [Read the review] -- Alexa Ray Corriea
Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India -- 7/10
"For the mainline Assassin's Creed games, the history and characters are the bones holding the gameplay upright. For the Chronicles series, the curiosities presented by the setting act as a thin veneer that only momentarily distracts from the flaws beneath. Like Arbaaz himself, these great moments have a bad habit of vanishing into thin air when you least want them to, bit there is still a lot of fun to be had in this Indian adventure." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Assassin's Creed Chronicles: Russia -- 5/10
"[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: Russia's] art style is ultimately indicative of the problems with the series, in that, even at its most colorful or active, it falls flat. We're given few reasons to care about the story or characters, and gameplay doesn't escalate in a way that make sticking around for the complete three-game journey worthwhile. Newcomers may still find fleeting joy in one of the games for being a bite sized portion of Prince of Persia-style journeys through an exotic land. But the idea of sticking around for seconds or thirds has been proven to be a fool's errand, and that single portion turning out to be Russia would give a lackluster impression of the rest. Chronicles ends not with a bang or a whimper, but a shrug." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Assassin's Creed Origins -- 7/10
"While Assassin's Creed Origins reaches great heights in this new setting, it routinely runs into issues that bog down the overall experience. Technical issues make for an inconsistent experience and its new gameplay pillars wobble under the weight of its systems. But despite this, the world of Origins remains fresh and exciting to explore, which is a testament to the remarkable setting and compelling story. 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 review] -- Alessandro Fillari, Editor
By Matt Espineli on Aug 14, 2018 11:55 pm
Red Dead Details
Rockstar Games really knows how to keep its fans in anticipation. Nearly a year since its announcement, the publisher has only released a few brief trailers for the upcoming Red Dead Redemption 2. Few details have emerged in the passing months about what you can do in the game, but now that we've finally gotten a glimpse at actual gameplay, we're starting to get a much clearer picture about how exactly Red Redemption 2 will play like when it releases later this year. There's much more to Red Dead Redemption 2 than a simple next-generation facelift of the previous game's main mechanics. Some elements have remained the same, but a lot has changed. The world is much larger and more diverse, containing its own ecosystem of wildlife. Your level of interaction with the environment has been greatly expanded, allowing you to make moral decisions on the fly in your actions and conversations with the world's inhabitants. Horses are no longer just a disposable vehicle; instead, you must find a steed and build up a bond with them, which increases their ability to deal with riding around stressful firefights or dangerous animals. To help you keep up to date on all the cool new mechanics being introduced into Red Dead Redemption 2, we've compiled them all in this feature for your reference. If you're loving what you're seeing here and in the first major gameplay video, then you're in luck: this is only the beginning. Rockstar plans to release more videos in the coming weeks showcasing additional gameplay features. The next trailer will discuss missions, activities, enemy gangs, robberies, how the Dead Eye system is changing, and more. As soon as those details drop, we'll be updating this feature, so make sure to keep checking back. For the uninitiated, Red Dead Redemption 2 tells the story of outlaw Arthur Mogan. "After a robbery goes badly wrong in the western town of Blackwater, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee," Rockstar explained. "With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him." Red Dead Redemption 2 releases on October 26 for PS4 and Xbox One. Although a PC version hasn't officially been confirmed, a programmer working on the game has alluded to the possibility that Read Dead Redemption 2 will launch on PC. What are you most excited about in Red Dead Redemption 2? Give us a holler about it in the comments below.
A Larger, More Diverse World
Red Dead 2's world is even larger than in the previous game and it's not simply open but filled with more diverse areas packed with meaningful activities to pursue. The world covers America's heartland all the way into its frontier, pushing you through a variety of environments such as harsh deserts, mountainous regions, untamed swamplands, and rural towns.
Varied Ecosystem
You're not alone out in the world. There's a whole ecosystem of animals out there that you need to be cautious of. You'll see a variety of predators--such as bears, wolves, and alligators--but there's also a host of prey and scavengers to encounter too. You might see a moose off in the distance or vultures feeding on a carcass. Compared to the game's predecessor, animals seem to interact more with one another whether you play a part in their encounters or not.
Improved World Interaction
Compared to the first game, your level of interaction with the environment has been greatly expanded. Now you can initiate and engage in a conversation with nearly everyone in the world, allowing you to make moral decisions on the fly in your actions and conversations. This is presented via button prompts which will differ based on who you're interacting with. For instance, if you see a passing rider, you can choose to call out to them, kindly greet them, or even antagonize them. On the other hand, these interactions will change when dealing with someone more aggressive. When threatened by an unsavory character, the game will allow you to rob them, defuse the situation, or antagonize them further. It's worth noting that these prompts do not appear in menus or dialogue trees and are instead initiated in real-time. Your interactions with the world can even change depending on how you present yourself. With your gun holstered, folks are more willing to chat with you, but if you have your gun drawn, they'll notice and might want nothing to do with you. These sorts of details are important and will affect your experiences spent out in the world.
Expanded Honor System
Much like the honor system in the first Red Dead Redemption, your daily actions feed into the world's perception of you. However, the sequel seeks to expand on this by offering different consequences and opportunities to open up based on the honor you have. Your good actions may allow you to form friendships with folks you help out--who may lead you into new missions. But if you're a jerk, you might make enemies out of law enforcement and the populace at large, which could negatively impact your general activities out in the world.
Distinct Weaponry
Weapons have a more distinct feel than before, with each sporting their own unique realistic reload times and recoil. A wide range of weapons exist, ranging from basic six-shooter revolvers to scope-mounted sniper rifles.
You Can Only Carry Two Weapons
In a bit of a shift from the original, you can only carry two weapons in Red Dead Redemption 2. This means you've got to be smarter about which weaponry you choose to take with you into a firefight.
Fleshed Out Melee Combat
Melee combat was incredibly simplistic in the original Red Dead Redemption, as you could only really flail about when an enemy's guard was down in order to inflict any meaningful damage. However, this component seems to be far more engaging and more intimate. Much of the early gameplay shows Morgan grappling with enemies and guarding against their attacks to find better openings.
The Gang's Camp
Daily life in the Van der Linde gang revolves around the makeshift camp they set up each time they're forced to flee. This is a hub area where you can take on missions and companion activities, as well as listen in on NPC stories and play tabletop games. As you progress through the game, you're encouraged to help supply your camp with food and supplies. After all, these are folks Arthur calls family, which should prove more than enough of a motivator to keep everyone happy and well-fed. Putting in the time opens up new activities, increases your bonds with the members of your camp, and even reveals hidden secrets. It's worth noting that taking care of your camp is not required from you as a player. However, if you do choose to disregard these duties, your camp will perceive you differently and maybe give a salty remark when you pass by.
You Can Hang Out With Gang Members
At any point in the game, you're free to chat with any member of your gang, which can sometimes reveal opportunities for new missions or side-activities. You can even ask them to headout with you to go fishing, commit robbery, or hunt for food.
Building Up Bonds With Your Horse
The power of friendship is a hell of a thing. And while you can grow closer to your comrades within Dutch's gang through conversations and activities, no one's more reliable than your trusty steed. Red Dead Redemption 2 makes horses valuable confidants by letting you groom, feed, and care for them, which results in benefits like faster dash speed and higher stamina. Horse skittishness also improves with a stronger bond; for example, bears may not scare it if trustworthiness is high. And the stronger the bond, the further it can hear your whistle. Horses will have different behavioral traits based on breed as well, which affects how they interact with the terrain or handle stressful situations. Breed will factor into on how they react to Arthur too. Since you can tame wild horses, it seems that this'll be another level of relationship management that has tangible results.
Horse Storage
Your horse is more than just your pal and a means of transportation, you can also use it to store weapons, medical items, and any animal skins or carcasses you've hunted. Horses are customizable with saddles and saddlebags that offer the extra storage that is likely to come in clutch during prolonged expeditions out in the wilderness.
By Array on Aug 14, 2018 11:48 pm
Hell on Earth
The upcoming Doom Eternal's brief E3 teaser left a lot of folks clamoring to see more. After all, its predecessor was considered one of the best shooters released in 2016. Few details have emerged in the passing months about what sort of changes are being made to the game. But all that has changed with the series of gameplay videos revealed at QuakeCon 2018, which is finally giving us a much clearer picture about how the game will play. There are a ton of new changes being introduced to Doom Eternal. Familiar weapons are receiving alterations that change up the way they're used. Your mobility has been greatly expanded, allowing you the ability to quickly dodge oncoming fire and even swing across maps with a grappling hook. There are even new power-ups that you can collect that enhance your abilities permanently. But given how fast Doom Eternal's action is, it's likely that a few of these changes might have flown under your nose. We've put the footage under a microscope, taking note of all the intriguing new mechanics being added to the game, as well as all the awesome new maneuvers you can perform. To help you keep up with all the new changes being made to Doom Eternal, we've compiled the biggest ones that you might've missed. Doom Eternal is set to launch on PS4, Xbox One, and PC sometime in 2019. In fact, you can pre-order Doom Eternal on those platforms right now. A Nintendo Switch port has been confirmed as well, but it's unclear if it'll release at the same time as other versions of the game. What are some of the coolest things you noticed in Doom Eternal's debut gameplay footage? Let us know in the comments below.
Weapon Remixes
A few old weapons from the previous game return, but they feature some subtle changes that you might've missed. For example, the Combat Shotgun now has an alternate fire that's basically a gatling gun, while the Plasma Rifle shoots orbs that electrify enemies. Some weapons have been completely revamped, like the Ballista, which is a new version of the Gauss Cannon that shoots energy bolts that explode on impact. This is only a handful of the changes showcased so far, but we can't wait to see what else is being added into the mix this time around.
A Lives System
There appears to be a life system of some sort. Around the end of the first gameplay clip, the player grabbed a "+1 Life" item. It's likely this item is useful during enemy invasions, but we have to wonder if it serves a specific use when playing only in single-player.
Wielding the Crucible
It's hard to miss, but it appears Doom Eternal is actually following on the promise of its predecessor's conclusion by giving you the Crucible sword and letting you use it in battle! Whether or not it becomes a mainstay of your arsenal remains to be seen, but we're down to use it for at least a portion of the game.
Secret Opportunities
When the player opened up the map screen, it showed a ton of question marks, which are likely secrets you can discover. But given how large the map is now compared to the previous game, could these numerous secrets scattered around the map possibly allude to an even deeper emphasis on exploration and backtracking than before?
Demonic Corruption Meter
There also appears to be a "demonic corruption" meter on the map screen. From what was shown, we couldn't get a handle on how this impacted gameplay or if it was just a visual thing for the narrative's sake.
New Glory Kills
There are a bunch of new glory kills that were clearly highlighted in the gameplay footage, but we just want to show the guy getting his head squashed into his body. It's but one of many new gnarly looking (and satisfying) execution animations being added into the sequel.
The BFG 10000
It looks like the BFG is returning… in giant cannon form. You can see it firing during the last gameplay section on Phobos. At what, we don't quite know yet, but we're hoping it can obliterate some sort of gigantic demon we'll inevitably face in the game.
Expanded Mobility
Doom Eternal has far more mobility options than its predecessor. What's instantly apparent from gameplay is the ability to dash/dodge, but we also saw a wall climb in certain sections, as well as highlighted poles you can swing on to jump wide gaps. Additionally, the grappling hook can be used to cover ground very quickly.
New Suit, New Features
Doom Slayer has some new suit abilities, such as an arm blade that he uses for the new glory kills, but he also has a shoulder mounted launcher that can shoot grenades and spew fire. But knowing the Doom tendency for over-the-top weaponry, we're almost positive it's capable of more. There's a possibility we might get more types of projectiles for this weapon, such as elemental grenades or who knows what!
Destructible Demons
Destructible demons! It's a little hard to see amidst all the shootin' and the blood splatterin', but there appears to be some nuance in the way these enemies get destroyed. Demons will now lose their armor, get visible holes blown through them, or even be burned alive after shooting them enough times.
Permanent Power-ups
Like previous games, you can nab power-ups that can enhance your physical characteristics. Previously, these useful buffs were only active for a limited time, but in Doom Eternal, they seem to be permanent. The melee-enhancing Blood Fist power-up that the player picks up seems to stick around for the duration of the second gameplay video. It's unclear what happens to your existing power-up when you grab a new one, but we're guessing you're likely going to have to pick and choose which ones you want to keep on you.
By Mat Elfring on Aug 14, 2018 11:34 pm
As expected, the Summerslam card is not finalized. There have been a couple of additions and one change--thus far--the week leading up to the PPV. If the rumors are true, there will be even more changes coming soon. Because of this, the predictions for the matches may change based on the final match card. Coming to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York--for a fourth year in a row--on Sunday, August 19, is WWE's yearly event, Summerslam. This year's PPV will be huge as the card is already stacked, including many championship matches. However, with this many matches already on the card, it's going to be one long show. Summerslam begins at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT on the WWE Network. The programming schedule for August 19 has been released, and the Kickoff Show will start two hours prior. Just like the the past couple of years, Summerslam's Kickoff has been two hours long. So if you plan on catching the entire event, make sure to tune in at 5 PM ET / 2 PM PT, as the Kickoff Show tends to have a couple matches on the program. As of this writing, there are 12 matches at 2018's Summerslam, and there's a possibility one more will be added. If you're looking to watch Summerslam, but don't have the WWE Network, you can sign up for free for a month right now. After the trial subscription is up, the service costs $10 a month. However, there is no obligation to continue using the WWE Network after the trial. While there are a lot of matches on the Summerslam card, one of the most notable is Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz. While you could say this rivalry dates back to 2010, when Miz was the mentor to Bryan on the first version of the TV series NXT, things really heated up back in August of 2016 when Miz went off on Bryan on an episode of Talking Smack. At the time, Bryan wasn't cleared to wrestle, but now he is, and this is the first time these two have faced each other in the ring in years. This is easily the best match build on the card. Additionally, many titles are on the line, including the WWE Universal Championship, which Brock Lesnar still has in his possession. He'll be facing Roman Reigns yet again, and this may be the time Lesnar finally loses the title, but we've been wrong on countless occasions before. Summerslam match card: - Rusev & Lana vs. Andrade "Cien" Almas & Zelina Vega (Kickoff Match)
- The B-Team (c) vs. The Revival (Kickoff Show)
- Cedric Alexander (c) vs. Drew Gulak (For the Cruiserweight Championship)
- Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Jeff Hardy (For the United States Championship)
- Carmella (c) vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch (For the Smackdown Women's Championship)
- Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz
- Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Seth Rollins (For the Intercontinental Championship)
- Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens
- The Bludgeon Brothers (c) vs. The New Day (For the Smackdown Tag Team Championship)
- Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
- Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Ronda Rousey (For the Raw Women's Championship)
- AJ Styles (c) vs. Samoa Joe (For the WWE Championship)
- Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns (For the Universal Championship)
Come back to GameSpot on Sunday, August 19 for live coverage of Summerslam.
Rusev & Lana vs. Andrade "Cien" Almas & Zelina Vega (Kickoff Match)
This feels like a perfect Kickoff match for Summerslam. Rusev vs. Andrade Almas--on its own merit--would be a really great PPV match, and the addition of Zelina Vega and Lana is fine. We'll get to see how these women have evolved as wrestlers a bit more. Regardless, this does feel like a push for Almas and Vega, since Rusev and Lana couldn't be more over right now. Because of that, I'm thinking Almas and Vega will get the win. Our prediction: Almas and Vega win
The B-Team (c) vs. The Revival (Kickoff Show)
(For the Raw Tag Team Champions) Raw's tag team division is lackluster right now, to say the least. And The Revival should be the team that, well, revives it. However, this is a Kickoff show match on an extremely bloated card. A title change here doesn't make sense. As much as I personally enjoy both of these tag teams, I want to see The Revival win it, but Summerslam is not going to be where this title changes hands. Our prediction: The B-Team wins
Cedric Alexander (c) vs. Drew Gulak
(For the Cruiserweight Championship) I miss the days where Drew Gulak would come out and mention he had a Powerpoint Presentation, and we'd all laugh at his antics. Now, he's a serious wrestleman and has a shot at winning 205 Live's Cruiserweight Championship from the delightful Cedric Alexander. While Gulak was a dynamite comedic heel, he's evolved into something new and improved, and this seems like the time for him to start a championship run. Our prediction: Gulak wins
Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
Why am I enjoying this rivalry so much? It's pretty much just another story where a big guy thinks he can beat up a small guy because there's a size difference. It's a pretty standard story, but what I'm finding so appealing about it is that both of these men are pulling it off. Although this feud has been going on for a bit already, I'd like to see it continue past Summerslam, which means Balor needs the win, so he can use his "Constable" powers to make Balor's life hell, post-PPV. Our prediction: Balor wins
The Bludgeon Brothers (c) vs. The New Day
(For the Smackdown Tag Team Championship) While I'm a fan of both these teams, I have lukewarm feelings towards this match. New Day and Bludgeon Brothers have a history with each other, like when they almost murdered Xavier Woods, so there's some heat behind the match. I see New Day squeaking out a win with all of these men being locked in a giant cage for Hell in a Cell in a rematch next month. Our prediction: The Bludgeon Brothers
Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens
(For the Money in the Bank contract) On the flip side of the "big vs. small" storylines, here is one featuring two of Raw's most interesting characters that's falling flat for me. Because Strowman's Money in the Bank contract being on the line is a bit of a curveball, this leads me to believe that Owens will win, even though it feels like Strowman should come out on top. Regardless of who wins though, they will be cashing in that contract at the end of the night. Our prediction: Owens wins Secondary prediction: The winner will cash in later in the evening.
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Seth Rollins
(For the Intercontinental Championship) Dean Ambrose returning to Raw changes everything about this match. Sure, both Ambrose and Ziggler's buddy Drew McIntyre will be on the sidelines, but that should make this more of a fair fight. There is a large part of me that would love to see Ambrose turn on Rollins at Summerslam, just to see if Rollins can overcome these huge odds, but I don't see that happening. That being said, Rollins will come out as Intercontinental Champion. New prediction: Rollins wins Original prediction below. While the finish for their Ironman match at Extreme Rules was lackluster, this rivalry has been straight fire. It has showcased some phenomenal in-ring action the past couple of months. I could watch Ziggler and Rollins fight forever. However, Ziggler as champion, with Drew McIntyre protecting him, is working well on television, so I'm thinking Ziggler will win again with the help of his friend/monstrous bodyguard. Hopefully, this will lead to a triple threat between all three men at Hell in a Cell. Our prediction: Ziggler wins
Elias Plays A Song
You know what Summerslam needs? Elias playing a song for everyone at the Barclays Center. Nothing could possibly go wrong! Elias is playing an actual show at the Gramercy Theatre the night before, so this will be his encore. Because of the growing rivalry between Bobby Lashley and Elias, I'm sure Lashley will interrupt Elias' beautiful song. Our prediction: Bobby Lashley ends the show early
Carmella (c) vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch
(For the Smackdown Women's Championship) Can anyone stop Carmella's reign of terror over the women's division on Smackdown? I hope not, but Summerslam could be the place where it happens. She'll have to defend her championship against both Becky Lynch and Carmella in a triple threat match. While Lynch and Charlotte are friends, they'll have to put their feelings aside for the battle, which could play into Carmella's hands. However, if you've been following these predictions the past year, you know I'm a Lynch supporter, so as always, I'm giving her the win. I truly hope I'm not wrong again. Our prediction: Lynch wins
Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Jeff Hardy
(For the United States Championship) Nakamura and Hardy's rivalry continues into Summerslam, and maybe this time Hardy wears a cup as his opponent loves hitting people below the belt. This is Nakamura's time to shine as a champion, and the United States Championship is the perfect fit for him right now. I don't see him losing the title or this match. Our prediction: Nakamura wins
Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz
Out of every match on the Summerslam card, this is the one I am looking forward to the most. Daniel Bryan and Miz have a longstanding feud, dating back to Bryan's first appearance during the NXT reality show days. Now that Bryan can wrestle again, this will be the first time in years the two men have faced each other in the ring. This rivalry won't and can't end here though. It could honestly go either way, but personally, I like the idea more of Miz winning here by despicable means and Bryan demanding a fair rematch in order to prove he's better in the ring. Our prediction: The Miz wins Come back to GameSpot on Tuesday, August 14 for an interview with Bryan about his history with The Miz.
Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Ronda Rousey
(For the Raw Women's Championship) When it comes to this match, I guess the biggest question about it would be "Is it Ronda Rousey's time?" She's had a few televised matches and a couple more house show matches, but that doesn't mean she or the fans are ready for her to carry the title. While undoubtably Rousey will someday be the Raw Women's Champion, I don't think Summerslam will be where her journey begins. Our prediction: Bliss wins but there will be a rematch
AJ Styles (c) vs. Samoa Joe
(For the WWE Championship) At least someone in the men's division is defending their main event title regularly. With AJ Styles as champion, Smackdown viewers are treated to dream match after dream match. Sure, most of matches already happened in NJPW, ROH, and TNA, but it's new to the WWE audience. And while I may be predicting one too many title changes for Summerslam, I want to see these guys battle more than once, and more importantly, I want to see Joe as champion, even if that means dethroning Styles, who is doing a phenomenal job--pun intended. Our prediction: Samoa Joe wins
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns
(For the Universal Championship) For the past couple of years, I feel like a broken record saying, "This is when Reigns will win the Championship, and Brock will leave, never to return." Sadly, every single time, Lesnar comes out on top, and we're stuck with a Universal Champion that rarely defends his title or shows up on TV. As a WWE fan, it is frustrating because the majority of us want to see the title around someone else's waist. However, Lesnar really does seem on the outs with the company, and I truly think--like the mark that I am--that this will be it for him. However, he's still going to beat Reigns, mainly to pull a fast one on the audience and get them enraged, and then it'll be Owens (or Strowman if my previous prediction is wrong) who cashes in the Money in the Bank contract at the end of the match to beat Lesnar for the title. Our prediction: Lesnar wins Secondary prediction: The MITB contract is cashed in and Lesnar loses the title, finally.
By Chris E. Hayner on Aug 14, 2018 11:32 pm
It's that time of year again, when Universal Studios theme parks around the world gear up for the spookiest time of year. Every Halloween, the theme parks present haunted mazes and scare zones based on some of the scariest movie and TV franchises in an effort to terrify those who dare enter Halloween Horror Nights. Thankfully, 2018's version of the annual event is no different. While there are a handful of original maze concepts and scare zones, especially at Universal Studios Orlando, there are also some very exciting movie and TV show adaptations being presented. If you're wondering about the difference in mazes and scare zones, the former is a walkthrough experience meant to guide you through a particular story, while the latter are themed areas within the parks where monsters and ghouls are on the loose. In past years, a wide variety of modern and classic franchises have been brought to life, including The Shining, American Horror Story, The Cabin in the Woods, Resident Evil, Freddy vs. Jason, and The Exorcist. This year, there are eight different properties being adapted, promising a creepy and fun time with some of the most recognizable titles in horror, including the first-ever Stranger Things maze, which will be seen at multiple parks. And if you're a true completist, it's important to note that no two mazes are identical. Each park has it's own creative team, meaning Orlando's Stranger Things maze will be quite different from the one in Hollywood. Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights kicks off at the Universal parks in Hollywood and Orlando on September 14 and runs through November 3. Singapore's take on the event launches on September 27 and ends on October 31.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Maze
Trick 'r Treat
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Maze and scare zone
Stranger Things
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Orlando, and Universal Studios Singapore Type of haunt: Maze
Poltergeist
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Maze
Revenge of Chucky
Location: Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Scare zone
Killer Klowns from Outer Space
Location: Universal Studios Orlando Type of haunt: Scare zone
The Walking Dead
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood Type of haunt: Maze *This maze is open year-round at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The First Purge
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood Type of haunt: Maze
By Kevin Wong on Aug 14, 2018 10:30 pm
Content warning: Disturbing depictions of alcohol/drug abuse, sexual abuse, and violence ahead.
There's plenty of ways to address public concerns about personal safety, drugs, child abuse, and risky behavior. You can teach it in the classroom. You can build public health centers. You can allocate money to non-profit organizations. Or, you can take to the airwaves, and do your best to scare the bejesus out of people. A well-made PSA is like a miniature horror film. It opens with a deceptively normal setting. But then, there's an intrusive plot element, followed by a grotesque visual. And usually, the PSA concludes with a last-minute twist. Sometimes, public service announcements are inadvertently hilarious. But done properly, they linger in people's minds. Here are the 15 creepiest public service announcements ever made. These are not PSAs of the "This is your brain on drugs" or the "I learned it from you!" variety. Those are cute by comparison. These are the stuff of nightmares. And if you feel unsettled, that's precisely the point. And if you remember any other PSAs from your childhood that kept you up at night, let us know in the comments.
15. A Smokey Surprise
It's not clear how creepy this 1973 Ad Council PSA was originally intended to be. But the whole thing feels wrong. It was unsettling enough that Joanna Cassidy was purring sexily about fire safety. But when Smokey the Bear reveals that he's wearing a Joanna Cassidy costume and gives a baritone chuckle? It reaches another level of disturbing.
14. What About Her?
The Montana Meth Project released a wave of visceral, disturbing PSAs in the early '00s, designed to combat the growing meth epidemic in the state. And although critics are split on the PSAs' overall effectiveness, they spread to several other states on the strength of their gut impact. This particular one, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel, The Revenant), gets its point across with heavy implications of heinous acts.
13. And This Is What I Said
Here's one more from the Montana Meth Project. It's directed by cinematographer Wally Pfister (Memento, The Dark Knight, Inception), and it takes an interesting turn. Rather than focusing on the pain and suffering of the addicts, it turns a critical eye on the bystanders around them. The Montana Meth Project ads could fill an entire list by themselves; if you want to see more--a whole bunch of them are directed by Darren Arrofonsky--you can check out this archive.
12. Living With It
Here's a disturbing ad from the UK road safety group Think! It challenges its audience to put themselves in the shoes of the driver instead of the victim. The most disturbing shots are the out-of-focus ones. No matter what this man does for the rest of his life, his deeds will continue to haunt him, even from afar.
11. The Burden
Casa do Menor is a Christian-based organization that aids neglected and abused children in Brazil. Their ad shines a light on the burden that many traumatized children carry, often unbeknownst to the people around them. It's extremely graphic, heartbreaking, and above all, devastatingly effective.
10. What Do You Hear?
This radio ad, from German child abuse prevention organization Hansel and Gretel, is the worst bait-and-switch imaginable. It encourages the listener's participation and complicity, and then it drops what might be most disturbing possible question into the mix. It'll make you disgusted and angry, all at the same time.
9. Monsters
Finnish organization Fragile Childhood focuses its effort on parental alcohol abuse. This ad, released in 2012, subverts beloved childhood icons like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny to show the frightening effect that an alcoholic parent can have on his or her children. The child actors deserve praise for their non-verbal emotiveness, especially the little boy in the car seat at the very end.
8. Snorting Your Brain
If you can't handle the sight of blood, you might want to give this ad a hard pass. This PSA has a Requiem for a Dream feel to it--appropriate, since that film is a massive anti-drug PSA itself. It was produced by The New Zealand Society on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (NSAD), and what it lacks in psychological horror, it makes up for by being gross.
7. Were You Paying Attention?
The Sandy Hook shooting was one of the most tragic school massacres in American history. Twenty elementary school children and six adults lost their lives. And an organization founded by the survivors' families, Sandy Hook Promise, released this video, encouraging the public to be aware of red flags and warning signs. It incriminates the viewer for his or her complacency, making its message even more disturbing and effective.
6. The Diving Board
Here's a classic 1989 PSA from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. There's no bells and whistles, and no high concept. It's just a girl, a diving board, and the empty pool that she's diving into, headfirst. Sometimes, the bluntest metaphors are the most effective ones.
5. The Faster You Go
This PSA, which cautions against speeding, employs an old-as-time film trick: It freezes the movie moments before the terrible collision. But somehow, it works; the voiceover has something to do with it. This is just one line of the script: "If he'd stopped here, the last thing Sally will ever hear wouldn't be the sound of her own neck breaking." This was one of many ads produced by the New Zealand Transport Agency, which clearly doesn't pull its punches.
4. David Lynch Directs a PSA
David Lynch is notorious for directing psychologically disturbing thrillers that leave his audience both confused and creeped out. A sense of rot and disease permeates his best work. So of course, he's an ideal candidate to direct a PSA. He may be the only filmmaker who could direct an ad about littering, and make it this unsettling.
3. A Terrible "Accident"
To promote employee safety, the Canadian Workplace Safety & Insurance Board created a slew of ads that depicted attractive people getting into horrible, disfiguring accidents. Or, if you believe the ads, there are no real "accidents"; there's just a neglectful management team that doesn't give a damn. The woman's screaming, which lasts long after the PSA fades to black, is particularly striking.
2. The Most Disgusting PSA In History
This PSA by German agency Dunkelziffer is one of the best ever made. It charts how sexual abuse and trauma can follow a person for his or her entire life. And it does so with the grossest visual metaphor possible: a skin-colored, hair-covered, phallic appendage that curls itself around its victim and makes a disgusting, slimy sound when it moves. Watch it, and take a shower immediately afterwards.
1. The Spirit of Dark and Lonely Water
This PSA is one of the few ads that rises to the level of art. "Lonely Water" was produced by the British Central Office of Information, and it's one of the most famous PSAs of all time. It was conceived to decrease the number of child drowning accidents in the UK. And for at least a few young children who watched the ad in 1973, it was extremely effective. Writing for The Guardian, Alexis Petridis claims he was so terrified by the film, that he became afraid of water in addition to riverbanks. Better safe than sorry.
By Mat Elfring on Aug 14, 2018 08:58 pm
Fans of both Daniel Bryan are going to be very happy as 2K is bringing back Showcase Mode for WWE 2K19, which follows the career of the superstar. From his first match as Bryan Danielson to his feuds with The Miz, it will be covered in the upcoming game. One of the selling points for WWE 2K series is the gigantic roster, which WWE 2K19 will have. This year's edition will undoubtedly have a plethora of superstars to choose from when the game releases on October 9, 2018. Last year's WWE 2K18 ended up with over 180 wrestlers--the largest in the history of the series--and while 2K isn't boasting this year's edition will topple that, yet, it should still be more than any player can handle. It's early, and there still aren't specific details about gameplay, aside from the Million Dollar Challenge, which takes place within a yet to be announced new mode in 2K19. However, there have already been a few announcements for characters on the roster, including cover star AJ Styles and pre-order bonus characters Ronda Rousey and Rey Mysterio. Additionally, the $130 Wooooo! Edition of the game has been announced which comes with a bunch of exclusives including a season pass, exclusive roster additions, a piece of Ric Flair's robe, early access to play, and more. This year's edition will be skipping Nintendo Switch, after last year's port featured a bevy of problems from frame rate issues to resolution dropping down to 540p, even in docked mode. However, the game will still be released in early October for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. If you're interested in pre-ordering WWE 2K19, check out our pre-order guide, with all the info about what each edition contains, where to buy it, and pricing. Over the course of the next few months, we'll keep you updated with all the newly confirmed superstars in the game, as well as a breakdown of which shows these wrestlers are from and how many new additions will be playable. You can find links to the latest updates below as well. Confirmed playable characters breakdown (so far): - Total wrestlers: 15
- New to the series: 2
- Raw superstars: 1
- Smackdown superstars: 6
- Legends: 7
- NXT superstars: 0
- 205 Live: superstars: 0
- Men's division: 13
- Women's division: 2
Jump ahead to the latest updates:
AJ Styles (Smackdown)
Cover star.
Ronda Rousey (Raw)
New to the series. Pre-order bonus character.
Rey Mysterio (Legend)
New to the series. Pre-order bonus character.
Ric Flair (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains exclusive Wrestlemania 24 attire.
Charlotte (Smackdown)
Deluxe edition contains exclusive Wrestlemania 32 attire.
Dusty Rhodes (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains '80s-inspired character.
"Macho Man" Randy Savage (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains '80s-inspired character in his Wrestlemania VIII attire.
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains '80s-inspired character.
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains '80s-inspired character.
Undertaker (Legend)
Deluxe edition contains the character in his 2002 Bikertaker outfit.
Daniel Bryan (Smackdown)
2K announced that the Daniel Bryan's career will be the subject of WWE 2K19's Showcase Mode. There will be 11 different models of Bryan, each with its own unique moveset and look. Additionally, GameSpot talked to Bryan about his longtime feud with WWE superstar The Miz.
Randy Orton (Smackdown)
John Cena
Kane (Smackdown)
Kofi Kingston (Smackdown)
By Kallie Plagge on Aug 14, 2018 02:20 am
Be Prepared
Dead Cells is now officially out, and if you've been playing, you know how challenging it can be. The roguelike-Metroidvania hybrid's randomized elements make each run tense, while permanent upgrades put more pressure on you in the long run. Whether you're just starting or have hit a boss-shaped roadblock, knowing what to do next can be tricky. Luckily, we've got you covered. In this guide, we've rounded up the best tips we wish we'd known before we started Dead Cells. Learn from our mistakes (and our successes), including how not to invest your cells and how to reforge your weapons for the best effect. We won't spoil big secrets here, of course, since the joy of discovery is one of the best things about Dead Cells. For more, be sure to read our Dead Cells review. You can also watch our video about why Dead Cells is an instant classic and one of our favorite games of 2018, or, if you just want to see some gameplay, you can check out our livestream of the mid-game. Got any other great Dead Cells tips? Let us know in the comments below!
Take Your Time
While you might feel like you need to rush your way through levels--and there is an incentive to do that, but we'll get to that in a bit--careful exploration will take you far. On an individual run, making sure you collect all the Scrolls of Power in each level will maximize your HP, attack damage, and any mutation bonuses going forward. As far as your overall upgrades go, seeking out blueprints, hidden areas, and powerful enemies will help you progress and open up new levels for you to take on.
Don't Unlock Too Many Weapons
As you collect blueprints, you'll be able to use cells to unlock weapons, skills, and mutations. When you unlock a weapon (melee, ranged, or shield) or skill (grenades, traps, and so on), it'll enter the rotation of items you might find on your run. If you unlock too many, especially low-level weapons and things you don't like using, you might have trouble getting your favorites. A safe bet while you're still figuring things out is to invest cells in mutations, since they aren't randomized, and permanent upgrades like the Health Flask. And whatever you do, don't unlock the Spartan Sandals.
Always Be Rolling
Enemy attacks are punishing in Dead Cells, but each foe has its attack tells. Zombies will groan before launching themselves at you, for example, while Undead Archers will pull back on their bows before firing an arrow. Know when to dodge roll, and do it often--you'll avoid taking a lot of damage this way, especially if you're not using a shield.
Smash Doors Open And Land With A Stomp
It's loud, but crashing your way through Dead Cells' levels has its benefits. Instead of opening a door normally, roll through it or hit it open with one of your weapons--enemies on the other side will take damage and become stunned if they're close enough. You can also stun and damage enemies by stomping on them from above (just tap the jump/drop button/key a second time to do it). Landing with a thud will also prevent you from being stunned yourself, which can happen if you fall from too high up. Just know where you're landing, or else you might impale yourself on some spikes.
Speedrunning Unlocks Bonus Rooms
While it's generally good to be patient and cautious when playing Dead Cells, there's an incentive to move quickly if you're confident. At the beginning of each area after the first one, you'll come across doors that look like hourglasses. If you reach the door within a certain amount of time--two minutes for the first door, eight for the second, and so on--you'll gain access to a room filled with cells, gold, and other goodies. It's a great option if you got some lucky drops and feel comfortable leaving some parts of a level unexplored, or if you are looking to farm cells for upgrades.
Defeat Special Elites To Get Runes
As you play Dead Cells, you will come across powerful Elite enemies. Most of the time, killing these enemies will net you an amulet with special bonuses (among other rewards). But if you're in the right area, you might find an entire room dedicated to an Elite--you'll know it because you'll get locked in as the fight starts. Defeating this Elite will get you a rune, which unlocks an ability that carries over between runs and allows you to access new areas.
Tactics Builds Are Great
At the beginning, you start each run in Dead Cells with a sword. This can change with upgrades, but it also establishes that swords are central to a good loadout. But this isn't the case! You can have a lot of success with a tactics-focused build that includes two ranged weapons or a ranged weapon and a shield. These also go well with one of our favorite skill combos: the Wolf Trap and the Sinew Slicer. Trap enemies, drop a damage-dealing Sinew Slicer, and fire at them from afar to keep yourself safe and take out multiple enemies at once (and it's also great for boss fights).
Don't Underestimate Shields
Although you might want to do a bunch of damage, shields can be pretty useful. Even if you don't want to parry, the shields absorb a percent of the damage enemies deal. They can also give you some invulnerability briefly after you get hit, which helps as well. Parrying is a bit harder to master, as it's not passive, but it's also very helpful; you can send bombs back at enemies, and some shields even deal damage or stun enemies with a successful parry!
Make The Most Of Reforging
After you beat the Concierge for the first time, you'll unlock the ability to reforge weapons in between areas. This allows you to upgrade them as well as re-roll their effects, which is especially useful with more powerful and legendary weapons. You might have a high-DPS weapon that inflicts damage on you when you use it, for example, which is obviously not desirable (though the actual DPS of the weapon is). With reforging, you can roll for something better without throwing the weapon away! You can also try to coordinate your items' effects; for example, if you have an Ice Bow, you can try to reforge your other items so they cause more damage to frozen enemies.
By Dan Auty on Aug 14, 2018 01:06 am
We're now well into the second half of 2018, but there's loads of great TV to come. While fans will have to wait until 2019 before we get more Stranger Things and Game of Thrones, there are still a ton of small screen goodies worth getting excited about. There's the return of some of 2017's best shows (Ozark, American Horror Story), more offerings from Marvel and DC (Iron Fist, Titans, The CW's Arrow-verse), reworkings of classic and contemporary sci-fi and horror properties (The Haunting of Hill House, The Purge), long-running favorites (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Doctor Who) and a handful of intriguing new titles (Maniac, Nightflyers). So here's the biggest TV shows to watch over the rest of the year...
Disenchantment
Netflix, August 17 Simpsons and Futurama creator Matt Groening is back with another animated show, the first season of which hits Netflix in its entirety in August. Disenchantment is a fantasy series that focuses a princess played by Broad City's Abbi Jacobson. The official synopsis reveals that it is set in the "crumbling medieval kingdom of Dreamland" and that it will "follow the misadventures of hard-drinking young princess Bean, her feisty elf companion Elfo, and her personal demon Luci." The footage revealed at July's San Diego Comic-Con suggests that it's going to be a irreverent treat. The classic comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail is apparently a big influence, and Groening has promised "a lot of severed limbs and decapitations." We can't wait.
Jack Ryan
Amazon, August 31 Tom Clancy's CIA analyst Jack Ryan has been portrayed by almost as many actors as James Bond, in a much shorter space of time; John Krasinski will be the fifth star to play the character since 1990. According to director Daniel Sackheim, this new 10-part TV adaptation of Clancy's best-selling spy novels will take Harrison Ford's more down-to-earth interpretation as the basis for the character, rather than the more heroic version played by Ben Affleck and Chris Pine. And of course, Krasinski is now the director and star of one of the year's biggest movies--A Quiet Place--ensuring that Jack Ryan will get plenty of attention when it premieres in August.
Ozark, Season 2
Netflix, August 31 When Ozark premiered last year, many compared it to Breaking Bad, both in terms of its plot (an ordinary family man who chooses a life of crime) and its mix of violent thrills and dark humor. But the show quickly grew into its own thing and emerged as one of 2017's most enjoyable original series. Season 2 arrives in August. Jason Bateman returns as money-laundering dad Marty Byrde, with Laura Linney as his estranged but equally duplicitous wife Wendy. As Bateman says: "It's a good escalation of everything as far: danger, the business challenges, and--domestically--our relationship."
The Purge
Syfy, September 4 The Purge is one of the most successful horror franchises of recent years--the three movies to date have made more than $319 million worldwide on modest budgets, and the fourth movie is set to hit theatres in July. But if that weren't enough, there's also a 10-episode TV show on the way. It's being produced for Syfy and will be overseen by franchise creator James DeMonaco, who also wrote and directed the first three films. It's set once more in a dystopian future where the annual Purge allows citizens to get all their violent, criminal impulses out, and according to early reports, will focus on a Marine who returns home to protect his sister on Purge Night. There's no premiere date yet, but it was recently announced The People v. O. J. Simpson director Anthony Hemingway will helm the first episode, so there's a good chance we might see it before the year is out.
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Season 13
FXX, September 5 It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia is on course to become the joint longest-running live-action comedy in American TV history--it's already been renewed for a 14th season, which will see it tie with the '50s classic Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. But before we get to that, we have Season 13, which premieres in September. This is the first season since Glenn Howerton, who plays Dennis, left the main cast (although he is expected to reappear at some point in this season). The rest of the gang are still there though, including Mac (Rob McElhenney), Charlie (Charlie Day), Dee (Kaitlin Olson) and Frank (Danny DeVito), so expect another darkly funny season of scheming, lying, and general bad behaviour for the staff of Paddy's Pub.
Iron Fist
Netflix, September 7 After impressive early seasons for Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage, Netflix's roster of Marvel shows came a bit unstuck last year with the critically-panned first season of Iron Fist. Hopes are high that the upcoming Season 2 can deliver on the promise of a kung fu-themed superhero show by actually giving us some decent action and a compelling plot. To be fair to Marvel, they seem to recognize that Season 1 didn't work, with Marvel TV boss Jeph Loeb telling fans at the recent San Diego Comic-Con that the makers planned to "up their game" when it comes to fight choreography in Season 2. The show sees Finn Jones and Jessica Henwick back as Danny Rand and Colleen Wing, and they will be joined this time by Luke Cage's Simone Messick as Misty Knight and Alice Eve as the villainous Typhoid Mary. We'll find out in September if they've got it right this time.
American Horror Story: Apocalypse
FX, September 12 Nip/Tuck might have brought awards, and Glee might have a huge mainstream audience, but for many viewers, American Horror Story is Ryan Murphy's greatest show. The eighth season of the anthology horror series premieres on September 12, with the subtitle Apocalypse. Many actors from the previous seasons return, including Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates, Billie Lourd, Jessica Lange, Cheyenne Jackson, Billy Eichner, and rock legend Stevie Nicks. Murphy has described this as the season where the AHS mythology "explodes", with dozens of characters from previous seasons appearing and the seemingly unrelated plots connected. Specific story details are still under wraps, but at a recent Television Critics Association panel, producer Alexis Martin Woodall stated that the show "begins with the end of the world. It starts in the real world. It's very tangible, and it's a familiar panic."
Maniac
Netflix, September 21 Maniac will probably be one of the weirder series of the year. Given the names attached, though, the show comes with huge buzz. Cary Fukunaga helms the dark comedy, which stars Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, and Justin Theroux. The story centers on a patient living in a psychiatric hospital who escapes reality by living his life inside a fantasy world maintained solely inside his own mind. It sounds bonkers, but if Fukunaga brings the same sensibilities he brought to True Detective, the network may have a winner on its hands.
Star Wars Resistance
Disney XD, October The hugely popular Star Wars Rebels ended back in March, but fans of Disney's animated Star Wars output won't have long to wait for the next series. Star Wars Resistance has been created by Dave Filoni, the man behind both Rebels and The Clone Wars, so we know it's in good hands. This show is set before the events of the 2015 movie, The Force Awakens, and will focus on a young pilot named Kazuda Xiono, who is recruited by the Resistance and tasked with a top-secret mission to spy on the growing threat of the First Order. As well as a host of new characters, fans can expect appearances from some of the recent Star Wars movie cast members, such as Oscar Isaac (as Poe Dameron) and Gwendoline Christie (as Captain Phasma), plus droid favorite BB-8.
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Netflix, October 26 Channeling the success of Riverdale, another Archie Comics story was in the works at The CW. But due to their concern of having too many witch shows--the network's Charmed reboot is still on the horizon--the untitled Sabrina the Teenage Witch series was handed over to Netflix. The series will explore the origins of the half-witch, half-mortal as she battles the evil forces that threaten her friends and family. Tonally, Deadline describes the series as being "in the vein of Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist."
Castlevania, Season 2
Netflix, October 26 Season 1 of Netflix's animated gothic fantasy Castlevania premiered in 2017 and has became one of the streaming service's most acclaimed new shows. Season 2 of the video game adaptation was initially rumored for this summer, but it has now been confirmed that it will debut in October and will run for eight episodes. Not only that, but actor Richard Armitage has also revealed that a third season is in the works.
The Walking Dead Season 9
AMC, October 31 While much has been written about The Walking Dead's falling ratings, it remains a hugely popular show, so don't expect it to go anywhere any time soon. The zombie drama returns later this year for its ninth season under new showrunner Angela Kang. Her predecessor Scott Gimple remains involved as AMC's chief content officer, and last month, he told Variety that Season 9 would see the show "evolve in a huge way." Could this mean the two-year time jump that occurred at the same point in the comic books? We'll find out in the fall.
Doctor Who Season 11
BBC, October It's always exciting when a new actor takes on the role as the iconic Timelord, but the debut of the thirteenth doctor this October is a really big deal. Jodie Whittaker replaces Peter Capaldi and is the first woman to play the Doctor. Whittaker had a brief appearance at the end of the recent Christmas Special, but fans will have to wait until October to see how her portrayal differs from previous incarnations. There's a new showrunner too, as Broadchurch's Chris Chibnall succeeds Steven Moffat. Finally, the Doctor's assistant is to be played by comedian Bradley Walsh.
The Conners
ABC, Fall The massive success of ABC's Roseanne revival was quickly overshadowed by the actions of its famous star, when a racist tweet by Roseanne Barr's led the network to cancel plans for Season 2. But last week, it was confirmed that the cast (minus Barr) will return for a spin-off show The Conners. Season 1 will premiere in the fall, taking Roseanne's 8 PM Thursday slot, and will run to 10 episodes. It's currently unknown how the show will address Barr's absence, but fans of this much-loved working classic sitcom family will have much to look forward to when Sara Gilbert, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalfe, and company return to screens.
Legends Of Tomorrow, Season 4
The CW, Fall The CW's roster of DC shows continues to go from strength to strength. Its most addition was the hugely entertaining Black Lightning, while Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl all remain extremely popular. Season 4 of Legends Of Tomorrow arrives in the Fall, and with Netflix's Defenders proving to be a boring disappointment, it remains the one TV superhero team-up to watch. Focusing on heroes such as White Canary, Atom, Heat Wave, Vixen, and Steel, this year the team will be join by John Constantine, who is played once more by Matt Ryan. Ryan previously played the character in the now-cancelled show Constantine, as well as in episodes of Arrow and last year's animated movie Justice League Dark. In short, he's really good at playing one of DC's coolest, edgiest heroes, and is a welcome addition to Legends of Tomorrow.
Nightflyers
Syfy Long before he created the world of Game of Thrones, author George RR Martin wrote the short novel Nightflyers, a sci-fi horror story about a group of scientists who embark on a mission into deepest space to make contact with alien life. The story was adapted into a movie in 1987 and has now been turned into a new TV show by SyFy. This is one of the network's biggest productions to date, and the first trailer suggests that it will be as much a horror story as a space adventure. Boardwalk Empire's Gretchen Mol stars.
Titans
DC Universe While the quality of DC's movie output has been variable (to say the least), its roster of TV shows remains remarkably consistent. Titans is the latest addition. A live-action version of the Teen Titans, it's been in development since 2014, but shifting channels and cancelled pilots has meant very slow progress to the screen. But it is finally set to premiere in 2018, on DC's new digital service. Australian actor Brenton Thwaites (Gods of Egypt, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales) plays Dick Grayson/Robin, leading a team of young superheroes that includes Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy.
The Umbrella Academy
Netflix A comic book property outside of Marvel's purview is on its way to Netflix. The Umbrella Academy comes from the mind of My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way. The series tells the story of some not-pregnant women who suddenly give birth to a bunch of superpowered babies. Taking place in an alternate timeline--one where JFK is still very much alive--the story follows seven kids as they undergo training to save the world. Ellen Page has been tapped to star in the program, and Way will serve as producer.
New Warriors
TBC While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is highly focused and tightly controlled, the same can't be said for its TV counterparts. Shows like Daredevil, Luke Cage, Runaways, Agents of SHIELD, and Cloak and Dagger are all technically part of the MCU too, but you'd hardly know it from the wildly different tones, styles, and general lack of references to each other. But many of these shows are great (let's forgot Inhumans ever happened), and they will soon be joined New Warriors. The offbeat superhero team includes Squirrel Girl, Mister Immortal, Speedball, and Microbe, and it's been described as much more of a comedy than other Marvel shows. New Warriors was originally set to premiere this year on Freeform, but despite the fact that the pilot reportedly test very well the network dropped in due to "programming issues." It's currently being shopped around other networks by ABC, so hopefully, we'll see it soon.
The Haunting of Hill House
Netflix Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Gerald's Game) is one of the best horror directors working today, and 2018 will see him turn his talents to TV. Produced by Steven Spielberg's Amblin TV, this is an adaptation of Shirley Jackson's 1959 novel, which was also turned into the classic 1963 movie The Haunting (the less said about the 1999 remake the better). Annabeth Gish (Sons of Anarchy, The West Wing) stars as Mrs. Dudley, the caretaker of a haunted estate, with roles for Timothy Hutton (All the Money in the World) and Gerald's Game's Carla Gugino. Flanagan has written and directed the whole 10-part series, and this could be one of the year's great horror shows.
Luther, Series 5
BBC Fans of Luther were both excited and dismayed when the series returned for a two-episode fourth season in 2015. With a busy actor like Idris Elba playing the title role, sometimes schedules can be tight. That said, it looks like Elba has donned his signature tweed coat for another go-round as brilliant detective John Luther. We don't know what sort of gruesome crimes he will be investigating, but one thing is for certain: Idris Elba is at his best when the world is at its worst. Right now, John Luther is the hero we need and deserve.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
Netflix It's been more than a year since this prequel to Jim Henson's classic '80s fantasy movie The Dark Crystal was first announced via this teaser, and while Netflix rarely announces release dates very far in advance, there's a good chance we might see it in 2018. We know that the show will consist of 10 episodes and will be overseen by Louis Leterrier, who is best known for directing Now You See Me and Marvel's The Incredible Hulk. While the original 1982 movie was only moderately successful at the time, it has gained a considerable cult following over the years, and with Netflix's deep pockets we can expect something lavish and highly imaginative.
Mindhunter Season 2
Netflix This is another Netflix show without a confirmed release date, but star Jonathan Groff has said that the second season of the period crime thriller is to start shooting early this year, so a late 2018 premiere is possible. The first season of Mindhunter showed that producer David Fincher was just at home with small-screen serial killer thrills as he is in movies such as Zodiac and Seven. The balance between a seriously dark crime procedural and a beautifully performed, character-driven drama was exceptional, so hopes are extremely high for Season 2.
Black Mirror, Season 5
Netflix Netflix has confirmed that Charlie Brooker's hugely acclaimed sci-fi anthology series will return for a fifth season. While the streaming giant is yet to announce a release date, the previous two seasons arrived a year apart, so there's good chance we might see Black Mirror Season 5 before the end of the year. Season 4 was the strongest season to date, so expect the next one to deliver more disturbing but darkly funny predictions about the way technology continues to shape our lives. Can't wait.
By Matt Espineli on Aug 14, 2018 01:05 am
The Cutting Edge
There are a ton of new games released every month. Some are highly-anticipated big-budget releases while others are smaller, more surprising independent titles. There's a wide variety of other experiences in-between as well. You get games from medium-sized publishers and even the occasional port or remaster of gaming's most iconic adventures. With so many games coming out year-round, it can be tough keeping track of what's worth playing. To help keep you in the know, we've compiled all the best new games you absolutely need to play right now. The point of this feature is to focus on the latest and greatest games, so the choices you'll find here have been limited to the past couple months. What you'll find in the slides ahead are games rated 7 or higher by GameSpot. However, you'll occasionally find some lower-rated ones that have been chosen to be included by an incredibly passionate member of our team. We won't hesitate to highlight experiences some members of our staff absolutely love--even if there are others who may not agree. The games included in this feature are ones we personally believe you should check out in some capacity. As the months go by, we'll be continually cycling out the older games with the most cutting-edge experiences out now, so be sure to keep checking back as often as you can. Which new games have you been playing recently? Let us know in the comments below.
Unavowed -- 9/10
"But Unavowed's greatest strength is that it maintains an admirable focus on incredible characterization that feeds into every quest and conversation. Every question you ask, every decision you make, and every sacrifice you make carries you and your team members on an impassioned journey that epitomizes the best qualities of an adventure game. It never rests on tropes, a strong sense of empathy is present through its entirety, and not only do you come to wholly understand character motivations, the way these people deal with supernatural situations helps to build a bond between them and you as a player. From its wonderfully realized locations and its inviting, three-dimensional characters, Unavowed will have you eager to discover the captivating stories lurking in the demonic underworld of New York City." [Read the review] -- David Rayfield
Monster Hunter World (PC) -- 8/10
"Ever since the title was first announced, 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 review] -- Ginny Woo
Overcooked 2 -- 8/10
"Overcooked 2 undoubtedly shines in local co-op and the versus arcade modes. New recipes and obstacles provide a fresh challenge for veterans, but it remains approachable for new players with simple controls and short playtimes. The new throwing mechanic, too, adds a new dimension to both strategy and the inevitable chaos without overcomplicating things. It's a strong foundation, and with the right friends, Overcooked 2 is one of the best couch co-op games around." [Read the review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Dead Cells -- 9/10
"Dead Cells is a phenomenal effort to blend together some very disparate genres into a tight, cohesive whole. It's one of the better examples of how to remix ideas without losing their individual strengths." [Read the review] -- Daniel Starkey
No Man's Sky Next -- 8/10
"At its absolute best, No Man's Sky is a measured, gentle experience where you are rarely the agent of change, but a perpetual visitor who's constantly dwarfed by the magnitude of a universe neutral to your presence. It is not your job in these stories to colonize the universe. Your job is to comprehend it. Your job is to recognize the spirituality in it. The primary gimmick of No Man's Sky, since day one, has been awe. The best things about the Next update feed that gimmick. While features like multiplayer and base-building certainly put more proverbial asses in seats, they're also the least memorable additions to an otherwise thoughtful experience." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Warioware Gold -- 8/10
"WarioWare Gold might not be entirely new, but it's the best representation available of what makes this series special. It's a true greatest hits package that showcases Wario's unique weirdo vibe, and this style of play remains inventive and thrilling 15 years after the original Game Boy Advance game. We're still hoping for an entirely new title on Switch in the future, but for now Gold is a compelling, generous victory lap." [Read the review] -- James O'Connor
Chasm -- 8/10
"Even when its flaws are obvious, Chasm is a well-crafted adventure, and during the more than 12 hours I spent playing through my first time, I got lost only once. That's a huge bonus in a genre where getting lost is often the most frustrating aspect. Even after I finished, I was eager to venture forth on a new adventure, to test my combat mettle against harder foes and find the one secret that eluded me the first time through. It's a shame the randomization of the world isn't that big of a deal and the challenge could be better balanced, but the superb combat and visual design ensure your time with Chasm will be well spent." [Read the review] -- Tom McShea
The Banner Saga 3 -- 8/10
"As things come down to the wire the two separate groups become more and more interconnected, the consequences of one group's choices directly affecting the potential of the other. This exemplifies the best part about The Banner Saga 3: the feeling that every action you've made in regards to your clan for three games--the friends you've kept and lost, the decisions you've made, and the battles you've picked--will likely influence how well this finale is going to fare. The Banner Saga 3 won't have the same kind of meaningful impact if you haven't experienced the rest of the series. But if you've taken the time to journey with these characters from the very beginning, this finale is a worthwhile and cathartic end to your long journey." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor
Semblance -- 7/10
"Because it's so short, and the puzzles never get particularly fiendish, Semblance is an enjoyable but light experience. This isn't necessarily a bad thing--it's a relaxed game, a good one to clear over a few sessions in bed or on the train if you're playing on Switch--but it also means that it doesn't feel like the game realizes its full conceptual potential. But the fact that I desperately wanted more, and that I was disappointed when Semblance abruptly ended, says more about the game's strengths than its weaknesses. This is a good idea realized and executed well, even though you're likely to come away from it wishing for just a bit more." [Read the review] -- James O'Connor
Mother Gunship -- 8/10
"With the game's clever gun crafting system added into the mix, familiar tropes and techniques from classic shooting galleries feel super-charged in the game's randomized bullet-hell dungeons. When Mothergunship is firing on all cylinders, it's a satisfying and thrilling shooter where it really counts. With an incredibly fun and never uninteresting gun-crafting mechanic, it certainly goes a long way with its clever hook and an endless flow of enemies to gun down." [Read the review] -- Alessandro Fillari, Editor
Fighting EX Layer -- 8/10
"On a pure gameplay level, Fighting EX Layer is an absolute treat. What it lacks in bells and whistles it delivers in pure, fun combat. This is a game made for the sort of people who will spend hours perfecting an impractical, extremely-precise combo in training mode simply for the satisfaction of having done it. If that describes you, then Fighting EX Layer will be worth everything you put into it." [Read the review] -- Heidi Kemps
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- 8/10
"Despite a smattering of minor complaints, Captain Toad stands as a pint-sized version of Nintendo's stellar first party pedigree. It's among the best Mario spin-offs around and a delightful iteration on old ideas." [Read the review] -- Daniel Starkey
Octopath Traveler -- 8/10
"Despite the lackluster stories that pull you through the world, Octopath thrives on its character progression and the temptations of high-level challenges and rewards. The promise of new jobs, exciting boss fights, and powerful gear will inspire you to poke around every corner, and there are no shortage of discoveries to strive for. And all the while, you're treated to one of the most interesting and effective re-imaginings of a retro aesthetic around. Octopath will likely be a divisive game due to its fractured storytelling, but it's one worth playing despite its lesser qualities. Its high points are simply too good to ignore." [Read the review] -- Peter Brown, Managing Editor
Sonic Mania Plus -- 9/10
"Beyond these additions and small tweaks, including balancing fixes and the ability to use secret options in any of your save files, Sonic Mania is the same exuberant celebration of Sonic's past. While it was already a fantastic package on the outset, this new update makes it even better than before. If you missed Sonic Mania the first time around, now is the perfect time to catch up." [Read the review] -- Matt Espineli, Associate Editor
The Crew 2 -- 8/10
"I'm annoyed by the game's lack of public interaction and meaningless gear system, but I'll fondly recall both the tension of flinging sprint boats back and forth through the narrow, artificial canals of The Venetian in Las Vegas, and the easygoing satisfaction of an hour-long hypercar race from New York to San Francisco, where I listened to a podcast and enjoyed the rolling scenery. Despite its shortcomings, The Crew 2 still displays admirable strengths, which lie in its player-friendly features, freedom of movement, and its willingness to bend the rules in order to make things exciting and varied for an accessible, American-themed thrillride." [Read the review] -- Edmond Tran, Senior Editor
Wreckfest -- 9/10
"It's rare when a racing game manages to modernize and reinvigorate an old formula with spectacular confidence, but Wreckfest does just that. Minor issues with menus and its soundtrack aside, it wows with a gorgeous look and wonderful driving feel, along with a damage system that satisfies in the most brutal of fashions. With its array of different cars, tracks, and event types, Wreckfest is a brilliantly fun and frenetic racing game that can be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone, not just racing game fans." [Read the review] -- James Swinbanks
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus (Switch) -- 8/10
"As long as you're able to play the entire game in docked mode, The New Colossus is the same fantastic game it is on other platforms. It runs well and, despite some minor visual compromises, it still looks pretty good. Handheld mode is unfortunately far less optimized, and the Joy-Cons simply don't feel as good to use as the Pro Controller. If Switch is your only way to play it, The New Colossus is absolutely worth your time--just not on the go." [Read the review] -- Kallie Plagge, Associate Editor
Lumines -- 8/10
"Lumines is the kind of game that temporarily rewires your brain, splicing together its ability to recognize visual patterns and audible rhythms simultaneously and forcing you to do the hard but delightful work of putting that ability to use. Having that experience so lovingly presented--and on the Switch, having Lumines handheld again for the first time in six years--is an occasion worth celebrating." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Mario Tennis Aces -- 7/10
"It speaks volumes that even the multiplayer limitations don't entirely dampen my enthusiasm for Aces. The Tetris Effect is in full swing here; days after the credits rolled, I still crave the satisfying thwack from a Power Shot, mentally replay matches and imagine how I might do things differently given a bit more focus and know-how. Mario Tennis Aces does what this series has done best, and for the most part, improves what it's rarely gotten right prior." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Nier: Automata Become As Gods Edition -- 9/10
"Nier: Automata has released on Xbox One as the Become As Gods Edition, which includes the 3C3C1D119440927 DLC along with several cosmetic items for the main characters and pods. We tested the new Xbox One version by playing through the first three hours of the game, and it runs at a stable frame rate at 4K on the Xbox One X. Most importantly, everything we love about Nier: Automata is, of course, still here: the evocative soundtrack, unique narrative style, and affecting story are as strong as ever. We have updated the score to include the Xbox One version." [Read the review] -- Michael Higham
The Adventures of Captain Spirit -- 8/10
"Life is Strange gained a huge cult following, and whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, Captain Spirit captures a lot of the original game's appeal. Regardless of how you classify The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit--whether it's a standalone adventure, a demo, or a prologue--it's a beautiful game, and one that leaves you all the more excited about Life is Strange 2." [Read the review] -- James O'Connor
Jurassic Park World -- 7/10
"If there's one word that could easily describe Jurassic World Evolution, it's "faithful." Taking control of a ranger behind the wheel of a Jeep in the rain and sidling up to a pack of socializing Stegosaurus is as epic as it sounds and is a definite highlight, as is releasing a newly recovered species into your park. Despite the campaign stumbling over itself and losing focus towards the end, Evolution captures the essence of Jurassic Park while being a good park management sim in its own right." [Read the review] -- James Swinbanks
Unravel Two -- 8/10
"With its charming yarnlings and a newfound style of platforming, Unravel Two remains welcoming even at its most foreboding. Sure, a forest fire breaks out in one of the latter stages, but even then, the race to keep ahead of the blaze is fun and frantic instead of stressful. In almost every moment you're given ample time and space to breathe and take in the stunning photorealistic world from the viewpoint of the tiniest creatures. It's a game with boisterous birds, chases through meadows, and most importantly a cheerful partnership with a companion who's always got your back. With only six chapters that run roughly 30 minutes apiece, Unravel Two doesn't last long, but it's a game where the time you have is meaningful, memorable, and downright pleasant from beginning to end." [Read the review] -- Justin Clark
Moonlighter -- 7/10
"In some ways, the same could be said of the keeping the shop running at peak efficiency, but there's enough interplay with managing your limited baggage space and just enough anchored in supply-and-demand systems that it comes together nicely. It's a shame, then that Moonlighter's also a bit on the short end, as some of these ideas would do well with simply more--but then the combat would like thin out even more. Still, what's here is refreshing, and the balance struck between crawling through dungeons and working with the economics of the town are a good combo while it lasts." [Read the review] -- Daniel Starkey
Sushi Striker -- 7/10
"Despite its imperfect transition to Switch, Sushi Striker is one of the more enjoyable puzzle games in the console's library. With a substantial campaign that's propped up by clever mechanics and a charmingly ludicrous story, the game offers a wealth of single- and multiplayer content to dive into. The controls suffer a bit in the move to Switch, and the campaign is stretched out for too long, but the fast-paced puzzle-matching gameplay offers a surprising amount of depth and is a real treat." [Read the review] -- Kevin Knezevic
By Matt Espineli on Aug 14, 2018 12:56 am
In a galaxy full of surprises...
With the release of the No Man's Sky Next update, thousands of players are jumping back into the game to explore its massive procedurally-generated universe. As you'd expect, there are going to be plenty of fun discoveries; players have found oddly colored planets, goofy alien creatures, and an abundance of new elemental resources. But there are those who travel even deeper into the galaxy's farthest reaches to uncover bizarre stuff quite unlike anything we've seen in No Man's Sky before. The Next update has proven to be a substantial offering that keeps rewarding folks with a wealth of intriguing discoveries and surprises. Much of what has been found are the weird results of the game's procedural generation. But there are other discoveries that seem to have been intentionally inserted into the game--parts that had not existed prior to the update. Chief among these additions are what the game calls "Biological Horrors." From just one look at these hideous creatures, it's obvious they're a nod by developer Hello Games to the iconic Xenomorph from the Alien franchise. Aside from surprising new wildlife, there are even unexpected remnants of the game's past that you can find, which should prove intriguing enough for both newcomers and returning players to explore. But we won't spoil too much of what lies ahead, so be sure to click ahead to some of the weirdest discoveries in No Man's Sky so far. If you're curious to know more about all the major changes brought to No Man's Sky, you can read out in-depth explainer. Also, if you're a returning player, chances are you're wondering if you should start a new save or simply continue your old save. Luckily, we've compiled a helpful feature to help you answer that very question. In the meantime, what weird discoveries have you made in No Man's Sky? How did you find them? Give us the whole story in the comments below!
The Xenomor...err "Biological Horrors"
The Next update introduces a variety of new creatures--some docile, some hostile. But perhaps the most terrifying addition to the mix are what the game refers to as Biological Horrors. As recounted by Twitter user Xalavier Nelson Jr., this creature is basically the Xenomorph from the Alien film franchise, and it's out to kill. There are even eggs in the game that strongly resemble the iconic ones the Xenomorphs emerge from. If you land on a planet with these creatures roaming about, approach with extreme caution.
Dead Space-Stations
Space stations have been completely redesigned in No Man's Sky Next to feature completely new layouts. However, a few of the old stations still exist in the galaxy, and they're seemingly abandoned. You'll occasionally encounter these vacant space stations in your travels, and what's great is that their layouts are exactly the same as they were before the Next update. If you ever happen upon one of these stations, be sure to explore it. There's not much in the way of resources to obtain within, but you'll be rewarded with one heck of a creepy little jaunt through some moodily lit hallways and chambers.
Donut Island
There's an abundance of fascinating creatures and landmasses to discover across the myriad planets you chart. Every once in a while, you'll find an intriguing oddity, but Reddit member Lunitari696 found something more: an island surrounded by endless ocean that straight-up looks like a chocolate-dipped donut. It's nothing mind blowing, but it sure is one of the weirder discoveries. Plus, it looks delicious. It makes us wonder if there's a landmass resembling a Simpsons-esque sprinkled donut somewhere else in the galaxy.
A Frigate of Hungry Ghosts
It's possible to purchase a frigate by closing in on one and calling them on the radio. You can then inspect their stats and see if it's one you'd like to buy. Some frigates have crews staffed by particular alien species, but according to Reddit user phoisgood495, some are staffed by ghosts. Yes, ghosts. To make matters more interesting, it appears they're hungry ghosts? If that isn't an instant purchase, then we don't know what is.
Drab Planets
The planets in No Man's Sky have been made to be more diverse visually and geographically. But there are some planets that are a tad different--but still very much striking. We encountered a planet that's literally devoid of color, almost to the point of being monochromatic. It's admittedly bizarre; though, we have to wonder what living on a planet such as this would be like. It would probably result in some sort of permanent eye damage. It's as if the visible color spectrum has been impacted, because even your ship appears monochromatic.
A Giant Honey Pot
If you were all about the chocolate donut island from earlier, then this giant honey pot discovered by Reddit user ezeekiel will most likely tickle your fancy. While we understand this isn't an actual honey pot, it sure as heck strongly resembles one. It seems like there's another in the distance as well. We're sure that if Winnie the Pooh saw this, he'd likely stop everything he's doing and get on a spaceship to see all these honey pots.
This Flying Tentacle Insect
We've managed to meet more than a few odd-looking creatures during our travels. Some have been horrifying (like the aforementioned Biological Horrors) while others have been cuddly and cute. But much like the classic Brachiosaurus scene from Jurassic Park, we've also found creatures that humble us and make us feel like only a speck in the game's expansive universe. One of the most memorable creatures we've discovered was this flying tentacle insect creature. It made us cautious when we first saw it; after all, a weird-looking creature like this has to be a threat of some kind, right? Fortunately, it was in no way hostile, instead appearing content floating around without much concern for our presence.
A Spaceship-Stealing Alien
It's one thing for an alien to try to kill you, but it's another thing entirely when it legitimately tries to steal your stuff. A tall, slender-limbed alien with horns seemingly grabbed Reddit user Seek87's spaceship and started running away with it. We hope Seek87 was able to put an end to this alien's unexpected thievery. After all, no one should have to endure being stranded on a planet without a ship.
The Pink Panther
As you know, the Traveller race's appearance varies greatly. Some look bug-like or cat-like, but others appear amphibious or entirely alien. Twitter user kimisaru happened upon a more cat-like Traveller who strongly resembles the iconic Pink Panther. Was this intentional or simply a goofy coincidence on part of the procedural-generation? Who knows! All that matters is now the Pink Panther theme song is most likely playing in your head.
By Array on Aug 14, 2018 12:53 am
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games coming to Switch. In a surprising, yet bold move, Nintendo announced that the game will include every single fighter that has ever appeared in a Super Smash Bros. game. Full stop. And not only that, the game will also include brand new fighters never seen in the franchise's history, like Samus' archenemy Ridley, Simon and Richter Belmont from Castlevania, and much more. Across the series' near 20-year history, there have been dozens of fighters. With well over 60 fighters to play in Ultimate, it might seem difficult to keep track of everyone, especially if you don't have the best memory of past games. Luckily, we've got you covered and have compiled every single character for your reference. Nintendo favorites like Mario, Donkey Kong, and Link are all represented, alongside a variety of cult favorites who you can see in the slides ahead. With each passing announcement, Ultimate just keeps getting bigger in the character department. Nintendo announced the series would begin incorporating a new type of character called Echo Fighters. These Echo Fighters are essentially reskins of previous characters. But it opens up Ultimate to an entire pantheon of additional fighters who can just adopt the moves of older Smash characters. Ultimate is launching with a few Echo Fighters, such as Princess Daisy who is a reskin of Princess Peach. Aside from characters, there's going to be a plethora of new assist trophies, such as Alucard from Castlevania and Rathalos from Monster Hunter. Not to mention there's also going to be bunch of new stages to fight in as well, which you can find in our feature documenting all the new stages in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Nintendo announced a bunch of new details during its Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Direct presentation. For every other announcement from the presentation, check out our news roundup. In the meantime, which character are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below.
Mario
Donkey Kong
Link
Samus Aran
Dark Samus*
*Echo Fighter of Samus Aran
Yoshi
Kirby
Fox
Pikachu
Luigi
Ness
Captain Falcon
Jigglypuff
Princess Peach
Princess Daisy*
*Echo Fighter of Princess Peach
Bowser
Ice Climbers
Sheik
Princess Zelda
Dr. Mario
Pichu
Falco
Marth
Lucina*
*Echo Fighter of Marth
Young Link
Ganondorf
Mewtwo
Roy
Chrom*
*Echo Fighter of Roy
Mr. Game & Watch
Meta Knight
Pit
Dark Pit*
*Echo Fighter of Pit
Zero Suit Samus
Wario
Snake
Ike
Pokemon Trainer
Diddy Kong
Lucas
Sonic
King Dedede
Captain Olimar
Lucario
R.O.B.
Toon Link
Wolf
Villager
Mega Man
Wii Fit Trainer
Rosalina & Luma
Little Mac
Greninja
Mii Fighters
Palutena
Pac-Man
Robin
Shulk
Bowser. Jr
Duck Hunt
Ryu
Cloud
Corrin
Bayonetta
Inkling
Ridley
Simon Belmont
Richter Belmont
King K. Rool
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